Holiday Destination Guides
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Planning your Villa Holiday
At Just4holiday rentals we work many suppliers and private owners and have a large selection of properties to choose from
We have listed all our properties in many ways based on location/size/features and facilities. Our search feature allows you to select your most important requirements and we will show you the villas that best suit those requirements for you to consider.
There is no hard and fast rule for this.
Usually the summer if you want to spend time outside al fresco dining and by lazing by a pool, The winter if you are looking for access to ski resorts for winter sports activity, and almost any time of year if you are looking for a villa nearby cultural sites and cities.
We have a dedicated reservation team that can help and advise in the planning and booking of your travel arrangements if you need any assistance, just call us on 0870 4111 754
Most private villas have a range of services and facilities nearby, such as a beach, restaurant, and supermarkets, some may be within easy walking distance, however from our experience to get the most out of your villa holiday a car hire for all or even part of your stay is recommended,
Some properties may be near a local bus stop and most will have access to local taxis if you decide not to hire a car.
Just4Rentals will be able to assist you if you would like to hire a car. The main driver will need to produce a valid drivers licence and credit card when collecting the car. In some cases, you may need to collect the car from somewhere other than the airport. This will be clearly noted on your travel documents.
As the availability of public transport varies from destination to destination, Just4Rentals recommend that you hire a car, particularly when you are flying to your main destination.
Fortunately, with the advent of the Pet Passport scheme, travelling with your pets is now a lot easier. The Just4Rentals reservations team will happily advise you of which properties and ferry operators accept pet, and what the relevant costs involved are.
For more information on Pet Passports, please visit the government website www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm. Other useful information can be found on www.dogsaway.co.uk.
Please note that the majority of properties in Italy, Portugal, Malta and Spain do not permit pets.
Many of the villas listed on Just4Rentals are located near to golf courses. This will be specified on the individual property descriptions, along with descriptions of other nearby leisure and sports activities.
It is important to tell us how many people in your party. You will need to notify us of any changes to numbers before you leave for your holiday. If you fail to notify us, the villa may not be adequately prepared for your arrival.
We reserve the right to refuse admission, or to levy an additional charge if more people than advised occupy the property.
All property descriptions clearly indicated the maximum number of adults and children over the age of 2 who may occupy it. A description indicating "sleeps 6" means that this could be 6 adults OR 2 adults and 4 children etc. This must NOT be exceeded.
In all countries, excluding France, a maximum of 2 babies (i.e. children under 2) may also be accommodated in cots. An additional charge is levied.
If you have guests to stay, you will need to make the request in advance. You are not permitted to have unauthorised or undeclared guests to stay, as this nullifies the property insurance in the event of an accident.
You are also not permitted to pitch tents or park caravans in the garden to increase the number of guests over the maximum allowed.
The pricing indicated in most property descriptions is per villa per week up to the maximum number of people allowed. In some instances, properties are charged on a per night basis. This will be clearly indicated in the property description.
There are a few properties that offer lower rates for smaller groups (typically less than 4 or 6 people). This will also be indicated on the property description. If you increase the number of guests, the price will rise.
If you are a holder of a non-British or non-European passport, you need to check the visa requirements with nearest consulate/embassy of the country concerned. It is equally important to check visa requirements of any countries you may be travelling through on your holiday. Just4Rentals cannot be held responsible for any problems arising from your failure to have the correct travel documentation.
Not all villas available through Just4Rentals will be suitable for people with mobility difficulties, or for those requiring wheelchair access. If you contact the Just4Rentals reservations team, they will do their best to help identify an appropriate property where available.
Making your Booking
If you need to make special arrangements for arrival or departure times, or if you plan on arriving mid-week (during off-season), Just4Rentals will do their best to accommodate your needs.
Please let us know if you have any particular special needs, like the provision of cots, or if you have concerns regarding allergies, wheelchair access et cetera. We will do our best to help out, or to help you identify a villa that would be appropriate to your requirements.
