Inquiring villa guests want to know: where should I go? When should I book? What would a Villa Specialist do? We chose eight questions for our villa experts – some frequently asked by guests, some just out of our own curiosity. Their answers could be very helpful when finding your next villa vacation. Here’s what they had to say: 

What travel items should you always pack? 

• Sunscreen. Many villas have some on hand, but if you need to purchase it in certain island destinations, it can be very pricey.
• Plastic bags: grocery bags for wet bathing suits or shoes, and little Ziploc bags for treasures such as sea shells (or a bag of sand from a destination you’re visiting for the first time!)

What villa in our collection is your dream vacation?

• Hacienda Santa Ines, Costa Rica – a 300-acre estate with everything you need on site
• Tequila Sunrise, Anguilla – a charming villa on the beach that includes a mascot, Billy the “goat”
• Anything in Tuscany for the food, wine, views and explorations 

What will be the most popular travel destinations in 2016?

• Europe, especially Italy, for the summer
• Turks and Caicos, for the beaches
• Barbados and Jamaica, as most villas include staff

What are good destinations for families?

• St. Martin, Jamaica and Barbados - all have a good variety of beaches, sightseeing tours/excursions and watersports 

How far in advance should I book a villa?

• Europe villas or holiday (Christmas and New Year’s) villas should be booked as much as a year in advance. Summer villas should be booked 6 to 8 months in advance. Last-minute villas are almost always available – call us to ask. 

Do I need a car rental with a villa?

• Having a car is strongly recommended, so you can see and do everything that you want. A Villa Concierge can book a car rental for you in advance, and frequently even have it delivered to your villa. Or, they can arrange for a private driver who is licensed, insured and knowledgeable of the area. 

How can I get recommendations on things to do/see in my destination? 

• A Villa Concierge can recommend activities, whether that’s cooking classes in Italy, a private catamaran sail in the British Virgin Islands, or a hike to a waterfall in Jamaica.

What destination would you recommend for a first-time villa guest?

• The U.S. Virgin Islands. They’re accessible by direct, easy flights, plus there are so many beautiful beaches and activities for all interests. 

Browse all villas > 

Have a question of your own? Contact us at 800.289.0900 to speak to a qualified villa expert who can provide an answer and help you find the perfect villa.