Based in Thatcham

Archana Nathwani

It's Nice To Meet You


PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY COULD NOT BE A BETTER EXPERIENCE!
My name is Archana and I am based in Thatcham, West Berkshire.
For clients based in Newbury and the West Berkshire surrounding area, I can now be your very own Personal Travel Counsellor. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from over 20 years in the Travel Business both in Retail and Management. I commenced my travel career at Thomas Cook in London in their Foreign exchange division and was privileged to be accepted for their accelerated management development programme where I gained my experience in leisure travel and management.
I am widely travelled and have visited the Far East, Indian Ocean, Caribbean Islands, USA, and Europe. I am able to make the experience in booking your travel plans special, whether that be tailor made and package holidays, cruises, car hire, airport parking, travel insurance or hotel only. The list is endless. This experience is enhanced by the best guaranteed financial protection scheme available in the travel industry for my clients. I certainly know what can make or break a trip!
My aim is to offer my clients the best personalised one-to-one service for all their travel needs. Unlike the high street, at Travel Counsellors, we are able to assist our clients at the time and day to suit them. With the use of the very latest technology and working with many leading tour operators, I can offer the best value and choice available; couple that with my experience and you can’t go wrong!
I like to be able to offer the highest standard of service and really discover what it is my clients want to do with their valuable time and money. I treat every client as ‘special’ and go that extra mile to ensure they don’t just enjoy their holidays but have memories that will last for as long as they want. I want to share my experience to ensure your experience is the best. Don’t hesitate to bring your most demanding, outrageous, or just simple requests to me.
Start dreaming that perfect holiday.
‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them’
Walt Disney
I would love to hear from you.
Warm wishes,
Archana.


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My Blog

I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

Picturesque Puglia - September 2020

01 November 2020

During this uncertain time, our annual family holiday was not likely to be an item on the agenda. With this in mind, when an opportunity for a last minute break came up, we did not hesitate! Completely guided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Italy declared as a “safe” destination on the travel corridor, we were fortunate enough to escape for some September sunshine. Travelling during a pandemic understandably requires careful planning and additional precautions; there were various protocols implemented at every stage of the journey, with a hope to combat the spread of infection effectively. For those wanting to put their minds at rest, travel insurance covering COVID-19 is imperative and can protect against the significant expenditure that may be accumulated in unfortunate circumstances. Opting for a more private experience, a villa holiday to the Puglia region in Southern Italy was an enticing option. Summer is definitely the most popular time to visit Italy. The weather can be very hot and museums and other attractions are swarming. September is an opportune time to visit, with temperatures becoming significantly more manageable. There’s a reason why Puglia is a region of the moment: the excellent food, exuberant architecture dotted in the South and the breath taking coastline all make this a charming location to explore. The Puglia region is much bigger than one might expect, but you’ll get both a wonderful and varied Italian experience here. The Italian holidaymakers have been frequenting this region for a long time, but it is only the savviest foreign travellers who place this region as a must-visit for a more authentic taste of Italy without the crowds. As a visitor, this dazzling region of Italy could keep you entertained for weeks, if not months, with a seemingly never-ending list of things to do. It’s filled with gorgeous towns with chalk-white houses, gentle olive grove landscapes, windy streets strewn with Vespas and Fiat 500s, a vast array of fabulous good beaches, food that will caress your taste buds, and even some ancient Roman history that’s almost casually thrown into the mix. The roads linking Puglia’s main towns: Brindisi, Bari and Lecce, are good and renting a car for the trip gives one the freedom to explore the region at a leisurely pace and on a schedule that is tailored to you. Most visitors arrive in Puglia via one of its two international airports: Bari and Brindisi, and car hire from numerous international companies is available at both. Puglia offers something for everyone; it’s a case of hoping to fill your wish list on the first trip! Here is a list of must-visit places and top things to do to help plan your trip. Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, with its Baroque buildings that garnish the city, is a spot you’ll want to spend a whole day or even a night. One can enjoy your traditional Italian coffee here, with a particular focus on almond milk iced coffee; there are also plenty of cool bars for both coffee and cocktails, as well as an abundance of fantastic restaurants on little streets. Locorotondo is a charming little town. Admittedly parking does not come ease, however parking further afar and taking the short walk up the hill through to the old town will leave you presented with a magical maze of white streets, decorated with hanging flower baskets and outside restaurant tables. Alberobello is adorned as a UNESCO world heritage site; this town is famed for The Trulli houses with their conical roofs and white-washed exteriors, each with their own individual appeal. Alberobello has the highest concentration of Trulli in this region. Ostuni is known as the White City of Puglia. Ostuni gracefully emerges inland from the coast and the drive towards the white-washed exterior gives you some stunning viewpoints to admire it. Given the location of Ostuni and the number of things to do here, it would make quite an excellent base for exploring Puglia if staying on the coast is not for you. The historical centre is dreamy, a running theme in Puglia, and you’ll be blown away the second you step through an old medieval gate into the centre. A mix of Gothic, Byzantine and Roman elements are combined in the Cathedral, while the labyrinth of alleyways brings never-ending photo opportunities. The best way to explore this magical region is by wandering aimlessly. Each corner and new street bring fascinating views, not to mention the excellent gelaterias tucked away in the winding alleys that are sure to tempt you. I hope I’ve inspired you to head to this untouched region of Italy and explore the towns of Puglia. These are only some of the possibilities—pick a town at random and you’re likely to find fascinating history, beautiful architecture, friendly people, and delicious food!

