Best villas still up for grabs

The most popular European villas would normally be chocker this season and already filling up for 2003. This year, with bookings down, there's still a chance to bag one of the best. Act fast ...

Provence, La Devinière

Book it 20 July-3 August, 31 August-14 September. Perfectly ordered peace is the lure of the most-wanted villa at Balfour France (020 8878 9955, www.balfourfrance.com). A mid-20th century stone house sleeping eight, it's set in crisply manicured gardens and rosemary-scented woodlands, with Cannes a splash of blue in the distance, the nearest neighbours mere dots on Provençal hills. This is no rustic retreat. Interiors - hint of a tint with terracotta and mint furnishings - are Home Counties-swish. Wellmaintained luxury means a swimming pool flanked by a summer kitchen, and a caretaker on call to book tonight's restaurant in nearby Grasse and tomorrow's game of golf. One week £4,125, property only.

Ibiza, Cas Gobernador

Book it throughout July. A cancellation by an American socialite presents a chance to swan around this former Royal Balearic Governor's house, overlooking Ibiza harbour and old town. Upmarket villa specialist Blandings (01223 293444) waxes lyrical over the 15th century "family home", whose Italian owners leave a trail of collectibles - paintings, antique snuff boxes, ceramics - through each room; including seven "slightly bohemian" bedrooms (sleeping 12) decorated in dusty pink and seagreen. Lavish entertaining is its raison d'étre: staff are on hand to plump sofas in the outdoor salon, prepare ap?ritifs on the pool terrace and candlelit dinner in a large marquee, ablaze with geraniums and bougainvillea. Whole month £35,000; 14 nights £19,500, including staff. Cook available to hire.

Andalucia, Casa Mimosa

Book it 3-16 July, 11 September-1 October. Families scanning the Mediterranean brochure from Scott Dunn (020 8682 5040, www.scottdunn.com) have leapt on this new arrival, where a nanny and chef come as part of the package. Why? For a start, the wisteria-smothered finca, with guest cottage, sleeps eight - large enough for two families to share. Then there are its eye-widening, 180-degree views that end in a squinty glimpse of Africa. An uncluttered, fresh decor with Moroccan tiling "feels very therapeutic", though the chef 's seafood and salad dishes may have more tangible benefits. Seven acres of almond and olive groves serve as a playground, leaving grown-ups free to lounge by the cute, curvy pool or rip it up in Ronda. One week £1,350 per adult, £400 per child 2-11, £105 per baby, including chef for 51/2 days, nanny, meals, car hire (two cars) and flights.

Tuscany, La Rocca

Book it 8-22 June, 31 August-14 September.

It's no surprise that a 1,000-yearold castle is the hottest property at Tuscany Now (020 7272 5469, www.tuscanynow.com). Everyone "from politicians to pop stars" gets whisked through the electric gates to party here as, says a booker, "unlike most castles, it's not gloomy, it's fun". Stone fireplaces and 15th and 16th century furniture are suitably grand - expect squabbles over who gets the papal bed. All 10 bedrooms (sleeping 20) open on to a sunny courtyard with dining tables - the hub of the property. Efficient staff "run things like a hotel" and can whisk up a themed pool party or wedding celebration without fuss - at night music floats over 800 acres of parkland without the slightest chance of disturbing neighbours. One week £6,648, property.

St Tropez, La Regalide

Book it 29 June-13 July, 27 July-10 August. A couple of cancellations mean the chance to slip surreptitiously into the Riviera set in this renovated stone mas from International Chapters (020 7722 0722, www. villarentals.com). Half the business is repeat custom - visitors are hypnotised by lazy terrace dinners while watching fairy-lit yachts sail into St Tropez harbour. Interiors - cream on cream with a scattering of French antiques - are classic deluxe. The kitchen is a mix of foodie fantasies: a traditional French range sits with two huge retro American fridge/freezers and 21st century essentials - juicer, espresso maker. Ten guests (in six bedrooms) divide themselves between pool, boules court and a small beach, where FrÈjus glitters over the water and the Alps are a faint image of snow on sky. One week £15,925, property only.

Cephalonia, Sunset House

Book it 28 September-12 October. It can be tricky to track down a character property for a small group - hence the clamour at Greek Islands Club (020 8232 9780, greekislandsclub.com) for this twobedroom traditional stone house, 15 minutes from frenetic Fiscardo. Sun and style are givens: the interior is French Provençal with zingy lemon as the accent; outside, choose between sun-trap, shady and lavender-lined pool terraces. Its real pulling power is the "wildness" of its environs - silvery green wild myrtle and olive trees fall away to intense blue sea, with views of coast, not concrete. Beyond grazing goats, the nearest neighbours are at tiny Mangonos, where a tourist-free taverna gives access to the real Greek experience. One week £522pp, four sharing, including flights, car hire and maid service.

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