Villa Safety

Security

It can be easy when holidaying to forget that the basic rules of home security still apply. Please remember to lock all windows and doors when leaving the villa and always use the safety deposit box and security alarm system where provided.

If you see something suspicious, report it to the Holiday Helpline.

You must ensure all the windows, shutters and doors are locked at night. Where available, set the security device if you are out for the day and at night time or when you are in bed. You should also take care to lock doors and windows if you are relaxing by the pool. In some of our accommodation, our suppliers have chosen to invest in alarm systems which have sensor-controlled internal cameras. Please be aware that these systems only capture images when the alarm has been set and the sensors are triggered through activity.

Fire Safety

Fire safety information saves lives. Upon arrival at your villa, please take a little time to familiarise yourself with the safety information and local emergency services numbers provided in your customer documentation and villa information book. Take a little time to get to know your villa, the exit doors and location of fire extinguisher/blanket.

Please do not tamper with the smoke detector or remove the batteries.

If the smoke alarm sounds, evacuate the building. Do not stop to take personal belongings with you. DO NOT re-enter the building.

Smoking is prohibited inside the villa.

Never leave cookers unattended whilst in use.

Gas

It is not uncommon for our villas to have gas appliances.

IF YOU SMELL GAS: Extinguish all flames and do not use matches or lighters.

Do not switch lights or any electrical appliances on or off.

Open all doors and windows and inform your villa representative/local contact immediately.

Never attempt to locate a gas leak yourself.

Never use gas cookers as a form of heating.

Balcony

Many of our villas offer panoramic or spectacular views and it is therefore not uncommon for terrace/balconies to be lower in height or contain larger gaps than what we may experience in the UK. Please never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall/railings and ensure children are supervised.

With the more contemporary, modern style of villa, ladder effect style balconies and railings are very typical. Please ensure that children do not use these as a climbing apparatus.

Please take extra care with children when balconies are furnished.

There may be roof terraces with low walls/railings; these are often gated off to avoid access.

Villa Grounds

Many of our villas are set in elevated areas which of course offer stunning views; you may therefore find that the exterior grounds contain platforms, drops or steep slopes. Please familiarise yourself and your party with the villa grounds upon your arrival and ensure additional care is taken when accessing these areas.

Outdoor areas may become wet and slippery due to poor weather or spray from the pool, Please be cautious and avoid running.

Children love to explore and have inquisitive minds, so villa life is the perfect playground for them. If you have chosen one of our villas in a rural countryside location it may not be uncommon for the property to have a working farm in the area, so please do make sure the children don’t wander near to the animals unsupervised.

General Safety

It is very typical for the properties to have large glass sliding patio doors, however in bright sunshine it is not always obvious whether the window/ door is open or closed so we ask that you please take extra care with glass patio doors.

The majority of our villas contain tile floors which when wet can become slippery. Water spray can make surfaces slippery in bathrooms, please take care and dry your feet well.

Do NOT use electrical appliances near to water.

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool is such an important part of your villa holiday – Please use it safely, know your pool depths and limits, observe our no diving policy, don’t swim at night or under the influence of alcohol and please keep a close eye on your children in and around the pool area at all times.

Whilst the pools are checked for maintenance, if you notice any unexpected fault with the pool or its equipment please report this immediately to your local representative or agent. The pool may be restricted to use until the problem has been investigated and resolved. This will be for your own safety and we will make every effort to rectify the issue as quickly as possible.

Please do not run around the poolside, pool surrounds can be very slippery when wet.

Ear infections are very common, particularly in children. This does not necessarily mean that the pool is unbalanced as ear infections can be caused by overuse of the pool, swimmer's ear can set in if you don't clean and dry your ears properly afterwards. Use ear plugs or a swimming hat over your ears when you swim.

Do not swim if you cannot see the bottom of the pool – contact your local representative or agent. Heavy weather or debris, or over use of suntan lotion can alter the clarity of your pool and make them turn cloudy so please help minimise the possibility of this by showering before using the pool.

Ultra violet rays can penetrate water up to 1.5M and are reflected off the water surface. Please ensure children and members of your party with fairer skin wear a hat and a shirt whilst in the pool.

Many of our villas offer infinity edges; this means that the pool produces a visual effect of water extending to the horizon. They offer spectacular views however due to their design they also offer unprotected drops from the pool edge. Please take extra care with children and do not use inflatables in these pools. Please do not stand, walk or lean on the infinity edge.

Chlorine is a necessary addition to swimming pools as it helps to kill bacteria and stops the growth of algae in the water. Unfortunately regular exposure to chlorinated water over time can cause fading to swimming costume fabric.

Some of our villas may contain pool slides. Please note that the slide is for child use only and children should be supervised.

Accident & Illness

Despite taking care whilst on holiday, accidents can happen. If you or any member of your party fall unwell or have an accident, please report this to the Holiday Helpline.

If you have any concerns regarding the safety of your villa please contact the Holiday Helpline.