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view online - Simpson Travel
2016 ISSUE
THE FRENCH ROAD TRIP
REDISCOVERING MEMORIES
ON MEGANISSI
5 OF THE BEST
CORSICAN VINEYARD VILL AS
FOR THE LOVE OF KALKAN
THE HEART OF RURAL MALLORCA
Welcome
Every year brings new adventures and, for
Simpson Travel, I’ve found this involves
discovering more unmissable destinations.
Last autumn, I found myself squeezed into a
Citroën with three intrepid members of my
team; our mission to choose the accommodation for our new France collection.
We’re delighted with the results: comfortable properties full of personality
and great value for money, handpicked from the portfolio of our new partner,
Dominique’s Villas. But it doesn’t end there.
Our Simpson Secrets are both unique and innovative – villas chosen for their
character and location (often off the beaten track) and made for travellers
with an adventurous spirit. This year, you’ll have even more to choose from, in
exciting new destinations, including Andalucía, Ibiza, Tuscany and some of the
lesser-known but lovely Greek Islands.
However, Simpson Travel wouldn’t be flourishing if we didn’t also nurture the
collections we already have. We’ve added new hotels in Turkey and Kefalonia,
the Kalkan Regency and the Adult Only Blue Jasmine Hotel, and found some
charming properties in Southern Mallorca – a beautifully unspoilt region, still
largely undiscovered by the Brits.
Last, but by no means least, I owe all of you who voted for us in the British
Travel Awards a very big thank you. As a result of your support we won three
awards. To a small, independent company such as ours, your ongoing loyalty is
invaluable and we wouldn’t be here without you.
With that in mind, we hope you’ll join us again in 2016 to enjoy the very best
the Mediterranean has to offer.
Best wishes
CONTENTS
51
42
6 WHAT’S NEW
2015 was a busy year, but 2016 looks set to be even busier…
8 FRANCE NEW FOR 2016
8The French collection
9An interview with... Dominique Wells
10 The French road trip
12 Côte d’Azur
13Provence
14 South West & The Dordogne
15 Vendée & The Loire
16 5 of the best celebration villas in France
17 A taste of our France collection
20
54
18 GREECE
18 The Ionian Islands: up close and personal
20 Rediscovering memories on Meganissi
22 A personal experience of... The Rou Estate
24 Working with owners: from building to booking
25 A taste of our Greece collection
28
26 CORSICA
26 Affordable family escapes in southern Corsica
28 An interview with... Roberto Baldeschi
30 Twice the holiday: Corsica and France
32 5 of the best Corsican vineyard villas
33 A taste of our Corsica collection
34 TURKEY
34 For the love of Kalkan
36 The insider... Kalkan Regency
38 5 of the best Turkish villas made for two
39 A taste of our Turkey collection
40 MALLORCA 40 The heart of rural Mallorca
42 Introducing... Southern Mallorca
44 Alcúdia: holiday escapism
45 A taste of our Mallorca collection
47 FOOD AND WINE
47Introducing The Traveller’s Table
48 Love food; will travel
50 5 of the best villas for dining in style
51 TRAVEL WRITING COMPETITION
51 Putting your holiday into words
52 About the competition
64
53 COUPLES HOLIDAYS
53 Inspiration for... just the two of you
54 Some enchanted evening
58 An empty nester’s escape
59 FAMILY HOLIDAYS
59 Inspiration for... family holidays
60 Swimming pool fun
64 A personal experience of... Mousses Villas
66 Calling all budding artists!
67 SIMPSON HOTELS
68 A unique collection
71 SIMPSON EXCLUSIVE
72 Your VIP ticket to the Mediterranean
74 SIMPSON TRAVELLER
74 An interview with... Angela Baker
36
WHAT’S NEW
WE’RE MAKING A FEW CHANGES…
WHAT’S NEW
Office move – Last year we were tasked with finding a new home
for Simpson Travel – somewhere that could accommodate our everincreasing team. In December, we moved to Roehampton: a new start
in a wonderful new space, next door to the Lawn Tennis Association.
Website – Last year we asked you for feedback on our website. We
had hundreds of responses – very helpful when you’ve got a new
website to build. Thanks to all who took part and congratulations
to Julie Holden, who was picked at random to win an iPad for
completing our questionnaire. The new-look simpsontravel.com will
be launched later in 2016.
Social media – If you’ve not Followed or Liked us on Twitter and
Facebook, we’d love you to join the conversation – and now you
can also share your Simpson Travel holiday photos on our Instagram
page: #simpsontravel
#simpsontravel
WE LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
For a small, independent company like ours, guests’ feedback is
invaluable and our customer service questionnaire is part of this
process, sent out as a link to guests on their return. We appreciate
that busy lives are not always conducive to filling out online forms, so
we include a little incentive: the chance to win a holiday.
Congratulations to Richard and Victoria Field who, last year, won seven
nights at our much-loved White Orchid Hotel – just in time to coincide
with their 30th wedding anniversary. And if you’d like the chance to win
a similar prize in 2016, don’t forget to complete the questionnaire!
MORE AWARDS, DESTINATIONS AND CHOICES
With many thanks to all those who voted for us, we ended 2015 on
a high with three awards at the British Travel Awards. Since then,
we’ve gone from strength to strength with the launch of our France
collection (pages 8-17) – there’s even a château or two! We’ve also
brought Southern Mallorca (page 42) into the fold, a beautifully
unspoilt region of our favourite Balearic Island. And of course we
have some wonderful new properties to share with you, including the
celebrated Kalkan Regency Hotel (page 36) and Kefalonia’s Adult
Only Blue Jasmine Hotel (page 68).
Our partnership with British Airways continues and, for families
heading out to Zakynthos, easyJet will be whisking you away at a
convenient weekend departure time to make life a little… well, easier.
6 ON TRAVEL
OUR FIRST LOYALTY CLUB EVENT
In July last year, we gathered together our most loyal Simpson
Travellers for afternoon tea (and a few glasses of bubbly) at London’s
Fortnum & Mason. It was a great success, as well as being a big
‘Thank you’ from us for their ongoing support – and we’re already
looking forward to further events. You can find out more about our
Loyalty Club at simpsontravel.com/simpson-loyalty-club
YOUR VIDEO PREVIEW
Last year, we filmed our guests sharing a few of their Simpson Travel
experiences and you’ll be able to see those videos later this year. In
the meantime, we’ve added new villa videos to help you decide on
the best one for you. Just click on the main property image to watch.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 7
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / AN INTERVIEW WITH... DOMINIQUE WELLS
THE FRENCH COLLECTION
An interview with...
DOMINIQUE WELLS
Our France programme is an eclectic collection of family
homes, manor houses and even a few châteaux – a
handpicked selection from the travel experts Dominique’s
Villas, which we’ll be adding to over the forthcoming year.
We spoke to its founder and now a Simpson Travel partner,
Dominique Wells, half French and a passionate Francophile,
who got into the travel industry quite by accident…
TRAVEL WASN’T YOUR PLAN A, WAS IT?
Not exactly. I’d studied Art History, although my father was in
the travel business. I was actually working in a gallery when
he said he had a friend with a few villas in France and could
I help market them? That was in 1986 and, to be honest, I
thought I’d last about a year or two. I didn’t see any of the
villas until the following year when I went out to France on a
three week camping tour with my husband-to-be and then
they started to grow on me.
SO HOW DID THE PARTNERSHIP WITH
SIMPSON TRAVEL COME ABOUT?
Graham Simpson explains why we’ve taken our holidays across the Channel...
“Over the years, opportunities have arisen
to bring France into our portfolio, but the
timing has never been quite right. That
changed when I struck up a conversation
with Dominique Wells last summer.
I’ve known Dominique, the founder
of Dominique’s Villas, since the
Simply Travel days of the 1980s. She
set up her business in 1986 and,
after three decades of hard work
and with a portfolio to be proud of,
she was looking for a like-minded
partner to take her business on and
move it forwards. It was too good an
opportunity to miss and the result is
Simpson Travel: France.
A gradual handover will be taking place
over the next few years, with Dominique
working as part of the team to advise
and support us with her extensive local
knowledge and experience. It’s going to
be an exciting time!
France is different from our other
destinations. While some of the
properties are similar in style to those
in Greece or Turkey, you’ll find an
intriguingly eclectic mix. Many of the
houses are much-loved family homes
rather than rental accommodation; full
of personality and personal touches,
staying there is like slipping into the life
of a local.
Our properties are spread out across
the south and south west of France.
Given the distances between them, it
would be impossible to have teams of
representatives as we do elsewhere.
Instead, the owners, housekeepers
or concierges will welcome you in
and from then on you can immerse
yourselves in your holiday, uninterrupted
– although we’ll always be on the
phone if you need us, and at some
French properties chefs and cleaners
can visit during your stay if you book
them in advance.
As there are so many different ways
to travel to France, by land, sea and
air, we’re keeping things flexible
and offering our properties on an
accommodation-only basis. With many
of the properties sleeping eight or more,
they’re made for large family gatherings
and you can all choose the easiest
route in and arrive at different times
during the week or two-week booking
if that suits you too. And, for a small
administration fee we can book your
flights for you and arrange car hire.
So I wish you a very warm welcome to
Côte d’Azur, Provence, South West &
The Dordogne and Vendée & The Loire
– the latest additions to the Simpson
Travel portfolio.”
I’d met Graham many years ago and always liked the
personal approach of the company, and, in my opinion, it was
certainly one of the best villa websites in the business, thanks
to the clarity of its message and presentation. When the
possibility of us working together was suggested, I instinctively
felt it would be a good thing. For our first meeting with
Graham, he announced that it could last five minutes or two
hours. It lasted over two hours.
HOW DO YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH
VILLA OWNERS?
Softly, softly! I have good relationships with the owners, many
of whom I met in the early DV days – I’ve known some of
them for over 30 years. As I own a house in the south west of
France, it’s easy to pop in on them and say hello. And should
problems arise, there’s always a way to solve them.
YOU PUT A LOT OF FOCUS ON HELPING
PEOPLE FIND THE RIGHT VILLA…
Yes. Because the houses have so much character, it’s about
pairing them up with our guests’ personalities. I once had the
idea of asking them to send in pictures of their own homes so
we could match them up! However, speaking with our guests
and finding out what they really want from a holiday makes all
the difference.
All the paintings on this page, depicting French life were
done by Dominique's late father, Leonard Koven.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 9
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / THE FRENCH ROAD TRIP
THE FRENCH ROAD TRIP
Getting to know our destinations isn’t all about
trying out the beaches. When it comes to
creating exceptional holidays, we go the extra
mile – or, in the case of France, 1,600 of them.
Location and accommodation are what great
holidays are all about; we leave neither to
chance. That’s why our intrepid team of four
squeezed themselves into a Citroën and drove
from Nice to Nantes, via Provence and the
Dordogne – a total of around 1,600 miles –
in just ten days. Their mission: to choose the
properties for our brand new France collection.
The team consisted of Graham Simpson (Managing Director
of Simpson Travel), Dominique Wells (founder of Dominique’s
Villas), Alison Scott (Simpson Travel’s Commercial Director) and
Hamish McDougall (one of our talented travel consultants) with
ages ranging from 20-something to 60-something.
Of course it’s business, but everyone was wondering how it was
going to work out, being in such close proximity for ten days. In
fact, those they met en route assumed they were a family (albeit
a slightly odd one) and, in spite of Alison’s caffeine deficit and
Graham’s impassioned – and daily – quest for the perfect croque
monsieur, that wasn’t too far from the truth. Helped along by
good food, local wine and plenty of well-placed humour, the
eclectic quartet ticked all the boxes intended.
GRAHAM
“I experienced more of the real France than ever before and
what struck me were the high standards of accommodation
and how eclectic the properties are – a real cross section of
styles. In many cases, these are real homes and the personal
touches, from artwork to ornaments, create a sense of warmth
and welcoming environment. You might find written tips on the
best markets from the owners or a note recommending local
restaurants or the best wine shop.” ALISON
“I was the one filling out the property information forms and getting
as much information as possible on the houses. Part of this trip was
about quality control and meeting the owners, housekeepers and
concierges who will greet our guests instead of local representatives
– the properties are too far apart for that. We were cooked for by a
former Michelin-starred chef, met some wonderful characters and
wherever we went, the hospitality was very welcoming.”
I experienced more of the real France than ever before.
Graham Simpson
DOMINIQUE
“I have a home in France and family, but travelling
with the team, I saw things in a different light.
There is such an amazing range of properties…
contemporary villas, provençal cottages, 18thcentury châteaux and even a converted convent.
With four different perspectives, there were some
interesting debates around the best ones for
Simpson Travel guests and it gave me an insight
into the way the company works, with everyone
having an input.”
