Self-Catering Multi-Destination

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering Multi-Destination Something Special 

	Something Special
Field House, Station Approach, Harlow CM20 2EW			MAP
tel: Portugal, Crete, Corfu, Cyprus & Gozo (0870) 165 2603

Founded in 1980, and sold in the ‘90s to Thomson, provides booking staff who know the properties individually and will tailormake holidays.

Where

Nine countries in Europe (France gets a separate brochure), Cyprus, Crete, Corfu, the Algarve and Costa Verde in Portugal, Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Tuscany, the Adriatic coast and inland from Rimini, Lazio and the area around Bracciano, Corisca, Gozo, Turkey and Florida.

Style

Around 1,000 properties across the programme, sleep between two and 14, all with private or shared pools. The buildings themselves are generally modern and sometimes rather starkly furnished, but less cookie cutter in style than some programmes. However, there are some traditional style options, particularly away from the coast, for example in Italy and on Gozo. Some neighbouring villas are recommended for families holidaying together. An increasing proportion now offer private pools.

Season

April to October, heating not generally offered. Florida, year round.

Facilities

The majority of villas are reported to have room for a cot. These are pre-bookable and payable locally at around £15 per week. High chairs are also available if pre-booked and are payable locally, cost varying between resorts. Some villas offer fenced off pools.
A private nanny service is available at some resorts including the Algarve, Costa Blanca, Corfu, and Mallorca and evening babysitting is available at this on selected dates. All nannies are CACHE (NNEB) or equivalent qualified and able to care for up to three children from six months. The service is villa-based - nannies don't accompany families on excursions - but do come equipped with a choice of toys and games. Cost is £195 for five half days and £350 for five full days.

Extras

A welcome grocery pack contains basics like bread, milk, mineral water, tea and coffee. In addition clients can request an Essential shopping basked of more than 40 items ranging from local ham, tuna and pasta to washing up liquid and kitchen roll. Cost is between £62 and £79 depending on the resort. A children's basket with breakfast cereals, cartons of soft drinks, pizzas et, a drink and snack basket, and a gourmet basket with speciality local foods and local sparkling wine or champagne, are also available.

Sample Price

A property in Italy with two bedrooms sleeping four and own pool would be £910 per person for one week in high season including flights and car hire, assuming a party of four. There are child reductions of £20 per child 2-16 years.