Our Expert Team
View and Book onlineOur Expert Team
Our team at GIC The Villa Collection is a tight band of travel experts, here to help you get the most out of your Greek (or Cypriot) villa holiday. With firsthand knowledge of our properties, the islands and what you can do whilst you are there, they can provide a level of service which ensures that your holiday will give you memories for years to come.
Chris Wright
My first introduction to Greek Islands Club was at the Earls Court Boat show at the age of 11. At the time, GIC operated the Greek Island Sailing Clubs on the islands of Paxos ,Kefalonia and Ithaca and, as an avid sailor, I decided to write to the company asking what qualifications were needed to become a sailing instructor.
After leaving school, I studied for a diploma in Travel and Tourism and, on finishing the course, was offered a position by a youth tour operator called B&W Travel as administrator of their holiday park in the Southern Netherlands. In 1991, during the height of the UK recession, the company folded and I was forced to return to the UK.
A short contract as Marketing and PR officer for a Theatre followed and it was during this time that I dug out the letters sent to Greek Islands Club 8 years earlier.
Despite concerns that, at 19 years old, I was too young for the company, I was offered a position as resort representative on the Island of Paxos. Unfortunately, the year I joined, Greek Island Sailing Club was sold to Sunsail holidays and so my dreams of becoming a sailing instructor were dashed.
During the summer of 1994 I fell in love with the Island and was desperate to return the following year. Over the next two years I was lucky enough to spend my summers in Paxos and Kefalonia and swore I would never leave.
After three summers in Greece, I agreed to spend some time in the UK office with the promise of returning to Greece the following year. However, in 1998, Greek Islands Club joined the Sunvil Family and my role changed, meaning that I didn’t return to Greece for several years. As Operations Director I was kept busy in the UK looking after the expanded Sunvil programmes to Latin America, Africa, Portugal, the Azores, Italy, Sicily, Cyprus and Scandinavia.
It wasn’t until 2010, when I took over as Managing Director of what is now GIC – The Villa Collection, that I was allowed to rekindle my passion for the Greek Islands. During 2011, I was lucky enough to travel to Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and the new resort of Sivota. I like each of the areas that we feature for different reasons and my choice of destination changes, depending on my mood and the reason for my travels. However, Corfu Town, the island of Paxos and Argostoli in Kefalonia will always be my favourites.
Claire Kalatzis
I came to Sunvil and GIC directly after living in Greece. I joined in 2005, having lived in a small Greek village on the beautiful island of Lesvos for 6 years. Married to a Greek and with 3 beautiful ‘Gringlish’ children, I have been lucky enough to experience the culture, warmth and hospitality of the Greek people first hand.
I started travelling when I was young, being lucky enough to be taken abroad by my parents from the age of 8. I have been privileged to travel to a variety of different countries but, Greece was the one that captured my heart – literally! Previously working in PR, I moved to Greece in 1999 and experienced a variety of different employments; selling homemade cakes to local tavernas, teaching English, running my own business and working as a rep. Versatility is the key to living and working in a country like Greece.
Since joining Sunvil, I have visited the majority of the islands in the programme and 90% of the villas for GIC-The Villa Collection. All the islands we feature are so diverse and beautiful. Speaking Greek has allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture. Having said that, it’s still difficult to choose my favourite but, the changing landscape of Kefalonia and the elegance of Skopelos, just gives these two the edge for me. It’s a gift to work with a country you love for a company you admire.
We’ve partnered with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Aware campaign to help provide top tips and advice for planning for your trip abroad. It’s important to do some research before you travel to learn about any necessary visas and vaccinations required for entry to your destination, understand any unusual laws and customs and to be aware of the latest travel advice for the region. Click on the link below for more information on what to prepare for your trip overseas. You can also sign up for email alerts and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter for alerts whilst you are away.
Visit gov.uk/travelaware for more information