Simpson Travel, the independent, luxury specialist villa and boutique hotel operator, has launched its 2018 programme with its biggest ever choice of Simpson hotels.  The new properties - most of which are exclusive to Simpson – include a brand new four-room boutique retreat in Meganissi; Simpson's first ever hotels in Corfu and Mallorca, a new adult only waterfront hotel in Paxos, and two stylish, design led Italian Masserias.  The beautiful southern Italian region of Puglia has been introduced for the first time, with a range of characterful properties including trulli houses and grandiose villas as well the new hotels.  Also new to the programme are over 30 villas across the favourite areas of Greece, Corsica, Mallorca, France and Italy. 

Commenting, Graham Simpson, chairman, says 'We're delighted to be launching our 2018 programme of holidays with our biggest choice of Simpson hotels, alongside an outstanding range of villas.   In 2018 I'll be celebrating 40 years in the travel industry and over 15 years of Simpson Travel. It's particularly appropriate in this landmark year that we are continuing to broaden the Simpson experience for our clients and extending our 'road less travelled' philosophy to new regions such as Puglia.  I'm particularly excited about our first ever hotel in Corfu - one of my favourite destinations – as well as Paxos – an island which is quite literally my second home.'

The new properties further enhance the Simpson Travel portfolio, which now features a superb choice of over 300 quality villas and apartments across Greece, Corsica, Turkey, Mallorca, Italy and mainland France, alongside a range of 16 adult only and family-friendly hotels.  Included within the hotel portfolio is the much-loved Kalkan Regency in Turkey, offered exclusively by Simpson Travel.   Simpson also offer two specialist Creche properties – Periyali in Zakynthos and Mousses in Lefkada – groups of independent villas offering childcare options from British nannies.  For those looking for the ultimate villa retreat, Simpson Exclusive offers a handpicked selection of the most luxurious properties which come complete with a dedicated concierge service, in-house chefs and added extras such as VIP airport parking and restaurant reservations.

Highlights of the programme are as follows:

Keromoussi, Meganissi, Greece: Set on the waterfront on a private four-acre peninsula this unique intimate retreat accommodates just eight guests, but with up to five staff on hand, it strikes just the right balance between privacy and pampering. Each suite has its own terrace with mesmerising views, just 30 metres from the intense blue of the Ionian Sea, whilst the swimming pools erstwhile retreat of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Price: From £1791pp including flights, car hire and transfers and seven nights b&b accommodation.

Waterside House, Paxos, Greece:  This charming seafront property was updated to its current, 5-suite magnificence by its English owner, providing generously-sized accommodation for couples just 3-4 minutes' stroll from Lakka's tavernas, cafés and shops. For May, June, September and October, when Paxos is at its most appealing, Waterside House will be run as an adult only hotel. The five guest suites are located in two separate villas, with a spacious living area in each villa and a private terrace or verandah for each individual suite.  With direct access to the sea below the house, there are even private moorings for small boats.  Price:  From £865pp including flights, transfers and seven nights b&b accommodation.

Bella Mare, Corfu, Greece:  Set in in lush gardens that open directly onto Avlaki beach, the delightful Bella Mare hotel has bagged the absolute prime spot in this sought-after corner of north east Corfu. With a relaxed feel, and an easy style, offering friendly, attentive service, it is suitable for couples and families alike and ideal for those who want a full-service alternative to a villa holiday. Local activities include a sailing school right on the beach, and Kassiopi village, with its shops, handful of tavernas and restaurants and (teen-friendly!) nightlife just a 20-minute walk away. Price: Price from £982pp including flights, car hire and seven nights b&b accommodation.

Son Pons, Mallorca: This 11-bedroom agroturisme located on a vast private estate just outside Búger village is the first Simpson Hotel to be featured in Mallorca. The restored 16th Century finca retains a real sense of history throughout and offers both suites and bedrooms, making it ideal for a family, couples or groups of friends alike.  Beyond the finca the estate extends over 150,000 m², with glorious country views and the UNESCO-classified Tramuntana Mountains forming a spectacular backdrop. The Son Pons estate enjoys protected status as a wildlife sanctuary, with its own olive groves producing high quality oil and delicious local produce as part of the experience.  After a few days relaxing by the pool, the towns of Pollença and Alcúdia, and the 6km long sandy beach at Playa de Muro are all just 15 minutes away.  Price: From £705pp including flights, car hire and seven nights b&b accommodation.

Puglia Added as a New Destination, including two new hotels:

At the 'heel' of Italy, Puglia is located on a long, slender peninsula, surrounded by the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. The traders and invaders over many centuries have included the Greeks, Romans, Austrians, Spanish and French, who have left their legacy of spectacular Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. From pretty Polignano, known locally as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', to the nearby old town of Monopoli and the iconic fairy-tale Trulli houses of Alberobello. With a combination of extensive beaches, delicious local cuisine and landscapes characterised by olive groves and vineyards there is much to discover in this lesser known part of Italy.

Masseria Le Torri, Puglia, Italy:  This 9 room, supremely elegant boutique hotel – already featured as a location for a Ferrari photoshoot - is located in the heart of the Puglian countryside, yet only 20 minutes away from the coast.   Rising dazzling white above an olive grove, it combines a unique style with the warm hospitality synonymous with this part of Italy.  Renovated over ten painstaking years by the owner, bringing life back into the old farmhouse he stayed in as a boy, the masseria has a serene, dream-like quality. Chandeliers and birdcages hang from trees, sheer fabrics give the nine en-suite double bedrooms an ethereal feel and interiors are a harmonious combination of natural wood and stone.  The shared swimming pool has more than a touch of Riviera glamour, with brilliant white deckchairs and sunbeds lined up in rows beside the clear blue water.   Price: From £1000 for seven nights b&b accommodation.  Flights bookable on request.

Masseria Potenti, Puglia, Italy:   A shining white oasis set against brilliant blue skies, this 14th-century masseria evokes a sense of Moorish palaces, surrounded by 150 hectares of vineyards and olive groves that are pure Puglia.  It has been transformed by its Milanese owner from an overgrown, abandoned outpost to create a unique, beautifully rustic, family-run hotel.  The 21 rooms and suites include a honeymoon suite in the tower, and two apartments with their own kitchen and private garden which are ideal for families. As well as a lovely pool, there is a newly added spa, with an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and a range of luxurious massage treatments.  Cookery lessons and wine tastings are all available, along with nature walks, horse riding and bike rental.

In addition to the two masseria hotels, Simpson's properties in the region include the lavish three-bedroom Villa Favorita, an elegant 19 century manor house once the home of the local baron; several traditional trulli houses and the more contemporary Casa Ceno – an ultra-stylish architect-designed property spread over two separate buildings, sleeping up to 10 people.  Price:  From £1225 for seven nights b&b accommodation.

In addition to the new hotel properties, Simpson has also added to its superb portfolio of villas.  The operator's Greek villa collection is stronger than ever, with a trio of architect-designed properties in Lekfada, wonderful new houses in north east Corfu and two little gems on Paxos.   New private villas have been added to the Corsica collection, whilst in mainland France new properties can be found in destinations including St Tropez, Gordes and the peaceful Lot valley.  Mallorca also features a number of new properties, ranging from smart villas near the beach and elegant townhouses close to restaurants, bars and the heart of local life.

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

The award winning, independently owned Simpson Travel was established in 2002,  and offers a range of exclusive villas, apartments and boutique Simpson Hotels across the Mediterranean, with destinations including Greece, Turkey, Mallorca, Corsica, France and Italy.

Founder Graham Simpson, brings nearly 40 years of travel industry heritage to Simpson, having 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 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.