23 December 2022

Falling in love with Saint Lucia is easy. From the picture postcard-perfect beaches to the lush rainforests, deep history, creole culture, warm and friendly locals and, of course, the iconic Pitons – it really captures your heart. Which is rather apt given that the recent trip I attended was centred on Saint Lucia as a romance destination! I was one of eight UK agents and tour operators that were invited to explore the Island as part of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s Global Romance Summit – a week-long trip that offered us access to the Island’s top resorts, activities, and wedding suppliers. This means I have specialist knowledge and access to suppliers for my clients who are planning to propose, get married or honeymoon on this fabulous island. The special guest at the Romance Summit was Dr Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, who explained his thoughts and vision for encouraging visitors to get out and explore and experience all the island has to offer. So that’s precisely what we did. From hiking to the top of Pigeon Island, to dancing the night away at the Gros Islet street party, chocolate making at the Howelton Estate, sailing to the Pitons aboard a catamaran, ziplining through the rainforest, bathing in mud at the sulphur springs and dashing through the hills on segways. We also squeezed in 16 hotel visits and some sensational lunches, dinners and rum cocktails enroute….all in the name of research! Weddings are really easy to arrange in Saint Lucia and there is such a broad range of options to suit all budgets and preferences. It’s worth noting that Saint Lucia does not have a residency period, so this allows marriage licenses to be obtained within 24 for hours of arrival (same day application) or the couple is required to be in Saint Lucia two days prior to their wedding (regular application). When planning a wedding I can either put you in touch with the team at your resort or one of the independent wedding experts on the island. The latter all have their own unique style and it’s a close-knit community so they will happily refer you to a colleague if they think there will be a better fit for you. The island is a story of two halves and so a split stay is a great idea. Head North first for fun and adventure, ensuring you include a Friday for the street party at Gros Islet. The land transfer north is c. 1.5 hours and the roads are bumpy, so if budget allows then a helicopter or ferry transfer could be a good alternative. Then head south for nature and serenity. Favourite properties include Jade Mountain and Anse Chasenet (the views), Cap Maison (the beach vibe) and Sugar Beach (the spa). The magic for any wedding or honeymoon comes from the extra sparkle I can help you add. I have access to all my contacts on the ground and can help my clients arrange the perfect celebration - whether that's a proposal, renewal of vows, wedding, honeymoon or wedding anniversary. So if you're thinking of marking your special occasion overseas then I would recommend you say YES to Saint Lucia!

23 December 2022

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and I was delighted to be invited to visit the resort to as part of a special VIP celebratory trip. Travelling to Disneyland Paris via Eurostar from London St Pancras is fast and easy, although please be aware the direct service will no longer operate from 5 June 2023. However, the indirect routes will still offer a good alternative. We stayed at the new 'The Disney New York – The Art of Marvel' hotel which is a short 10-minute walk from the main parks. Modelled on the Manhattan skyline, a stay here is an absolute must for Marvel fans of all ages. The hotel is decked out with 350 pieces of Marvel artwork and boasts two restaurants – Downtown for buffet and Manhattan for a la carte, as well as two bars – Bleecker Street Lounge for coffee and drinks and the sophisticated Skyline Bar. Each floor of the hotel is dedicated to a different Super Hero and there are lots of accommodation styles, plus interconnecting room options to cater for families or groups of various sizes. I loved the Super Hero interactive Marcel stations where you can have a photo taken. There also a pool and shop at the hotel. If you’re not a Marvel fan but still want to stay close to the park then Newport Bay and Santa Fe are also options to consider. In the park itself there is an epic new land – Marvel Universe. With two new rides on offer – the Avengers Assemble: Flight Force offering big thrills; and the interactive Spider-Man W.E.B adventure – plus Super Heroes making unexpected appearances several times an hour, this is a really fun new addition to an already exciting resort. Of course there is so much on offer beside Marvel in the resort and I loved sampling all the rides using my fast pass (a must in my opinion) and enjoying highlights such as the Character Breakfast and special shows. For the 30th anniversary Disneyland Paris is inviting you to dream bigger, laugh lounder and smile wider than ever before and the celebrations will continue until 30th September 2023. Plus Pixar fans will love the fact that a new show is being added in Summer 2023. So if you’re hoping to plan a trip to Disneyland Paris then 2023 is a great time to visit and I can help you plan your perfect trip!

