Travel Explorer Magazine (AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 EDITION)

TRAVEL EXPLORER 

Issue 01 | Autumn / Winter 2016

EDITOR 

Oliver Broad 

Director, RB Collection 

Welcome to our exciting new look Travel Explorer magazine. We love arranging 

wonderful holidays and are also a passionate team working to expand minds, widen 

horizons, help educate and inform. We hope our articles will achieve this. Mainly 

conceived, designed and written by our own fair hands we had a little help from 

professional journalists and editors to whom we are truly thankful. 

We look forward to creating your next holiday memories. 

CREDITS 

Nathan Collins 

Fellow Director of RB Collection, Nathan’s 

feverous passion for travelling recently took 

him to Halkidiki and the Peloponnese in 

Greece as well as Anguilla & Antigua. 

Andrew Youngson 

From north-east Scotland, Andrew worked 

as a features writer for the Press and Journal 

and is now based in London working for 

Imperial College London. 

Kirsty Taylor 

With so much love for the Italian culture, 

Kirsty is learning the language! Kirsty has 

also established herself as RB’s resident 

writer, adding another string to her bow. 

David Wickers 

One the UK’s leading travel journalists. 

Former Times Travel Magazine Editor, David 

is now Travel Editor for Good Housekeeping. 

Front cover photo: Sunset from Petit St 

Vincent, Caribbean by Oliver Broad. 

Robbie Sinclair 

Fashion Editor for WGSN (the world’s largest 

fashion forecaster), Robbie helps keep our 

magazine looking smart and on trend. 

Special thanks: 

Paul Strattham, Simon Rowland-Jones, 

Belmond, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, ITC 

Luxury Travel, Prestige Holidays, Crystal 

Cruises, Safari Consultants, Oceania Cruises, 

Sunvil, Classic Collection Holidays, Viking 

Cruises, United Airlines, Great Rail Journeys, 

Essential Detail, Curtain Bluff, Trans Indus & 

Kirker Holidays. 

Published by: 

RB Collection 

2 Boley Park Shopping Centre 

Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9XU 

01543 258631 - vip@rbcollection.com 

Instagram: rb_collectionpix 

Copyright © 2016 RB Collection Ltd 

RB Collection Ltd has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information 

contained in this magazine is accurate on the stated date of publication 

or last modification. It is possible that the information may be out 

of date, incomplete or the opinion of the author. It is advisable that you 

verify any information from this magazine before relying on it. RB Collection 

Ltd accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any 

loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information and material 

contained in this magazine or any site you may access through this magazine. 

Materials contained on this magazine are subject to copyright and 

other proprietary rights. Version 2.

5 10 

Martin Smedsén 

17 28 35 

CONTENT 

5 

10 

12 

14 

TRENDS 

Latest travel trends plus style tips 

from our guest fashion forecaster. 

SCANDINAVIA 

From the excitement of the ICE- 

HOTEL to the unique Tree Hotel 

plus Copenhagen & Stockholm. 

SHORT & SWEET 

Short on time? It’s amazing what 

you can do in just a few days! 

ANCHORS AWAY 

The fastest growing sector of the 

travel industry, read a snippet of 

news from the cruise industry. 

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22 

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36 

INTO THE WILD 

Nathan reports from Tanzania, 

latest news from Central & South 

America & Sam reports from 

Costa Rica. 

CALM 

Need some quality time to relax? 

From the Indian Ocean to the 

Canary Islands, there is plenty of 

news and suggestions here. 

CULTURE 

Join guest journalist Andrew 

Youngson on a family pilgrimage 

to Kerala, India and learn his top 

tips for your visit. 

WIN 

Your chance to stay at the 5* 

Curtain Bluff all-inclusive resort 

on the beautiful island of Antigua.

Photo: Regent Seven Seas Explorer - Spa infinity pool 

REGENT’S EXPLORER SETS SAIL 

Earlier this year Regent Seven Seas Cruises 

launched their most exciting ship to date. 

Seven Seas Explorer not only has one of the 

highest space to guest ratios but also one of 

the most impressive crew to guest ratios in the 

industry, with 552 attentive crew looking after 

just 750 guests. 

With over an acre of marble, 473 crystal 

chandeliers, 400 beautiful Versace place settings 

and 2,200 pieces of art (including a Picasso or 

two hung at the double-door entrance to the 

extravagant 4,443 sqft Regent Suite), everywhere 

you turn on Seven Seas Explorer you will find 

the very best in luxury. 

And to top it all, with Regent Seven Seas 

Cruises everything is included within the fare; 

all fine dining, all beverages, unlimited shore 

excursions and even gratuities and service 

charges. With Regent Seven Seas Cruises you 

really can have it all. 

Read more cruise news on page 14 & 15. 

4 | TRAVEL EXPLORER | AUTUMN / WINTER 2016

TRAVEL TRENDS 

We always aim to be one step ahead and enjoy observing and predicting travel trends. Here is a quick report on our latest observations 

and some top tips for the forthcoming seasons. 

This summer it was the turn of familiar and ‘safe’ 

destinations to reap the benefits of tourists with Spain, 

Italy and Canada at the top of the list. Despite the 

implementation of more complicated visa requirements, 

Russia has also proven very popular and we expect this 

to continue into 2017. With very attractive flight inclusive 

tour prices (7 nights from around £1,150 per person) you 

can easily combine St Petersburg and Moscow into one 

trip, especially now the new high speed train service is 

running. 

are also increased opportunities to prise the littles ones 

away from their gadgets. Beach resorts are offering the 

opportunity to learn about local plant life with children 

picking vegetables which go into Mum & Dad’s dinner that 

evening. Wine tasting trips are great for groups of friends 

with Napa Valley (below) a great option just a few hours 

outside of San Francisco. 

Other buzz words in our office include the ‘Mini-moon’ 

with Sweden’s ICEHOTEL a perfect choice. 

Authentic and immersive experiences are on the rise to 

such destinations as South America, East Africa and Japan. 

Homestays, cooking classes and lecture led tours help 

contribute to a life-changing opportunity. 

Multi-generational holidays where everyone can spend 

quality time together, whilst at the same time having an 

enriching experience with historic, cultural and scientific 

education at the heart of these holidays. Whilst many still 

seek a relaxing break to recharge the batteries, there 

‘Baby-moons’ with spa breaks are a perfect choice have 

also been popular with destinations such as Portugal and 

Morocco fitting the bill. Jordan is also bouncing back, visit 

www.jordanholidays.co.uk for more details. 

It is safe to say the modern traveller is seeking much more 

from their travel experiences and we look forward to the 

next challenge! 

Photos: St Petersburg, Russia (left) and Napa Valley, California (above) 

both taken by Oliver. 

AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 | TRAVEL EXPLORER | 5


TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR 

Early morning cycle through Myanmar, by Mr & Mrs Hodgetts, West 

Midlands. 

“This was my particular favourite photograph from our trip. It was taken at 

the start of a very long, hot, dusty day towards the end of the trip. We had just 

left the beach at Ngapali and found ourselves climbing into the mist. It was 

magical.” 

Many congratulations also to our runners up Liz Hammond (Northern Lights 

at the ICEHOTEL, Sweden, page 2) and Lin Strachan (Cheetah Cubs in the 

Masai Mara, Kenya, page 3). Entries are now open for the 2016 competition, do 

email them to vip@rbcollection.com. 


TRAVEL STYLE 

Fashion writer and designer Robbie Sinclair highlights the key travel essentials.... 

‘Tropical prints and raffia weaving are key for the summer season and work perfectly for winter sun hot spots. Exaggerated 

sleeve details dominated the women’s catwalks helping to elevate easy beach dressing whilst menswear sees busy 

kaleidoscopic geo prints, paired with simple footwear and refined eyewear and bag accessories.” 

