As nouns go, “villa” is one that sounds particularly expensive. Tag the word “rental” alongside and suddenly it’s affordable. Whether you’re planning to get the gang together or want to spend your time abroad somewhere that feels more homely than a hotel, these villa rental companies will ensure you get what you need.

Photo: The Thinking Traveller

Photo: The Thinking Traveller

Photo: The Thinking Traveller

1. The Thinking Traveller

Specialising in luxury villas in the Mediterranean regions of Sicily and Puglia in Italy, The Ionian and Sporades islands in Greece and Corsica in France, The Thinking Traveller has villas exclusive to them (so you won’t find them listed anywhere else online). If you’re a little last minute, search by the tab “summer ‘19 availability” to avoid the heartache that is falling in love with somewhere that’s already spoken for.

2. Tuscany Now & More

Sip wine. Eat cheese. Repeat. We can’t think of many summer scenarios that surpass dining al fresco under the Tuscan sun on the terrace of your private villa. To help realise the daydream, Tuscany Now & More has a plump portfolio of properties to choose from. It offers a dedicated English-speaking concierge team and experiences such as truffle hunting and cooking classes available in house, so you’ll have a hard time narrowing it down to just one.

3. Oliver’s Travels

Hand-picked places and premium villas are baited words for holiday makers seeking a bespoke break. With an emphasis on France, Italy, the Caribbean and well-heeled rural Britain, Oliver’s Travels – which was set up in 2003 by pals Ravi Sabharwal and Oliver Bell – gives us great comfort when booking a getaway with friends.

4. James Villas

James Villas’ robust offering – 3,000 properties (and counting) across 60 countries – from “classic” (think quirky cottages) to “signature” (showstopper homes for those who demand more from their holiday) means that agreeing on somewhere to call home for the next 10 days is easier than you’d expect.

5. Mr & Mrs Smith

For a slick stay, Smith’s luxury villas in Tuscany and the Balearics promise private-home perfection. Lap it all up from the comfort of your hopelessly chic living space – where fully stocked kitchens and Aesop bath products are considered standard amenities. Those seeking the privacy of a villa partnered with the perks of hotel-style service can choose from Smith’s hotel villas edit.

6. Scott Williams

From the “super swanky” to “smaller houses”, Scott Williams properties run the gamut in their offering. A French chateau neighbouring an art museum or a staffed house in Morocco (with a tennis court, just in case) are easy to arrange. In fact and combination or permutation can be catered to – heated pools, live-in chefs, skippered yachts, personal trainers… you name it.