Matt Hills - Travel Counsellor

02/12/2024

Over the summer I was lucky enough to explore Madagascar on a small group tour with G Adventures. You can find a short blog about it here: https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/matt.hills/Profile-Blog/ExploringMadagascar

But in summary... What a fabulous place - mad busy cities, beautiful palm-tree fringed beaches, and really varied scenery. In the south it's vast open plains (sadly de-forested), which give way to a stunning mountain range down the spine of the country. And rainforest in the east, where the weather comes in from the Indian Ocean.

The flora and fauna are diverse, and sometimes unique to this amazing island. Lemurs are the main attraction, ranging from the tiny Mouse Lemur to the 3-foot tall black and white Indris. But there's plenty more to see, with huge chameleons and vast amounts of birdlife.

The roads are rubbish, the food is surprisingly good, and the people are lovely and welcoming. Travelling in a small group is great fun, and makes the logistics so easy. We also got involved in local communities, so were able to give something back rather than just passing through.

If you'd like to know more, give me a shout 😎

19/09/2024

*🌿 Your Eco-Adventure Paradise Awaits in Costa Rica! 🌍*

Calling all eco-enthusiasts! Costa Rica is a haven of biodiversity and sustainability, where you can wake up to howler monkeys, zip-line through misty forests, and witness sea turtles nesting under the stars. Whether it's surfing pristine beaches, hiking volcanoes, or spotting rare wildlife, every adventure here supports the planet. 🌱

Wondering when’s the best time to go? I travelled in June, as a guest of the wonderful Not In The Guidebooks. Check out their blog for the perfect time to plan your eco-adventure! 👇

https://www.notintheguidebooks.com/news/best-time-to-visit-costa-rica-for-eco-adventures/

*✨ And they currently have a sale on! Save £200 per person*
Secure your spot now with just a £99 deposit. Book by 31 Oct 2024!
https://www.notintheguidebooks.com/costa-rica/

19/07/2024

A final Costa Rica update...

Leaving the jungle at Santa Juana, we headed for the Pacific Coast, and south to Drake Bay. It's not often your boat transfer starts in glorious sunshine, takes in a torrential downpour as you pass through mangrove swamps, and then more sunshine as you head out into the Pacific Ocean! Worth the effort, for a dramatic arrival into Aguila de Rosa, a wonderful secluded lodge complete with monkeys on the roof...

Cano island is about 45 minutes away by speedboat, excellent snorkeling and dolphins to keep us company. And the biodiversity of Corcovado National Park didn't disappoint either.

Finally time to head back to San Jose for our flights home. But somehow our wonderful hosts (Not the the Guidebooks) managed to arrange a lunch stop in a bar bar showing the England match! Can't hold them responsible for the quality of the football though...

All in all an amazing whistle-stop tour of a fabulous country. We saw most of the highlights, but also many 'off the beaten track' experiences that are invaluable in elevating the trip to something really special.

Costa Rica is a year round destination, with beautiful scenery, stunning wildlife, friendly people, and plenty to keep you entertained. Get in touch and I'll put the perfect trip together for you, with a little help from my local friends 🧡

26/06/2024

Tomorrow I'm taking part in a 24 hour golf challenge, raising funds for the Dean Fox MND Foundation. If anyone can lend a bit of support it would be much appreciated!

The MND Drive for Dean event – the ‘Three Peaks’ of Golf! A group … Sarah Holloway needs your support for Drive for Dean - 3 courses 3 Countries 24 Hours

24/06/2024

Costa Rica update!

After the fun of Arenal National Park, we moved on to the central Pacific coast, amd stayed at the fabulous Villa Calatas. Set on a peninasula high above the sea, very grand, amazing 5* food, air-conditioning was appreciated!

Next was Monteverde, an area perfect for all the adventure sports you can handle. We zip-wired through the canopy, there's also horse-riding, hanging bridges, quad biking and so on...

Moving on, back to the jungle, and the beautifully rustic Santa Juana. Long scenic drive to get there, but worth the effort. The following morning another fascinating trek, this time to some beautiful waterfalls, complete with jumping platforms!

All courtesy of Not in the Guide Books, experts in putting together tailormade travel and real local experiences!

More to follow...

21/06/2024

It also rains a bit in Costa Roca...

21/06/2024

More fun in Costa Rica! Since leaving Tortuguero we visited an organic farm (including meeting the locals, a fascinating insight into Costa Rican life), and trekked around Arenal - an perfect looking volcano in central CR, surrounded (inevitably) but lush rainforest and endless wildlife.

Today it zip-lining and hanging bridge exploring (should be interesting with my head for heights)...

The people here are SO friendly, it's a pleasure to meet so many. And the hotels are pretty cool too, clamping yesterday was awesome!

19/06/2024

Hello from Costa Rica! Here on a 'work' trip courtesy on the wonderful Not in the Guidebooks, my supplier of choice for off the beaten track adventures and experiences!

Day 1 was arrival into San Jose, lovely colonial hotel but didn't see much else.

Days 2-3, off to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. It's a full on jungle experience, boat trips and walking tours, and endlessly diverse wildlife. We've seen countless birds of all beautiful colours and sounds. Otters, crocs, cayman, turtles on the beach and best of all the very hard to spot sloth! All spotted for us by our wonderful guide Abel, an absolute fountain of knowledge.

Laguna Lodge is a fabulous place to stay, lovely grounds between the river and the sea, a couple of pools, and a very well used bar...

