This is not a paid post.
Recently carrying
out some research, I “interviewed” several travel agents/tour
operators to put a trip together to New Zealand. Trailfinders (trailfinders.com) was by far the most
professional. My consultant understood my needs and wants. More to the point,
unlike a lot of people, I spoke to, he knew what he was talking about.
So, I asked Trailfinders what are its top long-haul
destinations and to recommend some hotels that stand out from the crowd.
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| Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island |
Australia
It is no surprise that this is one of the top long-haul destinations. This vast and diverse country has always held a special fascination for Brits. From lovely city beaches to seeing wildlife and tropical forests to exploring the Outback, there is something to fascinate everybody. Of course, there is tasty food and plenty of rather good wine to drink.
Standout hotel
For James Turnball, Trailfinders London City, it was the Southern Ocean Lodge (Southern Ocean Lodge) Kangaroo Island South Australia. He loved the dramatic views from the large windows of the stylish rooms. He says: “A favourite was the canapes and kangaroos. Amazing!”
For James Turnball, Trailfinders London City, it was the Southern Ocean Lodge (Southern Ocean Lodge) Kangaroo Island South Australia. He loved the dramatic views from the large windows of the stylish rooms. He says: “A favourite was the canapes and kangaroos. Amazing!”
South Africa
The Rainbow Nation is renowned for its natural beauty. There is nothing quite like standing on the top of Table Mountain or seeing the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard) on safari or being mesmerised by the penguins on Boulders Beach. At Robben Island, you can see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and learn about the country’s history. You certainly will not go hungry or thirsty in South Africa. The cuisine is excellent and the local wines are extremely quaffable.
Stand-out hotel
Rachel Webb of the Trailfinders Concierge Team picked the Tsala Treetop Lodge (Tsala Treetop Lodge), Plettenberg Bay.
The Rainbow Nation is renowned for its natural beauty. There is nothing quite like standing on the top of Table Mountain or seeing the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard) on safari or being mesmerised by the penguins on Boulders Beach. At Robben Island, you can see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and learn about the country’s history. You certainly will not go hungry or thirsty in South Africa. The cuisine is excellent and the local wines are extremely quaffable.
Stand-out hotel
Rachel Webb of the Trailfinders Concierge Team picked the Tsala Treetop Lodge (Tsala Treetop Lodge), Plettenberg Bay.
“Wow! What a beautiful property,” she says. “The suites are
very spacious and private. You can enjoy the views of the forest through the
floor-to-ceiling windows.” She points
out that the food is delicious and good value. She adds that there
is so much to do in the area such as visiting the Knysa Elephant Park,
zip-lining or a walk at the Robberg Nature Reserve.
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| Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds |
New Zealand
For unspoilt scenery, it is hard to beat New Zealand. Pictures cannot do
justice to this gorgeous country. From fjords, glaciers and snow-covered
mountains and lakes in the south to subtropical forests and beaches in the
north as well as interesting cities, this place is arguably one of the most
beautiful countries on the planet. It is a wine buff’s heaven. It may only
produce a small quantity of the world’s wine but quality counts here.
Stand-out hotel
For Beckie Fowler of
Trailfinders Leeds it was the Bay of Many Coves, (Bay Of Many Coves)
Marlborough Sounds. “This is a stunning hotel in an amazing setting. You arrive
into the sound and the hotel is set in a very private quiet bay,” she says.
“The apartments are beautifully set out with the highlight being the panoramic
windows across the living room (leading to balcony) and bedroom which open
fully with stunning views out across Marlborough Sound.”
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| The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Rockies |
Canada
The Great Lakes, the Rockies and Niagara Falls are only part of this vast and diverse country’s allure. It also has plenty of buzzing sophisticated cosmopolitan cities such as Vancouver and Montréal. The Canadian Confederation celebrates this year, 2017, its 150th anniversary.
The Great Lakes, the Rockies and Niagara Falls are only part of this vast and diverse country’s allure. It also has plenty of buzzing sophisticated cosmopolitan cities such as Vancouver and Montréal. The Canadian Confederation celebrates this year, 2017, its 150th anniversary.
Stand-out hotel
For Jenny McCaffery, Trailfinders Manchester, it was the Fairmont Banff Springs, (The Fairmont Banff Springs), The Rockies.
For Jenny McCaffery, Trailfinders Manchester, it was the Fairmont Banff Springs, (The Fairmont Banff Springs), The Rockies.
Built in 1888, this grand old building, originally a
Canadian Pacific Hotel is shrouded in history - it has its own hotel
museum on site.
“The hotel is gigantic and self-contained
with everything you might need including 12 eating
establishments, three pools, various shops, spa, curling
rink in winter,” she says. “Its spectacular location, surrounded
by Rockies scenery on all sides, would lead you to believe you are in the
middle of nowhere, when in fact the hotel is only a 15-minute scenic walk
into central Banff or 5 minutes in a taxi.”
More destinations coming up soon.
By Daralyn Danns
