With long midsummer days, quieter beaches and warm temperatures, a holiday to Greece in June hits a sweet spot between May half term and the start of the school holidays.

Independent boutique hotel and villa specialist Simpson Travel (0208 003 6557; www.simpsontravel.com) has added three new properties to their portfolio that make a perfect option for a June escape.  All located in glorious settings overlooking clear blue seas, they also offer idyllic locations for an adult-only retreat.*  Choose from a six-bedroom boutique hotel in a peaceful corner of Crete, a set of spacious suites in tranquil Ithaca and exclusive adult-only suites at stylish San Nicolas Hotel in the quiet south of Lefkada.

Mochlos Blue: Boutique retreat in north-east Crete. 

This newly opened six-bedroom boutique hideaway is part of Simpson Travel's expanding portfolio in the lovely fishing village of Mochlos, on the unspoilt north east coast of Crete.  

There are very few hotels in Mochlos, so to have a boutique property of Simpson Travel's exacting standards is a welcome addition.  The hotel's position is perfect, resting on an unspoilt stretch of coastline – with captivating views over tiny Mochlos islet and the surrounding mountains and a short walk away from Mochlos village with its selection of excellent tavernas. All six suites have balconies with uninterrupted sea views, which can also be enjoyed from the spacious pool and lovely gardens.   The hotel was originally a family property, run by George, his mother Poppy and father Pavlos, who have been welcoming guests for over 20 years. The team at Simpson have worked with them to add a touch of 21st century comfort and style for a truly memorable stay.

Within easy reach of the hotel are a whole host of other places of interest, from Minoan temples to a 3,000 year old olive tree; as well as beautiful beaches.  There are a number of other pretty villages in the surrounding area including Kavousi in the next bay along, particularly beautiful with a lovely beach, and Monasteraki, a hidden gem en route to Ierapetra with a delightful taverna at the mouth of the Ha Gorge.   Travel a little further east and you reach idyllic Vai beach.  The Gulf of Mirabello is threaded with walking trails which are rich in wildlife; the Ha Gorge, one of Europe's most beautiful Gorges, as well as Mastoras, Greece's highest waterfall.  Price in June from £1,336 per person for seven nights, including flights, car hire and seven nights' accommodation on a b&b basis.  (Simpsontravel.com, 0208 003 6557).

Spacious Suites on tranquil Ithaca:

Ithaca is an island where ancient history and mythology meet, as far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life as you could ever wish to be.  Set above beautiful Kioni harbour, on the island's east coast, Kyparissi is a set of five spacious one and two bedroom suites, exclusively offered by Simpson Travel and new for 2023.

The name 'Kyparissi' comes from the cypress trees found in the property's gardens, which are also infused with the scent of jasmine, rose, lavender and rosemary. Interiors are light and bright with accents of primary colours to complement the simple whitewashed walls.  Classic Grecian blue shutters frame the beauty of Ithaca's spectacular landscape and coastline. The effect is one of peace, harmony, and relaxation.   Three, split-level two-bedroom suites are situated on the upper floors, each with balconies leading off the living room and bedroom giving magnificent Ionian views, whilst the two ground-floor, one-bedroom suites each enjoy a private garden terrace.

Kyparissi is a five-minute stroll from the buzzing harbour front where yachts moor up for lunch, and yet it's wonderfully laid back in the evenings with the waterside cafes and selection of quiet tavernas serving delicious, freshly caught fish and other local dishes.

Price in June from £1,274 per person for seven nights, based on two sharing, including return flights, seven nights' accommodation, transfers from Kefalonia airport to Ithaca port and car hire.  Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com ; 020 8003 6557)

Adult only Escape to San Nicolas Hotel Lefkada:

Located in the sleepier south of Lefkada, on an unspoilt bay,  the effortlessly sophisticated San Nicolas Hotel is a delightful addition to Simpson's portfolio of Simpson Hotels in this slightly off-the-beaten-track location. 

Simpson Travel is featuring eight stylish suites at the hotel, which are exclusive to them and set apart from the main hotel, in picturesque tree shaded grounds with private outdoor seating areas overlooking the azure waters below.  It's the ideal romantic escape for two with the added benefit of the hotel's superb facilities, daily breakfast included and a gorgeous poolside restaurant where meals can be enjoyed.  The water's edge is accessed on foot or by a lift, where there's a choice of non-motorised water sports, plus a fabulous beach bar serving snacks and light lunches throughout the day and a sunbathing platform with direct access to the sea.  The charming waterfront village of Mikros Gialos is a short stroll away, where simple tavernas and bars line the crescent-shaped, blue flag beach.  

Price in June from £1560 per person for seven nights, based on two sharing, including return flights, seven nights' b&b accommodation and car hire. Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com; 020 8003 6557)

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For further media information: Sarah Bolam: sarahbolamcommunications@gmail.com/ 07714 337756 or Anthea Yabsley anthea.yabsley@ideal-pr.co.uk/0208 578 6777 

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. 

*Mochlos Blue, Kyparissi and San Nicolas hotel accept children during school holidays, but are child-free the rest of the season.