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Meet the Boss: Karl Watson, Inntravel

Monday, July 6th, 2009

karl watson inntravelsunflowers le marchepool

Each week 101 Holidays meets the boss of one of the UK’s finest tour operators. This week we speak to Karl Watson, general manager of Inntravel, which specialises in walking, cycling and cross-country skiing holidays in the most beautiful corners of Europe.

Karl joined Inntravel in 2001 and moved to rural North Yorkshire. With his wife Jayne, a languages teacher, he is gradually persuading his 10- and 7-year old children that the world is best experienced on foot or from a saddle, rather than through a car windscreen beneath iPod headphones.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

My wife usually insists that we avoid places Inntravel uses as she says I never switch off, but we’re breaking that rule this year with two weeks at Inntravel’s self-catering apartments near Ascea (pictured above right) in the Campania region of southern Italy.

We all love quiet, tranquil hideaways, and these beautifully converted apartments are set amidst olive groves and chestnut woods, with lots of farm animals and a pool to keep the kids entertained. We’ll be close to numerous secluded beaches, and the region is littered with Roman remains – we’re all excited about a day trip to Pompeii, which I last visited on a day of drenching rain on a school trip 30 years ago.

• What is your favourite getaway in the UK, and why?

The northern Lake District, but especially Ullswater. The view south from Gowbarrow fell towards Glenridding and the Helvellyn range is the finest anywhere, utterly timeless but different every time you look. It’s at its best on a calm, overcast day in late October when the summer greenery has given way to autumnal reds and browns, and woodsmoke drifts over the lake from log fires along the shore. We held our wedding reception on one of the lake steamers, and we return at least half a dozen times every year.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

Easy – Barcelona. I taught English for a year in a town nearby, and remain captivated by the city every time I return. I love its energy, its flamboyant architecture, and superb artistic heritage, and ambling along the alleyways around the cathedral listening to the street musicians and watching the street artists at work.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

My kids always write me a message or draw me some pictures every time I go away, although these are getting much less respectful as they get older – they are usually now a reminder to bring them back a present! I’m never without a book, often about American history, and I always take my ancient grey fleece jumper – not very presentable these days, but it makes me feel at home.

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

Going by train, if you have the time and are staying close enough to home. A slow transition into a destination is so much better than the traumatic chaos of airports.

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

Cycling in the Pyrenees, I arrived late in the day in the only settlement for miles around after an exhausting climb, to find the place overrun by tourists. I hadn’t realised it was a local holiday, and I had nowhere to stay. I could have slept in a field, but I walked into the village police station and asked to sleep in a cell. They were very accommodating, but I really don’t intend to the spend the night in a police cell ever again.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

In the UK, we love to escape to the nearby Byland Abbey Inn, which is run now by English Heritage. Its 3 rooms overlook the ruins of the abbey, the food is superb, and it has a delightful, cosy atmosphere.

Mainland Europe: the joy of working with Inntravel is that I’m spoiled for choice. However, I have the fondest memories of an agroturismo in the south of Mallorca called Son Mercadal. It has the feel of a 19th century ranch house, sustaining its links with the past through antiques and family photos and other momentoes.

The owners are ebullient hosts, and the place is an oasis set amidst the 7 hectares of a working organic farm where every animal has been given a name! The gardens are shady and beautifully kept, and the pool is luxurious. We use the hotel on a cycling holiday, but it’s pretty difficult to tear yourself away to do any cycling.

Most of my worldwide travelling has been done with a rucksack and on a shoestring budget – I can think of plenty of places I wouldn’t recommend! However, the Mount Nelson hotel in Cape Town offered an indulgent taste of the luxurious side of worldwide travel.

• What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

An overdue, brand new website. We twice won the Guardian/Observer award for the best travel website, most recently only 4 years ago, but since then the world has moved on and we know we have to catch up. We are designing a site which will complement the quality and depth of our brochures, rich in images and information, and we are sure it will put us back in the running.

• Thank you, Karl.

Please visit the Inntravel website.

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Meet the Boss: Moray Bowater, Helpful Holidays

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Devon cottagemoray bowater helpful holidaysDevi Garh India

Each week at 101 Holidays we interview one of the people behind the UK’s finest travel companies. This week we turn the spotlight on Moray Bowater, General Manager of Helpful Holidays.

