Haslemere mum turns home-based business into award-winning Italian holiday company
A Haslemere business that started with one woman working from her home office more than 15 years ago has grown into an award-winning Italian holiday company, offering more than 400 villas and apartments across Italy.
Founded by local entrepreneur Jo Mackay after leaving her corporate career at Procter & Gamble, Bookings For You was established to allow her to combine raising a family with building a successful career.
What started as a one-woman business has grown into a successful, award-winning travel company, supported by a small team and other local businesses.
Yet despite its growth, Italy Villa Holidays has remained true to its Haslemere roots, continuing to operate from Jo's home office and retaining the personal approach on which it was founded.
Its achievements were recognised at the 2025 British Travel Awards, where the company was named Best Travel Company to Italy (small) and received Bronze for Best Villa Holiday Company (small).
Now, more than 15 years later, the company is celebrating a new chapter, rebranding as Italy Villa Holidays and launching a new website to reflect its specialism in Italian holidays.
Jo Mackay, founder and owner of Italy Villa Holidays, said: “When I left Procter & Gamble, I wanted to find a way to continue my career while having the flexibility to be there for my family.
“Starting my own business seemed the perfect solution, although I certainly didn't imagine at the time where it would lead!
“What started with just me working from home has developed into something I'm incredibly proud of. We've built wonderful relationships with villa owners across Italy, helped thousands of guests enjoy memorable holidays and received recognition at a national level.
“What's particularly special is that we've been able to grow while keeping the business based in Haslemere, working with other local people and businesses, and maintaining the personal approach that was so important to me when I first started.”
Over the years, Italy has become the company's sole focus, with a carefully selected portfolio of villas and apartments in destinations including Tuscany, Puglia, the Italian Lakes, Umbria, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast.
The rebrand from Bookings For You to Italy Villa Holidays is designed to make that specialism immediately clear to customers.
Jo added: “We're incredibly proud of everything we've achieved as Bookings For You, but we felt the time was right for a name that truly reflects who we are and what we do.
“While the name and website may be new, everything else remains the same. We're still the same Haslemere-based business, with the same commitment to personal service and the same passion for Italy.”
The new website, www.italyvillaholidays.com, showcases more than 400 villas and apartments across Italy, alongside destination guides and holiday inspiration.
All existing bookings and customer arrangements remain unaffected by the rebrand.