About Oliver's Travels
Where did it all start?
In 2003, my best mate Ravi and I spent a week at a crumbling chateau in the Dordogne with a group of our closest friends. It was one of those holidays you never forget. The chateau was stunning, the wine was flowing and the weather was pretty much perfect. Best of all, we had the whole place to ourselves.
As it turns out, that holiday was the start of something pretty special. Before we’d even got back to England, Ravi and I had come up with the basic idea for our first business, Simply Chateau: a website where people could find and book exclusive, luxury chateaux without having to shell out a fortune.
Where are we today?
We’ve grown a bit since then. We’ve now got a team of people who love travelling just as much as we do. Between us, we’ve hand-picked every one of the properties you’ll find on the site.
Our emphasis is still on quirky, lavish, one-of-a-kind places to stay, but we now offer villas, castles, stately homes, beach huts and cottages, as well as chateaux – not just in France, but all over the world.
You may have noticed we’ve changed our name too. Ravi took a bit of persuading, but in the end we agreed on Oliver’s Travels!
Why do ordinary?
So whether you want to treat the family, get together with friends or spend a romantic weekend somewhere special, why do ordinary... when you can have exceptional?
If you are looking for a bit of inspiration, why not take a look at our latest recommendations, where you’ll find a list of our own favourite places to stay? The Inspiration page is also a good place to start your search. And if you still haven't even decided on where to go, head to Oliver's Journal - our pretty awesome blog!
Happy travelling,
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Giving back...
Learn how YOU are helping disadvantaged children have the holiday of their lifetime. See our work with Go Beyond Charity >
The Oliver's Way
Read all about how we select our villas >
On the Press...
Read all the latest coverage >
Meet the Team
Oliver - Co-Founder
Favourite Property: Maison Sebastien
Favourite Region: Aquitaine, France
Top Tip: Try 'UPS-ing' your luggage - It works out cheaper than charges the budget airlines levy and means you waltz through the airport sans luggage!
Ravi - Co-Founder
Favourite Property: Chateau Seiguier
Favourite Region: Dordogne, France
Top Tip: Splurge a bit! Holidays are so important and it's always fun to go slightly over budget occasionally.
Bear - Junior Pawject Manager
Favourite Property: Villa Woofina
Favourite Region: Barkshire
Top Tip: When organise a pawty, ensure there are sufficient balls and food. Let’s raise the woof!
Sonia - Sales
Favourite Property: Villa Saint-Trop
Favourite Region: Venice & Veneto, Italy
Top Tip: Don't waste a magic moment to take a photo for social media. Just enjoy it alone or with your travel companions. Eat and drink local as much as you can!
Nicola - Sales
Favourite Property: Snow Goose
Favourite Region: Kefalonia, Greece
Top Tip: Always pack snorkelling gear when going to the beach! You never know what beauty lies beneath.
Britta - Sales
Favourite Property: Casa Nero
Favourite Region: Cyclades-islands
Top Tip: One of the best ways to really get to know a destination is to explore as many parts of it as you can, especially the ones which are less commercial and touristic. Don’t be afraid to get lost. Google maps is always there to save you anyways!
Jacqueline - Sales
Favourite Property: Villa Isidoro
Favourite Region: Lisbon, Portugal
Top Tip: All journeys have secret destinations which the traveller is unaware of. Make time to explore and find these hidden gems!
Constance - Sales
Favourite Property: Casetta Sul Mare
Favourite Region: Ubud, Bali
Top Tip: Always ask the locals where they would recommend you eat!
Bella - Sales
Favourite Property: Water Lily House
Favourite Region: Sicily, Italy
Top Tip: As well as the local food or wine, try a local beer - branching out has brought me some of my favourite tipples!
Francesco - Sales
Favourite Property: Villa Trutx
Favourite Region: Algarve, Portugal
Top Tip: If your partner tells you to stop packing so many things into your bag, discretely sneak it into theirs.
Adelaide - Sales
Favourite Property: Deluxe Veri
Favourite Region: Lesbos, Greece
Top Tip: Do some research before going to your destination, but also allow time for some spontaneity!
