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UK: Independent villa and boutique hotel operator, Simpson Travel has acquired Portuguese operator Affinity Villas, adding more than 30 Algarve properties to its portfolio.
The independent villa company said the acquisition, completed for an undisclosed sum, will initially see Affinity Villas’ properties remain listed on the Affinity website, with a phased rollout onto the Simpson Travel platform ahead of peak season.
The homes, located across Carvoeiro, Quinta do Lago, Praia de Luz, Loulé, Silves and Vale do Lobo, will be supported by Simpson’s wider offering, including flights, car hire, transfers and in-resort concierge services.
Ed Pyke, managing director at Simpson Travel, said the deal reflected “a significant achievement” in its strategy under investment partner Risk Capital Partners. “The villas fit perfectly with our ‘road less travelled’ approach, and we know our repeat clients will welcome the addition of Portugal to our portfolio,” he said.
Pyke added that the company plans to continue expanding across Europe, with further exclusive properties expected to join its existing programme in Greece, Turkey, Corsica, France, Italy and Mallorca.
Several properties will join the Simpson portfolio, including Monte dos Vendavais in Luz, featuring extensive gardens, a private tennis court and a large circular pool; Villa Oleander in Carvoeiro with its own pétanque court; the countryside-facing Quinta Vista de Montanha near Silves; and Casa do Frederick in Carvoeiro, offering a 16-metre freeform pool and four ensuite bedrooms.
Simpson Travel, founded in 2002 with roots dating back to the Simply Travel brand of the 1970s, secured investment from Risk Capital Partners in March 2024 to support its next growth phase.
Highlights:
- Simpson Travel acquires Algarve operator Affinity Villas
- Adds 30+ premium villas across key Algarve destinations
- Properties to transition to Simpson Travel website ahead of peak season
- Affinity MD Grant Clow to consult during integration
- Acquisition supports Simpson Travel’s wider European growth strategy backed by Risk Capital Partners
- Standout villas include Monte dos Vendavais, Villa Oleander, Quinta Vista de Montanha and Casa do Frederick
