We've lived in Villanova for 6 months now, and we get asked all the time: what is it about this family-friendly community that made you move here?
So I grabbed my camera and did a full tour – every cluster, every amenity, honest prices, and what daily life actually feels like. Not what the brochures say, but what it's really like raising a family here.
Let me walk you through it.
What is Villanova?
Villanova is a master community by Dubai Properties, designed specifically for families who want space, safety, and a real neighbourhood feel.
It sits along Emirates Road (E611) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), giving you easy access to:
- Downtown Dubai: ~30 minutes
- Global Village: ~20 minutes
- Dubai Miracle Garden: ~15 minutes
- Cityland Mall: ~10 minutes
The community has four main clusters: Amaranta, La Rosa, La Quinta, and La Violeta. Each offers Mediterranean-style villas and townhouses surrounded by green parks, pools, and play areas.
The Amenities (Every Cluster Has Its Own)
One thing I love about Villanova – each cluster has its own swimming pool, outdoor gym, and kids' playground. You don't need to travel far. Wherever you live, the amenities are right there.
Near the Main Area (Bolt Hole Pub)
The main hub is around the Bolt Hole – yes, there's a pub here, which attracts a lot of Brits! 😄
Next to it you'll find:
- Main adult pool
- Children's pool
- The gym (more on that later...)
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts
- Table tennis
- BBQ areas
- Mini golf
Green Spaces Everywhere
This is what I wasn't expecting – it's genuinely green. Lots of plants, trees, and open grass areas for the kids to play football or any ball games. The boys love it.
Kids' Play Areas
Every cluster has soft-surface play areas with climbing frames and slides. Lots of seating for parents who want to watch their kids play.
During the day it's quiet because kids are at school. But once they finish and come out at night – it's magical. Kids on scooters, playing basketball, making friends. It's safe, it's social, and it genuinely feels like a neighbourhood.
Pet Friendly
If you're bringing your dog to Dubai, Villanova is perfect. Lots of walkways and pathways, all nicely lit up at night. We see dogs being walked constantly.
⚠️ The Gym Situation (Honest Warning)
I have to be honest here: the gym is very small. There's only one gym for the whole of Villanova, and it's definitely not big enough for the number of residents.
Top tip: Don't count on using the Villanova gym regularly. You'll be lucky to get on any of the machines. Factor in a gym membership elsewhere if fitness is important to you.
The Clusters: Tour & Prices
Amaranta
Spanish-designed 3 and 4-bedroom townhouses. Super close to the community mall, the Bolt Hole pub, and the main pool area.
Rent: From AED 150,000/year
La Rosa 1
3 and 4-bedroom townhouses, also very close to the mall and pub.
Rent: From AED 180,000/year
La Quinta
Mediterranean-inspired 3, 4, and 5-bedroom villas (not townhouses). These are the larger properties.
Rent: From AED 220,000/year
La Violeta 1 & 2
This is where we live! La Violeta 1 and 2 join onto each other. La Violeta 2 was just handed over in September – brand new properties still being snagged.
3 and 4-bedroom townhouses.
Rent: From AED 165,000/year
Rental Price Summary (2025)
| Property Type | Annual Rent (AED) | Approx. Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Bed Townhouse | 150,000 - 180,000 | 12,500 - 15,000 |
| 4-Bed Townhouse | 165,000 - 220,000 | 13,750 - 18,333 |
| 5-Bed Villa | 220,000+ | 18,333+ |
DEWA Bills (Utilities)
We get asked this a lot!
For our 3-bedroom townhouse in La Violeta 1, our DEWA bill (water + electricity) is around AED 1,500 per month (approximately £300).
This covers air conditioning, which runs a lot in summer, plus all water usage.
Villanova Community Mall
The mall has everything you need day-to-day without leaving the community:
Essentials
- Giant Supermarket – for all your groceries
- Pharmacy
- Opticians
- Barbers
- Ladies salon (hair & nails)
- Laundry service
- Phone repairs
- Printers
Food & Coffee
- Coffee Planet
- Katrina Coffee & Cakes
- Baskin Robbins
- Restaurant (residents get a discount!)
Family
- Nursery inside the mall – great for younger children
- Children's salon
- Kids play area
- True Gamers – the boys absolutely love playing Fortnite here!
- Toy shop
- Pet shop
Other
- Fresh butchers (great quality meat)
- Florist
- And randomly... a hot tub shop! 😂
One Thing to Know: It's Not All Walkable
Not everything in Villanova is within walking distance. From La Violeta 1 (where we live) to the gym and Bolt Hole pub, it's 2.5km.
That's a 5-minute drive, or a long walk/jog if you're feeling fit!
Something to consider when choosing your cluster.
Community Feel
There are two mosques within the community – one near the main area and one near La Violeta 1.
What I love most about Villanova is that genuine neighbourhood feeling that's hard to find in Dubai. Evenings here are special – kids out on scooters, parents chatting on benches, dogs being walked under the lights.
It has that warmth we missed from the UK.
Nearby Schools
Villanova has easy access to several good schools:
- The Aquila School
- GEMS Metropole Motor City
- Fairgreen International School
- Emirates British Nursery
Nearby Hospitals
- Mediclinic Parkview Hospital
- Burjeel Hospital (Al Quoz)
My Honest Verdict After 6 Months
What We Love ❤️
- Genuine neighbourhood feel – rare in Dubai
- Safe for kids to play outside
- Green spaces and parks everywhere
- Pet-friendly community
- Each cluster has its own amenities
- Community mall has everything you need
- The boys have made real friends
- Family-friendly evenings with kids out playing
What Could Be Better ⚠️
- The gym is far too small for the community
- Not everything is walkable (need a car)
- 30 minutes from central Dubai
Quick Reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Dubailand (E611/E311) |
| Property Types | Townhouses & Villas |
| Bedrooms | 3, 4, 5 bed options |
| Rent Range | AED 150k - 220k+/year |
| Utilities (3 bed) | ~AED 1,500/month |
| To Downtown | ~30 minutes |
| Pet Friendly | Yes ✓ |
| Best For | Families with children |
Thinking of Moving to Villanova?
If you're planning your move to Dubai and want to view properties in Villanova or any other family-friendly community, I'd love to help.
I specialise in helping families relocate from the UK and find homes in communities like Villanova, Arabian Ranches, and Sobha Hartland.
Take my neighbourhood quiz to see if Villanova is the right fit for your family, or check out my relocation package for hands-on help with your move.
Drop me a message – I'm always happy to chat! 💛