All reservations are subject to a non-refundable security premium of £20 per booking. This amount is automatically added to your Confirmation Invoice.
The security premium provides cover for the cost of any minor accidental damages or breakages caused by any one in your party during your stay at the property. It is payable with the final balance.
If you choose not to pay the non-refundable security premium, you will be required to pay a £500 refundable security deposit at the time of booking. Provided you or members of your party have not caused any damage/breakages, the security deposit will be returned to you within three weeks of your arrival home. Please refer to the Booking Conditions for more information.
It is important to remember that the non-refundable security premium will not cover any damage or breakages caused by negligence or deliberate misuse of the property. You will be held responsible for settling any such case.
In some cases, the property owners require that security deposits be handed directly to the agent/key holder on arrival, or for a full security deposit to be paid in advance of your holiday. This is rare, and will be indicated on the detailed property descriptions.
Please ensure that you take inventory of all items carefully on arrival at the villa. If you notice any discrepancies, please inform the agent/key holder immediately. Also, please report any damages or breakages that occur during your stay as soon as possible.
On departure, you may be required to go through the inventory again with the key holder/agent. Please arrange a mutually convenient time to do so.
We also strongly recommend you have personal insurance to cover personal liability and accidental damage.
Just4Rentals complies with a number of strict laws designed to protect the holidaymaker. One of these is the requirement for financial bonding, which protects your money and holiday bookings in the event of the company have financial difficulties. Our Booking Conditions provide all the relevant information.
There may be charges for additional facilities, such as internet access, wifi, maid services and pool heating. Each property will usually list the features that are available at additional charges also at the time of booking our reservation team will confirm all costs before any payments are taken
Before you travel
Please keep in mind the normal check-in and departure times when booking your flights. It is your responsibility to ensure you arrive within the appropriate time. If your flight is delayed or is likely to result in a late arrival time, please contact the key holder to discuss your options.
Personal travel insurance is compulsory, and you need to ensure that all members of your party are included in the cover. Please check that the policy includes accidental damage and personal liability cover (see also security deposits). In some cases, bookings will only be confirmed once proof of insurance cover has been received.
If you plan on taking your own car, Just4Rentals strongly recommends that you arrange both personal and car breakdown insurance.
Just4Rentals can help you arrange your travel insurance requirements at competitive rates. The cover provided is excellent, and is calculated from the date of leaving home until the date of return.
When you arrive
In most cases, the check-in time for the villa or apartment will be between 4pm and 8pm. As this varies from property to property, you will need to confirm this when you make your booking.
Arriving early will interrupt the cleaning that is done between tenants. If you arrive early, you may be able to leave your luggage, but it will be at the discretion of the key holder.
If you arrive after 8pm you may not be able to gain access to the property until the following morning.
If arriving early/late, please contact the agent/key holder directly to discuss whether special arrangements can be made
Food and drink welcome packs
Some of the properties we feature offer a complimentary welcome pack, other offer this service at an additional charge. This will be displayed on individual property descriptions
In most cases, the property owner, agent or key holder will be at the property on arrival, or will try to meet you during your stay. Not all properties will have someone to meet and greet you, and you will not meet anyone unless a problem arises. You will be able to contact [link to contacts page] the Just4Rentals office for assistance.
When you receive your final instructions you will also receive driving instructions, these can be a specific map or a road narrative of directions
Not all the key holders for the properties listed on Just4Rentals speak English. However, our English-speaking team will be available by phone at arrival/departure times and during the week to help out.
Usually there will be only one set of keys provided, if you require additional sets please advise our reservation team at the time of booking. Although please note that this cannot be guaranteed
At some properties, particularly the more rural ones, the approach road to the villa may be very rough or uneven. Some may be steep. If you plan on bring your own vehicle, or have a particular concern about the roadways, please check with the Just4Rentals team.
Your Villa
It is important to remember that the villas available from Just4Rentals are privately owned, and will reflect the local lifestyle, and the preferred style and taste of the owner. This means that the décor and furnishings may be very different from what you are accustomed to.