The company was founded in 1982 by Su and Euan Bowater, Moray’s parents, and has earned a reputation for offering high-quality self-catering accommodation in the West Country. Its honest, down-to-earth approach has won it many loyal customers.

Moray joined the company in 1996 after a career in science. He lives with his wife Mandy and their two daughters in a village on the edge of Dartmoor.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

We are going to Italy, east of Monte Sibillini, in Le Marche. Living in Italy would drive you mad but for a holiday, the country, landscape, the people, the buildings, the food, the beaches … Italy puts sunshine into people’s souls. Our children are old enough now to start to enjoy a taste of La Dolce Vita – in fact all British children should spend a spring, summer or an autumn month in Italy, for their education.

• What is your favourite getaway in the UK, and why?

London’s hard to beat – for a break. I’m mad about the rural delights of Devon but the buzz of the capital is great. There seem to be endless interesting things to see, places to go, food to eat, shows to watch – I always leave wanting more.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

I always meant to go back to Istanbul with enough money for a room at the Pera Palace and enough gumption to successfully bargain for a carpet in the Grand Bazaar. I’d like to see Santa Sophia and the Blue Mosque again, drink some chai in the gardens below The Topkapi Palace and have dinner in a restaurant with a view across the Golden Horn.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

Walking boots, The History of ‘…………’, and a map

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

The travel industry has become good at delivering on its accommodation and location promises but travel delays remain a big bug bear. The reliability of transport should be improved. Delays and cancellations are not inevitable and we should not accept them except in extremes. Being busy should not be an excuse for failure and chaos. Operators should have powerful financial incentives to ensure delays don’t occur.

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

I’ve never really had a bad experience. We always seem to end up somewhere we eventually like and have a good time. Really lucky, I guess.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

We hardly ever stay in hotels because we almost always do self-catering but, that said, The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath has a lovely shady garden for a cup of tea on a hot afternoon, The Bellevue in Dubrovnik has the most ravishing views, and he Devi Garh (in India, pictured above right) is exceptional. But I can’t tell you much about the rest of the world – I’ve seen very little. If you’d like to send me to a few nice hotels, I’ll let you know my favourites…

• Thank you, Moray. We’ll let you know!

Please visit the Helpful Holidays website.

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Meet the Boss: Debbie Marshall, CV Travel

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

debbie marshallCV Travel villacv travel logo

Each week at 101 Holidays we meet the boss of one of the UK’s finest tour operators. This week it is the turn of Debbie Marshall, who has been managing director of the villa holidays specialist CV Travel and its sister company, Ski Verbier, since 2004.

Debbie began her career in travel on the ski slopes of Val d’Isere more than 20 years ago. She now lives with her husband and four children near Kingston-upon-Thames. She says she would love to have some hobbies, but doesn’t have any spare time.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

I tend to leave things until the last minute but my annual travel plans are not complete without a week at one of our villas in Corfu. There is something special about arriving in Corfu and getting that first glimpse of the northeast coastline and the view across to Albania, knowing that within the hour I’ll be sharing a bottle of wine on the balcony, gazing out to sea, planning a perfect day on a boat. Equally, I couldn’t contemplate a winter without at least a few days on the ski slopes.

• What is your favourite bolthole in the UK, and why?

Since we launched CV Travel’s British houses programme at the start of the year, I’ve become a convert to holidaying in the UK. My favourite bolthole so far has been a wonderful farmhouse in Suffolk set in glorious rolling countryside, with low ceilings, beams and an Aga. Just as captivating were the luxurious bathrooms, Cowshed toiletries and fine bed linen.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

I am not too keen on crowds so would avoid large cities and would probably choose Lucerne in Switzerland. It’s somewhere I have never been and I am told it is beautiful and almost tropical. I would travel by train and include a couple of mountain expeditions as part of the break.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

I travel light and avoid checking bags wherever possible. As well as the essential items (including a full range of bathroom products neatly packaged in 100ml containers), my hand luggage would contain my iPod, at least two bottles of sparkling water purchased after the x-ray machine, and my yellow notebook (as I always have my most lucid thoughts at 30,000ft and need to write them down before I forget them).

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

A sense of humour when not everything goes according to plan.

