Reservations

Luxury Travel

Reservations

Luxury Travel

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Are you the sort of traveller who cannot stay still in one place for a week? Me, too! I like to move around and see as much as possible of the country I’m visiting. If I’m particularly stressed and worn out, I sometimes dream of lying by a pool for a few days, but I know that I’d get restless after 48 hours.

Two lovely multi-centre holidays spring to mind, a trip around Italy or island hopping in Croatia. I’m going to play them off against each other and let you decide which you’d prefer!

Croatia

Many people head to Dubrovnik for a taste of Croatia, but there is far, far more to discover and you can do this as a fly-drive holiday.

Start in the capital Zagreb and take the world’s shortest funicular up to the thousand-year-old upper town of Gornji Grad. See the Presidential Palace and the historic St. Mark’s Church. Onwards to the Plitvice National Park. The area of Plitvice, declared a National Park in 1949, comprises densely forested mountains and a string of sixteen crystal clear emerald lakes and waterfalls.

The next stop is the ancient city of Zadar, a typical laidback Mediterranean walled town, with a romantic harbour, white stone-paved streets, fashionable cafes and ancient landmarks. Next on the itinerary is enchanting Split, a charming UNESCO Heritage City with its magnificent Diocletian’s Palace and central piazza, Peristil. Finally, to iconic Dubrovnik, but don’t forget the beautiful island of Korcula with its tucked away beaches and picture-perfect Old Town.

If you don’t feel like driving, you could take a cruise on a deluxe motor cruiser, with just 18 cabins. Sail from Dubrovnik to Split in style, visiting Mljet National Park, Korkola, Vis, Hvar, Bol, Brac and Split.

Italy

Have you already been to Rome, Florence, and Venice? There are so many more places to visit in Italy! Lake Maggiore to Umbria, the Dolomites and Lake Garda, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia or Sicily, Piedmont and Northern Italy, Northern Tuscany, and Umbria. We all know how stylish Italy is and you can indulge yourself by travelling in extraordinary luxury.

Imagine renting the legendary Ferrari 250 California for self-driving around Italy. I’m told this is the most expensive car rental in the world! So, if not this, at least an open-top car to glide around those hairpin bends! Or exclusive use of a first-class carriage on one of Italy’s excellent high-speed trains and be waited on by your private butler?

For discovering Italy’s lakes, glamorous islands, or the iconic Venice lagoon, you could rent an iconic Riva motorcraft, just for you and your party. Being serenaded is optional!

Other luxury touches could be an indulgent dining experience, maybe on the Ponte Vecchia in Venice or another special place that means something to you. You could also experience a “Chic-nic”, a very fancy picnic, pretty much anywhere you choose. Maybe in the middle of a vineyard, atop a hill looking down on Florence, along the Amalfi coast? The possibilities are endless.

I haven’t mentioned hotels yet. To be honest, there are so many incredible hotels in Croatia and Italy that I’m reluctant to single out any particular one, at the risk of leaving another out. Whatever your style, be it converted monasteries, vineyards, ancient, traditional, ultra-modern, family-oriented or adult-only, I’d be happy to recommend some to you.

Now all you have to do is decide on either Croatia or Italy. Or both?!!

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

If you’re looking for something to brighten up these dreary February days, then we’ve got plenty of cheer in the Charitable Traveller Report! In this new issue, you’ll find plenty to inspire you with great deals departing in April including a 7 night Easter school holiday escape to the Algarve, Portugal, a 7 night romantic break in beautiful Antalya, Turkey, and a 3 night cultural getaway in Florence, Italy.

Plus, exciting reads from Charitable Traveller Magazine, new guides for Northern European destinations from our travel experts Lizzi and Melissa, and inspiring travel and charity news!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

I was delighted to receive a pack of brochures from one of my favourite tour operators last week. There was a time, twenty years ago, when hundreds of brochures used to arrive every week and it was a challenge to know where to store them! These days, a brochure is more of a rarity as so much is now exclusively online. You can’t beat a good quality brochure, though. I used to take a selection round to my clients and the best ones would sit proudly on their coffee tables to be fingered through with a coffee or a glass of wine in hand.

The brochure I received is a work of art, with stunning photography. I have been fascinated reading through it, as many of the destinations are unusual, such as Moldovia, Romania, Albania, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Taiwan, South Korea, and Papua New Guinea. I knew a little about some of these places, but I have certainly learned a lot more from my brochure and it has really whet my appetite to visit some of them.

