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.
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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.

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.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY // “I first connected with Emma during 2008 for a solo luxury spa and yoga holiday in the Himalayas...
11/06/2024

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY // “I first connected with Emma during 2008 for a solo luxury spa and yoga holiday in the Himalayas.”

“Now, whether my holiday aim is; a spa/wellness break, a long haul adventure going off the beaten track, a foodie experience, a shopaholic holiday or a mixture of all four, my go to person is Emma for a bespoke itinerary.”

“Emma’s travel experience, knowledge and her meticulous attention to detail is phenomenal. She is unique in her ability to develop a great rapport in understanding my requirements, as well as my likes/dislikes, which Emma always remembers.”

“As a solo traveller my ultimate goal of a holidays is to have an adventure and also feel safe at the same time. Emma and the Essential Escapes team certainly exceeds these goals, knowing how to add comfort via gentle check-ins; prior, during and after each of my holidays which really brings out the exceptional service which they offer, as well as the support, integrity and care for their clients.”

“Until the next holiday!”

😍 Client reviews certainly don’t get much better than that. Where could we take you?

If you’ve missed your weekly fix of the BBC’s Race Across the World – we’ve got just the remedy.Both of our co-founders ...
07/06/2024

If you’ve missed your weekly fix of the BBC’s Race Across the World – we’ve got just the remedy.

Both of our co-founders spent family holidays in Southeast Asia last year, and we’ve sent many a guest over that way too.

Designing culture-packed itineraries dotted with unforgettable experiences like overnight cruises through iconic mountain-studded bays, and immersive foodie tours in captivating cities.

And unlike the contestants, whose travels are navigated on the shoestring budget of an airline ticket, our holidays are woven with stays at some of the most sublime hotels and villas imaginable.

So, if you too have fallen head over heels for Southeast Asia on the small screen, why not set your sights on the reality?

Discover our handpicked selection of holidays from Thailand to Indonesia, Vietnam to Cambodia – including the very itinerary written for Deborah and her family - over at the link in our bio now.

While travel with children forms treasured family memories, there are those times when a few days of adults-only poolsid...
03/06/2024

While travel with children forms treasured family memories, there are those times when a few days of adults-only poolside dwelling is the preferred option.

And we know some of the very best places for just that, from Lake Como to Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

Get in touch to find out more.

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For some of the world’s most ogled-over destinations, a year’s worth of planning isn’t simply recommended - it’s essenti...
16/05/2024

For some of the world’s most ogled-over destinations, a year’s worth of planning isn’t simply recommended - it’s essential.

Places like Peru - where Inca Trail passes sell out 6 months in advance - or Tanzania, where the country’s most exclusive and sought-after safari lodges have only a handful of suites, each bookable up to two years in advance.

That’s where we come in. Providing an all-encompassing, personalised travel service to bring your bucket list to fruition whatever the planning involved.

So where could we take you in 2025 and beyond?

This glorious hotel on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is seeped in restorative energy. Nestled between lush, vibrant jungle and t...
27/04/2024

This glorious hotel on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is seeped in restorative energy. Nestled between lush, vibrant jungle and the tranquil Caribbean Sea it’s a place we return to every year when clients come calling for winter sun.

For details on this perfect spot and others in this heavenly part of our planet, hit the link in our bio now.

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As if one paradise island weren’t enough, this   is a holiday for honeymooners with splendid stays on two of the most ex...
24/04/2024

As if one paradise island weren’t enough, this is a holiday for honeymooners with splendid stays on two of the most exclusive Caribbean islands.

An exquisite 14-day retreat spent between St Lucia and Mustique, hopping from one ultra-luxe 5* resort to the next, that newlywed bliss will be soaked up in privacy and seclusion on beaches that have to be seen to be believed.

Hit the link in our bio now for the specifics on this premium honeymoon.

We’re off to New Zealand this   with a trip recently curated for a family of six headed to the other side of the world f...
17/04/2024

We’re off to New Zealand this with a trip recently curated for a family of six headed to the other side of the world for an immersive month-long adventure.

A four-week journey is always a delight to plan, allowing ample time to uncover the essence of a destination, as well as lots of space for downtime to recoup after the long travel time.