Often, villas will be decorated according to the local style. Some may have dated furnishings, and will be equipped purely as a holiday home. There may not necessarily be as many comfortable seats compared to the number of beds available in the villa.
If the property is described as "simple" it means that equipment and furniture is basic.
Older properties can be relatively dark inside, but this does help them keep cool.
Many properties border farmland, or are on a residential estate, or may be in the middle of a village. It is not possible to guarantee absolute privacy or peace in your accommodation all the time.
At some properties, there may be traffic noise. Busy roads are normally indicated in the property description. Remember that during the peak season, roads are likely to be busier, particularly at the more popular tourist destinations. Just4Rentals cannot be held responsible for an increase in traffic noise near a property.
A number of properties do have air-conditioning, though not all will. This will be specified in the detailed villa description.
Many of the air-conditioning units will be wall-mounted (known as split systems), and will be found in the lounge and/or bedrooms. Some may have ducted air-conditioning, but the split system is more common.
In some cases, there may be an additional charge for the air-conditioning – this will be noted in the property description.
In order to get the maximum benefit from the air-conditioning, we recommend that you keep doors and windows closed. Operating instructions for the unit will be provided by the key holder where available.
Where air-conditioning is not available, ceiling fans will more than likely be present in the main living areas and bedrooms. If there are no ceiling fans or air-conditioning, portable fans may be available. If not, the property agent will be able to advise on where you can hire fans locally.
Unless otherwise stated in individual property descriptions, the villas do not generally have central heating. The properties that are available in the low season will usually have some form of heating available, like a wood burning stove or enclose fireplace. In some cases there will be an extra charge incurred.
Beds may feel cooler at night in the low season, so you may decide to take hot water bottles with you.
There will be a cooker in the kitchen. In some cases, this will be a 2 or 4 ring hob and a small oven or rotisserie/grill. There will also be a fridge/freezer (or a fridge with a small freezer compartment), a sink with hot and cold water. Cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, glasses and basic household equipment will be supplied. Microwaves may also be supplied in addition to a conventional oven.
Not all kitchens will be supplied with a kettle, as in some countries, water is simply boiled in a saucepan. Saucepans/pots may not have lids.
Dining furniture may either be in the kitchen or in the sitting or dining room. There will be enough plates, cups and saucers for your party, but they may not necessarily match.
Irons and ironing boards are generally provided.
The availability of washing machines and/or dishwashers will be noted in the detailed property description. They may not be available in all villas.
Should a washing machine or dishwasher be available, please ensure that you understand the operating instructions, and that you use the appropriate detergents in the machinery. Cleaning staff at the villas do not empty the dishwasher and do not do your laundry.
Where washing machines are not available, the agent/key holder will provide you with information on local laundry facilities.
On the villa plans or details, a bathroom will include a bath, washbasin and toilet. Most baths will come fitted with a handheld shower attachment, but may not necessarily have a shower screen or curtain.
If the ablutions are described as "shower rooms," it will indicate that it will be a bathroom with a walk-in shower, basin and toilet, but no bathtub.
If unsure, ask for confirmation when you make the booking.
In some properties, water will be heated by gas water heaters/boilers. Where these are in operation, they may be fitted in an outhouse or garage for safety reasons. In inclement weather, they may "blow out" – please contact the key holder/agent and they will re-ignite the system.
In terms of toilets (WCs), many of the properties are fitted with septic tank systems as opposed to mains drainage. Most will have narrow gauge pipe work. Nothing other than toilet paper should be flushed down any WC. Blockages are inconvenient and expensive to clear. Should a blockage occur, please contact the agent/key holder? You may be charged if the agent is required to call out a specialist as this is not considered accidental damage.
Bed sizes may differ from country to country. In France, a wide single bed will be 4' to 4'3" wide, and slightly shorter than the UK standard.
Bunk beds are generally only suitable for children or teenagers.