HAMISH
When it comes to creating exceptional holidays,
we go the extra mile – or, in the case of France,
1,600 of them.
10 ON TRAVEL
“My family has lived in Provence for 15 years. I speak fluent French
and I return four or five times a year. It was quite surreal going
around my old stomping grounds with my boss and colleagues,
but introducing everyone to my family was an unexpected treat.
I was focused on the details of each property, thinking about the
sort of questions our guests would ask when they call us. I’ve
been with Simpson Travel for less than a year, so it taught me a lot
about both the business and our new France programme.”
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 11
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / CÔTE D’AZUR
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / PROVENCE
CÔTE D’AZUR
PROVENCE
To describe the beautiful south as merely
glamorous is to do it a considerable disservice.
Where an absorbing abundance of the here
and now rubs shoulders with the past.
WELCOME TO THE PLAYGROUND
THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
It’s an alluring proposition: champagne nightlife, miles of sandy beaches
and a glamour born of super yachts, red carpets and world-renowned
music and film festivals. And in the most famous (and famously busy)
resorts of St Tropez, Ste Maxime, St Raphaël and Cannes, soaking up the
Riviera sunshine in the glitterati’s playground can be a deliciously heady
experience. But there’s more…
Breathtakingly beautiful, Provence is a place of earthy pleasures, brimful
of good food, fine wines and miles of walking and cycling trails, including
the 2016 Tour de France route, threading its way through rolling hills.
Memorable moments are waiting to be seized in the chic cafés and colourful
flower markets of elegant Aix-en-Provence, the lavender fields and cobbled
streets of Gordes and the wildness of the Camargue’s red salt lagoons, white
horses and pink flamingos.
THE WORLD BEYOND THE GLITZ AND SHIMMER
Blue seas, a fertile hinterland and the exquisite light have proved an enduring
attraction to artists, Picasso, Matisse and Renoir among them. The ‘ville
tranquille’ of Bandol has long been a seaside retreat for creative types, no
doubt inspired, in part, by the abundance of local wine.
Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, stirs the imagination too with its
fields of mimosa, jasmine and orange blossom, or visit Port Grimaud, an
architectural experiment of pretty pastel houses, canals and waterways, known
as the Venice of Provence.
To take in more of your surroundings, strike out from the picturesque fishing
village of Cassis along the coast to admire France’s highest sea cliffs and the
spectacular views of the Calanques. There’s also the little seaside town of
Agay, memorable for the red cliffs of the surrounding Massif de l’Esterel and
one of the most scenic coastal roads in France.
THE PLEASURES OF PAST TIMES
The Côte d’Azur has a rich history, best explored in its medieval hilltop
villages. Picturesque Cogolin, on the slopes of the Massif des Maures, is
a fine example, celebrated for its fabric artisans and natural produce. Or
there’s Grimaud, dominated by an 11th-century château. Unexpectedly, it
also comes with a glass lift to transport you up to the main square.
simpsontravel.com/france-holidays/cote-dazur
12 ON TRAVEL
FROM ELEGANT TOWN TO COUNTRY VILLAGE
Provençal history wraps itself around you, from the stories of Roman
civilisations in its ancient ruins to the 18th-century power games built into its
great houses. There’s no escaping Tarascon’s Medieval, Romanesque and
Gothic influences – or the impact of ancient civilisations in the impressive
amphitheatres and shady stone squares of Arles, Nîmes and Orange. In
Aix-en-Provence, splendid mansions line one side of the Cours Mirabeau
– the legacy of nobility and church in competition to build the best. And
everyone loves fashionable Avignon, where, throughout July, you’ll find one
of the largest arts festivals in Europe.
A FEAST IN ALL SENSES
From the religious masterpieces of the 14th and 15th-centuries to the
dedication of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Chagall to capture the region’s
exquisite light and landscape, Provence has a rich creative heritage. And a
thriving 21st-century arts scene. Gordes, officially one of the ‘Most Beautiful
Villages’ in France, is one place to explore it.
Food and drink are another art form to be appreciated to the full: sundrenched, homemade, seasonal cuisine full of olive oil, garlic, wine and a
truffle or two. Don’t leave without a taste of local bouillabaisse, daube
(a beef stew) and a plate of local ratatouille.
simpsontravel.com/france-holidays/provence
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 13
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / VENDÉE & THE LOIRE
SOUTH WEST &
THE DORDOGNE
VENDÉE &
THE LOIRE
A leisurely stroll through history across
rolling hills.
A welcome haven for bons vivants with a
penchant for history.
FRANCE’S GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND
WHERE YOUR GLASS IS ALWAYS HALF FULL
There’s good reason why the undulating landscape and winding rivers of The
Dordogne and The South West are a popular British expat destination – this
region is loved for its countryside, reminding many of a bygone rural England.
But among the small villages, farms and rich green meadows, there’s also
a distinctly French air, with half-timbered houses in medieval bastide towns
sharing their surroundings with beautiful châteaux.
The region’s celebrated reputation for fine wine is hard to deny, with both
the Vendée and The Loire Valley playing a central role in French gastronomy.
From Saumur’s wine houses and fine-dining establishments to Angers’
famous Menthe-Pastille liqueur, there’s so much more to the area than merely
world-famous vineyards and majestic châteaux… but if it’s castles you’re
after, then the spectacular Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau and Royal Fortress
of Chinon are some of the country’s finest.
There’s plenty to explore in that glorious landscape. Whether it’s discovering
Dordogne’s forest-covered hillsides on foot, sightseeing by bike in the Lot-etGaronne or admiring the lovely Charente-Maritime coastline from a kayak,
life takes on brighter hues with a healthy dose of fresh air.
A DEEPLY-ROOTED HISTORY
From the spectacular prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux to the imposing
Byzantine-style cathedral in Périgueux, there’s so much to uncover of
historical interest. Medieval old towns remain the heart and soul of the
region, from the 12th-century cloisters of the Maison des Vins de Bergerac
to Montauban’s fortified Église Saint-Jacques and 14th-century brick bridge,
Pont Vieux. Périgueux, meanwhile, twins its medieval, half-timbered heritage
with Roman remains, including the Temple of Vesunna.
AN ABUNDANCE OF SEASONAL GOODIES
Packed with gourmet delights, the fare at Monpazier and Sarlat’s weekly
markets (and beyond) is delicious – duck and goose are firm favourites, with
truffles, cèpes and abundant fruit and vegetables from the Lot-et-Garonne.
With vineyards stretching from Bordeaux to Duras, wine tasting across the
region is, of course, an essential pastime. Settle on a glass, discover a view
and admire the soothing pace of rural life at your leisure.
Image by Gilbert Bochenek
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / SOUTH WEST & THE DORDOGNE
CULTURAL OPULENCE AT ITS BEST
Whatever your passion, the region has plenty to offer in the way of history,
arts and culture. A trip to Tours combines stylish shopping and traditional
artisan crafts with a fine arts museum and a magnificent cathedral and
basilica. The Vendée is also home to La Roche-sur-Yon, a stately town built
by Napoleon with geometric precision. Venture inland and you’ll find other
treasures, including the Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) with its canals, forestcovered hills, marshland, picturesque villages and historic abbeys.
WANDERING AT A LAZY PACE
While they may not offer the glitz and dazzle of the Côte d’Azur, the
charming towns along the Vendée’s Atlantic coastline have 250km of sandy
beaches to make up for it – and watersports. The old fishing village of Les
Sables-d’Olonne is one of France’s original (and still very inviting) seaside
destinations and is just the place to de-stress and unwind with the sand
between your toes. The laidback, down-to-earth lifestyle allows holidays to
unfold at an irresistibly relaxed pace, with the most pressing decision of the
day being whether to go for a sauvignon blanc or cabernet franc at lunch.
simpsontravel.com/france-holidays/vendee-and-the-loire
simpsontravel.com/france-holidays/south-west-and-the-dordogne
14 ON TRAVEL
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 15
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / 5 OF THE BEST CELEBRATION VILLAS IN FRANCE
OF THE BEST
FRANCE NEW FOR 2016 / A TASTE OF OUR FRANCE COLLECTION
celebration villas in France
A TASTE OF OUR FRANCE COLLECTION
LA BERGERIE DU RAVIN
From special birthdays to anniversaries, mark the occasion in style.
Provence, 4 bedrooms
Accommodation only prices from £2,410*
Beaumonnes
A tastefully restored 19th-century home
set in 18 unspoilt acres: a starting point
for discovering the nearby villages.
Provence
Near the lavender fields
of Gordes, this beautiful
Provençal-style villa sleeps
12 and the views from its
south-facing terraces are
unforgettable.
PUNTAYUCCA
DOMAINE PÉRIGOURDIN
Côte d’Azur, 3 bedrooms
South West & The Dordogne, 5 bedrooms
Accommodation only prices from £2,880*
Accommodation only prices from £1,730*
A private Moroccan-riad-meets-farmhouse
with views across vineyards and rolling hills.
Sandy beaches are also close at hand.
An 18th-century hilltop manor house
that’s just a few miles from the Dordogne
River – and the views are breathtaking.
LA PIERRE
Provence, 5 bedrooms
Accommodation only prices from £5,240*
Traditional style meets perfect peace in a
tranquil rural setting, although Carpentras’
shops and restaurants are just 3km away.
VILLA D’AGAY
Côte d’Azur, 7 bedrooms
SIMPSON SECRET –
MONTPALACH
Accommodation only prices from £2,640*
South West & The Dordogne, 4 bedrooms
With the beach just metres away, this is a
seaside village location par excellence, set
in its own landscaped garden.
Accommodation only prices from £1,430*
This lovely old manor house offers peace
and tranquillity in generous abundance.
VILLA D’OLEA
Provence, 5 bedrooms
Accommodation only prices from £5,450*
Surrounded by landscaped gardens,
stunning views and olive groves, ten
happy revellers can gather here in style.
Vue Mer
Château de la Malartrie Domaine de l’Auvézère La Canorgue
VENDÉE BEACH HOUSE
LA COLLINETTE
Côte d’Azur
South West & The Dordogne
South West & The Dordogne
Provence
Vendée & The Loire, 4 bedrooms
South West & The Dordogne, 4 bedrooms
A taste of contemporary French
exclusivity to add extra sparkle
to small gatherings – and just
a 30-minute drive from the
dazzling French Riviera.
A Renaissance-style château
above the Dordogne River: a
very desirable location. Gather
11 others to stay in a genuine
French landmark.
Sleeping 12, this classic manor
house has the informal elegance
and countryside setting that
slows the pace for relaxingly
laid-back reunions.
A converted farmhouse with
room enough for 20. There’s a
children’s playground outside and,
inside, a games room and spa/
massage space for grown-ups.
Accommodation only prices from £2,460*
Accommodation only prices from £2,070*
Light, bright and just steps away from 8km
of golden sand, with shops, restaurants
and watersports close by.
Located in a small hamlet, surrounded
by vineyards and sunflower fields, lies this
quintessentially French Longère house.
16 ON TRAVEL
*Prices are based on accommodation only for seven nights.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 17
GREECE / THE IONIAN ISLANDS: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
CORFU
Albania
The gentle lifestyle, picturesque coves and serenely mountainous interior
belie Corfu’s history of battles and conquests, from the Phoenicians
and Romans to the Venetians and British – the old town is a designated
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, with its idyllic coves sheltering
sleek yachts and discreetly opulent hillside villas, the north east of the
island is one of the most desirable corners in all of Greece.
Zagoria
Corfu
Sivota
Lesbos
Paxos
Lefkada
Kefalonia
LEFKADA
Skopelos
Turkey
Meganissi
Ithaca
Athens
Zakynthos
A green and fertile pine-forested gem, Lefkada is connected to the
mainland by a causeway and floating bridge. Ruled sporadically by
the Ottomans from the 15th to the 18th-century, the island is steeped
in history and don’t miss its award-winning beaches, timeless villages,
vineyards, olive groves and the bee hives producing some truly
delectable honey.
Corfu
MEGANISSI
Off the coast of Lefkada, this pristine island is characterised by white
pebble beaches, countless hidden inlets and traditional villages such
as Katomeri, Vathy and Spartochori. There are no resorts as such, just
a few ports hosting a handful of tavernas, flotillas of visiting yachts
and colourful fishing boats, as well as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking,
walking and even sea-bicycle excursions.
Kos
KEFALONIA
Crete
Kefalonia
A PERFECTLY FORMED COLLECTION
THE IONIAN ISLANDS:
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
There are as many as 6,000 Greek Islands
and only about 227 are inhabited. The
Ionians are a small but perfectly formed
collection in the bluest of seas – and we’d
love to introduce you. Off the north-west coast
of Greece, the other side of the mainland to
the familiar destinations of Kos, Mykonos,
Skiathos and Lesbos, the Ionian Islands bring
the charms of this historical, magical, mythical
country to the fore, with their own unique style
and a beauty that takes your breath away.