A Kefalonian Kaleidoscope - June 2017

26 July 2017

Planning on visiting Kefalonia in the future? The largest of the Ionian Islands, this mythical island is best known as the setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and the birthplace of Odysseus. However, there is much to discover behind the abundance of postcard perfect images you have perhaps seen in travel brochures. Immerse yourself in the mythology and historical architecture of this unspoiled island, and you will feel like you are travelling back in time. Opportunities for cycling, walking, windsurfing, riding and caving will keep the active busy. But if you prefer to explore in a more leisurely manner then regular pleasure boats make the short ‘hop’ over to the mythical Island of Ithaca or go ‘island hopping’ taking in Lefkas, Meganissi and Skorpidi (owned by the Onassis family). If you get hooked by seafaring then you can hire a small boat and take off to discover your own beach. By car you can drive between pine clad hillsides where monasteries dot the countryside or along scenic coastal routes stopping at picturesque harbours where yachts gently bob at anchor and pastel tinted houses line the quaysides. Our recent summer holiday to this beautiful isle truly exceeded our expectation in many ways. The island is a natural wonderland; home to wild horses that roam the natural park on the slopes of Mount Aenos, its highest mountain, and nesting ground to loggerhead turtles that come to bury their eggs in the soft warm sand of its beaches. There are underground lakes and limestone caves and all along its 250 kms of coast where azure sea meets limestone cliffs or pine clad hills in a wash of turquoise at an abundance of small undeveloped bays. Many of the long sandy south and east coast beaches have grown into small and sophisticated beach resorts but with no building over 3 stories permitted, tourism has been contained, maintaining a pleasant laid back atmosphere. For those with an interest in the past, Kefalonia has a diverse history which can be explored in the Museum in Argostoli the capital and whilst there, the walk across the 900 m bridge to Drapano is a must or the short ferry ride across to the Lixouri peninsular from which you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins in the bay. Stop for a coffee or something more substantial at one of the tavernas on the elegant waterfront or amongst the palm tree lined streets. The Kefalonians themselves are known for their hospitality so wherever you go, you’ll be greeted by a hardly discernable nod of the head and a ‘yassou’ and very soon you’ll find yourself answering and relaxing into the Greek way of life. One of the treasured landmarks of this island is the fortress of Assos, owing to its scenic and raised position. The quaint fishing village of Assos itself enjoys a laid back atmosphere, where you could quite easily sit in the traditional tavernas and watch small fishing boats come and go in the tranquil harbour all day long. The village is joined to the fortress by way of a narrow passage of land which connects the coast, and this trip between the two, through a trail of woodland, is quite simply overwhelming. And if this all becomes too hot, you can take a dip at a nearby famed beach, which features in the best-selling Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Undoubtedly a “must-see” in Kefalonia, it is the striking natural beauty of Myrtos Beach. Situated on the west coast of Kefalonia, and home to what can only be described as a kaleidoscope of colourful water, this beach also grants you the “must have” holiday photo. The beach itself is pebbled, offering inviting turquoise waters and endless views ahead across the Ionian Sea. But the best thing to do here is to view it from above, from the top of the cliffs and looking down towards the shimmering sea below. There is a windy road providing access to the bottom of the cliffs, and the beach itself, but do make sure you take appropriate footwear as the beach is made up of white marble pebbles. Fiskardo - This picturesque port village is located in the north west of Kefalonia and features several charming 18th century buildings for visitors to explore. The harbour at Fiskardo is particularly pretty and this is a great place to sample freshly caught fish cooked in the traditional Greek style in excellent quayside tavernas. Exploring the Caves makes a great day out from the sunbathing - visitors to Sami usually take the time to explore two local caves. Spili Melissani is situated just to the north of the town and can be reached by riding in a rowing boat on a partially exposed lake. The sun’s rays create a kaleidoscope of colours as they strike the water, giving the boat trip a magical feel. Follow the road leading from Sami along the eastern coast towards Argostoli and you will reach Drogarati Cave. This impressive cave is famous for its unusual collection of stalagmites and visitors are permitted to explore the cave alone. The main chamber of this cave is so large that it is often used to host special concerts! This ‘gem’ of an island genuinely captivated us; it is perfect for those who enjoy a relaxing environment with stunning vistas and lovely countryside!

