Five Best: Villas In The Med

Rhiannon Batten hunts out the most stylish weekly rentals for family and friends

Nerantzi House, Greece

The ultimate Greek island hideaway, this low-rise, three-bedroom house is tucked away among olive groves in the pretty hamlet of Manesatika. In keeping with the local architecture, the interior is largely white and bright. Most alluring, however, are the views - either from the open-sided terrace over the salt-water pool or, from the pool itself, out beyond pine trees to the other Ionian islands.

Nerantzi House, Manesatika, Paxos, Greece (0845 811 6502; www.simpson travel.com). Prices start from £650 per person per week, including flights, transfers and car hire.

Villa Farli, Italy

If you can tear yourself away from the bougainvillea and jasmine-covered balconies, this 18th-century farmhouse is only five minutes' drive from the sea. Recently restored, the main house has a breezy, open-plan feel, with three double bedrooms and a pool. The real selling point, though, is the professionally equipped kitchen. It's ideal for anyone who wants to follow in Jamie Oliver's footsteps and practise what they've learnt from the locals. It's also great for groups since up to five additional bedrooms in the outbuildings can be rented to anyone hiring the main house.

Villa Farli, near Scicli, Sicily, Italy (020-7377 8518; www.think sicily.com). From €4,920 (£3,354) a week for 10 guests.

Gogen Evi, Turkey

Slotted snugly into a hillside overlooking Kalkan Bay, this stylish villa offers superb views of the Lycian coastline. The highlight is the terrace - accessed from the airy sitting room - with Lloyd Loom-style sun loungers and a small infinity pool. Back inside there are two bedrooms, polished wooden flooring, Turkish rugs and white cotton furnishings, but for guests looking to enjoy the sunshine, access to the smart Mahal Beach Club nearby is included.

Gogen Evi, Kalkan, Turkey (020-8605 3500; www.hidden turkey.com). From £650 per person per week, including flights, transfers, a gulet cruise, Turkish bath and an arrival brunch and hamper.

Casa Mimosa, Spain

Set in a seven-acre farm 40 minutes from Marbella, this wisteria-draped house is ideal for families. While the three-bedroom property has antique furniture, traditional textiles and spectacular Mediterranean views, it is an intrinsically sociable space. French doors lead from the living area to a south-facing terrace. Even better, rental includes maid service six days a week, and a chef and nanny five-and-a-half days a week.

Casa Mimosa, nr Gaucin, Andalucia, Spain (020-8682 5040; www.scottdunn.com). From £1,335 per person including flights, transfers and meals.

Le Mas des Retrouvailles France

This restored 17th-century house in the Luberon is quintessentially Provençal. The structure itself boasts a traditional mix of exposed stonework, tiled flooring and high ceilings and the interior style is comfy contemporary. With seven bedrooms, a modern kitchen and an open-plan living area there's plenty of space. There's also a heated pool, sauna, lawns and even an oak wood. The only downside? Except for the master bedroom, there are only showers. And if you want to dip a toe in the sea, you'll have to drive for about an hour.

Le Mas des Retrouvailles, Cereste-en-Provence, Provence, France (020-7801 9804; www.ownerssyndicate.com). Rental starts from £2,620 per week, including seven hours' maid service.