More to follow over the next few days as we explore this beautiful and diverse country...

03/06/2024

If you’ve booked with me before, or you’re booking for the first time, I’d love to hear from you. Let me plan your next business trip today, with zero stress.

This testimonial came in recently from one of my regulars: 'Matt is always very supportive and responsive and to all of our company travel needs. He is my first port of all call for any travel arrangements we require.'

08/05/2024

Island hopping in Thailand isn't just a trip; it's a mosaic of unforgettable moments stitched across the turquoise canvas of the sea 🌊. From the vibrant coral reefs to the soft, whispering sands of Koh Lipe, every stop is a new chapter in your adventure story. Ready to turn the page? 🏝✨ Tuning in to 'Race Across the World' tonight? Get in touch to start planning your next adventure!

15/02/2024

Introducing a fabulous new option for the Maldives, the Avani+ Fares, a 5* contemporary resort on the western edge of the Baa Atoll. Just 98 villas, both over-water and beach, various 2-bedroom options, and featuring the Maldives first children-only restaurant!

Suitable for families or couples, with loads to keep the kids entertained plus a range of more grown up activities (in case relaxing on the beach isn’t quite your thing). Fitness, yoga, a magnificent house reef, and lots of wild-life (turtle breeding grounds, nearby Manta dive site, lionfish and eagle rays in abundance, heavenly!)

There’s a wide range of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes, and you can book whatever board basis suits your budget – everything from B&B to All-Inclusive (you can even do a non-alcoholic AI if drinking isn’t your thing).

Deals and offers available throughout the year, but to give you an idea (packages include flights from Manchester or London, sea-plane transfers and accommodation as described):

A week in November in a Premium Beachfront room:
£3175pp B&B, or £4750pp All-Inclusive based on 2 sharing.
Stay for 2 weeks for an extra £1675pp (B&B) or £3250pp (AI)

I specialise in tailormade packages, so can put together whatever works for you. And if you’d like to twin the Maldives with another destination, I can help with that too. Maybe some shopping in Dubai on the way home, or a week exploring the wonderful Sri Lanka before retiring to the beach? Let’s get creative!

T: 01539 898630
E: [email protected]

17/01/2024

Skiing! Who's fancies a last minute ski trip this winter? I'm currently in Tignes, and can confirm there is snow galore, and another half metre due over the next couple of days.

All the ski companies have great last minute offers, so it's not too late to plan some winter fun. Give me a shout, let me know what you're after, and I'll see what I can find. Great deals on catered chalets, or a wide variety of hotels/apartments, the choice is yours...

😎⛷🏂

10/01/2024

⛱5* Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa, Crete
💦 5* Adult only
🥂Experience "The Maldives of the Med"

Situated on the coastal resort on Analipsi with only a 15 minute walk to the closest beach- the Stella Island Luxury Resort has a lagoon-style outdoor pool and a spa which stretches around the entire resort. There is also a fully equipped gym with personal training sessions for yoga and Pilates, and professional trainers to assist and encourage you with your fitness regime.

Narrow bridges criss-cross a large lagoon style pool; where you can lounge in sunken seating areas, or on islands dotted with beds and hammocks. With no less than five exquisite restaurants, three bars (I'd recommend the poolside cocktails!) and live music in the evenings.
Book today to experience shimmering luxury without restraint, and blissful serenity, with breath-taking views and exceptional, gracious hospitality. What an incredible place!

T 01539 898630
E [email protected]

08/01/2024

08/01/2024

Destination Inspiration:

South Africa's Ultimate Road Trip 🇿🇦

📍 South Africa
Passengers: 2 adults

The "Ultimate Road Trip" - Garden Route, South Africa:
South Africa is an ideal holiday destination to those seeking winter sunshine, great value for money, adventure, relaxation or getting close to nature. The Western Cape starting in Cape town is safe and beautiful and makes the perfect starting place for a road trip along the famous Garden Route.

Alternative bolt-ons:

If you are keen to stay in a safari camp you can add this into this itinerary very easily, look out for the below Private reserves offering amazing safari experiences.

1) Sambona Wildlife Reserve– A bit of a long drive inland from Cape town but its worth it boasting white Lions and offering luxury accommodation.
2) Gondwana Private Game reserve, Mossel Bay- Lots of accommodation types and reviews amazingly. Easily reached from Mossel Bay.
3) Shamwari Private Game
4) Amakhala Game Reserve

Alternative wine regions:

As well as Stellenbosch, for true wine lovers you may also like to visit Franschhoek for its famous wine train or there are also some lovely boutique wineries near Wellington such as the Doolhof Wine Estate. Alternatively for those short on time or without a car, there is a lovely vineyard a taxi ride away from Cape town called Constantia Glen perfect for day trippers.

T 01539 898630
E [email protected]

03/01/2024

Firstly - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well let's start the year as we mean to go on.
Far too many travel sales coming in to post on Facebook, so if you want to be 'in the know', please subscribe (free) to my weekly travel inspiration newsletter and or visit my website as that's where the majority will be and constantly updated.

✈Virgin Atlantic New Year sale valid until 31st January
Valid for sale until midnight on January 31, 2024. Valid for travel throughout 2024 (excluding the usual peak season blackout periods)

✈BA January sale valid 30th January
On sale until midnight on January 30th, covering travel dates throughout 2024 (with usual peak season blackouts)

Want to have this view again soon? Then contact me to book your flight and park your behind in a window seat ready for sunrise!

T 01539 898630
E [email protected]