ITHACA
Ithaca
Its name rooted in the native hyacinth and known in history as ‘The
Garden of the Levant’, Zakynthos is as much for lovers of nature, arts
and history as it is for beach seekers. Roads meander through sparsely
populated pinewoods and vineyards, and link a landscape of almond,
cypress, and citrus groves and walks amble past monasteries, whitewashed chapels and forgotten Venetian ruins.
Just ten kilometres long and three wide, Paxos
is a place to relax, relax and relax some more.
While the west coast is a dramatic seascape
of caves, cliffs and arches, the island’s
eastern shore is gentle and home to some
truly stunning beaches. The capital, Gaios,
is still very much a working fishing town and
the island’s authenticity makes for Greek
hospitality at its best.
18 ON TRAVEL
This island remains the romantic landscape of Homer’s Odyssey, but
Ithaca is less well-known than its larger neighbours. The pace of life is
slow and gentle, but with its tiny pebbly coves, remote mountain villages
and attractive waterfront, including one of the world’s largest natural
harbours in the capital Vathy, there’s little need to do more than relax
and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
ZAKYNTHOS
PAXOS
Paxos
The largest of Greece’s westerly archipelago, Kefalonia is considered
the jewel of the seven principal Ionian Islands. With its glorious
beaches, forests and mountains, it’s also home to the endangered
Mediterranean monk seal and loggerhead turtle, although its human
history is just as fascinating as its natural history, with the most ancient
archaeological sites dating back to 200,000BC.
Zakynthos
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 19
GREECE / REDISCOVERING
GREECE / REDISCOVERING
MEMORIES ON MEGANISSI
REDISCOVERING MEMORIES ON MEGANISSI
EXPLORATION IN ITS MANY FORMS
Graham Simpson reflects on his personal
reasons for bringing Meganissi into Simpson
Travel’s Greek Island portfolio.
Boat hire is easy (no licence required) and you can potter along the
coast in search of a private cove for lunch – or let someone else
do the navigating. With the services of a skipper you can discover
secret coves, the best snorkelling spots and Papanikolis Cave with
its miniature beach.
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion: often intense,
sometimes bitter-sweet, in many ways a pleasure
– and, after more than 35 years in the travel
business, I certainly have plenty of memories!
However, with the inevitable march of time,
I’ve noticed there are few places left that offer
the unspoilt peace and tranquillity of the past,
although returning to Meganissi in 2013, after a
20-year absence, I had the delightful experience
of slipping back in time. I was reminded that this is
the perfect destination for anyone looking for that
quintessential, small Greek Island experience.
During quieter times of the day, many of the tavernas are more
than happy to share their recipes for your favourite Greek dishes. If
you’re staying in one of our villas, we can organise private cooking
lessons in your own kitchen so you can return home with more
than just a tan. And if you’re drawn to arts and crafts, embroidery
classes are also available through the skills of the friendly,
enterprising locals.
...the perfect destination for anyone looking for that
quintessential, small Greek Island experience.
A REWARDING DESTINATION
Even in somewhere as undeveloped as Meganissi,
we remain committed to the highest possible
standards. Our five villas, including three that are
new for 2016, are considered some of the best
accommodation available on the island.
SLEEPY AND TIMELESS
Smaller even than Paxos, the island is a sleepy, timeless sort of
a place, where the day’s activity is dictated simply by your mood
and appetite. There are no resorts – just tiny harbours at Spilia
and Vathy, equipped with a choice of good-quality tavernas to
provide for the yachting flotilla and fishing boats that moor up
daily. Many of the stunning little beaches are accessible only by
boat or on foot, encouraging adventurers who like exploring off
the beaten track.
You can fill lazy days strolling through the well-trodden streets
of traditional villages or the shady pine forests inland. Slip into
peaceful churches, cool off at the beach or join a guided walk for
a shortcut into the history and anthropology of the island – and
perhaps the local winery. But don’t forget to breathe in the heady
scent of the bougainvillea.
To me, Meganissi combines the sweet pleasure
of nostalgia with a relaxing holiday experience,
making this a rewarding destination for regular
Greek visitors and first-timers alike.
...a rewarding destination for regular Greek visitors
and first-timers alike.
Where to stay on Meganissi
On an island renowned for its charm, we’ve found the
accommodation to match: stylish Saffron and Mimosa, both a
five-minute drive from the beach; Casa di Maura in the heart
of Meganissi’s oldest village; and Villas Taphian and Mentes
offering lose-yourself views and all within walking distance of Vathy.
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020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 21
GREECE / A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF... THE ROU ESTATE
A personal experience of...
THE ROU ESTATE
A successful businesswoman, tea aficionado
and mum of one, Orange Pekoe’s
Marianna shares her family experiences
at Corfu’s luxurious Rou Estate, no Rescue
Remedy required…
WHO DID YOU TRAVEL WITH?
There were four of us: Elias, my four-year-old
son; Sav, my intrepid 43-year-old, yogaloving brother; my mother, who has restricted
mobility – and me.
WHY CORFU?
When I was a child, Mum used to pack us
off to Cyprus for the whole summer to stay
with aunts and grandparents. Being Greek
Cypriot, we have a great affinity with the
Greek Islands and I wanted Elias to have the
same experiences. The warmth of the people,
hiring a little boat, snorkelling, fresh simple
food and sitting around a table all evening,
drinking wine and chatting… it’s part of
the culture.
22 ON TRAVEL
WHY THE ROU ESTATE?
We didn’t want anything that resembled a
resort; we needed our own space and privacy.
The Rou Estate ticked those boxes.
Anyone who has visited Orange Pekoe,
my tearooms in south west London, knows
I’m heavily into interiors and have a great
attention to detail. The Rou has that too, in
a beautiful space with peaceful views and
incredible gardens – plus different fragrances
everywhere you walk and there‘s even a
small spa with a fabulous masseuse.
YOU WERE STAYING IN PAPAVER?
Yes, the main house has three en-suite
bedrooms downstairs, with the living room
upstairs so you can enjoy the views.
Elias and I shared a double; my mum had her
own massive room at the back of the house
and we hid my brother in the studio annexe,
so he had his own man cave. Everyone had
enough space, even when a friend joined us
halfway through the holiday.
HOW DID MEALTIMES WORK?
Every morning, if you filled out a form, fresh
croissants would be delivered – the kind of
little touches that you wouldn’t get if you were
staying in a villa on your own. It was also
particularly helpful as the local supermarket
isn‘t just a short walk away. You have to be
a bit organised, but that became part of the
adventure: it was our little mission in the car
and it became part of the fun.
Rou also has a restaurant that‘s open three
days a week. On one of these evenings,
there‘s a special barbecue night when
massive tables are set out for families to
share. This encouraged us to be sociable
and there were other children for my son to
play with. However, as a real home bird, it
was also great to have a kitchen in the villa,
and to be able to cook for the family too.
YOU DON’T NORMALLY USE
TOUR OPERATORS DO YOU?
really helpful when you’ve got a screaming
toddler! Gaynor is so helpful and she was
there every morning in case we needed
anything. With my mum having limited
mobility, it really helped having someone
who was briefed. It took the pressure off the
whole holiday.
Stay at The Rou Estate
Prices for Papaver start from £837 per
person based on four sharing. For smaller
two bedroom houses prices start from £632
per person. Prices include flights, seven
nights’ accommodation and car hire. Flight
supplements may apply.
simpsontravel.com/therouestate
To find out more about Marianna’s
London tea room, Orange Pekoe, visit
orangepekoeteas.com
No! It was a novelty; someone meeting you
at the airport to tell you where your car is –
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 23
GREECE / WORKING WITH OWNERS: FROM BUILDING TO BOOKING
GREECE / A TASTE OF OUR GREECE COLLECTION
A TASTE OF OUR GREECE COLLECTION
Working with owners:
OLIVE COTTAGE
Paxos, 2 bedrooms
Prices from £677pp*
from building to booking
Whether it’s advising on land purchases or consulting on plans and design, we support our
property owners in many different ways. Rich Ellett, our Operations Director for Greece, shares his
experience of working on two new villas in Sivota.
From the ground up
Our first involvement in the building
of The Glass House and Blue Infinity
was when Grigoris, the owner,
invited us to look at some land he’d
been considering for the project.
Knowing the rental market as we do,
our suggestion was to try somewhere
else – a plot with better views.
Planning and preparation
It wasn’t long before the first plans
came my way. I made a few changes
– bed types, bathroom layouts
and the like – and then a redraft
followed, with some simple computer
images to give us a clearer picture of
Grigoris’ vision.
Signing the contract
Until this point, our involvement
was purely a goodwill gesture and
Grigoris was under no obligation
to give these villas to us, but as the
building work progressed, it became
obvious these two contemporary villas
would be popular with our guests.
After quite a bit of to-ing and fro-ing
we signed the contract, about two
years after first seeing the land!
There will be more visits to the site
over the winter and we’ll continue to
offer advice, even down to mattress
suppliers. Meanwhile, Grigoris is
already planning his next project
and has already shown me a plot of
land: the start of new story…
Picturesque olive groves surround this
bright and airy property, a short drive from
the pretty harbours of Loggos and Gaios.
THE SUMMER HOUSE
VILLA INO
Crete, 3 bedrooms
Ithaca, 2 bedrooms
Prices from £568pp*
Prices from £644pp*
This beachside villa has a faintly fortified
air and a monumental grandeur which
echoes the rugged surrounding scenery.
A contemporary property with an outdoor
lounge suite and dining area. Relax on the
terrace and enjoy the setting sun.
ODYSSEUS COTTAGE
Kefalonia, 1 bedroom
Prices from £943pp*
Dramatically sited on a bluff immediately
overlooking the Ionian, with the most
stunning view west and spectacular sunsets.
AVLAKI BAY HOUSE
BELLA VRAKA SUITES
Paxos, 4 bedrooms
Sivota, 1 bedroom suite – Isabella
Prices from £608pp*
Prices from £826pp*
This stylish private hideaway, amongst pine
and cypress trees, offers stunning sea views
and is only a five-minute drive from Gaios.
Constructed around the view with it’s own
private terrace and just a five-minute walk
to the unspoilt Bella Vraka beach.
CASA DI MAURA
Meganissi, 4 bedrooms
Prices from £599pp*
Sophisticated living on the edge of
Spartachori village, perched high on the
cliffs with spectacular sea views below.
24 ON TRAVEL
ELAIA
VAINAS HOUSE
Corfu, 4 bedrooms
Skopelos, 2 bedrooms
Prices from £783pp*
Prices from £702pp*
An alluring, timeless villa just a five-minute
drive from Agios Stephanos, occupying a
prime spot overlooking Kerasia beach.
A 100-year-old cottage with a wonderful
view overlooking the Aegean, framed by
headlands of olive and cypress trees.
*Prices are based on maximum occupancy and include flights, seven nights’ accommodation and car hire or transfers.
Flight supplements may apply.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 25
CORSICA / AFFORDABLE FAMILY ESCAPES IN SOUTHERN CORSICA
WHERE TO STAY
Many of our properties are in and around the pretty hamlet of
Pinarello, about 30 minutes north of Porto Vecchio by road. Most
of them are contemporary and minimalist, and they’re all easy
spaces to live in. Well-equipped kitchens, barbecues in the garden,
and a short drive or even walk into town or one of Pinarello’s three
bays, means you have everything you need right on your doorstep.
In 2016, we introduced Villa Toraccia, Villa Granajolo and Villa
Laura, as well as Villa Ruscana, which offers a touch more tradition
than the others. With the exception of Villa Laura, they all have gated
pools – a welcome addition for parents with very young children.
Villa Ruscana
Villa Granajolo
WHERE TO EAT
Santa Giulia beach
Pick up some croissants for breakfast in the nearby village of Sainte
Lucie de Porto Vecchio. It has a deli, supermarket, chemist and a few
shops and restaurants. However, in Pinarello itself, feeding the family
is easy. There are six local restaurants, with everything from pizza to
fancy seafood. On an island that loves its food and produces awardwinning wine, standards are high.
ANOTHER SIDE TO CORSICA
AFFORDABLE FAMILY ESCAPES
IN SOUTHERN CORSICA
Villa Toraccia
Corsica is loved for its exclusivity, but less
often recognised as a haven for simple
pleasures. It’s perfect for a family holiday
that’s more about stretching out on the beach
than stretching the bank balance.