South Africa's gorgeous Garden Route-Dec 2015

28 April 2016

With its wide open highways and dramatic roadside backdrops, South Africa is the perfect country to get behind the wheel for a self-drive holiday to remember. Although little known, the Garden Route rate's as one of the best road trip adventures, stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or vice versa it is mile after mile of jaw-dropping scenery with plenty of opportunity to explore wildlife and fine wines along the way. In particular the coastline will entrance you as the road winds by the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains. Every twist of road, every turn of corner will allow you to discover dreamlike forests, rugged coastline, white sandy beaches and roaring seas; all this with pretty villages tucked away beside remarkable wildlife reserves where animals of every description roam free upon the parkland. Here you’ll find the Big Five: leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino in the wonderful malaria free private Game Reserves - a perfect example of the wonders that lie in store along the Garden Route. You may have heard of Hermanus, the town on the coast along the edge of Walker Bay. It’s a world famous whale watching spot as southern right whales cruise by within metres of the shoreline from June to December. From your clifftop hotel you can spy them with your binoculars as they breach, lob-tail and spout plumes of water, and all the while the mournful songs of these endangered beasts haunt the waters along this stretch of the Garden Route. Small towns offer picturesque pit-stops for a self-drive holiday along the Garden Route. Be sure to pay a visit to Mossel Bay and try their internationally acclaimed mussels and oysters. Everyone loves a pretty beach, so why not don your flip-flops and head over to Plettenberg Bay for surf breaks and un-spoilt golden sands. From sweeping, golden beaches to rocky cliffs, emerald forests, and mystical lagoons, Plettenberg Bay is a feast for the eyes. The Tsitsikamma Forest is a region of spectacular otherworldly beauty with giant trees, a prehistoric landscape as though time itself had passed this country by. Bucolic valleys give way to dramatic mountains with trails for those wishing to explore the landscape by bicycle or on foot. Here, the five day Otter Trail will see you rise over coastal cliffs one moment and then plunge you into lush meadows bordering rivers teeming with fauna and flora. Our penultimate stop! Africa's chic culinary capital founded by French settlers, the Gallic flair for mouth-watering cuisine has definitely rubbed off on this pretty little town. Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, foodies flock to Franschhoek for its award-winning restaurants. Cape Town has something for everyone – it really is one of the most cosmopolitan cities I have ever visited. From the moment you arrive, your shoulders seem to relax as you drink in the sunshine lapping the Cape. Take my word for it, in Cape Town you will be spoilt for choice of things to do; the cuisine is out of this world! More and more gourmet restaurants are popping up but the steak and seafood on offer cannot be beaten. The price you pay is amazing as well, almost a third of the price of the UK. Add in the backdrops of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles and the stunning beaches of Clifton, Bantry Bay and Camps Bay, you have world class scenery. Tours up Table Mountain, to the Cape of Good Hope and to see the penguins of Boulders Beach are a must-see for first-timers, while the shopping on the Waterfront is outstanding! And don’t get me started on the wine! Just a mere 45 minutes from Cape Town are the Cape Winelands where you are spoilt for choice with amazing qualities of wine, all set on stunning working vineyards – think the Cotswold’s with permanent sunshine. South Africa is a staggeringly beautiful country with fascinating cities and breathtaking landscapes. Wildlife adventures are everywhere you look while a shoreline hides secluded coves and dreamy bays in which to picnic and observe the beauty of nature. Of all the road trips that are possible in the world there is nothing quite like the Garden Route. Once you start your engine, you may never want to return home again!

Incredible India

25 June 2015

India, with its embarrassment of riches for tourists, presents a quandary for a visitor: where does one start in such a vast, diverse country? One of the ways to discover the myriad hues of incredible India in sheer luxury is luxury train travelling. The railway is the main form of transport in India, and traditional sleeper cars offer a range of options to the traveller, from air-conditioned first class to the crowded ‘seater class’. However, there is no need to sacrifice comfort and privacy for an authentic and in depth travel experience; a range of luxury sleeper trains operate throughout the country, providing decadent experiences coupled with an unrivalled insight to Indian life. Whether you’re journeying across these luscious landscapes seeking spiritual awakening or simply want to experience as much of the culture (and cuisine!) as possible, a voyage on a luxury sleeper train allows you to enjoy the very best of this intoxicating country. The journey aboard Deccan Odyssey offers a rare opportunity to explore the untouched terrains of the Deccan region; It is a fabulous way to experience the rich heritage of India. Our train journey on the Deccan Odyssey included an itinerary of organised sightseeing off-train, leavened with extraordinary personal attention. Deccan Odyssey comprises of 21 luxuriously appointed coaches, 12 of which are used to accommodate guests, making this an intimate and lavish experience. Offering several travel packages, guests can visit destination such as Goa, Jaipur and Mumbai in complete and utter comfort. Inspired by Imperial Maharajan tradition, each spacious guest coach features decadent touches such as sumptuous fittings, air conditioning and internet connection, the decor serving to reflect gorgeous views that speed by. Amenities include a beautiful on board dining room and bar, gym and even a ‘spa car’; complemented by excellent personal service, travelling on board Deccan Odyssey is a deluxe and unique experience of India. The journey covered over 8 days, and included: Sawai Madhopur for a wildlife safari in Ranthambore, Agra to visit the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World), Jaipur with its pink buildings and impregnable forts, the ‘blue city’ Jodhpur, Udaipur with its sparkling lakes and floating palaces, Vadodara, the city of the Gaekwads and finally concluded in the ‘city of dreams’: Mumbai. An array of insider experiences and cultural interactions ensured that we got a peek into the real essence of India along with its diversity. At each city, we were provided with guided sightseeing tours and transportation which is part of this luxury train travel package. Personal attendants met us with chilled towels and a fruit drink when we returned to the train each day after a day filled with sightseeing. They served us tea and biscuits every morning, and made sure we kept to our schedule for meals and sightseeing. I expected life on board a train to feel cramped and in-your-face social. Not so! On the Deccan Odyssey, guests sleep in the comfort and privacy of their own suites. There are just four suites to a train car, and the staff-to-guest ratio is just about one to one. India’s rail system is one of the world’s first long-haul networks, and sleeping on a rocking train sometimes proved challenging to those of us accustomed to the smooth glide of European trains. A full-sized bed and morning tea served in our cabins helped make up for this! Who Should Travel to India? Anyone with a love of history, culture and deep spirituality; anyone with a passion for beauty, whether natural or manmade, and anyone with the desire to meet some of the most open and welcoming people on earth. In short...just about everyone should experience India during their lifetime. Few visitors ever leave disappointed…

Enchanting Egypt. A jewel in the desert.

