Sometimes a hotel just won’t cut it. Maybe you want a bit more space. A kitchen. Your own pool. Somewhere the kids can cannonball without you apologising to strangers. That’s where Florida villas come in.
They’re kind of the dream, aren’t they? Wake up when you want, spread out, make your own breakfast (or don’t). No check-in queues, no shared buffet stress. It’s just you and your travel gang doing Florida on your terms.
Most villas are in the Orlando area, just a short drive from the theme parks — which, let’s face it, is probably what brought you here in the first place. But you’ll also find some quieter ones tucked away on golf resorts or even down the coast if you’re mixing beach with Mickey.
This page pulls together all the best villa options for UK travellers. Whether you want full-on luxury with a cinema room, or a simple base with a pool and a BBQ, we’ll help you sort the showy from the so-so.
Oh, and if you’ve never booked a villa before, don’t worry — we’ll walk you through it. It’s easier than you think. And honestly? Once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to go back.
Let’s not beat around the bush — Florida hotels are great, but they’re not for everyone. Maybe you’ve done the hotel thing before. Maybe you’ve got three kids and a gran in tow. Or maybe you just like the idea of not having to whisper-watch telly after 9pm. That’s where villa holidays really shine.
With a villa, you’re not crammed into one room. Everyone gets their space — separate bedrooms, living areas, and usually more bathrooms than you’ll actually use. You can come back from a long day at the parks and crash on the sofa without stepping on each other’s flip flops.
And meals? You’re not tied to breakfast hours or fighting over buffet bacon. Cook when you want, go out when you can’t be bothered, or do that weird half-and-half British thing where you fry up a full breakfast but still buy Pop-Tarts “for the kids”.
Most Florida villas come with their own pool. It’s a bit of a show-off feature, but a good one. No rushing to grab a sun lounger at 7am. No wondering if the kids are annoying other guests. Just you, your playlist, and the occasional lizard darting past.
Some pools are screened (bug-free, thank you very much), some are heated, and some even have spa areas. You can filter by what matters to you — we’ll help you with all that.
Most UK travellers book villas in or around Kissimmee, Davenport, or Clermont — all within about 30 minutes of Walt Disney World. That means you're close enough to the fun, but far enough out for a bit of peace. It’s ideal for families who want to do the parks but not sleep in them.
If you’re after something different, there are villas dotted along the Gulf Coast too — places like Cape Coral or Bradenton. Great for beach days, watersports, and a bit more breathing space.
If this is your first time booking a Florida villa, here’s what to expect:
You’ll need a car — always. Villas aren’t really walkable to shops or parks.
Check what’s included — things like pool heat, BBQs, and baby gear often come as extras.
Look out for gated communities — many villas are in secure resort-style areas with clubhouses, gyms, and shared facilities. Not essential, but a nice touch.
Plan for downtime — villas give you space to chill. Factor in some rest days and enjoy the villa properly. You’re paying for it, after all.
Villas aren’t for everyone — if you love the buzz of a resort or can’t face the thought of cooking even one meal, they might not be your vibe. But if you’re after privacy, flexibility, and a more relaxed pace, they’re pretty hard to beat.