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

A holiday in France in May a few years ago. We landed in sunshine at Nice airport and the heavy rain set in about 10 minutes after picking up the hire car and didn’t stop for the next five days. We stayed in a house belonging to friends which needed some serious TLC, the sort of place where you would have overlooked the lack of hot water, blocked pipes, grotty kitchen and uncomfortable beds if only the sun had shone. One outing to the beach ended up with us spending about 30 seconds out of the car getting blown across the promenade by a horizontal gale.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

In the UK, I would choose the Connaught which has been refurbished with luxurious tradition and uncompromising good taste – the wonderful mahogany staircase alone is reason to visit. Apparently, there is a replica of it at Ralph Lauren in New York because the great designer was not allowed to purchase the original.

In mainland Europe, it would have to be the Hotel le Mont Gele in Verbier  – it has a fantastic atmosphere and the service is great. It’s also equipped with everything the keen skier could need: a proper breakfast, lots of hot water, comfy beds, satellite TV, and a well-stocked bar. Best of all it’s in a rare ski-in ski-out location meaning you can catch the first lift in the morning and ski straight back to chocolate cake at the end of the afternoon.

In the rest of the world, I was fortunate enough to spend a week last year on Peter Island resort in the British Virgin Islands. Just thinking about it brings back wonderful memories of the perfect beach, snorkeling amongst the multi-coloured sealife, the fabulous food, the live music and dancing, and a body scrub which made me feel like a million dollars.

• Thank you, Debbie.

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Meet the Boss: Ruby Briggs, North America Travel Service

Monday, June 15th, 2009

ruby briggsArizona holidaysNorth America Travel Service logo

Every week at 101 Holidays we meet the boss of one of the UK’s finest tour operators. This week it is the turn of Ruby Briggs, managing director of North America Travel Service, which specialises in tailor-made holidays to the US, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Ruby lives in a village near Skipton, North Yorkshire, with her husband, John, a concert pianist.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

No surprises that the USA is on my list each year. John and I love the Southwest – California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado & Utah – so we’ll probably go back to Southern California and Arizona, maybe Las Vegas too.  This whole region has such a relaxed yet sophisticated feel to it: luxurious hotels, amazing scenery, great shopping, great weather and exceptional restaurants.

• What is your favourite bolthole in the UK, and why?

Although I love travelling, when the opportunity arises to enjoy a short break in the UK, it’s usually The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, in beautiful North Yorkshire, less than an hour’s drive from home. As soon as we drive into the village my blood pressure drops 20 points. Francis Atkins (one of only a handful of female Michelin-starred chefs), Bill Atkins (the perfect host), John, Kirsty, Peter and the rest of the staff there make us feel at home straight away, and of course the food is always incredible. The scenery is beautiful and it’s the perfect location for long walks.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

It has to be Venice. Quite simply, it’s the most romantic city in the world.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

Too many clothes! Despite working in the travel industry for over 30 years I’m amongst the world’s worst packers. My iPod and BlackBerry would always be with me, even on holiday. The thought of returning to thousands of emails would drive me crazy so I’d rather spend 30 minutes a day keeping on top of them.

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

Preparation. Sounds obvious, but so many people don’t do it.  Spend time talking to your travel professional about what you shouldn’t miss, wherever you are going.

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

Camping when I was a Girl Guide. I looked forward to it so much but it rained for a week beforehand so it was miserable, muddy and cold, and I’m not ashamed to say, even though it was only for a weekend, I was homesick.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

I’ve already told you my favourite hotel in the UK. In Europe, there are a couple. The Luna Baglioni in Venice, just around the corner from St Mark’s and only steps away from The Grand Canal and Harry’s Bar. The other is the Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris: very stylish, beautiful rooms and exceptional service. In the rest of the world it would be an impossible decision, but certainly somewhere in the US.

• What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

We’re in the process of rolling out a new system that will speed up our overall booking process with our hotel partners and enable us to keep on top of the best rates available minute by minute.

• Thank you, Ruby.

Please visit the North America Travel Service website.

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Meet the Boss: Catherine Crone, Headwater

Monday, June 8th, 2009

hotel villa beccaris monforte alba cuneo italiacatherine crone headwaterL’Enclume

Each week at 101 Holidays we interview the boss of one of the UK’s finest tour operators. Today it is the turn of Catherine Crone, managing director of Headwater Holidays. Catherine joined the company in 1990 when it specialised only in holidays to France. It now offers walking, cycling, canoeing and cross-country skiing holidays in more than 35 countries, focussing on small family-run hotels, fine food and superb personal service. Catherine lives in Cheshire with her husband Phil, who owns a financial services company.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

We will spend our main holiday at our villa in Vence. We bought it a couple of years ago, and it just ticks all the boxes. It’s less than 20mins from Nice airport and all the attractions of the Cote d’Azur, yet it’s part of a “real” French town with street markets, fantastic restaurants and lovely outdoor squares for people-watching.

