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,

PS. Love holidays? You need to follow us!

OT Team on London Eye!

Oliver and Ravi!

Big OT Meeting!

Oliver’s Travels in the office!

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Oliver's Explorer's

From the Press...

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Meet the best team in travel!

co-founder
Oliver
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!

co-founder
Ravi
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.

sales
Sonia
Favourite Property
Villa Saint-Veran
Favourite Region
Venice, 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!

sales
Ben
Favourite Property
Villa Papassini
Top Tip

Pack versatile clothing to adapt to changing weather and activities effortlessly!

sales
Jacqueline
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!

sales
Constance
Favourite Property
Casetta Sul Mare
Favourite Region
Ubud, Bali
Top Tip

Always ask the locals where they would recommend you eat!

sales
Bella
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!

sales
Francesco
Favourite Property
Villa La Ganza
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.

sales
Adelaide
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!

sales
Aisling
Favourite Property
Manoir Des Chasseurs
Favourite Region
Rhodes, Greece
Top Tip

If it’s hot, then early starts and afternoon siestas can help make the most of the day!

operations
Steven
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!

sales
Patricia
Favourite Property
Villa Intan
Favourite Region
Canggu, Bali
Top Tip

Take free walking tours, they are really informative and fun!

sales
Veronica
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!

sales
Darragh
Top Tip

Banana is a favourite pizza topping in Sweden!

sales
Harry
Favourite Property
Casa Feliz
Favourite Region
Languedoc, France
Top Tip

Pack light, travel smart, and remember: the less you carry, the more room there is for memories (and snacks)!

wedding
Evie
Favourite Property
Manoir Normand
Favourite Region
Sorrento, 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!

sales
Britta
Favourite Region
Cyclades Islands, Greece
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!

customer-experience
Danielle
Favourite Property
The Fortalice
Favourite Region
Paros, Greece
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!

customer-experience
Anete
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!

customer-experience
Alison
Favourite Region
Protaras, Cyprus
Top Tip

Collect any small sized toiletries and keep them somewhere safe. They will always come in handy when are you travelling light!

customer-experience
Alberto
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.

customer-experience
Aythami
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!

customer-experience
Henry
Favourite Property
Villa Todari
Favourite Region
Akyaka & Dalyan, 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.

customer-experience
Samanta
Favourite Property
Villa Poinciana
Favourite Region
Paris, France
Top Tip

Carry a small notebook to jot down quirky local signs or conversations that make you smile—it’s a fun way to capture memories!

customer-experience
Chiara
Favourite Property
Magic Rocks
Favourite Region
Madeira, Portugal
Top Tip

Wake up early to avoid the crowds, you will see the most beautiful sunrises!

concierge
Sara
Favourite Property
Villa Calcada
Favourite Region
Protaras, Cyprus
Top Tip

Bring an empty tote bag for souvenirs—your suitcase will thank you later. Plus, it gives you an excuse to shop!

concierge
Zuzana
Favourite Region
Cornwall, Britain & Ireland
Top Tip

What’s the best way to a sense of humour fail? Get lost. Keep it old school and take a paper map!

concierge
Chi
Favourite Property
Chateau Du Chevalier
Favourite Region
Languedoc, 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!

concierge
Atarra
Favourite Property
Binibeca Deluxe 5
Favourite Region
Binibeca, Spain
Top Tip

Step out of your comfort zone, life is to be enjoyed!

concierge
Cecily
Favourite Property
Langton Castle
Favourite Region
Minho, Portugal
Top Tip

Always pack snacks—because airplane food is a gamble, and you don’t want to lose. Plus, emergency chocolate never hurts!

customer-service
Natalia
Favourite Region
St Lucia, 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.

customer-service
Priti
Favourite Property
Villa Pessada Unique
Favourite Region
Lisbon Coast, Portugal
Top Tip

When traveling, always try to learn a few words in the local language. ‘Where’s the bathroom?’ is universal, but ‘Do you have Wi-Fi?’ will make you a local hero.

