Oliver recommends
We think these are about the most stunning, unique and best value places you could ever hope to find.
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 villas 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 handpicked 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 across Europe and the Caribbean.
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 choose ordinary?
So whether you want to treat the family, get together with friends or spend a romantic weekend somewhere special, why choose 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 Inspire me 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,
Meet the Team
Hit play to see what we do >>
Love travelling? You should follow us!
-
Oliver and Ravi -
Oliver's Travels 1st birthday -
Summer Party 2015 -
Visiting C17th Castle!
Oliver - Co-Founder
Favourite Property: Chateau Le Duc
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!
Flora - Concierge
Favourite Property: Domaine Fabriges
Favourite Region: Grenada, Caribbean
Top Tip: Don't forget sea sickness pills for your day trip to Carricou in Grenada!
Britta - Concierge
Favourite Property: Villa Mirador
Favourite Region: Catalonia, Spain
Top Tip: Try to learn a few useful words and phrases before you leave to help you along on your travels.
Jamie - Concierge
Favourite Property: Sandcrest Cottage
Favourite Region: Tuscany, Italy
Top Tip: Remember to download offline Google Maps so that you can find the best local restaurants serving delicious Pici cacio e pepe without using your data while in Tuscany!
Claudia - Product
Favourite Property: Maison Sebastien
Favourite Region: Corsica, France
Top Tip: One for the ladies – a beautiful pashmina is always a must have item on holiday. So versatile and light.
Julia - Product
Favourite Property: Le Domaine Fleuri
Favourite Region: Algarve, Portugal
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!
Kyra - Product
Favourite Property: Valley Cottage
Favourite Region: Ireland
Top Tip: The best travel snack is a banana, they are nutritious, yummy and easy to pack - and will keep you going for hours!
Ryan - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Paralia
Favourite Region: Canary Islands, Spain
Top Tip: Make sure you pack an extra battery so you never miss an opportunity to capture an unforgettable moment.
Stevan - Product
Favourite Property: Chalet Sable, Meribel
Favourite Region: Istria, Croatia
Top Tip: For overseas purchases, always use credit cards with a 0% exchange rate & loading fees – it could save you £££s so treat yourself to an extra days’ stay!
Natasja - Marketing
Favourite Property: Tiggi Beach House
Favourite Region: Mykonos, Greece
Top Tip: Hire quad bikes when you’re on the Greek islands…Awesome way to explore and discover the less-packed beaches!
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.
Stephanie - Wedding Consultant
Favourite Property: Chateau des Marquis
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!
Renata - Concierge
Favourite Property: Villa Felathri
Favourite Region: Tuscany, Italy
Top Tip: Practice walking before going on holidays to prepare your legs, feet and walking shoes if you're planning on long days of sightseeing!
Florence - Concierge
Favourite Property: Pavillion Normandie
Favourite Region: Chamonix, France
Top Tip: Be curious, talk to the locals, try new things! Make your trip unique - travelling is discovering!
Andrew - Product
Favourite Property: C14th Private Castle
Favourite Region: Scotland, Britain and Ireland
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: Villa Zoe
Favourite Region: Corfu, Greece
Top Tip: Always remember that lighting and angles are key to a good Instagram holiday snap!
Laetitia - Product
Favourite Property: Domaine De Favaze
Favourite Region: Heart of England, Britain
Top Tip: Don't forget the suncream if you don't want to end up mistaken as a boiled lobster!
Lisa - Product
Favourite Property: Villa Oasis
Favourite Region: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Top Tip: The best thing about holidays is the getting lost and discovering hidden treasure.
Maria - Marketing
Favourite Property: Villa Shambala
Favourite Region: Mallorca, Spain
Top Tip: When travelling with kids, make sure you download some shows for the times without internet when you need to keep them calm!
Natalie - Marketing
Favourite Property: La Maison du Sud, Uzes
Favourite Region: Canary Islands, Spain
Top Tip: Holidays are the perfect opportunity for a digital detox. Unplug, disconnect and enjoy!
Felix - Marketing
Favourite Property: Villa Alessia
Favourite Region: Algarve, Portugal
Top Tip: You may only see these places and meet these people once in a lifetime. Remember to take plenty of photos!