Few destinations have the cachet of this
irresistible island, which has deftly sidestepped
mass tourism, restaurant chains and
boisterous resorts. As with anywhere that has
rich-list allure, you can dine out, shop and
socialise extravagantly, but Corsica also has
all the ingredients of a classic family beach
holiday that, given your idyllic location, also
offers great value for money.
WHERE TO SWIM AND SOAK UP THE SUN
In short, this is a child-friendly, Caribbean-style beach paradise. Expect
elegant expanses of white sands, gently shelving into clear blue waters,
and plenty of watersports.
South of Pinarello, the biggest names in beaches include Cala Rossa,
Saint Cyprien, Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, but there are other
smaller bays – unsung heroes in a region that has idyllic family holidays
down to a tee.
Planning a multi-generational holiday requires thinking for everyone
– a tall order when you’ve got toddlers, teens and seasoned travellers
to accommodate. We can help you find the right place and the right
space for your tribe. Just tell us what you’re hoping for.
Santa Giulia beach
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Saint Cyprien
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 27
CORSICA / AN INTERVIEW WITH... ROBERTO BALDESCHI
An interview with...
ROBERTO BALDESCHI
Roberto Baldeschi looks after the Simpson
Exclusive villas in Corsica. From chefs to
helicopter flights, he’s the man who can
arrange them for you.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF…
During the summer, I’m based in Porto
Vecchio/Bonifacio making sure our Simpson
Exclusive guests enjoy their time away. For
the last five years, I’ve also been working as
a ski instructor in Zermatt during the winter;
I used to manage upscale private chalets in
the Swiss Alps and villas in St Tropez.
WHAT ARE THE SKILLS
REQUIRED IN YOUR ROLE?
I need to be creative and able to improvise
because when someone puts in a request,
I have to come up with the goods! Part of
my role is about building relationships.
Firstly, that’s with the guests so I have a
good understanding of what they need – I
enjoy meeting different people every week.
28 ON TRAVEL
However, it’s also important to be on good
terms with the local restaurant owners, chefs,
massage therapists, beach clubs, vineyards –
local businesses who I call on regularly and
who may need to accommodate last-minute
bookings or cancellations.
WHAT KINDS OF REQUESTS
COME YOUR WAY?
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D
BEEN ASKED TO ARRANGE BUT
HAVE NEVER HAD THE CHANCE?
A helicopter sightseeing tour of the island
– it could involve flying from Figari to the
tiny private island of Cavallo for lunch at
the Hôtel & Spa des Pêcheurs or flying from
Porto Vecchio over the impressive mountains.
Our guests are used to great service, so I
may be asked to book a catamaran for the
day, but also for it to pick them up from a
particular marina at a particular time…
For families, I would recommend a day out
on a giant catamaran, exploring the natural
reserves for some excellent snorkelling and a
picnic on the Lavezzi Islands.
However, the most popular requests are for
chefs to cook a traditional Corsican dinner
in the villa or for boat hire with a skipper to
explore the coves and beaches that lie off the
beaten track.
WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE MOST
IMPORTANT ‘MUST DO’
EXPERIENCE IN CORSICA?
Our local Michelin-star restaurants are also
popular, although I can recommend others
which don’t have the stars, but where the
food tastes just as good.
Without doubt it’s the drive along the
mountain roads to Zonza. It’s one of the
simplest things, but the views are spectacular
and you can stop off for lunch in one of the
little villages along the way.
Where to stay...
Villa Santa Giulia, spacious, tasteful
minimalism (4 bedrooms)
Les Lofts de Palombaggia, a sleek and
stylish villa (4 bedrooms)
Villa Palombaggia for boutique hotel style
(5 bedrooms)
Villa Lou, a bijou, boutique villa (3 bedrooms)
Villa Tonussi, a private hideaway with
stunning views (4 bedrooms)
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 29
CORSICA / TWICE THE HOLIDAY: CORSICA AND FRANCE
Twice the holiday:
Corsica and France
For the traveller who wants more from their time off, a Corsica and France twin centre holiday offers
the best of two worlds in one tailor-made holiday.
Like strawberries and Chantilly cream, some destinations are so perfect together it seems a shame
to keep them apart – take France and Corsica, for example: uniquely different but the key to some
perfect combinations. Here are three of our favourite twin centre holidays, just to give you a taste...
Porto Vecchio &
The Côte d’Azur
Tucked between vineyards
and rolling hills, Puntayucca
is a charming three-bedroom
combination of Moroccan riad and
Provençal farmhouse. In contrast,
it’s the lovely A Stellina’s sea views
our guests talk about, along with its
close proximity to Porto Vecchio and
Bonifacio’s historic citadel.
Calvi & Provence
The Valinco & Vendée
Near the lavender fields of Gordes,
Beaumonnes is a contemporary
Provençal-style hilltop villa that’s
made for large gatherings. After the
rural delights of the Luberon Valley,
your next stop is the five-bedroom
L’Oliveraie de San Francescu.
Amongst mountains and olive
groves, tranquillity is abundant and
the delights of Île Rousse nearby.
France’s four-bedroom Vendée
Beach House is the epitome of
seaside chic just a few steps from
the sand – although, with all the
lovely beaches along the 250km
Atlantic coastline, you’re rather spoilt
for choice. When it’s time to tear
yourselves away, three-bedroom
U Scudu is just a short stroll from
one of the most beautiful bays and
fishing villages of the Valinco.
If you’d like us to create your own Corsica and France twin centre holiday, call Holly, Charlie or Hamish on 020 8108 2172.
Create a holiday wardrobe that makes waves, morning, noon
and night, with Coco Bay’s designer beachwear collections.
Free UK returns and exchanges.
Visit cocobay.co.uk and enter the code SIMPSON15
to enjoy a 15% discount*
* The Simpson Travel discount is valid until 31 December 2016 and can only be used once per customer.
Not valid with any other offer. Coco Bay are one of Simpson Travel’s 2016 handpicked partners.
30 ON TRAVEL
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 31
CORSICA / 5 OF THE BEST CORSICAN VINEYARD VILLAS
OF THE BEST
CORSICA / A TASTE OF OUR CORSICA COLLECTION
Corsican vineyard villas
A TASTE OF OUR CORSICA COLLECTION
VILLA MARE
A taste of local tradition on your doorstep, and so much more besides…
Calvi & The Balagne, 4 bedrooms
Prices from £514pp*
Villa A Murza
Just a five-minute drive from Île Rousse,
you’ll find everything you need to relax,
including a roof terrace and heated pool.
Central Corsica
Surrounded by a wealth
of cultural treasures, with
a winery next door, this
elegant home is also close
to the beaches of Padoule
and Casabianda.
VERMENTINU PRIMONTE
CASA SANTA MARIA
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio, 4 bedrooms
Calvi & The Balagne, 3 bedrooms
Prices from £722pp*
Prices from £534pp*
Informal and homely, this private hideaway
makes the ultimate family villa, with views
over one of Corsica’s finest beaches.
A house on the edge of a hilltop village,
combining traditional features with stylish
interiors.
VILLA ZERI
Cavallo Island, 4 bedrooms
Prices from £983pp*
A light, bright beach house with lofty living
spaces and direct sea access: a unique
retreat in an exclusive island location.
DOMAIN SANTU PIETRU
– VILLA ALBA
CAVALLONE
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio, 3 bedrooms
Prices from £567pp*
Prices from £517pp*
A wonderfully private, traditional stone
bergerie with intoxicating views and a host
of beaches just a ten-minute drive away.
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio, 2 bedrooms
Enjoy traditional Corsican architecture in
delightful grounds.
LA PINÈDE
Calvi & The Balagne, 3 bedrooms
Prices from £567pp*
A short drive from vibrant Calvi brings
you to this peaceful oasis of sophisticated
furnishings and restful greenery.
Casa Nera
Niellucciu
Villa La Vigne
Vermentinu
STELLA CADENT
ALZITELLA
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio, 3 bedrooms
Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio, 3 bedrooms
An industrial chic, open-plan
villa, with sunbathing and
dining terraces overlooking your
timeless vineyard view. Figari is
just a ten-minute drive away.
Escape to Yves Canarelli’s
rural hideaway on the famous
Clos Canarelli estate. There’s
a choice of beautiful sandy
beaches nearby too.
Mountain views and wine-tasting
soirées add a certain je ne sais
quoi to this comfortable villa
and, in September, you can take
part in the grape harvest.
Named after an award-winning
Clos Canarelli grape, this
contemporary villa has a large
terrace and summer kitchen to
maximise the sunshine.
Prices from £814pp*
Prices from £680pp*
Stunning mountain scenery, outdoor dining
and plenty of space, only a five-minute
drive from the delights of Pinarello bay.
Contemporary design meets spectacular
sea and mountain views, just a ten-minute
drive from beautiful turquoise seas.
32 ON TRAVEL
*Prices are based on maximum occupancy and include flights, seven nights’ accommodation and car hire or transfers.
Flight supplements may apply.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 33
TURKEY //REDISCOVERING
FOR THE LOVE OF
KALKAN
GREECE
MEGANISSI
FOR THE LOVE OF KALKAN
A COMPLETE BEACH EXPERIENCE
A hillside town that sweeps down to translucent
blue waters, Kalkan relaxes and inspires in equal
measures, with Turkish hospitality bidding you a
warm welcome (or hoşgeldiniz) wherever you go.
As well as Kalkan’s own small beach, the stunning shingle-sand
Kaputas¸ is less than a ten-minute drive away, whilst Patara’s 12km
of golden sands, just 20 minutes away, comes with a cultural twist:
a sprawling expanse of ancient ruins, best explored at sunset.
In fact, the friendliness of Kalkan’s locals invites
as many superlatives as its vibrant waterfront and
cosmopolitan world view…
Or, for a dip in the sea away from everyone but your nearest and
dearest, our villas, The Korsan Kuzey and The Korsan Guney,
offer exclusive sea access from your own private jetty.
A MEZE OF TURKISH DELIGHTS
Kalkan’s Grecian heritage adds to its many charms
– a fact that’s reflected in The White Collection Villas.
Mealtimes are an explosion of wonderful flavours. Book a chef to
come and cook a hearty traditional breakfast (or dinner) in your
villa, but with over 100 restaurants to choose from, every meal of
the day can have a different destination, from cushion-strewn tea
houses to rooftop terraces.
SHOPPING ’TIL THE SUN DROPS
The steep cobbled streets are a boutique lover’s
dream. However, it’s the Thursday market, with
its dazzling array of ‘genuine fakes’, leathers
and fabrics alongside fresh local produce and
homewares, that draws the crowds.
A DASH OF CHILLED IBIZA
Kalkan’s stylish waterfront restaurants and laid-back lounge bars
invite you in to sample cocktails and seafood, accompanied by a
sunset soundtrack. The ambience continues in the beach clubs:
wooden platforms above the sea for lounging, lunches and
sipping cold drinks.
ADVENTURES ON THE SEAS
Kalkan thrives on its proximity to the Turquoise
Coast. Set sail with a skipper in a traditional
wooden gület for a day of swimming, snorkelling
and seeing the sights – or head towards the Greek
island of Kaştellorizo to meet a turtle or two.
THE GREEK INFLUENCE
From the mythology of its ancient ruins to the Ottoman-Greek
architecture, Kalkan’s Grecian heritage adds to its many charms
– a fact that’s reflected in The White Collection Villas: beautiful
accommodation with more than a nod to Santorini’s picturepostcard villages.
Colony Club, Barbados
34 ON TRAVEL
Head towards the Greek island of Kaştellorizo to
meet a turtle or two.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 35
TURKEY / THE INSIDER... KALKAN REGENCY
The insider...
KALKAN REGENCY
(the newest addition to Simpson Hotels)
The delights of the Turquoise Coast are
undeniable, but it’s more than a location
that’s made the Kalkan Regency a hotel to
write home about – and such a wonderful new
addition to our Turkey collection.
Described by The Sunday Times as “the best
of the best”, the Kalkan Regency’s success
is based on the dedication of the team who
have been running it since it opened in 1996:
the Tomanbay family. We asked Masuda
Sayed Tomanbay, the mother, to share her
thoughts on how it all works…
WHO’S IN CHARGE? YOUR SON
HAS SUGGESTED IT’S YOU!
We’re all really capable of running the hotel
single-handedly, but we prefer it to be a joint
effort. I’m the one who can’t keep her nose
out of anything: the mother figure who keeps
the glue flowing that holds the Regency family
(us and our staff) together. Nuri is the father
and has the final say in most things. He’s
very fair and highly respected in Kalkan and
amongst the staff. Dolunay, my son, is on the
36 ON TRAVEL
front line. His people skills are second to none
and he’s able to diffuse the most complicated
situations effortlessly. Aşkınay, my other son,
prefers to be in the background, overseeing
the financial side. He is also the best barman
we’ve ever had!
