8 Ways To Survive A Villa Holiday With Friends

Last summer we went on a villa holiday to Puglia, Italy. There were 12 adults in their 30s and seven children under three. Yep, I know! Before setting foot on the plane we knew this wasn’t going to be the most relaxing holiday BUT  we knew it would be fun – and it was. Here’s eight tips on how to pull off a successful group trip.

1. PLANNING

A bit of prep goes a long way so make sure you know what to bring and how to get there.

Our villa was booked ten months in advance by one of the group who had been there before. Nearer the time, we found out how many cots, high chairs, kids crockery etc there were so we knew what to bring and who needed to pack it. One of the lads sorted all of our hire cars (and car seats) for us and we booked some activities through the owner of the villa (helped that she was English). We also sorted a pub quiz to play in the evening.

2. JOBS

We’re all on our holidays but things still need to get done. Yes, I know, yawn, yawn, but with so many people there – unless you have a live in housekeeper (I wish) – you have to sort everything out yourselves.  We had a good balance and everyone seemed to chip in, whether it was organising meals, buying food, clearing up, manning the BBQ or mixing up some Aperol Spritz (when I wasn’t accidentally smashing the bottle, I was pretty good at serving up this refreshing Italian drink).

If everybody does a bit and you play to people’s strengths and interests, no one gets resentful and annoyed. Just try to be aware of everyone’s needs and lend a hand when possible. Hats off to one lad who heroically took care of the bins (even the nappy one)! Thanks Chris – same again this year, yeah?

3. EATING IN

Keep it simple and use local produce. We stocked up on delicious fish, squid and octopus from the fishmongers in Ostuni and fresh fruit and veg.  We had two BBQs and different areas where we could eat so it mixed up the evenings a bit.

Villas are great for being able to chill out in the evening when the children are fast asleep in bed and truly relax without worrying about cramming buggies into restaurants, dealing with overtired kids or paying for a hotel babysitter.

 

4. GET PEOPLE TO COOK FOR YOU

One night we hired a local cook (through the owner) who prepared and served a four course meal of local delicacies. It was fantastic. Not only did we get a slap up meal but were educated on what home cooked meals the locals eat. They cleaned up afterwards and it was only around 80 euros per couple!

5. YOU CAN’T DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER

Let’s face it, we can’t spend 24 hours together doing everything together. Don’t be offended if people want to go off and do their own thing. Organising 19 people to get out the house is not easy.  A few of the days, we broke off in smaller groups to go to the beach or visit nearby towns.

6. WINE TASTING

Not only did we get someone around to cook one night (see 4), we also had a wine tasting evening. It was a whole night affair (although being Italian, they arrived about an hour late). Hosted by a local man called Giovanni and his assistant who worked at a local vineyard. They took us through some Puglian wines (both red and white) and provided us with a selection of canapés to eat. The evening – which we booked through Green Italy Tours – was really relaxed and informative and after the main tasting was done, we sat around outside by the poolside and chatted with the two wine guys, drinking enough Negroamaro to give me a slightly fuzzy head the next day.

7. BEER TASTING

This was more for the lads (I was championing some prosecco sampling but in the end left them to it). A German woman, who ran a nearby micro brewery, came around to show off some of her selection of beers – ranging from malt to weiss and pils. The lads, being lads, reckoned that with three days to go they would get through 200 bottles of beer. They didn’t. I hope the following tenants enjoyed them!

7. GO OUT ON THE TOWN

Ok, someone has to look after the children but on one night us girlies left them in the hands of their daddies and we went for some much needed cocktails, food and girlie chat. We reciprocated for the lads one night too (how nice are we?). It was great to get out, sip drinks filled with copious amounts of fruit (sans buggy), and enjoy the sights and smells of the nearby town (Ostuni) without traipsing a pushchair up the hilly cobbled streets.

8. GET A CLEANER MID WAY THROUGH

We didn’t – but it would have been a really good shout to get someone in to freshen up the place. A must if you are there for longer than a week.

Oh, and don’t forget the inflatables…