Jo Shayler Holidays

22/06/2024

Travel "Influencers"??

Don't get me started... oops, too late 😘

Roll V.T.... 🎬

16/06/2024

I feel blessed to have spent the last three days in the company of excellence at Grecotel LUXME White Palace on the beautiful island of Crete. 🇬🇷

Each year the crème de la crème of Travel Counsellors business owners (that includes me, please pardon the tooting of my own horn!) are whisked away by our trade partners by way of thanks and recognition for exceptional performance within the industry 🥳 🏆

Grecotel's warm Greek hospitality is legendary, and can be found at over 40 hotels and resorts throughout the islands and Athenian Riviera. Their deep ties to local culture and focus on sustainability has won them many awards over the years​ and I'm now able to testify as to why with conviction. 💪

Today I get to channel Shirley Valentine, in blissful solitude at Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort 👌

I can't wait to share my latest hotel crushes with you all but in the meantime it's "yamas" from La Shayler 🥂

09/06/2024

I discovered this idyllic island resort in 2016 and confidently recommend it to those I know will also experience a little piece of paradise that will stay with them forever. 🇲🇻

Over to Helen and David... https://bit.ly/3U7rRRf

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives

29/05/2024

A lifetime ago, Emma embarked on a life-changing journey to New Zealand.

22 years later, she was thrilled to return with her husband.

Their 19-day Kiwi adventure included 400 mountains and lakes, 150 dolphins, 60 glasses of Sauvignon Blanc, 18 Māoris doing the Haka, 10 waterfalls and almost no cross words with each other!

Sounds like a successful trip to me!

Check out her brilliant countdown ode here... https://bit.ly/3WIdR25

25/05/2024

It's Africa Day so time to reflect on past visits to one of my favourite countries on the planet, Morocco. 🇲🇦

It's a mere 3 hour hop over to the Red City and with its sights set firmly on World Cup Africa, Morocco is making a huge investment into its infrastructure with Marrakech flying the flag as a suitably cosmopolitan base for exploring this intriguing country.

Stay at: Atlas Widan
Sunday Brunch at: La Mamounia Marrakech
Chill at: El Fenn
Party at: Nobu Rooftop Garden
Eat with the locals at: Cafe Restaurant Al Baraka

Mountains: Atlas, 1 hour drive
Desert: Agafay, 1 hour drive
Sea: Essaouira, 2 hours drive
City: Casablanca, 45 minutes train
City: Tangiers, 1 hour flight

Check out my blog, an oldie but a goodie, from May 2022 for a reminder of what awaits... https://bit.ly/3AbF2FH

Those familiar with my feature on 'comfort travel' will know that revisiting loved hotels or destinations and enjoying that feeling of excitement and reassurance of the ‘known’ is an important one for me this year. With Iceland ticked off the list and Mauritius imminent, it seemed sensible to cr...

19/05/2024

After the perennial busy booking season for travel agents, the "battle of the brief"" with my husband determines the destination of choice for a rejuvenating rendezvous.

I won (again) and had my sights firmly set on Finnish Lapland, which provided much mirth and magic.

I hadn't exactly planned on wearing a Teletubby costume, cuddling Husky puppies or savouring Santa's Doner Kebab during this adventure.

Still, each unexpected encounter and fulfilling a twenty-year dream of seeing the Northern Lights (in the Arctic!) added to the magic.

I hope you enjoy our recounting of this fantastic Lapland trip on the following link... https://bit.ly/4bnIIp6

15/05/2024

It's like The Traitors and White Lotus hooked up and named their baby 'The Fortune Hotel'... 🪷
..and I'm totally here for it! 👀 🇬🇩 👀

So much so that I've managed to source an exclusive offer which goes live at lunchtime today 🥳

Quite simply: Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 of them and take advantage of complimentary private airport transfers.

Below you will find footage of me (it's not me) checking out the longest pool in the Caribbean at Silversands Grenada, the 'real' Fortune Hotel 🌊

If you're lucky I'll let you skip early check-out 😘



12/05/2024

Can I come out yet? 👀

Is that inappropriately named assault to the lugholes really over for another year?

I can't tell you how much it pains this travel agent to see these beautiful countries pitted against each other in such an undignified manner! 😱 🤣

I hereby proffer a small antidote in the form of a reel listing some of my favourites.

P.S. 🇨🇭 🥳 I highly recommend Switzerland at this time of year as you can see for yourselves here 👇

https://bit.ly/3lwMRN2

05/05/2024

September Sunseekers 👀🌞

Definition: "folk who travel to a destination for its warmth whilst wishing to avoid high volumes of children and the outrageous prices during school summer hols" (it's in the dictionary, honest).

