The Oliver's Way

What it takes to make the cut

Handpicking

Our Villa Collection

Each home in our collection has been personally selected by our seasoned Destination Experts, who know their regions inside out. We turn away more properties than we accept, choosing only those that truly stand out for their location, character, quality and unforgettable wow factor. The result is a carefully refined portfolio where every villa has earned its place. When you book with us, you can feel completely reassured that you’re choosing from the very best of the best – exceptional homes, in exceptional settings, handpicked with you in mind.

How we select the top 2% of holiday homes:

Years of experience and the ‘Seal of Approval’

Our experienced Destination Experts have all spent time living in the destination they represent and continue to visit on a regular basis. They’re always the first in the know, and have the ultimate insider secrets.

All of our holiday homes must also meet a 10-point checklist. If a villa meets our criteria, then it is stamped with our ‘Seal of Approval’ and added to our collection. See below for more on our 10 points.

Setting and maintaining the standard

When we handpick a villa, we thoroughly inspect it to ensure it’s fully prepared for its first guests – from the interiors to cleanliness and overall maintenance, everything must meet our standards. We then review our collection every year to make sure those standards never slip.

Our Destination Experts regularly return to the regions they represent, revisiting villas in our portfolio and searching for exciting new additions. We also send our in-house photographers to capture each property accurately, supported by trusted local partners on the ground – so you can be confident that what you see online is exactly what you’ll find when you arrive.

Chosen carefully, checked regularly

We’re always exploring the destinations our guests love – and keeping an eye on those just beginning to make their mark. By visiting regularly and staying close to what’s happening on the ground, we ensure our collection reflects the very best each region has to offer, including a wide range of family-friendly favourites.

Just as importantly, we continually review the homes in our portfolio. Guest feedback is taken seriously, and if a concern is raised, we work quickly with owners and local teams to put things right. Should a property no longer meet the standards we’re proud to stand behind, we’ll remove it from our collection. It’s all part of making sure that when you book with us, you can do so with complete confidence.

Pricing analysis + the final say

With each new villa we add to our portfolio, we’ll compare the rates to similar holiday homes (taking into account variables like location, style, capacity, facilities) to make sure we’re offering you the best value for money.

Once our Destination Experts are satisfied they’ve found a perfect addition to the Oliver’s Travels portfolio, the villa will be presented to the rest of the team for a collective vote.

The Seal of Approval

The 10 things every holiday home must have:

1. Location is everything

We carefully select villas in the most desirable areas of each destination – close to the places you’ll want to explore, yet positioned to offer privacy and comfort. Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, you’ll always have plenty to see and do within easy reach.

2. Unique character

We look for quirky homes, full of personality. From historic estates to thoughtfully restored farmhouses, each villas has its own sense of place and individual charm, with details that make it feel distinctive.

3. Exceptional standards

We’ve tried and tested thousands of holiday homes so that we can be sure we’re offering only the cream of the crop. From charming farmhouses to impressive French chateaux with elegant interior design, Oliver’s Travels strikes the perfect balance between traditional comforts and those extra holiday luxuries.

4. Thoughtful features

Each villa offers a range of features designed to enhance your stay – whether that’s a swimming pool, outdoor dining areas, games rooms, gardens, bikes or something a little unexpected. There’s always more than just the basics.

5. Ideal for families

Family holidays should feel effortless. All of our villas are child-friendly, and we’re transparent about which homes are best suited to babies and toddlers, children or teenagers. When a villa has features that may not suit certain ages, we’ll always make that clear.

6. Price aligned with quality

We only add a villa if we believe it offers fair value for its location, style and facilities. If pricing doesn’t reflect the experience, we work with owners to adjust it. It’s a collaborative approach that allows us to confidently stand behind both the villa and its rate.

7. Reliable WiFi

We understand that staying connected matters. WiFi is available across our collection, and if there are any limitations, we’ll let you know upfront.

8. Well maintained

Comfort is essential. Our villas are carefully maintained and regularly reviewed, ensuring they remain up to date while preserving their original character.

9. Concierge service available

While all villas are booked for exclusive use on a self-catering basis, many offer optional services such as housekeeping, catering, fridge-stocking or babysitting. Some also offer experiences like spa treatments, wine tastings or wellness sessions – allowing you to tailor your stay.

10. The Wow Factor

Finally, every villa must have something that makes it memorable. It might be a panoramic view, remarkable architecture, beautiful grounds or a feature that surprises and delights – but there will always be something that feels extra special.

Extra: Weddings & parties

We also have a carefully chosen collection of villas well suited to weddings, milestone celebrations and large gatherings, with the space and setting to make the occasion feel truly special.

Extra: Pets welcome

Many of our villas welcome pets, because for some families, a holiday wouldn’t feel complete without them.

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