British Virgin Islands Luxury Resorts
My bag is packed as tomorrow I am heading off the British Virgin Islands for a fabulous tour of some ultra-luxury properties, courtesy of the BVI Tourist Board. I am lucky to have visited the BVI a few times before, but always sailing, so whilst I know the anchorages and rum bars well (ehem!), I am not so au fait with the hotels, resorts and restaurants.
Properties I am due to visit include:
▪️ Long Bay Beach Resort
▪️ Necker Island
▪️ Branson Estate
▪️ Oil Nut Bay
▪️ Rosewood Little Dix Bay
▪️ CocoMaya
▪️ Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina
▪️ Marina Cay
Furthermore, on the way back we have a few hours transit in Antigua and will be taking the opportunity to visit the world renowned Jumby Bay, chosen holiday spot for many a celebrity and high roller.
I am really looking forward to learning more about land based holidays in the BVI, as whilst the sailing is fabulous, I know that is not for everyone and the islands offer so much more on land too.
Any questions about the properties mentioned (or anything else about the BVI or Antigua), please fire away...
Must Visit European Cities
Chatting to a Kiwi friend recently, she was reminding me how lucky we are to be living in Europe, with so many fabulous and diverse cities just a stone’s throw away. In just a couple of hours (or less in some cases!) one could be…
🇧🇪 wandering the picturesque cobbled streets of Bruges.
🇳🇴 following in the footsteps of Vikings in Stavanger.
🇭🇷 exploring the royal palaces of Split.
🇩🇰 experiencing one of the World’s oldest theme parks, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
🇮🇪 enjoying a pint of the black stuff in Cork.
🇵🇹 visiting the worlds oldest bookstore in Lisbon.
🇮🇸 snorkelling between two tectonic plates near Reykjavik.
🇨🇿 shopping for Christmas presents in Staromestske namesti, Pragues 12th century town square.
… no matter the time of year, if you fancy a mini-break with a difference, get in touch and prepared to be wowed!
Top City Weekend Breaks
Fancy a weekend away? From hidden gems to buzzing streets, check out these suggestions for a fabulous min-break.
🇳🇴 Oslo - Norway's capital is a brilliant blend of old and new architecture.
Experiential extension: Norway in a Nutshell – A legendary tour from Oslo to Bergen, taking you through Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO protected fjord and mountain scenery, as well as a trip on Europe’s top scenic rail journey.
🇩🇪 Berlin - The German capital is big, bold, and beautifully compelling. There's more here than you can fit into a weekend, even a long one, so take your time and enjoy strolling around.
Quirky stay: Huttenpalast – eccentric urban glamping in vintage caravans inside a converted vacuum factory!
🇭🇺 Budapest - Named one of Conde Nast Traveller's top places to visit in 2024 after celebrating its 150th anniversary in late 2023.
No kids allowed: Hotel Clark Budapest - A fabulously stylish boutique hotel for over-18s only. In a prime spot next to the Chain Bridge, with magnificent river views from its rooftop bar and many of its rooms.
🇮🇹 Venice - Great for couples but also friends, families, and solo travellers, this road-traffic-free city is one of the loveliest in the world for simply ambling around - perhaps with a gelato in hand.
Must do: Live like a local and enjoy cicchetti with an early evening glass of wine, whilst watching the world go by at the wonderful All'Arco.
🇪🇸 Palma - The Majorcan capital delivers blissful sunshine less than two and a half hours' flight time from London.
Luxury break: Stay at the luxurious 5* Can Cera, a refurbished 17th-century palace with grand Renaissance flourishes. Tucked away in the labyrinthine streets of Palma's Gothic Quarter, it is close to many key sights, Palma Cathedral, shops, restaurants and only 10 minutes from the beach.
Best city breaks for a weekend stay:
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/inspiration/blog/best-city-breaks-for-a-weekend-stay
South Korea
Having been away last week, I have been a little late catching up on the current BBC series of Race Across The World. Not only did watching the intrepid competitors sprinting across Japan in episode 1 give me an idea for a family Japanese enquiry I am currently working on, but I was also interested to see the teams traverse South Korea in episode 2, having arranged a fabulous trip there for a keen K-Dram (Korean Drama) fan last year.
My client asked me to create a two week itinerary to travel solo, taking in many of South Korea’s main highlights, experiencing local culture and traveling by bullet train, plus he wanted to visit some of the remote and unique locations used for filming in his much loved Korean Dramas.
