Sunday 24 May 2009

Apartment in Countryside Villa with heated pool only 20 minutes by train into the centre of Rome, Italy

Mick and Angela Brown would like to present to you our large Villa with heated pool, set in the rolling countryside south of Rome. 30 minutes away are the resort towns of Nettuno & Anzio with their superb beaches. Ciampino Airport is 30 minutes away. The Villa is ideal for 2 families it is divided in to 2 apartments, a 1 bedroom sleeping 2 to 5 and a 2 bedroom sleeping 2 to 6, the apartments can be rented separately. Both apartments are fully fitted with full kitchens, family bathrooms with full size showers and washing machines.

The 2 bedroom apartment also has a dishwasher and partial air-conditioning. There are large gardens and a heated pool, we have an outdoor kitchen with gas BBQ and a wood burning pizza oven. We have wine from our vineyard, homemade preserves and chutneys, olive oil from our olive trees, fresh seasonable vegetables, fresh eggs, Angela also makes pasta sauces and lasagne. Prices are for the 2 bedroom apartment for full occupancy, please email for other prices.

Transport in Rome:

Taxis: Only use official Taxis, there will be touts around the airports and train stations offering taxis services, ignore them or you will be ripped off, their cheap quote will increase when you arrive as they will add on luggage etc. Official taxis are white with the city logo on the side, even in these insist they use the meter. If you are traveling outside the city beware if they try and charge you for the return trip, they say it is because they will not get a fare back to the city, however the tariff officially increases outside of the city to allow for this so they have already received more.

This tariff changes when crossing the GRA which is the Rome ring road, ensure they do not change it earlier. To and from the airports there is a fixed rate for up to 4 people and their luggage to anywhere within the old city walls of 40 Euro from Fiumicino and 30 Euro from Ciampino, if it is outside the old city walls then the meter applies.

Buses & Metro: There is a standard fare on the buses and metro of 1 Euro, this entitles you to travel in one direction for up to 75 minutes using the metro and buses. The tickets can be bought at tabacci and newsstands around Rome, you cannot buy them on the buses. You need to validate the ticket in the machines on the buses or when you go through the turnstiles on the metro. You can get daily tickets and weekly tickets.

Trains: Trains are quite cheap in Italy although they get more expensive the more luxurious they get. For example a stopping train from Rome to Naples would costs 10.50 Euro and take around 2 1/2 hours, a Eurostar non stop costs 33 Euro and takes around 1 1/2 hours. However the less you pay the more likely you will have to stand at least some of the way, the Eurostars are reserved seats. Locally around Rome you buy a ticket for a certain distance, so a 20 Km ticket can be used for travel from any station in Lazio and you can travel up to 20 Km in one direction.

The ticket is live when you put it in to one of the yellow machines at the station to get it stamped. You can also write the start station on the ticket and the date and time to validate it as well, this is because quite often the stamping machines don’t work. You can get daily tickets and weekly tickets for use on local trains.You can get train information from TrenItalia.

To find our more information from Mick and Angela Brown Click Here

Saturday 23 May 2009

Self catering Holiday rental in Llangollen, Wales

Located in the picturesque town of Llangollen in Wales. jmlvillas.com and welshcottagerental.com are pleased to provide the following details about this self catering cottage.

Cottage for 2 persons in a convenient central location in the beautiful town of Llangollen in North Wales. The town is a popular tourist destination with a steam railway, horse drawn canal boats and beautiful scenery.

The town stages many popular events all year round including the world famous International Eisteddfodd music festival. The cottage is within a few minutes walk of all the attractions as well as restaurants and pubs with live music and other entertainment.

The town is also a great base for day trips to Snowdonia and the north coast beaches. This cottage itself provides basic accommodation with one double bedroom, a bathroom with shower and bath, kitchen and lounge. The property does not have a garden or parking, but parking may be arranged at the owners property close by. pets welcome but due to lack of garden it may not be suitable for a large animal. Non smokers only. bed linen and towels provided. Transport from airport/railway station may be arranged through owner.

