For a team that talks travel on a daily basis, months spent in lockdown has given us all an extra dose of wanderlust. From dream destinations to old favourites, travel has very much been on our minds. In need of some inspiration? When it’s safe for us to see the world again, here is where we’ll be heading…
EMEA Team
Richard Hyde – Chief Operating Officer
Venice (for my short haul city fix)
Jersey ( for my staycation )
Tulum (for my resort chillax)
Jessica Sparkes – Head of Digital Performance
Barcelona, Spain: I want lots of delicious tapas, sunshine and beautiful city strolls – finishing the day with rooftop cocktails at The Wittmore.
Cotswolds, UK: I want to take my pooch on a Cotswold staycation at The Fish. We will enjoy country walks, pub grub and escape the London hustle.
Koh Samui, Thailand: Last time I was in Koh Samui I was 21, years later I want to go back in style and relax on the beach at Cape Fahn – the most beautiful island and ocean view villas!
Chloe Frost-Smith – Digital Image & Content Executive
What better way to while away summer days than with rosé in hand on the French Riviera? I am dreaming of lavender season in Provence with a splash in the pool at Hôtel Crillon le Brave, riding horses on the beach in Camargue, and living out my Brigitte Bardot fantasies by eating Tarte tropézienne for breakfast at Hôtel Lou Pinet in Saint Tropez. I would also love to try an alfresco pizza-making class on the rustic estate of Castello di Reschio in Tuscany.
Closer to home, my firm favourite for a staycation is the Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds – I’m a country girl at heart. Looking further ahead to September, I have a trip planned to Sardinia – and would love to go into Hygge hibernation at Storfjord in Norway this winter for some Scandi skiing.
Abi Tottenham-Smith – Head of Social Media
Surrounded by the vineyards and beautiful countryside in Piedmont and Villa La Madonna…
A road trip up to Scotland in a camper-van, mixed with a couple of nights of luxury at Greywalls Hotel…
A beach retreat in Greece – can’t decide where yet but somewhere to switch off and relax for a week in the sunshine…
Daniel Luddington – Vice President of Development
I miss Wimbledon this year – but am playing tennis three times a week at the moment to make up for it, and indulging in strawberries and cream (with Pimms!) – so a tennis getaway at Cromlix Hotel in Scotland, (owned by Andy Murray) would be the ultimate tennis fix right now.
For a family holiday, I fancy the Greek islands – Porto Zante have the most amazing private villas but also would love to experience Canaves Oia Epitome, a family friendly space unique in Santorini.
For a bit of laid back, low-key luxury, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay would hit the spot, or any of our Tulum properties.
Gabor Toth – Senior Revenue Account Manager
Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad for hiking in summer and fondue.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra and D-Resort Šibenik in Croatia for my beach/water sports in Europe.
Patrick Pieters – Senior Revenue Account Manager
Loire/Valleys, Oslo, Mexico or Bali.
Chloe Musumeci – Senior Revenue Account Manager
Galleria VIK Milano to get ready for the Autumn/Winter shopping season…
Susafa for a taste of the best organic products of my land – Sicily…
Viceroy Bali – paradise on earth and an oasis of relaxation…
Christopher Grime – Head of Product Integration
Staycation – The Nare – for Cornish beaches that rival any in the world, amazing fresh fish and delicious cream teas.
A bit of culture and relaxation – my beloved Sri Lanka – amazing history, beautiful beaches, delightful people, tasty hoppers (Sri Lanka’s answer to the pancake) and the best relish in the world, Pol Sambol made with coconut.
Short hop – Hotel Ranga in Iceland for stunning waterfalls and the incredible Northern Lights, which I have yet to experience.
Mirko Della Mora – Senior GDS & Distribution Manager
For a weekend/short haul I’d love to go to one of our castles in Scotland (whisky tasting included) or in Normandy (a region that I know quite well but can’t help falling more in love each time).
For a longer trip (min 5 days, I’d say) I would love to visit:
Portugal, rent a car and go around cities and places.
Baltic cities and Norwegian Fjords (including a cruise).
As major dream trips in my bucket list:
Japan (both sides of it, the ultra-technological country and the Kabuki/cherry blossoms/tea rituals experience).
Coast to coast USA trip in a convertible car (ending in Napa Valley, for wine tours).
Argentina and Uruguay food and wine tour.
Rafael Pirassinunga – Operations Manager – World of Hyatt Partnership
I am all for the off-the-beaten-track destinations, so I’m currently dreaming of:
Lakeside cocktails and relax at Esperanza Resort & SPA
City break and fine dining at Saint Ten Hotel
Exploring ancient culture and great food at Grand Hotel Yerevan
Reconnecting with nature and social distancing from the world at Terelj Hotel
Practicing my Norwegian at Storfjord Hotel
Katrin Holtkott – Barter Room Co-ordinator
Villa Eyrie Resort, Canada (breathing in mountain air and spectacular views – reconnecting with nature)
La Sultana Marrakech (the colors, spices, architecture, people, culture – not in that order!)
Japan – I want to stay in every one of the SLH hotels in Japan – it has been on my bucket list destination for years – if not after the lockdown lifts, when then?
Justyn Herbert – Finance Director
I’m looking forward to going back to The Oval to watch the England Cricket team win the next test series, I would love to see Springsteen play the US, either Chicago or New Jersey, and in the winter go on the England Cricket tour, preferably in the West Indies, all without the social distancing.
AMERICAS Team
Anna-Lisa Hafgren-Willis – Regional Manager – Americas & Travel Trade Relations Manager
Dreaming of:
A nostalgic visit back to my father’s family city Gothenburg, Sweden staying with the Dorsia Hotel & Restaurant
APAC Team
Jill Liu – Sales Manager, China
My dream destinations are: Tahiti, South Africa, and Santorini.
Khim Yeo – Revenue Account Manager – Asia Pacific
The Maldives (resort chilling and snorkelling)
Singapore (staycation)
Mongolia for some adventures
Crystal Davies – Senior Revenue Account Manager
Montenegro for relaxation, enjoy the beautiful mountain and coastline views, and go scuba diving if possible.
Switzerland (Cordée des Alpes Hotel) for snowboarding.
Bhutan (Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary and Gangtey Lodge) for some Zen moments, mountain biking, hiking and meditation. Our suggested itinerary which you can read here is my perfect trip.
My type of holiday always involves full-on activities, so I often feel more exhausted after vacations…!
