Fiona Sarre - Travel Counsellors

23/12/2024

Are Singapore and Malaysia on your travel bucketlist? If so, I have the perfect itinerary for you.

Experience a vibrant holiday starting in Singapore, exploring its modern skyline and cultural neighbourhoods. Next, head to Kuala Lumpur to admire the Petronas Towers and indulge in local cuisine. Escape to the serene Cameron Highlands, known for its tea plantations and cool climate. Finally, relax on the pristine beaches of Pangkor Laut, enjoying luxurious resorts and tranquil surroundings. This TC journey combines urban excitement, natural beauty, and blissful relaxation.

Itinerary
3 nights at The Clan, Singapore
3 nights at Hotel Stripes, Malaysia
3 nights at Cameron Highlands Resort, Malaysia
4 nights at Pangkor Laut, Malaysia

Contact me for more information on this itinerary, for pricing, or to tailor-make your own Singapore and Malaysia holiday.

22/12/2024

Did you know that when you book a holiday through me, you can pay off your holiday as and when you please, making saving and budgeting for your holiday much more manageable?

Get in touch to start planning your next holiday.

19/12/2024

✨Cape Winelands - South Africa✨

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be invited on a familiarisation trip to South Africa. I covered the first 2 nights in Cape Town in yesterday’s post so this is about the next 2 nights, which was spent in the Cape Winelands at a beautiful hotel called the Erinvale Estate. This is a stunning 5 star property with a pool, 3 restaurants, a spa and a newly opened gym and fitness centre including a 25m lap pool. The food here is some of the nicest food I’ve had, and the staff and service is impeccable. It’s no surprise this is 5*!

Whilst staying here we visited several vineyards including the Vergelegen Estate where we had a tour of the estate including seeing some amazing animals on the reserve (see photos for which animals we saw). We also had a guided walking tour of Stellenbosch where we learnt all about the town.

This was an amazing extension to our Cape Town stay and would highly recommend.

If you’d like to book a holiday to South Africa please get in touch.

18/12/2024

🌟 Cape Town 🌟

Earlier this month I was invited to visit Cape Town as part of a group to experience Norse Atlantic’s new direct route from London Gatwick to Cape Town. Accommodation and activities were organised by the South Africa Tourism Authority.

We saw the African Penguins at Boulders Bay, went scootering down from Table Mountain, ate in several restaurants, hiked up Lions Head Mountain (google it!!!) and stayed at The President Hotel.

It was such an amazing trip and I really fell in love with Cape Town. We also visited the Cape Winelands which I will tell you about in another post.

So if you’d like to book a holiday to South Africa please do get in touch. I promise you won’t regret it 😊

Norse Atlantic Airways

10/12/2024

Secrets Tides Punta Cana - Your slice of Caribbean paradise

Imagine stepping into a tropical sanctuary where every detail is thoughtfully designed to create the ultimate luxury escape. Welcome to Secrets Tides Punta Cana – the newest addition to the Dominican Republic’s stunning coastline. This idyllic adults-only haven from Hyatt's Inclusive Collection combines innovative design and unparalleled service with the perfect beachfront location, so you know that your time spent here will be nothing short of exceptional.

Your Secrets Tides experience begins with a moment of pure wonder. Walk through the intricate open-air lobby and steal your first glimpse of the Caribbean Sea – we’re talking turquoise waters and palm-studded perfection. The resort’s carefully planned design ensures your surroundings celebrate the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic, as lush gardens and local flora guide you to your sanctuary.

Secrets Tides offers luxury suites, each reflecting a modern Caribbean aesthetic. Designed to feel like an exclusive residential community, every cluster of suites has its own unique ambience and character. Each suite features a private, furnished terrace – the perfect spot for sipping your morning coffee – or a swim-out pool for those spontaneous dips. In addition, you’ll enjoy 24-hour room service, a daily refreshed minibar, and the coveted Unlimited-Luxury® package, ensuring effortless indulgence throughout your stay.

Secrets Tides boasts an impressive nine restaurants, including six à la carte options that beg to be explored during your trip. From exquisite global flavours to regionally inspired delicacies, you’re in for a culinary adventure during your stay. For something truly unique, try Meraki, their ‘Mediterrasian’ concept combining the fresh, vibrant tastes of Mediterranean cuisine with the bold flavours of Pan-Asian dishes. Or explore Tierra, inspired by the Amazon, serving South American cuisine from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and beyond. With gourmet menus, perfectly paired top-shelf spirits, and no need for reservations, dining at Secrets Tides is as stress-free as it is extraordinary.

06/12/2024

If you read my post about Saint Lucia, I flew from there to Tobago, which is 35 minutes away! Such a great twin Centre Caribbean holiday. Tobago is so unspoiled and is all about the experiences on offer. We went into the rainforest and saw all sorts of creatures from spiders to birds. I hand fed Hummingbirds which was the most magical experience. I did a bioluminescence tour where we kayaked in the pitch black out to a lagoon. We visited a local family and learned how you make chocolate and roast coffee beans. We snorkeled on the reef and visited the Nylon pool. We ate street food and visited historic sites. We had 4 nights, making our trip to the Caribbean a 7 night trip. A wonderful experience 🥰

Get in touch if you’d like to experience Tobago for yourself.

