Jo

My love for travelling and working in the travel industry began many moons ago in Zante, where I did beach watch and security for loggerhead turtle hatchlings. I’ve worked as a holiday rep, resort manager, ski guide, dive master and as a hotel manager. My career has taken me from Europe to the Maldives and the Red Sea, allowing me to travel a varied road filled with incredible experiences to get to where I am today. Listening and reading about other’s adventures is always a joy to me. If we don’t read and listen, we don’t learn.

As for stand out moments – there have been a few! Blowing bubbles on the belly of a manta ray on a feeding station in the Maldives; skiing off the mountaintop and paragliding in the French Alps; and, watching Liverpool winning the Champions League in Istanbul, while having Ian Rush sat behind me and signing my ticket when I worked with the FA!

Favourite destination: South Africa

The complexity and diversity in culture, architecture, food, art, flora and fauna and all the in-betweens make South Africa my favourite destination. The inroads and innovations to develop sustainable luxury have been thriving. I can’t wait to go back and see the progress made and experience the newly developed creative hub that is Woodstock, grab a cocktail in the Silo and maybe be lucky enough to see the whales in Hermanus.

Favourite hotel: The Peninsula New York

For this I’m going to go for my favourite city and choose The Peninsula New York. It’s decadent, iconic, and perfectly located in Midtown Manhattan – but, New York these days isn’t just about Manhattan and 5th Avenue. There’s a plethora of culture and fabulous restaurants and eateries to visit and explore. The staff at The Peninsula are exceptional and are always on hand to offer personal recommendations or to help create a bespoke experience. The roof terrace at Salon de Ning is perfect for a little sundowner and, if you visit in the wintertime, it’s also transformed into a beautiful Alpine landscape.

Service Commitment From You

The process of planning and delivering the trip that my clients envision is something I have always thoroughly enjoyed. I believe it’s important to be honest and listen because sometimes the littlest details can make a big difference between a great holiday and an exceptional holiday. Over the past 20 plus years of my career, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some inspiring people both as colleagues and clients and I look forward to continuing to do so.

Your Top Tips for Travellers

• Embrace the local culture.
• Take a swimsuit in your hand luggage if you’re on a beach holiday, just in case!
• Pre-book any places of interest and restaurants you have on your ‘must-do’ list, so you don’t miss out.

Where have you travelled to on holiday and on business?

Europe: Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain

Caribbean: St Lucia, Antigua, Barbados

North & Central America: The USA (including New York, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Miami and the Florida Keys), Mexico

Indian Ocean: Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles

Africa: Kenya, Tanzania and Pemba Island, Mozambique, South Africa, Egypt

Middle East: Jordan, Dubai, Oman

Asia: Bali