Tue, 17 Jun 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Island Escapes, a holiday letting agency on the Isle of Man, has been acquired by Cornwall-based holiday agency group Sapphire Holidays. Island Escapes, which was founded in 2018, provides holiday accommodation across the Isle of Man, managing more than 150 properties.
Following the acquisition, the Island Escapes brand will be retained, with the company joining the Sapphire group of specialist holiday agencies. Sapphire’s portfolio includes companies such as Classic Cottages, Boutique Retreats, Aspect Holidays and Unique Hideaways.
In addition to the Island Escapes brand, the company’s existing team will also remain in their roles under the Sapphire umbrella, while founder John Keggin will also remain with the company in the role of Commercial Director. New roles are also expected to be created at Sapphire’s group headquarters in Hayle, Cornwall through back-office support.
The acquisition means that Sapphire Holidays now manages a portfolio of more than 2,850 properties across the UK, employing around 205 staff and generating more than £60 million in annual bookings.
Commenting on the deal, Sapphire Holidays owner and Chairman Simon Tregoning said: "Island Escapes is a brilliant addition to the Sapphire family. The Isle of Man is a unique and exciting destination, and we’re thrilled to be able to introduce it to our loyal holidaymakers across the UK. This acquisition supports our strategy of expanding into high-quality, desirable locations while partnering with strong local brands that share our values."
Over the coming months, properties in the Island Escapes portfolio will also begin listing on the Classic Cottages platform, introducing them to a wider market of UK holidaymakers.
The acquisition also includes Homestay IOM, which manages accommodation for the TT and Manx Grand Prix on behalf of the Isle of Man Government, which will continue to operate with the local team in place following the transaction.
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