Essential Escapes

Essential Escapes Whether you want a luxury spa retreat or a 5 star escape, one of our specialists is on hand to find the perfect option for you.

Luxury spa holidays, our bespoke portfolio covers three key pillars: Wellness, Culinary and Adventure offering a selection of handmade, exclusive one of a kind experiences from around the world. You will find the Essential Escapes service second to none, based on both our in-depth knowledge of each property and our passion for luxury spa holidays! Start browsing now or get in touch to plan your bespoke luxury spa holiday in the sun.

Some journeys take you away from it all—others take you beyond.The Arctic and Antarctic remain some of the most untouche...
07/02/2025

Some journeys take you away from it all—others take you beyond.

The Arctic and Antarctic remain some of the most untouched places on Earth, where vast ice fields, towering glaciers, and extraordinary wildlife create an experience unlike any other.

Sail aboard a luxury expedition vessel, where expert-led encounters bring you face-to-face with emperor penguins, breaching whales, and dramatic frozen landscapes. Take to the skies on a private helicopter ride over the Antarctic Peninsula, or step onto the ice for an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience few will ever have.

With us, every detail is carefully considered, ensuring you experience the polar regions with effortless comfort and true exclusivity—helped, of course, by the fact that both Emma and Deborah journeyed these frozen frontiers last year in search of the very best these extraordinary landscapes have to offer.

Are you ready to explore the ends of the Earth?

There are few ways to experience a destination as effortlessly as by rail. The slow rhythm, the ever-changing landscapes...
05/02/2025

There are few ways to experience a destination as effortlessly as by rail.

The slow rhythm, the ever-changing landscapes, and the sense of stepping into another era make luxury train journeys an experience in themselves.

From the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where Art Deco glamour meets old-world charm, to South Africa’s Rovos Rail, offering a front-row seat to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, these journeys aren’t just about getting somewhere—they’re about the journey itself.

With Essential Escapes, every detail is considered. From securing the finest cabins to tailoring an itinerary that extends beyond the rails, we ensure your journey is as seamless as it is unforgettable.

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A new   retreat is on the horizon, and as always, we have our ear to the ground when it comes to the finest new luxury o...
02/02/2025

A new retreat is on the horizon, and as always, we have our ear to the ground when it comes to the finest new luxury openings.

Ikos Kissamos, set to open in 2026, will bring its signature blend of bohemian elegance and Mediterranean warmth to Crete’s unspoiled western shores.
With Michelin-star dining, a world-class spa, private all-suite accommodations, and exclusive local experiences, this is one to have on your radar.

Want to be among the first to experience it?

Sign up for our newsletter via the link in our bio to stay ahead of the crowd.

EMMA'S JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH KOREA  // From Seoul’s historic palaces to Busan’s coastal charm, my recent journey through...
31/01/2025

EMMA'S JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH KOREA // From Seoul’s historic palaces to Busan’s coastal charm, my recent journey through South Korea was one of discovery—exploring the contrasts, the cuisine, and the culture that make this country so fascinating.

I walked the grand courtyards of Gyeongbokgung Palace in a traditional Hanbok one moment and stood among futuristic skyscrapers the next. I found hidden alleyway restaurants serving the best Korean barbecue, learned the secrets of Haemul Pajeon in a cooking class, and uncovered experiences that no AI tool can ever replace.

Now, with first-hand insight, we'll craft bespoke South Korea itineraries that take you beyond the obvious—connecting you to the people, flavours, and places that make travel truly unforgettable.

📖 Read the full story now: https://shorturl.at/3bz0Q

At Essential Escapes, we are proud to be a Serandipians Gold Tier Member, a mark of distinction that reflects our commit...
25/01/2025

At Essential Escapes, we are proud to be a Serandipians Gold Tier Member, a mark of distinction that reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional, bespoke travel experiences!

But this isn’t just about our expertise—it’s about what it brings to you.

From privileged upgrades and exclusive benefits to insider access and personalised service, we work with the most trusted luxury travel partners around the globe to ensure every journey is seamless, unforgettable, and uniquely yours.

Discover the difference of booking with an award-winning service that elevates your travels to a new level of luxury.

Get in touch today to begin planning your next extraordinary escape.

Why settle for a hotel room when you can have an entire villa to call your own? Along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, our...
24/01/2025

Why settle for a hotel room when you can have an entire villa to call your own? Along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, our connections span some of the region's most exclusive villa rentals, offering unmatched privacy, space, and luxury.

Wake to panoramic sea views, enjoy leisurely breakfasts on sun-drenched terraces, and unwind by your private pool. With bespoke services like personal chefs, tailored excursions, and private transfers, every detail is curated for your comfort.