However, I wanted to focus on the part of the brochure that is advertising summer holidays in Nordic countries. I recently visited Western Sweden (please see my previous blog) and I found out that the Nordic countries are experiencing a huge surge of bookings from people who want to avoid the searing summer heat in many European countries. Scandinavia and the other Baltics are the perfect places to do this. It does still get warm in the summer, definitely warm enough to enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities on offer. From hiking and biking, horseback riding, zip lining, canoeing, kayaking to swimming in the lakes (never actually warm, but invigorating!). If you’ve never been, you’ll be amazed at the wide-open spaces. Hundreds of miles of unspoilt forest with barely a building in sight! And fresh, fresh air!

How about a summer break in South Iceland, where you can explore Pinvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal field, the Gullfoss waterfall and bathe in the beautiful Blue Lagoon? Or do a family fly-drive?

Or maybe watch towering icebergs and whales in Greenland?

Finland is the land of a thousand lakes and in summer, you can relax and unwind, maybe do a bit of paddle boarding and wild swimming and view families of brown bears?

How exotic does a trip to Svalbard in Norway sound? Stunning summer scenery and you can sail along the fjords and maybe spot whales, seals, and a polar bear?

Sweden has an impressive coastline with picturesque towns and a vibrant summer scene. Wonderful seafood as well! Or just head into the wild and soak up the peace of the forest. Abundant opportunities for hiking and other sports abound.

All the above countries have fascinating cities to explore, buzzing with cafes, restaurants, and museums. They all have stunning accommodation, too, from individual properties to amazing hotels.

But isn’t it expensive, I get asked? Not necessarily, if you know where to look. Mainland Europe gets hotter and pricier each year, so I believe that heading north is the answer right now.

Contact me for more ideas and information.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

Do you have a burning travel question? Maybe you’re looking for some inspiration to help you plan your next holiday, or maybe you want to understand what ATOL protection means. Our team of expert travel agents and staff are here to help with all your travel needs!

Click the button below to email us your question, or scroll to see other customer queries and our responses!

A new regular feature from Charitable Traveller Magazine, our team of experts answer your travel queries. In the hot seat this month is Melissa Tilling, founder of Charitable Travel

My parents are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary next year and I’d love to treat them to a long weekend away to celebrate. They love Italy, France, good food and interesting, family-run places to stay, and I’d like to go somewhere we can ideally reach by train. It’d need to be during the school holidays – not necessarily the summer – as also joining us would be my seven-year-old daughter and my sister’s five-year-old daughter. In total, we’d be six adults and two children. Our budget for the whole party is £4,000 for travel and accommodation. What do you suggest? 

Richard Miller,Suffolk

Melissa: Consider celebrating your parents’ anniversary in Provence, a picturesque region in south-eastern France. Here, you can explore historic towns like Avignon and Arles, indulge in Provençal cuisine, and enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities in the beautiful countryside. Accommodations in family-run guesthouses or countryside villas provide an authentic experience but equally charming hotels are an option.

Accessible by taking the Eurostar to Paris and then a high-speed TGV train to Avignon or Marseille, the journey could be broken with a stay in Paris too.
Alternatively, Tuscany, in Italy, would also be great. Explore cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, enjoy Italian cuisine, and visit local vineyards for wine tasting. Travel by train from the UK to Milan and then switch to regional trains taking you to various Tuscan cities. Family-run agriturismos or smaller friendly hotels in Tuscany offer charming and authentic stays. Train travel allows you to enjoy scenic views along the way, but Italy would most likely need an overnight en route to make the journey easier.

Speak to our travel experts today to plan your perfect holiday!

Remember – every time you book a break with Charitable Travel you can donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice for free!

This is a feature from Issue 19 of Charitable Traveller.
Click to read more from this issue, or more from Ask the Expert

Got a travel consumer query or need some help finding your next dream holiday? Send your questions to our resident travel expert, Melissa Tilling, founder of Charitable Travel and she’ll answer them here

 I was away on holiday in Peru when I was notified by the tour operator I was travelling with that they’d gone into administration, yet I still had various elements of my holiday to do, let alone get my return flight home. In this situation, what are my rights and what service should I expect to receive?