DOES WORKING TOGETHER
AS A FAMILY HAVE ANY
CHALLENGES?
We are all very opinionated, but we’re aware
that decisions need to be business first.
Differences of opinion are healthy – they keep
us up-to-date and on our toes. My greatest
pleasure is the fact that we all have the same
views on hospitality and we’re united in our
commitment to ensuring that, every single year,
the hotel feels fresh, but still keeps its essence.
WHAT WILL COUPLES LOVE
ABOUT THE KALKAN REGENCY?
It’s an undeniably romantic setting with all
the convenience of excellent service. You can
also choose privacy if you’d like it or company
when you want to socialise.
WHAT MAKES IT PARTICULARLY
GOOD FOR FAMILIES?
A love of children is part of Turkish culture,
so families who stay here have the advantage
of staff who really enjoy young people,
along with a child-friendly, safe environment,
flexibility with menus and a large pool with a
great pool bar for cold drinks.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES
THE HOTEL UNIQUE?
The fact we have our own farm is very special.
Guests can pay it a visit and we’ll show them
around. The same invitation extends to the
kitchen too. Come in for a cookery lesson! We
have an excellent team of people who love
their work and take real pride in it.
Stay at the Kalkan Regency
This celebrated family-run hotel is within
walking distance of Kalkan and loved for its
exceptional service and great food.
Prices start from £620 per person based
on two sharing, including flights, seven
nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis and
transfers. Flight supplements may apply.
simpsontravel.com/kalkan-regency
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 37
TURKEY / 5 OF THE BEST TURKISH VILLAS MADE FOR TWO
OF THE BEST
TURKEY / A TASTE OF OUR TURKEY COLLECTION
Turkish villas made for two
A vital ingredient in the recipe for romance: an idyllic little place to call your own.
Simpson Secret – Villa Manzana
Bozburun Peninsula
A spacious villa retreat with stunning sunset
views and a traditional fishing village nearby
for meals out.
A TASTE OF OUR TURKEY COLLECTION
We’ve been getting to know Turkey for over
35 years; it stands to reason that, after all
this time, our relationship is the best it’s
ever been.
THE WHITE COLLECTION VILLAS
Our knowledge and experience has
made us its most innovative specialist
tour operator – and our 2016 collection,
including a number of exceptional
properties from the former Exclusive
Escapes’ portfolio, is a testament to that.
Villas Sun, Sea and Sky are a stunning
trio of chic, contemporary properties on
the hill above the Mahal Beach Club.
Kalkan, 1 or 2 bedrooms
Prices from £598pp*
LEVISSI LODGE
With the celebrated Kalkan Regency Hotel,
the stunning White Collection Villas,
spacious family homes and villas made for
two, we’ve never been prouder...
Kaya Valley, 1 bedroom
Prices from £725pp*
From its vine-covered terrace to the exposed
beams and traditional stone walls, this is
one of our most atmospheric properties.
THE WATERMILL
Göcek, 3 bedrooms
Prices from £540pp*
Above a 200-year-old watermill, lofty
ceilings and glass walls abound in this
beautifully stylish forest retreat.
THE KORSAN KOY VILLAS
ZAKKUM EVI
Kalkan, both 5 bedrooms
Kaya Valley, 1 bedroom
Prices from £546pp*
Prices from £725pp*
At the quieter end of Kalkan, the stylish
Korsan Guney and Korsan Kuzey villas
include private sea access.
A charming stone cottage for couples
looking for a touch of romance, just a
short drive from Ölü Deniz lagoon.
ZEYTIN EVI
Bozburun Peninsula, 2 bedrooms
Prices from £573pp*
Scenes of endless blue and rugged hills will
captivate from this Söğüt hillside location,
surrounded by ancient olive trees.
Tangala Evi
Villa Sun
Kaya Valley
This quaint cottage with a circled
walled garden allows glimpses
of the surrounding countryside
and beyond to the famous ghost
town of Kayaköy.
38 ON TRAVEL
Casa Bodamya
THE KORSAN TAŞ BAHÇE
SARNIÇ EVI
Kalkan
Simpson Secret –
Orman Ev Akyaka
Islamlar
Kalkan, 2 bedrooms
Kaya Valley, 2 bedrooms
Part of The White Collection
villas. Steal away to your very own
one-bedroom sanctuary and enjoy
stunning views and close to the
Mahal Beach Club.
Hidden in a forest, you’ll find this
wonderfully quirky get-out clause
from everyday life, complete
with a private infinity pool and
stunning views.
Make some space for
yourselves in a stylish Islamlar
villa with cool white interiors,
countryside views and delicious
trout restaurants nearby.
Prices from £648pp*
Prices from £530pp*
Just a ten-minute walk from Kalkan, the
views from this lovely villa will linger in the
mind long after the tan fades.
An outstanding villa with history, character,
style and space, as well as magnificent
views across to Kaya’s ‘ghost village’.
*Prices are based on maximum occupancy and include flights, seven nights’ accommodation and car hire or transfers.
Flight supplements may apply.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 39
MALLORCA / THE HEART OF RURAL MALLORCA
THE ROAD BACK IN TIME
In a place where noise pollution may simply mean the sound of
sheep bells, it’s not difficult to imagine yourself in a different century.
Just beyond the valley, you’ll reach the traditional working village of
Campanet. Its sloping streets take you up to an impressive square,
with a handful of restaurants overlooking the handsome Church of the
Immaculate Conception – or you can visit one of the oldest churches
in Mallorca, Sant Miquel, dating back to the 13th-century. On the
village’s outskirts, the glass-blowing factory lays bare the traditional
methods behind the island’s distinctive chandeliers. A short drive to the
Coves de Campanet provides an opportunity to cool off in the summer
heat. Discovered in 1945, the 50-metre-deep caves lie adjacent to
Mallorca’s oldest church. If your visit coincides with a rain shower,
the sight of underwater springs erupting in neighbouring fields is a
wonderful consolation.
A WALK IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
An abundance of May flowers, ancient trails, almond groves and
natural springs bubbling up from the fertile ground make this premium
walking territory, along with breathtaking views. For a walk on the
wilder side of this unspoilt terrain, you could tackle the 4km ascent
from the hermitage of Santa Magdalena to the 304-metre peak of Puig
d’Inca. The reward for completing this two-hour hike is the dual view of
the Mallorquín plains and the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença.
FOUR VILLAGES ON TWO WHEELS
Campanet Valley
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
THE HEART OF RURAL
MALLORCA
Nowhere embodies ‘off the beaten track’
quite like the beautiful Campanet Valley and
her neighbouring villages: a destination for
cyclists, walkers and ardent nature lovers.
The choice by prehistoric settlers to make the
Campanet Valley their home demonstrated
remarkable prescience. Just inland from
Pollença, the fertile plains and verdant hills
create a landscape that’s as different from
Mallorca’s more commercial areas as you can
imagine. Together with the dramatic presence
of the nearby Tramuntana mountains,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s an
invitation to melt into rural Spain at its most
inviting. It comes with a ‘must see and do’ list
that brings you up close and personal with
the kind of unspoilt Mallorca that existed long
before the chartered flight.
Caimari
Sa Fontasa
The villages just beyond the valley are steadfast in their own unique
identities and come into full bloom during their colourful summer
festivals. Surrounded by olive groves, almond fields and grazing
livestock, the village of Moscari is at its most vibrant during August’s
fiestas. Take the cycle path to Binibona and enjoy a morning coffee
on the village square. Onwards to Caimari, you’ll pass the island’s
oldest olive trees and the oil press in the main square. Park up and hike
the old road to the beautiful Santuari de Lluc Monastery, a favourite
pilgrimage site. Back in the saddle, your last stop is the hilltop village
of Selva. Enjoy a beer in the microbrewery, refuel in the square’s
restaurants and browse the little gift shops. Arrive on a Friday to witness
the spectacle of traditional dancing and music.
WHERE TO STAY
Properties within striking distance of the Campanet Valley are...
Empaltada (near Selva): A sleek, chic, highly desirable threebedroom villa in spacious grounds.
Finca Malena (near Caimari): A traditional Mallorquín house set
in beautiful landscaped gardens with mountain views.
Ca‘n Pensit (near Caimari): On the slopes of the Tramuntana
mountains, a cosy two-bedroom retreat with country views.
Sa Fontasa (near Moscari): A secluded, stylish villa with panoramic
views in the rural heartland of Mallorca.
Ca‘n Sion (in Campanet Valley): A delightful house set in spacious
gardens with plenty of shady areas to relax with a book.
Moscari
Sa Fontasa
40 ON TRAVEL
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 41
GREECE / REDISCOVERING
MALLORCA / INTRODUCING...
SOUTHERN MEGANISSI
MALLORCA
INTRODUCING... SOUTHERN MALLORCA
SANTANYI
A landscape of undulating hills, unspoilt coves,
dramatic coastlines and traditional fishing
communities, Mallorca’s southern and southeastern coastlines have all the elements for an
effortlessly relaxing beach holiday, just 30 minutes
from Palma.
A medieval walled town with cafés, boutiques and a pleasing array
of restaurants, as well as bustling weekly markets.
CALA FIGUERA
Traditional fishermen’s houses remind you what this pretty village is
all about. There’s also a good selection of shops and restaurants.
THE CLIFFS OF THE SOUTH
PALMA
Take a picnic and a bottle of wine and find a
favourite spot to take in one of the spectacular
sunsets looking out over the sea.
An enticing combination of designer shops, an impressive
cathedral, a chic marina and ancient winding streets lined with
excellent bars and restaurants.
A cove in Mallorca’s south east
...all the elements for an effortlessly relaxing beach
holiday, just 30 minutes from Palma.
PORTOPETRO
This stylish, up-and-coming resort with its natural harbour now
plays host to gleaming yachts and glass-bottomed boat trips.
Santanyi
NATIONAL MARITIME PARK
OF CABRERA
A peaceful resort around a lovely sandy cove. Swim in the clearest
turquoise waters and hike along the scenic clifftop trails.
A rocky, 19-island archipelago and safe haven for
turtles and whales, as well as rare species of fish
and coral. There is a daily boat trip available here
from Colonia de Sant Jordi.
COLONIA DE SANT JORDI
CALA MONDRAGO
CALA PI
A beautiful beach located in Mondrago Natural
Park, backed by pines on a glorious stretch of
protected coastline – perfect for children.
Visit this very Spanish town for its pedestrianised waterfront
promenade, beautiful beaches and upmarket restaurants.
ES TRENC
One of the island’s loveliest beaches, with Caribbean-blue
sea, white sands and a discreet handful of waterfront bars
and restaurants.
Cala Pi
Cala Figuera
Mondrago Natural Park
Where to stay...
Villa Azul – A stylish contemporary villa in the kind of setting that
stunning views are made of: on the cliffs around Cala Pi. Villa Cielo – Flooded with southern light, this house is designed to
capture the sea views from every possible angle, including the bath! Colonia de Sant Jordi
Es Trenc
42 ON TRAVEL
Villa Azul
Prices start from £426 per person based on six sharing and
include flights, seven nights’ accommodation and car hire. Flight
supplements may apply.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 43
MALLORCA / ALCÚDIA : HOLIDAY ESCAPISM
MALLORCA / A TASTE OF OUR MALLORCA COLLECTION
A TASTE OF OUR MALLORCA COLLECTION
Alcúdia:
VILLA ANGELA
Pollença, 2 bedrooms
Prices from £381pp*
holiday escapism
This lovely, faded-terracotta finca is
nestled in the foothills of the
Tramuntana mountains.
Settled by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, this often underrated area of north east
Mallorca has charm enough for the 21st-century.
Although it’s only a short drive from lively Port d’Alcúdia, this pretty medieval town and her tranquil
peninsula feel a world away. Lovely beaches and plenty to see and do combine for just the right
amount of holiday escapism.
VILLA AZUL
CA’N FULLÓS
Southern Mallorca, 4 bedrooms
Pollença, 4 bedrooms
Prices from £375pp*
Prices from £325pp*
Set on the cliff tops of Cala Pi, with
amazing sea views and great snorkelling
from the nearby beaches.
A quaint Mediterranean summer house,
close to Pollença, with sunset-pink walls and
terracotta roof tiles, set in attractive gardens.
VILLA CORRALET
Pollença, 4 bedrooms
Prices from £344pp*
A secluded countrystyle villa set in
bougainvillea-filled gardens, within easy
reach of both Pollença and Puerto Pollença.
EMPALTADA
CA’N MOIXET
Pollença, 3 bedrooms
Pollença, 3 bedrooms
Prices from £409pp*
Prices from £442pp*
Sleek, chic and surrounded by almond
orchards, this is peaceful privacy just five
minutes by car to pretty Selva.
