12 minute read
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Sarah Stephens is a PR and marketing expert, a travel concierge, entrepreneur champion and an advocate for life after child loss. Sarah launched a travel concierge and luxury travel business last year, organising holidays for busy people so the only thing they need to worry about when away is having the time of their lives. Work with her and only worry about enjoying your precious time away. She will find you the perfect escape. Sarah has over 12 years’ experience working in the travel industry and a lifetime of travel experiences. Sarah Stephens Escapes www.sarahstephensescapes.com
For the last few years so many of us have only been able to dream about jetting off somewhere with many family holidays being postponed or cancelled. Weddings had to be rearranged along with the subsequent honeymoon plans. Now finally international travel is getting back to normal, and many destinations are firmly back on the table. Why not start travelling again, fulfilling dreams and bucket lists? As a luxury travel concierge this is my area of expertise and here are some details of the top requests I’m currently getting from clients.
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Disneyland whether that is in Paris, Florida, California or HK
People feel their families have missed out on a lot of fun over the last few years so especially with the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2022 too Disney is the top choice for families.
Lapland to visit Santa Claus Next up has to be a trip to meet the big man himself in Finnish Lapland and with most dates for November/December 2022 fully booked my advice for you would be to consider a February 2023 visit as the odds of seeing the Northern Lights are greatly increased. Valentine’s break in a glass igloo anyone?
The Maldives or Bali for a once in a lifetime holiday either with or without the kids Surprisingly I have had lots of families take holidays to the Maldives that was once the preserve of honeymooners and it is no surprise when some island resorts have amazing kids clubs now so why not head there with the entire family?
A Safari holiday to see the big five
So many of us enjoyed watching the David Attenborough programmes over lockdown and now a trip to the zoo just isn’t good enough we want to see these amazing creatures in their own habitats while we still can. Twin centre stays that incorporate a safari element are really popular. Fancy wine tasting in Stellenbosch and relaxation on a gorgeous beach combined with a safari?
Epic tour adventures arranged perhaps to celebrate a milestone birthday, honeymoon or anniversary. Recent examples include a luxury train tour of Switzerland on the Glacier Express. An Icelandic adventure incorporating Northern Light hunts, the Blue Lagoon, food tours and trips into a Glacier and volcano. An epic trip around New Zealand for a month via Singapore that include trekking rainforests, vine yard tours, cruising the Milford Sound, a visit to Hobbit Land and Auckland.
What amazing adventure would you like to embark on?
There has also been an increase in larger extended family groups wanting to travel together to make precious memories and to make up for lost time too. Hire of chateaus in France, panoramic villas in Greece and large country houses in Scotland are just some of those arranged this year. The need to make memories and rebuild relationships is paramount and what better way than through travel whether in the UK or overseas. I can tailor make bespoke itineraries and arrange money can’t buy experiences too. I’d love to know where you would like to go. Connect with me on social media Instagram and Facebook
@sarahstephensescapes or www.sarahstephensescapes.com
TRAVEL
STYLISH STAYCATIONS IN Wembley Park
After the free public art trail in Wembley Park caught our eye earlier this year, we felt it was high time to take a more in depth look at London’s most exciting new neighbourhood. What we discovered was a delightful blend of iconic attractions, artisan eateries, leisure activities and plenty of public art on show. Along with enough shops to keep even the most committed fashionista happy. If you’ve got a free weekend, here’s how to get the most out of a stylish staycation in the vibrant Northwest London district of Wembley Park, just a 12-minute tube journey from central London.
WEMBLEY PARK
Hilton, Wembley
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re visiting Wembley Park, then why not enjoy the luxury of staying in the Hilton London Wembley? With a pool, fitness centre and plush rooms that promise a great night’s sleep, this is the perfect base for exploring Wembley Park. There’s the elegant Sky Bar 9 for cocktails before dinner, the Association Restaurant for enjoying seasonal European flavours and the lovely Icons Bar if you want to enjoy a nightcap on an outdoor terrace. With two Premier Inns, a Novotel and a Holiday Inn, Wembley Park caters to visitors on a budget too, providing plenty of choice for your staycation base.