Alice Goodlife

Melissa:  That must have been very stressful. I hope you booked through a travel agent and tour operator because your rights and expected services depend on how you booked your holiday. For UK travellers with an ATOL- (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protected package, the Civil Aviation Authority should ensure you can complete your holiday and arrange your return flight. This protection prevents you from being stranded or facing financial loss due to the operator’s insolvency.
Under EU Package Travel Regulations which remains adopted legislation in the UK), similar protections apply, mandating tour operators to have insolvency measures for refunds and repatriation. Check too if your travel insurance covers the operator’s financial failure, which might cover additional costs or offer refunds for services not provided.
If these protections don’t apply, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance, although they typically don’t cover travel costs. Should you need to self-arrange a return journey, paying by credit card offers
potential recourse under the Consumer Credit Act’s Section 75, which might cover the costs. In essence, your protection hinges on your holiday’s booking details and any travel insurance you hold, highlighting the
importance of understanding these aspects for such situations. Professional travel agents, like Charitable Travel, will support you navigate this situation.

Speak to our travel experts today to plan your perfect holiday!

Remember – every time you book a break with Charitable Travel you can donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice for free!

This is a feature from Issue 20 of Charitable Traveller.
Click to read more from this issue, or more from Ask the Expert

Looking for your next getaway? We’re here to help! This edition we’ve got some fantastic offers for you – from a 7 night escape in Marrakech, Morocco, a 4 night city break in Athens, Greece, or a 7 night Girona, Spain trip by rail.

Remember, wherever you choose to visit, you can donate 5% of your total holiday price to the charity of your choice at no extra cost. So what are you waiting for? Book your next escape and make a difference today!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

Over my 35-plus years in the Travel Industry, I have seen some amazing places, had fantastic experiences and am constantly surprised and delighted to discover destinations for the first time. It never gets old and as long as this is the case and we still enjoy travelling, (even though air travel is arguably not the experience it used to be and seems more tiring), then we should continue to travel as far as we feel comfortable, because there will come a time, inevitably, when those long haul trips will just be physically impossible for us.

I always get asked the same question when I announce that I work in Travel, ie. where is your favourite destination? Now, this could mean where is the best place I have been to, or it could mean where would be the place I would most like to travel to?!

This got me thinking about the most remarkable places I have sent my luxury clients to, places I have not been to myself but would really like to! These are all exceptional journeys. So, in no particular order, these are the outstanding journeys my clients have taken.

Clayoquot Sound, Canada

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge skirts the banks of the Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is reached only by seaplane or boat. A small collection of just 25 ultra-luxurious canvas tents allows you to be at one with nature and explore the beauty of this remote wilderness region. This is high-end accommodation and there are many activities on offer to keep you busy if you want to be. Think horseback riding, hiking, boat tours, biking and viewing the incredible wildlife. A very unique place which combines well with Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Mmenba Island, Zanzibar

This is perhaps the ultimate hideaway. A tiny island of Zanzibar, triangular in shape and with just 12 luxurious bandas, or beachfront lodges with thatched roofs and uninterrupted views of nothing……. except the ocean and the horizon. With pristine white beaches, and a beautiful coral reef, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all – and very exclusive. . The island is currently closed for renovation and will open around 01 October ’24 with a spa and an Oceans Without Borders (OWB) interpretative centre allowing you to engage with conservation and community-focused projects in and around the Mnemba Atoll.

A safari in India

Ranthambore National Park is an exclusive wildlife park in Rajhastan and is famous for its tiger conservation project. There are currently around 80 tigers in the park and over the past few years, most guests have been lucky to spot one. I have sent many clients here and almost always put them in the Oberoi Vanjavilas. I love the Oberoi brand and have stayed in many of their properties in India, but not this one. These tented villas are ultra-luxurious, furnished with beautiful fabrics in rich colours you can only really find in India. Expect outstanding accommodation, a great spa, pool and private 4×4 game drives.

The Inside Passage, Alaska

The Inside Passage is a coastal route for ships and boats along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific Northwest coast of the North American Fjordland. I recommend a cruise on the ironically named UnCruise line. Their small expedition ships can navigate inlets that the bigger vessels cannot. This is an adventure “cruise” so you should be prepared to get involved and be reasonably fit and hardy. The rewards are numerous. See bears, baby animals, migrating grey whales and birds, budding forests, snow-covered peaks, gushing waterfalls, and the Aurora Borealis if you’re lucky. In summer, temperatures are warmer, so there’s better access to high-elevation hikes. And humpback whales are abundant. From the ship, you can paddle or boat out to get really close to the glaciers.