Think sweeping vistas of luscious green valleys, snow capped peaks and turquoise lakes, combined with fascinating Maori culture, delectable private wine tasting, whale watching and private sailing.

Over at the link in our bio, discover a shortened version of this very adventure - and if you’ve got time set aside for a multi-week adventure, get in touch with our experts today.

In the local markets of a city belies the real flavour of a country. From the fromage of France to the spices stacked st...
08/04/2024

In the local markets of a city belies the real flavour of a country. From the fromage of France to the spices stacked stalls of India, to the exotic delicious oddities of Japan.

That’s why we have a whole category of foodie odysseys dedicated to unearthing the authentic taste of a country and its culture.

Each a melting pot of foodie experiences, from meandering markets like these to dining in the world’s most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants.

Head to the link in bio now to discover our sample foodie journeys, each entirely adaptable to you.

  is your peep into our inbox - and this week, we've curated a luxury Canadian adventure for one of our longest-standing...
06/03/2024

is your peep into our inbox - and this week, we've curated a luxury Canadian adventure for one of our longest-standing clients.

A sneak summary of the specifics, this two-week family-friendly voyage begins in Vancouver with private city tours, before heading into the wild for a whale and bear safari by zodiac - an experience serviced by one of the best companies in the state - as well as high-octane white water rafting. Culminating with a relaxing stay in one of our favourite hotels in the chic resort town of Whistler - set amongst some of the country's most breathtaking scenery.

Is this a trip you'd like to tailor to you and yours in 2024? 👇

Family of five? Grown-up children? Grandchildren? In-laws? Old friends? Whatever your holiday headcount looks like, Debo...
04/03/2024

Family of five? Grown-up children? Grandchildren? In-laws? Old friends? Whatever your holiday headcount looks like, Deborah and Emma have exclusive access to a one-of-a-kind directory of luxury villas that can't be found on your average holiday rental sites.

From the bliss of the Balearics to the aqueous glitter of the Greek Islands, we fit the place to your people - never vice versa. Why not send us your summer 2024 brief today?

Not your average A to B route, train travel in Sri Lanka is arduously beautiful. It’s slow, yes - but effort begets rewa...
26/02/2024

Not your average A to B route, train travel in Sri Lanka is arduously beautiful. It’s slow, yes - but effort begets reward, as you creek over bridges towering lush rainforest, crossing tracks splashed by waterfalls.

Pair that railway travel with stays in some of the country’s most exquisite resorts, exclusive experiences, and a knowledgable private guide, and you’re nearing what is to travel Sri Lanka with us.

The Wednesday wishlist is our new weekly feature in which we share with you some of the latest requests to arrive in our...
14/02/2024

The Wednesday wishlist is our new weekly feature in which we share with you some of the latest requests to arrive in our inbox, and crucially, how we responded. Think of it as a window into our knowledge, and it might be your dream destination reflecting back.

First up: Patagonia. Set to be an enormous travel trend for 2024, Patagonia offers vast open spaces, breathtaking views, and untouched wilderness. But as the description suggests; it's enormous.

So, our recommendation for a family of four travelling with nature-loving teenagers? The Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine National Park with its colonies of Magellanic penguins and gargantuan southern elephant seals, all set against the majestic blue-toned tidewater glaciers.

Interested? To find our most recommend hotels and tour operators in the region, drop us a message directly.

“Let me start by saying I’m not easy to please. That’s why I will only book holidays with Emma and the team at Tots Too ...
08/02/2024

“Let me start by saying I’m not easy to please. That’s why I will only book holidays with Emma and the team at Tots Too and Essential Escapes as I trust them to always understand my needs and not only meet them but over-deliver.”

“We’ve booked family holidays with them for the last 5 years and just come back from 10 incredible kid-free days in the Caribbean which are hard to describe. The brief was both specific and intangible yet Emma over-delivered massively.”

“If you want someone to hear your needs and exceed them every time then look no further.”

A review that says it all. 👏👏

Ski season is in full swing across the Alps and unlike last year, the snow is falling. Great news for those who have alr...
28/01/2024

Ski season is in full swing across the Alps and unlike last year, the snow is falling. Great news for those who have already booked, but for still those hanging on to secure a winter getaway, the forecast is busy, very busy.