‘’10/10 Service. Suzanna found a better flight than I had considered and put together options to add convenience and variety. She arranged a dedicated tour guide for one day specific to an objective of the trip, included additional activities and provided a clear itinerary. Thank you.’’
Journeys with care: Adventure
Today is Earth Day, a day to remind us about the importance of environment conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and to take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.
To celebrate, take a look at our new responsible travel series ‘Journeys with care’. Over the next few weeks I will share some wonderful suggestions to help you travel more responsibly, with something for everyone, from adventure seekers, golden shore goddesses, cruising connoisseurs, travelling as a couple or with the whole tribe (family holidays!).
Whilst I am a keen traveller, I am also very conscious about the impact travel can have on our planet and last year was honoured to be selected for the inaugural Travel Trade Gazette Sustainable Travel Ambassador Programme, undertaking a series of training sessions and discussions lead by travel industry sustainability and conservation experts.
So pop on your walking boots, dust off your rucksack and follow the link below to unleash your adventurous spirit sustainably, diving into vibrant ecosystems, conquering majestic peaks and leaving a trail of conservation behind.
Explore responsibly; adventure awaits!
Journeys with care: Adventure
https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/leisure/responsible-travel/adventure/?t=99cjl
SS Joie de Vivre’
Excited to be packing my bag for a lovely trip to Paris this weekend, spending 24 hours indulging in the fabulous Uniworld hospitality aboard their luxurious ‘SS Joie de Vivre’, followed by a night at the magnificent Le Cinq Codet.
‘’S.S. Joie de Vivre brings the ‘’joy of living” to the rivers of France. Step aboard your floating pied-à-terre in France, featuring handcrafted furniture and fine antiques, original artwork and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design from the Golden Twenties to the free-spirited Sixties, all blending seamlessly with modern conveniences.’’ – Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
‘’The most contemporary of Left Bank hotels, Le Cinq Codet is a 5-star property located in the very chic 7th Arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides Museum. It is a place that one does not expect, a building dating back to the 30s, rare and surprising. Like the bow of an ocean liner, its art-deco geometry stands out for its difference. Pick up the ambience of designer Jean-Philippe Nuel and his Art Deco approach to the modern and contemporary elegance of each area of the establishment.’’ – Le Cinq Codet
I shall be reporting back about my travels, but if you are considering a river cruise or a break to Paris, please fire away with any questions in the meantime as whilst we will be hosted by Uniworld, there will also be representatives from other luxury cruise operators onboard, including Silversea, Oceania, Celebrity Cruises and Regent Seven Seas.
A bientôt!
What if... Flights are Free!
It’s January sales time!
Stop dreaming about that once in a lifetime holiday or endlessly pondering about where to take the family this summer. I work with hundreds of super suppliers who are currently offering some amazing deals for a whole array of travel, from all-inclusive Med hop and flops to bucket list adventures to the polar extremes… and everything in between!
Ever fancied hanging out with penguins in ANTARCTICA… witnessing the northern lights in ICELAND… searching for polar bears in SVALBARD… exploring the rugged wilderness of ALASKA… visiting a remote Inuit community in GREENLAND… retracing Darwin’s footsteps in the GALAPAGOS… or navigating the lesser sailed channels of the NORTHWEST PASSAGE?
Well, now’s your chance to explore for less with HX’s (Hurtigruten Expeditions) amazing offer ‘What if… Flights are free?’!
Free flights to a variety of destinations but hurry, only for a limited time!
Iberostar Hotels and Resorts
As part of a Sustainable Travel Programme I am currently undertaking, I have loved learning about the commitment to responsible travel demonstrated by Iberostar Hotels and Resorts.
Market leaders in promoting sustainable tourism, Iberostar launched their Wave of Change programme back in 2018, a pioneering movement towards a circular economy, promoting responsible seafood consumption and improving coastal health. Amongst other things, they become single-use plastic free in 2020, are aiming to be waste free by 2025 and carbon neutral by 2030 – all pretty big aims and achievements.
A major part for many guests at an Iberostar property is to enjoy the marine environment. Together with a team of scientists and experts, Iberostar are investing in all the ecosystems surrounding their hotels and resorts, improving the ecological health and protecting coastal habitats, such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses. They are transforming their hotels into observatories for the future of our coasts, monitoring the effects of climate change.