01 October 2010

In many ways, mankind is a remarkable race. In our chequered history, we have managed to create, develop and reshape civilisation as we know it. The Giza Necropolis is one such example of what humans can do at their best. There are many impressive structures in the modern world, but I would argue, none, not one, can be compared to the majesty of the Pyramids at Giza. To stand in front of the Great Pyramid – the only remaining one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and not be humbled by its size, its ingenious design, and the knowledge that it was built as a way of simultaneously preserving and celebrating the dead would be to not be able to appreciate anything. Add that it was built entirely by hand, by humans, 5000 years ago, and we could not help but simply stare, agape, marvelled by its magnificence. The same astounded expression sat on our faces when we visited the Egyptian Museum. To see the intricately detailed, hand-sculpted golden sarcophagi of Tutankhamen, or the humble shoes that a King of the Ancient World wore, still intact and preserved was indescribable. It’s one thing to read about these things, but to look at them in person is a totally different experience. The sentiment that lingered after visiting Cairo is that Egyptians are not only proud of their culture, but they genuinely want everyone else to love it as much as they do. The city has a certain character about it that can’t really be found anywhere else, be it from the unique smells and sounds of the bazaar (the infamous Khan-El-Khalili) to the local papyrus factory workers demonstrating how their ancestors introduced paper to the world, to their fantastic amalgamated past; a majestic Ottoman past mixed with Coptic Christianity, sprinkled with a good dash of Arabic passion. Perhaps most charming of all was the way that drivers ignored all of the government’s efforts to modernise the traffic system, and drove at least six cars abreast. They’ve even developed their own vehicular language, communicating by horn; a couple of friendly toots to say hi to a friend, or a long, angry blast to tell a fellow driver that they are in the wrong. One may think that the vibrant character of the city is lost to the Red Sea resorts and their paradisiacal nature, but actually, the desire to make foreigners feel welcome is echoed – if not amplified – by those in Sahl Hasheesh (near Hurghada). Egyptian hospitality is worth specifically mentioning; nowhere in the last decade of holidaying have we experienced such incredible warmth and generosity from the locals. They defied any stereotype of Arabs and treated us like royals for our entire trip. Of course, one of the primary reasons people visit the Red Sea is the reputation of its marine wildlife. Having been to plenty of beach resorts before this trip, notably the Maldives, my family approached the snorkelling with a touch of scepticism, ready to dismiss claims that Egypt offers some of the best oceanic experiences. I am delighted to say that we were proved wrong, in truly stunning fashion. Believe all the hype about the Red Sea – on our first day alone we were lucky enough to see an octopus and a lionfish! On almost daily snorkels, we encountered spectacularly coloured fish and coral, including huge, vibrant parrotfish, a menacing, solitary barracuda, and blue-spotted stingrays, right under our feet. Perhaps the highlight of the trip was being caught totally unawares as a rarely seen eagle ray glided straight under us as we floated on the surface; majestic, elegant, and totally breathtaking. We were speechless – even the kind beachboy who offered to guide us on our trips didn’t quite know what to say. It was utterly magical. In sum, both facets of this incredible country have proved to be as fascinating as each other, from the cultural heritage of Cairo to the serenity of the Red Sea. We can totally understand why people return again and again. I know we would…

New York, New York!

