Nicky Mellusco - Luxury Travel Agent

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Nicky Mellusco - Luxury Travel Agent

Horsham based luxury travel expert, tailoring entirely bespoke itineraries. Full financial protection provided.
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I have a luxury travel industry background spanning 18 years and thrive on tailor-making the perfect bespoke travel experience. I have built up an extensive portfolio of exceptional overseas contacts and have access to preferential hotel rates worldwide.

05/06/2024

The one and only time I have visited Cornwall was at seconday school (a very long time ago!) taking part in surf school and abseiling in the cold and wet! (So, it doesn't really count in my opinion!)

This time around I have kindly been invited by Mr & Mrs Smith (one of my favourite suppliers) to visit a number of their represented (dog & family friendly!) hotels in St Ives, St Mawes & Truro with several stops in between. I will be staying at the very family orientated Fowey Hall Hotel and will be documenting my travels (including trying out the Gatwick - Newquay flight route) mostly via my Instagram account. I'd love to see you there if you're interested to learn more. Just search for my handle:

(Photo by Angela Pham on Unsplash)

30/05/2024

Last month I spent a few weeks exploring Southern California; beaches, sunsets, wine country, shopping, (amazing!) food, hikes, gorgeous hotels, coastal driving, blue skies forever & stunning landscapes! If this is somewhere you are considering, then I would love to help you create the perfect itinerary. This was my 16th trip to the Golden State, so you're in good hands!

09/04/2024

Booking at short notice, to travel over a very busy period, can come with its own set of concerns. Will we be seated together on the aircraft? Should I reconfirm the reservation with the hotel? Will I be able to get availability in restaurants / the spa / the kids club / on the golf course? As a matter of course I handle the smallest of details on my clients' bookings so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy your much deserved holiday!
This family booked their trip to Florida 3 weeks before the Easter break. I ensured they were seated together on an almost fully booked aircraft, pre-arranged golf tee times, tennis court reservations, private transport to a basketball match they had booked tickets to and even stayed up til the early hours to check them in for their flight home.
I don't just book your holiday for you.........I'm like your very own travel PA in your back pocket!

03/04/2024

• B E S T M O N T H •

Negotiating some challenging times in the travel industry over the past 4 years has all been worthwhile as I accomplished my best ever month in sales in March 2024, since starting my travel business over 6 years ago. I also achieved my best ever sales day since starting in travel, way back in 1998! Many early starts, late finishes and working-on-the-go. (Apologies for being a little absent of late!)

Thank you for all the support, wonderful referrals and testimonials - I never take this for granted.

Soon Alex & I will be heading to Los Angeles for some much needed downtime. I will mainly be posting via Instagram so why not head over there and give me a follow () - I'd love to see new faces!

I'll be clocking up my 16th visit to the State but there's still always something new to see & do!

14/02/2024

• V A L E N T I N E S •

Elevate your romantic getaway with a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your Valentine.

From handpicked accommodations to exclusive activities, every element is chosen with precision to create unforgettable memories. Trust in the expertise that goes beyond planning – it’s about curating moments that resonate with your unique love story. Your romantic adventure awaits..

📷 my Valentine & I on our favourite stop of our U.S honeymoon, Cape Cod 🦞 🇺🇸

07/02/2024

Budgeting for a family holiday can be a challenge. Costs can mount up, especially if you’re factoring in theme park tickets, entertainment and if you have hungry teenagers…..food, drink & snacks!
The cruise industry continues to see a marked increase in family bookings as you can keep on top of your spending as almost everything is included in the ticket price and there is literally something included for the whole family! Below is a sample price based on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, which will be sailing from/to Southampton next summer.
7 nights Norwegian Fjords cruise:
Based on two adults and two children under 13, departing 17 August 2025 for 7 nights:

- An ocean-view cabin
- Sailing from/to Southampton (no airports! yay!)
- Onboard activities include an aquapark, surf simulator, sports bar & arcade, outdoor cinema, pool parties, laser tag, ice-skating & mini golf

- Breakfast, lunch & dinner each day
- A choice of 11 restaurants from fish & chips, to Italian, sushi & pizza

- Live shows including Grease & Broadway at sea
- 4 x port visits in Belgium & Norway

Total family price: £4698
If you think you and your family would like the idea of dipping your toe in the water (pardon the pun!) then please do drop me a message and I can source the perfect cruise ship and itinerary for your needs & wishes.