• What is your favourite bolthole in the UK, and why?

London. We live in rural Cheshire and, although we’re often in London on business, it’s a real treat to spend the weekend enjoying the vast range of facilities that our capital offers. There is always something new to discover. During our last visit, for example, we shopped in Borough Market and then enjoyed a picnic in Battersea Park, both places we’d not been to before.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

Paris every time! We got engaged there 14 years ago, and have returned at least once a year, usually for New Year. I love the fact that Paris is so accessible from the UK then, once there, is so easy to get around. We seldom use the Metro as you can get to virtually any part of the city on foot. My favourite corners of Paris are around the Place des Vosges and the Marais – lovely cobbled streets crammed with artisan shops, fantastic architecture and great little restaurants for a lazy lunch.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

I never fly without my iPod and Bose noise reduction headphones (great if you’re a nervous flyer, or get stuck next to noisy children) and a soft pashmina for curling up in if the air-con goes into overdrive. I usually take a couple of scented travel candles which make even the most basic of hotel rooms feel like home.

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

Guaranteed allocated seats on every plane, train, whatever. The idea of choosing your own seat might be attractive in principle, but in reality it just leads to people pushing, shoving and generally behaving badly. When you travel with a carrier that allocates seats, people are far less stressed and, as such, the atmosphere is completely different from the outset. Same applies to rail travel– just spend a rush hour on the concourse at Euston and you’ll see what I mean!

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

We once spent an August fortnight in the Lot Valley, south-west France, in a property we used to own. It rained constantly, and was really cold. After 10 days, we called it a day and drove home. Curtailing a summer holiday has a profound psychological impact and I’d never do so again – you feel totally cheated. Next time I’d stick it out at any cost!

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

In the UK: L’Enclume in Cumbria (pictured top right) is a Michelin-starred restaurant-hotel hidden away in the tiny village of Cartmel in the lower Lake District. Dining there is very special. You choose from a 7, 11 or 17 course tasting menu – the food is exquisitely presented, the quality sublime and the whole ambience is like something off a stage set.

In Europe: a stay at the Villa Beccaris (pictured top left) in Italy’s Piedmont region is a real treat. Dating from the 18th Century, it’s perched just above the town of Monforte d’Alba and, from the panoramic swimming terrace, you can see Mont Blanc on a clear day.

In the rest of the world: the One & Only Royal Mirage in Dubai is my favourite hotel in the world. The service is the best I have ever experienced, the pools and facilities first class and you have a choice of 7 gourmet restaurants in the evening. Furthermore, you’re right on the beach overlooking the famous Palm which, still being built, is literally constantly changing before your eyes. It might not be the prettiest place in the world but, for me, Dubai remains one of the most exciting and innovative places on the planet.

• What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

We’ve been considering launching UK walking and cycling holidays for quite a while now and, with Sterling currently so strong, there’s probably no better time. We’ve just introduced a couple of 5-night walking holidays into our programme, and we’ve also got some hotel-to-hotel independent cycling holidays on offer. All the usual Headwater hallmarks – hand-picked hotels, great food, meticulously researched interest-packed routes – are guaranteed, but without the cost and hassle of travelling very far. We hope to double our UK programme within 12 months.

• Thank you, Catherine.

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Meet the Boss: Amrit Singh, TransIndus

Monday, June 1st, 2009

amrit singhtransindus_logo

Each week at 101 Holidays we interview one of the people behind the UK’s most prestigious travel companies. This week we meet Amrit Singh, founder and director of TransIndus, which specialises in tailor-made tours of Asia.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

As a family we take our vacations very seriously and democratically choose a destination in rotation, with the rest of us respecting and enjoying each other’s choice. This summer it’s my turn and I have opted to return to Burma, the place of my birth, of countless stories of my childhood and simply the calmest, most gloriously beautiful place.

• What is your favorite getaway in the UK, and why?