It has these facilities:

Washing machine
Pets welcome
Shops nearby
Bars nearby
TV
Close to River
Restaurants nearby
Microwave
Park nearby

Further Details:

Banks in town — Barclays, Natwest & HSBC
All general facilities it town which include supermarket, chemist, doctor,dentist, laundrette and post office Using public transport Llangollen is reached by bus from Local train stations (closest main station = Wrexham)

Within 1 to 2 minutes walk of numerous restaurants and pubs with live entertainment. Within 5 minutes walk of river. Hotel with spar complex open to public 10 minutes walk. Excellent location for walks with stunning scenery. Closest large town is Wrexham for shopping expeditions, cinema, and water world swimming complex.

Monday 18 May 2009

Fancy staying in the Kings Palace Apartments in Paphos, Cyprus?

jmlvillas.com are offering this Luxury one bedroom first floor apartment, sleeps upto five people.

Ideally situated between the harbour and the popular coral bay resort.The complex has beautiful landscaped gardens and a large, well maintained pool with stunning sea views.The apartment has a large balcony which is accessible through both lounge and bedroom patio doors also with pool and sea views. It is close to all amenities and fifteen minutes from the airport.

The bedroom has two single beds and large fitted wardrobes. The lounge has two double sofa beds, a dining table which seats four people and a large wall unit. The kitchen has modern appliances including fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, hob, toaster and kettle etc. The bathroom has wash basin, shower and WC. The high standard of this apartment along with the ideal location makes this a desirable place for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Local Area

Capital of the west and positively teeming with history is Pafos, site of the island's second international airport. The resort town has as its focal point a charming fishing harbour by Pafos Fort, lined with open-air cafés and tavernas that serve a tempting menu of the day's catch.

It was on Pafos shoreline that the mythological Goddess Aphrodite was born - a legend that spawned a massive wave of cult worship from neighbouring countries that lasted several centuries. The large rock that juts from the sea is known as `Petra Tou Romiou' - The Venus Rock - while the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis and the 'Fontana Amorosa' - Fountain of Love -also echo her apparent penchant for the island. At Kouklia lie the remains of the Goddess' earliest Sanctuary.

The legacy from its remarkable history adds up to nothing less than an open museum, so much so that UNESCO simply added the whole town to its World Cultural Heritage List. Among the treasures unearthed, are the remarkable mosaics in the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion, beautifully preserved after 16 centuries under the soil. Then there are the mysterious vaults and caves, the Tombs of the Kings, the Pillar to which Saint Paul was allegedly tied and whipped, the ancient Odeon Theatre and other places of interest including the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum.

Geroskipou with its remarkable five-domed Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi, and its Folk Art Museum is a village known for many years now for its special delight `loukoumi'. Agios Neofytos Monastery, famous for its `Encleistra', Enclosure, carved out of the mountain by the hermit himself, boasts some of the finest Byzantine frescoes of the l2th and l5th centuries. Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery makes its own range of wines using homegrown grapes. A small museum dedicated to Archbishop Makarios, first president of Cyprus, is found at Pano Panagia. From here it is a rewarding drive to the majestic Cedar Valley, home of the indigenous Cyprus horned sheep, the moufflon.

Lempa village can be singled out as one with particular historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement. Today the faithful reconstruction of several dwellings, gives an insight into chalcolithic life on the island.Further north lies a quiet resort, Polis, overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latsi. The low-lying scenery around Pafos, much of it cultivated with banana plantations and backed by the foothills of the western Troodos range, has an attractively open quality to it. This is the gateway to the Peninsula of Akamas, a natural wilderness of incredible beauty with breathtaking gorges, spectacular coastlines and enjoyable nature trails.

