We may not be dusting off our passports yet, but we can dream can’t we and get excited about things that are on the horizon in travel for 2021? So I thought I’d give you a little bit of inspiration about things that are new this year….
….But before I do, I just wanted to say that for anyone who wants to get away and hasn’t got something booked for late 2021 and into 2022, please do start planning now, especially if you are beholden to peak holidays times. I am finding that availability is already tight due to the high number of postponed bookings.
Do let me know if there is anything that you would like to chat through regarding holidays. Remember I cover everything from Mediterranean villa rentals, to fly and flop beach holidays (near and far), ski-ing, family get-togethers and adventures of a life-time.
Booking with me will always give you added value. Not just on price, although I am always very competitive, but in terms of my knowledge and relationships. You know that I will either have been to the destination / hotel you are interested in myself, so can give you a first-hand, real review, or I work with trusted partners who have, so no more endless trawling of the internet. With my excellent relationships I can ensure your trip will be fabulous, from the personal one-to-one service I offer, to room upgrades, little extras, VIP treatment and more. My partners are also offering flexible booking terms. If you need more reasons why you should book a holiday with me, please see some kind words from happy clients.
Now on to the “new”! Here are a few things I’m most excited about this year and look forward to testing them myself soon:
The “New” On Transport
Premium Economy with Emirates
This has been a very long time in coming, but great news that Emirates has unveiled its new A380, which now comes with a Premium Economy cabin. The new A380 is currently operating on the London Heathrow - Dubai leg and looks really smart and very comfortable. Until more Premium Economy seats enter its inventory, Emirates intend to offer them as spot upgrades for its valued customers on a discretionary basis. But hopefully by the time we can travel again properly, Premium Economy seats will be on offer to everyone to purchase at the time of booking and also operating on the Manchester - Dubai leg too.
British Airways’ Manchester - Gatwick Route
With many of British Airways’ long-haul holiday destinations operating from Gatwick, it was a real blow when they stopped their Manchester - Gatwick shuttle a few years ago. So it’s great news that as of 28th March, they will be re-introducing this shuttle service, which makes destinations such as St Lucia, Cancun and Orlando much easier to reach.
Short Haul - Family
I know many of you reading this Newsletter are already fans of the luxury five star Ikos Hotels and so, will be very happy to know their new property will be opening this year on a beachfront location between the cosmopolitan centre of Marbella and the historic city of Estepona.
With its stylish interiors, Ikos Hotels are perfect for families and friends travelling together (albeit if you are without children, I would definitely suggest you stay outside of school holidays). But what sets Ikos Hotels apart from the competition is its award-winning, all-inclusive concept, with virtually every element included in the cost, from a la carte menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs and a choice of 300 wine labels to complimentary kids’ clubs and 24-hour room service. The elevated all-inclusive package extends beyond the hotel too, with dine out options at local restaurants and the chance to hire a Mini car for a day to explore the local area.
lkos Andalusia brings a new level of luxury to the dazzling shores of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Along with the great choice of room and suite categories, there’s also a vast array of amenities including seven restaurants (spanning six a la carte eateries and a Mediterranean buffet), a staggering 4,000 square metres of glimmering pools and an lkos Spa.
Short Haul - Couples
Located in the quaint rural town of Santanyí in the south east of Mallorca, Can Ferrereta is a magical retreat set in stunning verdant gardens.
The 17th Century farmhouse has been meticulously converted into 31 rooms and suites with exposed beams, stone and calming shades, whilst a carefully-curated collection of local and Spanish art brings splashes of colour.
The hotel is all about wellness, relaxing and embracing the local area. There’s a gorgeous landscaped pool, state of the art gym, spa and daily yoga classes. Whilst out and about you can wander down hidden alleyways in charming Santanyi, before dropping into boutique shops or sampling Mallorcan delicacies at one of its twice-weekly markets. There are also plenty of dreamy coves and some of the island’s best beaches nearby. Back at the hotel there’s Ocre restaurant, which is housed in the former wine cellar and serves delicious Mediterranean food.
Combine a stay with its city dwelling sister, Hotel Sant Francesc, in cosmopolitan Palma for the prefect two centre trip.
Short Haul - Everyone
If the picture above doesn’t make you want to get on a plane….what will? Maybe the hotel’s pristine private beach? Sun-soaked sailing from the hotel’s marina? Forest hiking in the Durmitor National Park? Wandering the cobbled streets of nearby medieval towns like Perast and Kotor? Or just relaxing in the world class wellness centre?
Located in the heart of Boka Bay, framed by striking mountains and the Adriatic Sea, One and Only Porto Novi is a divine collection of stylishly designed rooms, suites and private villas. There’s varied dining at the hotel’s restaurants and bars and a fully equipped Kid’s Club (from 3 years up).
Both Tivat and Dubrovnik Airport are one hour from the resort and a twin centre with Dubrovnik is a great option.
Medium Haul - Adventure
Israel is high on my bucket list of places to visit from the fascinating Old City streets of Jerusalem to the green and lush north of the country with its historical sites and the biblical desert landscapes of the south. Here I am definitely heading to the Six Senses Shaharut, a luxurious spa retreat set amidst the sand dunes of the breath-taking Negev Desert.
Detoxing and de-stressing come in the form of hammans and massages or visiting practitioners who’ll read your aura and offer spiritual healing. Then there’s camel rides, jeep safaris, wine tours and dining on richly flavoured Israeli cuisine whilst watching orange hued sunsets that sink into star-speckled nights.
Long Haul - Secluded Island Resort
Kisawa is an eco-friendly sanctuary of forest and sand dunes located off the eastern coast of Mozambique on the white-sand beaches of Benguerra Island. The design celebrates Mozambique’s cultural and natural wonders with textiles and carpentry made by local artisans. Kisawa is also devoted to the nature that surrounds it, helping to protect the reefs that Benguerra Island is famous for.
There are 12 bungalows with one to three bedrooms each with its own section of secluded beach and private pool. At Kisawa there is no set schedule so you can decide your own timetable on everything from dining hours, to treatments and access to activities, which are all customised to you.
Best to visit between April and October, it’s perfect as an add-on to a South African safari.
Remember to save these ideas for when we can travel again or even better, please do get in touch to chat through any ideas that you have, as you don’t want to miss out on a holiday this year and again next year due to limited availability.