15 September 2021

As a travel expert I am lucky to experience first-hand some of the best hotels, resorts, destinations and travel experiences across the globe. To bring to life what is available I’ve been collating interviews with some of my contacts in the industry to bring you insider insight into some the most sought-after holiday experiences. I recently stayed at one of Corfu’s newest resorts, Domes of Corfu, a soon to be Autograph Collection by Marriott. When you arrive at this latest resort it feels like you’ve discovered a secret haven. Located in Glyfada on the west coast of Corfu, this new addition to the Domes Resorts portfolio is set against a backdrop of lush mountains and with a gorgeous sandy beach, this recently refurbished gem is perfect for families. Here I speak to Penny Naoum who shares more about what’s on offer for guests in 2021 and beyond... Q. Penny, this is the latest of the Dome Resorts portfolio – can you tell me more about your resort? Our Domes Resorts portfolio is already well established and includes our sister properties in Chania, Elounda and Corfu. Every resort offers consistency in terms of luxury, service, style and signature personalised experiences but equally we’ve designed them all to have their own identity. Domes of Corfu is our latest addition to the family. We’ve completely refurbished an existing hotel to bring it up to our Domes standards and what believe we’ve created is elevated luxury combined with a rustic, relaxed and bohemian feel. Q. Tell me more about what’s on offer for your guests? The setting for Domes of Corfu is really quite special. We have the awarded best beach of the Island literally on our doorstep and the site is surrounded by lush forest and mountain scenery, so it feels private and exclusive from the moment you arrive. Your own slice of heaven. Guests can dine in our Agora Restaurant which offers a combination of traditional Greek and international cuisine. We also offer Topos, our beachside seafood restaurant; our a la carte restaurant Frourio which offers an Italian twist; or for more of a gourmet ‘street-food’ style meals you can dine at the Signature multi-awarded CORE concept, named Spianada. In Spianada, we will also be organising weekly events, themed nights or open cinema nights. We’ve taken time to develop a range of activities for our guests, from Yoga and Fitness classes to Signature and tailormade spa treatments inspired by Corfiot nature and mythology. Our team can also assist guests who want to explore the island in more depth either with a hike, jeep safari or a boat trip to name a few. The UNESCO protected Corfu Town is easy to access and only 20 minutes’ drive, as are a number of other sights and attractions. Q. We stayed with our children and felt the resort was particularly geared up for families – would you agree? Absolutely! We take great pride in ensuring that everything is easily accessible and is sensitive to the needs of all our guests, from the very youngest upwards. There is a separate paddling pool, kids’ menus in all restaurants, a lifeguard on duty daily, we offer an excellent kids club with a Worldwide and Montessori-style programme and the whole resort has a very relaxed and laid-back feel which works well for families. We will also have an activity park with more teenager-friendly activities. We also recognise that grown-ups need a holiday too and so we have an evening programme, an adults-only pool, babysitting to give parents a much-needed night off and some fantastic bars – from our sophisticated French-inspired Nkaleri Lounge to Xenia and Paralia, our two bars based in the Spianada and by the beach respectively. Q. You’ve opened this new resort in the middle of the pandemic – why now? It’s always a challenge to open a new hotel, let alone do it at a time when there is uncertainty around travel, but the truth is that we like a challenge and to keep our promises. After the huge success of our adults-only Domes Miramare in Corfu, we had constant feedback for a family resort in Corfu under Domes standards. And as soon as we announced Domes of Corfu, the demand for this summer has been fantastic. Q. What style of accommodation are available for guests? There are 236 rooms and suites available, and we have taken time to ensure that they offer a wide appeal for our guests. All of our Tropical accommodations offer a forest or side sea views. All our Sapphire ones offer direct sea views. We have retreats, suites, open plan suites, swim up suites up to a 2-bedroom Sapphire family suite. All suites offer robes and slipper, luxury toiletries and rain showers and a mini bar as standard, as you would expect in a luxury resort. Of course, we also have the Sublime suites, part of the Haute Living, where guests have even more elevated inclusions, access to the Haute Living Room and a complimentary upgrade to Half Board Dine Around. Q. Can you explain the Haute Living concept? Haute Living Selection is a hotel within the hotel concept. It is designed for those that love feeling like VIPs. You only get it if you select one of the 7 highest room types and as briefly mentioned before you get a few benefits with it. Besides a bigger room type, you have a few upgraded room amenities, a dedicated HLS Manager and concierge staff, complimentary Half Board Dine Around and access to the all day exclusive Haute Living Room offering hot and cold snacks, fruits, salads, traditional delicacies, tea, coffee, and some branded wines, beers, soft drinks & evening spirits. These can be used exclusively by these guests on a complimentary basis. Q. Finally, what’s your Insider tip for those considering a stay…. My personal tip would be to first, rent a car, regal Corfu has so many beautiful locations for you to explore and it will be a shame if you don’t. It is an UNESCO town for a reason. Next, I’d say maybe do one of our outdoor experiences like horse riding, scuba diving, snorkelling, jeep safari or a mini cruise to Corfu or nearby island of Paxos. There is also a tennis and golf court in the island, we’d love to book a session for you. If you prefer to stay in, then, book a spa treatment, as I guarantee it is unique or participate in an olive or wine tasting with local producers. Last but not least, enjoy that golden sandy beach and emerald clear waters of Domes of Corfu. We want you to have a full 360 degree experience and make amazing memories to last you a lifetime.