Let's craft your perfect escape, whether it’s a romantic getaway or a celebration with friends.

– Emma & Deborah Why settle for a hotel room when you can have an entire villa to call your own? Along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, our connections span some of the region's most exclusive villa rentals, offering unmatched privacy, space, and luxury.

Wake to panoramic sea views, enjoy leisurely breakfasts on sun-drenched terraces, and unwind by your private pool. With bespoke services like personal chefs, tailored excursions, and private transfers, every detail is curated for your comfort.

Let's craft your perfect escape, whether it’s a romantic getaway or a celebration with friends.

– Emma & Deborah

For the ultimate in exclusivity, our collection of private island retreats offers a sanctuary like no other. Each remote...
20/01/2025

For the ultimate in exclusivity, our collection of private island retreats offers a sanctuary like no other. Each remote inlet—from French Polynesia to the Seychelles — is home to an elite hotel, combining exceptional luxury with unrivalled privacy.

Wake to panoramic ocean views, savour world-class dining in serene surroundings, and unwind with bespoke experiences tailored to your desires. These secluded havens redefine what it means to truly escape.

Let us take care of the details, so you can simply enjoy.

For those who crave adventure with a touch of exclusivity, these five treks offer the perfect balance of challenge, disc...
13/01/2025

For those who crave adventure with a touch of exclusivity, these five treks offer the perfect balance of challenge, discovery, and personalised luxury.

🌍 Patagonia, Chile – Explore jagged peaks and serene glaciers with a guide who brings the rugged wilderness to life.

🌄 Machu Picchu, Peru – Walk in the footsteps of the Incas, with private insights into the region’s history and culture

🏞️ Dolomites, Italy – Discover alpine meadows and dramatic cliffs, paired with gourmet picnics and luxury lodges.

🏔️ Annapurna Circuit, Nepal – Trek through Nepal’s breathtaking mountain landscapes, with a private guide ensuring a seamless experience.

🌳 Tanzania, Africa – Combine the wonders of Kilimanjaro or Ngorongoro Crater with a custom-tailored itinerary to suit your pace.

With a private guide to enhance every step, these treks offer more than just breathtaking views—they promise an adventure tailored to your pace, interests, and comfort.

Ready to explore the extraordinary? Speak to us today about private adventure travel around the world.

– Emma & Deborah

If quiet beaches, timeless temples, and laid-back luxury aren’t your thing, feel free to scroll on. But for those drawn ...
21/12/2024

If quiet beaches, timeless temples, and laid-back luxury aren’t your thing, feel free to scroll on. But for those drawn to Bali’s jungles, coastlines, and rich traditions, 2025 is your year.

From peaceful retreats in Ubud to stylish stays in Seminyak, Bali offers more than just a getaway. Just ask Emma, who spent three and a half weeks here with her family last year.

Seamless planning, exclusive perks—your perfect escape awaits. ✨🌴

🌍 Embark on an unforgettable family adventure to Egypt in 2025.With the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum finally open ...
11/12/2024

🌍 Embark on an unforgettable family adventure to Egypt in 2025.

With the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum finally open after 20 years in the making, it stands as one of the most thrilling and significant archaeological institutions in the

Housing over 100,000 artifacts, including the full collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time - it’s a chance to stand face-to-face with history.

From the majesty of the pyramids to the vibrant streets of Cairo to the restorative energy of the red sea, Egypt offers a blend of culture, discovery, all tied perfectly together by our seamless trip planning service.

📞 Speak to us today to find out more.

OUR TRAVEL PLANS // Ever pondered a foodie adventure to Korea? Well, that’s why we are there right now.‌Forever committe...
25/09/2024

OUR TRAVEL PLANS // Ever pondered a foodie adventure to Korea? Well, that’s why we are there right now.

Forever committed to road testing the undiscovered and lesser-trodden path, our co-founder is in to Seoul on an adventure designed to soak up culture and cuisine alike.

So - if you’re not already subscribed to our newsletter, do so now via the link in our bio and be amongst the first to get the insider scoop on from Emma on her food odyssey.

Summer may have made a brief comeback in the UK this week but across the continent, autumn is on the approach and fewer ...
19/09/2024

Summer may have made a brief comeback in the UK this week but across the continent, autumn is on the approach and fewer places are more spectacular to witness the turn of the season than Finland.


Here, the blanket of forests that cover the country transform - a phenomenon known as “ruska,” as trees, especially birches, maples, and aspens, turn into brilliant shades of gold, red, and orange.


