7 March 2016

SIMPSON TRAVEL EXPANDS SIMPSON SECRETS PORTFOLIO TO MEET INCREASED DEMAND FOR 'OFF THE BEATEN TRACK' VILLAS

'From time to time, our search for exceptional properties on the road less travelled leads us to places that we just can't resist adding to our collection. We may find a hidden gem in a tiny Turkish village, a Greek island escape for would-be castaways or perhaps a home from home that peeks out from the Tuscan countryside across glorious Renaissance spires.'

Simpson Travel (020 8003 6557, simpsontravel.com), the independent, luxury specialist villa and boutique hotel operator, has expanded and relaunched its Simpson Secrets portfolio, offering a range of hidden gems across the Mediterranean.

Commenting, Graham Simpson, Chairman of Simpson Travel says 'Over the last 2 years, we have seen a definite increase in demand for off the beaten track properties, or as we like to say, those on 'the road less travelled'.    All our Simpson Secrets properties are somewhere you can really escape to, get away from daily routine, switch off and unwind.  We call it the Simpson Secrets state of mind.  Traditionally, our Simpson Secrets properties were smaller and more suitable for couples, so we're delighted to now be able to offer the same type of properties to larger groups – be these families or friends travelling together.'

New destinations with Simpson Secrets include Andalucia, France, Italy and Ibiza, with additional larger properties also being added across the portfolio in Greece, Turkey and Corsica.  The collection, which was initially launched in 2011, now comprises a range of exceptional properties, from one bedroom hideaways to grander houses and even a French chateau, all located in idyllic settings.   Simpson Secrets are aimed at villa seekers who are keen to escape from it all and happy to make a longer journey in order to arrive at the perfect destination.

Highlights include:

Simpson Secret – El Castillo (Andalucia)

Set in tranquil countryside close to the charming village of Gaucín, this unique house blends traditional Moorish styling with modern-day comfort and a host of thoughtful extras.  There are also superb added extras from cooks and childcare to yoga, guided walks and massage.  With spectacular mountain views all around, you can while away hours or entire days enjoying the vista, the space and the peace, broken only by birdsong or the cry of an eagle soaring high overhead   Although El Castillo feels blissfully remote, it is only 4km to Gaucín, one of the region's most photographed, painted and celebrated 'white villages' with tapas bars and restaurants.  Sleeping up to 14 people, the house has a private pool and even a grand piano.

Simpson Secret – Villa delle Favole (Tuscany)

Tucked away in the peaceful heart of rural Tuscany, this former monastery, first inhabited over 1,000 years ago by Camaldolesi Monks, is nestled in a private forest of olive, oak and beach trees.  Translating as 'Villa of Fairytales', it's a beautiful base from which to discover the natural and cultural treasures of both Tuscany and Umbria if you can bear to leave the serene surroundings, private pool and mesmerising views. 

Simpson Secret – Montpalach (France)
This delightful old manor house, dating from 1750, is tucked away in the peaceful hamlet of the same name. The villa's pool is a real gem and the entire garden is enclosed, creating a wonderful retreat in which to relax and unwind at any time of the day.  Interiors are a tasteful mix of local antiques and artworks that hint at the house's long history  There is plenty to see and do, both locally and further afield, with tennis, horse riding, lake swimming and canoeing within a 5-10 minute drive and several golf courses within an hour's drive.

Simpson Secret – Villa Lygia (Epirus, Greece)

The Epirus coast has been described as one of Greece's hidden secrets, and this particular property makes the most of it, having been designed to maximise views, light and the sight and sound of the sea. From its uncluttered interior, decorated in the blues and greens of the sea and the gardens, handsome terracotta tiles continue straight out on to the terrace with its wonderful views. One of the joys of staying here is that a little path descends to a sand and pebble beach only 30 metres below the terrace; it is even possible to hire a boat and moor it here.

Simpson Secret – Casa Paloma (Ibiza)

Located in peaceful countryside between Santa Gertrudis, with its many destination restaurants, and San Lorenzo, this recently built five-bedroom villa offers serenity and privacy with style on an impressive scale.

Set in beautiful, mature landscaped gardens and orange groves, the outdoor spaces here are wonderful.  There is even a private floodlit tennis court which transforms into a basketball court or five-a-side football at the drop of a net and there is table tennis and a pool table for less energetic play.  With a luxurious Bali-style chill out area overlooking the private pool, interiors are equally impressive.  Sleeping up to 10, there are two living areas – one with an open fireplace and sofas, and a separate cinema galley. 

See more at: http://www.simpsontravel.com/simpson-secrets

For bookings call 020 8003 6557 or visit www.simpsontravel.com.

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For further media information, please contact:

Sarah Bolam on 07714 337756 or email sarahbolamcommunications@gmail.com or Anthea Yabsley – 0208 578 6777 or email anthea.yabsley@ideal-pr.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Simpson Travel was established in 2003, yet its heritage predates this by many years. Chairman Graham Simpson, a veteran of the travel industry, built up the highly successful Simply Travel in the 1970s with his Greek wife Yianna. From humble beginnings in a flat in Chiswick, it was built up to be one of the best respected independent travel companies of its time, renowned for offering authentic rather than 'packaged' holiday experiences, with carefully researched programmes, exceptional product knowledge and service.

In Simpson, he has recreated the original ethos of Simply Travel, offering a very personal service, with individually selected properties, expertise of each destination, a highly knowledgeable team of staff and excellent representatives in resort. Clients booking with Simpson can be safe in the knowledge that their holiday will have been created with their needs in mind, with each property matched to their individual tastes and requirements. They can also rest assured that they will be really well looked after by the excellent representatives on hand in each resort.

In Greece, destinations for villas and hotels include Corfu; Paxos; Anti Paxos, Kefalonia; Ithaca; Lefkada; Meganissi, Zakynthos; Sivota; Zagoria; Skopelos and Crete. In Turkey, there is a choice of villas and some hotels in Akakya; the Bozburun Peninsula; Dalyan; Fethiye and Faralya; Kaya Valley; Kalkan; Islamlar, Kaş and Göcek. In Mallorca, choose from villas in Pollença; Puerto Pollença; Fornalutx and Cala Pi, whilst in Corsica, there are properties in Porto Vecchio; Bonifacio; The Valinco; The West Coast; Calvi and The Balagne; central Corsica, St Florent and Cap Corse, as well as the private island of Cavallo.  The newest addition to the portfolio is France, with a selection of properties in Provence, Cote d'Azur, Loire and the Vendee and South West France and the Dordogne.