In most other destinations, beds will be of a similar size to UK, but the mattresses may be thinner and beds possibly flimsier.
Most properties available on the Just4Rentals database do provide bed linen (see notes below). Enough linen will be provided for all of the confirmed members of your group.
In France, the villa will provide bed linen and towels for the duration of your stay (unless otherwise indicated in the property description). Linen will not be changed during your stay, and beds will not be made up before your arrival. If the property does not provide linen, they will generally provide details of where you can hire what you need. If you choose to take your own linen, be aware that French pillows are square and will not fit into a standard British rectangular pillowcase.
In Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta and Cyprus, bed linen and towels are normally supplied, and will be changed on a weekly basis. You will need to check the individual property descriptions to confirm this.
Unless otherwise stated on the individual property descriptions, pool and beach towels are NOT provided. Please bring your own.
In most cases, the villa will be able to provide a baby's cot, but there will usually be an additional charge of between £20 - £40 per week, payable when you confirm your booking with Just4Rental.
Cots may not comply with British safety standards (for example height of cot sides and bar width may vary), and tenants use them at their own risk.
Cot linen is not always provided, and when it is provided, may not meet UK standards. Just4Rentals recommends you supply your own cot linen.
Where available, highchairs can be provided for a fee of between £20 - £30 per week. In France, they are seldom charged for.
Please be aware that the use of the highchairs is at your own risk, and that they may not be compliant with British safety standards, and may not include a harness.
Televisions, unless otherwise indicated on the individual property descriptions, will generally receive only local channels. Those with satellite systems may offer only a limited number of channels, with some restricted to English language news channels only.
Some satellite systems are of the old analogue type, and may not include any UK-based channels. Generally speaking, only basic English channels like CCN or BBC World will be available. Just4Rentals accepts no responsibility for the availability of English channels.
In some villas, there may be DVD or video players available. This will be mentioned in the property description. You will need to take your own tapes or discs, though in the larger resort towns, you may be able to hire videos and DVDs.
There are some villas, mainly in France, that do have telephone facilities. Please ask Just4Rentals for more information on what is available, and what form of payment will be required.
In Spain, Italy and Portugal, you may find that the villa will be equipped with a hotel-style phone system, and that you will be billed for calls at the end of your day. Like with hotels, this type of telephone system can be expensive.
Why not consider taking your own mobile phone abroad? Your service provider will be able to help you activate roaming across Europe. Alternatively, you can consider hiring a mobile phone. Please be aware that in some areas, reception can be erratic.
Most villas have a small garden, but they will not necessarily have a British-style lawn. It is more likely that it will be an area of rough mown grass. Garden furniture is available at most villas, but the style of table and chairs will vary. Not all villas provide outdoor loungers, and not all will have cushions or mattresses. The furniture shown in villa pictures may not always be the same as what is available on arrival.
If a BBQ is supplied, it is likely to be smaller than the deluxe models available in the UK. Please be aware of local restrictions that may be in place on the use of BBQs. Also be aware that you will be required to clean your BBQ grill before leaving.
The availability of swimming pools at holiday villas is specified within each property's detailed description. In some cases, the villa will have a private pool. In other cases, it may be a community pool within a group of villas, or in a holiday apartment block.
It is essential that you read the section on Safety, in particular the section on pools. There are also country specific guidelines listed below.
All pools must have depth markings. You need to check these before you swim, and make sure your party are familiar with them. If the markings are missing or unclear, contact the key holder/agent. Depths and dimensions noted on property descriptions are approximate only.
Remember, diving in all villa pools is strictly prohibited as the pools are seldom big or deep enough.
Swimming pools are carefully maintained and chemical balance is regulated. However, be aware that the weather can affect the balance, and may cause a pool to turn green or cloudy. If so, contact the key holder/agent immediately, so that they can arrange for it to be adjusted. Adjustments could take between 2-3 days to take effect, and for the water to become blue again. This is beyond the control of Just4Rentals, and we cannot pay compensation for the effects of adverse conditions of the pools.
