The Best Villas to Rent for Your Vacation in Florida

Bordered by the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is the most southeastern state in the USA | © Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

Sarah Warwick

15 December 2021

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Ah, Florida. Its very name is synonymous with sun, sea and sand. Not nicknamed the Sunshine State for nothing, Florida gets around 250 days of rays every year – while most of its 1,100mi (1,770km) coastline is covered in sandy beaches. There are world-class cities to visit, too – like Miami, Jacksonville and Orlando – as well as islands, swamps and wetlands, all ripe for exploration. And, of course, there are golf courses, shopping malls and amusements galore. When it comes to looking for a place to stay, check out our top picks of the best villas to rent for your vacation in Florida – bookable on Culture Trip.

Cabot Villa Champions Gate 4, for a family-friendly stay

Outside seating area with swimming pool at Cabot Villa Champions Gate 4,

Courtesy of Cabot Villa Champions Gate 4 / Expedia

Champions Gate resort is a gated community of around 1,500 acres (607ha) that markets itself as Orlando’s premiere tourist and commercial destination. As well as being around a 10-minute drive from Disney World, it’s home to all kinds of resort-style amenities. Swimming pool, hot tub and tennis courts, of course, but also its own golf course, movie theatre and lazy river so you won’t run out of things to do. This six-bedroom villa sleeps 12 in total comfort and style – kids will love the playroom, which has a flat-screen TV, tabletop games and toys, as well as the private pool with poolside comfy seating so adults can watch over the kids while playing cards or chatting. This Florida villa is a sure-fire family holiday winner.

Bengal Court Villa Windsor at Westside 1, for a great location

Living room and open kitchen area at Bengal Court Villa Windsor at Westside 1

Courtesy of Bengal Court Villa Windsor at Westside 1 / Expedia

They say holidays with young children aren’t really holidays for their parents but at least here you can guarantee that your offspring will have a good time. It’s not only that Walt Disney World is just an eight-minute drive away – as well as all the other theme and waterparks in the Orlando area – it’s also the Westside resort facilities, like three pools, tennis courts, volleyball, gym, cinema and family dining, that make this villa so great. The eight-bedroom villa has its own perks – including a private, south-facing pool and a hot tub, as well as its own games room and themed bedrooms – Star Wars and fairy castle. What are you waiting for?

Gleneagles Drive Highlands Reserve 3, for golf lovers

Swimming pool in conservatory at Gleneagles Drive Highlands Reserve 3

Courtesy of Gleneagles Drive Highlands Reserve 3 / Expedia

The clue is in the word Gleneagles – this villa is a golfer’s paradise. In the Florida town of Davenport, Highlands Reserve resort has its own golf course and there’s a second just a 10-minute drive away. This is one of 48 villas clustered around the Highlands course – you can even look out from your private pool and hot tub right onto the fairway. Aside from golf, you can take advantage of two resort swimming pools and a tennis court – and you’re just 11mi (17.7km) from Disney World.

6bdrm Bella Vida, for Spanish-style decor

Yellow painted exterior of 6bdrm Bella Vida

Courtesy of 6bdrm Bella Vida / Expedia

This six-bedroom Florida villa is a total gem. The canary-yellow Spanish-style facade contains more than 2,000sqft (185sqm) of vacation happiness – from the games room that features foosball and air hockey tables to the lanai out back with its own private pool and spa. Part of Kissimmee’s Bella Vida Resort – close to Universal Studios, Disney World and Legoland – the villa pleases kids of every age and we include adults in this. As well as the amenities you’d expect from a Florida resort, this villa has lovely lakeside views and nature walks. Bella Vida, indeed.

Oakgrain Villa Solterra 2, for a large group getaway

Large living room area at Oakgrain Villa Solterra 2 with leather L-shaped sofa and blue painted accent wall

Courtesy of Oakgrain Villa Solterra 2 / Expedia

If you’re traveling with a big group of friends, one of the trickiest problems can be finding villas that can sleep everyone. The answer is this giant, 12-bedroom, 10-bathroom property which hosts 26 comfortably – perfect for a multi-family stay. Located at the Solterra Resort in Davenport, this villa is minutes from Disney – plus around a 10-minute drive to two golf courses. The large lanai with a private pool and hot tub make a pleasing retreat after a day at the Happiest Place on Earth – while the living quarters are spacious so everyone can gather for a meal and toast your fantastic holiday.

Villa Marisol, for sundowners on the beach-facing patio

Sunny exterior of Villa Marisol with terracotta tiles and trees create dappled effect on building

Courtesy of Villa Marisol / Expedia

When you can walk straight out of the door and onto the dunes of a 7mi-long beach, do you need much more? This villa is found on Anna Maria Island – a barrier island on the sugar-white sands of the Florida gulf coast. The vibe is high-end castaway chic – from the washed-out tones of its interiors to the double-decker sunbathing terraces, complete with padded lounge chairs. The five bedrooms all come with pillow-top mattresses and terry-towel robes – while the private outdoor pool and patio overlook the beach, making it the perfect spot to sit with a drink as the sun goes down over the gulf.

Chateau Hollywood, for living the dream

White exterior of Chateau Hollywood with hedges and path leading to large door

Courtesy of Chateau Hollywood / Expedia

No, you’re not on the wrong coast – the Florida city of Hollywood was founded in the 1920s between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Designed as a dream city of beaches, lakes and parks, it’s been a popular vacation spot ever since. The six-bedroom chateau has an easy sense of glamour – from its ornate porch to its private pool in the backyard. Picture windows and full-width glass doors filling the sprawling ground level with sunlight – while the poolside patio makes for a gorgeous place to entertain. Welcome to Hollywood.

Luxury Beach House II, for laid-back glam decor

Blue wooden clad exterior of Luxury Beach House II with white balcony and grassy front porch

Courtesy of Luxury Beach House II / Expedia

There’s a distinctly Southern flavor to this Jacksonville beach house, with its sky-blue clapperboard facade and wraparound porches – the latter a great spot for people-watching or apres-sun cocktails. Inside, the decor is an immaculate monochrome vision in white and grey – a style that feels both relaxed and glamorous. A room with three single beds is great for kids – while the elevator means that those with limited mobility can stay, too. As the most populous city in Florida located right on the beach, Jacksonville has plenty to offer its visitors – museums and galleries, hiking and kayaking, plus multiple shopping and dining options, too.

Villa Cape Harbour by Vacationhit, for coastal charm

Large room at Villa Cape Harbour by Vacationhit with dining table and view out to swimming pool in conservatory

Courtesy of Villa Cape Harbour by Vacationhit / Expedia

Cape Coral is often known as Florida’s Venice as it’s home to more canals than anywhere else in the world. Built in the 1950s from reclaimed land, it’s also a city designed entirely for pleasure seeking – filled with thousands of villas and millions of annual holidaymakers. This spacious and luxurious villa will satisfy the pickiest of the latter. Located near to Tarpon Point Marina in the south west of the cape, it’s a top choice for sailors who can moor boat rentals to your own private jetty. Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, sleigh beds and sunken baths, as well as a brand-new shiny kitchen and a large private swimming pool with a built-in oval hot tub. Lounging beside that, or on the L-shaped white leather sofa and you’ll soon feel like the bee’s knees.

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