Situated between Puerto Pollença beach
and Pollença Town, this villa features a
summer kitchen and an inviting pool.
CA’N VENZALA
Sun and sand seekers
Gourmet travellers
Escape the 21st-century
In Mal Pas, just outside Alcúdia,
the twin beaches of tiny Sant Pere
and even tinier Sant Joan have a
local feel with beach bar snacks
and cocktails all day. They’re also
just a five-minute stroll from one of
our villas: Ca’n Joan. Alternatively,
for quiet coves fringed by fragrant
pine trees, there’s a string of rocky
bays around the headland. S’illot
is a local favourite and great for
snorkelling.
Many a wonderful evening begins
with a pre-dinner stroll and apéritif
in Alcúdia’s attractive square for a
spot of people watching. There, you’ll
also find delicious tapas and more
substantial Mallorquín dishes, like the
much-loved pa amb oli (bread with
olive oil). For a more sophisticated take
on foodie traditions, the town’s historic
narrow streets are home to some of
the most upmarket restaurants, often
in a pretty courtyard setting.
Alcúdia is the best-preserved
medieval town in Mallorca. Take a
leisurely stroll through the 13thcentury streets of the Old Town (the
Tourist Office offers free walking
tours), then make your way to the
outskirts for the fascinating remains
of the mighty Roman city founded
in 123BC. To discover the only fully
preserved 12th-century fortresshermitage in Mallorca, head up into
the hills above Mal Pas.
44 ON TRAVEL
Pollença, 2 bedrooms
Prices from £394pp*
Sitting near the Tramuntana mountains,
this charming stone house is just a
five-minute drive from Pollença Old Town.
SA ROTA NOVA
CA’N JOAN
Pollença, 3 bedrooms
Pollença, 4 bedrooms
Prices from £351pp*
Prices from £431pp*
A country villa with stylish décor, close
to the S’Albufera Natural Park and the
Caribbean-style beach of Playa de Muro.
A wonderfully stylish house with an
elegant garden and shady terrace, a
five-minute stroll from Sant Joan beach.
*Prices are based on maximum occupancy and include flights, seven nights’ accommodation and car hire or transfers.
Flight supplements may apply.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 45
INTRODUCING
THE TRAVELLER’S TABLE
SIMPSON SECRETS
Over the summer, we set ourselves a mission: to create a recipe book that truly captures
the essence and experience of cooking and eating abroad.
When was your last adventure?
With the help of Chris and Carolyn Caldicott, we came up with The Traveller’s Table – an
essential kitchen companion for our villas across the Mediterranean and a guide to local
ingredients, regional specialities and traditional tastes and flavours.
From time to time, our search for exceptional properties shows us a place
that’s so unique, we just can’t resist adding it to our collection. It may be
off the beaten track, somewhere unexpected, original, one of a kind…
We call it a Simpson Secret.
If you love food, it’s a simple way to savour the heart and soul of your destination and
bring your friends and family together for a serving of sunshine, all year long.
Find yours in Andalucía, France, the Greek Islands, Ibiza, Turkey or Tuscany.
simpsontravel.com/simpson-secrets
46 ON TRAVEL
020 8108 2172
The Traveller’s Table will be in all our villas from the start of the new season.
GREECE
MEGANISSI
FOOD AND
WINE/ REDISCOVERING
/ LOVE FOOD; WILL
TRAVEL
LOVE FOOD; WILL TRAVEL
Behind the scenes of The Traveller’s Table, with
Chris and Carolyn Caldicott.
Carolyn: “It was a work in motion, but I approached it with a very
definite route, thinking about who the book was aimed at. I wasn’t
writing for a family that has grown up with these recipes. I also
had to consider the way people would be cooking in their villas, as
well as how they would use the book back home, so I made sure
ingredients could be substituted – you can pick up everything you
need in Waitrose. A lot of the ingredients are also common in all
the locations, making chapters in the book interchangeable.”
Chris started his career as Photographer in
Residence at the Royal Geographical Society and
is now a full-time photographer/travel journalist.
Carolyn is a full-time author, food stylist and
cook. Between them, they’ve published numerous
books, contributed to international magazines and
newspapers, and run their own restaurant, the
World Food Café in Covent Garden. They were
our perfect partners in this new adventure.
Of course, the real creativity began once they had arrived – and it
wasn’t without its challenges, ranging from Chris being chased by a
wild pig to their extremely busy itinerary…
Food is our way of travelling. It’s the beating heart
of a country and a fantastic way into people’s lives.
Chris: “There was a lot of driving and getting up at 5am.
Sometimes it began with a food shoot until 8am and then we
went on to the market, all the while keeping an eye open for those
quintessential location shots. Then there’d be a shoot before
sunset, another afterwards and then we’d write up our notes and
possibly do some prep for the next day. We also spent as much
time looking for props as we did ingredients!”
And getting to the truth of what these traditional
dishes actually consisted of was not as
straightforward as you might think…
Chris: “With so many different variations on
family recipes, heated debates erupted easily
over the best way to do things. Everyone had an
opinion. That’s as much a definite as the fact that
everything stops for lunch!”
SO HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
Carolyn: “We’d never done a dedicated Mediterranean book
before, so it was very exciting to be asked. Food is our way of
travelling. It’s the beating heart of a country and a fantastic way
into people’s lives. It stops you feeling like a tourist.”
So over the course of the summer, Chris and
Carolyn explored Turkey’s phenomenal market
culture, dined out in typical Greek style on
calamari and retsina; watched the serious
business of Corsican 6am bread making and
tried the arroz brut and paella, high up in a
monastery overlooking Pollença… And after those
dedicated weeks of shopping, cooking, styling and
shooting, what emerged was The Traveller’s Table,
dedicated to foodies and travellers everywhere.
The journey began in the UK as the couple researched the four
destinations to be featured. They left with sheets of A4 detailing
plans, where the markets were and the key food types to look out
for. And once they arrived, Carolyn spent hours talking to people,
notebook in hand. They had some very clear intentions:
Chris: “We wanted to make it easy for people to engage with the
food and to think of going shopping for ingredients as one of the
highlights of a holiday.”
We wanted to make it easy for people to engage with.
If you stay with us in 2016, look out for The Traveller’s Table
in your villa. It’s full of tempting recipes and we’d love to see
photographs of any that you recreate. Share them on Facebook
or tag us on Instagram: #simpsontravel
However, you don’t need to wait until your holiday to try out
a meze or two. You can download a pdf of the recipe book
at simpsontravel.com/blog/travellers-table – and all the
ingredients are available from Waitrose.
48 ON TRAVEL
Image by Kathryn Burrington
Share your experiences...
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 49
FOOD AND WINE / 5 OF THE BEST VILLAS FOR DINING IN STYLE
OF THE BEST
TRAVEL WRITING COMPETITION / PUTTING YOUR HOLIDAY INTO WORDS
villas for dining in style
It’s not just what you eat – it’s where you eat it that matters…
The Beach House
Cavallo Island, Corsica
What could be lovelier
than a private island
resort, unspoilt beaches
and a gathering of friends
and family to restore your
appetite for life?
Putting your holiday into words
On the next page, you’ll find details of our
2016 travel writing competition. If you’re
tempted to take part, but have no idea how
you’d start putting your holiday experiences
into words, The Sunday Times bestselling
author, Susan Lewis, shares her thoughts
on capturing a moment:
Vue Mer
Villa Alba
Ranzo Ionio
Villa Sascha
Côte d’Azur, France
Pollença, Mallorca
Kefalonia, Greece
Akyaka, Turkey
With the designer flourishes that
earned it coverage in a French
interiors magazine, this stylish
home with beautiful sea views
is perfect for al fresco dining.
With a covered terrace, summer
kitchen and lovingly tended
gardens to relax in, every meal
is a good one in this traditional
finca-style retreat.
Surrounded by gardens,
Odysseus Cottage is one of two
villas, both sharing stunning
sunset views as the perfect
accompaniment to dinner.
After hours spent lounging on
the nearby beaches, a forest
setting and staggering views
across Gökova bay conclude
with dining in style.
50 ON TRAVEL
“It often surprises me where inspiration
comes from, especially where locations are
concerned. Sometimes, it can be a passing
glimpse of a leafy trail disappearing off into
woodland or an intriguing looking front door.
The grandeur of a city whose history feels
as vibrant as the present (Venice, Florence,
Vienna, Paris) always gets me going. The
same goes for the dreamy, romantic, even
mystical land and seascapes I’ve been
fortunate enough to visit and use as a setting
within my books.
Most recently, I found myself on the shores of
Lake Maxinkuckee where the main character
in No Place to Hide – Justine Cantrell – is
trying to escape the past. The book opens
with her standing on a small beach, watching
the light on the water, wondering about
the million dollar homes on the far shore,
while thinking of the husband, children and
successful business she has left behind.
When writing about a place, if you’re not
doing it in situ, it’s important to absorb as
much of it as you can, while you can, and
take plenty of photos as reminders. If, when
recreating a location, I can hear the traffic of
the city, or smell the fragrances of a beach or
forest, or taste the fruity wines of a vineyard, I
am confident that my readers will too.
Travelling to a place can be an exhilarating
experience and, for me, those experiences
can be the inspiration for an entire story,
whether it’s the beautiful landscape, the
wonderful people I meet or the unexpected
adventures I have there.
When you’ve had an inspirational moment,
you need to keep its memory alive and
that’s why I would encourage you, whether
you’re a natural writer or a beginner,
to grab a pen or a laptop and let your
imagination carry you away.”
BUY THE BOOK
No Place to Hide
By Susan Lewis, Published by Arrow, £6.99
TRAVEL WRITING TIPS
from Susan Lewis
Have fun with an opening line. You don't have
to use it in the final draft, but it's fascinating to
find out where a random line can take you.
Try not to over-analyse, self-censor or re-read
every word – it will stop your flow.
Think about your experience through all five
senses and share the interesting details.
If you wouldn’t use a word or phrase in
everyday conversation, don’t write it.
It’s helpful to start with one idea, but keep an
open mind!
Put it all into practice by entering our
competition on the next page...
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 51
TRAVEL WRITING COMPETITION / ABOUT THE COMPETITION
COUPLES HOLIDAYS / INSPIRATION FOR... JUST THE TWO OF YOU
About the competition
Share a moment for the chance to win a Simpson
Travel holiday to Kefalonia in 2017.
INSPIRATION FOR
From the reviews and comments in our guest books, it’s clear
that Simpson Travellers find plenty of magical moments to write
home about on their holidays, so we thought you might like to
do just that – and win a great prize in the process.
...just the two of you
We’re inviting you to share an experience inspired by your
Simpson Travel holiday. It could be about a place you visited,
a person you met or simply a moment that touched, moved
or excited you. The competition is for over 18s. You don’t need to
be a published author to enter – although we’ve recruited
The Sunday Times bestselling writer, Susan Lewis, to do the
judging – she’s an expert in capturing the imagination of her
readers with powerful descriptions and absorbing storylines.
THE PRIZE
First prize is a one week stay in 2017 for two including flights
and car hire to the Simpson Travel Adult Only Blue Jasmine
Hotel, in Kefalonia. We’ll also be publishing our winning entry
in next year’s On Travel magazine. We will endeavour to share
pieces from the runners-up throughout the year on our blog,
website and social media.
ABOUT OUR JUDGE
The judge: Susan Lewis is one of
Britain’s best-loved writers, with
over 30 novels to her name.
Susan Lewis is one of Britain’s best-loved writers, with over 30
novels to her name. She writes true-to-life family drama that will
have you gripped from the first page to the last. Discover the
Susan Lewis collection and find out more at susanlewis.com.
COMPETITION DETAILS:
• Entries must be 100-250 words long.
• Closing date: 30 September 2016.
• Only one entry per person.
•Email moments@simpsontravel.com, including
your name and your contact details.
• The winning entry will be featured in next year’s On Travel
magazine, shared on our blog, website and on social media.
*The competition is open to all UK residents with a permanent UK address, except
employees or retirees of Simpson Travel and their subsidiaries, their families or anyone
connected with the prize draw. Only one entry is permitted per person. Entries will close
on 30 September 2016. Simpson Travel reserves the right to alter the prize offered,
provided the alternative prize is of an equivalent value. The judge's decision is final,
and no correspondence will be entered into. The winner will be notified within 7 days of
the judging taking place. The holiday to the Blue Jasmine Hotel can be taken any time
in 2017 excluding peak dates (17 June-15 Sept 2017), includes a Group A car and
return flights from London Gatwick.
52 ON TRAVEL
From cosy cottages to designer hideaways, our holidays come in as many shapes and sizes as there are ways
to be in a relationship. If you’d like an excuse to indulge yourselves, we suggest you travel in spring or late
summer when you can get more for your money with a stay in one of our larger villas – somewhere beautifully
contemporary and almost sinfully spacious is much more likely to fit your budget.