02/02/2024

• T R A V E L L I N G L I G H T •

The passport is coming out today for the first time in 2024! Whoop! (albeit just for a whistle-stop visit!) Join me on my stories where I’ll be travelling super-light and adding to my packing tips highlight (one recent hack I’m especially chuffed with!) I haven’t visited this city for almost 7 years and I’m so excited to be returning and catching up with old friends too.)

25/01/2024

I pride myself on treating every enquiry & booking as if it were my own. Scrutinising every last detail, ensuring the chosen hotel and itinerary is the perfect fit and looking after my clients from the minute they book to the time they return home.
I take care of all the research required, so you can close down all your tabs, freeing up precious time. I have experts on the ground in all destinations and have many partnerships I have built up over the past 24 years to ensure you are allocated the best transfer vehicle, best hotel room available and perhaps with the extra little ‘nice surprise’ along the way.
In the unlikely event, something doesn’t go to plan whilst you’re away, we have a Duty Office team on standby, right at the end of a phone 24 hours a day.
It is comments such as these, from clients recently home from St Lucia, which are so rewarding. If you don’t know where to start and need a hand planning your 2024/25 getaway, please do complete my enquiry form linked below, and I will be in touch at the earliest opportunity.

https://tinyurl.com/NickyMellusco

21/01/2024

Since I am in full planning mode for my upcoming 16th visit (!!) to California, I thought I’d share a suggested fun itinerary, taking in some iconic U.S sights.
From the ‘City of Angels’ to ‘Sin City’ this popular twin-centre itinerary is perfect for couples and groups wanting to have a fun-filled US holiday in a relatively short amount of time.
4 nights will be spent at Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood with views of the shimmering LA skyline & Hollywood Hills. Voted one of the ‘top 20 hotels in LA’ by Conde Naste last year, this is the place to stay.
Then you will drive approximately 4.5 hours to stay 3 nights at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas famous for its central strip location and incredible fountains. Enjoy a room with a view of the strip and take a day out to visit the awe inspiring Grand Canyon.
Based on two adults travelling 10 July 2024
✈ Economy flights in to Los Angeles and out of Las Vegas with Virgin Atlantic
🚘 Ford Mustang or similar rental car for 5 days
🛎 4 nights at Kimpton Everly Hotel 4*, staying in a king bedded room (room only)
🛎 3 nights at the Bellagio Hotel 5*, staying in a Strip view king room (room only)
📸 A full-day tour to the Grand Canyon by shared vehicle
↪ Private car transfer back to airport at end of stay

Price from £2289 per person (hotel resort fees payable locally)

Contact me for further information

07/06/2022

• O N E W E E K T O G O •

When you haven’t seen your closest gal pals for 3 years and your Puglian adventure is just around the corner…..no more flight cancellations God willing!
Puglia is still relatively undiscovered….with its whitewashed hill towns, dazzling Mediterranean coastline and some of the best food you can find in the country.
Follow us as we travel throughout the region, staying at the dreamy hotel and are invited for tours of and along the way.
Make sure you follow along next week.

28/04/2022

'Beyond' is the latest in the Edge series of Celebrity's luxury cruise ships, where WiFi, drinks and gratuities are always included. Interiors designed by Kelly Hoppen and Nate Berkus, she oozes style & sophistication. Here are a few images of my sensational experience onboard a VIP preview sailing this week.
So now for the good stuff......I have been given access to a limited-time offer. These privileges can only be booked with myself:
⚓ Make a 'Cruise Later' reservation before 4 May 2022 with a low deposit of just £75 per person
⚓Select your ship and sail date (2022/23/24) within 3 months of paying your deposit
⚓Benefit from up to $500 onboard credit (doubled for 2022 sailings)
⚓ Fully combinable with Celebrity's current 'Last Minute Luxury' campaign, offering an upgrade to premium drinks (applicable to 2022 sailing only)
Contact me for further information.

