Everyone’s trying to do their bit to help the environment – at Oliver’s Travels, we’ve launched a tree-planting initiative, sustainable villa collection, promote holidays by train, and are actively working to become a net-zero company. However, we also know how tricky it can be to incorporate eco-conscious practices into your daily life. For example, you might think that means holidays are entirely off the cards – but we’re here to tell you that this definitely doesn’t have to be the case!
We’ve pulled together a list of our top 10 no-drive villa holidays, allowing you to not only alleviate the stresses of car hire from your trip but also unnecessary pollution from the Earth’s atmosphere.
1. Villa Saint-Veran, Nice
The prestigious French Riviera is right on your doorstep when staying at Villa Saint-Veran. It was once an olive farm, later converted into a residential villa in the 18th century, and has recently been brought back to life following extensive refurbishment. Stroll down to the Villeneuve-Loubet village for a morning coffee and pastry, or perhaps pick up some morning-baked bread to enjoy back on the terrace. Nice is also easily accessible by catching the train from Cagnes-sur-Mer.
2. Villa Dania, Tuscany
Villa Dania is a 5-bedroom, 19th century village home that has been lovingly restored by the owners, adding modern amenities while preserving its historical quirks. You’ll find shops and restaurants just a short stroll away, while Pontedera, a city known for wine and chocolate production, is only a train ride away. It’s important to note that not all villas in Tuscany are child friendly, yet this one boasts a nearby playground, gated grounds, bicycles, high chairs, and extra cots for little ones.
3. Villa Spetses, Spetses
Villa Spetses is a natural fit for a no-drive holiday, not least because Spetses itself seems to prefer life at walking pace. The mostly pedestrianised island keeps cars in the background, while this six-bedroom stone villa places you within walking distance of Spetses town for harbour strolls, dinners out and easy days by the water. Back at home, sea views, a Mediterranean garden, private pool and generous terraces give the whole stay a polished, slow-island rhythm.
4. Villa Jovita, Lake Como
Holding a fantastic location above the south-western shore of Lake Como, conveniently close to the historic village of Sala Comacina, Villa Jovita is ready to bring all your Italian Lakes dreams to life. You’ll find plenty of movie location spots and fine dining nearby too, meaning there’s lots to explore, while the holiday home itself is similarly brimming with stunning design details and amenities to uncover.
5. Villa Des Caraibes, Cannes
Clearly designed by an accomplished architect, Villa Des Caraibes holds a prime location in the French Riviera, with Cannes and Antibes both 7km away. However, Vallauris’ restaurants, shops, ceramic studios and the brilliant Musée National Pablo Picasso are also just a short stroll from your front door. Want to really splash out? Hire the owner’s 21m yacht and skipper to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip out onto the Mediterranean.
6. Residence Fiorentina, Florence
Residence Fiorentina makes a persuasive case for leaving the car out of Florence, which is just as well, because this is a city that rewards curiosity and a willingness to be led off course. On the piano nobile of a historic palazzo, the residence places you in one of city’s most atmospheric quarters, close enough to wander between museums, churches, cafés, boutiques and piazzas without having to think about parking. Inside, terracotta floors, textured plaster walls and elegant proportions bring the Florentine atmosphere home, while five ensuite bedrooms and a dining room for twelve make it a polished base for families or friends.
7. Apartment Coco, Paris
On the edge of Neuilly-sur-Seine and Paris’s 17th arrondissement, Apartment Coco is a polished no-drive base for seeing the capital properly. The neighbourhood has all the Haussmann elegance you hope for, with wide boulevards, leafy streets and cafés close enough to make every morning feel Parisian. Inside, a grand entrance hall, double living room and beautifully renovated interiors keep the mood refined, while the city’s museums, shops, restaurants and metro connections make car keys feel entirely unnecessary.
8. Villa Ainara, Mallorca
Overlooking the harbour at Puerto de Sóller, Villa Ainara’s location makes a car feel beside the point. Restaurants, cafés, shops and the sandy beach are all within strolling distance, while the vintage Sóller tram runs along the seafront below, linking the port with Sóller town and its railway towards Palma. Back at the villa, five bedrooms, a huge harbour-facing terrace and a private pool with sea views give you plenty of reasons not to rush anywhere.
9. Tamarind Hills Resort – Ocean 1, Antigua
Ocean 1 at Tamarind Hills brings the no-drive idea to Antigua, where the point is not so much getting around as having very little reason to leave. This oceanfront villa looks out across Darkwood Beach, Montserrat and St Kitts, with a vast infinity pool, shaded dining gazebo and floor-to-ceiling glass making the Caribbean feel part of the house. As part of Tamarind Hills Resort, guests have the ease of concierge service, housekeeping and resort-style comfort, with the beach close enough to set the agenda of the stay.
10. Camber Beach House, Sussex
Camber Beach House brings a proper no-drive seaside escape to Sussex, with the golden sweep of Camber Sands just moments from the door. Spend the day wandering between dunes, beach walks, watersports and the house’s hot tub, with shops, pubs and restaurants all close by. Inside, five bedrooms and a bright open-plan living space make it easy for families or friends, while nearby Rye adds cobbled streets, cafés and seafood when you fancy a change of scene.
That’s our top picks for no-drive villa holidays, but we’ve got plenty more to choose from! Just check out our pages dedicated to holiday homes that are a walk to the nearest village, beach and restaurants.