Aisling - Sales
Favourite Property: Villa Orpheus
Favourite Region: Rhodes, Greece
Top Tip: If it's hot, then early starts and afternoon siestas can help make the most of the day!
Steven - Sales
Favourite Property: River Cottage
Favourite Region: Loire Valley, France
Top Tip: Learn a joke in the local language to break the ice and make new friends!
Evie - Wedding
Favourite Property: Manoir Normand
Favourite Region: Sorrento & Amalfi Coast, Italy
Top Tip: Treat yourself at least once - whether it's a full body massage at a luxury Turkish spa, or a taster menu at an iconic Michelin star restaurant, you deserve it!
Danielle - Customer Experience
Favourite Property: Casa Leilani
Favourite Region: Ski
Top Tip: Research your destination's transport options. You can get a good deal and save some monies for some more shopping or your next holiday!
Patricia - Sales
Favourite Property: Villa Intan
Favourite Region: Canggu, Bali
Top Tip: Take free walking tours, they are really informative and fun!
Darragh - Sales
Favourite Property: Villa Nancy
Favourite Region: Lake District, UK
Top Tip: Banana is a favourite pizza topping in Sweden!
Anete - Customer Experience
Favourite Property: Villa Buona
Favourite Region: Jamaica, Caribbean
Top Tip: Save space in your luggage by rolling up your clothes. Remember - if you aren't sure about bringing an item, you probably don't need it!
Alberto - Customer Experience
Favourite Property: Riad Gypsum
Favourite Region: Marrakech, Morocco
Top Tip: Don’t be afraid to get lost! It usually leads you to the best place.
Aythami - Customer Experience
Favourite Property: Finca Cillian
Favourite Region: Tenerife, Spain
Top Tip: Save the clear bags they give you at the airport to store your liquids. Next time you go on holiday, pack your liquids into the clear bag while you’re at home. Makes it easier to get through security without fiddling through your carry-on!
Henry - Customer Experience
Favourite Property: Villa Todari
Favourite Region: Akyaka, Turkey
Top Tip: Make a copy of all your important documents. Store them on your phone and have a hard copy or two just in case.
Chiara - Customer Experience
Favourite Property: Magic Rocks
Favourite Region: Madeira, Portugal
Top Tip: Wake up early to avoid the crowds, you will see the most beautiful sunrises!
Zuzana - Concierge
Favourite Property: Gigaro Beach House
Favourite Region: Cornwall, UK
Top Tip: What's the best way to a sense of humour fail? Get lost. Keep it old school and take a paper map!
Chi - Concierge
Favourite Property: Chateau du Vieux Palais
Favourite Region: South of France, France
Top Tip: Make sure your hire car GPS has an English option - unless your French is good it can be tricky finding rural chateaux otherwise!
Atarra - Concierge
Favourite Property: Binibeca Deluxe 5
Favourite Region: Binibeca, Spain
Top Tip: Step out of your comfort zone, life is to be enjoyed!
Natalia - Customer Service
Favourite Property: Arc En Ciel
Favourite Region: Caribbean
Top tip: If you are travelling to a new country and you can’t speak the local language try to learn some basic words and phrases and you will have lots of fun making new friends. The language helps you learn about the culture, and the culture helps you learn about the language.
Rachel - Customer Service
Favourite Property: Villa Sage
Favourite Region: Finnish Lapland, Finland
Top Tip: Always pack a smile and a spare charger; one keeps you powered up for adventure, and the other keeps your phone charged.
Michael - Customer Service
Favourite Property: The School House
Favourite Region: Norfolk, Britain & Ireland
Top Tip: Play "mystery meal" by ordering the most unusual item on the menu!
Charlie - Finance
Favourite Property: Sunshine House
Favourite Region: Jamaica, Caribbean
Top Tip: When booking a table, always say it's your birthday. You'll get the best table in the house!
Jay - Finance
Favourite Property: Emley Woodhouse
Favourite Region: Wales, UK & Ireland
Top Tip: Give yourself time to take in your surroundings. What you are looking at now will be different in the next minute. Take it in.
