My Moroccan Odyssey, part one: Sofitel Palais Imperial, Marrakech 🥰
Before embarking on a three day escapade to the Mergouza Desert with Not In The Guidebooks I wanted to drop in on my dear friend Romayssa at Sofitel Palais Imperial for a pre-trek injection of glamour 💋
Given the central location, a short walk from Jemaa Fna and the super hip Hivernage district, this oasis of Moroccan charm and calm is a balm for the soul. 🧘
It's rare to find a big brand hotel which reflects and embraces a country's culture and personality with such commitment. 🙌
Sofitel Palais Imperial has all the style and elegance of La Mamounia but without the eyewatering price tag and is a perfect base for a 3 night city break in the Red City. 🇲🇦
You heard it here first 😘💪
Previously scuppered by the pesky pandemic and subsequent life events, Ann and Chip's holiday to the Maldives with Tony and Jackie had been years in the planning.
A few weeks before departure life threw yet another of its curveballs at them, once again forcing a tricky decision to cancel.
Tony and Jackie decided to bravely (😘) soldier on and head to Atmosphere Kanifushi without them...
... so on receiving the fabulous, if rather last-minute, news that they would after all be able to join them in paradise, we decided to keep it a secret 🙊 🤐
A heartwarming tale of lifelong friendship, holiday besties and joyful surprises at LGW's North Terminal 💖 🥳
Happy holidays folks. Always a pleasure.
JST
X
It's finally happening, and the pre-launch nerves are kicking in! 🎧
Here’s a sneak peek of I Want You To Go Away – my brand-new podcast where I sit down with Fay Swinton-Berry, my trusty travel companion and long-suffering friend, to chat all things travel. ✈️
We’re sharing quirky moments, hidden gems, and, of course, some of the ridiculous mishaps we’ve encountered along the way.
Our first episode tackles a subject close to many hearts: hotel gripes. Granted, they’re First World problems, but that doesn’t mean they don’t grind our gears!
This is just the beginning! The full episode drops on International Podcast Day, 30th September. Stay tuned for links and subscription details!
We had a blast recording this, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Go easy on us folks: I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon, I promise 😘
#IWantYouToGoAway #joshaylerholidays #travelpodcast #InternationalPodcastDay #mintyhighway
Time to squeeze in some long-overdue supplier-schmoozing hosted by House of Kooser at the legendary St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
One of my favourite buildings in London, this Grade I listed structure still boasts the original ticket booking office (now a sumptuous bar), suites with a direct view of the departure platforms, and, rather less prestigiously, the famous staircase featured in the Spice Girls Wannabe music vid. A-zig-a-zig aahh.
🚆🧳 Seat to Suite ↔️ Suite to Seat 🧳🚆
If you book a suite at the hotel before/ after travel by Eurostar you'll be collected from your train seat, checked in and escorted to your suite, and vice versa.
Sadly I had to make my way home on the 2018h Greater Anglia out of Liverpool Street and kip in my own bed... but maybe next time 😘
#RenaissanceStPancras #marriottbonvoy #Eurostar #houseofkooser
Never let it be said that I don't like the sound of my own voice 😘
#podcast #joshaylerholidays #luxurytravel
Q: How did I miss International Beach Day at the weekend? 🌏
A: I was at the beach, obvs! 🐋
12 years ago I ditched the Big Smoke for the north east coast of Essex and its huge sandy beaches remain one of my happiest places to be.
The Caribbean and Indian Ocean can be so tediously predictable by comparison 😉
I am fortunate to have lounged upon many an exotic sandy shore in my brief time on this planet, but as the great British summer comes to an underwhelming anti-climax, I’m choosing to celebrate all things beach with a montage of this season’s best bits. 👌 🏊♂️🧘
Happy belated Beach Day. ⛱️
#eastcoastyoga #eastcoast5 #frintononsea #waltononthenaze #NationalBeachDay
Jo Shayler Holidays top tip 😎
When staying at the finest adults-only all-inclusive hotel in Ibiza, don't leave the best bit 'til last 🌟
Epic Travel Agent fail! 🤭
TRS Ibiza Hotel you were FAB-U-LOUS 😍💋
#TRSIbizaHotel #PalladiumHotelGroup #ibiza #mintyhighway
It’s World Elephant Day so let’s talk about the big one in the room: is it possible to interact with these beautifully majestic mammoths without fear of being cancelled or causing harm?
The answer is yes, but with provisions… 🧐
🐘 Avoid Riding Elephants
Elephant riding is often harmful to the animals due to the training methods used to make them submissive. If you’re being offered an elephant ride, it ain’t ethical. Walk with them, feed them, wash them, observe them but please never EVER ride them.
🐘 Choose Sanctuaries Over Zoos or Circuses
Look for sanctuaries that rescue and rehabilitate elephants from abusive situations. These places often provide large, natural spaces for the elephants to roam and live peacefully.
🐘 Research the Sanctuary
Not all sanctuaries are ethical. Some may claim to be sanctuaries but still exploit elephants.
🐘 Participate in Conservation Activities
Some holidays offer opportunities to engage in conservation work, such as habitat restoration, elephant monitoring, or supporting local communities that coexist with elephants.
Jo Shayler Holidays loves all animals equally (dogs more than humans) and can guide you through this ethical minefield, ensuring that both you and the elephants can sleep soundly at night. 🫶
#worldelephantday #ElephantLove #shamwariprivategamereserve #governorscamp #elephanthills #minneriyanationalpark