Edinburgh. The attraction for me is its architecture and the cobbled streets, where turning each corner brings you face to face with yet another historical oddity. Two minutes out of town the wide open spaces leading to lakes, castles, country houses, the open sea and of course the breweries. Travel from London is straightforward, an easy train journey from Kings Cross to Waverley, where just pulling into the station you know you have left the stresses of the big city behind.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

Delhi – my favourite city. It encompasses many different cities in one, each with a unique identity. Many long weekends could be spent discovering the ancient religious sites of the city, the struggle of the Mughal Kings to establish home away from home, the strategic grandeur of the British reign, and of course modern Delhi with its massive population. Eating out in style is both exciting and inexpensive, the shopping’s great and the service in hotels is unmatchable.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

Sadly, the first is a Blackberry. Remaining connected and knowing what’s going on at home and at work is essential for me to be able to relax. The second is a good-quality digital camera with plenty of spare memory cards. I like to make a visual record of the people I meet, places I visit and things I see. Lastly, a tape measure is invaluable for all the shopping I do when travelling. For some reason it seems to amuse people when I pull a tape measure out of my Gucci handbag.

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

If airlines could retrain their staff NOT to look straight through passengers as they pass though the cabin, it would make all us paying customers feel much better about flying with them.

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

Grasmere, a short break in the Lake District, where despite the spectacular views and amazing walks we have on more than one occasion come away feeling less than content. The food in hotels and restaurants can be uninspired and basic, with little or no choice.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

In the UK, it’s the Sheraton in Edinburgh, with its incredible spa and rooftop hot tub that overlooks the city’s skyline. With some of the friendliest and most helpful staff behind reception, it ticks all the boxes.

In Europe, I would have to say the Corral del Rey in Seville, a tiny house with three or four meticulously furbished rooms and a brilliant restaurant hidden among the cobbled streets of the old city just a few minutes walk from the Cathedral. It’s owned and run impeccably by two young brothers.

In the rest of the world it is Samode Bagh, a gem of a palace hotel tucked away in the village of Samode some 40km from Jaipur. The accommodation is incredible, either in their individually-styled rooms, which I love, or in the tented camp among the Mughal gardens. Perfect for relaxation. I often feel a hint of guilt for not taking up the options to go horse riding, bird watching, walking into the hills or joining the young royal family that own and run the property for a game of tennis.

• What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

I’m heavily involved in the writing of a new software business management programme.  Based on cutting edge technology using artificial intelligence, it promises to transform all our processes. We can’t wait.

• Thank you, Amrit.

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Meet the boss: Ala Osmond, Exeter International

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Four Seasons Gresham PalaceExeter International logoala-osmond

Each week at 101 Holidays we interview one of the people behind the UK’s finest travel companies. This week we meet Ala Osmond, director of Exeter International, which specialises in tours of Russia and Eastern Europe.

Ala established the London office of Exeter International in 2004 after living in St Petersburg for three years and falling in love with Russia. Before that, she spent 17 years working in the hotel industry. She developed a taste for the exotic after growing up in Cairo, Baghdad, Kampala and Khartoum. She is married to Mario, a former fireman who now works in hotel health and safety. They live in west London with their cat, Socks.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

I have just returned from Tobago – we stayed in a wonderful fishing village for 10 days and cooked fish bought from the beach almost daily. If there were 6 people on the beach it was crowded. We hadn’t had a beach holiday since 2004 – all travels since establishing Exeter International in the UK have been in our area of speciality: Russia, Crimea, Armenia, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia and city visits to Prague and Budapest, to name a few.

The Middle East is another region I love. I spent a year in Cairo and have heard that a great intimate hotel – the Villa Belle Epoque, a converted 1920’s townhouse – has just opened in the residential area, Maadi, where I used to live. Cairo is full of huge hotels that simply don’t capture the essence and magic of the place, so it would be great to fit in a three-night stay there later in the year.

• What is your favourite bolthole in the UK, and why?

Babington House. Nick Jones has created a great brand with (in my experience) service that is perfectly pitched in attitude and delivery.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

St Petersburg. Because it’s our second home with many friends, and there is always something new to see and experience.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

A fan (indispensable in overheated museums and theatres), shortwave radio (there is nothing like the BBC World Service) and several books.

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

Go everywhere with an open mind and take the time to appreciate – look up, enjoy the moment, forget the photo.

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

Being stranded at Heathrow during the BA strike in 2003. We were flying from St Petersburg to Madrid, via London. It was our first holiday in over a year. I have always used a wonderful travel agent to book all my flights – we were out in a day and much luckier than the majority as the travel agent was able to book alternative flights for us instantly. You can’t put a price on service. BA paid all our expenses, so a reasonably happy ending.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

Babington House, Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest (pictured above), Dutch House in Galle, Sri Lanka.