30 July 2021

In the first of a series of interviews with some of travel’s inside experts, I talk to Angela Ntargaki, Guest Relations Manager at one of Corfu’s hottest new openings for 2021 – The Olivar Suites. Angela shares how the resort is going the extra mile to welcome its inaugural clients during the pandemic. Q. Angela can you tell me a bit about the background of The Olivar Suites? The site that has been developed used to be an olive grove and has belonged to The Olivar Suites owners’ family for more than 350 years. The main building down by the beach which houses the ‘Olibar’, our stunning Corfiot bar, is the original olive mill house. Q. The design of The Olivar Suites is quite different to other resorts nearby – why is that? The vision of the owners and their architects, Costis & Phivos Skroumbelos and Project Architect Argyro Kopsida, was that they wanted guests to enjoy an authentic, intimate and private experience while retaining the feeling of being in a traditional Corfiot village. All of the buildings are low rise so that they blend into the village of Messonghi. The gardens have been planted to create privacy for the suites and also to exude the smells and senses of Corfu, so we have natural tones of lavender and thyme throughout the property. Q. I understand that the owners were keen to conserve the trees on the site? From a conservation perspective it was important to them that they save the entire grove. They've ensured that every olive tree has been rehomed, either by moving them around the site to become an integral part of the landscape design of The Olivar Suites, relocating them to their other two hotels on Corfu or to other local sites. All the trees remain intact and on Corfu. Q. Would you say there is a strong sustainability ethos at The Olivar Suites? Sustainability and community is really important to us. All our goods are sourced locally and support the local producers on the Island. In addition we ensure that consumption of natural resources is kept to a minimum, our waste treatment is designed to have minimal environmental impacts and we use only eco-friendly friendly cleaning products and organic materials. What’s also important to us is that our employees are all locals and we are bringing in more custom to the businesses in our village too. Q. Tell me about your role here? As Guest Relations Manager I am here to ensure everyone is well looked after and that they have the very best experience possible. I have been fortunate to work in some of the best hotels in London and before I joined the team here I was working at The Savoy in London, also as part of the Guest Relations team. My ethos is that the most important part of a holiday are the memories that are created and so our team is solely focused on exceeding expectations to ensure this is the case for our guests. Everything matters – from the first smile to the tiniest details. Q. Who would be your typical guest? The Olivar Suites is a perfect destination for couples, groups of friends travelling together and families, all of whom are looking for luxury, relaxation, privacy and an authentic stay. While we warmly welcome families, I would highlight that we don’t offer kids clubs or children’s activities. Our guests also value being able to support local communities and want to be immersed in local Corfiot life and so our position in the heart of the village is a big attraction. Q. What suites are available for guests? We have 120 suites here at The Olivar Suites and most of them include private pools. It’s only 20, many of which are on the upper floors, that don’t. We are proud to offer the largest selection of pool suites in Corfu. The high proportion of pool suites is an important part of our vision for privacy. Our clients are likely to want to spend more time in their room and so from next year we will be tailoring our offering to suit, with in-room dining, spa treatments and even PT sessions being made available if clients wish. This in-suite offering was something we had hoped to provide this year as we launched, but due to Covid we have decided it will be a feature from 2022 onwards. Q. What are your most popular suites? Different styles are popular with different guests. Ionian Suites cater for three people and are situated on the beach with easy access to the pool, our restaurant and bar. As well as offering the largest pools, these also offer two bathrooms, the ensuite also has a bath, and a large but private garden area. Above there are the Riviera suites. While they don’t have a private pool, these suites more than compensate with a large terrace and spectacular picture windows so that clients can lay in bed and drink in the views of the Ionian sea and beyond to mainland Greece. We often see these two suites - the Ionian and Riviera - sell together as it offers accommodation for five people and the pool can be enjoyed by all. Corfiot Suites are popular amongst families and couples or friends travelling together due to the two bedroomed lay out. Couples are also opting for our Majestic Suites due to their larger private pools and outdoor terrace areas. Q. The food is outstanding – can you tell us more about it? We are so excited to have Chef Spyros Agious heading up our kitchen at ‘Flya’. He is a young, talented and acclaimed Greek Chef with a Golden Chef’s Hat Award under his belt and an impressive track record of working at some of the best restaurants and hotels in Europe, including the Greenhouse and Claridge’s in London. We are delighted that he has chosen to return home to Corfu to head up our talented kitchen team. Our guests enjoy modern Corfiot and Mediterranean cuisine in our restaurant ‘Flya’ offering a unique tasting experience, or a more casual menu in the 'Olibar'. Menus reflect the authentic recipes, ingredients and flavours of our grandparent’s generation, but with a modern and sophisticated twist on each dish. Q. Finally, what’s your Insider tip for those considering a stay…. Stay with us at The Olivar Suites and you can head off to Paxos and Antipaxos, explore Corfu Town, either by bus or boat, or you’ve got the beautiful clear waters of the Ionian sea to explore by paddle board or kayak. Corfu has so much to offer that many clients combine a week with us and then head North to take in the contrast and sights in the North of the Island. Whatever you would prefer, your travel expert can work with us to arrange.

