Over the last few weeks it has been so nice to be busy with a flurry of new bookings from my lovely clients, who realise that my expert help and guidance, with that all-important human touch, is paramount at the moment, with the ever changing landscape of travel.
I have been flexing my travel planning skills and re-opening my European and UK little black book to create some wonderful bespoke trips, which I would like to share with you, to hopefully give you some ideas on the types of travel that are possible at the moment, without the requirement (currently) to quarantine on our return.
The Staycation
One client wanted me to source a luxury hotel in the UK, not far from Manchester, which had private outdoor space, a spa, great food and nice places to visit nearby. The Secret Garden Suite at Barnsley House fitted the bill perfectly. Having stayed there myself, I knew it would tick every box and, with many places booking up fast for the summer, my recommendation saved the client a huge amount of time trawling the internet. Now they can relax safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of - they can just sit back and be pampered in beautiful surroundings.
For the wine, food and modern art lover
For another couple, I needed to find somewhere that would match up to their trip to South Africa, which unfortunately is now postponed until 2021. The couple had been due to celebrate a special anniversary in Cape Town where they were going to be staying at the wonderful Ellerman House to get their fix of modern art - the owner houses his private art collection at the hotel. They were then going to be indulging their passion for wine staying at Delaire Graff in the Winelands, whilst enjoying the fabulous food on offer in the Cape.
Having spent my own wedding anniversary there last year, I knew that Villa la Coste in France would be an excellent alternative. Tucked between Aix and the Luberon, the cutting-edge hotel sits at the top of a hill overlooking its very own vineyard and 600 acres of sculpture-studded slopes, where you’ll find pieces by the likes of Tadao Ando, Renzo Piano, Frank Gehry and a Louise Bourgeois crouching spider. Whilst the renown South American Chef, Francis Mallmann, has his only European restaurant on property, which showcases his signature style of cooking over huge fires.
A family holiday with teenagers
I was also invited to find a break for a family with teenagers and anyone with children of that age, will know finding something that appeals to every member of the family can be tricky. They were looking for a hotel with a cool vibe that was also within walking distance to a vibrant town or village.
Step forward Macakazi in Turkey. The hotel has personality and a glamorous, but laid back style, which keeps guests returning year after year. Set on the northern edge of the Bodrum Peninsula on the sparkling turquoise Aegean Sea, the hotel is located just outside the village of Türkbükü, Turkey’s answer to St Tropez, with its array of high-end beach clubs and restaurants. Macakizi is the perfect luxury, summer holiday for a family looking for sun, fun and sophistication.
A family road trip
Finally, I helped mastermind a magical family road trip from Manchester through France to the Coté D’Azur, which takes in some truly lovely sights and provides exciting adventures en-route.
The first step was booking Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to take the family and their car under the Channel to Calais in just 35 minutes, without the need to get out of their car. With several crossings daily, this is a much quicker and more comfortable option than the ferry.
Following what will have been an early start from Manchester, I suggested the family stop at Heuchin, just an hour from Calais. Here they will stay at an idyllic property renovated from an 18th Century Maison de Maître and owned by a lovely British couple. Dinner is served in-house so there’s no need to leave, enabling the family to rest and relax.
After a peaceful night’s sleep, it’s back on the road but only for a few hours. The family will stop again in a beautiful Chateau in the wonderful wine regions of the Bourgogne to amble around some vineyards and visit pretty villages.
Heading down to the coast, I have picked out some options for both a few days at the beach and also a stay in the tranquil hills of Provence.
Whilst on the way back, the family will take a slightly different route, staying in some wonderful Chambre d'Hôtes, so they will have time to properly enjoy the amazing country they are travelling through.
I may not be arranging far flung adventures of a life time at the moment, but my expertise, first-hand experiences and extensive network of fabulous industry contacts, enables me to create luxury, perfectly planned trips to hidden gem destinations closer to home.
Please do get in touch if you have questions about travelling abroad now and what it may be like. Or if you are itching for a change of scene, but are unsure where to go, I would love to help with ideas both here in the UK and further afield. My aim is always to take away the strain of arranging your holiday, so that you can enjoy a seamless travel experience and peace of mind.