GIC The Villa Collection – 2016

Greek Villa Chic – Sunvil’s villa specialist launches 2016 collection

GIC The Villa Collection adds the Western Peloponnese and several stylish new properties to its 2016 brochure

GIC The Villa Collection enters its 48^th season with a range of villas to suit every possible guest, from single travellers to couples and from multi-generation holidays to groups of friends seeking relaxation from the rat race. Most GIC villas enjoy private pools; all have been chosen for privacy and high standards of comfort, and many feature great views from their terraces. Perhaps the biggest luxury is being able to speak to knowledgeable staff about every single villa (they’ve all been visited and vetted, without fail) to find out what makes it special and to discuss whether it will suit you.

Here are a few examples:

SUPER-LUXURY VILLA?

New for 2016, Costa Navarino’s high-end villas on the coast of the Western Peloponnese will definitely tick the box, with butler service, private chefs, an amazing spa (if preferred, experienced therapists will come to your villa), golf a mere buggy ride away, a good selection of restaurants and bars from which to choose or the super-secluded privacy of dining beside your own pool and beach, complete with far-reaching sea views.  Everything comes with the very best eco-credentials, and the Costa Navarino is close to the fascinating ancient castles of Koroni and Methoni, plus Nestor’s Palace, for the full Greek cultural experience if wished.  Great children’s facilities for families, but perfect seclusion and privacy for couples. The Costa Navarino Ithomi & Sapientza villas (each sleeps four) cost from £5,741 pp (four sharing) including seven nights’ self-catering, return flights (Gatwick), private transfers and full use of the resort’s exclusive facilities.

HOLIDAY SECLUSION?

Offering total privacy from its eagle’s nest position among pine and olive trees, the newly-added Villa Boukari (sleeps six) sits on Corfu’s southeast coast with views down to the sea; 13^th century Chlomos, with its low-key taverna, is just 800m away. From £632 pp (four sharing) including seven nights’ self-catering, flights (Gatwick) and car hire. Alternatively try new property Bougainvillaea Heights (sleeps six) which enjoys a private hilltop position close to the sandy beaches of Sklithri, Achladies and Kanapitsa on Skiathos. The views over Sklithri Bay are mesmerising. From £747 pp (four sharing) including seven nights’ self-catering, flights (Gatwick) and car hire.

CAR-FREE HOLIDAY? 

Try Barbati Beach House (sleeps four), new for 2016, in Corfu (bakery and shops within 600m of the villa, and boats for hire on the beach 80m away). From £632 pp (four sharing) including seven nights’ self-catering, flights (Gatwick) and car hire. Or Costa Navarino, on the Greek mainland (see above) – a chauffeur-driven car from the airport means a pleasant 90-minute opportunity to view the rural landscapes; on arrival, golf buggies and butlers will deliver you to your villa and there are bicycles for hire to explore the area, with plenty of beach and countryside walking from your villa. On Kefalonia, new property Villa Scorpios (sleeps six) offers a rural setting but is just 10 minutes’ walk from the village of Karavomilos and its four tavernas, mini market and bakery. The property enjoys views of the sea and is just 800m from the beach. From £634 pp (four sharing) including seven nights’ self-catering, flights (Gatwick) and car hire.

PREMIER VILLA COLLECTION? 

18 villas that stand out from the crowd, with stylish interiors, for those who seek a truly comfortable home-from-home for their holiday.  Maid service is twice-weekly as a minimum, but can be arranged daily on request. Newly-built premier properties Villas Eos and Selene, situated down a peaceful donkey path, offer privacy and pristine interiors on the wild island of Alonissos. Each villa, with private pool, sleeps four and the two properties together would be ideal for two families. From £738 pp (four sharing) including seven nights’ self-catering, flights (Gatwick) and car hire.

HOLIDAY BOAT HIRE? 

Pre-book a motorboat to ensure you can reach all those private coves for true escapism and picnics away from the summer crowds.  Or perhaps book a private boat transfer to add that James Bond touch to your waterfront villa arrival and departure…?

TAILOR-MADE AND MULTI-CENTRE?

These holidays are a GIC speciality.  A change of scene after the first week?  No problem.  A simple ferry ride (or a privately-chartered boat) can be booked to take you to a different island and a second villa with pool for a whole new holiday experience; two holidays in one, effectively.  GIC The Villa Collection, having organised holidays to Greece for nearly 50 years, has the best contacts and a whole raft of experience to offer.

PRICES offer great value for money and include flights (Gatwick), car hire or often complex transfer arrangements (with taxis and specially-chartered boats to take you from mainland airport to island hideaway), private villa accommodation, usually with pool, maid service and welcome hamper. The lead-in price is from £577 pp (two sharing) for Vassili’s Apartment (sleeps four) on Kefalonia including flights (Gatwick), transfers, maid service and hamper.

 EARLY BOOKING OFFERS are available on selected properties for 2016 bookings made by 31 January 2016, with reductions of up to £200 per week per booking offered on selected dates.

WHERE? GIC The Villa Collection features a wide range of private villas across the Ionian Islands, the Sporades, Crete and the Greek mainland, plus Cyprus.

For a copy of the new 2016 brochure, or to speak to an expert, call GIC The Villa Collection on 020 8232 9780 or visit www.gicthevillacollection.com. The new brochure is also downloadable in sections here.