Estela - Finance
Favourite Property: Chateau de Grazay
Favourite Region: Mykonos, Greece
Top Tip: Practice walking before going on holidays to prepare your legs, feet and walking shoes. No one wants blisters on day one!
Hang - Finance
Favourite Property: Sea View Villas
Favourite Region: Edinburgh, Scotland
Top Tip: Rise before sunrise (at least once) during your trip to enjoy tranquillity away from busy attractions.
Veronica - Sales
Favourite Property: Casa Vista Roqueta
Favourite Region: Koh Samui, Thailand
Top Tip: Make sure you have enough storage on your phone to take great snaps before you go on your fantastic trip!
Irina - Finance
Favourite Property: Villa Azucena
Favourite Region: Barbados, Caribbean
Top Tip: Why not give each family member a disposable camera? Most won't remember what they photographed and it's a great way to extend your holiday once back home.
Diana - Finance
Favourite Property: Villa Garbancito
Favourite Region: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Top Tip: Plan some private time - travelling with family can be tiring and planning some you time will enable you and everyone else to have a much better holiday!
Andrew - Product
Favourite Property: Logan Manor
Favourite Region: Crete, Greece
Top Tip: Always take sensible walking shoes! And enjoy a picnic made up of local delicacies in an idyllic setting of your choice.
Zoe - Product
Favourite Property: New England Mansion
Favourite Region: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Top Tip: Packing is everything. Will you wear everything you are taking? Probably not! Get rid of a third of the clothes packed, so you can bring more back!
Mariana - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Delle Sirene
Favourite Region: Montenegro
Top Tip: Bring a travel journal. Ask everyone in your group / family to contribute something in it at the end of each day. Years from now, you will look back and memories will come flooding back!
Jo - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Krystal
Favourite Region: Kalkan, Turkey
Top Tip: You can learn so much about an area by the food, visit a market and see the raw ingredients and try things that are new to you.
Kyra - Product
Favourite Property: Cameron North Lodge
Favourite Region: Cotswolds, UK
Top Tip: The best travel snack is a banana, they are nutritious, yummy and easy to pack - and will keep you going for hours!
Andrea - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Terracotta
Favourite Region: Costa Brava, Spain
Top Tip: Dress your kids in very bright colours. If they go for a run whilst you are trying to repack the bag they just unpacked for fun, you will still be able to see them in a packed airport.
David - Product
Favourite Property: Le Logis de General
Favourite Region: Brittany, France
Top Tip: Get some coconut water in you. It will help with the extreme heat, or even better, your hangover!
Beatrice - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Choli
Favourite Region: Malta & Gozo
Top Tip: Be active! Don't think twice and jump off the cliff, you will surprise yourself!
Lydia - Product
Favourite Property: Vistas Algarve
Favourite Region: Phuket, Thailand
Top Tip: Never be afraid to go off the beaten track, you may find the best local bars and restaurants that way!
Oliver - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Leylak
Favourite Region: Kayakoy, Turkey
Top Tip: You can always pack lighter. Remember that when doing a backpacker trip!
Nuala - Product
Favourite Property: Casa Vista Roqueta
Favourite Region: Balearic Islands
Top Tip: Travelling between the islands is so easy with regular daily boats leaving between Mallorca – Menorca – Ibiza - Formentera. Make the most of your holiday and visit the other islands for the day.
Ana Belen - Product
Favourite Property: Mas Guadalupe
Favourite Region: Spain
Top Tip: Spain has some amazing all year round fiestas ,not to be missed, don’t forget to request a list of all the local fiestas in the area you are travelling to so you can plan ahead.
Trang - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Regina
Favourite Region: Lake Garda, Italy
Top Tip: Always try to learn a little bit of the local language when you are travelling somewhere!
Jenny - Product
Favourite Property: Chateau de l'Histoire
Favourite Region: Burgundy, France
Top Tip: Check museum websites before visiting for any free entry times!
Cinzia - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Francis
Favourite Region: Lake Como, Italy
Top Tip: Holidays are the perfect opportunity for a digital detox. Unplug, disconnect and enjoy!