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1. Banana leaf printed passport cover £175, Dolce & Gabbana 

2. Striped cotton dress £280, Three Graces London 

3. Leather & suede espadrilles £65, & Other Stories 

4. SPF55 continuous mist sunscreen £33, Hampton mist 

5. Woven raffia-effect tote bag £155, Truss 

6. Mirrored aviator sunglasses £150, Ray-Ban 

7. Printed swimming shorts £180, Vilebrequin 

8. Benassi leather & rubber slides £50, Nike 

9. 100ml Neroli Portofino eau de parfum £215, Tom Ford 

10. Lightweight carry-on case £140, Eastpak 

11. Embossed spa pouch £80, Cote & Ciel 

12. Tortoiseshell sunglasses £385, Thom Browne 

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SCANDINAVIA 

Written by Kirsty Taylor 

“I fell in love instantly when I first visited Scandinavia 9 years ago, so much so, I 

have returned three times since! From the unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences 

such as the Ice Hotel and Northern Lights to a more relaxed and higher quality of 

life holiday”. 

UNIQUE WINTER EXPERIENCES 

Scandinavia has always been at the forefront of 

design and innovation and these three bucket 

list trips are no exception. 

Asaf Kiger 

ICEHOTEL, SWEDEN 

For nearly 10 years we have offered 

holidays to Sweden via our specialist 

website icehotels.co.uk. It remains 

one of the most unique and special 

hotels in the world, painstakingly rebuilt 

every year and the 16/17 season 

will be the most exciting ever (p 11). 

TREE HOTEL, SWEDEN 

Featured on a number of architectural 

television programmes, the mindboggling 

Tree Hotel in Sweden offers 

6 unique tree houses with varying 

themes including a UFO! Open 

year-round, the Tree Hotel is easily 

combined with the ICEHOTEL or a 

stay in Stockholm. 

LYNGEN LODGE, NORWAY 

Surrounded by the Lyngen Alps, one 

of the most unspoiled and picturesque 

landscapes in Northern Norway, the 

Lyngen Lodge is a rural gem. Owner 

managed by Elisabeth Braathen and 

Graham Austick, the property is 

backed by mountain peaks and enjoys 

views over the Lyngenfjord. 


Asaf Kiger 

PinPin Studio 

ICEHOTEL OPENS ALL YEAR! 

Yes you read correctly...Sweden’s 

famous ICEHOTEL is soon to open 

all-year round. A special, separate 

building called ICEHOTEL365 is 

being erected adjacent to the existing 

winter building this November and 

will be powered by solar panels. 

The new building will feature Art 

Suites 365 (same as the Art Suites in 

the seasonable building) but they will 

be available year-round opening a 

whole new world of possibilites when 

visiting this beautiful part of Northern 

Sweden. 

The main attraction for the summer 

months in Scandinavia is the 

Midnight Sun, offering 24-hour 

sunlight and beautiful colours in the 

sky. Special summer activities will be 

offered including white water rafting 

and fishing. 

It will of course be a bizarre 

experience, with 24-hour sunlight 

outside and the opportunity to 

sleep in a uniquely designed Art 

Suite inside, but then this is after all 

Scandinavia, where originality is part 

of everyday life. 

My recommendation would 

be to combine the Tree 

Hotel and ICEHOTEL 

during the summer. 

Both are located in 

areas of outstanding 

natural beauty, 

missed by most when 

visiting in winter but 

in abundance in the 

summer. 

The ICEHOTEL and Tree Hotel 

can also be combined with stays in 

Stockholm. There are many other 

opportunities in Scandinavia during 

the summer and winter months so do 

contact us for details. 

icehotels.co.uk 

rbcollection.com/scandinavia 

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK 

Oliver recently visited Copenhagen 

for the second time, a city easily 

combinable with Stockholm for a 

twin-centre holiday. Both cities 

offer an abundance of museums and 

galleries with the Louisiana Museum 

of Modern Art the highlight of any 

visit. Located around 30 minutes 

north of Copenhagen it is a good 

opportunity to explore more of 

Denmark beyond the city. 

Ever changing exhibits 

push the boundaries 

of modern art, all 

located in a beautiful 

setting with views of 

Sweden across the 

water on a clear day. 

Copenhagen is great 

for foodies, visit the 

Meatpacking district and 

mix with the cool crowd for 

imaginative menus and a great 

relaxed vibe. Enjoy a cocktail with the 

‘it’ crowd at the Skt. Petri Hotel or 

more traditional fair along the iconic 

Nyhavn with its colourful facades and 

beer houses. One of Oliver’s favourite 

moments was spending the evening in 

Tivoli Gardens (pictured), a beautiful, 

charming theme park right in the city 

centre, best visited at nighttime.

SHORT & SWEET 

With such busy lives our time away is precious. A short break can do just the trick 

and with so many destinations available to us we have curated our favourites for 

the season ahead. 

CITY BREAK NEWS 

Winter time opens up a whole new range of 

possibilities, from Christmas themed holidays 

to trying somewhere new that is still warm! 

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO 

Marrakech provides an easy option 

for a warmer winter break; the buzz 

of Jemaa el-Fnaa square and a host 

of characterful Riads to choose 

from. Alternatively opt for one of 

the luxurious resort hotels like 

Beachcomber’s Royal Palm with 

excellent golf, yet still close to the city. 

PALERMO, ITALY 

The Sicilian capital offers a pleasant 

winter climate; it is after all just 50 

miles from Malta. Sumptuous food 

& wine and a city easily explored on 

foot, oozing with history and culture. 

For the brave we recommend a visit to 

the Catacombe dei Cappuccini. 

CHRISTMAS MARKETS 

Always popular, many of Europe’s 

cities come alive at Christmas. Our 

favourite’s include Berlin (from 23/11) 

and Copenhagen (from 19/11). Vienna 

offers a beautiful setting (from 13/12) 

and Prague, with many historic 

buildings to explore is also a great 

option (from 26/11). 


MEET THE EXPERT 

Adriano Pecoraro 

Reception Manager 

Belmond Villa San Michele 

Tell us a little about the history of the 

hotel and its artwork? 

The original building was a monastery, 

founded in the early years of the 15th 

century for the Franciscan monks. 

The land on which it stood had been 

donated by a Florentine family, the 

Davanzatis, who also contributed to 

the monastery’s upkeep by gifts of 

woodlands, further buildings and 

money. The present building, with 

its façade attributed to Michelangelo 

and its imposing loggia, dates from 

1600. The monastery remained the 

property of the Franciscans until 

1808 when the monastic orders were 

dissolved by Napoleon and, in 1817, it 

returned to secular use. Then in the 

50’s after World War II, the Villa was 

badly damaged and it was bought by 

Monsieur Lucien Tessier as a private 

residence, but the cost involved 

was substantial and to finance it, he 

turned the villa into a hotel. 

What are your top Florence tips? 

A stroll on the terraces of the 

Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, a very 

exclusive visit that our concierge can 

organise. The view of Florence 

from there and having the 

opportunity to get up 

close to Brunelleschi’s 

Dome is wonderfully 

overwhelming! 

..away from Florence? 

Just a 30 minute-drive 

from Fiesole, there 

is one of my favourite 

places: the Sanctuary 

of Montesenario with 

breathtaking views over the Tuscan 

hills, it represents for a mesmerising 

place with a magical energy and, last 

but not least: a fantastic breeze. 

Is there a little hidden secret you can 

tell us about the hotel? 

When staying in one of our Garden 

Suites or in our Limonaia Suite, you 

have the unique chance to see the 

sun reflect and shine on the water 

of the Arno river at sunset. There is 

definitely no other place -on the hill 

of Fiesole- from which you can see 

this spectacular detail. 

How are children catered for? 

Every child is for us a top VIP guest. A 

Children’s Menu is available through 

Room Service and in our restaurant 

and colouring sets, special welcome 

kit in the rooms and many activities 

like our young chef’s academy 

(cooking school for kids). 

What Italian experiences 

are available? 

We love to offer our 

guests many different 

angles to visit the 

city and to help them 

discover some niche 

activities or places 

to visit. For example, 

sculpture, hot air balloon 

rides, trekking in Montececeri 

and rafting on the Arno River in 

Florence. 

If you are interested in staying at the 

beautiful Belmond Villa San Michele 

near Florence do speak to Kirsty 

who has stayed there herself, call RB 

Collection on 01543 258631. 


Cruise Show 

10th November 2016 

Barton Marina 

rbcollection.com/events 

ANCHORS AWAY 

The global cruise industry is set to reach 24.2 billion passengers by the end of 2016 

(CLIA). It is therefore hard to ignore this fast growing sector of the travel industry. 

New ships bring new itineraries and new opportunities. 