21/04/2022

Despite a global pandemic, the expansion of the international cruise industry shows no sign of slowing down! Onboard luxury is being taken to another level and ships are getting bigger, better, more technological and offering something for all age groups!
I am lucky enough to have been invited to join the VIP sailing of Celebrity Beyond, before she sets sail for the Med later this month. The latest in Celebrity's 'Edge Series' of ships, with a team including Michelin-starred chefs, interior designers Kelly Hoppen & Nate Berkus and Gwyneth Paltrow as their well-being advisor, it is sure to be an incredible experience.
Be sure to follow me next Monday to discover what cruising looks like in 2022! You won't believe your eyes!
In true 'Throwback Thursday' style, this was taken in 2012 when I cruised the Norwegian fjords.
The main channel I will be using is Instagram, so why not head over and give me a follow!

24/01/2022

• T H E P I G •

This weekend I visited the recently opened Pig Hotel in the South Downs, West Sussex. The latest in the litter of 8 Pig hotels scattered across the south of England. Whether it be city, coastal or country the common theme is the heavy influence on the food and the pure heart & soul which has gone in to furnishing & decorating all of their hotels, whilst eccentuating the true spirit & history of each building.
The simple message of the '25-mile menu' in their restaurants means that at least 80% of the ingredients come within the local area or the hotel's own kitchen garden. The beef stroganoff followed by orange polenta cake was the perfect choice on a cold, wintry day.
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The service is friendly yet efficient and every detail is thought through. Even struggling with your trolley case across a gravel driveway is considered, as a fleet of wicker trolleys parked up in front of the main entrance are there to take the strain!
Views from every window are truly 'chocolate-box' and the dining room overlooks the beautiful South Downs countryside.
Contact me for rates & availability

18/01/2022

• V A L E N T I N E ' S •

So, Valentine's Day will soon be creeping up on us and if you feel like you owe your loved one two years' worth of missed out spoiling then how about surprising them with a summer's weekend away in Cornwall to look forward to?
This gorgeous little boutique find, The Sandy Duck overlooks Falmouth Bay, combining Scandinavian design with home-from-home comforts. Such thoughtful touches include honey from a nearby beekeeper at the breakfast table, freshly made pastries from 'The Bakery on The Beach' and a little something in your room on arrival from the Falmouth-based Chocolarder.
Instead of battling peak summer traffic, take advantage of British Airways' seasonal service in to Newquay, combined with car rental so you have the freedom to explore the area.
Based on travelling 7 July 2022:
Return British Airways economy flights from London Heathrow to Newquay
Hertz 'compact' group car rental for the duration
Three nights in a double room with breakfast at The Sandy Duck (3*), Falmouth
My complimentary concierge service to book restaurants & tickets to local attractions
Price: £480 per person (Deposit of £150 per person to secure reservation)

Contact me for further information.

13/01/2022

• M E E T S A N T A C L A U S •

Santa Lapland bookings are now not only open for Winter 2022 but Winter 2023 too! Give your family the most magical & memorable trip to Lapland - take a sleigh ride in search of Santa, meet huskies and reindeer and sleep under the stars in a glass cabin! (You might also catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights!)
Based on travelling from Gatwick on Friday 1 December 2023:

❄ Return flights from London Gatwick
❄ Return resort transfers
❄ 3 nights at Santa's Star Arctic Hotel (4*), staying in a glass cabin on a half board basis
❄ Thermal suit hire
❄ 'Search for Santa Day' including; reindeer sleigh ride, mini skidooing, kick sledding, toboganning, snow hockey, ice-fishing & a private meeting with Santa
❄Special Wilderness Dinner in a traditional Lappish 'Kota' with reindeer sleigh ride
❄ Snowmobiling

Price based on two adults and two children: £7126
Deposit to secure booking: £150 per person
Contact me for further information.

