Island Escapes acquired by Sapphire Holidays

UK: Marketing and property management service, Island Escapes, has been acquired by self-catering holiday letting agency, Sapphire Holidays Ltd. 

Island Escapes manages more than 150 holiday properties across the Isle of Man. The business will continue to operate under its existing brand identity from its Castletown base, with all staff remaining in place. Its founder, John Keggin, will stay on as commercial director.

The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Sapphire Holidays Ltd, which owns a number of specialist UK brands including Classic Cottages, Aspects Holidays, Boutique Retreats and Unique Hideaways. The group manages over 2,500 properties and became B Corp certified in 2023.

Island Escapes will now join Sapphire’s family of brands and, in time, its properties will also be marketed through Classic Cottages, one of the group’s longest-running platforms.

John Keggin, founder of Island Escapes said: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Island Escapes. Whilst the ownership changes, the company will still remain very much a local business, committed to supporting the community as we always have done, but with added investment, particularly in marketing that can only help raise the profile of our island as a destination to visit”.

Simon Tregoning, chairman of Sapphire Holidays Ltd, commented: “Island Escapes’ ethos aligns closely with our own. Our company was founded on professionalism and excellent service and we know that John and his team share those values. The Isle of Man is a unique place to visit, and we are looking forward to helping Island Escapes reach more customers.”

The acquisition also includes Homestay IOM Ltd, which manages additional accommodation during the Isle of Man TT Races and Manx Grand Prix on behalf of the island’s Department for Enterprise. The team will remain locally based.

The move supports the Isle of Man Government’s tourism target to attract 500,000 visitors by 2032, with the new owners pledging further investment in promoting the island to new audiences.

Highlights

• Sapphire Holidays acquired Isle of Man lettings agency Island Escapes

• Brand identity retained, with all staff staying in place

• Island Escapes manages over 150 properties; Sapphire Holidays oversees 2,500+

• Acquisition includes Homestay IOM Ltd

• Supports Isle of Man’s target to reach 500,000 annual visitors by 2032