People take vacations for a variety of reasons, but a common theme is to relax, unwind and take a break from the realities of the day-to-day. And, a big part of that break from the real world is the precious opportunity to spend some quality time with friends and family. Of course, no vacation would be complete without activities, such as dining out or simply walking around. But there is nothing like relaxing together, and that can be where the hotel and resort atmosphere is lacking: a place to reconnect with your family or friends.

Family-friendly vacation accommodations

The relaxation hotspots in many resorts and hotels include the bar, pool and lobby. Otherwise, it's back to the room for you. But what if your group is too big for a hotel room? Then, where do you just hang out? Perhaps that's why more than 80 percent of respondents in a 2012 profile of the American Traveler from MMGY Global/Harrison Group cited "more space, overall" as one of the top reasons why they choose vacation rentals as an alternative to staying in a traditional hotel or resort. Not to mention, vacation rentals are popular among groups because of the total cost you can save. For example, many hotels can charge up to $500 per night for just one small room—but if you're traveling as a group, you will likely need at least 2–3 hotel rooms, which can add up quickly. For that  price you may want to consider researching rates and deals on vacation rentals over the traditional hotel or resort. 

Villas on the beach are a great option because they are built to maximize enjoyment of shared spaces. Patios and balconies are generously sized with room for both outdoor dining and relaxation. In addition, they come with a wealth of amenities, including high-end sound systems and resort-caliber furnishings, to create environments that encourage guests to slow down, take it easy and relax together.

And the interior shared spaces are just as important. Whether for dining or having a movie night, the guiding principle in design and selection of furnishings is to maximize comfort and provide a place to hang out together or, more appropriately, hang in together. So, the next time you are in the market for vacation accommodations make sure you consider the vacation-rental alternative.