• What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

Here in London we are working on a selection of train-based itineraries within Eastern Europe. Train travel is sustainable, romantic and faster than you think – you can be in Moscow from London in 24 hours.

Our US office is putting the finishing touches on their new headquarters in Tampa, Florida, which will be on the cutting edge of sustainability in design, impact on the environment and efficiency.

• Thank you, Ala.

Visit the Exeter International website.

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Meet the boss: Tom Barber, Original Travel

Monday, May 18th, 2009

tom-barberoriginal-travel-logo

Each week at 101 Holidays we interview one of the people behind the UK’s finest travel companies. This week we meet Tom Barber of Original Travel.

Tom worked as a journalist for GQ Magazine and the London Evening Standard before founding the award-winning Original Travel in 2003 with City slicker friends Nick Newbury and Alastair Poulain.

They began by offering so-called Big Short Breaks, long weekends beyond the normal city and ski breaks available at the time. The concept proved so successful that the company went on to offer trips to their favourite long-haul destinations with the same high levels of service, originality and tailor-making.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

I have been to Iran for a culture fix and to dispel any lasting suspicions that it’s not a safe place to travel. It was wonderful and every bit as interesting as Syria, which has proved hugely popular for us in the last couple of years.

Next up is Montenegro, which has incredibly scenery and is definitely the upcoming Mediterranean destination. Dubrovnik is within easy reach and this is the site of Europe’s first official Amanresort. Later in the year I am looking to go to a very relaxed little place in the Algarve called Monte Velho, which always seems to have good weather, and a fantastic surf beach where the waves are so friendly even I can stand up.

Finally (this seems like a lot of holidays, but most are short breaks, in keeping with our Big Short Break philosophy) an R&R/diving holiday with my wife, somewhere amazing like the Maldives, because for sheer luxury it’s hard to beat.

• What is your favourite bolthole in the UK, and why?

My wife and I just stayed at the excellent Seaham Hall in County Durham because while I was an indolent student at Durham University I naturally failed to see any of the local highlights. The City of Durham itself is a winner (I did at least manage to walk around that while at Uni), but we also went to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and walked the most picturesque section of Hadrian’s Wall. Both were incredibly beautiful. Otherwise, the North Norfolk Coast is hard to beat but I’m biased as I now live there.

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

Until very recently I was a complete urban warrior, having grown up in London, so I really appreciate a good metropolis. I’ve put a lot of thought into this question over the years, and for me the short haul option has to be Rome, which is eminently walkable, completely alive despite an extraordinary history and packed to the gunnels with things to see and delicious little restaurants. Further afield, it’s a close run thing between New York and Tokyo for unashamedly modern cities that offer everything from culture to food to shopping and incredible nightlife. NYC probably pips it because it’s easier to immerse yourself without too much insider knowledge.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

A digital SLR with a telephoto lens for snapping portraits without getting in people’s faces, an iPod for long journeys and the Original Travel dossier on what to do, restaurants, etc, for that destination so I know where we recommend and if we need to add anywhere new.

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

Using a tour operator! I know I’m bound to say that, but it’s amazing how many people still don’t realise the benefits. It really shouldn’t cost any more than booking things direct because we negotiate excellent net rates, plus we’ve been to all our destinations so it’s like talking to the authors of a guidebook to that particular place. Then there’s the security of financial bonding, the fact that we are there to make changes to itineraries for you if you want, and generally taking the hassle out of the whole planning process. I could go on!

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

When I was about 6, I was staying with friends in the Republic of Ireland, and me and a friend had little British army uniforms we used to run around in. Someone delivered a letter to the house saying if we wore them again the IRA would blow up the house. My mother dragged me out of the uniform and I cried for the rest of the week because I didn’t understand what was going on.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

Seaham Hall is the only time I can remember staying in a top notch UK hotel in recent years. That’s not to imply others aren’t top notch, but I don’t tend to stay in UK hotels. In Europe, my new favourite city hotel is the Four Seasons in Budapest and non-city would be the immaculate JK Place on Capri Island. In the rest of world, city hotel would be Park Hyatt in Tokyo, and elsewhere would be Soneva Fushi in the Maldives.

• What is the most exciting project Original Travel is working on right now?

