Matt Hills - Travel Counsellor

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]

24/12/2023

If a taste of Caribbean luxury is on your bucket list, then 2024 is the time to visit a Sandals 5* resort, with 3 brand new locations for you to indulge in. Across all 18 of their resorts, Sandals offers guests an adult only experience with 21 room types ranging from their Luxury apartments, up to Butler suites with you’ve guessed it…your own Butler!

Sandals Curacao

For scuba enthusiasts the newly opened Curaçoa resort in the Dutch Antilles, is a perfect location with Butler suite guests able to enjoy a complimentary Mini Cooper Convertible to explore the Island.

Dunn’s River, Jamaica

Dunn’s River Resort in Jamaica, relaunched this year following extensive refurbishment, stands out from the crowd with 12 restaurants, 7 pools and 2 river pools.

St Vincent and The Grenadines

The newest addition to the Sandals family is the St Vincent & The Grenadines resort, tucked away between the rainforest and the ocean. Opening in March 2024 this exquisite resort boasts plenty of “Sandals Firsts”, including beachside Butler suites with private pool and sublime Two-storey Overwater villas.

Would you like some winter sun at one of these resorts?

23/12/2023

Olivar Suites

Corfu’s scenic southeast coast is the home of the tranquil Olivar Suites.

This five-star location is nestled within the grounds of a beautiful 300 year old olive grove, overlooking the idyllic sandy beach of Messonghi. A selection of elegant and well-designed suites, embrace indoor-outdoor living, each with either a private pool and garden or sundeck.

The wellness spa and gym provide guests with the perfection location to relax and rejuvenate within a serene setting. Dine in the exquisite ‘Flya’ all-day restaurant, sampling Mediterranean delights, or chill out with a beer or cocktail at the award winning ‘Olibar’.

21/12/2023

Britain's finest Vintage Train

Travel in style aboard Britains finest Vintage Train, the Northern Belle, and enjoy fine dining on the rails in wonderful ornate heritage carriages. The individually decorated 1930s Pullman-style carriages, will transport you back to the golden days of travel, as you embark on some of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

Departing from a variety of regional stations, guests can indulge in a fine dining experience, en route Britain's best loved destinations. Whether it be to the races at Ascot, visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, or taking in the sights at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, get there and back in style. Or for that special occasion, why not enjoy the luxury of a seven-course Champagne lunch with on board entertainment as you pass through the British countryside.

20/12/2023

Gift Ideas for Travel Enthusiasts -Part 2

Round trip from Portsmouth (UK) to Bruges, 3-night voyage aboard Resilient Lady - from £1,026 August 2024

Virgin Voyages experiences link these two historic ports, allowing guests to combine British naval heritage with medieval Belgian delights. Visiting Bruges’ winding cobbled streets, town squares and local markets is like a step back in time. Tour the city via its labyrinthine canal system, horse drawn carriage or climb the 13th century belfry tower. Whilst aboard enjoy all the luxury of a Virgin cruise - from fine dining to casual eats, cocktails at sunset, world class entertainment, or simply relax in a hammock on your private sea terrace.

07/12/2023

There are so many Lapland experiences now. Which one is right for you?

🎅Santa 🎅

A few tour operators offer fabulous experiences that take you and your little ones on a magical journey to find Santa. These can range from a single day trip from a local airport, to longer 3-5 day adventures. The whole experience is magical, from elves meeting your flight to looking for Santa in the enchanted woods with your trusty reindeer and even a visit to the lapland post office.

🎅Northern Lights 🎅

You have great chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland, and some of the accommodation options make it even more spectacular. There are options to stay in glass igloos and more remote cabins with no light pollution at all to make seeing the Northern Lights the central part of your trip.

🎅Skiers🎅

If you want an adventure suited to older members of the family too, then a ski trip to lapland might be perfect. There are amazing slopes catering for beginners through to expert skiers, and you are not too far away to do day trips to Santas Village. These types of trips are generally good value for money in comparison to the more dedicated Santas trips.

Want to meet Santa? Lets talk options and which one might work for you.

06/12/2023

Here are my hand picked recommendations about where to travel next. I've focused on places that have more immersive and meaningful experiences to offer.

🇲🇹 Valletta, Malta: A cultural hotspot with Michelin-starred dining, rich history, and stunning architecture. Discover the "living museum" city and use it as a launchpad to explore all of Malta.