11/01/2022

• P L A N A H E A D •

'The early bird catches the worm' as they say and there certainly are no truer words when it comes to booking holidays! if you're looking to maximise your chance of getting the best value for money from your holiday, then now is the time to book. January is primetime for hoteliers to offer flash sales and often huge discounts for travel throughout the year.
Al fresco breakfasts under the dappled shade of aged olive trees, a private sandy (blue flag awarded) beach with safe sea swimming & a kids club for littlies, sunset dining, accommodation with private pools and just a short saunter from the nearby town to sample authentic taverna dining. What's not to love? St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas on the Greek island of Crete is offering a discount of up to 25% for stays throughout the season (end of April - October), bookable before the end of January.
I have stayed at this beautiful hotel and would be happy to share my personal knowledge with you. Contact me for further information.

03/01/2022

• M E M O R Y M A K I N G •

Ready to start thinking about planning your annual leave for 2022? Well, scroll through the following slides to learn about how best to maximise your time off and to give you a little inspiration as to where to go according to the season.
📷 a visit to the Pantheon, Rome during our mini-moon 2019!

03/12/2021

• L A C A L E T A •

Forget some of the common associations with Tenerife; bar promoters, the hunt for a pint of lager for under a couple of euros, early-bird sun lounger-bagging or unsightly resort development.
La Caleta, on the very fringes of the busier resort of Costa Adeje, has been a real surprise. Essentially a small fishing village….very little traffic and even though December is its busiest time of year, side streets are quiet and evenings are sleepy unlike resorts just a few miles up the coast.
If you are after pure rest & relaxation and peaceful, sunset-drenched harbour front dining then here is just the place.

02/12/2021

• H I D E A W A Y •

It certainly has felt like a hideaway, in every sense of the word so far. Falling in to a stress-free pattern of lounging, eating, drinking & swimming. I daren’t wear my Fitbit through fear of being virtually ‘prodded’ to move more!

04/11/2021

• B E A C H D A Y S •

Since moving out of London we're lucky enough to be close to several lovely beaches. Our favourite so far is West Beach, Littlehampton. Small & sandy and the woofer likes weaving in and out of the dunes. That said, I can't wait to be enjoying some beach days several degrees warmer in a few weeks' time. For those of you who haven't travelled this year (or last!) and need a little confidence booster.....make sure you follow along with me and I'll guide you through all the stages and what you'll need when travelling to the Med.

20/10/2021

• S I N C I T Y ! •

When these special Vegas hotel rates landed on my desk this morning, I thought it rude not to share! Since the U.S is soon open to U.K travellers, I have put together a sample package combining the direct BA service from Gatwick and the mindblowing Venetian Resort hotel (5*). Stay in a 650sqft luxury suite and be transferred from & to the airport by premium limousine.

Be transported to Renaissance Italy (in the middle of the Nevada desert!), indulge in the Canyon Ranch spa, treat yourself at the Grand Canal Shoppes, glide along the 'Grand Canal' in a gondolier & enjoy celebrity chef dining.
Priced based on a 5 night stay in June 2022 for two adults sharing a room:

🎲 Return British Airways economy flights from London Gatwick direct to Las Vegas

🎲 Return private premium limousine transfers

🎲 Five nights in a luxury king suite on a room only basis (resort fee of $45 + tax per room, per night, payable locally)

🎲 My complimentary concierge service to book restaurants & show tickets

Price: £1198 per person (Deposit of £200 per person to secure reservation)

Contact me for further information.

