ABOUT US

Villa World is proud of its reputation as one of the pioneers of fresh thinking villa operators providing a real choice of quality villas in the World's finest locations. As a privately owned and independent company all our villas are expertly chosen. Each villa is known intimately by our staff providing you with the reassurance that any queries you may have concerning your villa of interest will be answered pleasantly, helpfully and accurately.

Because we don't rely on agents to market our product and with the warm relationships we enjoy with our villa owners, our prices represent great value. Our villas are offered to you by weekly rental and you are therefore not restricted to people to beds and there are no under occupancy charges. Our service isn't just limited to the UK; Each villa is supported by professional resort managers to ensure your stay is worry free.

We very much welcome the opportunity of discussing your requirements and look forward to assisting you further.

VILLA WORLD GENERAL INFORMATION AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS

VILLA RENTALS - The rates shown on our website are in £ sterling and will show as a weekly rent or in some instances daily rates. - Please contact us for a precise costing or visit our 'Late Availability' page for last minute up to date bargains. Rentals include gas, water, electricity, bed linen, weekly linen change, maid service if applicable, financial protection and assistance of local agent if required.  We can sometimes offer durations of less than one week, but often a minimum 6 day rental will apply.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION - We are very much aware how important it is for our clients to know they have total peace of mind as far as financial protection is concerned and therefore in accordance with EC Directives any monies paid to us is  fully protected. Comprehensive cover is provided under the 'Bond Plus' insurance scheme, managed by PJ Hayman and company Ltd. A certificate providing full details of how any payments made to Villa World are financially protected will be sent to you when you book.  

OUR VILLAS - The vast majority of our villas are privately owned and are furnished to the owners taste. Inevitably the standard and style will vary considerably from villa to villa and region to region, and although we do endeavour to give accurate descriptions of each villa with interior photos when possible, please remember price alone is not necessarily an accurate guide and interiors/surroundings may differ from photo supplied.

TRAVEL BY AIR - We are  pleased to now have our own "on-line" flight booking system whereby you can research and book your flights direct.  The system will check over 40 airlines (including "low-cost" ones) to ensure you are offered the best choice and price for your flights.  You are able to  "mix and match" flight carriers for total flexibility.  All prices quoted will be inclusive of baggage allowance, taxes, surcharges and commissions.  However if the airline increases security charges after you have booked the right is  reserved  to pass any additional cost incurred to you.  We make a charge of approximately £14 pp to make European flight reservations on your behalf.  Your flight will be booked direct with the flight carrier and you will be governed by their terms and conditions. 

VILLA TENANCIES - You may take over your property from 1600 hours and we would ask you to vacate by 1000 hours to allow the villa to be prepared for the incoming clients. In some cases the arrival time can be brought forward but only when in agreement with our reservation staff prior to travel. For those with a late flight departure occasionally arrangements can be made for you to stay a little longer in the villa but incoming clients always have priority. When booking flights please bear in mind the above. If taking transfers, it is your responsibility to arrange a suitable venue to stay at prior to moving into/leaving the villa.

EXTRA BEDS, COTS, HIGH CHAIRS ETC - These can normally be provided in most villas for a charge - Please enquire at time of booking. A few of our villas can be over-occupied but only when checked with your holiday advisor in advance and he relevant extra bed fee paid for. If a property is over-occupied and we are unaware of the matter prior to departure we reserve the right to request additional persons leave the property and also made a charge to the inventory deposit.  Some cots will not be provided with linen.

SPECIAL REQUESTS - Any special request should be put in writing to us and whilst we will make every effort to adhere to your requests, we cannot guarantee that we will always be successful. At the time of booking please advise our reservations staff of any special requirements.

WELCOME PACKS – We can arrange for a basic refreshment pack to be delivered to your villa on the day of arrival, which will consist of a minimum of water, juice, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, wine, crisps or biscuits and matches, some areas also provide cold meat, bread, tomatoes and margarine. Cost of pack to be reserved in advance which includes package and delivery: Menorca, Spain, Algarve, Cyprus, £20 up to 6 persons and £30 up to 10 persons, Mallorca £30 up to 6 persona and £45 up to 10 persons. Caribbean POA Cleaning materials and dishwasher/washing machine powders are not provided.

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION - Each of our villas have either a House Manager or local Agent that looks after the property and they are available to assist with any problems that may arise. As our clients generally do not wish to be disturbed during their holiday we do not have reps who visit, if however you require any assistance or details of local amenities please do not hesitate to call the local contact on the phone numbers provided.

AIRPORT PARKING - save up to 50% on pre-booked secured airport parking from £45 pw. Also savings can be made on pre-booking airport hotels with holiday parking from £75 for the family.   All available now to book on-line, follow links from "Insurance" page. 

INSURANCE - Please ensure you have adequate Personal Holiday insurance for your overseas trip, this can be booked direct "on-line" by following the link from the homepage to "Insurance"

TV/SATELLITE TV - Most villas with TV and video will only have foreign channels.  When satellite is provided this is usually a combination of CNN news, Euro Sport and cartoons along with other foreign channels, or in some instances there is full BBC service.

