Villa Safety Solmar Villas takes the safety of our guests seriously and for that reason we aim to ensure our villas are as safe as possible. We require our villa owners to confirm that their properties comply with local laws and regulations in their locations. These inevitably may vary from the safety standards that we are used to experiencing in the UK. The following advice has been put together to help you and your party have a safe holiday. You will find a copy of this in your travel documents and villa information book. Please navigate through the sections below and read the advice provided to ensure you stay safe on holiday! If your villa has one of the below sections identified, please be sure to read all the information, as it may be essential to know for your holiday. Villa Safety Information Balconies and Roof Terraces Balcony / Roof Terrace Railings - Large Gaps Some balconies have railings that feature larger gaps, reflecting the villa's original or traditional design. Please take extra care in these areas, especially if you are travelling with children. We strongly recommend close supervision at all times. Balcony / Roof Terrace - Low Railings Some balconies have low railings or balustrades. Please supervise children closely, avoid placing furniture near the edge, and take care when using the balconies. These features reflect the villa's traditional style and inevitably may not meet the height requirements typically expected in the UK, so extra vigilance is required. Fixed Built in Seating Area on Balcony / Terrace Some balconies or terraces include fixed seating areas with low backs, which may be close to edges or drops. Please use these areas with care, especially if children are present. We recommend supervising children and taking care when moving around these spaces. Terrace Safety Essentials Terrace - Low Railings / Balustrades Some terraces have low railings or balustrades. Please supervise children closely, avoid placing furniture near the edge, and take care when using the terraces. These features reflect the villa's traditional style and inevitably may not meet the height requirements typically expected in the UK, so extra vigilance is required. Terrace Railings - Large Gaps Some terraces have railings that feature larger gaps, reflecting the villa's original or modern design. Please take extra care in these areas, especially if you are travelling with children. We strongly recommend close supervision at all times. Ladder Style Railings Ladder Style Railings Some staircases, balconies, or terraces have ladder-effect railings with horizontal bars, which may be climbable by children. Please supervise children closely and take extra care in these areas to prevent accidents. Ladder Effect Railing Gaps Some staircases have ladder effect (horizontal) style railings that feature larger gaps, reflecting the villa's original or traditional design. Please take extra care in these areas, especially if you are travelling with children. We strongly recommend close supervision at all times. Staircases Internal Staircase Railings - Large Gaps / External Staircase Railings - Large Gaps Some staircases may have railings that feature larger gaps, reflecting the villa's original or traditional design. Please take extra care in these areas, especially if you are travelling with children. We strongly recommend close supervision at all times. Internal Staircase - Low Railings / External Staircase - Low Railings Some staircases have low railings. Please supervise children closely, and take care when using the staircases. These features reflect the villa's traditional style and inevitably may not meet the height requirements typically expected in the UK, so extra vigilance is required. Open sided staircase Some staircases are open-sided, which may increase the risk of falls, specially for children or guests with mobility issues. Please use these stairs with caution and supervise children or anyone who may need assistance. Gozitan Staircase Gozitan staircases, often spiral and open-sided, are a charming feature of villas in Malta and Gozo. Please take extra care when using these stairs, especially with children or anyone with limited mobility. Handrails may be limited and surfaces uneven, reflecting the property’s historic character. These staircases may not be suitable for guests with mobility difficulties or very young children. Low Window Ledges Low Window Ledges Some villas, particularly older farmhouses, feature low window ledges. For your safety—especially if you have young children—please keep windows closed or locked when children are present, avoid placing furniture beneath low windows, and supervise children at all times near open windows. Mezzanine Areas Mezzanine Areas Some villas include mezzanine areas with low railings, which may increase the risk of falls, especially for children. Please supervise children closely, avoid placing furniture near the edge, and take care around mezzanine railings at all times. Villa Grounds Unprotected Drops In Grounds Some villas have unprotected drops in the grounds, such as changes in elevation, retaining walls, or natural features. These areas may not be fenced or clearly marked. Please take extra care, especially with children, and avoid walking near edges. We strongly recommend close supervision in these areas. Pools Infinity Pool Edge For your safety, please do not use inflatables in the infinity pool or sit, walk, or stand on the pool edge. Children should be supervised at all times when using the pool. Bathing Platform Some pools include bathing platforms for lounging or shallow water access. Please take care when using these platforms, as depths may vary and edges can be slippery. Always supervise children to prevent accidents. Open Pool Ledge Some pools have open, unprotected edges. For your safety, please do not walk, sit, or stand on the pool edge, and always supervise children around the pool. Swim Up Pool Some villas feature swim-up pools, which can be accessed directly from rooms or bedrooms. Please note, these may not be suitable for families with young children. Extra supervision is recommended. Children Pool Within Main Pool - Change in Depth Some villas offer a children’s pool within the main pool. Please supervise children at all times, as the main pool may be significantly deeper than the children’s section. Raised Pool Some villas feature a raised pool, with walls above ground level and access via steps, ladders, or decking. Please do not walk, sit, or stand on the pool edge, and always supervise children around the pool. Sudden Change in Pool Depth Some pools have areas where the depth changes suddenly. Please exercise caution when entering the pool, especially where the depth shifts. Children and non-swimmers should always be supervised. Feature in Pool Some pools include internal features. Please take care when using the pool, especially with children and non-swimmers. Pool Access - Deep Steps Some pools are accessed via deep steps, which may be challenging for young children, elderly guests, or those with mobility needs. Please take extra care when entering or exiting the pool. Supervision is recommended, and non-slip footwear may be helpful. Raised Whirlpool Some villas feature raised whirlpools. Please take extra care around these areas, as the elevated structure may pose a trip or fall risk and surfaces can be slippery when wet. Always supervise children and non-swimmers. Villa Grounds Pond In Grounds Some villas have unprotected ponds in the grounds, which may present a slip or drowning hazard, especially for children. Please supervise children at all times, avoid walking too close to the water’s edge, and take care near the pond. Unprotected Solar Panels Some villas have unprotected solar panels. Please do not climb on roofs or touch solar panels, and supervise children closely in these areas. Villa Boundary No Villa Boundary Some villas have large extensive grounds without any boundary fencing or railings. Please ensure that children remain supervised in those areas Direct Access To Beach / Waterfront Direct Access To Beach / Waterfront Some villas offer direct access to a beach or waterfront. Terrain and access routes may be uneven or include steps and natural surfaces. Please take care, wear suitable footwear, and supervise children at all times, as they may have direct access to water from the villa. Coastal Path Access Some villa provide direct or nearby access to coastal paths, which may have uneven surfaces, steep sections, or limited lighting. Please wear appropriate footwear, take care when walking, and supervise children. Be aware that weather conditions may affect accessibility. Age Restriction Age Restriction Some villas may not be suitable for children due to certain architectural features, layouts, or design elements (such as open-sided staircases, raised pools, or low balcony railings). Please consider whether the villa is suitable for your family and supervise children at all times. Winner of 9 British Travel Awards in 2024