Seriously Good Food & Travel

29/10/2024

⛷️ Now October half term is nearly finished we start to think about winter holidays & skiing! One of my favourite holidays in the world. Europe is still fabulous but prices have crept up over the years. Have you thought about taking your ski holiday further afield?
Banff in Canada is an option that’s further away but the prices are really quite competitive & you get to see the stunning Rockies!

🎿 Home to not one but three world-class resorts, the snowboarding and skiing in Banff National Park is second to none. The unique combination of friendly locals, a long ski season and the scenic backdrops of the Canadian Rockies makes this place a beloved destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Endless turns and diverse terrain await at Mt. Norquay, the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine Village - all of which are at your fingertips with one SkiBig3 lift ticket.

🏨 There are an amazing array of different lodgings and most are room only or bed and breakfast as the town is brimming with restaurants, bars and museums!

🥘 Local dishes include the famous Alberta beef and game meats. Hearty stews and of fantastic root vegetable dishes.

❄️ I can help with simple holidays or complex itineraries from Europe to far flung places. Contact for more info! ❄️

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

28/10/2024

Just Booked!!

I’ve just booked this fantastic holiday for a lovely family & thier friends next Easter in Indonesia. They wanted fun & adventure for their young children and there was a special request to see Komodo Dragons.

Komodo dragons are limited to a few Indonesian islands of the Lesser Sunda group, including Rintja, Padar and Flores, and of course the island of Komodo, the largest at 22 miles (35 kilometers) long.

Their Itinerary includes:

🏝️ 3 nights in a stunning villa in Lombok
🏝️ Sembalun Highland & Volcano Tour
🏝️ 1 night in .komodo
🏝️ 3 nights on a traditional Phinisi boat touring around the Gili Islands, Rinca, Kalong, Mantra Point, Mawan Island, Kanawa Island amongst a few.
🏝️4 nights in is a stunning private island close to Singapore which is designed especially for families.
🏝️ Boat back to Singapore to spend a couple of nights exploring the city.

I can help with simple holidays or complex itineraries from Europe to far flung places. Contact for more info!

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

25/10/2024

🎥🎬🧑🏼‍🍳

18/10/2024

🍱🍣😍

🌟Japanese Afternoon Tea is now available at Hurley House.🌟

Recognising the demand for authentic Japanese cuisine in Berkshire, we are excited to introduce a new take on traditional afternoon tea.

This latest offering is a natural extension of our Japanese culinary expertise following the successful launch of our Omakase Sushi Bar last year.

Priced at £50 per person, indulge in a selection of Japanese savoury bites, sweet treats, and a variety of aromatic teas including two special additions -Genmaicha and Hojicha-renowned for their aromatic flavours and health benefits.

To view the full menu, please visit our website.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this one-of-a-kind experience!

Book a table with us at [email protected] or call us on 01628 568500.

18/10/2024

If you love gorgeous & decadent interiors with incredible food then this is for you! I would literally love to go on any of these trips!

💥🎥 Uniworld has partnered with some of the UK’s most respected celebrities, offering our customers a cruise like no other.

These itineraries are perfect for clients who enjoy extraordinary culinary experiences while travelling the world in serene luxury. This time, we've added a touch of exclusivity by having four celebrities onboard.

Explore some of the UK’s most iconic Celebrities:

Monica Galetti | Venice & the Jewels of Veneto | 06 April 2025 | from £2,399pp

​💎​ Join the S.S La Venezia with Monica for her second Uniworld sailing

🏛️​ Monica Galetti will host two unforgettable days, showcasing her culinary brilliance in intimate gatherings

👨‍🍳​ Cooking demonstration, talk and Q&A with Monica Galetti

Tom Kerridge | Brilliant Bordeaux | 20 April 2025 | from £2,399pp

👑​ Join Tom Kerridge on his second voyage with Uniworld

​⚜️ Talk, and Q&A with chef and TV presenter Tom Kerridge

🥗​ Join Tom Kerridge for an onboard cooking demonstration

Ian Botham & Rosemary Shrager | Brilliant Bordeaux | 30 March 2025 | from £2,449pp

🥂​ Join Ian and Rosemary at a welcome drinks reception the day you board the ship

🌟 Enjoy a full week onboard the cruise with both hosts

🏏​ Join Ian Botham for a week of exclusive talks on his storied cricket career, inspiring life beyond the sport, & impactful charity efforts

📺​ Attend a private Q&A session with Rosemary to learn about her exciting life and career