KITCHENS - Are fully equipped with necessary utensils for self-catering. All have oven, hob, fridge/freezer unless otherwise stated. Some villas have additional facilities such as a washing machine, dishwasher and microwave which will be detailed in the individual descriptions. NB: Kettles and teapots are often NOT supplied!

BATHROOMS - "Bathroom" in the description could be bathroom or shower room, all baths have shower attachment. Shower curtains are often not provided and it is not unusual for there to be no wall fixing for a shower head.

VILLA MAINTENANCE/INTERRUPTIONS - Swimming pools and gardens are maintained regularly. From time to time routine maintenance and repairs have to be carried out. Nearby building works can sometimes be a problem and we can only give assurance in this regard at the time of booking and cannot accept responsibility should such an activity commence without notice. Many villas are in rural settings and it is not unusual to hear cocks crow, dogs howl or often encounter the odd rodent. Ants are particularly menacing in the Balearics and extra care should be taken to deter them by ensuring you keep the property surfaces clean and do not leave any kitchen waste at the villa.  Should public supplies fail, such as water and electricity, intermittently or otherwise, or plumbing systems and mechanical equipment fail, we can accept no liability but will do our utmost to rectify any problems as swiftly as possible. It is a regrettable fact of life that systems do fail and should there by a problem with pool maintenance we cannot be held responsible but will do all that is possible to have the situation remedied as quickly as possible.

RESORT DEVELOPMENT It is inevitable that most resort will expand and building work is occasionally unavoidable. Local authorities may grant permission to build/alter properties and roads without notice. Unfortunately such developments are beyond our control, however if we are made aware of the situation and we consider it will significantly affect your holiday, we will advise you if possible.

CAR HIRE Most of our villas benefit from the use of a car and this adds to the freedom of choice that villa holidays are all about.  We are pleased to offer you car hire from a selection of car hire companies.  Please note that we act as booking agent for any car hire reservation and all contracts, terms and conditions are then subject to that car hire companies regulations.  They will do their best to offer you the choice of car you reserved but they may have to offer a substitute vehicle.  Credit card, full driving license and passports  have to be provided at time of collection.  You may be offered additional insurances and will be asked to leave a fuel deposit, we ask you to read and understand their terms at time of collecting your vehicle.  The prices shown on our website should be used as a guideline, the rates may be subject to change at time of making a reservation due to currency fluctuation and product demand.

INVENTORY DEPOSITS - Owing to the quality of our villas, and in accordance with our contracts with villa owners, a refundable inventory deposit of between £150 - £500 is payable at the time your holiday balance is due. (Some of our C.Brava/Blanca villas request the inventory deposit is paid locally). This is held to cover any breakages or damage to the villa. We would ask that you contact us approximately three weeks after your return from holiday to request the return of the deposit, which will be sent to you in the form of a cheque unless we report any damage. Should the deposit be inadequate to cover such charges, it is a condition of booking that you pay any balance due promptly following our notification. We reserve the right to collect any additional costs over and above the inventory deposit held, or costs for breakages if inventory deposit is not paid, from a credit card if held on file.

ONE WEEK HOLIDAYS - Owing to servicing charges incurred by Villa World, we reserve the right to charge a supplement of 7%  on one week rentals.

PAYMENT - A 25% villa deposit is required when booking and the final balance fall due 10 weeks prior to departure. (Some Costa Brava villa deposits are 30% at time of booking).  For late bookings full payment is due at time of booking. If paying by credit or debit card there is a 2% handling fee on all payments. We do not accept American Express. Final details  will be dispatched approximately 2 weeks prior to departure. If payment is not received on the due date your holiday may be cancelled and cancellation charges incurred. 

PASSPORTS/VISA REQUIREMENTS - A full 10-year passport valid for at least six months after your return travel date is required for all persons travelling to all the destinations we feature. Children must now have their own passport if not already on a current passport. Please note it is the responsibility of the client to be in possession of a valid passport and any visa which might be required. Non British passport holders should check the regulations with the consulates of all the countries that they will be visiting or passing through.


MAID SERVICE -Bed linen and towels are provided with all villas and the property will be prepared for your arrival. All areas (other than Florida) have a weekly linen change and in the Algarve maid service is provided 3-5 days per week. Please note that beach/pool towels are not supplied and should therefore be taken with you. Florida - preparation only, linen supplied in villa for 2 changes. Caribbean 2-5 days maid service a week, some have housekeepers.  The change of linen in some areas will be offered as "supply" only and beds not made up but linen left for your use.

CANCELLATIONS - Any cancellation must be in writing and sent by recorded delivery. Cancellation charges are as follows:

More than 70 days prior to departure Deposit only 69-60 days prior to departure 50% 59-30 days prior to departure 75% 29 days or less prior to departure 100% Villa World offer a comprehensive insurance policy to protect you against unwanted cancellation charges. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance cover for travel overseas. Flight cancellation charges will be 100% cancellation fees at any time.