Food in Cyprus
Cypriot cuisine is rich and varied, a unique and exotic blend of all the cultures and foods of the many countries surrounding this intoxicating island - an integration of Greek, Lebanese, Turkish and Italian cuisine with an unmistakable mark that makes it undeniably Cypriot. It has been said that 'Cyprus is the perfect island where food is ambrosia and wine is nectar'. Whoever said that civilisation started on the table and variety was the spice of life surely had Cyprus in mind. In ancient times it was said that Cyprus invented the art of good living, and the island's name became inextricable linked with luxury to both the gods and humans.

In Cyprus food is a celebration of life, and if people are what they eat, then Cyprus is a vibrant, fresh and incredibly healthy nation. Whilst residing in or visiting Cyprus you will soon discover the important role food has to play in the lifestyles of the people of the island, and it wont be long before you too are caught up and this passion and enjoyment of eating and drinking. Food and drink is synonymous with life and love, as much a part of the culture as Aphrodite and Othello. Everything seems to revolve around food and drink, and a meal never seems to be a small affair. Dining is always a celebration - an excuse to get friends and family together on an almost daily basis - to relax, banter, and discuss the topics of the day. The many restaurants and tavernas in Cyprus are often full because it is such great value to dine out.

You will often see vast groups of families and friends, of all generations, whiling away hours sipping a glass of ouzo and feasting on great hunks of barbecued lamb or fantastically fresh seafood from the surrounding waters. Even working hours are arranged so that the inhabitants of this isle can take a few hours off during the midday sun to dine in their groups before snatching a quick siesta.

The simple but flavoursome food, which relies on superb local produce and clean flavours, appeals to all palates. There is plenty of choice for vegetarians too, who will be happy to find that Cypriots treat vegetables as enticing meals in themselves rather than just dull side dishes. The tap water is drinkable, the supermarket basket in Cyprus is considered among the cheapest in Europe. To help you understand and enjoy the pleasures of Cypriot cuisine we, at Cyprus Properties For You, have included a guide to some of the tastes you are likely to savour whilst you are on the island.

This sounds like a great place to visit and stay at in 2009 - Find out more here

Holididay Studio to let - Convenient for Cannes Film festival or 2009 Monaco Grand Prix

Montfleuri, Villeneuve-Loubet (Near Antibes). South of France has just been added to the jmlvillas.com - cotedazurrental.com websites.


This 35sq m studio apartment sits in a extremely well-kept private residence, away from the hustle and bustle and noise, but close enough to be able to walk to the shops, post office, and bus stops. Walking up to the residence is not as easy though for an elderly person or a young child - so you need to drop them off before parking. As we are situated on top of a terraced hill, the apartment is actually on the first floor on our side of the block. The apartment has an outside terrace, with sea view, is very safe and secure. Wonderfully sunny all day long, you can stay and sit in the sun on the private terrace, walk down to the swimming pool, play some tennis or table tennis. Or head off to discover this amazing part of France. Studio offers sleeping for up to 3 beds, plus 1 cot. WIFI/Internet, Sky Satellite There is no set theme for this area, there are just so many things to do and see. Close to Antibes, Nice, St Paul de Vence, and of course Monaco!

Further details and Local Information

During your visit in Villeneuve-Loubet, discover the splendid and remarkably well-preserved castle of Villeneuve. Built in the Middle Ages, the castle is made up with a superb pentagonal-shaped tower from the XIIIth century. Its two surrounding walls with circular towers date from the XVIth century.

At this time, the castle welcomed the King of the France, François the 1st, who ruled his kingdom from Villeneuve for 3 weeks. Owned by the Panisses-Passis family since 1742, the castle is situated in a magnificent park planted with Mediterranean and exotic species. It is a real opportunity to have access to this private residence, to go across the gardens and to walk the covered way before entering into the magical atmosphere of the courtyard. Market day once a week, plus lots of summer activities and a Christmas market. The commune has over 1000 hectares of green areas to offer which are ideal for the long hours that you can spend relaxing, doing sport and discovering new things with your family : cycle path, picnic areas, nature events, adventure park, horse riding, golf, tennis, and all sorts of activities that can be done by children from a very early age.