An Irrawaddy river cruise in Myanmar

This was an incredible trip along the Irrawaddy River from Padang to Mandalay in Myanmar. The Pandaw river cruises are exceptional, on small, beautifully crafted ships reminiscent of a bygone era. Elegant and slow, with plenty of time to stop off and explore the temples and monuments along the way. Sadly, this voyage is not currently running, due to the political situation in Myanmar. There are other routes in Southeast Asia though. I hope I get to experience this one day.

Rocky Mountaineer or trans-Canada train

I don’t know why I’ve not got around to exploring the Rockies on this iconic train. My clients rave about the scenery. The actual journey from Vancouver to Banff is not that long, but you can then explore the mountains in your own time. Some other clients took the train from Vancouver to Toronto over 5 days. This is a working train that drops post and packages to the towns along the way and you have to be prepared for schedule changes, but that’s all part of the adventure and the scenery is incredible. This is a great extension to a stay in Vancouver and if you do the coast-to-coast train, you get to stay in Toronto at the end, too. Both are vibrant cities with so much in offer.

A cruise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

I’m sure you have seen one of the many documentaries on the Galapagos Islands. If you are into wildlife, this has surely got to be one of, if not the most, amazing experiences. Viewing species that only exist in the Galapagos and have no fear of predators. How incredible! Some of the most dramatic scenery you will find anywhere and strange, otherworldly creatures. If you want ultra-luxury I would opt for Silversea’s Silver Origin, which takes just 100 passengers and has everything the luxury traveller could wish for. But I would probably take one of the Avalon Waterways’ tiny ships, the Treasure of the Galapagos and the Delfin III. The Delfin 111 is its newest and most luxurious Galapagos cruise ship. The ship has just 22 suites, and the Treasure of the Galapagos is even smaller, carrying a maximum of 16 guests.

Island hopping in the Seychelles

Now, I have been to the Seychelles, many moons ago, but I cannot hand on heart say I have experienced the Seychelles. To my shame, this was a fly-and-flop visit, flying in and staying in one hotel. I have sent many clients on an island-hopping holiday, and it is worth seeing at least a few of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, as they are all very different. Maybe start with the main island of Mahé with its mountainous landscape and bustling capital, Victoria, then chill out on tranquil Praslin Island, which has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally step back in time on La Digue, where oxcarts are the main form of transport, with its gorgeous beaches where they sell fresh coconuts and local rum. The Seychelles has always been a luxury destination and it has some of the best hotels in the world, but it is absolutely worth splashing out on for that holiday of a lifetime experience.

All the above are still on my wish list, but your bucket list will no doubt look very different to mine. Maybe there is somewhere special you dream of that I have already seen and can tell you about first-hand. Wherever you feel is your “must see once in my life” destination, I can help you plan it in style!

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

Treat yourself to some New Year’s cheer by booking a wonderful holiday with us and supporting the charities you care about for free! This January, if winter’s biting and you’re desperate for sun, why not treat yourself to a last-minute 7 night winter sun getaway in Tenerife, Spain next month from just £575pp!

Get in touch with our travel experts today to book your place now and avoid missing out on incredible savings! If that’s not quite your vibe, consider a 7 night rail adventure in Frankfurt and the Black Forest, Germany or a 7 night luxury escape in Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Mexico – with big savings as part of the Join the Club promotion!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

Every year, after the festive season, we are encouraged to get healthier by eating nutritiously and exercising more. For some, the new year is a time to make resolutions, to change bad habits and turn our lives around. To every New Year jogger, I say, well done and keep it up!

However, you might be, like me, an all-year-round exercise aficionado and already have a favourite sport you practise and can’t do without. Some of us just need that rush of endorphins!

The thought of lying around a pool or on the beach is still appealing to sports lovers, but you can guarantee we will also be doing regular laps of the pool, swimming in the sea and jogging along the beach!

You may have a sport you excel in or just particularly love and wish to incorporate into your holiday. Whether it’s skiing, cycling, canoeing, rowing, horseback riding, windsurfing, hiking, running marathons, diving, snorkelling, sailing, attending a tennis academy, or doing a triathlon, we at Charitable Travel can make that dream come true. Oh, and if it’s just you who wants to be active, your travelling companion can just relax or spend time in the spa! The Body Holiday on St Lucia is a great choice as you have spa treatments included but they also offer a wide range of water sports.

Some lovely walking holidays caught my eye recently. Doing some of the Camino Way in Spain, walking between Granada and Cordoba, through the Italian or French vineyard regions, or the lush green mountainous crags of Slovenia. It doesn’t have to be a hard slog every day. If you want to take your time and stay in lovely character properties along the way, all this is possible. You can even have your luggage transported for you, to save wear and tear on your back!