In most cases, a pool maintenance or service person will check on the pool on a weekly basis. They will ensure the chemical balance is correct and that pool is clean. You will need to use the nets provided to scoop leaves or debris off the top of the pool in the interim. You may be required to do some pool maintenance in between service visits, and care should be taken with any pool cleaning equipment. If in doubt, check with the key holder/agent.
France has very strict regulations on pool security. There are a number of legal requirements for all pools. This includes securely gated pool fencing or a pool alarm. It is your responsibility to ensure these are operational. If there is a pool alarm, you will need to ensure that it has been activated when the pool is not in use, without adult supervision and gates closed. Pools in France are generally open between mid to late May until late September. They will not be available in early or late season.
In Italy, pools are generally open from mid-May to late September, and are not available in early or late season.
In Spain, Malta, Cyprus and Portugal, pools are open all year round but are not necessarily heated. If the pool is heated, it will be clearly indicated in the property description. In the cooler months, the water will probably be quite chilly.
An important note on heated pools is that they are seldom raised above 22 deg C. Heated pools will only be warmer by around 2-3 degrees than non-heated pools. They are unlikely ever to reach bath temperature. Solar heated pools are affected by the weather, so after a couple of cloudy days, the water temperature is likely to drop. In order to maintain their warmth, heated pools need to be covered when not in use.
Where possible, all potential problem areas (safety hazards) are mentioned in the detailed property description. For example, a drop from a terrace or patio, steep stairways etc.
It is your responsibility to exercise all due care where such warnings are given and to ensure that all members of your party should be made aware of the warnings.
It is also understood that obvious hazards like a swimming pool, open well, main road access will also require you behave responsibly, whether or not a warning is noted in the property description. For more on safety, please read this note.
Usually whilst not classed as secure there will be private parking available at most of the properties and also where the property is on a complex there will be communal parking
Day to day life in your villa
Day to Day
Please be considerate in terms of your electricity and water usage – it is an expense carried by the villa owner, and in order to keep fees reasonable, they'll need you to keep your use reasonable.
Remember that at peak times at some locations, electricity supplies can be erratic. Water pressure can also drop, especially in high summer.
Please also be aware that in hot climates, water can be a scare resource. At times, water sources may run dry. Local authorities may ration water or restrict its use to a few hours a day. They may also prevent you from topping up swimming pools. This is beyond the control of Just4Rentals.
We request that you consider the environment, and others. Shower, rather than bath, and make sure you comply with local regulations.
For information on local electricity standards, please read the FastFacts section for the relevant country.
You may not find a full bottle of gas on arrival, but it will probably have some still available. In France, you will be expected to change the gas bottle at the local shop. In other countries, additional gas bottles may be provided, along with instructions on how to change them if needed.
Please remember to ensure there is some gas remaining in the bottle when you leave for the convenience of the next tenant.
In most cases, the tap water is fine for drinking. Please be aware that in Mediterranean countries, tap water can be brackish and/or salty. Most tourist centres will sell bottled water.
As many villas are situated in rural or semi-rural places, you will more than likely be visited by the local small wildlife. Geckos (small lizards) are very common in the Mediterranean, and are completely harmless.
Ants are attracted to leftover food, spills and crumbs, and it is in your best interest to keep your villa tidy, and keep their presence to a minimum.
In the majority of properties (excluding France) are cleaned at least once a week, sometimes more often. This will be outlined in the individual property descriptions.
Generally speaking, mid-stay cleaning focuses on the bathrooms and floors. The kitchen is generally not included on the cleaning roster, and washing-up is not part of the package. Unless otherwise specified, a weekly clean means you will receive a mid-stay clean on a two week holiday, but not on a one week holiday.
It is your responsibility to ensure general cleanliness of the villa, particularly the kitchen and interior dustbins. Please ensure you empty your wastepaper baskets regularly, and take them to the appropriate disposal point.