🇦🇺 The Kimberley, Australia: Western Australia's wild frontier boasts dramatic landscapes, natural wonders, and captivating wildlife. You can now cruise this epic coastline and explore the Aboriginal heritage in Darwin and Broome.

🇺🇸 The Deep South, USA: Choose train over the classic roadtrip through America's musical heartland, from Chicago to New Orleans. 2024 will see the reopening of the Gulf coast train line with the first stretch from New Orleans to Mobile opening first.

🇿🇦 Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa: Fulfill your Big Five safari dreams at this malaria-free park, just a three-hour drive from Johannesburg. Whether in a Safari tent, boutique family-owned lodge, or luxury 5-star accommodation, Pilanesberg offers diverse experiences.

🇻🇳 Phu Quoc, Vietnam: A gem in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Island is a short flight away from major SE Asian cities. Enjoy pristine coastlines, trek through a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and unwind in a luxury beachfront resort before exploring the vibrant Night Market.

05/12/2023

Here are my top picks for where to stay for a Santa’s lapland experience

Glass Igloo in Rovaniemi

These glass igloos are wonderfully comfortable igloo-style houses, elegantly decorated with a touch of luxury, set in a beautiful landscape of snow and pine trees. Under-floor heating keeps it cosy and warm, whilst the heated aurora ceiling keeps the snow at bay - providing an amazing night time view of the inky black starry skies and if you are lucky the chance to see the northern lights!

Suomu log Cabins , Suomu

Just on the Arctic circle, these cosy cabins are one of the best ways to experience lapland. They are open-plan, with fully equipped kitchenette (perfect for making hot chocolate) a log fire, plus a sauna and a useful drying cupboard for your thermals.

Wilderness suites, Muonio

Muonio is a remote resort near to the Swedish border and arguably a much more authentic Finnish experience. The wilderness suites are duplex style apartments with plenty of space and beautiful furnishings. Delicious and authentic local food comes as part of the full board package.

04/12/2023

Looking for some gift inspiration?

I’m going to be sharing some gift inspiration over the next few weeks for those travel enthusiasts in your life

PART 1

Wimbledon breaks

Britain’s premier tennis event takes place each July in Southwest London, and if you’ve always wanted to go to Wimbledon, but never managed to make it, this is a great opportunity. Indulge in strawberries and cream or perhaps a glass of champagne, and witness world class tennis at one of the world’s most famous sporting events. Soak up the atmosphere at arguably the most iconic of the Grand Slam Championships over a 2 or 3 night stay, with packages offering transfer between your hotel and the Wimbledon courts, NO.1 Court tickets and even an option to add theatre tickets to longer stays.

02/12/2023

Tanzania: Luxury Sea Safari

Explore the Tanzanian coast aboard a luxury private live-aboard yacht, for a 6 days/5 nights Sea Safari experience worth ticking off anyone’s bucket list.

Your journey will take you to the picturesque locations of Mafia Island, Chole Bay, Songo Songo, and Nyuni Island, as well as visiting local reefs and sandbars. With Hawksbull Turtles, White Tip Reef Sharks and flying foxes on the menu of safari sights, the highlight is a guided trip aboard a private dhow (sailboat) to see the local whale shark population.

Between sails, guests can explore the sights with Kayaking, paddle boarding, diving and snorkelling available, then at night dine under the stars served straight from the ocean. This exquisite tour is perfect for adventurous travellers looking to sample the delights of Africa’s’ marine habitats.

01/12/2023

Featuring: Daios Cove, Crete

Located in the rolling hills of Northeast Crete, the elegant 5-star Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas, offers spacious and stunning rooms, suites and individual villas overlooking a private secluded cove in Vathi.

A hub of flowing architecture and natural beauty boasts 165 private sea-water pools, wellness Spa, heated communal infinity pools, tennis courts, water sports and a children’s clubs catering for all ages including babysitting services.

Sun lovers can relax at the resorts secluded beach with loungers and umbrellas catered for, whilst enjoying drinks from the beach bar. Guests enjoying a villa, or a suite can enjoy the benefits of the Residents club, providing complimentary meals and cocktails, 24-hour room service and concierge services.

01/12/2023

Last minute Christmas city breaks have been really popular this week.

🎄 What better way to start the festivities than with a trip to a new city? Here is my mini guide to the Best Christmas Markets - there is something for everyone!

25/11/2023

Best Beaches in Florida

Florida is a fabulous destination, and not just for the parks of Orlando. Here are some of my top picks of beaches in the region and why you should visit:

Clearwater Beach - clear shallow water, soft sands and a great beach walk promenade.