Lucy - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Jacaranda
Favourite Region: Kvarner, Croatia
Top Tip: Don't wait until you are hungry to find a restaurant. Avoid 'hanger' at all cost!
Ava - Product
Favourite Property: Good Harbour House
Favourite Region: Mexico
Top Tip: Get out of the big cities and explore the lesser known places as they are normally so beautiful!
Lucy W - Product
Favourite Property: Waterside House
Favourite Region: St Lucia, Caribbean
Top Tip: FREE WATER FOR ALL! Pack an empty water bottle if you want to save on the expense, there are usually water fountains after security! Magic!
Massi - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Laguna
Favourite Region: Rome, Italy
Top Tip: Always have snacks for your kids! This will avoid arguments and small disasters. And have a snack or two for the parents. Adults can get as hangry as kids!
Maia - Product
Favourite Property: Chateau Bourgogne
Favourite Region: Midi-Pyrenees, France
Top Tip: Visit supermarkets in a new country! They are full of amazingness and food you may not know. Buy a couple of unknown things and try them back at your villa!
Francesca - Product
Favourite Property: Grange la Chouette
Favourite Region: Antigua
Top Tip: Book early! This will save you a little which you can then spend on your holidays!
Lulu - Product
Favourite Property: The Alexander Villa
Favourite Region: Turks and Caicos
Top Tip: Let your bank know where you are off too! It will avoid the late calls to your bank to let them know it is you trying to buy a hat.
Mia - Product
Favourite Property: Le Bastion
Favourite Region: Paris, France
Top Tip: Always talk to the locals about the best areas, hidden gems and restaurants! I found gorgeous secret beaches and the yummiest food this way!
Louise - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Alisa
Favourite Region: Istria, Croatia
Top Tip: Pack some card games. Great for anytime of the day and to keep the whole family entertained!
Fabrizio - Product
Favourite Property: Manoir des Chasseurs
Favourite Region: London, UK
Top Tip: More of a fun fact - it is the same time at both ends of China!
Ela - Product
Favourite Property: Gumruk Evi
Favourite Region: Ireland, UK
Top Tip: Go for a walk! Use those beautiful legs and walk everywhere!
Hannah - Product
Favourite Property: Cortijo Don Cristobal
Favourite Region: Sitges, Spain
Top Tip: Ever heard of a jacket with 14 pockets? Pack your socks, snacks, and maybe even a small pet. Stay hands-free and impress fellow travelers with your portable storage fashion sense!
Antonia - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Syrna
Favourite Region: Cape Town, South Africa
Top Tip: Pack only one sock type. Embrace the sock roulette game every morning – it's like a surprise for your feet, and who knows, you might start a new trend!
Kate - Product
Favourite Property: Little Cygnet
Favourite Region: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Top Tip: Create a bingo card with unique experiences (like getting lost and finding a hidden gem). Cross them off as you go. Achieve a bingo, and you're officially a travel maverick!
Martha - Product
Favourite Property: Chateau Beaucharm
Favourite Region: Canguu, Bali
Top Tip: A versatile item like a sarong can serve as a towel, scarf, beach blanket, or even a makeshift curtain. Its compact size makes it an excellent multi-purpose travel companion.
Oscar - Photography
Favourite Property: La Closerie
Favourite Region: Seminyak, Bali
Top Tip: Photobomb every tourist's picture with your best duck face and see if you can steal the spotlight. It's like playing Where's Waldo, but with more ego!
Lucy - Photography
Favourite Property: Mas Cote du Rhone
Favourite Region: Mijas, Spain
Top Tip: When packing for a trip, remember to take half the clothes and twice the snacks—because let's be honest, you're less likely to lose your pants than skip a meal!
Martyn - Marketing
Favourite Property: Domaine La Sitelle
Favourite Region: Cote D'Azur, France
Top Tip: One for the ladies – a beautiful pashmina is always a must have item on holiday. So versatile and light.
