There is no doubt that Spain does villa holidays very well indeed, with a huge range of properties to choose from to suit all budgets. Whether you are after a sleek minimalist property by the Mediterranean or a characterful mansion in the countryside, the first thing you are likely to look at is the pool — and the area around it. These days, we all want a smart outdoor seating and dining area. We want luxe daybeds rather than basic sunloungers. This is where we spend most of our time on holiday, after all. Some of the pools here have views across the sea, others are surrounded by lush gardens or lawns with plenty of space for ball games.
Coastlines vary enormously around Spain and there is always somewhere new to discover, so don’t fall into the “been there, done that” trap. You might be surprised by the never-ending beaches along the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic coast, or the crystal clear water on the Costa Tropical south of Granada. For a bit less heat, spectacular stretches of sand and a dynamic gastronomic scene, it is well worth looking at northern Spain, which feels like a different country entirely. These are the best villas in Spain with a pool.
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1. Villa Flamingo Estrella, Benahavís, Costa del Sol
£££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 12
Pack your glitziest swimwear for a stay at Villa Flamingo. Between Marbella and Estepona, with six huge en suite bedrooms and chic contemporary design, this is a place for a totally glammed-up holiday with your friends — perfect for celebrating a special birthday. Lounge by the infinity pool, sip cocktails at the outdoor bar, stretch out in the yoga studio and destress in the sauna, then gather around the fire pit on the roof terrace to gaze at the stars. Los Flamingos golf course adjoins the property and Marbella is less than half an hour’s drive away.
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2. The Song of the Sun, Deia, Mallorca
£££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 8
Stay here and you’ll be strolling through the cobbled lanes of arty Deia to get your croissants in the morning. Back at the caramel stone villa with your basket of goodies, you have breakfast by the pool with views across the village and hills to the turquoise sea. Contemporary design and artworks perfectly complement the rustic chic interiors in the series of white rooms with beamed ceilings. One of the four bedrooms has a four-poster bed and two are en suite. The walk down the hillside to idyllic Cala de Deia for a dip — and back up — is a wonderful way to get your daily steps in.
3. Villa Granadella, Javea, Costa Blanca
££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 8
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After a few languid lengths, rest your arms on the edge of the infinity pool and gaze across the Mediterranean. Sunbathe on the deck for a while, then slip back into the water. Repeat until you have forgotten what frazzled even means. On the hillside above Granadella cove — shingly but great for snorkelling — the modern white villa is on four levels and has floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the location. Even the gym has spectacular views. Design is minimalist but comfortable and all four bedrooms have huge luxe bathrooms. You can walk down to the beach, where there is a bar and restaurant, in about ten minutes.
4. Pazo de Ceilan, Negreira, Galicia
£ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 13
Pazos are the grand houses you see dotted across the countryside in Galicia in northern Spain. This 200-year-old residence is a beautiful example with tons of traditional character. Beamed ceilings, terracotta floors, open stone walls, an attractive covered terrace for family meals, lawned gardens and a mosaic pool are just a few of the villa’s charms — the only hitch is there are only two bathrooms for seven bedrooms (plus facilities by the pool). You can walk to village shops, bars and restaurants, Santiago de Compostela is half-an-hour’s drive away and spectacular Carnota beach is around 45 minutes by car.
5. Finca Tranquila, Ibiza
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£££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 12
Contemporary artworks lend a gallery feel to this spectacular villa with soothing white interiors. Five of the seven bedrooms are in the main house, but for greater privacy book the casita or the covetable tree house. A 23m pool, tennis court, outdoor bar, fire pit, meditation room, sauna, gym and yoga area mean you don’t have to venture outside, but it is reassuring to know that although the villa is hidden away in a quiet location, Ibiza Town, Playa d’en Bossa and the airport are only a 10-minute drive away. Breakfast service is included.
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6. Begur Villa, Begur, Costa Brava
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££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 10
Near Sa Tuna beach on a hillside adorned with pine trees in one of the loveliest parts of the northern Costa Brava, the villa is five minutes’ drive from the pretty town of Begur and an hour from Girona. The sleek interior is geared to easy, comfortable living, with floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the location. Four of the five bedrooms have direct access to a terrace with sea views, where there is an outdoor seating area with a barbecue and an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean. This is a great choice for two families with children of different ages.
7. Casa Nero, La Herradura, Costa Tropical
£££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 8
East of the Costa del Sol, the Costa Tropical is the coastline of Granada province and has a quieter, more Spanish vibe. Protected by the Sierra Nevada, mangos and avocados grow on the lush hillsides that shelter a string of beaches. Casa Nero, which overlooks the crescent bay of La Herradura, has a shimmering emerald pool and a garden filled with palm and pomegranate trees, as well as herbs and spices to add to your dishes. The stylish contemporary villa — with furnishings by Tom Dixon and Soho House — has three bedrooms with black marble bathrooms and another bedroom giving onto the garden. A chef and housekeeper are available if required. You’ll be there in less than an hour from Malaga airport and Nerja is 15 minutes away.
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8. Villa Baccha Deluxe, Soller, Mallorca
£££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 12
This traditional stone house with a large pool and landscaped gardens definitely has the wow factor. In the hills outside Soller, it is a short drive to Port de Soller, Deia or Fornalutx. This is a great area for hiking and cycling, particularly in spring and autumn when it is not too hot. One end of the pool is very shallow so small children can splash safely here, while a gym in a separate building has basic equipment and yoga mats. Inside it is all natural tones, with that mix of traditional and modern that Mallorca does so well, with a smooth flow from the kitchen and living area to the terrace.
9. La Barrosa Beach Villa, Chiclana de la Frontera, Costa de la Luz
££ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 6
Some of Spain’s best beaches are on the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic and La Barrosa rates among the most spectacular stretches of sand. This modern villa with three bedrooms is five minutes’ walk from the beach, with shops, restaurants and cafés just a stroll away. The pool is small but attractive, with a bar and seating area and plenty of room to kick a ball around. An outdoor kitchen and dining table means you might not spend much time inside, but the decor is super stylish in natural tones. There are lots of other splendid beaches, as well as seaside towns and pretty villages, to explore by car from here — as well as the Sancti Petri golf course.
10. La Casa en el Pinar, Sant Lluis, Menorca
£ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 10
Just outside the village of Torret and close to Sant Lluis in the southeastern corner of Menorca, the villa has an impressive pool surrounded by lawns, palm trees and bougainvillaea with plenty of space for loungers and seating. All on one floor, the house has vaulted ceilings and beams, with modern Menorcan rustic decor, which means lots of taupe, white and natural materials. While it feels very private, you can stroll to bars and restaurants and Punta Prima beach is a five-minute drive away.
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