view online - Simpson Travel
Transcription
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. 20 ON TRAVEL 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 26 ON TRAVEL 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 [email protected], 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. 54 ON TRAVEL 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 58 ON TRAVEL 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 60 ON TRAVEL 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 [email protected] by 30 September 2016. 66 ON TRAVEL *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 70 ON TRAVEL 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 72 ON TRAVEL 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 | [email protected] | 020 8108 2172