With over 100 hotels in 16 countries, spanning four continents, next time you are pondering a holiday, why not visit an Iberostar property. Not only are you guaranteed a wonderful stay, but you will also be supporting actions to ensure we leave a legacy for future generations.
Antarctica
⭐️ Exclusive Travel Counsellors Virtual Event ⭐️
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit the end of the World?
Antarctica is a continent that has long captivated intrepid explorers. A unique and wild place offering unbelievable wildlife and stunning scenery - home to penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, imposing glaciers and snow topped peaks.
Intrepid are known for offering amazing adventures and as they go, visiting Antarctica is a big one! Having crossed the infamous Drake Passage, set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, explore ice-dotted bays by Zodiac, marvel at waddling gentoo penguins and spot migrating blue whales. Experience this incredible part of the world in a way that builds human connection and gets closer to nature whilst respecting the environment.
If, like me, visiting Antarctica is high on your bucketlist or you would simply like to learn more about this special corner of the globe, Intrepid are hosting an exclusive virtual event, purely for Travel Counsellors clients. Not only will this event feature a Special Guest Expert on Antarctica, but there will also be exclusive offers available, only bookable via Travel Counsellors (i.e. me!).
When and how can I tune in, I hear your cry?
🚢 Tuesday 22nd August at 6.30pm
🐧 Pop a comment below, send me a DM or ping me an email [email protected] and I'll send you the link.
I’ll definitely be tuning in and look forward to seeing you there!
Icelandic Volcano
WOW how utterly amazing is this, flying over a real erupting volcano! 🌋🚁
As once in a lifetime opportunities go, this is a cracker! Take a 40 minute helicopter ride over Iceland's erupting volcano for a truly unforgettable experience.
Combine with a dip in one of Iceland’s thermal lagoons, a super jeep adventure to see out of this world geysers, waterfalls and glaciers and even get the chance to snorkel through crystal clear waters between two tectonic plates – it is a whole term of Geography lessons rolled into reality!
This old girl won't be bubbling away forever - don’t delay and get in touch now to ensure you don’t miss out!
Sri Lanka with Travel Counsellors
I love this video - not only does it showcase the delights of Sri Lanka, but also gives an honest and unbiased review as to why you should book with a Travel Counsellor!
Shot by a real TC client, Katie, on a 10 day tour of Sri Lanka, she experienced everything from elephants in the wild to mountain climbing and visiting the traditional Halpewatte Tea Factory. The trip was a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Having climbed the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya myself, I empathise with Katie’s comments at the beginning – it is steep, hot and at times terrifying, climbing up carved steps and staircases bolted onto the side of the rock, with sheer drops below. However, the feeling of achievement when you reach the top and the stunning views are well worth the effort!
Creating unforgettable experiences is at the heart of what I do best. I have the care and expertise to make your travel dreams come true, so wherever you want to go next, let's get your holiday sorted!
Who are Travel Counsellors?
Who are Travel Counsellors?
This is a question I am often asked and put into simple terms, we are a community of people from all walks of life who put ourselves in your shoes, curating your perfect trip and making it personal for you.
Like me, most Travel Counsellors have come from a long background of working in travel and between us, we have travelled to every corner of the World. We are a friendly bunch, with enthusiasm for travel oozing out of every pore.
We put you at the core of everything we do and always go that extra mile, so all you need to do is pack your bags and start making memories to last a lifetime - there's a lot of world out there to explore.
Sail the islands of Tahiti
Called the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ by Captain Cook, the islands of Tahiti are an idyllic island paradise situated in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.
Surrounded by crystal clear water, Tahiti and her surrounding islands offer all the ingredients for a perfect sailing holiday: balmy winds, pleasant temperatures, calm anchorages, white sand beaches, exquisite reefs for snorkelling, lush tropical scenery and delicious fresh cuisine.
Whether you would like to charter your own yacht, would like a skipper to help show you the ropes or a fully crewed yacht so you can sit back and relax, grab your own little piece of paradise with a sailing holiday to remember.
Best Beaches
Did you know that we live in a world with 372,000 miles of beach?
With so much choice, how you do choose the perfect one for you? With my help of course!
From beaches made for sunbathing and watching sunsets to those ideal for adventure and everything in-between, I am here to help find the beach made just for you.
