Simpson Travel, the independent, luxury specialist villa and boutique hotel operator, has launched its new programme for 2016 with the addition of a brand new range of properties in mainland France, a destination they are featuring for the first time.   Encompassing the regions of Provence, the Côte d'Azur, the Loire, the Vendee, South West France and the Dordogne, It will be available on the Simpson website from early December with properties ranging from stylish villas to classic manor houses and luxurious chateaux.  A France brochure will be available in January to showcase the new product.

New villas and boutique hotels have also been added across the portfolio, with a much expanded Turkey programme, which includes properties previously featured by Exclusive Escapes, whose assets Simpson acquired in August 2015, including the superb, family run Kalkan Regency Hotel and new stylish villas in Kalkan.   In Greece, there is a new boutique, adult only hotel in Kefalonia - the Blue Jasmine, alongside some exceptional properties in Paxos, Sivota and Meganissi.  Also new to the portfolio is the relatively unknown village of Cala Pi on Mallorca's south coast, as well as a range of new, more contemporary style villas and houses in the Pollença area. Finally, in Corsica, a new selection of  excellent value family villas has been added along with luxurious properties in the new, up and coming area of Pianotollo and the private island of Cavallo, which is exclusive to Simpson Travel in the UK market.

Commenting on the new collection, Graham Simpson, Chairman, Simpson Travel says 'The 2016 programme is our biggest one to date and we are delighted to be featuring France for the first time.  At Simpson, the level of the service and attention to detail we offer is at the heart of our ethos. We listen to feedback from our clients, and spend many hours visiting properties to make sure that we only include those that meet our high standards, so it is great to be able to offer new destinations to our very loyal clients, as well as attract new converts to the Simpson style of holiday.' 

Alongside its core offering of villas, ideal for couples, friends and families, all of which have been individually chosen and personally visited by the Simpson team, the programme now also features four distinct collections to help clients choose the holiday most suitable for them. Simpson Hotels is a group of characterful boutique or family run properties offering exceptional service and understated style, whether this is for families or an adult-only clientele. Simpson Exclusive is a handpicked selection of truly luxurious villas featured in core Simpson destinations of Turkey, Greece, Corsica and Mallorca as well as the newer ones of Ibiza and Tuscany, Simpson Secrets are off the beaten track gems for customers after a really unique property whilst Simpson Families include villas where professional childcare is offered for families after that extra bit of quality time both with the children and together as a couple.

Highlights of the new properties include:

Greece

Blue Jasmine, Kefalonia

The latest addition to Simpson's popular adult only boutique hotel collection, and brand new for 2016, the Blue Jasmine is a 12 suite property just a few minutes' walk from a small cove on the southern coast of Kefalonia.  With a wide pool terrace, contemporary design and an extensive flower filled garden, this is the perfect grown up coastal retreat to relax and recharge – both secluded and convenient with a handful of restaurants a short walk away.   For those looking for a larger beach or buzzier atmosphere, the sandy beaches of Skala are just five minutes by car. 

Villa Mentes, Villa Taphian and Casa di Maura, Meganissi

Three new villas have been introduced to Meganissi,  a destination which has rapidly established itself as a real Simpson Travel favourite, thanks to its signature relaxed pace and authentic charm that have all but disappeared from many of the larger Greek islands. Conscious of the need to protect this delightful landscape, local owners are increasingly building traditional stone houses with smart contemporary interiors, and Villa Mentes and Villa Taphian are fine new examples of the style.

Sivota

From sun-lovers and island-hoppers to history buffs and walkers, Sivota is a genuine, something-for-everyone destination. For 2016, Simpson Travel have introduced a range of properties including adult-only apartments and some top-of the range two bedroom villas – a type of accommodation that is particularly short supply in the area.

Blue Infinity and The Glass House
These two stylish two bedroom villas are being specially created for 2016 in consultation with the team at Simpson Travel to ensure they meet the exacting standards of guests.   Firstly, there's the view: a seductive, sweeping, endless blue which extends across the tiny islands in the bay all the way to Paxos, and seems to follow you around the house, courtesy of the double-height rooms and floor-to-ceiling glass.  The location is also excellent, close to beaches and Sivota itself… and finally, the villas. Elegant, contemporary design fronted by a magnificent infinity swimming pool and dining terrace, whether by sunshine or moonlight, this is unquestionably one of the most privileged view points in the entire Greek portfolio.

