Travelling with Villa

Welcome to The Villa 

Carlotta Travel Family

In 1979, Jim and Jane Cummins purchased Villa Carlotta Hotel
(now Ithaca Manor) and in 1985 began connecting people from the Australind train in Bunbury to Busselton, offering lovely accommodation, great food and an abundance of warm hospitality while showing Perth people the South West of WA.

Their daughter Margaret started tour leading and cooking for guests in 1992 and 30 years on, Villa Carlotta Travel continues to be locally based in Busselton and still owned by Margaret and our Managing Director Matt Walker and his family in 2022. 


After years running unforgettable tours, today your fully escorted holiday includes:


  • Courtesy home collection and drop off from Perth / Mandurah/ Metropolitan areas (See below for regional home collection)
  • Quality ground, air and sea transport (where applicable)
  • Cooked breakfasts and dinners daily
  • All attractions and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Professional, friendly and caring Tour Leaders/ Coach Crew
  • Local specialist guides (where applicable)
  • Gratuities and visas (conditions apply)
  • Pre-departure meetings for international holidays 

Meet The Team

Matt Walker - CEO

As CEO and director of Villa Carlotta Travel, Matt brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong passion for travel to the helm of the business.

With over two decades in the tourism industry - spanning roles in sales, marketing and executive leadership across Australia, the UK, Europe and North America. Matt has built a career on delivering unforgettable travel experiences.

Before joining Villa Carlotta Travel, Matt served as CEO of a major tourism association in WA’s South West, where he deepened his understanding of what makes destinations truly special.

Since stepping into a leadership role at Villa, Matt has continued to drive the company’s growth and innovation while staying true to its trusted roots.

Under Matt’s leadership, Villa Carlotta Travel continues to evolve—offering a diverse range of expertly curated escorted tours across Australia and overseas, as well as fully independent, tailored holidays for over-55s and seniors, all delivered by our dedicated in-house team.

His vision is clear: to create seamless, high-quality travel experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Margaret Buswell - Director

Margaret is a founding director of Villa Carlotta Travel, with a lifelong connection to tourism in Western Australia’s South West. Her parents purchased the Villa Carlotta Hotel in 1979 and developed it into a small tour operator business that laid the foundation for Margaret’s career in the industry.

Margaret holds a Commerce degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Western Australia and began her professional career with one of the Big Eight accounting firms in Perth, including a secondment to its UK office. In 1992, Margaret and her then husband Troy purchased the family business. In its early years, Margaret was deeply hands-on, managing guest catering, bookings and financial operations.

Over time, Margaret has overseen the business’s growth into the respected and successful company Villa Carlotta Travel is today. The business remains proudly locally based in Busselton and is jointly owned by Margaret and CEO Matt Walker.

Karen Jones – Travel Agent

Villa travel agent, Karen Jones, has travelled extensively within Australia and overseas and draws on more than 20 years of experience to deliver excellent customer service. 

Karen is knowledgeable about all aspects of travel, but admits to having a particular passion for outdoor adventures and nature walks. 

Although Karen specialises in making travel arrangements for semi-retirees and retirees, she also enjoys the variety of looking after young couples, families and corporate travellers. 

Whether you’re planning to take a short break within Western Australia, an interstate adventure or an international escape, Karen is on hand to help book your next holiday.

Michelle Sorgiovanni – Operations and Product Coordinator

Michelle joined the Villa Carlotta Travel team in May 2023, bringing over 20 years of hands-on experience in business management, with a strong background in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Highly efficient and detail-focused, Michelle ensures the smooth day-to-day running of our travel office and expertly coordinates supplier relationships to help deliver seamless, high-quality tours.

Michelle is also a seasoned traveller with a genuine love for discovering new places—especially Singapore, her personal favourite for its rich culture and incredible cuisine.

With her professional expertise and practical approach, Michelle plays a vital role in delivering the exceptional travel experiences our passengers know and trust. 

Susann Maciej – Product and Logistics Support Coordinator

Originally from Germany, Susann has proudly called Western Australia home for many years. What began as a work and holiday adventure quickly turned into a lifelong connection with Australia, leading her to settle in the beautiful coastal town of Busselton. Her favourite WA getaway? Broome—the sparkling gem of the north. 

Susann brings a wealth of international experience and a keen eye for detail to the Villa Carlotta Travel team. Since joining us in December 2021, she has been the driving force behind many of our expertly designed itineraries, working closely with our trusted suppliers across air, rail, cruise and land to deliver a diverse selection of Australian and international group tours.

With a degree in Tourism Management and several years of experience with a European river cruise company, Susann combines her professional expertise with a genuine passion for creating memorable travel experiences.

Anita Smith – Product and Logistics Coordinator

Anita Smith is our passionate and highly experienced Product and Logistics Coordinator at Villa Carlotta Travel. With a warm, approachable nature and a deep understanding of the travel industry, Anita plays a pivotal role in designing and delivering exceptional tour experiences.

Her years of expertise and meticulous attention to detail ensure that every itinerary runs smoothly, from behind-the-scenes planning to on-the-ground execution.

Anita takes great pride in crafting journeys that are not only seamless and well-organised but also rich in meaning and memorable moments. Her love for travel and commitment to excellence are at the heart of every tour she brings to life.

