Last year was a landmark for trade-friendly villa specialist Scott Williams, as it saw record-breaking sales and ended 2022 by expanding into the long-haul market.  

Founder Victoria Hooberman says the business launched its collections in Sri Lanka and Antigua to meet growing customer demand, explaining that clients who traditionally book short-haul summer stays with the specialist have been requesting long-haul properties “for many years”. 

In Sri Lanka the 17 villas are set predominantly along the southern coastline around Galle, and sleep between six and 20 guests. In Antigua the five luxury houses are centred around English and Falmouth Harbours, including several properties available to the rental market for the first time. 

Hooberman explains: “Our Antigua collection responds to demand for beautiful houses in a perfect spot in the Caribbean. We predict these will be popular with regular clients who will return year after year, whilst Sri Lanka offers something for those with a taste for adventure! Super-stylish and in the best locations, our houses there can be enjoyed as stand alone villa breaks, or as part of itineraries to explore beautiful Sri Lanka.” 

Four new properties have also been added to the brand’s Greece offering for summer 2023. 

Explaining the appeal of a villa stay, Hooberman says it offers clients the privacy and comfort of a home away from home. She adds: “It allows them to completely switch off and escape the crowds, as well as providing the perfect base from which to explore their chosen destination.”

Booming business 

Scott Williams’ client base includes families, including multi-generational groups, alongside groups of friends, particularly those celebrating landmark birthdays or reunions. 

The business works with the trade, with commission levels varying by property. “We have agents we have worked alongside for years, and encourage those who would like to form similar partnerships with us to get in touch,” Hooberman adds. 

She says the brand recorded its best ever year in 2022, including some rollover holidays and a “huge number” of bookings from new clients. “2023 has started with a bang,” she adds. “While most of our regular clients booked long before the end of 2022, January is still a peak month to get your house secured, and our phones have been ringing hot. We’re seeing no let up in the trend to book ahead. While our world has so much uncertainty at the moment, I think having something to look forward to brings an enormous amount of pleasure.”

Climate concerns 

Following several years of record-breaking temperatures, Hooberman expects the climate to play a “big factor” in clients’ choice of destinations, particularly for short-haul stays. “We have introduced new houses on the lakes and mountains of France, where summer temperatures are cooler, and these are proving popular,” she adds. 

She also highlights a growing trend for longer durations, explaining: “With increased concern for our climate, we’ve also seen a trend for clients travelling for longer – perhaps where they previously enjoyed multiple week long holidays, they are now steering more towards one longer villa break, requiring just one return flight.”