Stepping into a holiday villa should feel like arriving at your own private haven. At La Mer Homes, we strive to ensure that every villa in our portfolio not only offers comfort but also a refreshing atmosphere that welcomes guests from the moment they arrive. Yet even the most immaculate property can begin to feel a little less inviting between scheduled cleaning visits, especially during longer stays or hot summer weeks.
So, how can guests keep their villa fresh, pleasant, and orderly in the meantime? It doesn’t require much effort- just a few simple habits and minor adjustments. These tips are designed to help guests enjoy their stay to the fullest, maintaining that airy, tranquil vibe all week long.
Let Fresh Air In Strategically
Opening windows seems like an obvious first step, but the how and when can make a significant difference. Early morning and late evening offer the best times to air out your villa. Why? These hours typically bring cooler breezes and lower humidity, especially in coastal areas of Cyprus.
Cross-ventilation helps, too. Opening windows at opposite ends of a room or hallway allows air to circulate freely, carrying out any stuffiness. Be mindful of keeping shutters or mosquito screens in place, especially on more rural properties.
Can a five-minute breeze change the mood of a room? In many cases, absolutely.
Keep Cooking Odours Contained
Nothing stirs the appetite like the aroma of grilled halloumi or fresh oregano. But when lunch’s scent still lingers into the evening, it can dampen the overall experience.
To prevent smells from settling in, always switch on extractor fans or crack open a kitchen window before you begin cooking. If you’re preparing something especially aromatic, such as fish or garlic-heavy sauces, consider using the outdoor BBQ instead.
A bowl of baking soda or a sliced lemon placed on the counter can subtly neutralize odours without adding artificial fragrance. It’s a small detail, but one that contributes to the villa’s continued freshness.
Maintain Floors With Minimal Effort
Sand, grass, and fine dust have a way of sneaking into villas, especially those near beaches or garden paths. A quick sweep each evening can work wonders for maintaining a clean and inviting floor.
Many of our villas come equipped with lightweight brooms or compact cordless vacuums. Use them briefly in high-traffic areas, such as entrances, kitchens, and living spaces. If you’re returning from a beach day, rinsing feet before entering helps prevent unwanted grains from spreading throughout the villa.
What about shoes indoors? Leaving them near the door isn’t just polite- it’s practical.
Monitor Moisture in Humid Areas
Bathrooms and kitchens can build up moisture even when used lightly. To reduce the chance of damp smells or mildew, open a window or run the extractor fan during and after showers. Wiping down wet surfaces, especially mirrors, sinks, and tiles, keeps humidity levels in check.
For longer stays, consider leaving cabinet doors slightly ajar for better air circulation inside storage spaces. A dry, well-ventilated room always feels more welcoming.
Have you ever noticed how much lighter a space feels when the air is dry and clean?
Stay on Top of Rubbish and Recycling
No tip is more obvious-or more overlooked. Taking out the rubbish regularly makes a dramatic difference to how a villa smells and feels. Bins should be emptied at least once a day, particularly in summer, when heat accelerates odour buildup.
La Mer Homes provides clear instructions for waste disposal in each villa, including bin locations and recycling schedules. Following these helps not only with cleanliness but also with respecting local waste policies.
Rather than waiting until a bin is full, make it part of your morning or evening routine.
Refresh Soft Furnishings Mid-Stay
Cushions, throws, and linens often absorb ambient scents, whether it’s last night’s dinner or the salt in the air. If your villa stay spans a week or more, take a moment to refresh them.
Shaking out sofa cushions and giving bed throws a quick airing outside can revive the feeling of cleanliness without the need for laundering. On breezy days, drape a lightweight blanket over a chair in the sun for a natural deodorizer.
It’s surprising how much comfort is tied to the softness and freshness of these everyday items.
Store Food Properly
Cyprus enjoys warm temperatures for much of the year. While perfect for a holiday, the heat can make kitchens vulnerable to pests or quick food spoilage.
Seal all open packages, including cereals, snacks, and bread. Use the fridge not only for perishables but also for any food that might attract insects. Wiping surfaces after meals and avoiding food left uncovered overnight also helps maintain a clean environment.
What’s the golden rule here? If it smells sweet, something else probably wants to eat it.
Use Subtle Fragrance, Not Heavy Perfume
Guests occasionally turn to scented sprays or room fresheners, but overpowering synthetic scents can feel out of place in a villa setting. Instead, opt for natural-smelling options such as citrus peels, essential oil diffusers, or fresh-cut herbs.
A small glass of rosemary or basil on the kitchen table can offer a lovely aroma while doubling as a cheerful decorative touch. Even something as simple as an orange studded with cloves makes a difference.
Would you rather walk into a cloud of aerosol or the scent of sun-warmed lavender?
Tidy Daily Rather Than Deep Clean Weekly
Staying ahead of the mess is far easier than tackling it later. A few minutes in the morning spent loading the dishwasher, folding towels, and straightening shared spaces can completely alter the atmosphere.
This habit is beneficial for families or groups sharing a villa. Everyone benefits from a communal understanding that small efforts add up. After all, nobody wants to spend a holiday playing catch-up with clutter.
Could ten minutes of tidying give you ten hours of ease? Often, yes.
Ask for Extras if Needed
Sometimes guests need a second set of towels, an additional bin bag, or even an extra cleaning tool during their stay. At La Mer Homes, we’re happy to assist. Just reach out to our team- we’re here to help ensure your stay remains comfortable and pleasant.
Don’t hesitate to ask. Small requests are often easy to fulfil and can significantly improve your day-to-day experience.
