Are you, or is a member of your family hitting a special milestone in 2020? If so, why not make it even more memorable by celebrating together under one roof? Check in to a villa in the sun and mark the occasion with a relaxing break with all your favourite people.

Of course, organising dates and other logistics can be tricky while you’re juggling normal life, when both physical time and mental space are under pressure. However, with time off work and fewer everyday stresses, the Christmas break is a good opportunity to think carefully about what works best for everyone.

So instead of settling down in front of the TV, or hitting the Boxing Day sales, why not put that time to good use and check out some of our suggestions for the ultimate celebration villa holiday in Sicily?

Hotel-style living in independent villas

Not surprisingly, the larger the group, the harder it is to please everyone. Firstly, there’s the question of the style of the villa. While some people favour contemporary accommodation with all mod cons, others may prefer a more traditional style which reflects the location. There’s also a question of independence.  Do you prefer to be in one large villa, or would some guests prefer to be slightly separate? The good news is that it is possible to keep everyone happy! In north east Sicily, Pizzo dell’Ovo is a countryside estate with accommodation split between the newly-built super-sleek Villa Dionisio and the exquisitely restored farmhouses that make up Le Case di Tindari. Spend your days on the beach or lounging by one of two pools with stunning views over the Sanctuary of Tindari.

Get away-from-it-all

Before you book anything, get a feel for whether you prefer to eat out or do most of your cooking yourselves. Also, where will you want to spend your day – at the pool or on the beach?  If the main purpose of your celebration holiday is to catch up with friends and family, staying somewhere that’s spacious and comfortable may take precedence over local sightseeing opportunities. If that’s the case, Villa Olmo, which is tucked away between the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains, is an excellent option. All the bedrooms and bathrooms are a good size and there’s a fabulous garden with a pool, table tennis and outdoor dining gazebo.

Super luxury, ultimate location

For groups looking for the ultimate in luxury and location, it would be hard to beat Villa Taormina. Taormina’s Baia delle Sirene is one of the island’s most sought-after locations, and the elegant Villa Taormina hovers above it, offering direct access down to the bay’s transparent water. For gym bunnies, there’s the option of early morning poolside workouts overlooking the ocean.  It’s also just a short stroll from the villa to the cable car that leads up to Taormina’s lively town centre so finding a different restaurant for dinner each night won’t be a problem. Find out about our bespoke service – we can organise everything from chartered boat trips and cultural excursions, to private yoga classes and a private chef.

Near to the airport  

You may well find that people will arrive on different flights – or even different days.  If this is the case, we recommend choosing a villa that is close to the airport. That way, picking up any late arrivals, or asking them to hop in a taxi, remains hassle-free.  Pick a seaside town like Terrasini where the lovely sandy beaches are ideal for families and the excellent choice of restaurants perfect for foodies! Villa Giacona Venuti is as spacious inside as out, with six bedrooms and bathrooms. Outside, lounge on a selection of terraces, enjoy amazing sea views from the pool and wander down to the little bay below to swim in the clearest sea water.