Thankfully, we still have access to hotel availability in some of the best ski resorts in France, Italy, Switzerland and more. So, if you’re still set on skiing this season, now is the time to book.

Get in touch today to snap up the last few spots:

📧 [email protected]
📞 020 7788 4242

06/01/2024

is here. Our exclusive month-long event of travel offers to help jump-start your travel plans for 2024 // And where better to start than here, a blissful bolthole on the mystical third peninsula of Halkidiki, Greece.

Along with its 5* hotel, magnificent amenities, and guest experiences, Eagles Palace also boasts 42 luxurious villas, part of Eagles Villas, each tucked away in secret gardens with its own private pool offering complete seclusion, sanctuary, and most importantly for those with children, space.

For this month alone, we have up to 50% discount on their half-board rates across villas and the hotel. You can also snap up free private airport transfers and up to 10% off total booking value for stays that stretch from Springtime, right through Summer and into the Autumn.

But you’ll need to be quick, speak to us today to secure the first of our deals:

📧 [email protected]
📞 020 7788 4242

From the tropics of Zanzibar to the cultural heavyweight Cambodia, we know a thing or two when it comes to chasing winte...
21/12/2023

From the tropics of Zanzibar to the cultural heavyweight Cambodia, we know a thing or two when it comes to chasing winter sun.

Over at the link in bio, discover our top destinations to get away in the month of February - from the very best hotels to exclusive experiences, all expertly put together with our signature know-how.

💬 WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY // “Let me start by saying I’m not easy to please. And that’s why I will only book holidays with ...
12/12/2023

💬 WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY // “Let me start by saying I’m not easy to please. And that’s why I will only book holidays with Emma and the team at Tots Too and Essential Escapes as I trust them to always understand my needs and not only meet them but over-deliver.

We’ve booked family holidays with them for the last 5 years and just come back from 10 incredible kid-free days in the Caribbean which are hard to describe. The brief was both specific and intangible yet Emma overdelivered massively.

If you want someone to hear your needs and exceed them every time then look no further.”

- Essential Escapes client, November ‘23 ✈️🌏

Perched on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan has always been wrapped in mystique. A deeply B...
22/11/2023

Perched on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan has always been wrapped in mystique.

A deeply Buddist land, it's last remaining Himalayan kingdom; with an unending sprawl of snow-capped mountains; finely wrought dzongs and mist-shrouded pine forests, all of which you won't have to share with tourist crowds.

Head to the link in bio now to explore our 7-day Bhutan itinerary.

Today, the golf courses of high-end hotels rival some of the world's most famous. But how to pick a place that's as much...
16/11/2023

Today, the golf courses of high-end hotels rival some of the world's most famous.

But how to pick a place that's as much a golfer's paradise as it is a haven for those seeking happy hour and blue hues of pool over tee-off times on the green?

Over at the link in bio, discover our round-up of the best golf and spa resorts from Mauritius to Turkey, from Dubai to Portugal.

Built in 1926, Route 66 is one of the most iconic and famous roads in the world, stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to S...
12/11/2023

Built in 1926, Route 66 is one of the most iconic and famous roads in the world, stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. 🌴

Our itinerary sticks to the old two-lane road, avoiding highways whenever possible, so that you take a trip back in time on a road trip plotted with neon signs, quirky roadside attractions, and classic Americana diners.

Our Handpicked Highlights ⤵️⤵️⤵️

🚦Pass through no less than eight states
🚦Explore St. Louis; famous for its ribs and barbeques
🚦Discover Oklahoma City and trace the routes of the original Route 66
🚦Witness the beauty of the Grand Canyon National Park
🚦Visit the entertainment capital: Las Vegas

If it's adventure travel that beckons your call then you're in the right place. Our 30+ years of experience means that w...
02/11/2023

If it's adventure travel that beckons your call then you're in the right place. Our 30+ years of experience means that we can plot even the most untrodden routes, creating an itinerary that's honed to you and your wishlist. Like here, in the immeasurable beauty of Namibia.

Where could we take you in 2024?

