Extended rentals, multi-generational holidays, focus on the Med, serviced villas, and inspiring international clients…

With the sun now generously gracing us with its luminous presence and the days getting noticeably longer as we move towards spring, many a mind will inevitably turn towards how to make the most of the all-important summer holidays.

Oli Corkhill, luxury villa expert and founder of Villa Guru, identifies five key factors that are set to impact on the luxury holiday market this summer and is adapting product accordingly:

1. Extended rental

The luxury end of the villa market is seeing an increase in families taking long rental periods for the top properties. Extended rental periods allow families to hold onto a villa as a 'summer residence' and as such, invite numerous members of the family or different groups of friends to join for just a week or two. Extended rentals do of course mean that early booking is advisable.

“We have had a number of villas snapped up by families looking to keep one address for the entire school summer holiday period, with plans to invite extended family, friends, or even business partners for short jaunts when convenient over those six weeks,” says Oli. “It's the more extravagant version of escaping to the family owned holiday home in Aldeburgh!”

2. Multi-generational holidays

The popularity of multi-generational holidays is ever-increasing according to Oli: “Often, parents are looking for childcare whilst on holiday, and who better than the grandparents? It's not all cynical, though; for many, it's about saying thank you to grandparents for their continued support with the kids throughout the year, to  celebrate a milestone occasion, or is simply the best opportunity for the whole family to come together to spend some quality time away from the stresses of daily life. These holidays allow guests to spend time exploring certain areas or enjoying activities as a whole group, individually or as couples. Flexibility is key for families. We've added the renowned La Bergerie villa this year and I can see it being a particular hit for these extended and multi-generational family holidays”.

Sleeping 12 guests, La Bergerie is within the Terre Blanche Golf Resort, inland from Cannes. The villa spans 1,000m² and includes a pool and pool house, Boules piste, family room, cinema and a garden house for staff. 

3. Focus on the Mediterranean

The perennial choice for British holidaymakers looking for value is again becoming the choice for luxury travellers too.

“Clients are citing the accessibility of exclusive European locations, as well as a strong pound against a struggling Euro, as key in their decision making. The increase in paid-for 'premium' travel services from low-cost airlines is making those airlines more attractive for short haul flights, whilst empty leg private jet journeys have also been thrown into the mix through exposure in the media over recent months” says Oli.

A number of new properties have been added by Villa Guru to cater for the increasing demand for Mediterranean villas, including the Can Dos Rocas in Ibiza. Newly opened in 2014 this villa is only now available to a wider market for 2015 bookings. Situated just 500m from Cala Conta beach, the villa sleeps 12 over six bedrooms and combines high-tech gadgetry with unobstructed panoramas out to S'illa des Bosc and Conejera islands.

4. Demand for serviced villas

Clients familiar with the ease and peace of mind a chalet holiday provides are increasingly looking to enjoy a similar experience on their summer breaks. The full service option is available across the Villa Guru collection either as standard or as an added extra, depending on the property. A number of the French and Tuscan villas also provide wine from their own vineyards to accompany meals.

“The majority of our villa clients (70%) book their summer holidays with us after experiencing our winter product through Alpine Guru bookings. The excellent standard of catering and hospitality on these chalet holidays is leading to increased requests for a similar experience in the summer” says Oli. “Winter warmers such as fondue and tartiflette will certainly not be on the Villa Guru menus though, with fresh fish, pastas and exquisite salads dominating the dishes served to guests in spectacular al fresco settings.”

5. The international elite

Around 65% of Villa Guru enquiries are from international clientele. One-off super villas in private locations are often a draw for this more monied clientele, residing in locations as far flung as Brazil, the UAE or Australia, where different holiday periods and close proximity to these highly exclusive properties often enable them to experience best value.   

Oli comments: “The likes of Iniala Beach House in Phuket and Villa Rockstar in St. Barths are true standout properties that capture the imaginations of the international elite. Whilst UK clients may be slightly more conservative and looking to Europe, those from up and coming economies are frequently requesting villas from our 'ultra-luxe' selection”.

Villa Guru offers a selection of eight of the world's most exclusive private islands for private hire, including Song Saa and Necker Island.

For more information or to book your villa holiday, visit www.villaguru.com or call 020 3004 8750.

– Ends –

Notes to editors:
- Villa Guru and Alpine Guru are accommodation-only booking sites, however, Oli and Ant provide a bespoke concierge service to assist with booking flights, transfers and / or holiday extras if required.

- Villa and Alpine Guru welcome enquiries or bookings from travel agents.

- Oli Corkhill and Ant Cullen are available for interview or to provide expert comment / insight on the luxury holiday or ski markets.

For further press information please contact:
James Brooke / Julie Aguilera / Kevan Barber
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8930
E: VillaGuru@rooster.co.uk 

About Villa Guru
Villa Guru launched in April 2014 bringing together a collection of the world's most luxurious properties and private islands in the most exclusive destinations across the globe.

With first-hand knowledge of the properties and destinations they sell, founders, Oli Corkhill and Ant Cullen, offer clients the ultimate personal travel planning service, leaving no stone unturned to help clients find the perfect luxury villa, private island or resort to ensure the most memorable of holiday experiences.