Villeneuve-Loubet has a seaside resort which provides you with all the fun of the beach and bathing (the beaches are patrolled by life-guards all through the summer), watersports activities, large pebbly or sandy beaches...

Local Activities Include: Golfing, Horse riding, Adventure Park, Fishing, Sailing, Paragliding, Jet Ski-ing, Adventure Maze, Natural Park, Medieval Fortress, Museum of History and Art.
Also, Aqua Splash, Yacht Club, Hiking, Extreme Sports, Aqua Land (Killer Whales, Dolphins etc.),and Antibes Land Plus many more.

Don't just take our word...Find out more here


Tuesday 5 May 2009

Sundance Villas Cyprus

For several years Irene Hare's Company Sundance Villas in Cyprus has been advertising some of her fabulous vacation villas on euro-rentavilla.com and jmlvillas.com

Their latest newsletter has just come out. Great bargains and ideas like Last minute Offers: May temperatures are usually in the 80's and all available dates in May can be reduced. We offer lower rates for 2 persons on most villas.
easyJet have up to 25% off flights departing 1 June to 30 September. And there are still August seats available around £300 pp with other airlines (British Midland etc.)

Hot Press for August: 2 bedroom Villa Katerina with its superb 10m overflow pool, 1.6m deep all over so no knocking your knees in the shallow end, now has a washing machine, to bring it in line with all our other villas. Vacant from 9 August 09.
August Cancellation: 1 - 16 August 09. Vineyard Breeze, a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom villa with free Group B car.

And for those of you that are about to go to Cyprus, some more Tavernas to try that will not be on your General Information that we sent you:

Avanti village: Ocean Basket. Fish and Seafood - very good value.
Geroskipou: Monte Negro: Tel. 26961422. Very good meze, busy with Cypriots.
Well don't take our word for it, find out more youself follow this link to contact Irene and her team. You will have to scroll down the page where you will see a picture of a telephone and you simply fill in the email contact box.
Please note the details might not be 100 per cent accurate so you must always check out full information before making a booking.

Monday 4 May 2009

Albufeira - The Algarve Portugal

Albufeira is a Portuguese city in the Algarve in southern Portugal. Its name came from the Arabic al-Buħayra - "the lagoon". It is one of the leading tourist resorts of the region and has plenty to offer including a marina,beach golf courses,hotels, apartments restaurants and bars.

Albufeira is classified as a city and including all of its suburbs sprawls some 30 kilometres along the coast and some 10 kilometres inland. There is a good bus service, a train station and colourful land trains which do a full circuit of the city.

There are very few high rise buildings and its very spread out with tree lined streets and nice gardens. The beaches vary between large golden bays and small rocky coves which are fun to explore and of course every beach has a lovely restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood. There are all kinds of restaurants, fun bars, sports bars, discos and nightclubs. The shopping is very good and there’s a Gypsy market every Tuesday. Activities include all kinds of watersports, tennis, spas and golf.

At jmlvillas.com there is currently an excellent selection of self catering holiday rentals at Albufeira.

These currently include: Luxury Villa with Sea Views - It sleeps 8 It is a 4 bedroom villa with air conditioning/heating in the lounge/bedrooms, plus pool heating. This holiday let, in a quiet residential road at São Rafael, has sea views and is 880 yards from two beaches. A mini-market and restaurant are within walking distance of the villa. (illustrated in the picture above)

Comfortable 3 Bedroom Villa - It sleeps 6 This beautiful and spacious three bedroom villa is situated in a small residential area in the heart of Albufeira. It's absolutely perfect for families who like space, privacy and the luxury of a private pool - but who don´t want to compromise on location.
Just a two minute walk from the strip this is a great choice for families with teenagers. Mum and Dad can relax while the kids do their own thing, without the inconvenience of having to use taxis (or Dad!).