Or maybe you just love watching sports, from cricket in Barbados or Sri Lanka, following the Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi, or the round-the-world yacht races – whatever you fancy, we’ve got you covered. We can arrange your flights and accommodation and often secure tickets to the big events.

So, whether you choose to try out a new activity or practise sport this year or just watch from the sidelines, make this the year you fulfil your dreams.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now.

Charitable Traveller talks to Kaury Pimentel, Dominicus La Romana’s social media manager, about why she loves the resort so much.

What attracted you to working at the Dominicus La Romana?

“I’ve always been passionate about tourism and helping to promote the beauty of my country, but what drew me to wanting to work at the Dominicus La Romana in the beautiful Bayahibe area was that the hotel attracts so many people from different countries. It’s especially strong with the UK and European audiences due to the Italian-inspired influence in the resort.”

What do your guests like most when they’re staying with you?

“They love our beach, our infrastructure and our food and drink, but really the main feature that our guests highlight is the warmth of our people, and the good service our staff offer, always with a smile to make guests feel at home.”

How does the Italian-inspired architecture influence the atmosphere of the hotel?

“It provides a certain warmth that’s hard to put your finger on but we’d be lost without it. This, combined with the positive approach of our team of staff, creates the ideal atmosphere for a wonderful stay.”

The hotel is committed to preserving the environment, can you tell me what that looks like for guests?

“We carry out a range of initiatives, from properly sorting the waste to making sure energy isn’t being used unnecessarily when a room is unoccupied, as well as regular beach cleans. We run these regardless of whether guests wish to take part or not, simply so we can raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our beaches. In addition, we are Blue Flag-certified, and the accreditation is visible in several areas of the resort.”

Lastly, where’s your favourite part of the hotel, and why?

“My favourite part of Dreams Dominicus La Romana is our pier. It has the most beautiful view of our beautiful turquoise-sea beach; it’s a space with a unique magic and a great place to have a wedding!”

DREAMS DOMINICUS LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Dreams Dominicus La Romana, set just 20 minutes from La Romana International Airport, beckons with its prime location on the picturesque Bayahibe Beach. Whether you’re exploring the region, trying scuba diving, enjoying family activities, or just relaxing in your luxury suite, this resort offers a diverse range of  activities and amenities, making it an ideal destination for a varied and memorable holiday.

Experience worry-free holidays with the family-friendly Explorer’s Club, teen-friendly Core Zone activities and PADI-certified diving. And with AAA Four Diamond status, Unlimited-Luxury perks are promised, including limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining, top-shelf spirits, and endless daytime activities and nightly entertainment. 

Revel in the convenience of nearly 20 bars and restaurants, before retreating to the luxurious suites, equipped with connecting rooms, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, and a host of other amenities. Your ideal escape awaits at this beach-front gem.

Unlimited Luxury® for the discerning traveller
  • 488 guestrooms and suites
  • Dreams Spa by Pevonia®
  • 10 dining experiences
  • Four swimming pools
  • Two hot tubs
  • 17 bars and restaurants
  • 24-hour gourmet room service
  • Unlimited dining and drinks
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Endless entertainment
Enriching Activities
  • Ping pong and giant chessboard
  • Beach and pool volleyball
  • Tours and excursions*
  • Kids Clubs – video games, crafts, camping etc.
  • Snorkelling
  • Non-motorised water sports
  • Scuba diving tour and deep-sea fishing*
  • PADI diving centre*
  • Boat and fishing excursions*
  • Big screen movies on the beach
  • Live musical performances
  • Theme nights and beach parties
  • Spectacular shows
  • Dance and Spanish classes
  • Spa treatments
  • Fitness – treadmills, weights, exercise bicycles etc.
*additional costs apply.
Earlybird offer! Save 15% on selected hotel stays!

7 nights Unlimited-Luxury in Dreams Dominicus La Romana from £1,565pp! Price includes return flights, private return transfers, all-inclusive stay in a Deluxe Room with Tropical View, ATOL protection, and a FREE £156 donation to the charity of your choice! Terms and conditions apply.

Happy New Year! As we celebrate new beginnings and start working on our New Year’s resolutions, there’s no better time to start planning your 2024 trips. Our travel experts have fantastic travel deals to help you start the year strong with a focus on wellness, from a city break during a marathon in Berlin, an 8 day walking trip in Jordan and a 14 day cycling trip in Sri Lanka!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!