

From adult-only hideaways to family-friendly beachfront hotels, independent tour operator Simpson Travel (0208 003 6557; www.simpsontravel.com) offers a superb range of exclusive hotels and villas in destinations including Greece, Turkey, France, Italy and Mallorca. Whilst demand for travel in 2022 is strong, there are still options available on selected weeks this summer – whether you've got busy toddlers to keep entertained, are holidaying with tricky teenagers or school leavers, or just want a week of relaxation away from it all.
Peace by the Pool: Adult-only Crete at Arosmari Village Hotel
For those looking for a truly tranquil summer escape, where they can relax without the peace being disrupted by children jumping in the pool, Simpson's adult-only properties tick all the boxes. Pretty Arosmari Village Hotel, set in the traditional village of Vamos in the foothills of the White Mountains in Crete, is the perfect adult-only escape.
With its ten charming 1 and 2-bedroom stone and cypress wood cottages surrounded by a beautiful garden, along with a pool, small spa and Turkish Hammam, it has plenty of relaxing corners where couple can escape. The cottages are interspersed with touches of the rural past – a shepherd's hut, a threshing circle and even a small chapel are spread among the olive trees and lawn. Nearby, the local village of Vamos is a small slice of old Crete, whilst the unspoilt villages and golden beaches of western Crete and the cosmopolitan city of Chania, with its superb restaurants, colourful markets and spectacular Venetian harbour are just waiting to explored. Departing 5 July Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com ; 020 8003 6557) offers a week at Arosmari Village Hotel from £1,034 per person including flights, car hire and seven nights b&b accommodation, based on two sharing.
Best for Toddlers: Mousses Crèche and Kids' Clubs, Lefkada
Charmingly traditional, Lefkada is an authentically Greek holiday island fringed by award-winning beaches. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the easy boat-free journey from Preveza airport (30 minutes away) is a big plus for families. It is also home to one of Simpson Travel's most child friendly properties in Greece – Mousses Crèche and Kids' Clubs.
Set in lush, sub-tropical gardens, shaded by olive trees and with plenty of grassy space for play, Mousses is a group of 12 houses within the same grounds. Offering a 'best of both worlds' scenario the resort combines the convenience of hotel-style family facilities and independent villa living with exceptional childcare run by fully qualified nannies. At the heart of the grounds, there's a big, sparkling swimming pool, with plenty of sun loungers for the grown-ups, and a shaded, shallow pool for toddlers and non-swimmers, or its just five minutes from a beautiful beach at Agios Ioannis.
Offering a range of flexible morning or afternoon sessions, the kids club offers age-appropriate activities including arts and crafts, nature walks, singing, storytelling, outdoor play and a weekly party. For parents who fancy an evening out, there are also some evening crèche sessions and a kid's club movie night, leaving adults free to enjoy Lefkada Town and its stylish boutique, bars and restaurants.
Departing 3 July 2022, Simpson Travel (020 8003 6557, www.simpsontravel.com) offers a one week holiday at Mousses from £1,027pp based on four sharing. Price includes flights, car hire and 7-nights' accommodation.
Best for a beachfront holiday with complimentary family activities: GK Beach Hotel, Crete
Set against the backdrop of the White Mountains of western Crete, GK Beach Hotel is in a lovely position on a wide sandy beach. With a large pool and children's pool, it makes the perfect setting for a family holiday.
During the summer holidays, GK Beach is also home to Simpson Travel's complimentary 'Beach Life' children's activity programme, featuring supervised activities designed to keep children aged 5-11 entertained. It gives grown-ups a chance to kick back and unwind while the children make new friends and enjoy pool games, treasure hunts, movie nights and more, under the expert supervision of the Simpson childcare team.
Accommodation is in a choice of 23 light and airy suites and there is also a two-bedroom family penthouse. Breakfast is served on the terrace by the swimming pool overlooking the beach where soft, deep sand is shaded by tamarind trees and slopes gently into shallow water.
Further afield the hotel's concierge team can arrange hassle-free minibus transfers to some of western Crete's leading attractions, such as the Platanias Water Park or into Chania with its historic winding lanes and beautiful harbour.
Departing 12 July Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com ; 020 8003 6557) offers a week at GK Beach from £948pp based on four sharing, including flights, accommodation (BB), transfers and complimentary children's activity programme.
Best for School Leavers: Kalkan Regency
School's out, exams are finished, but there's still the option for what might be the final family holiday. Kalkan, with its trendy beach clubs, harbourside cafes and rooftop restaurants in easy reach is perfect for independence-hungry teenagers. At the heart of it is the delightful family-run Kalkan Regency with a range of family-friendly suites or adjoining rooms. Offering panoramic views across the harbour and the bay from just about every corner of its superb 41 bedrooms and suites. Located within walking distance of the shops and cafes of this lively coastal town, the hotel is exclusive to Simpson Travel. With a fabulous pool overlooking the coastline, it also has a gym, elegant spa and traditional hammam, as well as an outstanding restaurant serving a menu of locally sourced produce.
Each guest receives a complimentary Turkish bath (hammam), along with an all-day excursion on the hotel's traditional gület boat, Poseidon, including a delicious lunch. The hotel is primarily focused for adult guests but also welcomes families with children under 18 during July and August.
Departing 17 July Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com; 020 8003 6557) offers a week at Kalkan Regency from £1,030pp based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a New Regency Suite. Prices include return flights, transfers, seven nights' B&B accommodation, a complimentary hammam and all-day gület boat excursion.
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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: Independently owned, 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 and a highly experienced team of staff. 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.