This walled property has its own private pool with barbecue area, so when it gets too hot to even stroll to the Strip for lunch or dinner just throw another chicken on the barbie and dine al-fresco by your own pool.
Praia Da Oura is famous for the "Strip", one long street with a wide selection of restaurants, bars & nightclubs. This makes Praia Da Oura suitable for all types of holidays, whether you are looking for a peaceful break on a golden beach or nightclubs till dawn! The shops and market stalls will keep Mum happy!

Central and Comfortable 3 Bedroom Bungalow - It sleeps 6 This very popular 3 bedroom detached villa is the perfect family property - close to all amenities, including beach, restaurants, shops etc but in a quiet location...you really can have the best of both worlds!
Situated in one of the best areas of Areas São João down a quiet cul-de-sac with no passing traffic and only 100 metres from the famous 'Strip'. It is situated right in the heart of Areias de São João, one of the most sought after locations and property types in Albufeira.

Find out more about these villas and more by going into the jmlvillas.com website. jml Property Services have been advertising self catering holiday rentals on behalf of owners since 2002.

Friday 1 May 2009

Fabulous villa to rent at Albufeira, The Algarve, Portugal

This fantastic property has just been added to the jmlvillas.com self catering holiday homes website.

It has 8 Bedrooms and 9 Bathrooms and can sleep up to 16! The Villa accommodates fourteen people, however it can sleep sixteen with the additional use of an extra twin bedded room with en-suite facilities in the lower basement level. It comprises of one double master bedroom with full en-suite facilities, one double bedded room with en-suite facilities and a further five twin bedrooms, all of which benefit from en-suite facilities. There is also another bathroom available. All bedrooms are equipped with radio alarm clocks and hair dryers.

This Villa has been recently constructed to an extremely high standard and is situated in a quiet area of Montechoro on the outskirts of the picturesque tourist town of Albufeira, in the central Algarve. It is less than a 25 minute drive from the International Airport at Faro, 10 minutes from the nearest golf courses all of which are of a very high standard and 5 minutes to many of the blue flag beaches in this area. Villa Rita offers economical accommodation for large families and golfing parties, together with opportunities for corporate entertainment or business meetings. This superb Villa which has been tastefully decorated and furnished throughout stands in its own grounds and is not part of a complex.

There is a twice weekly maid service will be provided throughout your stay with cleaning on Wednesdays (no linen change) and cleaning on Saturdays incorporating a full change of fresh bed linen and bath/hand towels being made available. For family parties two cots and two high chairs are provided, however additional cots and high chairs are available, please see our extras section. Our pool cleaner and gardener regularly visit the Villa to ensure that the swimming pool is well maintained and the garden is kept to a high standard.

Other benefits are air conditioning, central heating, full double glazing and rooms are fitted with smoke alarms throughout. A security safe is installed and there is electronic alarm system.

This Villa has a 10 x 5 metre swimming pool which has an attractive rock waterfall feature. There is an outside shower and the pool is heated to provide comfortable use during the cooler months. There is a large BBQ and terrace area with outside seating, a pretty garden which contains a lawned area. The owners request that guests respect their wishes that Villa Rita remains a "Non Smoking" Villa.

Albufeira is classified as a city and including all of its suburbs sprawls some 30 kilometres along the coast and some 10 kilometres inland. There is a good bus service, a train station and colourful land trains which do a full circuit of the city. There are very few high rise buildings and its very spread out with tree lined streets and nice gardens. The beaches vary between large golden bays and small rocky coves which are fun to explore and of course every beach has a lovely restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood. There are all kinds of restaurants, fun bars, sports bars, discos and nightclubs. The shopping is very good and there’s a Gypsy market every Tuesday. Activities include all kinds of watersports, tennis, spas and golf.

Take a look at this property in more details here There is still time to book your summer holiday now.