30 August 2023

Recently one of our clients asked us to plan the perfect 40th Birthday staycation for him and his friends. With high expectations and a flair for style and food, we knew that we had to pull something special out of the bag! Within 24 hours we had found the perfect property - nestled in the Cotswolds, within 2 hours of their home, we found a boutique independent hotel with a reputation for elegance, indulgence and service. The wanted 15 rooms for 30 guests and 7 children, private dining with the ability to do a tasting menu and bring in their own entertainment. As well as this, they wanted spa access and close proximity to a golf course as well as any other activities that could work for families. The property we found match their requirements exactly, with only 20 rooms onsite they would almost have exclusivity of the hotel, a spa hidden in the walled garden and a gold course down the road. Activities included focaccia making, wine tasting and cocktail making. Luxurious rooms, adjoining family rooms and suites all in the same house. And did I mention, all within budget? If you are looking for your next luxury UK group staycation do not hesitate to get in touch - we have hundreds of properties to look at and we are sure we would find one to suit your requirements.

14 August 2023

We were tasked by one of our corporate clients to create the perfect 36 hour trip for 150 of their team to celebrate a milestone in the business. They had previously been to Rome, Paris and Edinburgh and we wanted to wow them with something completely different! After exploring Bruges, Faro City, Malaga and Dublin it became really apparent that the perfect itinerary which would incorporate everything they wanted in a 36 hour getaway. We sourced a group flight from their nearest airport in the Midlands and was able to secure 150 seats all on the same flight for that seamless experience. We will check everyone in and be available at the airport if required on departure. Pre-travel we will send everyone their personalised itineraries and details to build excitement and ensure that everyone is fully prepared for this celebration. We were able to find the perfect accommodation as well, in Central Dublin, a 4* hotel which could facilitate everyone on a twin bedroom basis including breakfast by the clients request. This property had an amazing team supporting us making the extra special touches and ensuring that everything had been taken care of for the client. Transfers to and from the airport were organised by city tours coaches offering our delegates a city tour of Dublin whilst making their way to the hotel. It was a great way to incorporate an activity within the transfer and make it more interesting. We ensured that there was plenty of free time for the delegates to enjoy each others company, sample the cultural highlights of the Temple Bar area, shopping, whiskey tasting, architecture or maybe a walk along the River Liffey! We were also able to offer a wide range of tours and activities to the group such as food and drink walking tours, cycling tours around the city, visits to the Guinness factory or even a fun Irish dancing lesson! We know that with a group of 150 delegates you need to offer something for everyone. For the dinner venue we were able to offer 3 options, a whiskey distillery, a high end restaurant on exclusive use, or a gala dinner within the hotel. We have the ability to look at an array of options to suit any budget. We can look after all of the arrangements from booking the venue, catering, welcome reception, menu's, agenda for the evening, entertainment and plans for an after party , if so wished! The next morning the delegates can enjoy the full breakfast at leisure in the hotel. With a late checkout confirmed for the group, the delegates can take their time and then enjoy some free time in this amazing city. We also arranged some more activities in the morning ahead of the transfer back to the airport in the afternoon. This was truly a whistle-stop cultural trip celebrating everyone's contribution to the businesses success. Incentive trips like this really do motivate your teams and maintains their commitment and interest in the goals of the business. It builds relationships and trust within teams as well as give you the opportunity to reward and recognise everyone's contribution in the business. If you would like us to look at your next incentive trip please do email meetingsandevents@travelcounsellors.com or call 01386 750050

08 September 2023

W H E R E Y O U ’ L L G O The Garland Hotel, Los Angeles | The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas | The Village Lodge, Mammoth Lakes | Tenaya at Yosemite | Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco H O W L O N G Y O U ’ L L B E O U T T H E R E 10 Days | 9 Nights W H A T Y O U ’ L L D O Hit the dazzling Las Vegas strip. Delve to North America’s lowest point in Death Valley. Fall in love with San Francisco. Day One - Arrive at Los Angeles airport. Overnight: The Garland Hotel, Los Angeles. Day Two - Day at leisure. Overnight: The Garland Hotel, Los Angeles. Day Three - Depart for Las Vegas – drive time four hours. Overnight: The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas. Day Four - Day at leisure. Don’t forget to make time for a photo opp at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign! Overnight: The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas. Day Five - Depart for Mammoth Lakes – drive time five hours. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. Overnight: The Village Lodge. Day Six - Arise with the morning sun for a seasonal scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth. Depart for Yosemite National Park – drive time 3.5 hours. Overnight: Tenaya at Yosemite. Day Seven - Explore the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park where you’ll experience the valley floor and its splendours including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls. Overnight: Tenaya at Yosemite. Day Eight Depart for San Francisco – drive time four hours. Take in the sights and sounds of the city at night on the City by Night Tour. Overnight: Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf. Day Nine Excursion: Tour of Napa and Sonoma Wine Country. On this full-day tour you will visit three renowned Napa Valley and Sonoma Wineries where you’ll taste the wines, learn about winemaking techniques and shop for wine and souvenirs. Overnight: Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf. Day Ten Depart from San Francisco airport.

30 August 2023

The UAE is the perfect destination for a corporate incentive trip. Recently we booked a direct flight to Dubai with Emirates and with a one hour transfer you are in the untouched Ras Al Khaimah - a smaller version of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, littered with luxury hotels, pristine beaches and amazing array of activities and excursions. From desert adventures, quad biking, or the worlds longest zipline! We booked the Hilton Marjan Island and Spa for 5* all inclusive 6 nights of rest and relaxation with a couple of activities booked in. With a two hour transfer we will be heading to Abu Dhabi to stay at the Worlds first Warner Brothers hotel on Yas Island. With theme park access and half board basis, it will be the perfect base for an activity based few days. We will also be booking tickets to Ferrari World and Yas Water World! If you are looking for a luxurious, activity incentive we can build the perfect multi centre trip for you. This trip departing in January 2024 is currently starting from £3,500pp departing from BHX.