Our new website, which we hope will be the best in the luxury tour operator market. There are also a couple of top secret ones I can’t possibly reveal!

• Thank you, Tom.

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Meet the Boss: Gerry Copsey, Planos Holidays

Monday, May 11th, 2009

grenada-petit-bacayejust-grenada-logo

Each week at 101 Holidays we interview one of the people behind the UK’s finest travel companies. This week we meet Gerry Copsey, managing director of the Planos Group.

Gerry founded the company as Planos Holidays in 1988 with four villas in Paxos. He has since grown it to cover Slovenia, Grenada, Tobago and St Kitts & Nevis.

Gerry and  his wife Janet live in a 16th-century farmhouse in Somerset. They enjoy country pursuits, travel widely and in recent years have discovered some great places to stay in the UK & Ireland where they can walk with Archie, their faithful fox-terrier. Gerry plays golf and Janet enjoys tennis and running.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

Our next holiday will be to Slovenia. We’ve been working there for three years but it’s my first time. Janet says it is the most beautiful of countries and I am looking forward to seeing for myself. We are doing a tour of lakes, mountains as well as the capital Ljubljana.

• What is your favourite hideaway in the UK, and why?

A cottage on a farm we have discovered on the water’s edge in South Devon. A private beach, on the coastal path, boats to play with and the perfect country pub which welcomes dogs. The exact location must remain a secret!

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

It must be New York. Living in the wilds of the Mendip Hills where a traffic jam is two tractors, the contrasts to be found in this great city never fail to thrill and amaze. Last time we stayed at Soho House NY, which was stunning.

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

A ball of string – a throwback to early travelling days to Greece and the Caribbean when there was always a mosquito net or shower head to secure. It still comes in useful in 5-star hotels occasionally. The definitive Swiss Army knife for the same sorts of reasons. And a photo of our dog in our garden to remind us that travelling is great …. and so is going home!

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

Just not to expect things to be like they are at home. Travelling is to see different things and to see people who do things differently. Go with the flow if you possibly can and enjoy where you are and what you eat.

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

Flying to Hanoi from Terminal 5 Heathrow on its first day of operation. Ten days without luggage. Being in a country like Vietnam where anything is possible and to help travellers is a privilege, we were watching [British Airways CEO] Willie Walsh on CNN telling everyone that nothing was possible, and realising that he really didn’t care. Fantastic trip, though.

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

In the UK we usually stay in cottages with a very occasional night in Claridges, the Savoy, or maybe Tiger Lily in Edinburgh. Again it’s about a total change of scene and pace from life in the countryside.

In Europe, it is Casa de Carmona, east of Seville. A converted 16th-century renaissance palace. Majestic, atmospheric, sumptuous and unique with every room completely different.

Worldwide, it is the Mandarin Oriental on the river in Bangkok which also houses our favourite restaurant. Also, the Calabash in Grenada where Janet and I were married – casual elegance and the most superb staff. Can I also mention the wonderful True Blue Bay in Grenada? The loveliest owners and my favourite bar.

Thank you, Gerry.

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Meet the boss: Pete Tyler, Neilson Active Holidays

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

pete tylerneilson logoClub Teos Turkey

In the second of our series of interviews with the bosses of the UK’s best tour operators, we meet Pete Tyler, managing director of Neilson Active Holidays.

Pete began his career as a sailing and windsurfing instructor in the early 1980s. He is now based at the company’s HQ in Brighton Marina where he heads up an impressive list of operators – Neilson Active & Yachting Holidays, Neilson Ski & Snowboard, Airtours Ski and Swiss Travel Service. Along with his wife Alison, a nurse, Pete is a keen sailor, skier and mountain biker.

• Hi, Pete. Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

“In June we head to Turkey to Club Teos (pictured above), the new Neilson Beach Plus Club. Turkey is one of my favourite destinations. I worked there for 2 years a while back and love the people, their culture and food. I enjoy the sailing and windsurfing, whilst Alison takes part in all the mountain bike rides. She reads novels, whilst I meet new mates at the bar.

“In November we plan to visit the new Neilson resort in Kenya. It’s only just gone on sale and the mix of activities and safari sounds fantastic. Later in the year I will squeeze in a pre-Christmas ski holiday, probably to Sweden.”

• What is your favourite getaway in the UK, and why?