🤝​ By booking this cruise a contribution will be made to Ian's Charity - "Beefy's Charity Foundation"

Raymond Blanc | Burgundy & Provence | 06 April 2025 | from £2,549pp

​🍷 Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc joins you for part of the cruise, to share his knowledge and passion for French cuisine

🍽️ Cooking demonstration onboard the ship

🦐​ Visit a local farmer’s market with Raymond as your host

​✨ Welcome drinks, talk and Q&A session with Raymond Blanc

Prices available until 31st October, or until sold out

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

17/10/2024

I’m delighted to announce that Travel Counsellors has been named Agency of the Year – Homeworking at the 2024 ATAS (Association of Tourism and Adventure Suppliers) Recognition Awards!

The awards celebrate and recognise travel professionals who have showcased touring and adventure holidays in the most innovative or successful ways.

Travel Counsellors gives me the tools, technology, and support I need to create exhilarating trips for my customers, and I’d love to book your next dream trip. Get in touch and let’s start planning your next adventure.

21/09/2024

Our final stop before we fly home from our Greek Cycladic adventure. We really deserve this as had the most horrendous journey here on a rocking and rolling ferry for 2 whole hours!! The wind is at 35km hours today so not a good day to be on the water!
This stunning hotel is a complete sanctuary with the most amazing views of the Caldera. The room is set in into the cave and beautifully appointed. We were lucky to be upgraded to an outside hot tub room too 🙏🏻

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

18/09/2024

We stayed for our first couple of nights which is in which is the most beautiful serene hotel built in the ruins of an old Monastery. Calm & relaxing with gorgeous rooms stylishly decorated with dark green velvet & pale pink furnishings. You can see these colours dotted around the hotel. The space his been simply refurbished with polished concrete floors & lots of rendered stone walls but keeping the main essence of the old Minastery. The main pool overlooks the Caldera with stunning views. A really calm environment. Our delicious breakfast was served in a gorgeous courtyard with classical music tinkling gently in the background. This feels like a very grown up hotel & one I would happily recommend to quite fit clients as there are lots of steps to the rooms, pool & restaurant.

15/09/2024

Beautiful the Capital. I promise I haven’t altered this picture in any way. The light from the sun set was incredible. We flew into Santorini to start our adventure in the Cyclades & these are just a few of the island. It’s much cooler and quieter with tourists and cruise ships in September so a perfect time to visit. We flew into Santorini then booked ferries between the islands. We spent 2 nights here then moved onto Naxos…more to follow.

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

30/08/2024

Morocco is really popular at the moment. It’s not all just about Marrakech!

Northern Cities of Morocco
9 NIGHTS | PRIVATE TOUR

🔹 Wander through the enchanting blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen

🍲 Immerse yourself in Moroccan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class in Fes

🥾 Enjoy a scenic hike to the stunning Akchour Waterfall, nestled in the Rif Mountains

🏰 Explore Tangier’s Historic Kasbah and Waterfront

🏺 Discover Meknes's underground granaries

🏨 Stay in unique luxury riads and boutique hotels

FROM £2,151 PP INCLUDES:

• 10 nights accommodation with daily breakfast

• Private minibus with A/C, English-speaking driver, at your disposal for the whole trip

• Guided trek to Akchour Waterfall

• Cooking class and local market visit in Fes

• Private guided tour in Rabat, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes and Meknes

More details:

*Price per person based on 2 adults sharing travelling 2024/2025. Single supplement from £580 per person

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

29/08/2024

✈️✈️✈️

27/08/2024

Great news! Starting October 1, 2024, Sri Lanka is offering visa-free access to citizens from 35 countries, including the UK. Below is an action packed itinerary for a trip to this stunning country. The food is absolutely delicious & great for Vegetarians & vegans.

Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure 🐆

10 NIGHTS | PRIVATE TOUR

Spot elephants, buffalo, and if you're lucky leopards on an incredible safari.
Ride one of the most scenic train routes on earth through lush hillsides and tea country.
Hike to remote villages and ancient temples in the jungle.
Experience true local Sri Lankan life and hospitality at an authentic homestay.

All transfers in an AC vehicle with a driver/guide.
10 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinners included.
Guided tour of Anuradhapura.
Cycling tour of Polonnaruwa.
Guided walk of the ruins of Polonnaruwa with a local primatologist.
Tour of Sigiriya with a local guide.
Guided hike from Andawala to Gammaduwa, Gammaduwa to Riverstone, Riverstone to Manigala Rock, and mini Adam's Peak.
Safari at Wasgamuwa National Park.
Tour an authentic tea plantation & evening frog walk with a local naturalist in Nuwara Eliya.
Scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
Visit to the authentic village of Chena and take a boat trip on a lake.