WHERE TO EAT
In addition to BOXPARK, Wembley Park is known for the hearty pasta dishes at Pasta Remoli, delectable Indian street food from twiceMichelin starred chef Atul Kochhar at Masalchi and stunning desserts at Haute Dolci. And if time allows, be sure to fit in a doughnut-making masterclass at Bread Ahead.
Bread Ahead Donut Tray by Steven Joyce
Masalchi_Wembley Park
Haute Dolci
Top & Left: Wembley Park Art Trail Visions of Home by Aron Klein
Pop Golf BOXPARK, Wembley Park KT Tunstall Wembley Park Troubadour Theatre Wembley Park
WHAT TO SEE
Be sure to take in the interactive art trail during your stay, from the Shadow Wall, where you can pose, dance and take selfies with your ‘digital shadow’, to the current, deeply moving ‘Visions of Home’ exhibition curated by Ukrainianborn artist Ira Lupu. Look out for the bespoke graffiti street art that dots the area too! If you’re after a big night out, you’re spoiled for choice with Wembley Stadium, the OVO Arena Wembley and the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Prefer to dance? No problem! Wembley Park is home to London’s largest BOXPARK, which hosts a variety of music events. Dozens of street food traders cater to every gastronomic whim, from delicious vegan burgers from Clean Kitchen Club to outstanding Malaysian street food from Peninsula and award-winning Caribbean cuisine from Mama Jacq’s.
Bad Axe, Wembley Park
Fountains, Arena Square, Wembley Park
Summer on Screen, Wembley Park WHAT TO DO
Fling axes at Bad Axe, explore virtual reality landscapes and immersive stories at meetspaceVR and get your groove on playing crazy golf at Pop Golf… it’s all part of the Wembley Park experience. And when you’re ready to rest for a bit after all that fun, there’s the lovely Union Park to settle down in and enjoy the lush natural surroundings and stunning water features. Grab a refreshing drink on the terrace at the White Horse to recharge your batteries before an afternoon’s shopping at London Designer Outlet, where you can pick up designer brands such as Kurt Geiger, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Superdry and Replay at up to 70% off RRP. Shop smart by using London Designer Outlet’s Drop-it service and you won’t have to drag your bags around town with you. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out other local attractions. Nearby Neasden Temple is one of the most beautiful buildings in London, while both Madame Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes Museum are just two stops from Wembley Park on the tube. With Wembley Park as your base, you’re all set to enjoy a London weekend that will be packed with memories.
www.wembleypark.com
Bringing something new to coach holidays
Travel With Ease is a brand-new coach holiday company based in Barry, South Wales, picking up in Neath, Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Barry, Cardiff & Newport.
Over the years, we have noticed that many coach holidays have become a bit of the same and not very adventurous. Our goal is to bring life back to coach travel, thinking outside the box and coming up with new ideas for our customers to experience. Exciting itineraries such as local wine tasting in places you never thought made wine, staying in an unusual hotel and exploring places on excursions or entertainment you've never heard of, all whilst making it easy for you to book with ease.
With ‘Travel with Ease’ being a brand-new company, mainly focused on group travel, whilst also offering day trips to the public to enjoy. We noticed that people love our day trips but keep asking if we will release tours that anyone can book. We have been working hard and have decided to put together a couple of Festive Staycation holidays, which include coach travel, accommodation, breakfast & evening meals, entertainment & excursions with that added Christmas spirit. This is just the start, with a selection of fantastic tours coming for 2023. Holiday tours that no other company in South Wales are offering currently. Although we are new, our staff have been working in the travel industry for over 20 years, particularly in coach tourism, selling and creating holidays for customers all over the UK, Scotland, Ireland & even Europe. Our staff understand the industry and offer a first-class bespoke service. If you would like to book your holidays with ‘Travel with Ease’ or want to take a look at what we have on offer, you can find the most up-to-date information at www.travelwithease.co.uk, Follow us on Facebook, where we post daily or give us a call on 01446 500 900 and let's have a chat.
www.travelwithease.co.uk 01446 500 900 info@travelwithease.co.uk H2 Offices, 2-10 Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4HD Festive Staycations
Spend four nights in Blackpool to see the Illumination with a visit to Liverpool Christmas Markets from only £260. Four nights in Newquay for an incredible Turkey & Tinsel themed stay which includes a 2 for 1 bar from only £290. An overnight stay in Manchester, exploring their Christmas Markets with a
Birmingham stop for only £150.