Alternatively, there’s the promise of peace in even the most popular months with our Adult Only Hotels. They
retain their excellent value even in high season, along with exceptional service and unique boutique appeal,
giving you the space to be the twosome you’re most fond of.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 53
COUPLES HOLIDAYS / SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
Take a sensual moment on Limonari
beach once the sun’s gone down.
SOME ENCHANTED
EVENING
For those who have never quite forgotten the magic of
fairy-tale romances, here are some suggestions for whiling
away those last few hours of the day…
THE MEGANISSI MOONRISE
MALLORCA’S SUNSET PROMENADE
VENICE IN VENDÉE
Take a sensual moment on Limonari beach once the sun’s
gone down. After the heat of the day, a cooling dip soothes
sun-warmed skin and, as the moon rises over Kalamos Island,
it lights up the water and the phosphorescence that often
appears as you swim is simply mesmerising.
Enjoy the intimate simplicity of strolling arm
in arm along Puerto Pollença’s elegant, treelined Pine Walk. Further along from the busier
waterfront promenade, with the sound of the
waves beside you, a lazy day slips away in
preparation for the leisurely dinner that can
follow in one of the nearby restaurants.
Known as ‘Green Venice’, France’s Marais
Poitevin is a timeless waterworld of canals,
wetlands and forests, scattered with ancient
abbeys. Hire a boat and take a map for an
adventure for two beneath the lush green
canopy – or invite a guide along for a proper
introduction to the local flora and fauna.
Our favourite Puerto Pollença villas for two:
Sa Teulada, Ca’n Bobis and Ca’n Venzala
Our favourite Vendée houses for two:
Villa du Bocage, Vendée Beach House and
Chez Claudine.
Our favourite Meganissi villas for two:
Saffron, Casa di Maura and Villa Taphian.
MAGIC ON THE RIVERBANK IN AKYAKA
Among trees strung with fairy lights, dine away an evening with
the gentle sounds of Akyaka’s Kadın Azmak river as your afterdark soundtrack. The riverside fish restaurants are renowned,
not only for the romance of the location (on a platform by the
river) but also for the quality of the traditional menu.
Our favourite Akyaka villas for two:
Gizli Ev, The Shepherd’s House and Simpson Secret –
Orman Ev.
FIREWORKS IN PORTO VECCHIO
For couples who thrive at the heart of a party,
the 14 July Bastille Day celebrations will light
up the night. This commemoration of the
French Revolution sweeps you along with its
parades, dancing and firework displays – and,
in the winding streets of Porto Vecchio, the
bars and restaurants are the life and soul.
Our favourite Porto Vecchio villas for two:
A Muredda, A Casarella and Mon Cabanon.
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020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 55
COUPLES’ HOLIDAYS WITH SIMPSON TRAVEL...
VILLAS FOR TWO
HONEYMOONS & ANNIVERSARIES
SIMPSON SECRETS
ADULT ONLY HOTELS
Bolthole, sanctuary or love nest – whatever your reason for taking
time out, we have the accommodation to complement it.
If you’re celebrating each other, mark the occasion and set the scene
in one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful locations.
Pack your adventurous spirit and head out to a little place we know,
off the beaten track and full of character.
Children don’t come into it. This stylish collection of boutique hotels is
purely, peacefully and definitely just for grown-ups.
Book your holiday for two today... simpsontravel.com/couples-holidays
COUPLES HOLIDAYS / AN EMPTY NESTER’S ESCAPE
FAMILY HOLIDAYS / INSPIRATION FOR... FAMILY HOLIDAYS
An empty nester’s escape
The guilty pleasures of rediscovering time away for two, by
Silver Travel Advisor’s Jennie Carr.
INSPIRATION FOR
“So, the moment so many of us have dreamed of had
arrived: every last child was away from home! Agreed, not
permanently, nor would we have wished it so, but for about ten
weeks, it was just me and him at home for the first time in 25
years. The youngest child had been deposited at uni, complete
with matching duvet cover and cushions, a supermarket starter
pan set and washing powder. The older two had returned
to their respective studies and flats. We were on our own,
together.
...family holidays
Knowing this momentous time was upon us, I decided a minicelebration was in order and had booked a holiday: a week’s
break in Crete at a rural, gently unusual place, the Arosmari
Village Hotel for couples and adults only.
I printed off the ancient holiday packing list and felt seriously
nostalgic, remembering family trips to Greece in the old
days. Packing for five had been an intense experience, akin
to a military operation, with the famous ‘last wash’ having
taken place 48 hours before departure. Discussions around
hairdryers, straighteners and a Maplin-like array of device
chargers were not needed this time. Two small suitcases were
brought down from the loft and we packed our bags easily.
This all felt very strange.
At the airport, we calmly bought books and proceeded to the
gate. No one had to be dragged out of Ted Baker or Boots,
clasping carrier bags full of must-have products. No boarding
passes were lost or passports misplaced. Just two middle-aged
adults in slight shock about to board an aircraft.
This holiday was perfect to set
the tone for the next few partially
child-free years.
Once in Crete, we picked up a small hire car. The suitcases
fitted in the boot with ease. I reflected on last year; five cases
rammed with the paraphernalia essential for three young
women required a very big boot indeed.
The charming hotel was full of people much like us. Meals were
eaten at the appropriate time, peacefully – breakfast being a
meal the girls preferred to have delivered about midday. We
used the guidebook, walked in sturdy boots, held hands and
had a fine time. We do, I’m glad to report, still very much
enjoy being together and this holiday was perfect to set the
tone for the next few partially child-free years. Of course, the
joys of WhatsApp meant we didn’t escape entirely: wild photos
of Freshers’ Week made my hair stand on end, however we
got our own back by sending pictures of us drinking cocktails
in a trendy bar in Chania! Now, where shall we two go next?”
Prices for Arosmari Village Hotel start from £793 per
person based on two sharing and include flights, seven
nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis and car hire. Flight
supplements may apply.
simpsontravel.com/arosmari
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Families come in many different shapes and sizes and it’s always our pleasure to help you find a holiday to suit
yours. From chic beach houses to country homes with large gardens to play in, we’ve found the most familyfriendly corners of the Mediterranean – and you’re all invited!
Of course, location isn’t everything: our helpful extras are part of the experience too, from the Simpson
Crèches and Children’s Clubs to convenient weekend departures; from safety-first gated pools to well-equipped
kitchens. And with our new France collection, there’s now an even wider choice of spacious family homes for
the easiest of get-togethers.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 59
FAMILY HOLIDAYS / SWIMMING POOL FUN
Swimming in a relaxed holiday
environment is a great way for
children to build their confidence.
SWIMMING POOL FUN
Nothing beats cooling off in the pool on a hot summer’s day
and Simpson Travel’s families partner, Zoggs, love taking the
plunge. They’ve put together some great ideas to up the ante
on your family’s fun in the water.
GET CREATIVE AND COMPETITIVE
WATER BABIES
Children love to think outside the box. Challenge their creativity
and get them to think of new and exciting ways to have fun.
Feed their competitive side and incorporate races into play,
chase after floating toys, or for more confident swimmers, use
weighted toys as the basis of ‘dive and retrieve’ games to see
who can collect the most objects from the bottom of the pool
in the shortest time!
Top tips for getting your little one used to
the swimming pool.
GET CONFIDENT
Swimming in a relaxed holiday environment is a great way
for children to build their confidence without even realising it.
Inflatables and foam noodles are fantastic for play and make a
great game for two. Children can hold onto opposite sides of
the noodle, facing each other, and kick as hard as they can to
see who ends up going backwards – great for letting off some
steam! There’s a fantastic range of pool games available from
first splash to confident swimmer, so you don’t need to limit
your imagination this holiday.
Find more inspiration on the Zoggs website at...
zoggs.com/blog/pool-fun-games
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Simpson family villas with
the perfect pool...
Emily’s House, Corfu, Greece
(3 bedrooms): A large infinity pool
surrounded by secluded gardens allows
for ample family fun.
Wet Face
Introduce your child to the water by dripping
it over their head and encouraging them to
do the same to you. It doesn’t mean dunking
them under the water. Remember they’ve put
their trust in you and it’s important to build
the relationship.
Movement
Moving around the pool with your baby
provides a new sensation. Encourage them
to splash, kick and move however they want
as you hold them.
Time
Be conscious of time. Remember that,
being very young, they will feel the cold
much sooner than you.
Confidence
As your baby gains confidence, you can begin
to create space between you. Use a swim seat
or trainer seat so they start to feel they have
some freedom. Then progress onto a float suit
that will support them in the water. Always stay
close to keep them safe.
For more pool inspiration and products, visit...
zoggs.com
Stella Cadent, Porto Vecchio, Corsica
(3 bedrooms): With gated swimming pool
and grassy area where children can play this
villa is perfect for families.
Empaltada, Pollença, Mallorca
(3 bedrooms): Inviting gardens surround this
pool, brilliant for a variety of family games.
Villa Lapis, Kalkan, Turkey (5 bedrooms):
A large pool with spectacular views, perhaps
for those with older children.
For more family villa inspiration visit:
simpsontravel.com/family-holidays
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 61
FAMILY HOLIDAYS WITH SIMPSON TRAVEL...
VILLAS TO SUIT EVERYONE
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FLIGHTS
SIMPSON CRÈCHES AND CLUBS
SIMPSON HOTELS FOR FAMILIES
When it comes to accommodation, one size does not fit all;
we have villas for gatherings of three to 20!
Make the most of your time away with convenient weekend
departures from Heathrow and Gatwick.
The professional, friendly childcare that gives everyone a holiday,
from little ones to the grown-ups who love them.
Celebrated for their fantastic locations and excellent service, our
Simpson Hotels put quality together-time at the top of the list.
Book your family holiday today... simpsontravel.com/family-holidays
FAMILY HOLIDAYS / A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF... MOUSSES VILLAS
A personal experience of...
MOUSSES VILLAS
Award-winning Mini Travellers blogger,
Karen Beddow, explains why she and her
family did something unusual and took the
same holiday twice.
ones were allowed to go to film club in their
pyjamas. Win-win!
This year we went back to Mousses Villas in
Lefkada, Greece. The exact same two weeks
as the year before. With all the places in the
world to visit – and for a family whose motto
is Explore, Dream, Discover – why would
we do this? Well, there are our reasons, and
then there are the children’s reasons! So, in no
particular order:
And yes, he deserves his own heading! He
was kind to our girls. He was patient, he put
films on for them in the bar and he knew all
our names. They loved him because he made
them feel like VIPs and gave them apple juice
and ice cream.
THE TURTLES CLUB
It’s small, it’s run by English-registered nannies
and it gave us over three hours to relax, read
books, sunbathe, swim and actually talk to
each other. The children loved it because they
could wear fancy dress, have a party and play
games – the things children love doing.
DATE NIGHT
It gave us the chance to go out and have
fab food and wine with friends while the little
64 ON TRAVEL
PARIS BARMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE
SAFETY
The complex is gated, it’s quiet and there are
like-minded parents all looking out for each
other. The children could run about without
someone saying “Don’t do that!” or “Come
back here!”
QUIET
With only 12 villas sharing the same pool
(which is huge), it never felt busy and, at times,
we had the whole place to ourselves. The
children didn’t ever have to share anything –
always useful when you’re under five.
THE SWIMMING POOLS
If you ask any of my three, they will tell you they
loved Greece because of the pool. It was gated
so they couldn’t get in without us and it was
blissful when they were all at the Turtles Club.
A VILLA WITH HOTEL FACILITIES
We loved Mousses because we could sit on our
own patio and eat food from the restaurant.
It’s good value and even better value when
you can drink your own wine. Our little ones
could have breakfast whenever they wanted as
we had our own kitchen and they could have
snacks and ice pops from the freezer.
We all had an amazing time and can’t thank
the team enough. Oh, and the girls loved the
different coloured sheets on the bed – mustn’t
forget that!
Stay at our crèches...
Mousses Villas and Crèche, Lefkada Prices from £531pp*
Periyali Villas and Crèche, Zakynthos Prices from £623pp*
Karen runs the award-winning blog
minitravellers.co.uk, which provides holiday
ideas, reviews and travel tips for parents with
children of all ages.
*Prices are based on four sharing and include flights, seven nights’ accommodation and car hire. Flight supplements may apply.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 65
CALLING ALL BUDDING ARTISTS!
SIMPSON HOTELS
Calling all budding artists!