FROM £1,868 PP* INCLUDES
*Price based on 2 people sharing, travelling between November-March 2025. Flights excluded.

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

24/08/2024

There are still some gorgeous villas available for late summer and half term in Europe can still beautiful and warm!

🪻This luxury villa in Umbria’s hills has its origins in the 14th century, and the former farmhouse is still steeped in charm and character, though it now sits amid immaculate lawns, and is stylishly furnished and fully equipped with 21st century comfort.

🪻 Superb for a special occasion, a golfing holiday, and for gatherings of family or friends, its eight bedroom accommodation utilises all the old stone buildings, its own kitchen and living room. The get-together social space has a big sitting room and a dining room designed for sixteen guests, where cook service could be an invaluable addition.

🪻 With its own putting green in the very private gardens, the villa’s beautiful infinity pool and adjacent Jacuzzi gaze out to views of Antognolla’s medieval castle and Robert Trent Jones Jr golf course, which can be reached in five minutes via a private path.

🪻 There is a restaurant and bar at the Golf Club, Pierantonio’s shops are 9km away, and Umbertide is 15km from the villa.
🪻 To talk about this villa or any other holidays call or email me!



☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

20/08/2024

I’ve been a Travel Counsellor for a whole year & absolutely loved it! A huge thank you to every one who has booked with me so far & supported my new business! Travel Counsellors are a multi-award winning company and I’m really proud to be part of their brand.
If you’re looking for a holiday I can help! I don’t just book luxury far flung travel. I can also book Sailing holidays, Safaris, Adventure holidays, Villa Holidays, Riverboat or Sea Cruises, Hotels in Europe or in far flung places 😉 Ski holidays in Europe, USA & even Japan! 🗻⛷️ I can even book just Flights, Trains, Sporting events & Concerts!
I can also book Corporate and Group Travel
I work with some incredible suppliers which won’t cost you more if you book with me, here are just a few…

Cox & Kings
Abercrombie & Kent
Exodus
G Adventures
Sunsail
Citalia
Inghams
Ski World

Please feel free to share this post to friends and family. I’m always happy to have a chat and see if I can help you plan your prefect trip regardless of your budget!

Thank you!

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

https://www.405socialclub.co.uk/

13/08/2024

Which way to the beach! 🌴

The Algarve has some of Europe’s most beautiful coastline. You can visit discreet coves hidden amid golden cliffs, long undeveloped islands and dramatic western-facing oceanfronts pounded by waves. You’ll find kid-friendly beaches with calm seas, romantic spots for a sunset stroll and remote getaways overlooked by the summertime crowds.

The challenge is just deciding where to begin. Here’s my pick of some of the best beaches in the Algarve...

🌴 Praia do Camilo
🌴 Praia de Benagil
🌴 Praia do Carvalho
🌴 Praia da Falésia
🌴 Praia da Marinha
🌴 Praia de São Rafael

Which is your favourite...?

☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett

07/08/2024

I don’t just book holidays - I can recommend fabulous restaurants and beach clubs for your stay. We can even book private chefs!

Normally around this time of year we take a few days to the dreamy island of Ibiza. Sadly not happening this year! Too many other places to visit…
Ibiza is not just a party island but a fabulous place for all ages. Full of stylish hotels and restaurants & the coastline is blessed with some of the most stunning beaches and coves and there are some seriously excellent beach clubs. The ones listed below are 6 of my favourite for food, views, ambiance & style. Many hours have been spent at these eating delicious food & drinking ice cold local wines. Sa Punta isn’t a beach club but a gorgeous restaurant trio which serves Asian, Lebanese & fine dining Spanish dishes. Sa Trinxa isn’t so much of a beach club but a really cool bar on Salinas beach which plays fabulous music with your sundowners and they generally have a live musician playing saxophone or violin along to the cool Ibiza beats 🎵 Ah take me back! 🤩

Amante in Cala Llonga
Sa Punta on Talamanca Beach
The Beach House in Platja d’en Bossa
El Chiringuito Es Cavallet
Experimental beach Camino Cap des Falco
Sa Trinxa Salinas Beach

To find out more contact me on
☎ 01628 220022
📧 [email protected]
http://travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.minett