ALTERATIONS BY YOU - Most alterations to a booking that has been confirmed incurs extra expense both here in the UK and overseas. Therefore should you wish to change your reservation an administration charge of £20 will be made for each alteration up to 10 weeks before departure and £30 thereafter. We urge you to make your reservation of all extras at the time of booking.


ALTERATIONS BY US - In the unlikely event of us having to alter your holiday due to circumstances beyond our control we reserve the right to do so. We recognise that our reputation is dependent on our providing smooth running and problem free arrangements on all aspects of your holiday and every effort will be made to keep any resultant disruption to an absolute minimum. If the property you have rented is withdrawn from our programme for whatever reason, we will offer you an alternative villa with a refund of any difference in rental if applicable. If we are unable to offer you an alternative property we will refund the cost of the villa rental. We will not be responsible for costs of flights and car hire that may have been booked in conjunction with the reservation.

CANCELLATION BY US - We reserve the right to cancel your holiday. We will only do so however, after the final balance falls due, where either you default in payment in whole or in part, or we are forced to do so as a result of circumstances beyond our control. Where your holiday is cancelled (other than due to default in payment) we will offer you the choice of purchasing another villa holiday or offer a full refund on monies paid for the accommodation. Villa World will not be responsible for any further liability, including cost of travel.

OUR OBLIGATION TO YOU - YOUR VILLA WORLD CONTRACT -The contract is between Villa World (who are acting on behalf of the owners/agents)  and the party leader, who consents to the booking conditions. A contract exists when you have paid a deposit and we have accepted your booking with is subject to English law.

CURRENCY SURCHARGES/PRICE GUARANTEE - We will absorb any increase of up to 10% of the price (which excludes insurance and amendment charges). Amounts in excess of 10% WILL BE SURCHARGED. Currency exchange rates used are Euro 1.2, USA $1.55, Drh 6.0

WEBSITE ACCURACY - Our website is prepared many months in advance of the Summer season and whilst we have made every effort to ensure the contents are accurate circumstances do change, services may be added or withdrawn, appearance of the villa may alter, supermarkets/restaurants may be opened/closed. If we are aware of such changes, and consider it will affect your holiday we will make every effort to advise you but cannot be held responsibly for situations that are beyond our control.

PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION - Villa World only collects personal information about you (eg your name, phone number and email address) if you specifically provide us with this info voluntarily, eg when purchasing or enquiring about a villa holiday.  Any personal info we collect via our website will never be released or sold to any companies or individuals outside of our authorised partner companies.  Your personal data will not be used or shared for any other marketing purposes without your consent unless required by law.  If you have registered with us or any of our associated companies and thereby given your consent, you may be contacted with relevant promotions and offers.


VILLA WORLD RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility for the negligent acts and or omissions of our Suppliers, Employees, Agents or sub-contractors while acting in the course of their employment is accepted by Villa World, It is also accepted that any service contracted by us will be of a reasonable standard (subject to the following):

1. Our liability is limited to the total holiday price, excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges.
2. Liability is not accepted for circumstances due to force majeure.
3. Liability is not accepted for disappointment due to local disturbances beyond our control.
4. As a matter of policy Villa World will try to offer assistance to any problems that may arise, even if the circumstances are beyond our responsibility.


YOUR OBLIGATION TO US Booking - On making a reservation and paying a deposit you agree to accept the booking conditions be it via our website or direct with us. Deposit - At the time of booking 25% of the villa rental plus full insurance premiums (if relevant) is payable, and full flights payment if relevant. Payments - The final balance shown on your confirmation invoice is payable not later than 10 weeks prior to departure. Overseas - You are expected to take good care of the property and it's surroundings and to ensure the behaviour of anyone in your party does not cause a nuisance to other people. Inventory deposits are held for 3 weeks after your departure from resort and we reserve the right to make deductions should any damage or loss occur or additional cleaning be necessary. Please leave your villa clean and tidy, with rubbish taken away and washing up done.

GROUP BOOKINGS - We reserve the right to refuse reservations for parties of 6 or more persons of the same sex. Minimum age for booking is 21 years.

IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT - In the unlikely event of a complaint, you must follow this procedure.

1. Contact the local agent/supplier of service as soon as possible and vie full details of any problems.
2. If the local Agent can not be reached within a reasonable time you should contact the UK office or emergency number.
3. Reasonable time should be allowed for our local Agent to act upon/rectify any complaint but please be aware that the service of plumbers/electricians etc can take longer to materialize in foreign countries.
4. On your return home you must put your complaint in writing to us within 21 days of your return date. We cannot accept responsibility for damage, loss or disappointment arising form complaints that we were not given reasonable opportunity to rectify, or of which we were not notified in accordance with this clause.  Villa World act on behalf of our owners and agents, in the event of a dispute about your accommodation we will correspond with the owner/agent on your behalf and forward their response to you once received.  Villa World act as an intermediary and cannot be held liable for any claims against the owners accommodation.

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING - These booking conditions form the basis of your contract. Your booking is with Villa World, registered in England, no 3237725. Website, telephone and postal bookings are all subject to the above terms and conditions.