DELUXE TRAVELLER

Private villas are a great choice for holidays with a group of friends

We all know the drill: you’re added to a WhatsApp group with an ominous title such as ‘Ben’s Bachelor Party’, ’The Big 40’ or ’Ten-Year Reunion Time’.

Over the following weeks, half-hearted suggestions are exchanged on how best to celebrate the pending milestone event, until eventually a unanimous decision is reached to go away for a long weekend or even celebrate with a longer holiday.

Private villas are the ideal choice for a celebratory escape with friends and family, but it’s important to find a holiday property that suits everyone’s needs and expectations.

Here are a few tips to make the process of pinpointing the perfect villa for a gathering with friends far a little easier.

Sound and vision

A top-of-the-range sound system is essential to hosting a memorable stay

The first checkbox on any party planner’s list is the sound system. Fortunately, the days of lugging CD folders and a portable hi-fi around are long gone, replaced instead with taxing questions such as whose Spotify playlist to put on first and whether the subwoofer is actually working. It goes without saying that almost all villas come equipped with top-of-the-range entertainment systems that can be controlled via remotes, apps and even music devices provided by the villa.

For those morning-after moments when you’re not quite ready to face the tropical sun, you can always retreat to the living room or in-villa cinema and while away a couple of hours in front of the screen. Some properties even provide USBs packed full of the latest Hollywood hits or have them pre-installed on the TV.

Poolside essentials

What’s a pool party without a few fun inflatables?

The centrepiece to any self-respecting villa party, a sizeable swimming pool is a must. Properties on the scale you’ll require to host a party of 10 or usually come with a full-size pool (and sometimes Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms!).

The pool area provides the perfect setting for a group breakfast, leisurely afternoon aperitifs and post-dinner party games. And remember, nothing screams ‘I’m on holiday’ more than floating around on an inflatable unicorn with a fruity cocktail in hand. Just bear in mind that there will always be someone in the group who, after a few too many drinks, insists that everyone join him skinny dipping…

What’s cooking?

Cooking in your luxury villa can be a great way to catch up with friends

Although the onsite chef will be more than happy to accommodate any food requests throughout the day, cooking as a group can make for memorable mealtime when you are holidaying with a group of friends.

The majority of luxury villas boast full-service kitchens with all the appliances necessary to make the simplest of snacks through to a lavish four-course dinner. They are usually designed to seamlessly integrate with the living area or open out onto the outdoor terrace providing communal cooking experience – perfect for your dinner party. What’s more, with the villa staff at your service there’s also no reason to argue over who’s doing the washing up!

Professional Help

The onsite villa staff can help out with your cocktail requirements

You might well want to call in the experts when it comes to cocktail hour and luckily, many villas have staff on hand to accommodate your boozy requests and mix up a storm for large parties.

If on the other hand you’re planning to stock your own bar it’s always useful to know where the nearest convenience store is located – and how to get there. Again, villa staff can advise on nearby amenities and arrange transport to ensure the celebrations go without a hitch.

Space to escape

Most villas come with stunning views from the bedrooms and private balconies

While celebrating with friends is great fun, there will obviously be occasions during your stay when you want to indulge in a little me time. Not to fear, most bedrooms within the villas offer ample space to kick back, boasting oversized beds, cosy armchairs and even private balconies on which to soak up the sun on your own terms. 

It also not unusual for private villas in Asia to have direct beach access, so if you do choose to set up shop along the coast you could always sneak off for a sunset jaunt along the sands whilst the rest of the gang gear up for the evening’s activities.

The perfect setting

Take it easy on your trip and let the trained staff at the villa look after any additional requirements

While the staff at your villa will do everything they can to ensure your celebrations are unforgettable, it’s always important to be aware of potential pitfalls – especially after a few too many piña coladas… 

• Guests often rent motorbikes and cars during their stays to visit nearby attractions. Never under any circumstances attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. It may sound like stating the obvious, but people have a tendency to let their guard down on vacation. If you need to leave the villa after a few drinks you can always make suitable transport arrangements with the staff.
• We all know how much fun it is to take a plunge after a couple of cold beers, but it’s always a good idea to make sure somebody is around whenever people are using the pool. The villas may provide many services, but a lifeguard is not often on the list!
• A common-sense suggestion, but be respectful of your neighbours when partying into the small hours. The secluded atmosphere that many villas afford means it’s easy to feel like you’re the only people on Earth, but noise travels far at night, especially in remote areas.