Natasja - Marketing
Favourite Property: Villa Thalassa
Favourite Region: Dalmatia, Croatia
Top Tip: Hire quad bikes when you’re on the Greek islands…Awesome way to explore and discover the less-packed beaches!
Marina - Marketing
Favourite Property: Comporta Villa
Favourite Region: Lisbon
Top Tip: Forget Ibiza! Comporta- incredible seafood, golden beaches, picturesque buildings & warm, welcoming culture. Make it your next villa holiday!
Genni - Marketing
Favourite Property: Villa Kasika
Favourite Region: Vietnam
Top Tip: Don't try to cram too much into your trip. You can't do everything and some of the best times happen when you don't plan anything at all!
Sam - Marketing
Favourite Property: Chateau des Lauzes
Favourite Region: Portugal
Top Tip: Tag your favourite spots on Google Maps with a little suitcase icon so you can keep coming back (and recommending hidden gems to friends).
Catherine - Marketing
Favourite Property: The Breakers Beach House
Favourite Region: South Africa
Top Tip: Be patient, things don't always go to plan and that is okay. Enjoy the adventure and the unexpected! Life is too short!
Debasmita - Marketing
Favourite Property: La Ferme Bretonne
Favourite Region: Bergerac, France
Top Tip: You don't need to wait one hour after eating to swim and vice versa. It's a myth!
Kenley - Marketing
Favourite Property: The Dreaming
Favourite Region: Trogir, Croatia
Top Tip: Forget the generic keychains. Collect random items from each place and make your own funky souvenir – like a collage of napkin doodles or a mini-sandcastle collection.
Emma - Operations
Favourite Property: Baccha Deluxe Soller
Favourite Region: Provence, France
Top Tip: Wake up early! You’ll be able to pack a lot more in, see beautiful sunrises and enjoy fewer crowds at popular attractions.
Morgan - Operations
Favourite Property: Exi Estate
Favourite Region: Florida
Top Tip: When life gives you lemons, make limoncello!
Annie - Operations
Favourite Property: Chateau Lignol
Favourite Region: Dalyan, Turkey
Top Tip: Try and buy a postcard from everywhere you visit and write your holiday highlights on the back. It’s lovely looking back through them!
Fern - Operations
Favourite Property: Le Petit Prince
Favourite Region: Sussex, UK
Top Tip: Pack a harmonica, even if you can't play it. It'll make you look mysterious and cultured. Plus, if you encounter a bear, you can either charm it with your 'music' or throw it at the bear and run while it's confused !
Ben - Tech
Favourite Property: Hilltop Manor
Favourite Region: Highlands, Scotland
Top Tip: Buy travel insurance. You probably won't need it, but the day you do, you will be delighted to have it.
Dan - Tech
Favourite Property: La Maison des Moines
Favourite Region: Corsica
Top Tip: Involve your kids in the holiday planning, let them pick an activity or two. Keep everyone excited all the way!
Andy - Tech
Favourite Property: Villa Sa Torre
Favourite Region: Slovenia
Top Tip: Before getting to your destination, why not read up on its history. This will give you great facts for your group, help you understand certain quirks of said place, and just great knowledge to have!
Will - Tech
Favourite Property: Villa Beyaz Gul
Favourite Region: City & Apartments
Top Tip: Get in touch with the villa owner before getting there, they will have great recommendations for your holiday!
Ian - Tech
Favourite Property: Deluxe Antig
Favourite Region: Florence, Italy
Top Tip: Follow the yellow brick road, see where it takes you!
Jaume - Tech
Favourite Property: Maison Aredius
Favourite Region: Grasse, France
Top Tip: Did you know Monaco is smaller than Central Park?
Will D - Tech
Favourite Property: Villa Juno
Favourite Region: Uluwatu, Bali
Top Tip: Traveling can be dehydrating. Carry a reusable water bottle and make a habit of staying hydrated throughout your journey.
Cande - Tech
Favourite Property: Villa Chrysos
Favourite Region: Porto, Portugal
Top Tip: Invest in a portable charger and a universal adapter. This duo ensures your devices stay powered up, and you can charge them anywhere in the world, eliminating the stress of finding compatible outlets during your travels.