Journeys of the heart

OF THE HEART Journeys

The Signature staff have been blessed with opportunities to travel to some pretty amazing parts of the world. Here, they reveal the destinations they can’t wait to get back to when it’s safe to travel again. From Italy to Abu Dhabi, read on for journeys that have captured our hearts.

New York City Natarsha Brown NYC is organised chaos at its best. An epicentre of arts and culture, an architectural marvel, and the world’s capital of fine dining and shopping – it truly is the City That Never Sleeps. To walk its streets is to star in your very own Hollywood hit – each corner an Instagram-worthy piece of eye candy. By night, take your pick between ballet, slam poetry, burlesque, jazz, improv comedy, Broadway musicals... If you can dream it, it’s available in the Big Apple.

Greek Islands Cathy Wagstaff

Nothing quite says ‘summer holiday’ like days spent floating around the Greek Islands. Some of my fondest travel memories are of wandering between whitewashed, bougainvilleaclad villages, pausing to catch a sunset, take a dip and feast on grilled octopus with local Santorini wines. Perfect day after perfect day. When I go back, I want to explore lesser-known isles like Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Ios… I’d love to jump on board a luxury yacht and sail between destinations, with a loose itinerary allowing me to linger wherever my heart desires. Soon.

Lake Garda, Italy Lisa Wagstaff I spent my days here swimming and lazing under the Mediterranean sun, hiking up Monte Baldo, drinking wine and motoring about in a speedboat. There are medieval towns to explore, with cobbled streets and castles and charming restaurants. Ah, to say ciao to social distancing.

Abu Dhabi Guy Dundas

The serenity of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter is hard to surpass, and the extravagance of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is incomparable. This castle rises from the endless flame-coloured dunes of the desert. There’s something magical about the solitude here.

Chilean Patagonia Natasha Dragun

From immense snowy mountains to gem-like glaciers, Chilean Patagonia makes you feel completely insignificant – in a good way. The air breathes cleaner here, and the colours appear insanely vivid; the sounds seem to echo around you then continue on through the ages. I can’t wait to feel the full force of nature again.

Thailand Tina-Louise Jackson

Closing my eyes, I’m back amid Bangkok’s steamy chaos, starting my day with a pad Thai and ending it with a cocktail in a rooftop bar. A blink and I’m walking through Khao Sok National Park before taking a longtail boat, trailing my fingers through clear water toward the sands of the Similan Islands. I left a piece of my heart there; I need to return to retrieve it.

New Zealand Cara Wagstaff

New Zealand holds a special place in my heart. I first visited with my mum when I was 12, to see where she grew up in Auckland. I’ve returned many times since, working in Wellington, watching sunsets in the Bay of Plenty, skiing around Queenstown and enjoying the smaller, authentic towns, like New Plymouth. Take me back.

Joshua Tree National Park Gemma Kightly

I discovered Joshua Tree National Park on an epic road trip around the US. The rolling hills in the middle of the desert were just surreal. I spent the day climbing over boulders, and the night camping under the stars. Nearby, I was mesmerised by the architecture of Palm Springs. When I return, I’ll experience the desert for more than just one evening, with a few days spent lounging in a mid-century home.