"SYLVIA'S SECRETS" PUTS THE FREEZE ON ESCALATED FEES FOR A LUXURY VILLA VACATION IN EUROPE THIS SUMMER

VILLAS & APARTMENTS ABROAD OFFERS UP TO 20% DISCOUNT ON HOLIDAY RENTALS

NEW YORK, NY, May 2008 ---- It is no secret that the struggles of the dollar versus the Euro have made many Americans think twice about visiting Europe this year.  Villas and Apartments Abroad's (VAA) Sylvia Delvaille Jones, one of the industry's top villa experts, has enlisted the support of many of her villa owners in France and Italy to make their properties more affordable for her clients and agent partners for the upcoming season.  The response has led to "Sylvia's Secrets", a personal selection of spectacular holiday homes at very special rates offering a savings of up to 20% per week for summer 2008.

With a range of luxury villas to choose from, some of the best kept  secrets in travel to Europe this summer include...

·         Villa Cevoli, Tuscany...A short walk to a medieval village in Tuscany is a beautifully restored 17^th Century villa, set on a hillside overlooking spectacular terraced formal gardens.  The surrounding countryside of olive groves, vineyards, sunflower fields and medieval villages frame your quintessential Tuscan experience. This idyllic retreat accommodates 18 persons in nine bedrooms and is perfect for a family or group of friends. The villa's comfortably elegant interior spans three sprawling floors and retains the original characteristics with barrel-vaulted ceilings, frescoes and antique furnishings and an elevator for easy access. The large formal living room -- one of several sitting rooms -- features a grand piano and an enormous fireplace.  The country kitchen is outfitted to compliment the best chefs, and several outdoor living areas and a swimming pool offer a variety of options for dining alfresco and other leisurely indulgences.  Situated in the heart of Tuscany, with fabulous excursions and day trips to Tuscany's renowned cities and sites just a car ride away. $10,400 to  $12,586 per week for 13/20 persons;  $7,300 to $9,400 per week for up to 12 persons

·         Villa Indigo, Southern France... The essence of French country charm, this stunning mas embraces two worlds - a rural Provencal setting overlooking the Alps Maritime, and the vibrancy of the Cote d'Azur and its beaches. The estate's three acre terraced gardens overlook the medieval Village of Mouans Sartoux. Designed for indoor/outdoor living, the main living room opens on both sides to the gardens, French doors reveal endless views throughout, and the home's multiple terraces provide delightful options for relaxing, al fresco dining or an evening aperitif. Immersed in the gardens is a lovely swimming pool and pool house, as well as an outdoor barbeque and pizza oven.  Located just 20 minutes from the Nice Airport, Villa Indigo offers easy access to the cosmopolitan shopping and dining in Cannes with Antibes and Juan-les-Pins in between.  8 beautifully styled bedrooms, 7 en suite bathrooms; accommodates 12 adults and 2 children. $20,000 per week from June 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008  (not including the Monte Carlo Grand Prix and The Cannes Film Festival).

·         Villa Rosata, San Donato In Collina, Tuscany...Before guests even see Villa Rosata, her setting in a magnificent park in the Tuscan hills captivates them.  Surrounded by 24 acres of olive groves and landscaped gardens with majestic views over the Arno Valley, the elegantly restored villa is deserving of the backdrop.   The formal interior is exquisitely appointed, and spacious rooms, dramatic views and refined décor create an atmosphere of luxurious country living, Italian style. The villa features several sitting rooms with open fireplaces and antique furnishings from the Empire and Biedermeier periods. Gourmands will enjoy the state-of-the-art kitchen, which opens to an outdoor patio with an ancient pizza oven. The main dining room accesses a covered terrace for dining al fresco.   The outdoor pool with bar and terrace provide an idyllic summer escape. The small Italian village of San Donato in Collina is only one mile away, with the contrasts of Florence a short 9-mile drive. The adjoining Chianti Classico region provides all the pleasures of an Italian holiday.  Sleeps 7.  US $10,540 from May 31 through September 27, 2008

And if you think the villas and locales exceeds your expectations, just wait until you experience the personalized service that makes Villas and Apartments Abroad the preferred supplier to the world's savviest travelers. For more information on "Sylvia's Secrets" and other extraordinary experiences, contact Villas and Apartments Abroad at 800-433-3020; email villas@vaanyc.com or visit www.vaanyc.com.

IMAGES OF FEATURED VILLAS AVAILABLE.

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