Marco Island Beach - Stunning wide white sand beaches, and at low tide you can wade out to sandbars. Also a great island for sea birds as it is a nesting ground for least terns and black skimmers

Bahia Honda, Florida Keys - An essential stopping point for any road trip from Miami to Key West. This huge 524 acre beach park has everything - secluded areas, more popular sunbathing spots and brilliant snorkelling, kayaking and fishing.

And of course, South Beach

Beautiful people, flashy cars and art deco architecture. Not to be missed if you are heading to Miami.

24/11/2023

USA is looking popular for next year!

Nearly a quarter of people (23%) said the USA is top of their list for travel in 2024 according to our latest travel report surveying 2000 Britains. So here are my top hotel recommendations for a visit to the states:

🇺🇸 The Burn Luxury Inn, Mississippi

🇺🇸 Tenaya, Yosemite

🇺🇸 Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Florida Keys

🇺🇸 The Green Mountain Inn, Vermont

🇺🇸 Enchantment Resort, Arizona

22/11/2023

I’m really proud of the service I offer my clients.

There are over 6k reviews on Trustpilot, and 98% of them are 5*. I make sure I am always going over and above, really wanting to nail it for my clients and bringing the whole experience to life with little touches that you just won't find anywhere else.

So if you want more than your out of your holiday, and really get the best experience you can from visiting a new place, then give me a call or send me a DM to get started.

21/11/2023

There is a huge increase in the number of customers I have requesting travelling by train, which is brilliant! Not only is it more sustainable way to travel but it is also an adventure and usually a better way to experience a country.

Here are some of the latest journeys my clients have taken:

🚞The Indian Pacific Rail, from Sydney to Perth. Why take a 4.5 hour flight when you can spend 4 days and three nights in a luxury train car, following the path of gold rush prospectors and bush pioneers. The journey is all inclusive, including locally inspired food and wines, plus there are a number of off train experiences included in the fare too.

🚞Gotthard Panoramic Express, this is actually part boat trip across Lake Lucerne and part train through the swiss alps to the beautiful Lugano. A fabulous twin centre of lakes and mountains.

🚞Bruges by train, The trip from St Pancras to Bruges is only 3.5 hours! A really green way to get over to this Unesco World heritige site without having to queue in the airports.

🚞Grand Tour of Italy - Italy has such a good rail network, so clients recently went from Naples to Rome, then Florence and then to Venice, all using the Italian rail. You could also end this grand tour with a luxury train journey on the Simplon-Orient Express from Venice to London.

19/11/2023

Spotlight on LUX Belle Mare, Mauritius

Ranked #1 luxury hotel in Mauritius and 3rd best all inclusive in the world. This really is a beautiful resort, with beautiful white power beach, warm clear seas, a huge variety of dining options, fantastic pool area and everything you need for a relaxing and luxurious break.

The hotel has only recently reopened after huge renovation works undertaken by Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam and Interiors by Mauritian designer Jean-Marc Tang. There has been a big focus on using local artisans, sourcing local products and paying homage to its natural surroundings.

Interested in learning more about this hotel? Get in touch by sending me a DM today

18/11/2023

Because of how Christmas falls this year, most of the schools have a lovely long Christmas break and lots of kids aren’t back in school until 9th January!

Here are some things you can do in that lovely week after New Year…

1️⃣See the Northern Lights in Iceland

2️⃣ Enjoy a detox in the spa capital of Europe - Budapest

3️⃣ Head to the ski slopes - there are still lots of availability especially in the Dolomites

4️⃣ Find some winter sun in the Caribbean

Tell me which one you would prefer in the comments

17/11/2023

Peru - a guide

Thinking of heading to Peru, here are my must do’s:

🌟 Start in Lima, savour seafood delights.

🏔️ In Cusco, soak up Inca heritage.

🌄 Discover the Sacred Valley's charm.

🌿 Don't rush to Machu Picchu; take the Inca Trail or scenic train.

🏛️ Arequipa's White City beckons.

🚤 Explore Lake Titicaca's magic.

🌳 Dive into the Amazon's biodiversity.

🛩️ Unearth the mystery of the Nazca Lines.

🌵 Huacachina's desert oasis awaits.

Want help to plan your own adventure? Get in touch

16/11/2023

Give a gift that will make everyone happy.

Whether it's a reward for employee-of-the-year or a gift for Mom in Law, you simply can't go wrong with a holiday gift voucher.