For pianists, classical music enthusiasts and even folk dance fanatics yearning for some musical inspiration in the most inspiring of locations, a stay at Villa Valldemossa on the island of Mallorca may be just the ticket?

With Mallorca not boasting the most obvious classical music history, you may be asking yourself what connection does this beautiful Balearic island have with this particularly assuaging genre of music.

The Carthusian monastery of La Cartuja, home to the Polish pianist and composer Frederick Choplin during the winter of 1938 – 39, of course!

Nestled close to the historically iconic and scenic town of Valldemossa on Mallorca’s north coast, is the quaint and picturesque Carthusian Monastery La Cartuja. In respectful celebration and remembrance of the great composer, the monastery hosts daily piano recitals of Chopin’s work as well as fortnightly folk-dancing performances.

With views towards this culturally and musically significant monastery, the outstanding Villa Valldemossa would be a delectable choice of accommodation for anyone who holds Frederick Choplin in awe.

Although being decorated and furnished to an extremely high spec, comprising of an exquisite sun terrace, swimming pool and covered balconies, all of which provide sensational views of the luscious landscapes surrounding the property, Villa Valldemossa is by no means exclusively crafted for classical music-lovers and passionate pianists.

On the contrary, Villa Valldemossa is an attractive retreat for anyone seeking sun, tranquillity and a touch of class.

Being one of the “great masters of romantic music” it seems uncannily appropriate that such as romantic rural retreat is located ‘a stone’s throw’ from a monastery where one of the finest composers the world has ever seen temporarily lived.

A week’s rental at this Luxury 4 bed villa in Mallorca, Villa Valldemossa, which sleeps eight, costs £595 in April and rises to £2395 in peak season.

Vintage Travel’s ‘Discover’ brochures 2011

To provide you with an even greater understanding of the location you have chosen to take your holiday, the accommodation you will be staying in and the many treasures you are likely to uncover, Vintage Travel has composed three glossy, glamorous and ‘brimming with information’ brochures, new to 2011.

Aptly titled ‘Discover’, the brochures have been designed to deepen our clients’ comprehension of the journey they will soon be embarking on. Or to help indecisive travellers make their final destination choice, Vintage Travel’s “Discover”, will act as a definitive decision-maker.

The three brochures cover the vast and diverse European locations our extensive profile of villas are located in – One being dedicated to Spain, Lanzarote, Balearics and Portugal, another to France, Italy, Gozo and Croatia, and the third covering Greece and Turkey.

As all our properties are personally visited by our team of travel experts, descriptions of the locations and properties are a personal and honest account, accompanied with the most stunning and visually transparent of photographs.

These carbon neutral publications provide a comprehensive overview of each of the countries and islands featured by Vintage Travel, which includes answers to the vital questions travellers often have prior to their trip. First-hand experiences about climate, local cuisine and local festivals are featured frequently in these highly informative yet entertaining magazines.  Important travel information is also included, such as information about sea crossings, flights, train travel, car hire, travel insurance and other information considered essential to the modern traveller.

Comprehensive details about each individual property are provided in our brochures, including testimonies by previous visitors, prices, availability and a booking form.

Staying in private accommodation gives you the freedom, privacy and the ‘own space’ you deserve on holiday. Vintage Travel supplies only the very best this unique freedom offers. Our highly readable, riveting and photographically stunning ‘Discover’ brochures, enables our clients to leisurely muse over which of our extended quality properties especially catches their eye.

Click here to view ‘Discover’ online or to order a hard copy by post.

Check out our latest villas in Kefalonia

Looking for a villa holiday in Kefalonia? Look no further, these are the hottest properties on the island.

With an air of sweet smelling citrus fruits circling jagged and rocky peaks and floating across long, sandy beaches, it is hardly surprising that the Greek island of Kefalonia remains a popular holiday destination. Intent on finding you the highest-quality of properties off the beaten track, we’ve introduced a new portfolio of properties for Kefalonia 2011.

Surrounded by rolling verdure hillsides clad with pine trees, fir trees and olive groves, at the bottom of a private road, the house of Hlazeika, will guarantee to satisfy yearnings for breathtaking scenery, tranquillity, stunning sunsets and accommodation exuding quality and character. This stunning villa sleeps eight and is made out of locally hewn granite which enhances its charm, uniqueness and exquisiteness endlessly. The captivating views and mesmerizing sunsets can be enjoyed by the property’s impressive private pool, which can be heated in the ‘brisker’ months, or accompanied with a barbeque in the built-in barbeque area.