An Oman adventure to remember! 🇴🇲

Experience the luxurious Shangri-La Al Bandar for only £950 per person! ✈️

Discover a playground of cultural and natural wonder, learn about turtles and spot dolphins. Then swap the sea to explore vibrant souks and awe-inspiring mosques. 🐬

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Bandar is one of only 5 turtle nesting sites in Oman and you can learn all out the conservation on site. 🐢

Price includes: ✅
· 5 nights in a Deluxe Room
· Return economy flights from the UK
· Bed & breakfast
· Airport transfers in Oman
· Departs 21 September 2024
· Book by 31 May 2024

Prices are subject to availability, natch.

P.S. children are of course welcome 😘

📧 [email protected]

01/05/2024

"Where’s Jo this week” I hear you cry, most likely through gritted teeth! 😬

The answer is IBIZA where I’ve had the pleasure of carrying out multiple site inspections with my trade partners Minty Highway Consulting and Palladium Hotels at some of the best hotels in the Balearics.

🍹Grand Palladium Ibiza Resort

🍸Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa, Ibiza

🍷 Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza

🥂 Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel

🧉 TRS Ibiza Hotel

Ibiza is a first for me… at least I think it is. Mind you, if you remember going to Ibiza in your formative years you probably weren’t doing it properly 🤔

The island is stunning and it’s not all about hedonistic foam parties and Calvin Harris banging out tunes in his budgie-smugglers. 🤭

Extensive video footage, images and intel on each of the above to follow.

28/04/2024

I must say that all this award winning is getting somewhat wearisome 🤪

Deep down, I am of course entirely thrilled that just 9 short months after moving my franchise to the supportive embrace of Travel Counsellors we’ve gone and won the highly coveted Top Luxury Agency category at the industry’s prestigious Travel Trade Gazette awards. Coincidence? I think not.

Okay, so perhaps a few of the other 2000 business owners at TC had something to do with it. It might have been our commitment to delivering world-class care through our concierged services and leveraging our cutting-edge technology to create perfectly tailored itineraries? It is possible? 🤔

I couldn’t help but indulge myself with a flashback to my 15 minutes of fame back in 2021 following my win as Travel Agent of the Year (during a global pandemic – did I mention that bit?).

Anyway, have a super Sunday and remember me for your next luxury escapade.

I remain your ever-humble and grateful Travel Agent.

JST 🥰

23/04/2024

April can only mean one thing: the arrival of my Spring newsletter!

It's bursting at the seams with juicy nuggets of travel goodness.

Picture this: the epic tale of my husband and I's recent escapade to Lapland (Finland) (spoiler alert: there's video footage of me donning a Teletubby costume!).

Plus, my recent educational trip to Paphos, Cyprus, the latest Travel Counsellors gathering and be transported to the enchanting lands of Japan and the Maldives through heartwarming client reviews.

And I've also stirred the pot for a hearty industry debate with my latest column for Travel Trade Gazette.

Click the link to dive in and enjoy... https://bit.ly/4d35hjY ...

18/04/2024

Discovering Sicily with Just You - Holidays for solo travellers

S1, Ep2: Siracusa and Ortigia

Day two of our adventure took us a couple of hours south to the natural port of Siracusa and the tiny quail-shaped island of Ortigia, where the Greeks first made their home on discovering Sicily. 🤓

And the sun shone for us 🫶 🌞

Today's takeaway: the local Polizia were incredibly helpful when asked for directions 😘



🍕 🇮🇹 🍋 🍕 🇮🇹 🍋 🍕 🇮🇹 🍋

15/04/2024

Confession time. 😬

I'm off to Sicily with Just You - Holidays for solo travellers to check out one of their legendary touring itineraries ....
... but it's NOT my birthday 😱

Thank you British Airways ... just testing 😇

14/04/2024

Super to see beautiful Japan feature in the first of the new series of Race Across the World this week.

My wonderful clients Jen and Darran recently returned from their own magical journey curated by moi in conjunction with the brilliant InsideJapan Tours.

From go-karting through Tokyo's neon-lit streets to serene countryside temples, follow their journey via pig cafes, breathtaking bike rides, communal hot springs, craft fairs and a feast of culinary adventures including cooking classes and negotiating a seafood allergy.

Enjoy this fascinating country vicariously through their fabulous blog here... https://bit.ly/4acd4ds

07/04/2024

Ever keen to stoke the fires for a healthy industry debate, my latest column for Travel Trade Gazette tackles the fact that I am not actually a huge fan of the term “homeworker...

