Hear from our team of travel experts!
Intrepid travellers, curious minds and explorers with a zest for life are just a handful of ways to describe our Destination Experts. Real specialists in their fields and decades of experience, they're among the best in the business. They know their destination(s) back to front and inside out; always sniffing out the next villa, chateaux and holiday home to add to our portfolios. With a no-nonsense approach, they only list homes that they would happily stay in themselves.
Now is as good time as any to put a face and name to a country. Wherever you decide to travel, know that you're in safe hands. Buckle up for an enriching, first-class holiday.
To read more about their handpicking method, head to The Oliver's Way
About me
I have been travelling to Spain all my life as I have family in Andalucía and Catalonia so Spain runs through my veins, so to speak. I’ve been working with villas for over 20 years and I am based in North Mallorca which makes it very easy for me to nip over to contract our stunning properties on the mainland.I am constantly surprised by the beauty of Spain and its equally fabulous and diverse culture and gastronomy, as well as the culture differences between the different regions. The beauty of Spain is it has something for everyone whether you’re a golfer, sun worshipper, foody, the list is endless.
What I look for in Spain
For me what makes a villa stand out from the crowd is a villa with real heart and soul. I absolutely love to meet the owners and listen to their stories, it kind of brings the villas alive and, apart from their obvious beauty, makes them shine that little bit more. Stunning views, gorgeous interiors and fabulous facilities are always top of the list but a villa with a story wins me over every time. Viva España!
About me
I have worked in the travel industry for over 15 years and I live on one of the most popular holiday destinations of the Mediterranean, Mallorca. I am passionate about travel and just love exploring different cultures and having unique experiences. Travel takes me out of my comfort zone and inspires me to see new places, taste different food and try new things. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to find perfect holiday villas in Portugal, Madeira & the Spanish Islands. My main objective is to find properties that offer diversity, giving our clients a real choice as I fully recognise that one size doesn’t fit all.
What I look for in Portugal
What can I say, Portugal has it all and offers something for everyone. I handpick villas in rural towns, close to golden sandy beaches, adjacent to golf courses and in modern cities. These include the opportunity for beach holidays in the Algarve and Lisbon Coast, wine tasting in the Douro Valley, a golfers paradise in Quinto da Lago or exploring the rich history and natural heritage of Lisbon (a perfect all year round destination due to the 300 days of sunshine per year).
What I look for in Maderia
With a springtime temperature all year round, stunning scenery and dramatic coastline, this island offers a relaxing environment for visitors. I carefully select villas in Madeira to offer you a wide range of accommodation that suits all tastes and budgets, whether it is rustic, modern or uniqueness you are looking for, I have it covered.
What I look for in the Canary Islands & Balearic Islands
Having spent many years living in the islands I have managed to build good relationships with the villa owners and I know the areas thoroughly. All properties are selected with individuality, comfort and location in mind. The scenery of all the islands is spellbinding, from Lanzarote's volcanic rocky mountains to long stretches of pristine beaches in the north of Mallorca. I can help you chose the right island for you!
About me
I came to travel quite late! Having first trained as a chef I thought I’d try a season as a rep. That was the start of a love for Turkey & the Mediterranean, and since then, I’ve worked for many years overseas, working for many boutique tour operators.
As a child, we often travelled, mainly in the UK but the annual holiday always included an adventure that was spoken about for years to come. In Bulgaria, we spent many days in a mineral swimming pool only to read at the end of the holiday that time in it was to be limited to 20 minutes. Then there was the journey to France in the family VW Beetle, during the wettest June France had experienced for decades. It was so wet even frogs came into the tent for shelter!
Travelling is a huge part of my life; you meet different people and of course taste new foods. There are also the enriching customs, which gives you such insight into local life.
What I look for in Greece
For me, Greece is about the beautifully-bewitching island scenery, moreish Ouzo and knock-out beaches. I spent nearly 20 years in the Med, so my eyes are trained to look out for places off-the-beaten-track. Luxury is key, however the villas still need to be homely and comfortable to holiday in. I also look for owners that take extra care of their guests so that they can just relax and have a perfect time.
What I look for in Turkey
After a 17-year stint in Turkey, I can honestly say that I've fallen head over heels with the country, the people and the food. As a chef, I know the best places to eat and it's not always the gourmet places as sometimes street food can be the best-kept secrets. I look for a bit of everything, from villas with impressive views, luxury pools but also a little quirk about them. If the villa has character, then it's usually a yes from me.
What I look for in Cyprus
After many years spent exploring the Mediterranean, I must say that Cyprus should be on everyone's radar. It's arguably the best choice for winter sun without the hassle of long-haul travel. Most properties in Cyprus are newer, but I look for ones with lots of services, facilities and their own character. In the winter months pool heating is a must.
What I look for in Croatia
I’ve been locating villas in Croatia for 18 years and I've seen the number of villas multiply tenfold, and the quality is insanely good. In Istria, I look for villas with extensive gardens and preferably within a short drive of charming villages. Along the Dalmatian Coast, it's all about the super modern villas with outstanding waterfront locations.
What I look for in Montenegro
For such a small country, Montenegro boasts more than its share of stunning scenery. Whichever property you chose, you’ll never be far from stunning beaches, or picturesque mountains. In the words of the poet Byron,
‘At the birth of the planet the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast.'
Be it in Budva, Kotor or the southern coast, either local stone or modern properties, with turquoise pools, they all enjoy stunning vistas. When you visit, you must indulge in the food; grilled seafood, garlic, olive oil and Italian-style dishes, washed down with local wine. What could be better?