Hlazeika, a very family friendly villa in Kefalonia

Hlazeika is just four kilometres from the lively town of Scala, sheathed by a 3km Blue Flagged beautiful sandy beach.This magnificent property which perfectly blends tradition with modernity costs £950 a week in May rising to £2895 in peak season.

For travellers seeking a ‘cottage’ accommodation with a Greek twist, Katelios Bay View is the property you are looking for. This two bedroom, two bathroom country cottage has retained many traditional features, such as wood beamed ceilings and exposed brickwork and stone and oozes with character and charm. Step outside Katelios Bay View and sunbath next to the private infinity pool, dine on some of the delicious local produce in the built-in barbeque area, or simply breath in the fresh and sweet smelling Kefalonia air.

Katelios Bay View has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and some rather breathtaking views

This delightful property is located just one kilometre from the small and laid back fishing village of Katelios, which, with its heavenly seafood restaurants, intriguing mini markets, attractive little harbour and beautiful beach, is a highly pleasurable place to experience this truly magnificent Greek island.

A week’s rental at Katelios Bay View costs £750 in May rising to £1995 in peak season.

Finca Romera, La Gerla

Vintage Travel, with its uncanny knack in seeking out the most exclusive accommodation in the most heavenly of locations, really have excelled in its meticulously selected Lanzarote collection, new for 2011. As ever, attention to detail is paramount, although on the island of Lanzarote attention to detail is a dominant feature in all walks of life. Lie back, visualize and imagine what soon could be a reality…

Finca Romera, La Gerla

Spawning spectacular views across Lanzarote’s uniquely varied landscapes, Finca Romera lies deep in the heat of the wine growing region in the verdurous valley of La Gerla. Wine dominates the scene here with many beautiful bodegas lining the road running through the valley, proudly displaying the finest local produce.

In keeping with the local style, the dazzling whitewashed Finca Romera contrasts stunningly with the azure and cloudless sky above and the deep emerald valleys framed by the magnificent distant mountains of the Timanfaya National Park. A large patio area with terraces and a crystal clear pool with Roman steps, alluringly beckons for a bottle of the local ‘vino’ to be opened and savoured whilst taking in the sublime views. This spacious and traditional property sleeps up to six, having three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Casa Mariola, Las Brenas

Situated in the southwest corner of Lanzarote, Casa Mariola, being just minutes from golden sandy beaches amidst rolling hillsides, grand gorges and quaint pretty villages, satisfies for every scenic taste.

This stylish, light and airy cortijo sleeps six and although it indulges in some tastefully modern furnishings, its whitewashed walls stylishly comply with the features seen in the nearby white village of Brenas. A garden of cacti eases the walk from this delightfully appealing property to the fenced patio and pool area.

Casa Mariola, Las Brenas

Cited by many as being ‘Lanzarote’s most beautiful village’, the pueblo of Yaiza is just 7 kilometres from the house and with its sea of brightly coloured flowers lining the window frames, is well worthy of a visit. Exploring the unspoilt beaches and tranquil coves in the area provides for fascinating journeying of one of Lanzoraote’s prettiest regions.

Casa La Graciosa, Isla Graciosa

Time seems to have conveniently overlooked Isla Graciosa, which lies a mile across the water from Lanzarote’s northern shores. While other regions and resorts are often described as being the epitome of solitude and tranquillity, the island of Graciosa, free from the pollution of any vehicles, really is an embodiment of peace.

Given its dedication to tracking down the most secluded of accommodation, Vintage Travel is proud to have added Casa la Graciosa to its books. Gazing out across the ocean just yards from the waters edge, this beautiful and spacious villa sleeps eight and its heated pool is the only known swimming pool on the island.

Casa La Graciosa, Isla Graciosa

Situated in the town of Caleta del Sebo visitors can enjoy meandering through the many charming shops, restaurants and bars the town possesses.

Cortijo de Cabreron, Costa Teguise

Costa Tequise, with its palm lined beaches is one of Lanzarote’s more sophisticated shorelines that is bustling with both life and tradition. Located in an idyllically rural setting, Cortijo de Cabreron enjoys panoramic views of sweeping picturesque countryside.