finance
Charlie
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!

finance
Jay
Favourite Property
Emley Woodhouse
Favourite Region
Wales, Britain & 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.

finance
Estela
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!

finance
Hang
Favourite Property
Sea View Villas
Favourite Region
Edinburgh, Britain & Ireland
Top Tip

Rise before sunrise (at least once) during your trip to enjoy tranquillity away from busy attractions.

finance
Irina
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.

finance
Diana
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!

product
Trang
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!

product
Andrew
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.

product
Lucy W
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!

product
Zoe
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!

product
Mariana
Favourite Property
Villa Delle Sirene
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!

product
Jo
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.

product
Kyra
Favourite Property
Cameron North Lodge
Favourite Region
Cotswolds, Britain & 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!

product
Andrea
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.

product
David
Favourite Property
Le Logis Du 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!

product
Annie
Favourite Property
Mas De Beauce
Top Tip

Spend a day mimicking the locals – from their walk to their hand gestures. It’s a surefire way to break the ice and get invited to unexpected local events. Just remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

product
Giorgio
Favourite Property
Riad Gypsum
Favourite Region
Umbria, Italy
Top Tip

Roll your clothes, not your socks—unless you want to start a sock rebellion in your suitcase!

product
Beatrice
Favourite Region
Malta, Malta & Gozo
Top Tip

Be active! Don’t think twice and jump off the cliff, you will surprise yourself!

product
Lydia
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!

product
Olly
Favourite Property
Villa Le Fontane
Favourite Region
Kayakoy, Turkey
Top Tip

You can always pack lighter. Remember that when doing a backpacker trip!

product
Adam
Favourite Region
Balearic Islands, Spain
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.

product
Ana
Favourite Property
Mas Guadalupe
Favourite Region
Mallorca, 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.

product
Jenny
Favourite Property
Chateau De L'Histoire
Favourite Region
Burgundy, France
Top Tip

Check museum websites before visiting for any free entry times!

product
Cinzia
Favourite Property
Villa Francis
Favourite Region
Lake Como, Italy
Top Tip

Holidays are the perfect opportunity for a digital detox. Unplug, disconnect and enjoy!

product
Lucy M
Favourite Region
Kvarner, Croatia
Top Tip

Don’t wait until you are hungry to find a restaurant. Avoid ‘hanger’ at all cost!

product
Amelia
Favourite Property
Little Good Harbour House
Top Tip

Get out of the big cities and explore the lesser known places as they are normally so beautiful!

product
Alice
Favourite Property
Villa Greenery
Favourite Region
Grenada, Caribbean
Top Tip

For overseas purchases, always use credit cards with a 0% exchange rate & NO loading fees – it could save you £££s!

product
Massi
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!

product
Maia
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!

product
Francesca
Favourite Property
Grange La Chouette
Favourite Region
Antigua, Caribbean
Top Tip

Book early! This will save you a little which you can then spend on your holidays!

product
Lulu
Favourite Region
Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
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.

product
Louise
Favourite Region
Istria, Croatia
Top Tip

Pack some card games. Great for anytime of the day and to keep the whole family entertained!

product
Fabrizio
Favourite Property
Manoir Des Chasseurs
Favourite Region
Dorset, Britain & Ireland
Top Tip

More of a fun fact – it is the same time at both ends of China!

product
Darcy
Favourite Property
Gumruk Evi
Favourite Region
Ireland, Britain & Ireland
Top Tip

Go for a walk! Use those beautiful legs and walk everywhere!

product
Kitty
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!

product
Kate
Favourite Property
Little Cygnet
Favourite Region
Dubrovnik Riviera, 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!

product
Rosie
Favourite Property
Hilltop Manor
Favourite Region
Paphos, Cyprus
Top Tip

If you ever get lost in a foreign city, just pretend you’re looking for the “hidden gems” and you’ll sound like a local instead of a tourist.

photography
Laetitia
Favourite Property
Argyll Country House
Favourite Region
Puglia, Italy
Top Tip