15 June 2015

There is a certain atmosphere about the city of New York…an atmosphere that you can’t quite experience anywhere else on the planet. It’s real, though; thoroughly palpable, right from the moment you step off the plane. Even JFK has that edge to it that lets you know that you are entering a new world where rules – both political and social – differ radically from anywhere else. “The city that never sleeps”, goes the saying. It’s not even a cliché, I have to say. The whole place just oozes life, and seems to breathe of its own accord. New York is one of those remarkable places that are literally bigger, glitzier and more cultural than you could possibly imagine. Everyone wants to see New York at some stage in their life, having seen this fascinating city on both the big and small screen. I decided to take my family for a 5 night whirlwind trip to the Big Apple in March 2009 and it truly seemed like stepping into a movie. Most people think of New York City consisting exclusively of Manhattan, and whilst it’s true that the city’s fame has heralded mostly from this borough, we have to remember that Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn all make up part of New York’s incredible heritage. Nevertheless, we stayed in midtown Manhattan, only two blocks from the Empire State Building, and discovered that there’s no time to get bored in this colossus of a city. It was highly convenient for the various sights of interest and easy access to the subway. Of the five boroughs of New York, Manhattan is the most densely populated, and home to most of the city's globally recognised sights, as well as the incredibly beautiful Central Park. The borough is also the financial centre of the city and contains the headquarters of many major worldwide corporations, the United Nations being but one example, as well as a number of leading universities. Also there to see are the many cultural attractions, including numerous museums, the infamous Broadway theatre district, Greenwich Village, and of course, Madison Square Garden. Manhattan is loosely divided into Lower, Midtown, and Uptown regions. Uptown Manhattan is divided by Central Park into the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side, and above the park is Harlem, a quite extraordinarily different area. Having visited the usual great sights of interest; Empire State, Rockerfeller, etc, we felt that there are almost too many world famous landmarks and neighbourhoods; partly reminiscent of London and Paris with their worldwide acclaim, but at times there was almost “pressure” to see everything this great city had to offer. We did everything that’s traditionally “New York”, all pre-planned so we didn’t waste a second! It was so totally different to “normal life” that the most accurate description would have to be magical; you truly feel that you’re in a fairy-tale world where everything is breathtaking and somewhat surreal all at the same time. Arguably the most stunning way to see New York was the Circle Line cruise around the Manhattan coastline, over to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We were blessed by good weather on our days out, and that made the cruise a particularly special experience: New York in the cold, crisp spring sun is stunningly handsome from afar. We discovered the vibrancy of the city on our walks around; it’s so energetic that it almost becomes tangible - you can feel it, from the frenetic activity of Times Square and the bright lights of Broadway to the calm serenity of Central Park, an oasis of foliage and greenery that’s particularly pleasing amongst the skyscrapered chaos of the city. Lurking in the meretricious facade of the buildings is the architecture of New York to admire, perhaps not in the same way that one would admire a Parisian panorama, but in a more contemporary style, ranging from the gothic Grand Central Station to the art deco of the Chrysler Building, to the sheer ostentatiousness of the Empire State and Trump towers. I could sit here for days, describing all the wondrous aspects of New York. There are so many different varieties of people, nightlife, restaurants etc; this city buzzes and throbs like no other. All you need to do is stand on the sidewalk and watch the world go by, and that's entertainment enough! You really can’t go wrong here in Caput Mundi, and all that’s left to say is New York, New York!

Magical Maldives

09 August 2008

“A stunning world of beauty, serenity and wonder”, was a definition that I feel best described this tropical paradise. Our first family venture since our move to Berkshire, we were hoping simply for a good break away from the hectic world in which we live. But wow, it turned out to be so much more. It’s a destination that I recommend without a moment’s hesitation and one of the few places to which I could return over and over again and still be amazed every single time; it was undoubtedly the most unforgettable holiday we have had. The whole experience from start to finish has left memories that will last a lifetime. Truly the ultimate getaway, the Maldives are made up of a group of thousands of coral islands of which only a handful are inhabited. Often mistaken as being a highly exclusive destination, the Maldives offer everything from those seeking simple accommodation to those wanting the full, five star luxury treatment in amazing beach and water villas. The moment you step off the aircraft at Malé and you’re dazzled by the sun reflecting off what seems like nothing more than a landing strip built on the ocean itself, you feel like you’re in another world. The clincher, as I recall, is the transfer to the resort. We had the fortune of being escorted in a 10-seater twin propeller seaplane, and let me assure you, the view, once airborne, is simply breathtaking. Luscious jewels of Maldivian paradise scattered in the endless blue sea, the sun blazing in the sky above…incredible. An experience that was intensified by the arrival at our resort for the forthcoming fortnight: Hilton’s (re-branded Conrad Maldives) “Rangali island”. An often underestimated part of a good holiday is the hospitality of the staff where one stays. In regards to the Maldives, it’s simply incomparable. Warm, friendly and welcoming was the immediate feeling we got when checking in, and perhaps the best demonstration of this was the fabulous “no shoes, no news” policy; the resort was built in an “au-naturel” style, using the sand of the island as the flooring for the majority of the facilities (villas were the exception, we noted somewhat gratefully). Indeed, a very welcome change from the stuffy hustle and bustle of reality! The walk to our beach villa showcased the secluded nature of the island, with beach villas carefully interwoven with groaning, coconut-laden palm trees (between which swung hammocks; perfect for the avid reader), and a few paces from the gleaming white sand of Said beach. The water villas, connected by a small bridge to a separate island, offered even more exclusivity, boasting access to a glass-floored spa set over sparkling coral reefs, and steps straight from the villa into the truly crystal-clear ocean, which moved from the ankle-deep azure of the coastline waters to the deeper, royal blue of the snorkelling territory, teaming with rich sea life from the beach itself. Indeed, one of the highlights was the incredible opportunity to watch giant manta-rays feed on phosphorescent plankton at night, an experience that can rarely be had. The very culture of the islands centres on the respect for the inhabitants of the sea, and with sea turtles, dolphins, and surprisingly friendly reef-tip sharks at your doorstep, it is clear to see the logic. Quite simply, it is a place of dreams. A place to truly escape from the worries of the world and just let yourself wind down to extremes I never would have thought possible, and it’s easy to understand why this destination very frequently features at the top of wish-lists. Paradisiacal to the very letter, the Maldivian experience is one never to be forgotten, and one to be revisited over and over again. Here, heaven truly is a place on earth!

My customer stories

Sent by Euros Jones

Archana provided both an in depth knowledge of various options and a very efficient service.

Sent by Janet Crowther

Archana takes the time to understand our needs as a family, and goes above and beyond to ensure our holiday is perfect. When travelling she is always there to answer queries and sorts out any issues before they become a problem.

