My love of travel began when my intrepid mum took me to Sri Lanka in 2000. Travelling around this extraordinary country was the moment I fell in love with exploring new cultures, climates, cuisines and landscapes. Our travels together continued around India, Kenya, Sicily and more – but our to-go list never gets any shorter. Now I have small children, my style of travel has temporarily changed but my passion for discovery, and superb food and wine has not. Count me as your go-to when considering interesting and insightful itineraries that involve, entertain and delight all ages. I am proud to be awarded a place in Travel and Leisure magazine as an A-List advisor. Crafting private journeys, getting under the skin of a destination and creating lifetime memories is my passion. I can’t wait to help with yours.
My most memorable trip
Eastern and Oriental Express
My husband and I travelled through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore on Belmond’s Eastern and Oriental Express on our honeymoon. We met others celebrating milestones, dressed up for dinner and enjoyed exceptional meals. Peter the talented pianist took any request we threw at him and we danced in the Piano Bar well into the night. It felt like we’d be transported to another time, we had such fun.
On my bucket list
Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge in Rwanda is definitely on my bucket list. The location and design looks extraordinary. I can’t think of a more phenomenal overall experience than basing yourself at Bisate whilst having the most humbling, revered and mildly terrifying wildlife encounter, spotting mountain gorillas.
See where I’ve travelled
Swedish Lapland
"Watching the northern lights wash the night sky with fluorescent swirls, ribbons and mists of green, purple and blue was an extraordinary Arctic experience."
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Western Australia
"Driving through the Kimberleys in north-west Australia, one of the world’s most remote wildernesses; the extraordinary rugged landscape, the eye popping colours and the distinct sense of our own insignificance. "
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Mallorca
"Sailing around the northern tip of Mallorca with my family, such an exceptional destination - the clearest bluest water, tiny coves to swim with the boys, makes me truly relaxed and happy. "
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Botswana
"In northern Botswana we watched from our boat, silent, as a parade of elephants crossed the Linyanti River in front of us; mothers pushing along babies, who used their trunks as snorkels. "
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My favourite trip
The Flavours of Spain
If it falls under the food and wine category on Jacada’s website then I’ll probably be interested. I love both the Spanish foodie trip as it brings back delicious memories and we have such superb insider experiences and contacts here. I also love the wines of France which also brings back terrific memories of various trips to these regions. There are such historic prestigious vineyards in the Medoc which are a joy and a privilege to visit.
My favourite hotel
Deplar Farm
Deplar Farm, in the far north of Iceland, is an extraordinary experience. Remote and dwarfed by the mountains flanking it, the traditional turf house is run as a super-luxe home from home. You’ll enjoy family style meals, a divine spa and the most superb geothermal pool to relax in whilst (hopefully) watching the northern lights.
My husband and I had the trip of our dreams. Jacada planned everything and captured our personalities very well with choices of where to stay and activities. We had a great mix of things to do and just enough time for flexible roaming which we wanted. Smooth transfers and pickups at the airports. Our guides looked after us so well.…
Jacada Travel was instrumental in making our family trip to Scandinavia a wonderful experience. They guided us througut and their selection of places to visit, retaurants, etc was precisley matched to our needs.
We had a once in a lifetime trip to Italy! Everything was curated and planned perfectly.
We just returned from a wonderful trip to Greece. Our experience with Jacada was great from the start. They listened to our wish list. Provided some good feedback, and helped us put together a wonderful itinerary customized to our preferences. Once in Greece, our transportation was on time and very comfortable. Our guides for excursions were engaging and knowledgeable. Restaurants…
Our trip to Southeast Asia was a trip of a lifetime and an experience we will never forget, thanks to Kate and Cathy’s help and expert guidance. They worked with us to create a magical itinerary and remained engaged during our trip, especially when we had a last-minute request which they made happen. They are simply the best! We experienced…
My top tips
Swap the rolling hills of Tuscany for wilder, charming Piedmont. A fraction of the footfall and, dare I say, home to Italy’s finest wines.
Explore Andalucia in April and we’ll tie in Seville’s Feria de Abril (April Fair), such a fun vibrant fiesta. We’ll book you into a private caseta so you can party like, and with, the locals.
When travelling to Iceland the only opportunity to dine and enjoy the choice of some superb city restaurants is in Reykjavik. Avoid staying here on Sundays and early in the week as the best ones are closed.
Regardless of destination, I always always bring a change of clothes and swimsuit in my carry on. If my luggage is delayed I can still swim, go out for dinner and enjoy my first 24 hours, while my bags catch up.