Only this week, with my first hand Caribbean knowledge I suggested the perfect tropical beach for a top secret mission. Under the ‘Travel Guru Secrets Act’ I am not currently permitted to share more, but I can confidently say I saved serious potential disaster!
With a chilly couple of days forecast, light the fire, grab a warm drink and whisk yourself off to some of the worlds best beaches right here…
https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/magazine/beach-campaign/?t=95k60
Waiting to board the new ‘Celebrity Beyond’ - very excited as to what the next couple of days will have in store. 🚢😎☀️
With Finland having recently been added to the UK’s ‘Green List’, why not consider a mini-break with a difference.
Experience the greatest natural show on earth whilst nestled in the wilderness of the Finnish backcountry. Spend your days immersed in the pure natural environment of Finnish Lapland and your evenings gazing in awe at the brilliant colours of the Aurora Borealis.
Enjoy high-class accommodation in a cozy Aurora Cabin, with a glass roof providing an expansive panoramic view of the skies above. Experience exhilarating dog sled and reindeer rides, snowmobile safaris, ice-fishing or set out on a snowshoe or cross-country ski expedition into the magnificent wintery forests and fells. Gliding through the still forest and crisp, clear Lapland air is a hugely liberating feeling, and you’ll discover some of the most beautiful natural landscapes anywhere in Finland.
Satisfyingly wearied from a day of once-in-a-lifetime excursions, settle in for some delicious food prepared with only the purest local ingredients, served by a roaring, warming log fire and in the snug Lappi restaurant.
Experiences are tailored to suit you and can even include ice-fishing, photography workshops, spa treatments or meeting the big man himself on a ‘Searching for Santa’ experience. Worried you'll be cold? I can even arrange for thermal gear to be provided!
I love island living, from the silky white sands of the Indian Ocean to the undulating dunes of Gran Canaria... from the boho charms of Ibiza to the quintessential Caribbean allure of Barbados. As the islands of the world are opening up, why not consider getting away from it all - there’s an island for everyone!
Whether you are after a last minute summer escape, a winter sun foray or something to look forward to in 2022, take a look at our rundown of islands to escape to and let me help arrange the perfect trip for you – you know you deserve it!
🏝😎 Islands – Travel Inspiration for 2021-2022:
https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/magazine/islands/islands/?t=9244i
New Hotels
Whilst the world may have paused, we haven't stood still and have continued to add some fabulous new properties to our brimming portfolio. Whether you fancy a romantic escape or bustling family getaway, a chic city break or a long outstanding get together with friends, get in touch to discover the perfect pad for your next adventure.
SkySafari
🛩🦁 Sky Safari – an adventure experience of a lifetime
Imagine being flown in style into world-class wilderness on a carefully designed, carbon-negative trip, visiting the best camps, with the best guides and the best wildlife watching in Kenya and Tanzania.
Revel in the sights, smells, sounds and sensations of the African bush. A SkySafari is more than a holiday, it’s an immersion. Transported in private planes, you’ll be eased through airports, visit some of the most exquisite camps in the best wildlife locations and relax in the knowledge every detail is taken care of, from optimising your chances of seeing the Big Five to the barman knowing how you take your G&T!
🐘 SkySafari Kenya: Nairobi - Amboseli - Laikipia - Masai Mara
Ten days of total wilderness. Watch huge elephant herds in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. Immerse yourself in Loisaba’s wildlife-rich hills and river valleys by jeep, bike, horse or camel. Fly into the matchless Masai Mara – home to the Big Five – to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
🦒 SkySafari Tanzania: Arusha - Tarangire - Ngorongoro - Serengeti
An expertly curated ten day trip combining the best of the untamed north. Sleep amid the striking baobabs and abundant elephants of the lesser-visited Tarangire. Delve into Ngorongoro, the colossal volcanic crater teeming with life and finish on the sweeping Serengeti, where the wide horizon and wild encounters never seem to end.
🏔 SkySafari East Africa: Nairobi - Amboseli - Laikipia - Masai Mara - Serengeti - Ngorongoro
Enjoy the best of both on this 13 day safari combining the ultimate Kenya and Tanzania wilderness experiences. Fly from the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro to the rippling Loisaba plateau, the endless plains of East Africa’s headline reserves and into the world’s largest intact caldera. Two countries, five diverse locations, innumerable close encounters, animals too abundant to count.
Seamless. Luxurious. Extraordinary.