Sent by Sally Durbridge

Archana is so lovely, she understands our needs as a family and is always patient.

Sent by Jay Kerai

Superb service even when our requirements are so restrictive.

Sent by Jannine Gentle

Hugely personable service, efficient and really listens to your needs. Builds up trust and understanding of your wishes. Thank you.

Sent by Kajal Patel

Very happy with all the support provided on this short notice trip!

Sent by Karen Young

Archana has been exceptionally helpful, understanding, thorough & professional. She took our booking over as our original travel agent went into liquidation. We had a complex multi location holiday planned which required to be rebooked. We could not have asked for a better travel agent to help navigate us in rearranging our booking. Would highly recommend.

Sent by Amit Kerai

Archana was really helpful during the decision making regarding choosing the destination. She answered all my queries regarding the locations.

Sent by Kevin Tarbox

Archana, our travel counsellor is the ultimate in professionalism- thankyou for all your support so far.

Sent by Alpana Vasu

Great service! Thank you.

Sent by Lucy Burnley

Archana always comes up trumps for our holidays. She knows us so well and what our specific likes & dislikes are which makes booking a holiday so much easier.

Sent by Stephen Russell

Excellent advice. Perfect trip.

Sent by Shaalin Nathwani

Very professional service, as always. Archana took away the stress of trying to sort out travel insurance.

Sent by Andy Tow

Archana worked really hard to find us our perfect trip! Awesome service!

Sent by Anthony Brzezicki

Always helpful. Have recommended her to friends +++

Sent by Janet Crowther

Archana takes the time to get to know her clients, and therefore has always tailored our holidays perfectly for us. She irons out any unexpected issues that may arise, usually before we have become aware of them, and we feel we have the ultimate back up when travelling. Such a necessity when travelling to far flung places!

Sent by Adrian Jones

Archana was perfect, she understood our needs and requirements, dealt with any changes and questions in a timely manner and has an excellent knowledge of the area we wanted to visit. Great service, great package! We are all looking forward it to! Thanks!

Sent by Neeta Patel

Super efficient and helpful. Also, very knowledgeable and was able to provide a good itinerary swiftly and within my budget. Thoroughly recommended.

Sent by Alice Landsman

As always so professional, efficient and above all helpful with advice and prompt service!

Sent by Tanuja Khiroya

Archana was great with helping us arrange our family holiday to celebrate a milestone birthday. She is friendly, efficient and very responsive. I would thoroughly recommend her!

Sent by Lucy Burnley

We have used Archana for booking our holidays for years which has meant we have a fabulous relationship with her & she knows what we like & don’t like from a holiday, which makes it so much easier. I would thoroughly recommend her services to anyone wanting their perfect trip!

Sent by Vibhuti Patel

Quick friendly service; finding out our requirements before suggesting the destination.

Sent by Ketan Siani

I have used Archana numerous times when booking holidays and have never had a bad experience! She is very professional and really good at her job. She does give that personal touch in providing options tailored to your requirements. She has always found us resorts, which we have loved and made great memories. I would highly recommend Archana's service for anyone wanting to find their perfect holiday.

Sent by Nicola Bailey

Archana is always so thorough and goes above and beyond to help us!

Sent by Kevin Tarbox

Great customer rapport and look forward to working with Archana again.

Sent by Evelyn Miles

Archana wisely guided me through the process of correct documentation for entry to Australia since Covid restrictions - it would have been a nightmare without her. Also delighted with her recommendation for flights.

Sent by Janet Crowther

Archana always goes above and beyond, she gets to know her clients well and always manages to sort any problems out with the utmost efficiency. Nothing is too much trouble.

Sent by Sally Durbridge

Archana is kind, considerate and easy to talk to. I always go to her for holiday advice and bookings. It’s a gift to have someone on hand who I trust.

Sent by Evelyn Miles

Archana wisely guided me through the process of correct documentation for entry to Australia since Covid restrictions - it would have been a nightmare without her. Also delighted with her recommendation for flights.

Sent by Jannine Gentle

Very friendly, efficient and looks at all possible options. Works fast to secure the best option for you and good explanations of what is happening in the booking process. Thanks Archana x

Sent by Stephen Bradshaw

Excellent service - totally aware of our needs and preferences!

Sent by Richard Evens

Extremely helpful from the outset with quick and accurate information!

Sent by Varsha Siyani

Archana is great; so responsive and always found us the best deals. Her communication style is super and she just got what we were looking for. I won’t be going anywhere else to look for a holiday- thank you so much!

Sent by Ketan Siani

Have booked via Archana on many occasions, we have always had a great experience from the get go. The resorts she recommends are to the highest standard, and we have never been let down. I would highly recommend using Archana when planning a holiday.

Sent by Andrew Tow

Archana is fantastic. Super quick, really efficient and a wealth of travel industry knowledge to draw one. First class! :-)

Sent by Anthony Brzezicki

Really helpful. We wouldn’t have the holiday we wanted without Archana.

Sent by Amanda Hughes

As always Archana provides the highest level of personal care.

Sent by Janet Crowther

Archana has been instrumental in planning our holidays for many years now. Often our requests are quite 'complicated', but she deals with them every time with professionalism, grace and good humour. She always ensures that everything runs smoothly, and we feel extremely well cared for. Over the years there has been unforeseen hitches to which she has expertly resolved with the minimum of fuss. I cannot recommend her services enough.

