In 2023, travellers from Australia will be able to access the outstanding range of villas and boutique hotels on offer from one of the UK’s best loved villa rental companies, Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com; ++44 208 003 6557).
The London-based, award-winning tour operator, which offers luxurious villa and boutique hotel holidays to Mediterranean destinations including Greece, Italy, mainland France, Corsica and Mallorca, is renowned for its exceptional destination knowledge and levels of service.
Established in 2002, Simpson Travel benefits from a heritage of nearly 45 years of travel expertise. Founder Graham Simpson made his first foray into villa holidays in Crete in 1978 when he established ground-breaking villa operator Simply Travel. From simple beginnings, it became one of the most respected independent travel companies of its time, renowned for offering authentic holidays, with exceptional product knowledge and service. In Simpson Travel, Graham recreated this original philosophy, with prestigious accolades including Best Villa Operator (Daily Telegraph); Readers’ Choice Villa Operator (Conde Nast Traveller) and Best Family Travel Company (Little London Magazine) bearing testament to its success.
Commenting, Graham Simpson says “We’re delighted to be opening up our collection of villas and boutique hotels to the Australian market. I first started offering villa holidays in 1978 with my Greek wife Yianna. Inspired by the idea of sharing the kind of authentic travel experiences we enjoyed ourselves, we set up Simply Crete. Back then, this unspoilt island was on the ‘road less travelled’ in the most literal sense. Since then, the business has matured into an award-winning villa and boutique hotel specialist, with a reputation for finding the best properties in each destination. Today some of our villas and Simpson Hotels are quietly secluded, while others sit near the finest beaches in Europe and certainly no longer off the beaten track, yet our approach remains unchanged. To us, the road less travelled is about going the extra mile; making the effort where others might take shortcuts.”
Simpson adds “We are committed to ensuring our guests have truly memorable experiences from start to finish. As well as knowing destinations inside-out, and having strong relationships with villa owners locally, our concierge services and locally based representatives can help guests every step of the way. Whether it’s a restaurant booking, boat hire, private transfer or shopping recommendation, nothing is too much trouble. Depending on the property and location, we are also able to arrange special added extras such as in-villa chefs, cooking lessons, in-villa massage or treatments, nanny services or babysitting.”
From chic, contemporary villas with infinity pools, to authentic country manor houses or beautifully restored hideaways, Simpson Travel’s properties can be found in destinations ranging from the rolling hills of Tuscany to idyllic Greek islands and the exquisite Provençal landscapes of France.
Many are exclusively offered by Simpson, with each villa having been carefully selected to meet the company’s exacting requirements. Most have private pools, with lovely gardens and enjoy fabulous views over coastlines or countryside and there are villas to suit every style and combination of traveller. From romantic one-bedroom hideaways to family friendly homes and bigger properties ideal for multi-generational groups or for several friends and relatives planning to meet up together in Europe, guests can be confident that they will be staying in handpicked properties, in only the best locations.
Simpson Travel also offers a range of hotels. These include Simpson Hotels – properties exclusively featured by Simpson Travel, comprising adult-only boutique properties such the unique seven-suite Purple Apricot in Paxos, elegant White Orchid in Sivota and the stunning Katouna Suites in Lefkada, as well as family-friendly favorites such as the superb Bella Mare in Corfu.
Additionally, Simpson Travel features some partner hotels – small, independent properties which have been handpicked to complement the overall program and broaden the number of destinations on offer. They can be combined with stays in villas or Simpson hotels and whilst they may not be operated by Simpson Travel, they have been carefully selected for their unique locations, warm, welcoming staff and a certain ‘something’ that lifts them out of the ordinary.
For those wishing to add a further element to their holiday Simpson has a programme of special interest holidays in Crete. Alongside the chance to step out and explore range of walking and cultural experiences with Cretan specialist Jonathan Peat, the programme includes Meditation with specialist yoga practitioner Sarah Jane Minter, Watercolour Painting with locally based artist Francesca Harrison and a selection of expert led Bridge and music weeks.
To help clients choose the best holiday for their needs, there are several unique collections within the Simpson Travel brand.
Simpson Exclusive
The Simpson Exclusive collection comprises Simpson Travel’s finest properties; exquisite villas in outstanding locations, with immaculate interiors and matchless views. With a concierge to take care of the details from the outset and an exclusive hamper on arrival, these villas are the perfect choice for those looking for the ultimate villa holiday.
Simpson Hotels
Distinctive, intimate and truly individual, the boutique Simpson Hotels never compromise on the personalized service that makes any stay a pleasure from start to finish. Exclusive to Simpson Travel, each has been carefully chosen for its idyllic location. Whether they are yards from golden sands or looking out over rolling hills, all properties feature thoughtfully designed accommodation, a dedicated Simpson Concierge, cool cotton bedlinen and days that begin with a delicious home-cooked breakfast. Within the Simpson Hotels portfolio is a selection of Adult Only Hotels – perfect for an exclusive escape uninterrupted by younger guests.
Simpson Secrets
Perfectly private, wonderfully romantic and truly off the beaten track, Simpson Secrets are a selection of villas chosen for their bewitching setting as much as their style and character. Think serene hideaways for magical, get-away-from-it-all escapes.
Simpson Kids
Simpson Kids offers a range of different options for family holidays – encompassing Family Favorite Villas, Beach Life and Villa Clusters with Childcare – all carefully curated to match up with the requirements for each family. Family Favorite Villas are a group of properties all geared towards taking the stress out of traveling with young children. From expansive gardens with fenced pools to complimentary infant packs and rash vests, garden games and a box of toys to keep little ones busy – everything is taken care of. There is also a group of ‘Teenage Friendly’ properties, which have been selected largely due to their location, close enough to local facilities to keep independence-craving teens happy.
For bookings, contact Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.
