As well as some of the most breathtaking architecture, services, amenities and locations, Oliver’s Travels can now offer customers the unforgettable opportunity to holiday in places as diverse as an observatory, a windmill, a lighthouse and even a sea fort!
LANGUEDOC, FRANCE: Domaine De Favaze
You wouldn’t know just from looking but this is one of the oldest properties on our books, dating back some 700 years. Found in Languedoc, its past is tangible (and visible!) thanks to the bare stone walls, while the décor can be described as Art Deco chic and makes for a colourful and comfortable stay. It also boasts beautiful countryside views and is only 20 minutes away from the beaches of Montpelleir, but the real kicker is how the water in the taps comes direct from a local spring.
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE: Chateau Le Brun
Chateau Le Brun started life as a hunting lodge for the French aristocracy of the Loire Valley – and we know how much those guys were into top-end opulence! With 52 acres of parkland, a large pool and an attic space that makes an ideal playroom on rainy days, it’s a great place for a family holiday as there’s something for everyone. You can walk in the grounds, fish in the lake, curl up by the fire… Better yet, the village of Brinon-sur-Sauldre is only two minutes away and offers some amazing bars and eateries.
LANGUEDOC, FRANCE: Chateau Chamborigaud
The thing I love about Chateau Chamboroigaud is how you’ll never run out of things to do. Putting aside for one moment the fact you’re in the middle of the beautiful Cévannes mountain range, Chamborigaud is within easy reach of skiing in Mas de la Barque (only 35 minutes away!) and the reservoir at Villefort is the place to go for a whole range of water sports. The chateau itself is amazing both inside and out though, and those Disney-style turrets are bound to go down well with princesses of all ages.
DORDOGNE, FRANCE: Chateau De Lauzel
The thing that’s brought me back time and time again to Chateau De Lauzel is the food and wine. The nearby town of Les Eyzies (or to give it its full name, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil!) has some amazing wineries and Périgord itself produces some of the finest duck dishes that’ll ever grace your tastebuds – not to mention the best truffles in France. There’s nothing better than kicking back on Lauzel’s huge terrace, enjoying the view with a glass of Bergerac and a homemade canapé!
MALLORCA: Palacio Paloma
Mallorca has so much more to offer than its reputation suggests, especially on the North-Eastern coast where you’ll find Palacio Paloma. This is one luxury villa that’s tailor-made for nothing but relaxation, and while it’s tempting to get out and enjoy the coast (biking to the nearest beach is a fantastic way to spend the day) it’s even more tempting to just stay and enjoy the grounds. Split into seven distinct gardens with an area of some 15,000m2, there’s nothing better than getting everyone round the pool and BBQ area, or striking off on your own and finding a quiet corner somewhere to immerse yourself in a book!
IBIZA: Casa Viva
Like Mallorca, Ibiza is far more than just a party island, and it’s easy to avoid the hijinks of the club scene if it’s not your cup of tea. Casa Viva really showcases what makes Ibiza so appealing while surrounding you in total luxury – it’s literally a stone’s throw away from the sea, comes with its own infinity pool and the scent and serenity of the surrounding pine forests are a feast for the senses! It’s split into two distinct buildings too (separated by an impressive courtyard) so there’s a great feeling of privacy if you’re heading across in a larger group.
March 2015