ALL EYES ON CRYSTAL CRUISES 

One of the largest expansion plans ever known in the cruise industry, Crystal are 

re-defining luxury at sea. Already winners of the most luxury cruise awards, there are 

now even more ways to enjoy the Crystal experience. 

OCEAN 

In addition to the existing Crystal 

Symphony & Crystal Serenity (around 

1000 passengers), three further ships 

are being built with the first to set sail 

in 2019. 

RIVER 

Crystal Mozart launched this year. 

Whilst it is the largest river cruise 

ship in Europe it only carries 154 

passengers. A further six river cruise 

yachts have been ordered. 

YACHT 

Crystal Esprit is based in the 

Seychelles during the winter and the 

Adriatic in the summer. Carrying 

just 62 passengers, luxury yachting 

is an increasingly popular option. 

Crystal Endeavour, a 200-passenger 

expedition vessel with an icestrengthened 

hull arrives in 2018. 


CRUISE NEWS 

Regent Explorer launched this summer, 

tipped to be the most luxurious ship 

to sail the open seas. Foodies may be 

interested to learn about the ships 

chef-led market tours and excursions 

to hand-picked Michelin-starred 

restaurants and vineyards. On the 

subject of food, Oceania Cruises 

recently won the Travel Weekly award 

for Best Cruise line for Cuisine, 

as voted by members of the travel 

industry. They claim to spend the 

most on their onboard gastronomy 

offerings. Avalon Waterways have 

teamed up with Austrian brothers Leo 

and Karl Wrench to offer a selection 

of local and international dishes that 

source ingredients local to the cruise. 

They are also offering a culinary 

cruise departing in April 2017 to 

include cookery talks and tastings. 

Wine lovers will be excited to hear 

Seadream Yacht Club are offering 

seven wine-themed Mediterranean 

cruises next year. Expert wine makers 

will join the sailings including Clovis 

Tattinger. A special degustation menu 

has been created by each wine maker 

to complement the wine served. 

In addition to the forthcoming 

launch of Silver Muse, Silversea 

have announced a $170 million 

refurbishment of their fleet 

commencing this year. 

For single travellers, 

Saga have arranged 

their third river cruise 

exclusively for solo 

passengers in March 

2017. The itinerary 

starts in Arnheim, 

Holland and ends in Bonn, 

Germany. 

In the world of expedition cruises, 

Silver Discovery will make history in 

February when it becomes the first 

cruise ship to visit Bangladesh, Asia. 

In South America, Silver Galapagos 

will have two new 7-night itineraries 

around the islands starting in March 

2017. 

Adventure cruises can be an incredibly 

enriching experience for families. 

Hurtigruten are offering a ‘Young 

Explorers’ programme for little ones 

aged 7 up to 13 on their Antarctica 

sailing at no extra charge. Focussing 

on fun education around science, 

polar history, nautical activities and 

photography. 

Hebridean Island Cruises leaves 

Scotland behind in summer 2017 

as it heads for a selection of special 

sailings along the coast of Norway in 

July and August. 

By Summer 2017, Viking, 

better known for their 

river cruises will 

have launched four 

ocean liners. their 

latest, Viking Sun will 

set sail in July 2017 

and will offer cruises 

in the Caribbean and 

South America including 

the Amazon River, Cuba and 

Belize. 

Mobility at sea has become a hot 

topic lately and a number of ships 

have been highlighted as particularly 

responsible. These include Crystal 

Serenity, Holland America’s 

Konningdam and Fred Olsen’s 

Balmoral. 


INTO THE WILD: 

TANZANIA 

Photos & Words by Nathan Collins 

Africa holds a special place in my heart, so when 

the opportunity arose for me to visit another 

of its countries and further expand my knowledge 

of this beautiful continent, I jumped at the 

chance. This time I would visit Tanzania, focusing 

on some of the iconic parts in the north of 

the country which should be high on any wildlife 

lovers wish-list. 

As anyone who has been on a safari holiday will 

know, there are different types of experiences to 

be had. From the mass-market reserves which 

have a high turnaround of guests and operate 

in larger groups, to the smaller more exclusive 

camps, that we have found offer a truly unforgettable 

service and experience. Like some 

parts of Kenya, Tanzania offers more intimate 

camps and the opportunity to keep away from 

the mass-market crowds and have an exclusive 

experience – this is the kind of safari trip I was 

aiming for and I certainly wasn’t to be disappointed. 

I started my trip from Birmingham before connecting 

through Amsterdam on the surprisingly 

short eight-hour flight to Kilimanjaro. Immediately 

on arrival I could tell I was back in Africa... 

real Africa! The small nature & size of Kilimanjaro 

airport, operated by a handful of staff made 

me realise I was a long way from home. All four 

senses were triggered as soon as I arrived as I 

was reminded of my many previous African experiences. 

It was early evening and after a long 

day travelling I was booked into a little country 

Inn about 20 minutes from the airport. Time for 

a good night’s sleep before the Tanzania adventure 

would begin. 

The next morning, I was up early for breakfast 

and to meet my guide as we embarked on a 2.5hr 

scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park. I 

was surprised to see such lush rolling hills and 

endless countryside that was reminiscent of the 

Lake District. Lake Manyara is a lovely place to 

visit en-route to the Ngorongoro highlands, but 

you only need a few hours to cover it so I had arranged 

a gentle drive through with my guide and 

then we stopped for a delightful picnic lunch. 

This gave me time to digest my first sightings 

of elephant, buffalo, lion, monkeys and plenty 

of bird life – all on day one and within hours of 

departing! 

It was then onwards towards the famous UN- 

ESCO World Heritage site Ngorongoro Crater, 

the world’s largest volcanic caldera which was 

formed following an explosion two to three 

million years ago. The crater floor is teaming 

with wildlife and makes for some truly unique 

wildlife viewing. I spent a full day on the crater 

floor, which was fantastic and I saw lion, hyena, 

elephant, buffalo, wildebeest and lots of Zebra. 

What an amazing first day game viewing. Where 

else in the world could you be at the bottom of a 

crater where fossils have shown life to be present 

over 3 million years ago! This was a great 

introduction to what lay ahead for my safari adventure. 

There are numerous accommodation choices 

in the area. You can even stay on the rim of 

the crater for an awe inspiring view. There are 

also many luxury lodges but I chose a beautiful 

working farm with stunning views of the highlands. 



It served fantastic food and was the perfect base which 

worked extremely well and was only a short 30 mins drive 

from the crater. 

Following my stay in the Ngorongoro Highlands it was time 

to move on to what was the personal highlight of my trip, 

somewhere I had seen and read so much about and was 

itching to visit; the Serengeti National Park. I was intrigued 

how this would compare to my previous experiences in 

Africa. The Serengeti has featured in numerous wildlife 

documentaries and its famous for the annual migration 

where over a million wildebeest, zebra and antelope move 

between the Kenya & Tanzania ecosystems. It is very important 

that you position yourself in the correct part of the 

Serengeti depending on the time of year you are travelling, 

otherwise you could find yourself missing the herds completely. 

I was now going to spend the four days travelling 

from South to North of the Serengeti, experiencing different 

camps and areas in order to understand the complex 

nature of eco structure and different types of camps and 

lodges to be able to tailor the perfect trip for our clients. 

For the first two nights I stayed in the wooded Kusini area 

of the Serengeti followed by the southern Ndutu plains of 

the vast Ngorongoro Conservation area. Wildlife movement 

is, as always, unpredictable. We had first-hand experience 

of how mother nature has her own plan, which 

can sometimes differ to that which we would expect. The 

locals gave us an insight into what had recently happened 

in the area where herds had split into two groups looking 

for water and food. One headed for the Grumeti River 

in the west, while the others travelled past Lobo further 

north-east. They would not normally reach these areas 

until May or June, not as early as March when we were 

hoping to see them. It was however not a total disappointment 

as we were still able to see a handful of wildebeest. 

We spent time exploring the beautiful two camps where 

we stayed which offer a wonderfully authentic experience 

that any avid safari goer would be impressed with. 

It was time to venture to the central Serengeti after my 

stay in the south, landing at Seronera airstrip. This is a 

good location for year-round game viewing, a few larger 

lodges surround the area so it can get busier so we 

headed an hour and a half east to a rustic camp I wanted 

to see. Still within the Serengeti National Park, this new 

camp is one of the only in the area and was originally shut 

off to tourists as it acted as a cheetah conservation base. 