Festive Day Trips only £28pp
Birmingham Frankfurt Market - 5th Nov
Blenheim Palace Christmas - 19th Nov & 10th Dec
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - 19th Nov & 10th Dec
London Christmas Shopping - 19th Nov & 10th Dec
Bath Christmas Market - 26th Nov
Winchester Christmas Market - 26th Nov & 17th Dec
Bristol German Christmas Market - 3rd & 17th Dec
Two Specials
Romsey Gin, Rum & Prosecco Festival - £45 PP 12th Nov
Bath Vegan Festival - £28 PP 26th Nov
Voco co, Merry Christmas!
Tis’ the season to be jolly and here at voco St. David’s, Cardiff we certainly have the most wonderful time of the year all wrapped up!
From the spectacular sparkle and glamour of our parties and New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball, to our family laid-back occasions to get you in the festive spirit, there’s something for everyone and we go above and beyond to make Christmas at Cardiff’s most luxurious location, truly special. Offering unforgettable festive dining, you and your loved ones can eat, drink and be merry at voco St. David’s, Cardiff. Enjoy Christmas lunches and dinners, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge and relax with us, while enjoying unrivalled views over Cardiff Bay. With menus inspired by seasonal fare and locally sourced ingredients, our festive dining promises to be a real treat. Enjoy our spectacular Christmas Day Lunch – the perfect way to celebrate with family and loved ones – just sit back, relax and let us take care of you. Our delicious festive menu showcases the very best Welsh produce, including Severn & Wye smoked salmon or Pant-Ys-Gawn and Welsh leek croquettes to start. There’s also our Family Christmas Lunch – a fantastically festive buffet, served in our Dylan Thomas suite – and Santa Sunday Lunch Experience, which combines the magic of a festive family lunch with children’s games, disco and a visit from Santa Claus himself! For a real sweet treat, our Christmas Afternoon Tea offers a scrumptious assortment of cakes, scones and yumminess – we’re talking festive-inspired treats; as well as mini mince pies, Christmas cakes and warming mulled wine. What’s more, as it’s the season of goodwill, £1 from each afternoon tea will go to our chosen charity. Choose our Festive Welsh Afternoon Tea or our Family Afternoon Tea with Santa. Party-goers will revel in the opportunities we have to celebrate. Let us greet you, and your friends or colleagues with a welcome that is second to none. Join one of our Christmas party nights and enjoy a festive cocktail on arrival, a three-course dinner and entertainment until 1am! And, instead of calling carriages, why not stay on the Bay – book a room and enjoy a Welsh breakfast the following morning.
To see in 2023, our New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball is Cardiff’s event of the year! See out 2022 and ring in the Near Year with our five-star dining experience, brilliant entertainment and a seriously good party! Enjoy a glass of Champagne and canapés from 7pm, a magnificent Welsh Tasting Menu from 8pm, and celebrate until midnight in our waterside restaurant. Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with our indulgent Winter Warmer Spa Day – a 50-minute ishga treatment of your choice, two hours relaxation in our spa and pool, afternoon tea or two-course lunch and complimentary ishga candle. Winter wellbeing at its best! Of course, it may be someone else you wish to spoil this Christmas, and we have gifting covered too. Why not give a voco voucher this Christmas? Whether for a dining experience, relaxing stay or indulgent spa break, we have pressies to suit. Simply shop from the comfort of your own home and have your gift delivered straight to your loved ones door.
