The Parkside Journal

Bringing grandparents, parents and children together can make for a wonderful holiday. It also means balancing different routines, ages and ideas of a perfect day. A private villa gives everyone a shared place to gather, with room to find quieter moments too.

Start with the needs of the group

Before choosing a destination, make a simple list of what the group needs: bedrooms, bathrooms, sleeping arrangements, accessibility, a pool, indoor gathering space and areas where children can play. Guest capacity is only one part of the picture; the layout matters just as much.

Choose a villa that gives everyone room

Look for a generous dining area, more than one place to relax and outdoor space where different activities can happen at once. En-suite bedrooms and separate seating areas can make a longer stay more comfortable for a large family.

Casa da Raposeira in the Douro Valley sleeps up to 16 guests across seven en-suite bedrooms. Its pool, gardens, sauna, games areas and vineyard views offer a mix of shared and quieter spaces.

Keep the itinerary flexible

Plan one or two shared experiences, then leave open time around them. Some relatives may want a slow morning by the pool while others head out to explore. A flexible plan lets everyone join in without making every day feel scheduled.

Make meals part of the gathering

Shared meals often become the centre of a family stay. Check that the villa has a kitchen and dining table suited to your group, and consider arranging a local chef or a special meal through the concierge.

Plan the practical details early

• Confirm sleeping arrangements and any children’s equipment you need.
• Check travel times from the airport and whether a car is useful.
• Ask about grocery delivery, housekeeping and local experiences.
• Share a simple plan with the family before you travel.

With the right setting and a little flexibility, a multigenerational villa holiday can bring the family together while giving each person space to enjoy the time in their own way.

Discover Casa da Raposeira

The Douro Valley is known for its terraced vineyards and wine estates, but there is more to a visit than tastings. Families can take in the landscape by road, rail or river, pause in small towns and return to a private villa at the end of the day.

Take in the valley at a gentle pace

The region is best enjoyed without trying to fit everything into one day. Choose a few stops, leave time for the journey itself and plan a relaxed afternoon back at your accommodation.

See the river from the water

A boat trip offers a different view of the steep hillsides and vineyards. Ask locally about private or small-group options, departure points and the best length of trip for your family.

Explore by train

The historic railway follows the river through the valley and can make a memorable outing. Check current timetables and book ahead, especially during busier travel periods.

Make time for local food

Long lunches and regional dishes are part of the pleasure of visiting the Douro. A local producer or restaurant can help you find options that suit different ages and appetites.

Stay somewhere with room to unwind

Casa da Raposeira is a private hilltop villa for up to 16 guests, with seven en-suite bedrooms, a salt-water pool, sauna, gardens and views over the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. It offers a comfortable base for families and friends travelling together.

Experiences such as vineyard visits, river cruises and historic train journeys can be arranged with local providers. Confirm availability, travel times and seasonal details before your visit.

Stay at Casa da Raposeira

A family stay in Tuscany can combine beautiful towns, countryside drives and time together at home. The key is to choose a convenient base and avoid overfilling the itinerary.

Choose a base that suits your plans

Think about which places you most want to visit, then choose a villa that keeps travel manageable. Villa Benassai is near Lucca, with Pisa, Florence and the Tuscan coast available as day-trip ideas. Check journey times for your dates before setting your plans.

Let each day have one main outing

Historic centres are best explored on foot, and a single town can easily fill a morning or afternoon. Leave time for lunch and a return to the villa, especially when travelling with children or a larger group.

Mix culture with downtime

Pair a visit to Lucca’s historic centre with a quiet afternoon in the gardens. Save a separate day for a longer trip to Florence or Pisa, rather than trying to see several cities at once.

Make meals and markets part of the experience

Local markets, relaxed trattorias and meals at home can all become part of the holiday. Ask your concierge about suitable market days, family-friendly restaurants and private-chef options.

Leave space for the unexpected

Some of the best memories come from an unplanned stop or a long afternoon together. A private villa gives the family a comfortable place to return to between outings, with space to enjoy a quieter day when the group needs it.

Discover Villa Benassai