Marnie Davis – Marketing & Group Travel Coordinator

Marnie is one of the original and much-loved members of the Villa Carlotta Travel team, bringing over a decade of experience, knowledge and heartfelt dedication to her role.

Known for her warm, friendly nature and deep understanding of what makes a truly memorable holiday, Marnie has helped shape countless journeys for travellers over the years. Her long-standing commitment to exceptional customer service and genuine love for connecting with people make her a trusted and familiar face for many returning guests.

With Marnie, you’re not just booking a tour, you’re joining a travel family that cares.

Katherine Fox  - Travel Coordinator

When you call our office, you may be greeted by the lovely Katherine. Known to many as Kat, she brings a warm, bubbly personality and a wealth of experience to our team. Katherine has over fourteen years experience in retail management, along with five years in local government as a Tourism & Heritage Manager.


During her time in tourism and heritage, Kat oversaw visitor services and managed three museums, including heritage, National Trust and open-air sites. She also managed historic cemeteries and heritage buildings, delivered tourism and community events and looked after tourism marketing and social media.



With her strong tourism background and genuine love of helping people, Katherine is always happy to assist and ensure every enquiry is met with care and enthusiasm.

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Exceptional Service

At Villa Carlotta Travel, we pride ourselves on the exceptional care, personalised service and genuine attention to detail we provide every traveller, ensuring each journey is thoughtfully planned, seamlessly delivered and truly memorable.

Courtesy Home Collections

For residents of the Perth and Mandurah metropolitan area, a courtesy transfer service to and from your home is included with your holiday. This stress free service ensures you are on time to meet your fellow travelling companions and tour leader at the designated holiday departure point.


If you are a regional resident of Western Australia, a regional home collection service is available. Please contact our travel office for details.

Outside Western Australia?

Reside outside of Western Australia?  You are welcome to travel with us!


To discuss your options and for adjusted holiday prices please contact our travel office for details.


Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is available for holidays outside of WA, with air travel and some WA regional tours and we can assist you in acquiring this.

Depending on your age and any pre-existing conditions, additional premiums may be payable and a per person excess may apply to lodge an insurance claim. For more information, please review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement(s) for your selected travel insurance.

Travel Hygiene

We strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling. You should practice good cough and hand hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.


Villa Carlotta Travel's full Terms and Conditions are available for you to read here or at the bottom of each page of this website.


GOLD CLUB
Rewarding You

For just $10 per year, as a member of Villa’s Gold Club, you'll receive discounts on holidays and earn points every time you travel. 


If you would like to become a member of our Gold Club please call us on 08 9754 2026 or download our application form and email a copy to travel@villa.com.au or print and send to:


Villa Carlotta Travel

Locked Bag 5

Busselton WA 6280


Please note that villabucks are only available when travelling on a fully escorted Villa holiday with a Villa tour leader or Villa coach crew. Not available on independent holiday bookings or day tours.


Tour Activity Levels

With such a diverse collection of travel options, we want to ensure you choose the right holiday for you. Our tour activity levels are a guide to the required fitness level for each of our holidays. Look out for the feet when reading about a tour!



Your health, wellbeing and enjoyment of the holiday is very important to us. In order to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and suppliers, electric scooters and buggies are not permitted on Villa tours.


Anyone providing care or assistance to others must be fit and able to provide the required support and care.


  • Relaxed

    Designed for travellers with lower mobility who can manage everyday movement independently. You must be able to embark and disembark coaches, trains, and other transport via steps, carry your own luggage, and walk short distances. Stairs may be encountered at times. Walking aids (sticks and walkers) are welcome. Travellers who bring a companion to help provide assistance may find these holidays suitable.

  • Moderate

    For travellers who walk confidently and unaided. In addition to Relaxed requirements, expect guided walking tours that may include gentle inclines and stair climbs, some longer days, and multiple hotel changes. Access to accommodation may involve stairs, short walks to facilities, and showers over baths. Walking sticks are welcome unless the tour includes overnight rail or cruising—please check with staff.

  • Active

    For travellers comfortable with full sightseeing days. Building on Moderate requirements, these tours feature more activities, extended periods of standing and walking, and nature-based excursions. You must be able to walk confidently over uneven surfaces at a steady pace, and negotiate busy transport terminals. Expect feature walks for up to 3 hours, and activities that may include small aircraft, vehicles, vessels and watercraft. Not suitable for travellers requiring walking aids or assistance from others.

  • Highly Active

    Requires good general fitness. Excursions will be over more difficult terrain and require a certain level of agility.You will be required to walk confidently for up to 3 hours over uneven surfaces including soft sand, rocky surfaces and creek crossing. Some itineraries will explore remote locations. Not suitable for travellers who require the use of walking aids or assistance from others. 

  • Challenging

    For travellers with a high level of fitness and previous outdoor experience. Building on Highly Active requirements, these tours involve full days of physical activity in remote or rugged locations that may be difficult to access. You must be able to walk confidently for 6 or more hours per day over multiple days while carrying a day pack and be comfortable walking in varied weather conditions. Not suitable for travellers using walking aids or requiring assistance.