We’re looking for holiday-inspired pictures to celebrate the
fun of our family holidays. We’re setting up an online gallery
to show off the artwork of our younger guests (those aged
12 years and under) – so if you’ve got a child who likes art,
here’s an opportunity for them to get creative and share their
favourite Simpson Travel holiday experiences. Encourage the
emerging Picasso in your offspring and you could gain a little
more holiday quiet time in the process and there are even
some prizes up for grabs too!
THE PRIZES
There are three prizes to be won: a £100 art hamper for the
very best picture we receive and two £50 art hampers for the
runners-up. Each prize will be tailored to the age of the winner.
HOW IT WORKS…
A dozen ways to make your holiday memorable
The best creations will be published on our blog, website
and social media and they may also be used in future
Simpson Travel brochures.
Although each of our hotels has its own unique style, they share the same essential
ingredients: an inspiring location; thoughtfully designed accommodation and a
passionate commitment to great service.
Simply email a scan or photograph of the finished artwork as
a high resolution .jpeg or .tiff, with the name and age of your
child, where you stayed and what the picture shows to make
sure they get the credit they deserve.
In every instance, it’s the attention to detail of the owners, managers and our team of
overseas representatives that offers our guests an experience to remember – and, for
many, a reason to return.
Send entries to gallery@simpsontravel.com by
30 September 2016.
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*The competition is open to anyone 12 years and under. Only one entry is permitted per person. Entries
will close on 30 September 2016. Simpson Travel reserves the right to alter the prize offered, provided the
alternative prize is of an equivalent value. The judge’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be
entered into. The winner will be notified within 7 days of the judging taking place.
SIMPSON HOTELS / A UNIQUE COLLECTION
What our guests say...
Adult Only Hotels
“We have travelled far with Simpson
Travel, but I reckon we have found
the jewel in the crown. The White
Orchid Hotel is simply wonderful: a
fabulous location and we never tired
of the view from the balcony.”
Purple Apricot Hotel, Paxos, Greece
– Mr Woodhead, White Orchid Hotel
“From the minute we landed in
Corfu we truly felt looked after.
Thank you Mr Simpson and
your great team for a wonderful
honeymoon. Thank you for your
expert advice when booking and
the help and guidance throughout.”
– Ms Lazenby, Purple Apricot Hotel
GK Beach Hotel, Crete, Greece
“The atmosphere was always relaxed,
friendly and totally unpretentious.”
– Mr Onkin, Arosmari Village Hotel
Family-friendly hotels
White Orchid Hotel, Sivota, Greece
Blue Jasmine Hotel, Kefalonia, Greece
Aydos Club Hotel, Dalyan, Turkey
A unique collection
The Simpson Hotel collection is an open invitation to some of the
Mediterranean’s most memorable destinations – and our two new
additions are no exception. The Adult Only Blue Jasmine Hotel in
Kefalonia sits prettily on a small promontory, with mesmerising sea
views from virtually every angle. Flower-filled gardens, seafood tavernas
a short stroll away and the close proximity of the beach make this an
easy choice for anyone seeking some grown-up downtime.
The reputation of the family-run Kalkan Regency precedes it.
Overlooking the glorious blue of the bay, it’s within walking distance
of Kalkan, but in spite of the town’s many excellent restaurants, guests
often still choose to eat at the hotel and enjoy a menu that combines
organic, home-grown ingredients with generous measures of creativity.
As well as having the best hammam in Turkey, spa and beauty
treatments and rooms and suites that are both spacious and stylish,
the hotel is for adults only at the start and end of the season, although
children are welcome during the summer holidays and the May and
October half terms.
68 ON TRAVEL
“We felt there was a more personal
feel to the holiday, from start to finish,
in the way we were looked after
which made the experience even
more enjoyable. We will certainly be
using Simpson Travel in the future
and highly recommend you to family
and friends. ”
– Mr Raymond, Aydos Club Hotel
For two...
…Or more
We chose to make some of our hotels Adult
Only for a reason. Not everyone enjoys the
lively chatter of little ones when they’re on
holiday. From our intimate and sumptuous
White Orchid Hotel to the bohemian
flourishes of the Purple Apricot Hotel, it’s
serenity that prevails. Harmonious design is
important too: a choreography of interior and
exterior spaces. Surrounded by roses, jasmine
and lavender, the Arosmari Village Hotel is
one example: a cluster of stone and cypress
wood cottages that sits in the timeless village
of Vamos like it truly belongs.
Full of personality, our family-friendly hotels
lend themselves perfectly to making new
friends by the pool, and most are on or
close to a beach. With shops and restaurants
close by too, parents can shift down a gear,
knowing that if their children get boisterous,
everyone will understand.
And to help you squeeze every bit of
restorative ‘you time’ out of your holiday, we
also have a concierge service offering advice,
making bookings and smoothing your way
from start to finish.
From the Aydos Club Hotel’s complimentary
boat shuttle to Iztuzu beach and the warmest
of welcomes extended by its manager
Rahmi, to the flexibility of the Korsan Suites’
apartments-meet-hotel arrangement, you gain
the best of all worlds. And as guests at the
Avithos Beach Estate have noted, the right
setting, in this case close to one of Kefalonia’s
finest beaches, makes all the difference.
“This was our first time travelling
with Simpson Travel and I have
to say this was probably the best
holiday ever. The Korsan Suites in
Kalkan were superb.”
– Mrs Daly, Korsan Suites
“The Avithos Beach Estate was
beautiful. Quiet, peaceful and a
great family holiday.”
Korsan Suites, Kalkan, Turkey
The whole collection
See our complete Simpson Hotel
collection at simpsontravel.com/
simpson-hotels
– Miss Goss, Avithos Beach Estate
Coming soon...
Last year, we visited a number of
our hotels and asked guests what
they liked about staying there. To
find out what they said, keep your
eyes open for the video of their
responses on our website.
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 69
SIMPSON EXCLUSIVE
Luxury holiday villas that are making waves
We’re always on the lookout for exemplary villas that we believe our guests will love, but
there are some that stand out above and beyond the rest. They may represent the latest
in architectural innovations or the gloriously bohemian and unconventional. Some stand
alone as stylish classics, whilst others are steeped in history and full of fabulous period
features. But we choose them all because they’re exceptional.
KALKAN REGENCY
The best view in Kalkan
There’s nothing like a compelling view to calm the mind; nothing like the sun for helping
the body unwind and nothing like exceptional service to remind you that, after all, life is
good. Welcome to the award-winning Kalkan Regency on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
simpsontravel.com/kalkan-regency
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020 8108 2172
SIMPSON EXCLUSIVE / YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
What our guests say...
“A beautiful villa, it was like staying
in a five-star hotel! Well placed for
Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio and all the
best beaches.”
– Mrs Gregory, Villa Santa Giulia
Villa San Stephanos, Corfu, Greece
“We are seasoned travellers, have
been in many fabulous hotels and
villas in remote, faraway places, but
this one tops them all. The beauty of
the spot, of the villa, of the pool, the
quality of the service, the situation
on the island – will stay unrivalled.”
– Mrs Laffy, Eagle’s Nest
“Simpson Travel know how to please
– from the start of the booking
process to the end of our holiday
we had excellent service and would
thoroughly recommend it.”
Casa Annie, Mallorca, Spain
– Mrs Woolley, Villa Panoramique
“A warm welcome at Heraklion
airport was followed by the
easiest and most pleasant car hire
experience. Our cars were waiting
for us at the door of the airport!
Our villa was stunning, spacious
and modern, with a wide terrace
overlooking an infinity pool and an
uninterrupted view of the sea.”
Eagle’s Nest, Paxos, Greece
Villa Christianna, Corfu, Greece
Your VIP ticket to the
Mediterranean
The destinations our guests
have requested
Those who know Simpson Exclusive may well
have noticed that there’s been a change to
our portfolio. Last year, Simpson Travel won
three British Travel Awards; an honour that
showed us exactly what our guests love about
what we do. We’ve listened to their feedback
and it’s helped us refine our Simpson
Exclusive collection. It’s become invitingly
bijoux and much more select; it’s also closer
to home, comprising carefully handpicked
properties in Andalucía, Corfu, Corsica,
Côte d’Azur, Crete, Ibiza, Kalkan, Mallorca,
Paxos, Provence and Tuscany.
Villa Buddha, Ibiza, Spain
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We’ve also selected villas in the most
captivating corners of our chosen destinations,
with views that constitute natural masterpieces
and iconic landscapes that set the scene
for the best kind of memories. You may
find yourself near chic harboursides or
blissfully unspoilt beaches; within strolling
distance of traditional villages or close to the
glittering lights, sunset cocktails and ambient
soundtracks of sophisticated resorts.
Villa Palombaggia, Porto Vecchio, Corsica
From little extras, such as a luxury hamper
on your arrival to tickets for the best local
restaurants, VIP access to beach clubs and
bars, or massages and chef services within
your villa, we have put personalised service at
the very heart of our Exclusive experiences.
Choice is everything.
The whole collection
Attention to every detail
See our complete Simpson
Exclusive collection at
simpsonexclusive.com
When you book each and every one of our
Simpson Exclusive villas, you’ll also have
access to a dedicated concierge service,
both in the UK and at your destination, to
ensure that every detail of your trip is just how
you’d like it to be. It means we can create an
exciting itinerary of events and experiences to
look forward to before you leave or help you
indulge a whim or two once you’ve arrived.
– Mrs Balfour, Villa Talisker
“Poppy’s House was spectacular
and we thoroughly enjoyed our
stay in this amazing villa – we really
didn’t want to come home! This
was our first holiday with Simpson
Travel and we will certainly use you
again! Everything about the holiday
was perfect!”
– Mrs Baines, Poppy’s House
“Everyone should enjoy a Simpson
Exclusive holiday. What an
experience, never thought a holiday
could be so perfect.”
– Mr Scott, Villa Christianna
020 8108 2172 | SIMPSONTRAVEL.COM 73
SIMPSON TRAVELLER / AN INTERVIEW WITH... ANGELA BAKER
An interview with...
ANGELA BAKER
Angela Baker (now Knowles) shares her experiences of fame, her ongoing
charity work and what she loves about her holidays at The Saints in Corfu.
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WHIRLWIND THAT
WAS CALENDAR GIRLS…
We were all members of the Women’s Institute and, every year, the
organisation writes to all the groups asking them if they’ve got any nice
photographs. Things like sunsets, village greens and churches. Tricia
Stewart nudged me and said we could do it ‘Pirelli style’.
The calendar launched in April 1999 to raise money for Leukaemia Research,
following the death of my husband, John Baker. We sold 88,000 in the first
year and then went to America and sold another 250,000 over there. We
had no agent – we just did it ourselves. By 2013, the props were starting to
get a bit bigger so we thought it was time to stop making the calendars, but
then I got a call from David Pugh who said he’d been working on a musical
about our story with Tim Firth and Gary Barlow! This follows on from the film
starring Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Celia Imrie, and the London stage
play, which became the fastest selling in British theatre history.
HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU RAISED?
Over £4 million. When we first started, nine out of ten children died from
leukaemia. All our money has gone towards research that means, now, nine
children survive and if we can keep going until it’s 100% that will be amazing.
WHEN DID YOUR LOVE AFFAIR WITH GREECE BEGIN?
It goes way back to Graham Simpson’s Simply Crete days. And now, my
husband, Charles Knowles, and I love going to The Saints. We like total
relaxation and it’s a beautiful environment where you can be on your own or
just get in a car and go to other wonderful places where the food is delicious
and the views just heavenly. We’ve also got to know people in the village, so
now it’s like going home – and Simpson Travel look after you; if you’ve got a
problem you know they’re always there.
THERE WAS A PRODUCTION OF CALENDAR GIRLS IN
CORFU LAST YEAR. DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO
DO WITH IT?
I got an email from John Dryden, the director, asking if the cast could talk to
me about it, so we Skyped! Proceeds went to the Greek charity FLOGA – the
Parents Association of Children with Cancer and some to Bloodwise. We’ve
already booked this year’s holiday to Corfu, so hopefully I’ll be able to raise a
glass with the cast.
If you’d like to donate to Angela’s charity, now known as Bloodwise,
please visit bloodwise.org.uk
74 ON TRAVEL
‘The road less travelled’ today symbolises an alternative
attitude rather than an alternative destination, and by
choosing to take the harder path we can continue to offer
a superior experience to all those who travel with us.
– Graham Simpson
EXCLUSIVE VILLAS
France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey
Luxury comes in many forms; you may find it in an exquisitely designed
interior, a limitless view or through the services of your dedicated
concierge. Simpson Exclusive brings them all together, beautifully.
simpsonexclusive.com 020 8108 2172
The Grange Bank of England Sports Ground Bank Lane London SW15 5JT
5175
simpsontravel.com | enquiries@simpsontravel.com | 020 8108 2172