Sent by Rohitkumar Patel

As always very efficient and knowledgable of the places we like to travel to!

Sent by Shweta Rajani

Without a doubt I would recommend Archana, thank you so much for sorting things out for me.

Sent by Lucy Burnley

I can’t fault Archana, she listens and reacts to all our holiday requirements and knows us so well. She always comes up trumps with a top holiday!

Sent by Harish Kotecha

EXCELLENT SERVICE!

Sent by Femi Ogun

I would very likely recommend your services, in fact I have already!

Sent by Juliette Dennett

Archana is always competent and knowledgeable. She makes it easy to do business with her, and adds value wherever she can.

Sent by Ketan Siani

We have used Archana for many holidays and have never been disappointed in the services and package she has offered and arranged for us. I have already recommend many of my friends and family to use Archana in planning their holiday and they give the same positive feedback as myself.

Sent by Emma Whiting

Archana always provides an outstanding service which is not only personal to suit our needs but always more than we could hope for at a fantastic price. We have used Archana for several years now and cant imagine booking a holiday without her help and support! She's always proactive, checking in regularly, sending personal birthday wishes - She always goes the extra mile to ensure she delivers a high standard of service whilst also trying to flex to exceed our requirements (on this occasion 10 people) which is not an easy task. Please pass on our continued thanks for an amazing experience again!

Sent by Brian Condon

Clear, calm and professional advice. Archana made my life a lot easier!

Sent by Ramesh Kapur

Fantastic service!

Sent by Helena Green

I was very pleased and impressed with the way Archana dealt with my request to get me a good deal for the cruise that I was interested in. Although my sister and her husband dealt with her separately she ensured that we had cabins next door to each other and on a desirable deck. I will certainly be using her services again.

Sent by Sanjiv Manek

As always very thorough and personalised service to meet our needs.

Sent by Jonathan Belcher

Once again, Archana proved invaluable with my recent booking of flights, acccomodation and car hire to Albuquerque. Many thanks.

Sent by Lucy Burnley

Always a pleasure to have Archana sort our holidays out. She knows us so well now and knows what we want from a holiday.

Sent by Reshma Patel

Archana helped me find the perfect holiday for my family, with lots of suggestions to suit our budget as well as the standard we required. We wanted somewhere hot at Easter, with water sports readily available, and not a long haul flight. Archana came up with suggestions to tailor our needs. Brilliant service and I would highly recommend her to all my friends and family!

Sent by Janet Crowther

Archana is extremely efficient, organised and has great knowledge of travel. If she doesn't know an answer, she will immediately find someone who does. She has just organised a very complicated trip for us in Asia, and managed to bring it all together with minimum stress!

Sent by Kishan Teli

Archana was a pleasure to deal with, very flexible, patient and accommodating. We changed our itinerary to Japan approx. 3 times and no query was too much trouble; highly recommended; she is also incredibly organised and responds to queries quickly.

Sent by Gillian Halverson

We have used Archana before and she has always been very helpful and professional and gives great advice.

Sent by Rohit Patel

Archana is extremely thorough with the travel preparations and it is always a pleasure to book my holidays with her!

Sent by Rupal Patel

Archana not only met with our budget but gave us very thorough guidelines for our trip. She also answered all our questions promptly.

Sent by Amanda Duggan

Archana has been my Travel Counsellor for over 15 years now and I have recommended her to many of my friends as I know that she will do everything in her power to arrange a fantastic holiday for her clients. Nothing is too much trouble and she leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that every eventuality is considered.

Sent by Harish Kotecha

Archana has always provided a very professional service, not only for this booking, but others for many years.

Sent by Lucy Burnley

Archana is always so efficient and knows our personal needs and wants, consequently she comes up trumps with every holiday we’ve booked.

Sent by Ketan Siani

All the hoildays we have booked with Archana, we have always had a great experience without any issues and with the highest standards.

Sent by Dipak Kerai

Very polite, very fast responses, very good destination options. Everything you would expect from an advisor. Plus she is not pushy, allowing one time to consider the options. Extremely happy with the service Archana has provided.

Sent by Bob Chevli

In my experience, my Travel Counsellor has been able to quickly, effectively and cheaply secure the travel services that I require!

Sent by Juliette Dennett

Archana is always thorough, professional and demonstrates excellent understanding of our holiday preferences. Always outstanding!

Sent by Matthew Clementson

Great service, fast and efficient responses. Better price than we could get ourselves. Thanks!

Sent by Alice Landsman

Exemplary service and advice - as always. Thank you Archana!

Sent by Emma Whiting

As always, Archana has gone above and beyond the service I would hope to receive - and this year is no different to previous years - She has taken personal time, effort, considered ALL of our challenging requirements to find us another amazing holiday! I cannot thank her enough, every year I share her details with friends, sing her praises and know she's the one and only person I would approach and trust to find us holidays in the future... Thank you again!!

Sent by Sophie Buck

Quick and efficient service and a personal approach which I like. Would highly recommend Archana to family and friends!

Sent by Alice Landsman

Archana is perfection personified - as always.

Sent by Amanda Bradshaw

Great service, saved us so much time, we would have never found this great deal.

