Kate Matthews - Travel Counsellor

12/11/2024

Gary Barlows South African Wine Tour 🍷

Anyone catch episode 1 last night? Despite travelling the world as part of Take That, the multi-award winning singer songwriter has always had a soft spot for South Africa and now as a newcomer and an entrepreneur in the wine industry, his endearing love of the country extends beyond the epic landscapes and roaming wildlife.

Gary starts his journey on the Western Cape exploring the vineyards and learning about the variety of grapes, their sustainability, and what food is paired perfectly with each before driving through the breathtaking scenery.

Joined by friends along the way, Gary will also head further North to embark on a safari experience of a lifetime and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, where he’ll discover a wine revolution is taking place!

If you are thinking of visiting South Africa, I can help you create your perfect itinerary, weather you are a family, couple or group of friends I can tailor just for you. Reels to follow

08/11/2024

2025 is shaping up to be your year, and I'm here to ensure you don’t miss out on the latest adventures. From the exhilarating thrills of Universal Epic Universe's theme parks to the breathtaking landscapes of North Iceland, the world is your oyster.

Whether you're dreaming of the world's largest cruise ship or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations like Madagascar, I will tailor the perfect adventure for you. Ready to create unforgettable memories? Let me start planning your next holiday today!


26/09/2024

Having visited Ibiza myself the last couple of summers I can definitely vouch for the beauty and tranquility that can be found on the island,. It’s not all party party party!

This week's episode of "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby" features Six Senses Ibiza 🌿✨ Nestled in the serene northern part of the island, Six Senses offers a perfect escape with tranquil coves and breathtaking views. Experience the unspoiled beauty and unique charm that this part of Ibiza has to offer.

When you book with me you’re not just booking a trip—you're unlocking exclusive insights into the island's best-kept secrets. Why settle for ordinary when you can explore Ibiza with someone who’s seen the island first hand and cares about every detail of your adventure?

Get in touch today to discuss your next adventure
☎️ 020 3603 5590

19/09/2024

The Last Supper in Sri Lanka 🍹🥘

Checked into our final hotel ,The Cinnamon Red, in Colombo and WOW, the views!!

Dinner was taken at the sister hotel Cinnamon Grand and the setting was beautiful, traditional music and fire eaters. A memorable last meal together with a great group. We’ve learnt so much and had the best time , thanks to our wonderful guide Dilip.

19/09/2024

Day 8: Final Day & Goodbyes
Can’t believe today is our final day so after breakfast we leave the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya and head back to Colombo via the small town of Kitulgala for a spot of white water rafting on the river . Scenery is so beautiful here with luscious greenery and picturesque landscapes. You can also find the remains of the bridge from the film “Bridge on the River Kwai”. Although set in Thailand it was actually filmed in Sri Lanka.

18/09/2024

Day 7: Tea Picking and Spectacular views over Misty Tea Plantations
We were due to take the scenic rail ride today into the misty tea hills from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya ( Little England) but due to a technical fault with the train we had to avert to plan B so a coach ride onto the misty hills was the agenda. Nuwara Eliya was a favoured cool escape for the British, at 6,128ft (1,868m) above sea level this town is most famous for its tea production. The scenery was spectacular . We visited a tea factory, met local tea pickers and even picked tea leaves ourselves . Was a great day and a tick from my bucket list 🌱

18/09/2024

Day 6, Kandy, Buddah and blessing from the chief Monk! 🪷
Today was amazing as we totally immersed ourselves in the local culture with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. It’s is so busy so be prepared (think rush hour on a packed tube) but well worth the experience with the music , beautiful flowers and food parcel that the locals bring as offerings to Buddha. After the visit we met with the chief Monk in his living quarters next to the temple . We all received a blessing each . One of my most memorable moments 🪷

15/09/2024

Day 5: Kandy, Spice Gardens, Massages , Botanical Gardens & Traditional Dancing 🌱

We had a great morning visit to the Spice Gardens near Matale , was amazing to see and learn all about the various herbs and spices growing in their natural environment. After the tour we all got a 10 minute massage! Obviously didn’t leave without stocking up on lots of great spices , oils and Ayurvedic medicines.