“My home from home is Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. This is Alison’s home patch and we keep a cruising yacht moored near a famous old pub called Daft Eddy’s, named after a local smuggler. The sailing is always interrupted by great pubs, great seafood and lots of rain!”

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

“I’m not a city person, but I do like Dubrovnik in Croatia. The food is fantastic; not cheap, but great value. The squid ink risotto is a local specialty. The beach is just outside the city walls – so not too far for a swim.”

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

“I am a bit of a gadget man. My Palm Treo never leaves my side and keeps me in contact 24/7. I have always been a fan of iPods, and the new iPod Touch is a great invention. For long flights I use Bose noise reduction headphones.”

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

“Understand the local culture and get to grips with the food.”

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

“Tunisia. Alison and I went mountain biking there but we got chased everywhere by hoards of dogs and couldn’t find a decent map, so we got lost a lot. Although the hotel was a 4-star palace, there was no life in it, or outside it.  Maybe we didn’t research enough.”

• Tell us your favorite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

“We went on a River Cottage gardening course recently and stayed in a lovely B&B hotel near Axminster, The Ridgeway Country Hotel. Great local food and I would recommend the Oak Room. In Europe it would have to be one of the Neilson Beach Clubs. My favourite place to stay is in one of the garden rooms at The Seaside Hotel in Turkey.

“For a far-flung hotel I find the Calabash in Grenada difficult to beat. It offers cozy rooms, a private plunge pool and great food, with breakfast cooked on your terrace. Take a bike and explore the rainforest and especially the Beach House restaurant by the airport. Their tuna is the best you will find.”

• What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

“With a new centre opening in Turkey in May, and another in Kenya in November and a new fleet of yachts just arrived in Greece, we have plenty going on at the moment.  There are other new projects in the pipeline for launch in September.”

• Thank you, Pete.

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Meet the Boss: Alan Godwin, Reef and Rainforest Tours

Monday, April 27th, 2009

alan-godwinreefs & rainforests

Today, we launch a new series of interviews with the people behind the UK’s finest tour operators. Here, we speak to Alan Godwin, Managing Director of Reef and Rainforest Tours, which operates wildlife tours to Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Alan founded the company in 1989 from a flat in west London. After extensive travels with his wife  Caroline and their children, Tom and Tilly, he has a keen insight into what makes a perfect family wildlife holiday.

When not working or travelling, Alan enjoys time with his family, rides motorbikes, listens to music, plays pool, badminton and tennis, walks on Dartmoor and around the scenic South Hams, and (in summer) swims off the Devon coast.

• Where are you planning to go on holiday this year, and why?

“I’m going on a motorbike trip in July around France with two friends, then in August to the Galapagos Islands (for the third time) with my 12-year-old son, Tom, on a seven-night dedicated family cruise aboard the Eclipse.”

• What is your favourite getaway in the UK, and why?

“I love the Isles of Scilly, especially Tresco. Island-hopping using the various ferry boats is sublime.”

• If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?

“Rome, as I haven’t been there yet, and a friend has recommended a city-centre serviced apartment, which sounds ideal.”

• Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.

“My camera, binoculars and Swiss Army knife.”

• What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?

“A really good, well-researched guide book containing high-quality maps. For wildlife trips, a species guidebook really helps.”

• What has been your worst holiday experience?

“Having my passport stolen in Bali in 1987. Apart from the hassle and expense of getting it replaced, it contained all the entry stamps and visas for all the destinations I had visited during my Gap year, which I was sad to lose.”

• Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.

“In the UK, the New Inn on Tresco, which is also the island’s only pub and the hub of its social life. In Europe, I’m not sure. I haven’t been for a few years.

“In the rest of the world, it is the Uakari Lodge at Mamiraua in the far western Amazonia region of Brazil. It’s an isolated 10-room, floating rainforest lodge. The main attraction is the startling uakari monkey – with its bald florid visage and long white fur coat it is called the “macaca ingles”, or English monkey.”

• What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?

“We are currently devising a collection of attractively-priced ‘Bare Bones Itineraries’ for many of our destinations. These will contain our usual high-quality accommodation and service, yet without international flights, meals and tours/excursions.

“We are planning to feature a selection of expedition cruises using mainly small- to medium-sized ships (12 – 50 passengers), for such destinations as Antarctica and the Arctic, Costa Rica and Panama, Baja California, Amazon and India.”

• Thank you, Alan.

Visit the Reef and Rainforest Tours website for more information.

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