There were vast open plains, perfect for lion and cheetah 

spotting! We struck gold in the afternoon with a sighting 

of a beautiful family of lions and cubs (main photo on page 

17). We enjoyed sundowners as they relaxed on the rocks 

playing with Mum. It was a magical moment and a special 

memory I will carry with me forever. 

The following morning, we ventured back to the Seronera 

area for another night. The game drive presented 

us with another pride of lions and cheetahs with 

their cubs. A truly remarkable day. It was time to travel 

to the Moru Kopjes area located south-west from Seronera. 

This was equally beautiful but different with 

large wooded areas and rocky landscapes together with 

dramatic hills and wide open fields. We were lucky to 

catch up with the migrating herds of Wildebeests as 

they moved between the Ndutu plains in the south. 

My final night in the Serengeti was tucked amongst the 

rocks of Wogakuria Kopje. Accessed by light aircraft, we 

landed at the Kogatende airstrip to find the property offering 

superb panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

At this time of year this area feels extremely exclusive 

with only a few lodges open (most of the semi-permanent 

lodges are further south and open from June –October). 

It is hard to find words to describe the scenery here - it 

was most definitely the highlight of the trip with stunning 

vistas offering yet another contrasting experience with 

rocky outcrops, small valleys and expansive plains of the 

Lamai wedge. We had an absolutely superb game drive 

with plenty of time to finally sit back, relax and enjoy the 

view from my private verandah...absolutely breathtaking. 

Having experienced South Africa, Botswana and Kenya I 

was keen to see what Tanzania had to offer. Unique scenery 

with quality accommodations and superb game viewing is 

the best way to describe it. We saw a lot in a short space of 

time and I would plan an itinerary for a client much more 

spaced out for a more relaxing holiday. Being part of a lion 

prides’ quality family time was a once in a lifetime experience 

as was witnessing the wildebeest. I certainly ticked 

off a host of game on my list and can highly recommend 

Tanzania for a first timer or experienced Safari goer. 

TANZANIA FACT BOX 

Flight time: There are no direct flights from the UK, so we 

suggest flying via Nairobi from London via Amsterdam from 

regional airport including Birmingham. You can do the whole 

journey in around 11hrs 30 mins. 

Time difference: GMT + 3 hours 

Currency: Tanzania Shilling 

Language: Swahili, but English is widely spoken 

Must see: Serengeti National Park 

Best suited to: Adventurous clients, wildlife lovers, those 

wishing to experience true Africa. 

When to go: The Southern Serengeti is great in January, February 

and March, but the high (dry) season runs from the end of June 

to October. 

Example cost: from around £5,000 per person based on a similar 

itinerary to Nathan (with 6 nights on a full board basis), including 

flights. 

How to book: Call Nathan on 01543 258631. 

Photograph left: Nathan with the team at Alex Walker’s Serian 

camp in the Southern Serengeti.

AFRICAN SAFARI NEWS 

Written by Nathan Collins 

The great thing about African safari holidays is that there is always something 

new. Many of my clients return year after year, exploring new areas and revisiting 

old favourites. Here is a taste of some new developments... 

NATHAN’S TOP PICKS... 

We love keeping on top of safari holiday news 

and you can find more on our blog: 

www.rbcollection.com/blog. 

NEW FLIGHTS 

British Airways now offers 3 extra 

flights per week to Cape Town. Access 

to Victoria Falls is easier with a new 

Livingstone to Cape Town service and 

the Maun to Cape Town service has 

been re-instated. 

SOUTH AFRICA 

Makanyi in the Timbavati is a fairly 

new lodge and is offering 4 nights for 

the price of 3 in 2017 which is fantastic 

value for money for such a luxurious 

property. 

TANZANIA 

Ikuka Safari Camp in Ruaha National 

Park, southern Tanzania recently 

opened their 6 luxury tented 

accommodations offering unique 

views across the valley. 


CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA 

Written by Oliver Broad & Sam Cooper 

Photographs by Sam Cooper 

There is a lot of news from Central & South 

America including new flights, hotel openings 

and a changing political climate. Here is our quick 

round-up from this colourful part of the Americas. 

Up until this year, Peru had always lacked a decent 

direct service from the UK but now British Airways 

offer just that from London twice a week in winter 

and three times in summer. This means you can 

avoid a change of plane in Amsterdam or Madrid. 

BA’s tie up with the South American airline LAN 

means regional connections are convenient 

and offer good value for money. Also in Peru we 

have noticed an increased demand to see sites 

away from the main highlights of Machu Picchu, 

Lake Titicaca, Cusco and the Sacred Valley. For 

example, in the North (and at sea level) is Trujillo, 

home to pre-Inca Pyramids - a perfect first stop 

before venturing onto the Inca sites further south. 

Belmond have announced they will begin running 

the former Andean Explorer railway route from 

Cusco to Puno to visit Lake Titicaca. Work is 

already underway to create unique sleeper trains 

reminiscent of the Orient-Express history of the 

more recent Belmond brand. 

Twinned perfectly with Peru, Ecuador and the 

Galapagos Islands have also welcomed some 

changes with a new direct flight from the UK 

to Guayaquil with Avianca five times a week, 

commencing 16th December 2016. There is also the 

fairly new Tran Curacao service connecting Quito 

and Guayaquil which offers a number of different 

duration tours sleeping in local Haciendas and 

characterful accommodations along the way. An 

increase in demand for Galapagos cruises has 

meant booking early is essential. Boats range from 

small 16 berth exploration ships up to the luxury of 

Silversea’s Silver Galapagos, ask for details. 

Further north, it is proving difficult to confirm 

availability in Cuba which is to be expected 

following the opening up of the island to US trade 

and tourism. Many are rushing to visit before major 

changes occur and so early booking is essential. 

New flights to Columbia, 

Peru, Costa Rica and Santiago 

are putting Central & South 

America firmly back on the 

tourist map. 

Costa Rica now has its own direct flight with British 

Airways from London twice a week in the winter 

with an extra service in the summer. Experience 

superb wildlife opportunities, beautiful scenery, 

history, culture and beach resorts it is a great 

option for families, especially those with older 

children in need of some adventurous pursuits. 

Further south, all eyes have been on Rio and Brazil 

this summer with the Olympic games. Such a 

vast country warrants a specific trip, but you can 

also touch on the highlights of Rio, San Paolo and 

Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian / Argentinian border 

and combine this with a visit to the west of South 

America for Chile, Peru and the Galapagos. 

One for the more adventurous, Columbia has 

opened up in recent years and is back on the 

tourist trail. Direct daily flights now operate from 

London to Bogota with Avianca. 

And finally, there is an exciting development for 

Chile as Santiago will receive its first direct service 

with British Airways from London in January four 

times a week. 


Costa Rica 

Sam Cooper 

Costa Rica offers a huge variety of holiday options and 

whilst you could hit the main spots and get a taste of the 

country in a general tour, I would encourage you to think 

about your own interests and hobbies before deciding on 

where to visit and what to do. 

The first words spoken to me on arrival by our trusty 

guide was PURA VIDA! Which you hear Costa Rican people 

say all the time which means “I’m great, life is good, no 

worries!” 

While on my arrival transfer we saw various wildlife including 

Toucans, Crocodiles, lizards and even a spider 

monkey! Whichever way you turn your head in Costa Rica 

you will notice stunning scenery and various green colours 

from the types of trees in the natural landscape. 

This was the general theme for the trip; always expect to 

see something exciting around the next corner! 

Other highlights included Tortuguero, San Jose, the Bajos 

Del Toro Waterfall, Arenal (hanging bridges tour) and 

Manuel Antonio National Park. The latter is home to over 

100 species of mammals and over 180 different types of 

birds. On our walk through the National park we came 

across a beautiful sloth moving in the trees. 

It was a fantastic, refreshing trip and I highly recommend 

it to anyone who enjoys nature and wildlife. 

Read Sam’s report in full at rbcollection.com/costarica. 

Photographs: Sam Cooper 


CALM: LUXURY RETREATS 

Written by Oliver Broad & Nathan Collins 

For the ultimate luxury getaway one tends to travel a little further afield in the winter 

months. The Indian Ocean, Middle East and Asia offer the perfect winter escape climate, 

here is our round-up of the latest news. 