The afternoon was spent at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens with houses over 4000 different plant species, then on the being we watched a performance of traditional Kandyan Dancing and fire walking 🔥

15/09/2024

Day 4: Cave Temples , Local Village and Canoes

Visited the Cave temples in Dambulla today.. There are five caves decorated with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues showcasing cultural and spiritual significance dating back to the 1st Century BC.
After we headed to the rural village of Habarana in Hiriwaduna .situated in the luscious countryside . We took a cart ride through the Paddy fields , had a relaxing trip in a canoe , drank fresh coconuts then finished with the most amazing lunch made by a locals and served in their house .

14/09/2024

Day3 - Cycling, Temples and an Elephant Safari 🐘

Cycled through the ancient capital of Polonnaruw this morning visiting lots of Buddhist Relics and ruins . Stop for lunch in a rural village and had traditional Sri Lanka. Food . Afternoon was spent in Minneriya National Park - famous for the “Gathering of the Elephants” . we took a 4x4 and observed the elephants in their natural habitat. 🐘

13/09/2024

Day 2
Sigiriya Rock Climb

This morning we transferred to Hotel Sigiriya where we will be staying for the next couple of nights. In the afternoon we climbed Sigiriya Rock or Lions Rock as it’s otherwise known. Not a great lover of heights I’m so glad I persevered and made it to the top, the views were incredible!!

12/09/2024

🐘 Sri Lanka Highlights Trip 🐘

Ayubowan !!
Welcome from Sri Lanka. Lucky me has landed on the Island of Serendipity and over the next 9 days I will be exploring Sri Lanka and all it has to offer on a guided group tour of Sri Lankas highlights. courtesy of Exodus, one of our trusted suppliers. Blog and reel to follow , but for now here’s what we’ve been up to so far ….

Day 1: Arrival Day
On arrival we were met my our lovely local tour guide Dilip who will be looking after us throughout our trip. First stop Pegasus Reef hotel - great stopover hotel in beautiful surroundings on the beach just on the outskirts of Colombo. Managed a swim and a pool side nap in the sun before a delicious 4 course meal in the hotels a la carte seafood restaurant. Off to bed for some much needed😴

07/09/2024

The Disney Fantasy is coming to the UK for the first time ever in Summer 2025! 🇬🇧🚢 Set sail from Southampton on 3, 4 and 5-night sailings as you discover magical new details onboard this fantastical ship. ✨

T&Cs Apply

06/09/2024

Today, we celebrate the passion and expertise that go into crafting unforgettable journeys. With a wealth of knowledge and a genuine love for travel, I’m here to help you confidently explore the world. Whether it's sipping espresso in a hidden Italian piazza or discovering tranquil coves reserved only for those in the know, I’ll take care of every detail—so you can focus on making memories. 💼🌟


With unmatched protection and personal service, I offer peace of mind, ensuring you're never alone on your travel adventure. Ready to plan your next trip? Contact me today, and let's make your travel dreams a reality! 📞✨

05/09/2024

🐪Villa Mauresque, Marrakech, Morocco🐪

5 bedrooms | inclusive of full cook service | heated pool | daily maid service | breathtaking views

🍂October half-term🍂Prices from £1,111pp departing in October 2024, inclusive of flights & checked luggage!

Featured in interior publications, this beautifully decorated villa with cook service, is set in extensive lawned gardens. An ideal villa for sightseeing or pool side relaxation.

Within easy reach of the vibrant souks of Marrakech as well as the magnificent scenery of the Atlas Mountains and the Ourika Valley, the villa offers a very private, quiet retreat in a location that allows guests to combines a sophisticated city break with exploring the great outdoors. The villa is built around a traditional courtyard, from which the bedrooms are accessed. Four bedrooms are of a good size with en suite bath or shower rooms and open to the terraces with tables and chairs and to the gardens. A fifth bedroom is slightly smaller. One double and one twin bedroom are accessed off a hallway in a corner of the courtyard and the other two bedrooms are accessed from a second hallway in another corner of the courtyard. One of these is the master bedroom. Each bedroom has a furnished terrace. The rest of the house comprises an elegant sitting room with dining area. French doors opening to the courtyard on one side and terrace with soft seating and gardens on the other. The kitchen is well equipped and used by the staff and the dining room is accessed from near the kitchen. On the upper level of the house is a fantastic furnished rooftop terrace offering unparalleled panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the perfect place for sundowners after a long day of sightseeing.