If it's adventure travel that beckons your call then you're in the right place. Our 30+ years of experience means that w...
01/11/2023

If it's adventure travel that beckons your call then you're in the right place. Our 30+ years of experience means that we can plot even the most untrodden routes, creating an itinerary that's honed to you and your wishlist. Like here, in the vast, unspoilt beauty of Namibia.

Where could we take you in 2024?

Kicking off next year with a city break is in our minds, the ideal way to see in a new 12 months of travel plans. But wh...
26/10/2023

Kicking off next year with a city break is in our minds, the ideal way to see in a new 12 months of travel plans. But where are the prettiest places to visit in the coldest months of the European winter?

Swipe right for some of our favourites, from Vienna to Venice, Bruges to Tallinn to the more undiscovered Swiss gem of Interlaken.

A kaleidoscope of colour and culture, India makes for a magnificent adventure holiday - but it's one that requires caref...
23/10/2023

A kaleidoscope of colour and culture, India makes for a magnificent adventure holiday - but it's one that requires careful planning. Having spent almost three decades curating trips to this ancient land, our luxury India holidays are designed to contrast the enchanting palaces of Jaipur and the buzz of India's vast cities, with the sun-soaked beaches of Goa or the serene backwaters of Kerala. To find out more, head to the link in our bio now.

Amongst many, one of the biggest joys of our job is connecting our clients to destinations they'd never before thought o...
18/10/2023

Amongst many, one of the biggest joys of our job is connecting our clients to destinations they'd never before thought of visiting.

Like here - in the vast, nomadic country of Mongolia with its sprawling wide open spaces, cobalt blue skies and huge terrains where few footsteps have trodden.

Over at the link in bio, find details of a unique, once-in-a-lifetime journey into the remote and spectacular regions of Western Mongolia and the Khangai Mountains.

Stay with nomadic yak herder families, taste wilderness food from your expedition chef and embark on an adventure that you right to the heart of this enchanting country.

Beautiful Sicily and beautiful hotels all seen over a whistle stop 3 day trip. We covered a lot of ground and saw some i...
08/10/2023

Beautiful Sicily and beautiful hotels all seen over a whistle stop 3 day trip. We covered a lot of ground and saw some incredible spots. The weather, the company and the hospitality. Who knew that Apperitivos were entire feasts all on their own and that Sicilian wine is so darn good! Belly full and heart happy…. Sicily I’ll be back. Thank you Mangia Hotels for inviting me on this thoroughly enjoyable trip.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY // "Absolutely outstanding service. No sales patter, just supportive advice. Nothing was too much t...
30/09/2023

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY // "Absolutely outstanding service. No sales patter, just supportive advice. Nothing was too much trouble."

"Any queries I had were answered immediately and every detail was checked with our hotel and airline. I have never felt more reassured when booking a holiday. Thank you a zillion times."

Where could we take you in 2024?

Whilst October signals the end of the European summer, there are still precious pockets of the continent that retain the...
21/09/2023

Whilst October signals the end of the European summer, there are still precious pockets of the continent that retain the heat for just a little longer. And the island of Cyrpus is one of those.

Although availability is now dwindling, there are still rooms in some of our most recommended resorts and hotels, if you're quick.

Enjoy the last of the European sun in 2023, exploring Cyrpus without the crowds. And the best part? All you need to do is call and let us take care of the details.

📧 [email protected]
📞 020 7788 4242

When winter comes howling, we've got the perfect escape plan at up to 60% off. On the mellow coast of St. Lucia’s Northw...
13/09/2023

When winter comes howling, we've got the perfect escape plan at up to 60% off. On the mellow coast of St. Lucia’s Northwest corner, lies Rodney Bay one of the Island's most pristine beaches, and it's here you’ll find The Landings.

Barefoot, beachfront luxury, The Landings has long been a favourite of ours, especially as a sunny sanctuary between the months of December and February, when the tropical climate peaks.

And to mark the start of St Lucia's high season, we have an exclusive - and unmissable - offer with 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟲𝟬% 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘀, 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 '𝟮𝟯 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 '𝟮𝟰.

Speak to us today to secure it:

📧 [email protected]
📞 020 7788 4242

Address

85-87 Bayham Street
London
NW10AG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+442077884242

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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.

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