Eager to spend your next vacation across the pond, but not sure which country to choose? Take a moment to consider your vacation style. What do you value most about a getaway: the opportunity to inspire your day-to-day outlook? The luxury to spend your days sunbathing on heavenly beaches? Or the chance to dine on delectable cuisine you just can’t find at home?

Culinary Heaven: Italy

If you’re a food and wine connoisseur – or simply an appreciator of fine dining – there is simply no better destination for you than Italy.  Imagine sipping the finest aged wine from a local vineyard, enjoying fresh olive oil just after it’s been pressed, and learning to make your favorite pasta by hand from a real Italian master.

Each region of Italy has its own local cuisine, but all are delicious – you really can’t go wrong. Dine on fresh fish and polenta from the plains In The Lakes region; discover some of the country’s finest wines in Tuscany; sip limoncello on the Amalfi Coast; enjoy fresh lobster in Sardinia; or feast on authentic Sicilian pizza in, you guessed it, Sicily.

Romantic Inspiration: France

If your main priority during your vacation is to refresh and reinvigorate your outlook, you have plenty of inspiring options in France. The most obvious option is also the most alluring: Paris! Rent a villa in Paris next door to the Eiffel Tower to experience the awe-inspiring art, architecture, and delectable cuisine of the most romantic city in the world.

If you’ve been there, done that, consider the French Riviera, where you’ll find the world-famous glamorous ports of St. Tropez, Cannes, and Monte Carlo in addition to historic, charming medieval hilltop villages such as St. Paul de Vence, Mougins, and Tourettes. Or if you’re looking to experience French country life, opt for a restored farmhouse in picturesque Provence, where you can shop for local crafts at the colorful open-air markets, enjoy famous Provencal delicacies like bouillabaisse, and explore France’s oldest city, Marseille.

Sand & Sun: Spain

If your idea of a perfect vacation involves soaking up sun on the world’s best beaches, dining on fresh seafood, and sipping sangria on the promenade, look no further than a villa in Spain. Spain’s 3,000+ miles of coastline boast the world’s greatest number of beaches recognized as “Blue Flag” (over 500!) based on their tip-top quality and safety.  Our villas are located in some of the most picturesque regions, including world-renowned Costa del Sol (“Coast of the Sun”), where visitors enjoy an average of 320 days of sunshine per year.

Rest & Relaxation: The Greek Islands

Looking for a place to get away from it all? Head to Greece, particularly the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, where the views are idyllic and the overall atmosphere is as tranquil as they come. Picture a small town of labyrinthine roads, whitewashed buildings, and bougainvillea flowers pouring out of quaint balconies overlooking the magnificent sparkling blue sea. Santorini’s cliff-side ocean views are some of the best in the world, and its black- and red-sand beaches are simply breathtaking.

 Authentic Atmosphere: Croatia

If you are a traveler who values an authentic cultural experience above all else, head to Croatia – as the country’s slogan declares, this is “the Mediterranean as it once was.” Formerly one of Europe’s best-kept vacation secrets, Croatia has taken its place as one of the most fashionable hot spots in the Mediterranean. Thankfully, an influx of visitors hasn’t led Croatia to lose its authenticity. Alongside cocktail bars and yacht-filled harbors, you’ll also come across small fishing villages, traditional festivals, and delicious local delicacies, including fresh seafood, truffles, and famous Pag Island cheese.

Are you interested in a luxury vacation rental? Contact us today at 800.289.0900 where a qualified villa expert will help you explore which luxury villa best suits you.