The cook prepares three meals a day. Madja enjoys cooking for the guests immensely, using fresh ingredients from the vegetable patch such as tomatoes and aubergines, as well as lemons and oranges from the trees at the villa. She prepares a variety of dishes from Moroccan tagines and assorted salads, to Moroccan breads and a range of beautiful desserts - her favourite dessert is tart a l'orange. She also enjoys taking a lot of care over the setting in which guests enjoy their meals. The style of the table settings is different for each meal and thoughtfully planned between the dining room and the outdoor terrace. The tables are laid with block printed tablecloths from India and ceramics, glassware and cutlery from Morocco, while freshly cut roses and herbs from the garden add the finishing touches.

The extensive, beautifully designed gardens which have recently been greatly improved with lighting, further seating areas are magnificent. There is table tennis leading to the large private pool with pretty shaded soft seating and pool

✈️ Fly from London Gatwick on 25th October 2024 for 7 nights at Villa Mauresque, Morocco - including return direct flights and luggage with TUI from £1150pp based on 10 people travelling.

✈️ Fly from London Heathrow on 25th October 2024 for 7 nights at Villa Mauresque, Morocco - including return direct flights and luggage with British Airways from £1658pp based on 10 people travelling.

✈️ Fly from London Luton on 25th October 2024 for 7 nights at Villa Mauresque, Morocco - including return direct flights and luggage with Easy Jet from £1293pp based on 10 people travelling.

✈️ Fly from London Stanstead on 25th October 2024 for 7 nights at Villa Mauresque, Morocco - including return direct flights and luggage with Jet2 from £1356pp based on 10 people travelling.

☎️ 020 3603 5590

04/09/2024

04/09/2024

☀️ The last day of summer doesn't have to mean the last of sunshine and sandy toes! If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to those golden rays, remember—it’s always summer somewhere! 🌴✨

Why not turn that FOMO into action and book a last-minute escape? Let's find your perfect sunny getaway and keep those summer vibes alive. Contact me today, and let's make it happen! ✈️💼


13/08/2024

⛵Toulas, St Stephano, Corfu⛵

2 bedrooms | walk to beaches, restaurants & amenities | flexible arrivals

Amazing LAST MINUTE OFFER saving up to 15%! Prices from only £889pp departing in August 2024, inclusive of flights & checked luggage!

Toulas House is a newly refurbished two bedroom villa in Corfu, located within walking distance of the beach and complete with sleek, modern interiors and a private swimming pool.

Boasting a contemporary style and excellent location in the heart of St Stephano, Toulas House is an elegant villa that makes the most of its sun-soaked setting. With two bedrooms in total and set just minutes from the beach on foot, this is the perfect retreat for couples or a small family.

Inside the villa, daylight flows freely from room to room through the open plan living, dining and kitchen area, creating a bright and airy space that’s ideal for guests to socialise, whilst relishing in the villa’s many modern comforts. Both the en suite bedrooms are comfortable, spacious and well-furnished, granting direct access to the terrace and pool area. For a more relaxed stay, guests can request in-villa cook service at an additional cost, alongside wine and grocery shopping deliveries. More optional extras at Toulas House include wellness treatments, laundry service and babysitting. There are also air conditioning units located throughout the villa.

Outside, sun loungers surround the small private swimming pool, providing each of the four guests with a spot to relax, unwind, and bask in the St Stephano sun. Only a hundred metres away are several shops, restaurants and bars in St Stephano town, perfect for spontaneous late night exploring. Two kilometres away, there’s a café, taverna and beach in Kerasia, and guests can find more tavernas in Avlaki, sitting just over three kilometres from the villa. For those looking to explore the local nightlife, Kassiopi is another popular option that has incredible beaches with crystal-clear waters, just five kilometres from the villa. For those seeking adventure, enjoy watersports out on the water in Kalami, just a nine kilometre drive away.
☎️02036035590

✈️ Fly from London Gatwick on 30th August 2024 for 7 nights at Toulas, Corfu - including return direct flights and luggage with TUI from £889pp based on 4 people travelling.

✈️ Fly from London Heathrow on 30th August 2024 for 7 nights at Toulas, Corfu - including return direct flights and luggage with British Airways from £1114pp based on 4 people travelling.

✈️ Fly from London Luton on 30th August 2024 for 7 nights at Toulas, Corfu - including return direct flights and luggage with TUI from £1133pp based on 4 people travelling.

✈️ Fly from London Stanstead on 30th August 2024 for 7 nights at Toulas, Corfu - including return direct flights and luggage with TUI from £1143pp based on 4 people travelling.