‘Visitor numbers to the 

Maldives have increased 17% 

compared with the same 

period last year’. 

The Maldives continue to be one of 

the most popular destinations for 

winter luxury with visitor numbers 

up by 17% in the first 3 months of 2016 

compared to the same period in 2015. 

One of the exciting new openings in 

the Maldives is Milaidhoo (pictured 

left), sister property to Baros, opening 

in the Baa Atoll this winter. This 5-star 

boutique property has just 47 villas and 

3 residences and has a more grown 

up, relaxed luxury feel, only accepting 

children over 9 years old. Located 

within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, 

the resort is encircled by a white 

sandy beach and coral reef, repeating 

its beautiful natural environment. 

Swim amongst whale sharks and 

manta rays, enjoy gourmet food on 

your half board or all-inclusive plan, 

make use of your Island Host and 

dine next to your private pool and 180 

degrees’ ocean view. 

The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort 

is due to open in 2017, the brand’s 

first Indian Ocean hotel. This family 

friendly resort will also be home to 

the John Jacob Astor Estate - named 

after the founder of the original St 

Regis in New York and said to be the 

largest villa in the Maldives at 1,540 

square metres! 

Soneva’s second Maldives resort 

(Soneva Jiri) is also due to open this 

Autumn with one villa set around its 

open private lagoon. 

For families, Lux* South Ari Atoll in 

the Maldives has reopened after a 

3 month long refurbishment of all 

villas, restaurants and public areas. 

Plus, there will be a larger spa and a 

new Beach Club concept. 

On Mauritius, a firm family favourite 

and a resort where Oliver has stayed, 

Beachcomber’s Paradis Golf Resort & 

Spa has 5 new ‘Deluxe Family Suites’, 

located on the beachfront with 2 

bedrooms. 

In the Seychelles, Four Seasons 

have announced they will be taking 

over operations at the well-known 

Desroches, due to re-open in Spring 

2017 following extensive renovations. 

Part of the project will include the 

development of the islands Marine 

Conservation Discovery Centre, and 

maintaining the work of the giant 

tortoise sanctuary which has seen 

the population rise to around 100. 

This will be the second Four Seasons 

resort in the Seychelles but one of 

their smallest hotels in the world with 

just 40 beach suites and 11 villas. 

One of our favourite smaller hotel 

chains is Six Senses, with their barefoot 

luxury concept. You won’t find marble 

floors and gold taps here, instead reimagined 

railway sleepers, telegraph 

poles and tin mine basins to create 

spacious, environmentally conscious 

luxurious unique accommodations 

respecting their surroundings. Voted 

by Telegraph readers as the World’s 

Best Hotel group in 2016 it is easy to 

see why. Their unique concept has 

made it’s way to the Seychelles this 

year with the opening of Six Senses 

Zil Pasyon and further properties are 

due to open in Cambodia, Fiji, Bali 

and a further resort in Thailand. 

In Dubai, after years of construction, 

the Jumeirah Madinat Resort finally 

opens the Al Naseem hotel this 

December. This 4* hotel, the fourth 

in the Madinat resort offers a more 

contemporary design compared to 

the existing three properties. 

And finally, we have heard good 

reports about the Waldorf Astoria in 

Ras Al Khaimah. Located just an hour 

north of Dubai airport it is convenient 

and less developed than its Emirate 

neighbour. 

ANGUILLA 

Nathan’s opinion... 

“Our winter months are also a great time to holiday in the Caribbean. Earlier this year I visited Anguilla for the first 

time. One of the more exclusive Caribbean Islands, the island has a special charm to it and is one of the friendliest the 

Caribbean has to offer. Famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches, luxury hotels and top class restaurants we can 

certainly highly recommend the beautiful island of Anguilla for a special luxury holiday.” 


CALM: CLOSER WINTER SUN 

Written by Nicola Brereton & Clare Buckley 

Photograph by Oliver Broad (Costa Adeje, Tenerife) 

If you don’t want to fly too far there are still some good options to enjoy warmer climates this winter as Clare 

& Nicola report, from the Canaries to Morocco, to Sicily and Malta. 

It has been a great few months getting to know the variety of clients since we started working at RB 

Collection. One thing is for sure, everyone expects the best of the best and we are learning quickly to 

deliver some great recommendations, adding to our existing experience in the industry. 

The Canary Islands are always a popular option for winter sun breaks as the flight is only around 4 hours 

and there is a range of excellent accommodation on offer. From Tenerife’s grand opulence of the Bahia 

Del Duque with its lush gardens and separate private villa accommodation (perfect for families), to the 


friendly Jardines de Nivaria; there are certain 

parts of the island that suit our discerning clients 

very well indeed. We even know a few fantastic 

restaurants. Our colleague Lisa has a strong 

connection with the island as her brother lives and 

works there managing one of the top restaurants 

offering quality Italian dining as Oliver found out 

last year. The islands natural beauty should not be 

overlooked and a drive from Costa Adeje across the 

interior via Mt. Teide is a must for the first timer. 

Watch as the scenery changes before your very 

eyes; from vast lunar landscapes to lush tropical 

forests, end your journey in the north at Puerto de 

la Cruz. Time should also be spent in the capital 

Santa Cruz in the North East. Regulars to the island 

may be interested to learn that the Jardines de 

Nivaria has recently renovated its ‘comfort rooms’ 

and re-modelled the restaurant area while its A 

La Carte restaurant has moved to a new location. 

The Iberostar Salome (luxury, smaller section of 

the Iberostar Anthelia) has recently refurbished its 

rooms and the Ritz Carlton Abama has new 1 and 2 

bedroom family suites on offer. 

Nathan updated us recently on Lanzarote following 

his visit with his wife Kelly and 3-year-old Harry. 

They stayed at the Princesa Yaiza, a resort firmly 

on the list of family friendly properties. Whilst a 

large resort, it has beautiful gardens and handy 

access to one of the best beaches on the island. The 

restaurants and children’s facilities are of a very 

high standard and it definitely ticks all the boxes 

for a relaxing family break this winter. Lanzarote 

itself, like Tenerife has attractions away from the 

resorts including Timanfaya National Park with its 

volcano and walking trails. Nathan explored some 

lovely traditional villages on his journey around 

the island and the stylish marina at Playa Blanca is 

worth a stroll in the evening. 

Gran Canaria has increased in popularity over the 

past few years after we discovered a real wonderful 

gem of a hotel. We have sent a host of our top 

clients and all have returned with glowing reports. 

Also on the island, the Hotel Reina Isabel is a 

well-established property which has had a major 

refurbishment this summer. It will be a completely 

transformed hotel for this winter season. Located 

across from Las Canteras beach this is a great 

opportunity to stay near Las Palmas. 

In the summer we arranged a comprehensive 

tailor made trip for a family to Morocco. Perfect 

for a winter break with pleasant temperatures but 

not too hot, you could take in a quick short break 

to Marrakech which offers excellent value for 

money, even in 5* accommodation. For a longer 

trip we would recommend a few nights in the Atlas 

Mountains; Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot is 

great for an elegant stay or Kasbah Turandot for 

something a little more authentic. On the coast, 

Essaouira offers beach hotels with kasbah’s and 

souks to explore too. 

The exciting news in Malta is the major 

refurbishment of the Phoenicia, Malta’s historic 

art deco hotel, now managed by Campbell Gray 

hotels. Located in Valletta, this iconic property 

has undergone a much needed upgrade, it will be 

exciting to see the finished product! 

Nicola Brereton 

Joined RB: February 2016 

Looking ahead to Spring... 

Spring is a beautiful time to travel. Resorts 

& Cities are generally quieter (away from the 

Bank Holidays) and prices can be lower. 

I recently visited Montenegro and was really 

taken aback by its natural beauty and high 

standard of accommodation. You can fly 

to Montenegro direct or choose to drive 

from Dubrovnik. You could even combine 

Montenegro and Croatia to create a twocentre 

holiday, an increasingly popular 

option. 

Clare Buckley 

Joined RB: April 2016 

My top tips for Winter Family Holidays... 