From berry-picking to mushroom foraging to stays in cities such as Helsinki, we can design a bespoke trip to the Nordics before the year is out - all you need to do is get in touch via the link in our bio now.

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Comprising a staggering 17,000 islands with everything from white-sand beaches and swinging orangutans to shimmering tur...
12/08/2024

Comprising a staggering 17,000 islands with everything from white-sand beaches and swinging orangutans to shimmering turquoise waters, Indonesia has something for every kind of traveller.

Hailed as The Island of the Gods – Bali is undeniably the most visited of the archipelago but head to one of the lesser-visited islands, and you’ll find a land of wild, untamed beauty.

Our bespoke itinerary Wild Indonesia is designed for families looking for to spend quality time together in the privacy and seclusion of a luxurious eco-retreat tucked away on a remote island. Accompanied by delectable Indonesian cuisine, fascinating culture and incredible wildlife.

For the full details, hit the link in our bio now.

The city of Cartagena in Colombia is a vibrant maze of cobbled alleyways, brightly coloured buildings covered in pink bo...
30/07/2024

The city of Cartagena in Colombia is a vibrant maze of cobbled alleyways, brightly coloured buildings covered in pink bougainvillea, and huge leafy plazas. 🍃

By day, recline on nearby beaches, where the white sand is lapped by turquoise Caribbean ocean - and by night, rub shoulders with locals in salsa bars spilling into the streets on balmy evenings.

If you’re just beginning your search for next year’s winter sun, it’s worth knowing that Cartagena enjoys temperatures of 24°C to 30°C between December and April - just as the UK is at it’s coldest.

Get in touch today to find out more about visiting the city as part of a private adventure to Colombia.

Rarely is scenery so staggering as it is during the summer months in Norway. Piercing blue waters, powdery white sand an...
21/07/2024

Rarely is scenery so staggering as it is during the summer months in Norway. Piercing blue waters, powdery white sand and giant, green mountainside - the land of the midnight sun is a place of complete magic.

Whether you lean towards gentler hikes or more high-octane climbs, we can curate a bespoke dreamlike itinerary for an unforgettable Scandinavian summer.

Get in touch via the link in bio now to find out more.

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With its olive trees, whitewashed, hilltop towns, scorched earth and unforgiving heat, Puglia can seem closer to the mel...
02/07/2024

With its olive trees, whitewashed, hilltop towns, scorched earth and unforgiving heat, Puglia can seem closer to the melting pot of Greece than the grandeur of Rome.

But this is still very much Italy - just less frenzied in flavour, with a wealth of history, some of the country’s best seafood and, of course, sun.

To soak it up properly, we recommend a holiday of two halves - long days in the craggy coves and early morning explorations of ancient sites, before the heat of the day sets in.

For bespoke, handpicked travel to this part of Italy and more, get in touch via the link in our bio now.

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We love a holiday of contrasts, allowing you to soak up two very different kind of travel experiences enveloped within o...
23/06/2024

We love a holiday of contrasts, allowing you to soak up two very different kind of travel experiences enveloped within one neat itinerary.

And this particular trip, wrapped around the land of a thousand hills - Rwanda - and a paradise island in the Seychelles is one of the very best.

Begin in the forests of Rwanda tracking mountain gorillas roam and chimpanzees walk between the treetop canopies, before crossing over to the lap of luxury in the Seychelles - with stay in the exceptional North Island.

To discover this bespoke itinerary, along with more of our multi-destination trips, hit the link in our bio now.

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Whilst domestic flights are a far quicker way to explore vast countries, there’s much we miss when we fly over rather th...
17/06/2024

Whilst domestic flights are a far quicker way to explore vast countries, there’s much we miss when we fly over rather than travel through.

From Australia’s Great Ocean Road to the Big Sur in California, these iconic routes are designed for slower travel, when you can soak up the passing views for hours, rather that at a glance from an aeroplane window.

For help with intricate planning of a slow travel adventure, get in touch with our team - we take care of everything from route mapping to car hike, hotels to motels - getting you ready to hit the road.

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Our Story

Our journey began 18 years ago when we were on the path to discovering wellness. Fast forward to 2020 and armed with a lot more knowledge, experience, and stamps in our passports, the path has led us to on to bigger and better adventures. We are helping families reconnect through awe-inspiring travel. Our unique itineraries are designed to create life-changing adventures for families in a world where there are many distractions that stop us from spending quality time together. Whether you are high energy adrenalin junkies, ardent foodies who want to eat and cook in the places where all the locals go, or simply just beach bums, allow us to help you get your family back.