I was delighted to be asked to write another piece for the Travel Trade Gazette's monthly homeworker column - written by homeworkers, for homeworkers.This time I tackled the fact that I am not actually a huge fan of the term “homeworker” and am pleased to have started an industry debate. 😊Ple...

31/03/2024

I can't believe that I'm saying this out loud, and please don't quote me on it...
.. but sometimes (SOMETIMES) it's perfectly acceptable to enjoy your Easter holidays at home with loved ones in the United Kingdom.

My personal prerequisites are:

The odd glimpse of sunshine
Daffs
Dogs
Laughter
Lambs
Cheese
Pubs
The Maldives (🤣)
Did I mention dogs?

Happy Sunday one and all. May your bunnies be Lindt and your eggs filled with creme 😋 🐣

JST x

27/03/2024

As promised here's the first of my Paphos-focused offerings following my highly enjoyable reunion with the Med's third largest island, Cyprus 🇨🇾

Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel - my two pennies' worth:

• Adults only; say no more 😘

• An all-suite property; space to swing several cats in your room 🐈 🤸‍♂️

• Exceptional customer service, even by my standards! 🥇

• Beachfront location with beautifully landscaped sea view gardens 🌼

• Well-spaced, fancy loungers with comfy cushions ⛱️

• Jaw-dropping sunsets 🌅

• Suites with private pool available 💎

• Flat, paved 3km seafront promenade (with plenty of 'refuelling stops' en-route) into Paphos Harbour 🏃‍♀️👨‍🦽👩‍🦼🚶‍♀️🚴

• Seafront yoga pavilion 🧘‍♀️

• Fabulously accommodating F & B team including an in-house sushi chef, exceptional grilled meats and plenty of refreshingly creative vegetarian options 🍣 🍖🥑

• Baklava on-tap 🫔

• 323 days of sunshine a year with temperatures of 18 degrees and upwards from April to November 🌞

• Togas optional 😘

Can you tell that I'm rather enamoured with this hotel and destination? 🥰

Prices start at around £1500 per person for 7 nights (including flights and private transfers), depending on the room category, board basis and time of year.

📱 07449 521 030
☎️ 01255 851 708
✉️ [email protected]

Constantinou Bros Properties Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel

24/03/2024

From Nairobi to the luxurious Little Governor’s Camp, Lyn and Richard felt like stars in their own Out of Africa movie!

I took care of everything, leaving them free to savour the Mara River's beauty and amazing wildlife. 🦓🐆🐘

What a wonderful special Birthday surprise - check out their adventure for some African safari inspiration: https://bit.ly/4aeN6Wf

21/03/2024

Love is... flying together and always letting your husband take the window seat 🪟 💙

Work is... flying solo and enjoying the view for yourself whilst you have the chance 😘

Four years ago my plans to visit Cyprus were abruptly curtailed and I had to make do with crafting a short blog instead.

https://bit.ly/3IIRe5a

Today I finally get to stay at the (blissfully) adults-only Asimina Suite Hotel, Pafos, Cyprus whilst inspecting the other hotels owned by Constantinou Bros Properties. The ever-scrutinous eye of La Shayler will be upon them 👀 🔍

Watch this space for the inevitable room tours, foodie snaps and entirely unnecessary 'feet on a sunbed' selfies 🤳

JST
X

08/03/2024

It's International Womens Day every day in my world 💪 but today I want to give a hearty shout-out to all the fabulously strong females that surround and lift me whenever I need a helping hand.

You are loved and appreciated enormously. Thank you.🥰

The blokes in my life aren't that bad either... I suppose 😘

06/03/2024

"I've always wanted to dress up as a Telletubby and launch myself into the Baltic Sea from the back of an icebreaker vessel" ... said no-one ever 😱

Yesterday we drove 2 hours south of Rovaniemi and crossed the border into Sweden to embark on this intrepid adventure.

Spoiler alert: husband chickened out 🐔 🐔 🐔

03/03/2024

Hei ja tervetuloa Lappiin 🇫🇮 🇫🇮

This year World Wildlife Day happily coincides with my long awaited visit to Finland's Lapland and provides me with great excuse to overshare images of our encounters so far. 🦌🐕

As beloved tourist attractions these huskies and reindeer might not appear to be enjoying the most natural of habitats but I can assure you that they're all living their best lives. 😍

Meanwhile, my dear husband tells me that my new hat makes me look like a Sesame Street character. Big Bird?! 🐥 Whatevs.

