Esperanza‘s serene atmosphere is not necessarily appropriate for children, but rather than turn away families altogether, this Auberge Resort property accommodates them in villas that are well equipped (think Wolf ranges and SubZero refrigerators) and just as inviting as the resort proper. Villas are stocked with plush robes and fine bath products, great for use in the showers that open to the outdoors. With satellite TV, DVD players, WiFi connections and laundry appliances right in your villa, you’ll have all the comforts of home within view of the ocean. (more…)

At least we thought that was what VRBO stood for when we first saw it. It certainly describes our state of mind.

Alas, no. We quickly learned that it stands for Vacation Rental By Owner, which is pretty self-explanatory. If by now you haven’t happened across this useful website, let us be the ones to clue you in on this fabulous family vacation resource. As noted, owners can post their rental properties here, and that they do in spades – you’ll find properties all over the world, from Panama City Beach in Florida to Panama City in Panama. There are some gems on here: we found and stayed in a great rental in West Palm Beach. With our then 3-month old daughter, it turned out to be one of our best and most relaxing vacations, since we had ample space to move around, the ability to cook and grill at will, private parking, and backyard entertainment for all three of us in the form of a private pool and lanai with hammock.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in, say, Orlando, you’ll wade through a lot of properties done up in stereotypical Florida cheese chintz, and some of the thousands of properties on here are bare bones in furnishings and amenities. Don’t be discouraged if that’s what you find at first glance: with some digging you’ll find rentals that make you wish you could move in permanently, whether they’re fashionable condos or spacious villas. Some offer extras such as maid service and WiFi. Most properties are happy to rent to responsible families with children; if you fall in love with one that doesn’t mention children, be sure to ask, as the omission doesn’t necessarily mean children are verboten. Finally, as we noted above, properties aren’t limited to the US – some of the finest rentals can be found in Paris, London, Buenos Aires and other international spots. Whether you want to be right in the middle of things or prefer the adventure and privacy of a more remote accommodation, you’re sure to find something here for one of your upcoming vacations.

Villa Plein Sud, copyright Quality Villas

Looking for a family vacation villa near Cannes? Only twenty minutes away from the hotspot and its beaches you’ll find Villa Plein Sud, a child friendly villa near Valbonne and its artisan shops and quaint cafes. The villa, which has a pool, sleeps 8, with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms, and 2 powder rooms. Only one bedroom has A/C and oddly enought it’s not the master, but the master does have a terrace overlooking the pool and a distant sea view.

Villa Plein Sud kitchen, copyright Quality Villas

The living room has French doors leading to a large terrace and the swimming pool. The villa itself is well-furnished without being stuffy, unlike the sparse and boring furnishings that many villas promoting themselves as “child friendly” sport. Spacious enclosed grounds give children lots of room to explore and run while parents watch from the terrace, making this a perfect French vacation villa for families.

bedroom of Villa Plein Sud, copyright Quality Villas

This vacation villa can be rented through Quality Villas, a British agency. See more information about Villa Plein Sud here. Weekly rental rates from June 30 to September 1 are 2995 pounds ($6007US at current conversion rates), which includes 4 hours of maid service per week. For rates and availability after September 1, contact Quality Villas at +44 (0) 1442 870 055.