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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Tags: Just Grenada