Over the past 3 years we have used James Villa Holidays six times. Our initial experience was in Gale, Algarve; we went on to stay in La Font, Pollença, Mallorca three times; and more recently have stayed at La Boheme in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote and Forteza in Kalami, Crete.

Our second James Villas holiday was to the delightful villa of La Font, just outside of Pollença in Mallorca. It is a little bit out of the way (around 2 kilometres from the nearest shop and 4 kilometres from the old town), but the secluded location makes for a tranquil and peaceful experience. The property owners, Maria and Antonio, live on the site but in a smaller villa that is more or less hidden from the main villa. They are an amazingly friendly couple and go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. They don’t speak a huge amount of English (I am fluent in Spanish) but are among the most friendly people you will ever meet. Indeed, on our second visit, we arrived just after torrential rains, and the swimming pool was slightly cloudy. Antonio immediately apologised and let us know that the pool man would be out that day; indeed, the pool man arrived and fixed the pool in no time at all. The villa itself is well equipped, with 3 bedrooms, a spacious living/dining area, well-stocked kitchen and an outdoor barbecue area. Once again, the James Villas literature was very accurate indeed. We have stayed at this villa another two times subsequently and each stay has been as magical as the first.

Our most recent James Villa trip was a week commencing 24 April 207, to Forteza, in the small village of Kalami on Crete. Yet again, the description was accurate, the directions excellent, and the villa wonderful. It is in a fairly small village (the local shops are in a neighbouring town around 4 kilometres away), but there is a cafe and excellent taverna (Taverna Vigla - ask for Antonis, Leonidas or Andreas) some 300 metres up the road. The villa itself was well apportioned, with 2 balconies, an equipped kitchen and swimming pool in a decent-sized landscaped garden. The property offers great views of Souda Bay and the local area.

However, as fairly well seasoned travellers, we would say that a James Villas holiday might not be for everyone. If you have limited experience in overseas travel, or tend to prefer all-inclusive, predominantly British resorts, you may find that a villa holiday is not entirely in your comfort zone. A certain degree of independence and wherewithal is needed; certain situations may arise, such as language barriers, shopping for your own food with unfamiliar supermarkets and brands, and dealing with neighbours who may or may not be from your culture or country. Don’t expect to have the same norms as in the UK; yes, you’re in the EU, but also, you’re in a different country, might not speak the local lingo, and having to figure out the local culture more or less ON YOUR OWN. The area guide provided by James Villas will point you in the right direction, but it’s an independent holiday in general. It’s a wonderful, amazing experience but it is not for everyone. Try to learn a few bits of local language, because although most people in the EU speak some English, you will endear yourself to local people in ways you could not possible imagine by making an effort. (Incidentally, no matter where you go, all supermarkets sell the basic ingredients for spaghetti bolognese.)

James Villa holidays are, in our experience, a wonderful way to stay in great properties and experience the authentic local culture, well away from the manufactured atmosphere of the generic package holiday. Be sensible, remember you’re there to have fun, and go with the flow!