Enjoy your Sunday wherever in the world you are 💙

27/02/2024

Cor! What a treat. I feel quite spoiled 😍

I've been off-radar for a couple of days celebrating all things Travel Counsellors with a big Sunday knees-up at the exquisite Fairmont Windsor Park.

Monday was spent brainstorming new ideas for business growth with a focus on customer care, for without you all I would be nothing! 🥰

Massive thanks for your love and loyalty which has enabled my franchise to reach Travel Counsellors' GOLD standard.

Big love to Celebrity Cruises Cunard Visit Qatar Conrad Maldives Rangali Island for your sponsorship.

Back to the grindstone I go...

JST xx

21/02/2024

What better way to holiday than to burn those calories as you consume them? 🎿

Here are the Triggs showing us how it's done with panache 🥰

If fresh mountain air combined with sunny blue skies and cardio is on your wishlist for 2025, now is the time to make those plans. ❄️

17/02/2024

Discover the avant-garde and lavish at So/ Maldives, a new resort overlooking the stunning Emboodhoo Lagoon. It features bespoke villas that are inspired by fashion and art, with open-living spaces and a private pool. With unique dining experiences, a chilled-out beach club, and a peaceful spa, this exclusive lagoon paradise is ideal for a relaxing retreat.

• The Wellness Camp is a must-visit. Its bespoke hammam spa, modern treatment rooms, and state-of-the-art gym can cater to everyone.

• Relax in the Lazuli Beach Club from sunrise to sunset, a haven of bohemian vibes, it provides creative cocktails, colourful culture, and a delicious poolside menu.

What's included:

• 7 nights at SO/Maldives

• Lagoon Water Pool Villa;

• Indirect flights with seaplane transfers

• $300 spa credit

🖐 [email protected]
🖐 07449 521 030

14/02/2024

What better way to spend Valentines Day than with two of my favourite Work Wives polishing up on our Destination Weddings knowledge?

Fun fact: One in four Brits get married abroad for the following reasons:

🫶 Climate
🫶 Reduce costs
🫶 Avoid unwanted guests

❤️ The average spend for a UK based wedding is £27k.

❤️ The average spend for a Destination Wedding is £11k (and that includes the honeymoon!)

So what are you waiting for? Already married? Do it again 😘

Happy V Day from La Shayler 🥰

11/02/2024

The Indian Ocean beckons once more - can't for the life of me work out why 😎

I've recently had clients report on marriage proposals, seaplanes, perfect family adventures, and several taking advantage of some excellent value offers for a little R&R on some of the world's finest paradise islands.

The Maldives are the cream of the crop for some floating in the ocean and a secluded beach holiday.

For Liv and her partner, Harry, it was everything they could have dreamed of – and the Siyam World resort was ""indescribably good" ... https://bit.ly/3SC1XCZ

What a wonderful way to spend your first holiday together 🥰

Liv gave me the ultimate compliment... "When we are looking at our next holiday, I will be sure to come to you."

Thanks, Liv, I look forward to booking your next adventure.

VisitMaldives Sun Siyam Resorts Maldives

03/02/2024

My love affair with the Indian Ocean is no secret and on seeing this offer I have to confess to a few palpitations as it's been 12 long years since I stepped foot on the splendid sands of the The Seychelles Islands. 🐠

Experience the Outer and Inner islands of the Seychelles.
Start your Seychelles holiday on the main island, Mahe, for a stay at Carana Beach Hotel. Stroll through the lively Victoria markets before admiring the iconic little Big Ben clock tower. Framed with beautiful granite rock formations, the picturesque wild beach where the hotel is set, offers the perfect place to escape reality and embrace nature. 🐠🐠

The second part of your stay is at the outer island resort of Alphonse Island. Lush natural forests fringe the shores of beautiful white beaches, adorned with the remnants of historical coconut groves. In this serene environment, encounter ancient wandering tortoises, lively crabs, and a diverse array of bird species. Embrace the exquisite simplicity of a tropical island paradise, leaving the demands of everyday life behind. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this natural sanctuary, renowned as one of the foremost protected fisheries in the remote expanses of the Indian Ocean.
Alphonse Island is a refuge for people looking for an authentic and unspoiled island experience. 🐠🐠🐠

Prices start at £5551 per person and include:

6 nights in an Ocean view room on half board at Carana Beach Hotel.
4 nights in a Beach Bungalow on full board on Alphonse Island
Return economy flights
Inter-island flight transfers in the Seychelles
Departs 5th October 2024

[email protected] 🐠
01255 851 708 🐠🐠