It can be stressful going on holiday with the 

little ones in tow. Relax knowing that we 

have children too and can appreciate the 

requirements you have! Different resorts 

and hotels have varying ideas on the needs of 

families, it is important therefore to ensure 

you choose the right one best suited to your 

requirements. Your first holiday together for 

example, may require more assistance to a 

family with older, walking and exploring 

toddlers! Luckily we are here to help so do 

not hesitate to ask, we’ve been there! 


SICILY 

Written by Paul Stratton 

LOOKING FOR AN END OF SEASON DESTINATION WITH PLEASANT DAYS, AN ABUNDANCE 

OF HISTORY AND CULTURE OR AN ALTERNATIVE CITY BREAK; ‘THE ITALIAN EXPERT’ PAUL 

STRATTON GUIDES US AROUND THE ISLAND OF SICILY... 

With the British summer almost over (!) and looking 

towards autumn where can we go – somewhere 

not too far, different, with a nice climate….and still 

fine for bathing in the Mediterranean? The answer 

is Sicily. 

Temperatures during October half term tend to be 

around 20-25 degrees, warm sunny days and still 

plenty of swimming in both the pool and the sea. 

An affordable option for all the family is Cefalu, 

where the Hotel Tourist ticks all the boxes for a 

relaxed, easy going family break, with a large pool 

on hand, beach opposite, and a charming medieval 

centre just a short stroll along the attractive promenade. 

Or, for an all singing/all dancing 5* option 

why not treat yourself and the kids to a week at 

Rocco Forte’s Verdura on the south coast of the island? 

Here you can indulge in a myriad of sporting 

activities and unwind in a stunning wellness/spa 

centre…everything is close at hand so you won’t 

even need a car. 

The towns of the beautiful baroque area of south 

east Sicily – Modica, Ragusa, Scicli and Ortigia – 

live year round and boast beautiful blue sky days 

throughout November and December, with temperatures 

averaging 22-23 degrees. This is the real 

Sicily. Mingle with the locals, admire the baroque 

churches, relax in the pavement cafes and feast on 

this region’s gastronomic delights (Ragusa boasts 

no less than two Michelin starred restaurants). 

Experience Modica’s International Chocolate festival 

at the beginning of December or go in search 

of Montalbano (yes you may be lucky enough to 

catch a glimpse of the elusive Detective as much of 

the filming takes place during the winter months). 

The historic family run Palazzo Failla in Modica really 

allows you to get under the skin of this area, 

whilst the characterful Novecento in Sicily is just 

a 5-minute walk from Montalbano’s Police Headquarters! 

If you are looking for chic and boutique 

,then look no further than the gorgeous 4* Algila 

Charme conveniently located in the heart of Ortigia’s 

historic centre. 

Did you know that Sicily’s capital Palermo was 

recently voted the 5th best Street Food city in the 

world? Palermo makes for the ideal choice as a city 

break during our winter months. Culture, shopping, 

nightlife, gastronomy and even ‘souk-like’ 

street markets – this vibrant hub has it all. Ideally 

located in a central and upmarket area, the 4* 

Principe di Villafranca boasts a perfect base to discover 

everything this eclectic and fascinating city 

has to offer. 


Photo: Ortigia, in south east Sicily 


A KERALAN LOVE LETTER 

Words by Andrew Youngson 

Whether looking to unwind on the beach under swaying palm trees, delve into the 

richly dense jungles and plantations, or glide on the open backwaters, Kerala can 

provide just what you’re looking for – as Andrew Youngson, over two family holidays, 

has discovered. 

Kerala holds a special place in my heart. When 

thinking of India, many holidaymakers are 

understandably drawn to the buzz of the cities, 

the spirituality of the Ganges, or the majesty of 

the Taj Mahal. But for me, the jewel of India is 

Kerala, the southwestern state where the pace 

can be a little slower, sure, but the vibrancy of 

its people, places and things is no less vivid. 

In the purest sense of the word, it’s one of the 

richest lands I have been to; rich in the luscious 

greenery of its landmarks, its powerfully 

flavoursome cuisine, and generous-spirited 

people. I’ve visited Kerala twice in the past four 

years, most recently in a beautifully lazy weeklong 

vacation in the beach town of Kovalam, 

and previously in 2012 when my family and I 

embarked upon a two-week whistle-stop tour 

of its many delights and attractions (more on 

this later). 

During our quiet family break in early May 

this year, we were ensconced within Sugerma 

Villa; a handsome three-storey house complete 

with four en-suite bedrooms, marble flooring 

throughout, generous veranda and large circular 

swimming pool. 

While only one mile from the palm treelined 

water front resorts and restaurants of 

Kovalam beach, and less than 10 miles from 

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 

the villa felt far from the bustle. Nestled deep 

in the wooded thickets of Venganoor village, 

the main signs of life outside Sugerma were the 

occasional passing tuktuk taxis, the joyful cries 

of cricket-playing youths, and the intermittent 

loudspeaker-projected prayers of a nearby 

temple festival. 

By day we read, we dozed, we swam, we sunbathed. 

We also took it in turns to venture out 

into the local markets – vegetable, fish, and 

super – to select our meals for the day. Guided 

by Shibu, the villa’s multi-talented chef (and 

tuktuk driver!), our shopping expeditions were 

an experience all in themselves; an opportunity 

to learn up close about local industry, delicacies 

and Keralan cooking. Malayalam is the official 

language in Kerala, but levels of English are 

high, meaning we had little trouble in buying 

groceries or household necessities. Home 

cooking too made for a cheap dining option, 

with ingredients for a nine-person meal costing 

around 2,200 rupees (about £25). 

In the early-evening, when the heat of the 

daytime sun was subsiding and the thrum of the 

cicadas began to rise, we would take quiet strolls 

outside the villa. Our wanders offered a chance 

to explore the agricultural activities around us, 

to catch glimpses of the feathered wildlife in the 

trees and among the reeds, and exchange smiles 

and pleasantries with our Keralan neighbours 

– my two-year-old nephew being a particular 

favourite among the locals. 



the highlight of our holiday, Serenity (as its name suggests) 

was an oasis of calm, offering spa treatments, tours of the 

local spice gardens, sumptuous dining, elephant rides, and 

numerous quiet corners to get completely lost in your own 

reverie. It was almost a wrench to say goodbye the following 

day, had we not been returning to our Kovalam haven 

for a few more peaceful days and nights before flying 

home. Bliss. 

The main reason we were able to drift into such a wonderfully 

lazy week in Kerala, dipping a toe in its calm waters, is 

because we had already plunged full-bodied into its depths 

four years earlier. As ideal Kerala is as a location for kicking 

back, soaking up the rays and sampling the cuisine, it’s a 

richly diverse playground which must be explored. So permit 

me, kind reader, to take you back to Christmas 2012, 

when my personal Keralan love affair first began. You see, 

an admiration of Kerala runs in my family. 

And then came the food. Shibu was something of a culinary 

wizard, crafting a wide range of meals to suit all tastes and 

dietary requirements. Fish, prawn, sea salmon, egg and 

chicken curries were favourites, as well as the south Indian 

staples of dosas (large pancakes made from fermented 

batter, stuffed with a variety of vegetarian and meat-based 

fillings), and idlis (soft savoury lentil and rice cakes, perfect 

for dipping into rich sauces). Those of us seeking culinary 

masterclasses were able to get hands on in the kitchen at 

mealtimes, to be taught the tricks and nuances of Keralan 

cookery. 

A blissful excursion to Kanam 

This daily cycle made for a very restful holiday to drift 

through. In fact, had we not planned a 48-hour trip upstate, 

the vacation may have slipped by altogether under 

a sleepy haze. At the mid-point of our week, we climbed 

aboard our hired minivan to take an inland excursion 

north to the leafy hills of Kerala’s Kottayam district. 

Our four-and-a-half-hour journey – with pit stop at a 

roadside café – took us through a series of towns. Elections 

were fast approaching in Kerala, and poster after 

poster of local government candidates aiming for a seat in 

office lined the way. The beaming faces of male and female 

candidates demarcated the electoral regions as we passed 

through. Home to India’s largest politically aware and active 

population, Kerala’s landscape has long had a strong 

left-leaning, Communist make-up, with the Indian National 

Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), and 

the Communist Party of India-led Left Democratic Front 

(LDF) being alternatively voted into power since the late 

1970s. 