Don’t forget the suncream if you don’t want to end up mistaken for a boiled lobster!

photography
Oscar
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!

marketing
Martyn
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!

marketing
Marina
Favourite Property
Villa Chrysos
Favourite Region
Lisbon, Portugal
Top Tip

Forget Ibiza! Comporta- incredible seafood, golden beaches, picturesque buildings & warm, welcoming culture. Make it your next villa holiday!

marketing
Natasja
Favourite Property
Villa Thalassa
Favourite Region
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Top Tip

Hire quad bikes when you’re on the Greek islands…Awesome way to explore and discover the less-packed beaches!

marketing
Genni
Favourite Property
Villa Kasia
Favourite Region
Lazio, Italy
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!

marketing
Sam
Favourite Region
Algarve, 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).

marketing
Luisa
Favourite Property
Villa Jolie
Favourite Region
Porto, Portugal
Top Tip

Embrace the local food scene—trying new dishes is one of the best ways to experience a culture!

marketing
Rachel
Favourite Property
Villa Sage
Top Tip

Always pack a smile and a spare charger; one keeps you powered up for adventure, and the other keeps your phone charged.

marketing
Catherine
Favourite Property
The Breakers Beach House
Favourite Region
Cape Town, 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!

marketing
Debasmita
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!

marketing
Kenley
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.

operations
Emma
Favourite Property
Deluxe Soller 30
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.

operations
Morgan
Favourite Property
Exi Estate
Favourite Region
Florida, USA
Top Tip

When life gives you lemons, make limoncello!

operations
Fern
Favourite Property
Le Petit Prince
Favourite Region
Sussex, Britain & Ireland
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 !

operations
Rory
Favourite Region
Milan, Italy
Top Tip

Learn local phrases and turn it into a rap battle. Not only will you be linguistically savvy, but you might also become a street sensation. Mic drop, travel style!

operations
Sofia
Favourite Property
Villa Fioretta
Favourite Region
Paris, France
Top Tip

Download offline maps before you go; you never know when you’ll find yourself in a Wi-Fi black hole!

tech
Ben
Favourite Property
Hilltop Manor
Favourite Region
Highlands, Britain & Ireland
Top Tip

Buy travel insurance. You probably won’t need it, but the day you do, you will be delighted to have it.

tech
Dan
Favourite Property
La Maison Des Moines
Favourite Region
Corsica, France
Top Tip

Involve your kids in the holiday planning, let them pick an activity or two. Keep everyone excited all the way!

tech
Andy
Favourite Property
Villa Sa Torre
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!

tech
Will
Favourite Property
Villa Beyaz Gul
Favourite Region
Algarve, Portugal
Top Tip

Get in touch with the villa owner before getting there, they will have great recommendations for your holiday!

tech
Ian
Favourite Property
Deluxe Antig
Favourite Region
Florence, Italy
Top Tip

Follow the yellow brick road, see where it takes you!

tech
Myo
Favourite Property
Noku Beach House
Favourite Region
Dordogne, France
Top Tip

Download offline maps before you go—because getting lost is only fun in movies!

tech
Jaume
Favourite Property
Maison Aredius
Favourite Region
Grasse, France
Top Tip

Did you know Monaco is smaller than Central Park?

tech
Will D
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.

tech
Pierrick
Favourite Property
Dimora Della Nobildonna
Favourite Region
Aquitaine, France
Top Tip

Bring a reusable water bottle—you’ll stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste while making a new friend at every refill station!

tech
Cande
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.

tech
Adithi
Favourite Property
Villa Krystal
Favourite Region
Champagne, France
Top Tip

Learn a few key phrases in the local language—it’s the easiest way to make new friends and show respect!

From the blog…

Practical advice, client testimonials and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

The Top 2% of Holiday Homes – No Compromises.

Meticulously selected. Rigorously approved. Our experts have reviewed over 100,000 holiday homes; only the very best make it into our collection.

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