12 October 2020

A journey to Vietnam is a sensory overload. From the chaotic traffic system to the aromatic street food and the broad welcoming smiles of the locals, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this charming destination. My first trip to Vietnam was 21 years ago. It was the first stop on my world travels. I spent almost three weeks travelling overland from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) by minibus and coach, stopping at Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Mui Ne beach. It blew my mind and I promised to go back and explore in more depth on future travels. I returned some 15 years later hosting a group of VIP journalists on a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, and then on a luxury river cruise sailing along the Mekong River across the border into Cambodia. On this second trip we were accompanied by Australian-Vietnamese Celebrity Chef Luke Nguyen who showed us the secrets of the city, culture and cuisine from a local’s perspective. From cooking classes to inner city districts, roof top bars and coffee shops to late night street food hangouts, we were incredibly lucky to have first-hand access to what local life is really like and to develop a deeper appreciation of the culture. There are plenty of must-see sights on a holiday to Vietnam but if you're planning a trip then here are my favourite five experiences that will set your holiday apart: 1. Barter in the markets. There are plenty of opportunities to have a haggle with the locals and one of my favourite souvenirs are nón lá – the iconic cone-shaped Vietnamese leaf hats. 2. Crawl through the tunnels at Cu Chi and gain a real appreciation for how they were used by the Viet Cong during the war. 3. Eat Pho for breakfast. Live like a local and swap your western brekkie for a bowl of Vietnamese soul food. 4. Take a cooking class and learn how to make popular street food dishes such as rice paper rolls, Banh Mi and Banh Xeo. 5. Finally, you have to try Durian aka the smelly fruit. The fruit world’s equivalent to marmite, you’ll either love it or loathe it, but I urge you to give it a go and make up your own mind! For expert advice and help planning your future journey to Vietnam call me on 01962 690006 or email zoe.palmer@travelcounsellors.com.

23 June 2020

To my valued customers, The world is reopening. It’s a new experience for us all. We can start to move around, interact with each other responsibly and enjoy laughter with family and friends. Holidays are no longer dreams but a reality. We can book and have amazing things to look forward to. I’m hoping you will write back to me. Leave me a comment or drop me an email to tell me where you are most looking forward to visiting, and what you are most excited to book first. Will it be a trip away with friends? A family staycation? A special journey to celebrate a birthday or anniversary that happened during lockdown? Are you go to far flung beaches or for adventures closer to home? I’d love to hear what you’ve missed the most about travel and what it means to you. For me travel is about new experiences. It’s about creating unforgettable memories that I get to share with the people who join me on each special journey. I’m so excited to be planning my next trip. A holiday with my family to reconnect after lockdown and celebrate two very special birthdays. After that I have my sights set on the Maldives for some indulgent relaxation and Japan for culture and contrast. The most important thing about travelling now, and in the near future, is that you feel confident and cared for. That is why it’s so important to book with someone who makes travelling a personal affair. My business is built on looking after and caring for you, my customers. From offering you expert advice, 100% financial protection, 24/7 support while you are away and always being available at a time to suit – I am here for you every step of the way. So tell me about what future travel looks like for you. Go on, drop me a note, email or give me a call and let’s discuss your perfect holiday. Warm regards, Zoe