Cortijo de Cabreron, Costa Teguise

Having been lovingly restored, Cortijo de Cabreron has retained much of its original character, and its stone walls, colourful ceramics, intricate paint work, rustic stone terrace and vibrant garden, a cocktail of cacti and flowers, guarantees to enchant visitors and leave them begging to return.

There's no better way to welcome Autumn than attending 'Le festival des Soupes'

Like pop star wannabies battling it out on X Factor, aspiring cooks from Vaison la Romaine and 13 surrounding villages compete over three weeks to produce the best tasting soup. Visitors can sample over 200 different types of soups, with the final showdown being on the last night when the winner of the Grand Final is chosen.

If you are debating where to stay to see this particularly ‘French’ festival, which produces the very finest of French cuisine, during an exceptional beautiful time of the year in France, we recommend Le Gustave, in the heart of the lovely Luberon.

Le Gustave - Provencial charm at its best

Retaining the traditional building materials and ancient features of the area, this pretty two bedroom stone cottage boasts its own stone borie – an ancient cone shaped shelter and an emblem of the area’s bucolic history.

Le Gustave, which has the capacity to sleep four, is situated upon extensive grounds comprising of an abundance of olive groves, covered terraces, table tennis and a barbeque. For those visiting Provence when the weather is cooler, under floor heating is available throughout the property.

Le Gustave offers a wealth of charm and original character

Whilst Le Gustave may cater for the activity tastes of all its guests, a visit to the nearby hilltop village of Gordes is a must, if not only to capture some of the most stunning views in Provence. Likewise, if you are visiting in October, a trip to the Soup Festival to sample some of the local cuisine at its most celestial is a must.

A week’s stay in Le Gustave starting 2, 9 and 16 October costs £995. Flight and car hire is not included in the price but can be arranged on request. Click here for more information on Le Gustave.

Caromb Village

When it comes to ‘where to stay in Provence’ – if you are looking for a quaint village full of charm and character then you are simply going to love Caromb, an ancient fortified village built on a low hill on the plains south of the Ventoux mountains. It’s got narrow streets with many vaulted passageways that tunnel beneath the buildings – they are fascinating to explore.

You’ll discover a very friendly, Provençal feeling about the place and taking coffee in the old café (which is clearly a local’ssocial center) is an experience to be enjoyed by all.

At the heart of the village you’ll find a tall, round tower topped by a beautiful wrought-iron belfry, which was built in 1562, and extended upward in 1625. Also worth a peek is the ancient church in the centre, which has a unique hexagon shaped bell tower with a differently sized bell for each of the eight high arches.

Caromb Church & its Hexagonal Tower

Around the near vicinity (and well worth a visit) you’ll find Olive oil mills, ancient quarries, and a fascinating dam at Paty (2 km north), fantastic hiking with marked tracks and plenty of vineyards to trial (some of the nearby renowned wines are Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas and Vacqueyras)!

We have a collection of beautiful, private villas to rent in Caromb, including the villas below:

Le Mas Du Moulin, villa in Caromb - sleeps 4

Mas St Siffrein, luxury villa in Caromb - Sleeps 6

One of our most romantic villas has to be Ville Klarici, a one bedroom cottage with its own private pool which is perched on a bluff near medieval Motovun on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula and which is described as ‘the perfect romantic country hideaway’.

The villa enjoys some breathtaking views.... to be enjoyed with a fine wine of course!

The property enjoys fantastic 360° views towards, for example, the medieval hilltop towns of Motovun, Oprtalj and Zanask as well as Lake Butoniga.  Internal features include beamed ceilings, hardwood lintels and wrought iron balustrades.

Klarici's pool is a welcome addition to this beautiful property

You’ll find loads to do in the local area, including some of the best hiking in Istria on your doorstep. This is also Truccle country so try to join a truffle hunt tour… lots of fun! A week’s rental costs £1450 in peak season.

Akrothalassa is one of the finest private villas in Corfu

The location itself (Agios Spiridonas) is like no other on the island, a tucked away paradise with far reaching views over the sparkling Ionian Sea. It is in fact nestled amongst dense, lush forests and burgeoning olive groves, which is calling out for exploring.