04/12/2024

Last week I got back from the most incredible trip to Saint Lucia. Provided by British Airways and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority myself and a group of travel agents were shown around Saint Lucia, staying at The Landings Resort & Spa for 3 nights. We had site visits at Body Holiday, Cap Maison, Anse Chastenet, Jade Mountain and Hotel Chocolat, all luxury 5 star properties. We were also taken on an ATV adventure, did chocolate making, experienced mud baths, hot springs and waterfalls! What a beautiful island Saint Lucia is, and so easy to get to from the UK.

If you’d like to know more about St. Lucia or would like to book your own holiday there, get in touch!

03/12/2024

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is a wonderful country that offers the opportunity for a vast range of holiday options from escorted touring, self-drives to motorhomes to city breaks, rail journeys to cruises. Whether you’re looking for a pre-packaged holiday or one tailored to your specific itinerary, I will be happy to arrange your perfect New Zealand trip.

⭐Discover the Spectacular North Island
Active volcanoes, island sanctuaries and history top the list when visiting New Zealand's North Island. From the far north known as the birthplace of New Zealand, journey through landscapes that blend magnificent beaches such as Waihi Beach to the sprawling farmlands and geothermal wonders like Rotorua, well-known for its bubbling hot springs and mud pools. Māori culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North Island, to experience the ultimate Māori culture make sure to visit Te Pā Tū, Ohinemutu or Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand)..

⭐Discover the Scenic South Island
New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From wildlife to wineries, from glacial valleys to star-filled skies, nature's best flourishes against a palette of dramatic scenes. Here, towering alps meet peaceful sounds and rugged coastlines merge with sweeping plains.

⭐When to go to New Zealand?
Situated in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand's seasons our opposite to ours! The far north has subtropical weather during the summer months (December, January and February), while inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10°C (14°F) in winter (June, July and August). However, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures year-round.

Contact me to plan your holiday to New Zealand.

02/12/2024

JAPAN - A Tokyo to Osaka tour

Fully immerse yourself in Japan on this fabulous tour taking you from Tokyo to Osaka, visiting temples and castles unchanged since the days of the Sh**un. Along the way, you’ll visit beautiful spots in Kyoto, Takayama, and Hiroshima to spot snow monkeys, ride the iconic shinkansen bullet train, and sample unique snacks, such as takoyaki (octopus balls).

• Start your trip in the buzzling metropolis of Tokyo, visiting temples, trendy districts, and stunning gardens, with the option of visiting nearby Mount Fuji.

• Travel by train to picturesque Matsumoto, which is flanked on either side by the Japanese Alps, and explore the imposing Crow Castle.

• Spend the day at the popular Jigokudani Onsen, keeping your eye out for snow monkeys, then head to Zenkoji Temple where you’ll meet with the monks who reside there before spending the night in the shukubo for an authentic Japanese experience.

• Take a trip to Hiroshima on the iconic bullet train, where you’ll visit the thought-provoking Peace Memorial Park and Peace Museum before delighting in traditional Japanese dishes in the evening.

• In Kyoto, explore Nijo Castle (a sh**un palace), marvel at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Nishiki Food Market where you can sample exotic foods and delicious matcha ice cream.

Tokyo (3 days) | Matsumoto | Jigokudani | Kanazawa (2 days) | Takayama | Hiroshima | Miyajima Island | Kyoto (3 days) | Osaka

Get in touch to book or to tailor make your own Japan trip.

01/12/2024

2025 travel trends you need to know about

From cowboy adventures to stargazing wonders, 2025 is set to be the year of unique travel experiences. If you’re curious about what the biggest travel trends will be over the next 12 months, keep reading for our predictions and how you can get in on the best trends early, with the help of your Travel Counsellor.

🤠Experience the wild west with cowboy core adventures

Picture this: vast open plains, rugged mountains, and the sound of hooves as you ride into the sunset. Welcome to ‘Cowboy Core’, a travel trend that's all about tapping into your inner cowboy or cowgirl. Inspired by the resurgence of TV westerns and the ever-growing popularity of country music, Cowboy Core is taking over as one of the hottest travel trends of 2025.

🧘‍♀️Unplug and rejuvenate with a reset retreat

In today's fast-paced world, it's essential to take a step back and focus on your well-being. That's where ‘Reset Retreats’ come in. These travel experiences are designed to help you unplug, recharge, and rejuvenate, making them a perfect fit for those seeking a healthier, more mindful lifestyle in 2025. Whether it's yoga and meditation, hiking through serene landscapes, or indulging in spa treatments, these retreats provide an escape from everyday life.