Sent by Michael Freilich

Archana was as always very helpful, diligent, knowledgable, and efficient!

Sent by Emma Whiting

Always a proactive, completely personal service - Archana is amazing! She does a superb job and I always recommend her services to friends and family - This is now the 4th holiday we have booked with her and I am 100% confident of using her in future years too (once we have saved up again!) - Many thanks again!

Sent by James Mulholland

extremely efficient, friendly and professional; thank you :)

Sent by Julie Wotherspoon

Archana was extremely helpful , nothing was too much trouble

Sent by Jonathan Belcher

Good work from Archana over the Christmas period to get my Flights and accommodation booked at short notice. Many thanks...JB

Sent by Mary Callard

Archana has been so professional and helpful in helping us find cruise holidays. She has a friendly approach and goes out of her way to track down the best deal.

Sent by Ramniklal Kotecha

Our initial inquiry and subsequent booking was very efficiently dealt by Archana. She was very helpful and very knowledgeable.Very impressed.

Sent by Paresh Varsani

I have never received a service like this from anyone before. Your speed, knowledge, patience and working late nights all surprised me. I hope your husband forgives me for using up your evenings.

Sent by Alice & Bryan Landsman

Well done – 12 years that is a great achievement and I firmly believe that it is only your wonderful customer care, service and your expertise that has enabled your business to grow, without your exceptional abilities and care you would not have done so well. We are always more than happy to recommend you to everyone we know.

Sent by graham poole

I was recommended to Archana by a friend and have found her knowledge of the travel industry to be invaluable. Archana is also eager to hear of your experiences and any tips regarding certain places to enable her to pass them on to her clients.

Sent by Janet Crowther

Archana gave us a very personal service, spending lots of time finding our perfect holiday to keep us all happy - not an easy feat! Also when we were let down by the hotel, she did hours and hours of work to ensure we were moved to a suitable alternative. This was only because of her great knowledge of the country and hotels.

Sent by Shirley Zealander

The only comment I have is that Archana's worth to me is over and above 100%, I couldn't ask for more. This also applies to friends I have recommended to her.

Sent by Diana Wesseling

Archana has always given myself and my family an unstinting, friendly and professional service. Her attention to detail is second to none and no request is too much trouble. I can wholeheartedly recommend Archana to anyone who is looking for a personally-tailored special holiday and will certainly continue to use her expertise in the future.

Sent by Mark Boyes

Archana always provides an exceptional service and I couldn't recommend her any higher.

Sent by Hugh Griffiths

My company uses Archana as our Travel Counsellor. She deals with all our international travel matters, always providing invaluable advice and getting us a good deal. Archana is extremely hardworking, totally efficient and always does what she says she will do - a rare quality these days. She offers great value and I unreservedly recommend her to other businesses and individuals.

Sent by Ian Borthwick

Archana Nathwani has been our travel advisor for 4 years. She has assisted in family holidays, a “girls” trip to Morocco for my wife and daughters, a safari, a midnight sun cruise, and a trip to the cradle of civilisation. Every one memorable because of the care and diligence provided in the planning and execution. A professional and quality service, I have no hesitation in recommending Archana.

Sent by Sanjiv Manek

Archana has looked after our travel and holiday needs for the past 7 years averaging up to 3 trips a year. We have come to rely heavily on Archana's expertise at finding out the best options to suit our stringent needs. Archana has a fantastic sense of knowing each time, what would suit us best at each holiday destination and after a guaranteed, thorough and conscientious search for options, she gives us a vast amount of choice with selective tips to enable us to pick out what attracts us. This is the difficult part where we are so spoilt for choice! We have always appreciated these final choices, based on Archana's advice, particularly whilst we are on holiday and realise how easy Archana has made it for us through her reliable planning skills. Long may the association continue!

Sent by Amanda Duggan

I write to offer a testimonial to the outstanding level of service offered by my Travel Counsellor, Archana Nathwani. I met Archana whilst on holiday in 2001 and was immediately struck by her vivacious and warm personality, and was happy to offer her the opportunity of arranging my next holiday. What a great decision that was! Over the past 6 years I have returned time and again to Archana to assist me and my family with our holiday plans. Archana is always positive and helpful and nothing is too much trouble for her. I never cease to be amazed by the level of her responsiveness and her 'can do' attitude. Of course, the true test of any service provider is how they react when things don’t go according to plan. On a couple of occasions we have encountered challenges whilst on holiday and on each occasion we were able to contact Archana (even on Easter Saturday evening in one case) and she did whatever it took to ensure that our challenges were resolved. It is extremely reassuring to know that we have Archana as our 'safety net' each time we leave home. I have recommended Archana’s services to my work colleagues and friends and always know that they too will be impressed by her ability to listen to what people are looking for and to help source the ideal holiday solution. In a world where so often people make promises and fail to deliver, Archana is an inspiring example of professionalism, personal integrity and commitment. In my opinion she is a diamond and a brilliant ambassador for Travel Counsellors.

Sent by Chai Patel

Archana Nathwani has organised business and personal travel for me over many years. She is professional, knowledgable and takes great care to ensure everything is thoroughly thought out. Archana has a very positive attitude and no trips are too great or too small; they are all handled with equal efficiency. She is a very helpful and friendly person with whom to deal.