The house is probably what you’d term as an architect’s dream (or certainly someone who values good design) thanks to its classic features combined with contemporary shape.

A rather unusually positioned pool awaits

The villa is equipped with everything you could ask for including luxury furniture (inside and out), elegant chandeliers, comfy soft furnishings, a bar, a grand BBQ and some beautiful pastel colours.

Beautiful interiors with fine furnishings

The sea is just a stones throw away, the mini market and 2 fantastic tavernas are less than 300m away, the beach is 1km away and Corfu town is around 30 mins drive.

Book this luxury villa in Corfu now.

Balora - a stunning villa for 2 in Istria

We’ve got two fantastically romantic villas in Istria that we can’t recommend high enough for a relaxing escape after your big day. Here’s a little more information:

Bolara – This is a very pretty villa in Istria designed for 2. It has just 1 bedroom and one bathroom and is situated in Ponte Porton (Grožnjan). As with all of our properties, Bolara has its own private pool and stunning views of the Mirna river valley, looking into its dense in oak forest.

The villa is in fact nestled in amongst the wooded valley slopes and not far away from the medieval hilltop village of Grožnjan.  It is in fact an ancient farmer’s cottage, which contains a wealth of character in the form of open-faced walls, a large in-built stone fireplace, internal arches and solid wood cross beams etc.

Bolara's stunning poolside views

Approximately 2km away you’ll discover a delightful  local restaurant serving Istrian specialities such as gnocchi, fresh asparagus and a range of truffle dishes. Grožnjan (7km) is home to a mini market and two café bars as well as stunning views, delightful architecture and a wealth of galleries and craft shops selling artwork, jewellery and ceramics. Further supermarkets and various seafront restaurants are found between Novigrad and Umag (30 mins) together with beautiful, clear water pebble beaches such as Mareda and Dalja.

Klarici – Another stunning property build for a romantic couple in mind. The villa has been fully refurbished and sits in total seclusion in the undulating heartland of northern Istria. You’ve got 360 degree rural panoramic views with some of the finest scenery in Istria (we haven’t found anything better yet!)

Klarici - a stunning villa in Istria off the beaten track

From the house itself you can see the beautiful medieval hilltop towns of Motovun, Oprtalj, Draguc and Zamask as well as Lake Butoniga, sparkling against the dramatic backdrop of the Ucka Mountains. Breathtaking we promise!

There are many character features in and around this property, but our favourite spot has to be the sun terrace, which provides a perfect spot for soaking up the sun and drinking in the magnificent vista.

Klarici's poolside mountain views

Irresistible Motovun (9km) offers essential amenities and a good local restaurant. To the north-east is Buzet, gazing across to Slovenia and well worth a visit for its Venetian architectural legacy. This is also the heart of Istrian truffle country with organised walks through the forests to gather the delicacy and one of Istria’s most famous truffle restaurants, Zigante, just 8km away at Livade.

Tempted…? Call or email us to find out more about these 2 idyllic honeymoon hideaways or perhaps other suitable properties.

This means that whatever time of day or night you arrive at the villa that you always have the essentials to start enjoying your holiday without the desperate need to go shopping immediately. The initial feedback to date has been fantastic and is now something we are trying to encourage across all properties.

The original French market basket full of local essentials including a delicious bottle of red wine!

A growing number of French villa owners are laying on essentials such as tea, coffee, water, milk, bread, preserves, pasta and sauce, plus a bottle of wine – bonus!

In fact some owners are very happy to do shopping (in addition to the welcome pack) on your behalf if need be. You simply tell us what you want and we send your shopping list through to get picked up and delivered before you arrive.

A great example of a villa doing this is La Maison Fleurie – a picturesque two bedroom stone cottage sleeping four situated in the South West region.

La Maison Fleurie - a fine french holiday villa

Two week’s notice prior to arrival is required by the owners and groceries are based on our standard shopping list (copy available if required).  At La Maison Fleurie, this service is free of charge.

At La Maison Fleurie you’ll have access to your own private pool, a summer kitchen, built in barbecue, table tennis and a pretty lawned garden.  A week’s rental leads in at £450.

La Maison Fleurie's very private swimming pool

Call or email us to get the full range of French holiday villas offering this unique service.