🚶Unlock hidden stories whilst exploring with experts

There's no better way to truly understand a destination than by experiencing it through the eyes of a local. We’re seeing an increase in getaways that include guided tours led by knowledgeable locals who can offer insider insights and stories that might otherwise go untold, and this trend is only set to increase in 2025.

✨Reach for the stars with astrological adventures

2025 is set to be an incredible year for astro-tourism, with several major celestial events on the horizon. ‘Astrological Adventures’ invite travellers to explore the wonders of the night sky, from total solar eclipses to the mesmerising Northern Lights.

Let's plan your next adventure.

30/11/2024

29/11/2024

Take to the slopes next April ⛷️

Escape to the enchanting heights of Club Med La Rosiere this Easter, where the charm of the French Alps meets the allure of Italian landscapes. This resort offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern luxury, making it an idyllic destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. With its Savoyard ambiance and breathtaking views, La Rosiere promises an unforgettable holiday experience.

• Known as "The Balcony of the Tarentaise," this exquisite resort is perched 1900 meters above sea level, providing unparalleled panoramic views of the majestic Alps, creating the perfect backdrop to your holiday.

• Discover 160 km of sun-kissed slopes that cater to all skill levels, providing thrilling ski-in and ski-out convenience right from the resort, perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

• Delight in an exquisite fusion of French and Italian cuisines at the charming restaurants. The San Bernardo Gourmet Lounge is open all day to satisfy appetites large and small and the Le Mont Valezan, inspired by mountain life, offers a calming and delightful setting for your evening meals after a busy day on the slopes.

• Take a different view of the slopes and discover the delight of untouched natural spaces by snowshoe. Let your guide take you to clearings and forests where you will be surrounded by magical, snow padded silence.

What’s included:

• 7 nights at Club Med La Rosiere

• Superior Room; all-inclusive basis

• Flights from London Gatwick on 06/04/25, with transfers

Terms and Conditions:

Subject to availability. Please get in touch for further details. Price based on 2 adults sharing. Prices are correct at the time of posting. Offers are subject to change.

7 nights from £2,495 per person based on 2 sharing.

24/11/2024

✨ Make 2025 a year you’ll never forget with this amazing offer for a magical holiday at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Enjoy up to 4 FREE nights at a Disney Resort Hotel when booking a two-week stay and get up to 20% off 14-Day Disney Magic Tickets! 🎟️

Book your hotel & ticket package with me between 12 Nov '24 and 31 Mar '25 for selected 2025 dates and save on your next Disney adventure. 🏰

Contact me to secure your spot!

23/11/2024

How to spend winter in Vancouver

Winter isn’t all about skiing in British Columbia, with an array of other alpine experiences easily accessible from Vancouver, including snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain. And this gorgeous city – regularly voted the world’s most liveable – has a mild climate and rarely any snow. Winter is a perfect time to explore its fascinating neighbourhoods, museums and art galleries, and shop in its fantastic independent boutiques, farmers’ markets, and many other venues.

This gives you the best of both worlds: a city break and an outdoor adventure in a gorgeous setting between ocean and mountains. We’ve picked out our favourite non-ski winter experiences in and around Vancouver, but most of the following are offered year-round.

⭐Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This is Vancouver’s most popular attraction for its combination of natural beauty, history, and family-friendly activities.

⭐Cycling the seawall on a guided tour

At 28km, Vancouver’s Seaside Greenway is the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world.

⭐Harbour air sightseeing tours

Seaplane tours are a great way to see where the city, the water, and the mountains meet.

⭐The food scene

Vancouver is earning a reputation as one of the world’s most unique and exciting cities in which to eat out, with an intoxicating multicultural mix of local ingredients with European and Asian influences.

Get in touch to book your winter holiday in Vancouver.

22/11/2024

Not sure what to get that special someone in your life for Christmas? How about the gift of travel?

A Travel Counsellors gift voucher is the ultimate way to spread holiday cheer and ensure that your special someone gets exactly what they want!

Whether it's a family getaway, a city break for two, an all-inclusive cruise or something completely different, our vouchers unlock a world of possibilities! 🎁 🎄

Get in touch to find out how I can help.

22/11/2024

Get ready for Disney Tales of Magic, a brand-new nighttime spectacular debuting at Disneyland® Paris on 10 January 2025! This breathtaking experience will whisk you away on a soul-stirring journey through beloved classics like Cinderella and Pinocchio while celebrating modern favourites like Encanto and Lilo & Stitch. Let your heart be captivated and your spirit lifted as enchanting stories light up the night in this one-of-a-kind experience you’ll cherish forever and ever. Don’t miss the magic!

20/11/2024

Scroll through to see how easy it is to book your holiday with me, and exactly how it works.

16/11/2024

Calling all adventure seekers! 2025 is going to be your year. Dive headfirst into the action-packed world of Universal Studios' Universal Epic Universe, discover more as Emirates expands its wings with new flights reaching Adelaide and Madagascar, or simply go further off-the-beaten-track with trips to North Iceland, accessible via new flights with Obeo.

View the brochure here:

https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/leisure/revealed-2025/adventure