Has anyone had the perfect villa holiday?

[SquiffyHock]

I'd like to book a holiday for next May but the choice available is just mind boggling so I thought I'd try Mumsnet, the oracle!

We stayed in a villa near Marbella last year which was really lovely but on a golf course so we needed to drive everywhere. Based on that, here is my dream wishlist;

*Not too far - am thinking Portugal or Italy.
*Sleeps 4 adults, 2 children and 1 baby
*Within a nice walking distance of beaches/ shops and restaurants.
*private pool

We don't mind hiring a car but I'd rather not, it would be nice just to mooch about. Budget no more than £2500 for the week.

So, any ideas???

Anyone?

Try www.cottagestocastles.com - they do Italy (and Croatia).

We have used these guys twice (they also book flights - £25 extra for the whole booking) and car hire - cost price). we had great holidays both time and are looking to book next year too.

If you find somewhere great - we want to see photos!!

Do you mind about modern vs traditional style?

Do you want a tourist area or off the beaten track?

Do you want to be near cultural sites or just beaches etc?

WE used www.vintagetravel.com last year and had a lovely villa in Majorca for 9 of us. Truly fab, every room with an ensuite and a great pool, middle of nowhere which was perfect for us - they have villas all over Europe.

Will try that site georgiemum - thanks. Croatia could be a really nice option.

I would like to stay somewhere quite traditional, my Mum and Dad will be with us so it would be nice if they could go off for a few hours exploring. Cultural sites only to a point, 3 children under 5 might not appreciate museums but would happily run about somewhere like Pompei.

Last year I went totally on the villa - I wanted somewhere quite nice (esp. kitchens and bathrooms!) but it would have been lovely to walk to a choice of restaurants each evening. We liked Marbella and Puerto Banus but had to drive to both.

We stayed here last year - a small complex (12-ish apartments with a shared pool). It was quiet and wonderful - a steep walk down to the local village, Atrani, which is wonderful and has a good beach, restaurants etc. I would recommend all of the Amalfi Coast - have been there many times now. And Pompeii is an easy day trip.

That looks really lovely Hassled, am going to run it by DH and try to convince him that a shared pool is not a problem! Thank-you.