By Alex Ruelas

As the holiday season approaches, we know what we are grateful for this year: being together again. Things are slowly coming back to normal and we can think of no better way to celebrate than making long-postponed trips with friends and family. Let’s find the perfect accommodation for that.

Vacation rentals come in many shapes and sizes, but if there is something they are great at is providing groups of travelers with an incredible setting to enjoy each other’s company. Beyond spacious dining rooms and cozy living rooms, we highlight the features that make the perfect Thanksgiving retreat. From state-of-the-art kitchens to rooftop lounges with magic views, these villas are guaranteed to bring everyone closer and send them home with indelible memories to share.

Start with the kitchen. And maybe get a private chef?

Ok, this is admittedly not unexpected. But let’s be honest, Thanksgiving celebrations are mostly about eating, so having a spacious, well-equipped kitchen will make your holiday so much better. Most private villas boast large kitchens fitted with top-notch appliances and have all you need to prepare a delicious meal.

Now, if you do not feel like cooking and prefer to spend quality time with your family instead, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. A private chef service will give your evening a gourmet turn. Besides, guests can request any dish they want and let Maya Luxe worry about supplies. What’s not to like?

Outdoor dining to enjoy the tropical autumn

Once the food is sorted, you will need an appropriate setting to have everyone gather around the table. And if you are in the Caribbean, you might want to make the most of the great November weather and dine outdoors. Because believe it or not, we do get an autumn breeze that makes being outside an utter delight.

Many vacation rentals have expansive gardens and alfresco dining tables. Think of a marquee under leafy trees with a swimming pool in the background. Or how about an ocean view terrace with a picturesque palapa roof? You can even find cozy tables under the palm trees to dip your toes in the sand while you eat with your family. Options are many, but what matters is that you find a holiday home where you feel happy and close to one another.

Mind the rooftop

Climbing to the rooftop is always a perfect excuse to be around each other and take in the view. Of course, there are many kinds. Some villas have spacious lounges where you can have stylish sunset gatherings. Others have a more casual vibe and boast plunge pools perfect for soaking with a couple of drinks. You can also find swanky private bars to get the party going.

These spaces can be whatever you want them to be, so choose one with a personality that fits your own. Whether you are looking to turn up the music a bit or share that Caribbean sunshine, the very top floor always brings that extra ingredient to have memorable evenings. And don’t forget to snap some pictures.

Let the games begin

Who doesn’t have fond memories of playing games with their family? These are prime bonding times when everyone is relaxed and enjoying each other in healthy competition. So, in case you have had enough beach for the day, there are vacation rentals well-equipped to take the fun elsewhere. And that can mean many things, from playing a game on your pool table, beating everyone at shuffleboard, or even daring someone to a tennis match. The main thing is getting everyone involved. Not everything is about winning. Or is it?

Get the fire going

It might be a primal instinct, but people tend to gather around the fire. Think of a campsite. As soon as the fire is going, we come together and share stories around the flames. Now, throw some food into the mix, and you have the perfect combination for a memorable evening.

Some private villas offer that same feeling with their outdoor fire pits. You can turn up the flames, collapse on a bean bag, and talk about life. Or you can engage in that other timeless ritual that is barbecuing. Fire up the grill and tell everyone to come around as you cook together and crack a couple of beers.

Find solitude in the landscape

Sometimes, what you need to be together is to be left alone. Alone with your people, that is, free from distractions, hectic schedules, and artificial disturbances. If you are craving some natural peace, you can easily find a wonderfully secluded home surrounded by nothing more than a lush landscape.

The Riviera Maya is famous for its nature, and vacation rentals make the most of it. Embraced by the environs, some villas have private piers in remote lagoons. Others are deep in biosphere reserves and have an eco-conscious design to help you harmonize with wilderness. Because few places are more serene than the Caribbean coast, and it is just that tranquility that can help you reconnect with those who accompany you on your journey.