18 June 2020

River cruising has really taken off in the past decade and having previously worked for a luxury operator I have witnessed this rapid rise in popularity first hand. For those new to this travel format it offers the chance to explore a region in depth, and in some cases cross borders through multiple countries. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to travel. River cruise ships are intimate and offer accommodation for between 100 and 200 guests depending on the operator. A hassle-free holiday, on a river cruise you unpack once and stay on beautifully appointed ships akin to four- or five-star floating boutique hotels. If you choose to set sail with a fully inclusive operator then all your meals, drinks, sightseeing, entertainment and in some cases even tipping, are covered off in the price. Mainly geared towards adults, this travel style offers many different destination choices. Here are five river cruise options to consider: 1. Rhine, Main and Danube – Europe’s waterways offer the opportunity to sail through multiple countries and taking a river cruise is a great way of exploring some of the continent’s most fascinating sights. The most popular river cruise route is from Amsterdam to Budapest and typically takes two weeks. You will sail through some beautiful locations such as the rolling vineyards and castles of the Rhine Valley, the palaces of Vienna and the beautiful backdrop of Budapest. 2. Mekong – Meander down the majestic Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia aboard a river cruise and experience a true slice of local life. Many cruises offer the chance to visit floating markets, learn about the region’s history, see craftspeople at work and meet locals in their riverside villages. This is one of my favourite destinations and I would recommend combining it with a land tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. 3. Douro – From its source in northern Spain, the Douro flows through Portugal to the Atlantic. River cruises travel between Lisbon and Porto and some include a few nights ashore in each city at the beginning and end of the cruise. You’ll sail through Portugal’s vineyards, sample the region’s world-famous Port and explore the charming riverside towns. 4. Irrawaddy – River cruising through Myanmar is a great way to discover one of the world’s lesser explored destinations. Usually seven nights in length, itineraries take in the rich cultural highlights and will provide the opportunity to learn and experience the wonder of this fascinating country. 5. Rhône – Set sail through the gastronomical heartland of France on a Rhône river cruise between Arles and Lyon and you’ll experience picturesque Provencal villages, fragrant fields of lavender and vineyards aplenty. To find out more about river cruise holidays call me on 01962 690003 or email zoe.palmer@travelcounsellors.com

14 June 2020

Australia is as bold as it is beautiful. It boasts incredible wildlife, pristine beaches, the contrast of the big country versus cosmopolitan cities, and of course so much more besides. My first experience of Australia was as a backpacker and I was immediately smitten. Travelling to Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland and then down the coast to catch a catamaran around the Whitsunday Islands before heading to the sophistication of Sydney with her iconic Opera House and flotilla of sailing boats sparkling on the harbour, I decided that I was never going to leave. My visa, of course, had the final say and it was back to Blighty for me once my year was up. Much as I tried, I just could not let go of the love affair I had started so a decade later and with a husband and young child in tow I found myself heading back there to live. This time I stayed longer and explored further. Living in Melbourne on my return, I had a whole new perspective on the country. I lived like a local and explored what was in my immediate backyard while also travelling further afield. For me, hearing the call of a Kookaburra or seeing galahs and cockatoos in my back garden was gold. Taking a bike ride in the country and spotting Kangaroos and Koalas or heading to the beach and seeing dolphins in the bay – all were a real highlight. I worked for an Australian tour operator and learned about the hidden treasures that take you off the beaten track. I discovered a whole new appreciation for just how vast, culturally rich and stunningly beautiful Australia is. I also realised that even after many years of living in Australia, there is just so much to see and experience that even locals struggle to pack the highlights in! Circumstances once again led me back to the UK but this time I returned with citizenship, another (proudly Australian) child and an even deeper affection for this vast and wonderful country. Last Christmas I took my family back for a three week holiday. We started in Noosa with beach and pool time, and a trip to Australia Zoo for the kids. Then it was over to Melbourne for a true Aussie Christmas with a BBQ, seafood and sunshine. For New Year we hired a beach house on the Mornington Peninsula and spent our days at local wineries, lounging in the spa pools at the Peninsula Hot Springs and paddle boarding at the picture-perfect Bayside beaches. Like their Mother years before, the children declared that they loved it so much they never again wanted to leave! If you are planning a journey to Australia and want to find out more about how to plan and experience the very best the country has to offer then do please give me a call on 01962 690006.