14/10/2021

• T H E S T A R H O T E L •

Located in the ultimate of chocolate-box villages, Alfriston at the foot of the East Sussex Downs is the charming Star Hotel, which opened just 4 months ago. An addition to the Polizzi hotel portfolio. Dog friendly (there was a snoozing cockapoo under the table behind me), fireside dining and one of the most memorable lunches in a long time. (Save space for the pear & almond tart!)

07/10/2021

With only 25 days to go until November, like many, I have been all eyes & ears as to when the White House finalises the date us (vaccinated) Brits can enter the USA. Come on Joe.

Here's me getting in to Presidential character at the Reagan Library, California. Step onboard the same Air Force One that flew President Reagan over 660,000 miles around the world. High on my list of recommendations for anyone looking to head to the Golden State!

06/10/2021

• W I N T E R S U N •

Good news for those seeking some winter sun, especially those who live in my neck of the woods and favour their local airport over Heathrow.....Emirates will be restarting their Gatwick service on 10 December, flying daily to Dubai. The airline also includes multi-risk travel insurance with Covid cover for all of their flights.
Endless shopping, mind-blowing hotels, some well overdue beach-lazing and yes..........the famous Friday Brunches are back! One of my engrained foodie travel memories is of the jaw-dropping buffets at the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam.The ultimate brunch experience! Many top-selling hotels have inredible offers running so please drop me a line for further information.
Travel requirements for travelling to/from Dubai (fully vaccinated):

» Evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel
» Completed Health Declaration & Quarantine forms
» A completed Passenger Locator form for travel home
» A booked Day 2 PCR (soon to be lateral flow!) test to be taken after return home

📸 by jag_cz (Getty Images Pro)

04/08/2021

• E X C I T I N G N E W S •

Which? has rated us Green for Covid flexibility in the 'Which? Holiday Checker'. Click the link in my bio to learn more.
After taking part in several surveys with the consumer champion this year, the company launched a consumer-focussed online tool that rates companies green, amber, or red based on their refund and amendment policies in relation to Covid-19 travel disruption. It is designed to make it easy for people to check which travel companies have provided the best service to their clients, offering flexible booking options and refunds and which ones could leave them out of pocket if circumstances change.
This accolade further highlights how we have looked after our clients throughout the pandemic, building on our consistent 5-star Trustpilot rating and three-times being voted 'Number 1' in MoneySavingExpert's consumer poll, which ranks how well travel companies are looking after their consumers during Covid-19.
📸 this beautiful 'green' image is of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia (Pixabay)

28/07/2021

REMEMBER TRAVEL INSURANCE!

Whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, it is imperative you protect yourself and your companions with adequate travel insurance cover - now more than ever before.
I am able to offer you a great value policy with three flexible levels of insurance including Covid-19 cover as standard.

Single trip and annual policies can be booked for individuals, couples, families and groups with optional add-ons for winter sports & cruise.

For an instant online quote, click here: https://bit.ly/3xa8sQL or contact me for more details.

23/07/2021

• T R A V E L A G E N T D A Y •

A travel industry partner recently told me "Online is for looking, Travel Agents are for booking!"
I sincerely hope this is what will come out of the past year and people will see the true value of dealing with a real human being and having someone to rely on and trust implicitly. Myself and fellow travel agents have all been fully immersed in FCDO advice, government updates, travel trade articles, testing requirements and supplier protocols for the past 18 months so...we know our stuff!
To all my travel agent friends on National Travel Agent Day.....we're still here.....doing what we love. Give yourself that well deserved pat on the back!
This was taken of me at the start of my travel agent business journey when this fluff ball came in to my life. What a therapy pup she's proven herself to be in recent times!

09/07/2021

Following the government's latest update to the existing traffic light system, I have updated the infographic last posted in early May. Hopefully this simplifies the process.
It is important to note that FCDO advice should still be consulted for the specific country you are travelling to as there are still restrictions in place. For example, Italy is currently on the UK's amber list but it is still necessary to self-isolate for 5 days upon arrival, in line with their rules.
Please do let me know if you have any questions about upcoming travel plans.

