Just us two: Holiday ideas from Meon Villas
By Jeremy Head
When it comes to romance, people always seem to talk about hotels. But a luxury holiday villa often makes for a far more secluded and romantic hideaway. Here are some of our favourites.
Majorca: Not just for party people
Too many people associate Majorca holidays with all-day breakfasts and raucous nightclubs. But away from the beaches around Magaluf, you’re in a different world of bucolic villages, superb mountain and sea views and some fine dining to boot. In fact, the perfect recipe for a romantic weekend away. The island’s attractive capital Palma has winding narrow streets, trendy cafes and interesting shopping. There’s a delightful ancient tram that trundles through stunningly steep mountains and olive and lemon groves to the pretty little port town of Soller. And the delightful old inland village of Deia is home to Es Raco d’es Teix, a Michelin-starred eaterie run by German gastronome Josef Sauerschell, serving truly excellent Mediterranean fusion food. Beaches around Pollensa and Alcudia in the island’s north east corner and Cala d’Or further south offer relaxed, hassle free tanning and swimming. Or else, why not indulge in a villa with your own private pool? Majorca villas all come equipped to high standard and almost all have their own pools, many with fabulous views across the rolling countryside. Probably the most secluded of our villas in Majorca is Can Joan, which has a lovely pool and terrace and is a short drive away from Pollensa.
Menorca: Really get away from it all
If even the countryside of Majorca is a touch too busy for you, then the next door island of Menorca is ideal for total seclusion. The coastline here is far less developed than Majorca’s and there’s a host of tiny sandy bays dotted around the island. Outside the peak seasons of July and August you may well find you have one all to yourselves. What could be more romantic? The interior of the island is similarly unspoilt, with rolling hills, lazy cows roaming ancient meadows and pretty whitewashed villages like Alaior and Es Mercadal. The historic old port towns of Mahon, the capital, and Ciutadella have retained much of their character and both offer pleasant habourside dining. Why not share a freshly caught lobster and a bottle of chilled wine for a perfect evening out? Our Villas in Menorca range from the charmingly rustic, to the cutting-edge modern, with designer furniture and sweeping ocean views. Most feature lovely swimming pools too, perfect for relaxing in the sunshine with that special someone. Menorca villas perfect for a little romance, include Joymag near Ciutadella, a traditional Menorcan-style villa with a pool and attractive gardens.
Corfu: Ideal for couples
Corfu has been a holiday favourite with Brits for many decades. The pretty old capital Corfu town is one of the most elegant in all the Greek isles and offers seafood restaurants a-plenty, ancient forts and churches and several interesting museums. The coastline varies from very developed to virtually deserted, so you can take your pick depending on your mood. The interior is perfect for evening strolls in the countryside with perfect azure sea views. The island’s north east corner is perhaps the most attractive part of the island with secluded bays, flanked by craggy mountains. The attractive villages of Kassiopi, Aghios Stephanos and Nissaki offer a nice blend of traditional Greek panoramas, tiny harbours and waveside tavernas, perfect for a romantic dinner to the sound of waves on the shore. Many of our villas in Corfu offer the ultimate in luxury. Top of the list and ideal for honeymooners, the stunning Villa Bournella is nestled among olive groves close to the traditional village of Aghios Marcos. The beautifully restored old farmhouse is on two levels with an infinity pool that morphs seamlessly into the lower living area, a Jacuzzi and home cinema. But you probably won’t spend much time watching TV; the villa is set high up on a hillside and the views will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
For great last minute deals on holiday villas go to www.meonvillas.co.uk