The destination for our one-night excursion was Serenity 

at Kanam Estate – a beautiful 100-year-old building once 

owned by a Keralan rubber planter family which has since 

been converted by boutique hotel developer, Malabar Escapes, 

into a luxury five-bedroom retreat. Quite possibly 

A family pilgrimage 

Standing on the porch of a north Keralan tea estate, a warm 

breeze whispering through the rolling Nilgiri hills below, a 

strange feeling came over me. It was almost like coming 

home. The rounded peaks of the Wentworth Estate – part 

of the Harrisons Malayalam Limited empire – with its uniformly 

manicured groves of tea bushes spread out in front 

of me like an emerald patchwork quilt. 

All was blissfully silent, apart from the sound of my family 

engaging in hushed conversations as they wandered 

around the hilltop bungalow behind me. The manager of 

the estate, Mr Raj Kumar, had been kind enough to invite 

us to have a cup of tea in his home – the very house my 

grandfather, Alec Reid, used to live in when he managed 

the plantation between 1948 and 1958. 

Like many Brits, Alec left our fair isle for Kerala in southwest 

India in between World Wars I and II, seeking adventure 

in the East. The state’s tropical climate, proud and 

industrious people and rich natural resources were understandably 

attractive to my grandfather and his peers, 

just as they had been to colonialists throughout the previous 

five centuries. 

Standing on the porch which used to be his, the late December 

sun in the sky, I could see why this pocket of India 

meant so much to my grandfather. This was the sixth day 

of my family’s two-week Keralan pilgrimage – my mother 

had organised the winter trip for us to see first-hand 

where she had been raised by my grandparents. 

Our journey kicked off with a 20-hour, three-legged journey 

via Manchester and Dubai. We finally reached Kochi 

where we were to spend the first few nights of our trip. As 

the most densely populated city in the state, it was quite 

an eye-opening journey from airport to hotel, offering up 

sights of some truly seat-of-your pants driving and bustling 

shopping districts. 

The Malabar House Hotel in Fort Kochi couldn’t have been 

a more welcoming pit stop for tired travellers. Its luxurious 

rooms, complete with four-poster beds, were topped only 

by the open-air central courtyard where we were treated 

to some extremely fine fusion cooking. 

Continued on page 32....

INDIA NEWS 

India is famous for its colourful festivals, diverse culture and wide range of options 

for visitors. Whether you opt for a group tour, a private tour or an independent 

self-guided holiday, we recommend keeping up with the developments and 

checking festival dates which can really enhance your trip and of course our team 

can help advise accordingly. 

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS 

Here are some top tips for your next visit to India. 

DIWALI 

FAST TRACK TO THE TAJ MAHAL 

ORANGE COUNTY, HAMPI 

Known as the Festival of Light, Diwali 

is the largest event of its kind in India. 

Diwali centres around the family, 

so booking accommodation in small 

family-run guesthouses or homestays 

can make a visit to India at this time 

particularly special. Some of the liveliest 

celebrations can be experienced 

in Delhi, Varanasi and Jaipur. 

Make a day trip from Delhi to the Taj 

Mahal on the new state-of-the-art 

‘Gatimaan Express’, now the nation’s 

fastest locomotive, transporting you 

to Agra in 1 hour 40 minutes. 

Located only 4kms from the UNES- 

CO World Heritage Site, visitors to 

Hampi, can now be ensured a more 

comfortable stay in this newly opened 

luxury hotel. 


The hotel’s location in the heart of Fort Kochi offered easy 

access to various points of interest from its native and 

colonial history including the Jewish quarter, St Francis 

Church and a small palace which was once home to the Cochin 

Royal Family. A tour of the coastal markets also provided 

an opportunity to see just how fresh the local seafood 

dishes are, with most of the fish caught in traditional Chinese 

nets mere feet away from where they are sold. 

Mountaintop marvels of Tamil Nadu 

Next up was a day-long road trip up-country and across 

the border to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu to Ootacamund 

– or Ooty as it’s locally known – where my mother 

was schooled until 10 years old. Nestled deep within the 

Nilgiri Hills and almost 8,000ft above sea-level, the difference 

in Ooty’s climate was immediately noticeable. Even 

for a weather- hardened troop of Scots, it was chilly in the 

evening. Thankfully we were prepared for this and donned 

warm attire for our evening curry buffet at the Savoy Hotel. 

Walking around Ooty’s mountainside streets is a great 

workout for the legs. The cool temperature also helps, however 

don’t be tricked as the sun is fiercely strong at such 

an altitude. While perhaps slightly outdated for particularly 

modern tastes, the Savoy hotel offers an insight into 

19th-century colonialism, with its six-acres of well-kept 

gardens providing more than a pinch of Old English charm. 

Our next leg was a journey to the Wyanaad – the linchpin 

of our time in India. Dropping 2,000ft back into Kerala via 

a gently meandering mountain road, the land became ever 

greener, lush and manicured. While the aforementioned tea 

plantations were the main event for the next few days, our 

base was an hour south in the jungle-haven Vythiri resort. 

Suspended rope bridges, dense forest and chattering treelife 

welcomed us. The warning from the resort’s management 

to keep our balconies locked was well-founded – the 

mischievous bonnet macaques which populate the region 

leave no stone unturned or, in our case, door un-rattled. 

Vythiri, our verdant forest hideaway, was a short trip to the 

patchwork quilt-like Wentworth Estate – the piece of my 

family’s heritage which had drawn us back, one generation 

on, to reflect on the wonders of Kerala. 

Spice gardens and houseboats 

Things took a more relaxed pace in the days that followed 

our pilgrimage to the Wentworth Estate. A one-night return 

to Fort Kochi proved to be the gateway to a series of 

serene experiences. The Shalimar spice garden resort in 

the Cardamom Hills offered a wildlife cruise on the Periyar 

reserve, an elephant ride through the forest and the chance 

to see first-hand where some of the world’s finest spices 

are grown. 

In fact, so taken were we by Vivanta’s offerings, we returned 

four years later to mark the end of our most recent Keralan 

holiday. Specifically, we booked a meal at Bait, the resort’s 

seafood restaurant which sits mere metres from where the 

waves of the Arabian Sea crash against Kovalam’s shoreline. 

We gathered round the table in the open air, to reminisce 

on the experiences we had shared as a family four years 

previously, and to begin reveling in the new memories we 

had formed on our current trip. 

Over delicious seafood, and crisp glasses of Chenin Blanc, 

we gazed out over the crimson sun which in seconds would 

dip below the watery horizon. This wasn’t the first glorious 

Keralan sunset we had experienced together, and it won’t 

be the last. As I said, a love of Kerala runs in my family. 

KERALA FACT FILE: 

- Time to go: Kerala’s high season for holidaymakers is 

September to May. The state’s tropical climate makes it a 

warm and humid destination for a lot of the year, though 

it rarely peaks above the mid-30s in the early summertime 

(April to June), or below the 20s in wintertime (December 

to February). July and August are often avoided by holidaymakers, 

given the monsoon’s heavy rainfall. 

- Be prepared: Visit your GP or holiday clinic at least six 

weeks prior to your trip to make sure you have the correct 

inoculations, and for advice on the need to take antimalarial 

pills depending on what regions you are visiting. 

- Credit cards are not accepted everywhere in Kerala, so 

make sure to have cash with you in your travel belt. 

- Alcohol: In Kerala, alcohol can only be bought in licensed 

government stores, and it can take local know-how to help 

find them and to understand the rules and regulations, 

such as the fact they are closed on the first Monday of every 

month. Buying bottles of spirits at the airport en-route to 

the country is to be recommended. 

- Don’t miss: Kerala is known to many as the land of 

Ayurveda – one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. 

Don’t miss a chance to experience a relaxing and 

transformative treatment at an Ayurvedic spa (of which 

there is one practically on every street corner). From head, 

neck and shoulder massages, to facials and steam therapy 

sessions, you’ll understand why people flock from all over 

the world to experience Ayurveda, Keralan-style. 

Contact RB Collection to book your holiday to Kerala, India. 

A New Year’s Eve river cruise on the Keralan back waters 

was a magical experience played out in our very own 

houseboat, with three en-suite rooms, plus dedicated captain 

and cook. Not a bad way to bid farewell to the year. 