05/07/2021

• A R E Y O U R E A D Y ? •

You may not be travelling right now, but it pays to be ready for when you are! Click this link to check the validity of your passport for travel to Europe: https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-travel-europe If you need to apply for a new one it is wise to be organised now rather than face an agonising wait (currently two weeks) in the lead up to your departure!
If you are double vaccinated it is also worthwhile downloading the NHS app in anticipation that many countries and territories may require proof of both doses in the weeks and months to come.
If like me, your name registered with your GP practice (married name) does not match the name on your photo ID (maiden name) you will need to request the following information from your surgery:

- Account ID
- Passphrase
- Organisation code

These details will allow you to be verified via the app without any photo ID.
Your digital Covid pass is valid for 28 days and then will automatically renew when you next access the app. (Check the expiry date before you travel.) If you would also like to travel with a paper copy, this can be requested by dialing 119 and quoting your name, date of birth and NHS number.
It is still essential you check the entry requirements of the country you are visiting by visiting the FCDO website.
Please do not hesitate to drop me a message if you have anything test, Covid-Pass or FCDO-related that's on your mind! In the meantime why not save this post for future reference or forward it to those who you feel would benefit.

24/06/2021

• T H E A T R E B R E A K •

How we've missed pampered hotel stays, a night at the theatre and treating our loved ones to a weekend away? Well, did you know that I can arrange London theatre breaks, including numbered seat tickets with/without return rail from your local station too?
Why not click the 'save' button so you can keep me in mind for when you're shopping around for that elusive special birthday or anniversary gift.
Take a look at this sample itinerary based on the show 'Back to the Future' due to open at the Adelphi Theatre on 20 August. Combined with a night at the 4* Strand Hotel, just a few doors away, which underwent a beautiful renovation in 2019, located right in the heart of Covent Garden. (Many alternative shows to choose from and varying grades of hotel.)
Based on travel 6 November 2021:

- Stalls tickets to 'Back to the Future' musical (matinée performance)
- One night in a superior room with breakfast

Price: £269 per person based on two adults sharing a room

Contact me for further information.

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

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Hurtigruten's new expedition ships

The world of expedition travel is changing, thanks to Hurtigruten's new ships MS Roald Amundsen & MS Fridtjof Nansen - their first hibrid powered expedition ships. Journeying to Alaska & Antarctica and led by a passionate & experienced team, learn about science & sustainability in the onboard science centre. Encounter unforgettable experiences via a fleet of underwater drones, getting closer than ever before using the ships' kayaks & explorer boats and enjoy some incredible wildlife encounters. Contact me for further details and prices..........in the meantime enjoy this wonderful taster.

Blue Waters, Antigua

Voted Antigua's Leading Hotel a remarkable 8 consecutive years at the World Travel Awards, Blue Waters is considered one of the best hotels in the Caribbean. It remains family owned and is set in 17 acres of beautiful tropical gardens. Book before 15 February to save up to 40% off room rates. Contact me for further information.

Rocky Mountaineer train

Chances are that if you caught 'Great Canadian Railway Journeys' on BBC2 last night, you would have been completely wowed by the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Banff. Michael Portillo journeyed on the First Passage to the West, Rocky Mountaineer's most popular route which follows the Canadian Pacific track, famous for connecting British Columbia with Canada more than 130 years ago. In this episode Michael learnt about the engineering achievements including the Spiral Tunnels. The track travels from lush rainforests to a semi-arid desert, alongside powerful rivers and in to the Rocky Mountains to the national park towns of Lake Louise and Banff. If the episode whet your appetite, please contact me to start putting together your dream Canadian itinerary....

Fairmont Royal Pavilion Barbados

I won't lie.....that I was reminded of the outstanding Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados whilst doing my own honeymoon research! Sadly June isn't the ideal time to go but I wanted to share with you the hotel in all its glory, following a mult-million dollar renovation project. As you will see from the footage, you couldn't get any closer to the beach if you tried..............! Enjoy and feel free to share with those you think could be tempted.

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