Bella Vraka Suites, Sivota – adult only apartments

If you've ever viewed a Greek island from a boat, gazed up longingly at a gorgeous hillside property in the perfect setting,  you'll appreciate the appeal of these suites.  In a prime position more commonly reserved for individual villas, these adult only apartments combine magnificent sea views with easy access to the tavernas of Sivota Harbour and Bella Vraka beach is just three minutes' walk away.  There's a large pool, terrace and honesty bar and each apartment has its own terrace or balcony. 

Turkey

Turkey is one of Simpson Travel's classic destinations, with a range of villas, hotels and apartments on offer.  In August 2015, Simpson acquired many assets of Turkey specialists Exclusive Escapes, and has now increased its Turkey programme considerably.  

The Regency, Kalkan

The Regency is a Kalkan legend.  Loved by guests and the travel press in equal measure, this family-run hotel has raised the bar to the highest possible level in terms of friendly, professional service, delivered with a genuine smile in one of the best locations in Kalkan.  Simpson Travel is delighted that to be featuring it exclusively in the UK market for 2016.

'The best view in Kalkan' is a title that many aspire to, and The Regency certainly has a legitimate claim to the honour, offering a wide-angle panorama of the harbour and the bay beyond from just about every corner of the hotel.  With an outstanding restaurant serving locally-sourced produce, a traditional Hammam,a gym and an elegant spa, the hotel is aimed primarily at a discerning adult clientele, although children are welcome in the school holidays.

The White Collection

Comprising three villas - Villa Sun, Villa Sea and Villa Sky, the White Collection is a trio of chic, contemporary properties tucked into the hillside above the Mahal Beach Club, in the Kışla area of Kalkan.  Created in a style reminiscent of Santorini, with a simple white and blue colour scheme, these three properties enjoy superb sea views of this beautiful stretch of coastline and can be rented individually or as a group of three.

The Watermill, Göcek

Located just 10 minutes' drive from Göcek marina, this rather spectacular house is a true one-off, built above a 200-year-old watermill and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The house took four years to build, and this painstaking planning has resulted in a modern masterpiece of lofty ceilings, timber decks and vast glass walls which blur the lines between inside and out. The interiors are very spacious, mixing antique and modern pieces to great effect, and you could easily imagine yourself in a smart boutique hotel.

Corsica

There are various trends afoot in Corsica – with the choice of properties available broadening at both ends of the spectrum.

Villa Laura, Villa Ruscana and Villa Toraccia

Families in particular will welcome these new, very reasonably priced properties, all of which are in the Pinarello area with its superb beaches.  All with four bedrooms, private pools and extensive grounds, these properties offer an affordable way to enjoy the beauties of Corsica.  Prices lead in at £489 per person based on 8 sharing, including international flights and car hire, which for a private family villa in Corsica represents excellent value for money.

At the more luxurious end of the market, there is also a fashionable new area developing on the south of the island – where celebrities are quietly buying up villas.  Pianotollo Calderello is only about 15 minutes from Figari, has some lovely restaurants and is also walking distance to some great beaches.  Villa Grand Sud is an impressive property, combining style, space and convenience in one very generously sized package, with three en suite bedrooms, a master suite and a pool suite.  Outside there's a larger-than-average heated pool and lawned gardens, and the beach is walkable in just 10 minutes.

Villa Zeri, Cavallo Island, Corsica

Also the haunt of celebrities, the private island of Cavallo, featured exclusively by Simpson Travel in the UK, lies just off Corsica.  Its barefoot luxury feel has been compared to the Maldives, Seychelles or Caribbean with a touch of European glamour.   The island is a natural reserve and is car free, and its long balmy days make it a perfect island playground for swimming, boating and relaxing.  Villa Zeri, new for 2016, has four bedrooms, lofty living spaces and bright white interiors with plenty of glass to frame the endless sea views. A path leads directly from the house down to the rocks and the sea, and the views over Zeri bay are unforgettable.

Mallorca

New for 2016, Cala Pi is a relatively unknown little village and beach on Mallorca's south coast, with just a handful of restaurants and shops.  Its beautiful sandy cove is reached by some 135 steps and has exceptionally clear waters ideal for snorkeling.  Simpson Travel has introduced two new four bedroom villas here for 2016, which can be rented individually or as a pair.  Built onto the cliffs, they have a superb waterfront setting, facing the endless blue seas with sea views from every angle – including the bath!  The infinity pool at Villa Azul is perfectly positioned to feel that you are floating in the sea beyond.

In addition to this new area, Simpson has also increased the number of more stylish, contemporary properties they are featuring, such as Sa Rota Nova  in the north east of the island, a beautiful three bedroom property with modern, stylish interiors set in huge grounds and Villa Melanie near Pollença,  a contemporary take on a finca style villa with superb interiors and in a wonderful setting.

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.