Holiday villas are an alternative to traditional hotels or hostel accommodation. This type of accommodation is very popular in Europe and some parts of South-East Asia (notably Bali and Phuket), but very rare in North America. The primary difference between a holiday villa and a hotel is that a holiday villa contains a kitchen (or kitchenette) and other living space. Holiday villas are also referred to as short term rental apartments and "self catering" apartments.