Thank you for answers. vuittonsofstyle : It sounds like you actually found the private residences better than the Royal Villas ? Is this a correct understanding.

The residences do look magnificent on the photos. Which is why I am surprised that they actually are much cheaper to than 2 bedroom villas.

I remember earlier the prices of 2 bedroom residence and 2 bedroom villa were about the same. Now the 2 bedroom residence is nearly half price of 2 bedroom villa. Even the largest 4 bedroom residence is half price of the Royal Villa in the period we are going (late june/early july).

So I became worried that there "was a catch", and that the residences had some drawback with regard to location, view, distance to beach etc.

(though I do see that part of the explanation is that residences are much heavier discounted - 50 % - than regular villas outside high season.).

Thank you for all your help :-)