Travel bosses pick the holiday hotspots they’ll be visiting as soon as lockdown’s over
WONDERFUL, picturesque destinations are just waiting to be snapped when we can all start travelling again. And those with the itchiest feet of all are the bosses and bigwigs in charge of the companies that sell or promote holidays worldwide.
They are holding on to fond memories and snapshots of their top-rated trips. Trisha Harbord reveals their favourite views . . . and where they plan to go when the lockdown is over.
Idyllic Antigua’s a heavenly getaway
P&O Cruises boss Paul Ludlow
Best view: The blue hues of the Caribbean Sea and vivid colour of the islands – pastel houses, green palms and gorgeous beaches.
Who were you with? My wife, sailing on Britannia.
Why Caribbean? Each island has a different charm but Antigua is idyllic. I headed to one of its 365 stunning beaches and took a mental snapshot: White sands, lovely turquoise water, lazy palm trees . . . heaven.
Cost: A 14-night cruise is from £1,599 per person.
Worth the money? Quality time with friends and family always is.
When we can travel, where are you going? For a meal at one of my favourite ship restaurants.
Sahara’s playing my favourite dunes
EasyJet Holidays boss Garry Wilson
Best view? The Sahara desert in Tunisia near Douz, known as the gateway to the Sahara.
Who were you with? My team on a work trip.
Why Tunisia? Dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. It is blissfully quiet, with incredible Roman ruins and the El Jem amphitheatre, which once held 35,000 spectators.
Cost? We arrived on a camel caravan and stayed in a tented camp, built around a fire pit.
Worth the money? Priceless, I would say. So memorable.
When we can travel, where are you going? To visit family and friends in Scotland. Then sailing round the Greek islands.
Scilly not to treasure a tranquil trip
Visit Britain boss Patricia Yates
Best view? The sea from the former Beach Island hotel in Tresco on the Scilly Isles, 28 miles from the Cornish coast. Now, in its place, are glorious Sea Garden Cottages.
Who were you with? I was a hotel inspector, so I was working. I went back with my family.
Why Tresco? You step away from the fast pace of life. The beaches are white sand and deserted. The seafood is amazing.
Cost? Sea Garden Cottages, sleeping six to ten, from £1,130 a week.
Worth the money? Yes, for the calmer life.
When we can travel, where are you going? I have booked to sail from Plymouth to the Scilly Isles in September.
Volcanic mountains and tropical sandy beaches
BA Holidays boss, Claire Bentley
Best view: Looking out over Soufriere Bay from the Anse Chastanet resort in St Lucia, with the Pitons – the island’s iconic volcanic mountains – framing the natural world. The hotel is set in 600 tropical acres, adjacent to sandy beaches. Bliss.
Who were you with? My man. We were keen for sun and for afternoon snoozes. However, I checked out the world-class
snorkelling and ocean kayaking. The resort is surrounded by picturesque coral reefs.
Why St Lucia? One of the most stunning Caribbean islands. Yes, it has beautiful beaches – but the island is mountainous and lush, far more than a sunbathing spoit. Hiking trails and watersports are in abundance.
Cost? Seven nights is from £1,649pp including flights.
Worth the money? Definitely. The cuisine is excellent. Anse Chastanet has an organic farm supplying its restaurants.
When we can travel again, where are you going? Top of my list is Santorini for more unbelievable views.
Green hills sit behind simmering water
Wanderlust editor Lyn Hughes
Best view? The Kent Estuary from a bedroom at Number 43, a luxury guest house in Arnside, Cumbria. The light changes throughout the day. You can wake to tendrils of mist, a palette of moody greys, or a bewitching soft gold morning.
Who were you with? My partner. We’d taken my parents to family on Merseyside and decided to chill for a few days.
Why Cumbria? I wanted somewhere casual and relaxing, near water and a pub with walks and wildlife. I saw reviews forNumber 43 and it ticked all the boxes. It is on a Victorian promenade and looks out across shimmering water towards the green hills of Grange-over-Sands and, beyond that, to the fells of the Lake District.
Cost? £185 a night.
Worth the money? Yes, definitely.
When we can travel again, where are you going? To Australia, to explore Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road.
Natural Wonder easy to Falls in love with
Attractiontickets.com boss Oliver Brendon
Best view: Meeting the jumbos at The Elephant Cafe – an amazing sanctuary near Livingstone, Zambia where they care for elephants orphaned by poachers.
Who were you with: My family. I was also visiting some charitable projects my company’s ATD Foundation is involved with.
Why Zambia: The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, are awe-inspiring, the Zambian people are delightful and my son wanted to see a hippo . . .
Cost? We stayed at the Avani Hotel, with free access to the falls a short walk away. About £170 per night for a family room.
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Worth the money? Yes. The hotel is in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you can take a safari to see wildlife including buffalo, wildebeest and my son’s hippo!
When we can travel again, where are you going? I’m craving a beach with surf. Perhaps Cornwall or the Atlantic coast in Portugal. But really anywhere apart from my house!
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