In France, villas receive a good cleaning before your arrival. You will be expected to clean the villa thoroughly before you leave. It is largely a case of leave it as you would expect to find it. Extra charges will be levied where a property is not left clean.
Please put everything back where you found it, and remove all personal items and leftover foodstuffs. Wash up, or run the dishwasher (where available), and put all crockery away. Don't forget to clean the dishwasher filter.
When cleaning, remember to clean the BBQ grills. These can usually fit in the dishwasher.
In Italy, and in some French properties, an additional final cleaning levy is charged, and should be paid directly to the owner or agent before leaving. The individual property descriptions will clarify this.
In many cases, the properties are cleaned by the key holders/agents or owners themselves. And while the villas are generally kept to a high standard, the cleaners will not necessarily be professionals. You may find the occasional cobweb. If you have hired an old stone villa, please keep in mind that during cool or damp whether, the walls may exude saltpetre.
You will be asked to take your rubbish on a daily basis to the nearest collection point. The cleaning service will not empty rubbish bins or waste paper baskets.
Disposing of your rubbish on a regular basis will help you avoid unpleasant odours, and insect infestations. Bottles will need to be disposed of separately. Many supermarkets offer a bottle recycling point in their car parks.
After the recent devastating forest fires in the south of France, Spain and Portugal, the local governments have implemented stricter regulations on the use of BBQs. Please be aware that even if your villa comes equipped with a BBQ, there may be restrictions on its use. More information can be obtained from the Just4Rentals helpdesk.
Depending on the season, these can dry up or become unsuitable for swimming. Please check for relevant warning signs. You swim at your own risk.
If you experience any problems during your stay at the property, your first point of contact should be the key holder or agent.
You can also contact Just4Rentals UK office during the week. There will be someone available at times over weekends, and the emergency contact details will be provided in your travel documents.
Just4Rentals, the agents and property owners make every effort to ensure the property is safe. However, you will need to take responsibility for your own safety and for the safety of others in your party while on holiday.
On arrival, please familiarise with the layout of the villa and grounds. Take particular care to point out dangers such as drops, balconies and the swimming pool to children. Never allow children to climb on balcony railings or pools. Make sure that doors and windows opening onto balconies are kept close when not being used.
Pools will have depth markings, either in or close to the pool. Please check this and make sure your party is aware of them. Private swimming pools are NEVER big or deep enough for diving. If depth markings are absent or worn, please confirm the details with the agent/key holder before using the pool.
Make you are familiar with the kitchen and appliances. If you are unsure on how to operate any equipment, particularly gas-powered items, please ask the key holder/agent for instructions. If you notice any unfamiliar smells, let the key holder/agent or our office know immediately.
Just4Rentals require all property owners to have smoke alarms throughout the villa. Please let us know if these are missing or faulty. Never remove the batteries from the smoke alarms.
We strongly recommend that you observe the same level of security as you would at home: lock the doors when you leave, and keep entrance doors when you are away from the house (i.e. at the pool etc).
Only on selected properties which will be detailed on the individual property description
The rules for use of the villa will be clearly outlined. There will be a copy clearly displayed in the villa. This will outline what you will be required to do in terms of cleanliness, maintenance and general property upkeep. It will also give instructions of what to do in an emergency.
Your proximity to your neighbours should always be kept in mind. Please be considerate, and keep noise levels down, particularly in the late evenings.
Terminology used in property descriptions
Mezzanine – galleried landing, often above the sitting room. These will comply with local standards, which may not match British safety standards. Tenants use them at their own risk.
When you Leave
Make sure your villa is clean and in the state you found it – put things back where you found them, and remove all personal items and foodstuffs.
Remember, if you leave the villa in a mess, you will be charged for extra cleaning.
All properties need to be vacated by 10am on the morning of your departure. This allows the owners/agents time to clean and prepare it for the next tenants.
If you need to leave later than 10am, you will have to arrange this separately with the key holder or agent.
Begin planning your next holiday! You can place an option on your preferred holiday a year in advance – simply call us to make the arrangements now!
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