A group of friends and I want to go on a villa holiday together in 2010. We have had a joint savings account with monthly direct debits going in since 2006 so we want to make it special. There will be eight adults and two teenagers, and the break will have to be during the summer school holidays.

The desired elements are good weather, but not too hot; close to the sea; privacy (not part of a villa complex); good-quality accommodation, with decent swimming pool and places to visit; and, if possible, scuba diving near by. Do you have any suggestions regarding location and companies that cater for large parties? Marie McGowan, via e-mail

Times travel expert Julia Brookes responds: The adjacent Robertos and Gaeta villas, near Fiscardo on Cephalonia, together sleep ten and are often used by families and friends sharing. Fiscardo is a ridiculously picturebook Mediterranean harbour village and has a reputable dive school, which gets involved in conservation work.

The two properties, each with three bedrooms, have a quiet location with views across the sea to Ithaca and both have a pool, large terrace and garden. Average temperature for July and August is 26C (79F).

Exclusive Escapes offers seven nights from £1,045pp, based on ten sharing the two villas. The price includes return flights (from Heathrow or Manchester) to Cephalonia, transfers, seven days' car hire and daily maid cleaning.

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