Simpson Travel (020 8003 6557, simpsontravel.com), the specialist, independent, luxury villa and boutique hotel operator, still has some availability for the May half term.

Villa Laetitia, Corsica:

With over 200 beaches to explore, wonderful mountain scenery and temperatures in the low 20s, this beautiful island is the perfect May destination and Simpson Travel (0208 003 6557, simpsontravel.com) has a range of villas still available. Among them is the fabulous Villa Laetitia, close to the beachside village of Saint Cyprien. With its huge heated pool, far-reaching mountain views and generous space, it's the perfect choice for a large or extended family gathering. Sleeping up to ten people, it also has a large lawned garden and a terrace that stretches almost the entire length of the building and is the perfect spot for al fresco dining and early evening drinks. St Cyprien, with its beach, small shops and restaurants is about five minutes away by car.

Simpson Travel (020 8003 6557, simpsontravel.com) offers seven nights' self-catering accommodation at Villa Laetitia, departing on Sunday 28 May from £1,316pp based on four sharing. This comes down to £850pp with the maximum capacity of ten. The price includes flights and car hire.

simpsontravel.com/corsica-holidays/porto-vecchio-and-bonifacio/villas/villa-laetitia

Sapphire, Sivota

Enjoy a villa holiday with a Greek-island feel, but without getting island fever. Sapphire sits high on a hillside just outside Sivota on the Greek mainland, with amazing sea views over Paxos, Anti Paxos and Corfu. 

For those who want to relax by the pool or beach, it's the perfect location, but it also gives you the chance to hop in a car and explore the unspoilt coastline. There are two, pristine sand-and-pebble beaches within a short walk of the harbour and many more to explore on the tiny uninhabited islands just off shore. You can happily potter from one small island to another in your own motor boat, lunch on the morning's catch or take a leisurely drive down the glorious Epiros coastline, with its picturesque harbours, hidden coves and long sandy beaches. Some of the beaches are wild and natural, others equipped with sun beds, cafés and everything you might need for a family day out.  Sleeping up to six people in three bedrooms and superbly finished both inside and out, Sapphire sits in its own spacious grounds with a private pool, Jacuzzi and wonderful sun terrace. Visiting massage and beauty therapists are available, as is the option for a daily breakfast delivery or a cook for those who want to completely switch off.

Simpson Travel (0208 003 6557, simpsontravel.com) offers seven nights' self-catering accommodation at Sapphire in Sivota, Greece from £1,386pp departing on 28 May based on four sharing. This drops to £1,227pp with the maximum capacity of six. Price includes flights and car hire. simpsontravel.com/greece-holidays/sivota/villas/sapphire

Kastanida House, Paxos

For many, the small but perfectly formed Paxos is the quintessential Greek island. One of a cluster of picturesque Ionian islets and only reached by sea, it lies reassuringly off the beaten tourist track. Holidays in Paxos exude an air of quiet luxury and tranquility – days can be filled with walking, snorkelling from boats or just relaxing and unwinding: the perfect May half-term tonic.

At the end of a small country lane on the west coast of Paxos lies Kastanida House. Nestled amongst ancient olive trees, with the deep blue of the Ionian Sea beyond, this delightful Paxiot house is a very special place. Enjoy the beautiful gardens (perfect for relaxation or as a play area for children), the infinity pool and plenty of shady areas to park yourself with a book. Sleeping up to six people, the airy living area is stylish but comfortable and opens onto the outdoor terrace. A 20-minute walk will take you to the village of Magazia, complete with bakery, taverna and local stores.

Simpson Travel (0208 003 6557, simpsontravel.com) offers seven nights' self-catering accommodation at Kastanida House from £1,183pp departing on 28 May based on four sharing. This drops to £1,034pp with the maximum capacity of six. The price includes flights, transfers and car hire.

simpsontravel.com/greece-holidays/paxos/villas/kastanida-house

For bookings call 020 8003 6557 or visit 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 2002, yet its heritage predates this by many years. Founder 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 became one of the most 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 Travel, he recreated the original ethos of Simply Travel, offering a very personal service, with individually-selected properties, exceptional local knowledge for each destination, a highly experienced team of staff and excellent representatives in resort. Clients booking with Simpson Travel can be safe in the knowledge that their holiday has been created with their needs in mind and 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, Skopelos and Crete. In Turkey, there is a choice of villas and some hotels in Akakya, the Bozburun Peninsula, Dalyan, Kalkan, Islamlar and Kaş. In Mallorca, choose from villas in Pollença, Puerto Pollença, Fornalutx and Southern Mallorca, whilst in Corsica, there are properties in Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, The Valinco, The West Coast,  Calvi & The Balagne, Central Corsica, St Florent and Cap Corse, as well as the private island of Cavallo. The French programme includes villas and châteaux across France, with a particular focus on Provence, the Côte d'Azur, the Vendée and the South West/Dordogne area, whilst the 2017 Italy programme includes villas and apartments in Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria and Venice, as well two new boutique Simpson Hotels in Tuscany and range of properties in Cefalù on Sicily.