And it was luxury all the way in our final destination, the 

Vivanta hotel – a beautiful Balinese-inspired resort in the 

beach town of Kovalam, with its lotus-adorned ponds and 

rich mahogany architecture. 


G R E A T R A I L J O U R N E Y S 

USA COAST TO COAST 

21 DAYS FROM £3,995 PP 

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime coast to coast 

rail journey across the most diverse country in 

the world! Your photo album will include many of 

America’s highlights including the Statue of Liberty, 

the White House, the Wild West, the Rockies, the 

Grand Canyon, Hollywood Boulevard and the 

Golden Gate Bridge. 

TRADITIONAL GLACIER EXPRESS 

8 DAYS FROM £1,275 PP 

Stunning scenery and spectacular views are enough 

to take your breath away as we travel by rail through 

the heart of the Swiss Alps on the world-famous 

Glacier Express train. During our Swiss adventure, we 

enjoy thrilling mountain railways, charming towns 

and dramatic Alpine scenery for which Switzerland 

is justly famous. 

15 departures between 28th Apr & 6th Oct 2017 15 departures between 8th Apr & 30th Sep 2017 

Book with RB Collection on 01543 258631 

Book with 100% confidence, flight-inclusive holidays are ATOL protected, non flight-inclusive 

holidays are protected by ABTA. Dates and prices are subject to availability.

.. 

“Eidfjord, Norway 

is perhaps the most 

beautiful place 

I’ve been to. I was 

so impressed that 

I was inspired to 

compose a piano 

trio there”. 


MEET THE ARTIST 

Interview: Simon Rowland-Jones 

Simon Rowland-Jones is a viola player, composer, professor at the The Royal 

College of Music and Editor of Joseph Haydn’s String Quartets - all sixty 

eight and a half of them! He was the founder viola player in the distinguished 

Chilingirian Quartet and played for them for fifteen years. Simon is also the 

Kirker Holidays Director of Music and he arranges the music programme for the 

series of exclusive Kirker Music Festivals each year. He lives in north Norfolk 

where he is Artistic Director of the North Norfolk Music Festival. 

Where is the most memorable place you have visited? 

New York because the city is so culturally and musically rich with the historic 

Carnegie Hall at its heart. It was at Carnegie Hall that I gave the first solo 

recital of my career when I was 28, an overwhelming experience remembering 

all the great musicians who played on its famous platform. Anyone going to 

New York who is interested in music should visit it - they have marvellous 

tours there. 

How does travel integrate into your career? 

I used to give over one hundred performances around the world with The 

Chilingirian Quartet for many years. We gave an annual tour of the US each 

summer which took us everywhere! Today my travels are connected very 

much to Kirker as I usually play on each of the music festivals I organise for 

them. I will be going to Mallorca where we have an annual festival dedicated 

to Chopin who spent three months there. Afterwards I will be performing 

for Kirker on the Island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples, followed by two music 

cruises on board Black Watch. I’ll end the year in the South Downs in the 

village of Alfriston. 

Have any destinations influenced your profession / career choices? 

Eidfjord in Norway is perhaps the most beautiful place I’ve been to. I was so 

impressed that I was inspired to compose a piano trio there after looking at 

the fjord and feeling the mountain breeze cooling the air on a very hot day 

indeed. The wide open sands of Holkham beach just five minutes from where 

I live come in very handy too when I get stuck for a musical idea! 

Where are you travelling to next and why? 

My next trip will be to the beautiful, yet little-visited city of Turin where I 

will play in a music festival called the EstWest - east and west. It was started 

many years ago by a very old friend of mine, the cellist and writer, Elizabeth 

Wilson, who lives there. It’s a festival where older players work alongside 

young musicians at the start of their careers. I will be working with the young 

and outstandingly talented Castalian String Quartet. 

If there was one place you could recommend to any music lover to visit, 

where would it be and why? 

There are so many - it’s hard to choose a single place. The Wagner Festival 

at Bayreuth, Helsinki because of Sibelius, and Aldeburgh in Suffolk with its 

connections to Benjamin Britten all come to mind. However, above all it has 

to be places in Austria and Hungary associated with Haydn; Eisenstadt, fifty 

miles from Vienna where he was born and spent much of his working life at 

the castles of the noble Esterhazy family. Not to mention Vienna where he 

spent the last years of his life as the most famous and revered composer of 

his day. The house where he lived is open to the public and well worth a visit. 

For more details about Kirker Holidays Cultural & Music Tours contact RB 

Collection on 01543 258631 or email vip@rbcollection.com. 


MORE U.S. CONNECTIONS 

United Airlines flying from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Belfast 

Boasting spectacular beaches, iconic cities and worldclass 

ski resorts, the U.S. has endless destinations to 

discover - and with nonstop transatlantic flights from 

more U.K. cities than any other airline, United Airlines is 

the best way of getting there. 

In addition to up to 17 flights per day from Heathrow to 

six of its U.S. hubs, United offers nonstop services from 

Manchester to New York/Newark and (on a seasonal basis) 

Washington/Dulles, from Edinburgh to New York/Newark 

and (on a seasonal basis) Chicago and from Belfast, 

Birmingham and Glasgow to New York/Newark. 

Relax as you travel with United BusinessFirst® and enjoy 

a premium service featuring flat-bed seats, a personal 

on-demand entertainment system and a multi-course 

menu accompanied by a sommelier chosen selection of 

wines. Premium customers also benefit from amenity kits 

containing refreshing Cowshed brand premium skin-care 

products. Alternatively, United Economy Plus® offers up 

to six inches of extra legroom and includes personal ondemand 

entertainment with movies, TV, music and much 

more. All United Economy® customers can also enjoy 

complimentary beer and wine with its quality inflight 

dining service. 

Not only do United’s flights provide business and leisure 

travellers with fast service to some of the most exciting 

cities in the U.S. - Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New 

York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C./Dulles 

– but from these hubs the airline offers connections to over 

300 destinations across the Americas. With its extensive 

route network; Miami, Las Vegas, San Diego, Seattle and 

more are all within easy reach. 

United has also announced that from 1 December 2016, it 

will begin to introduce United Polaris, the transformative 

new business class product, including a new inflight food 

and beverage experience, new custom bedding from Saks 

Fifth Avenue and new amenity kits. 

Book United flights with RB Collection on 01543 258631. 

36 | TRAVEL EXPLORER | AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 

Photos: United BusinessFirst® (above), skyline of New York (left).

WIN: 5* LUXURY ALL-INCLUSIVE 

ANTIGUA STAY 

Ever dreamed of a Caribbean paradise escape? Here is your chance to win a wonderful week at the stunning 

Curtain Bluff on the exquisite island of Antigua, visited by Nathan, Alan & Kirsty at RB Collection. 

To learn a little more about this wonderful prize we meet 

Rob Sherman, MD of Curtain Bluff and find out what he 

feels is so special about the hotel and island. 

What makes Curtain Bluff so special? 

Myself (smile) - honestly, we are special because of our 

staff. Our resort is known as the “resort of 1000 hugs”. The 

feeling is authentic and simply cannot be duplicated - and 

our guests agree! We have many repeaters, especially from 

the UK including families and couples. 

Who is the hotel suitable for? 

We are perfect for multigenerational families, active 

travellers especially tennis enthusiasts (we host two tennis 

camps per year), and anyone trying to find an authentic 

sense of a Caribbean holiday. 

What would be your top 3 things to see while you are in 

Antigua? 

Nelson’s Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), 

Shirley Heights in English Harbour, and the Green Flash 

at sunset from the balcony of the owner’s house on the 

bluff at Curtain Bluff are not to be missed. 

When is your favourite time of year in Antigua and why? 

Christmas in Antigua is my favourite time of year. We have 

families who come to Curtain Bluff every year to celebrate 

the season, and it’s always like a huge family reunion. 

Santa makes an appearance - by donkey, on a paddleboard, 

one year even on a jet-ski. Antiguan Christmases are very 

colourful. 

Is there an interesting story behind or about the hotel 

you can tell us about? 

‘Firepower’, a movie starring O.J. Simpson and Sophia 

Lauren, was filmed at Curtain Bluff. 

How to enter 

For every overseas flight inclusive holiday you make with 

RB Collection between 15th September and 31st December 

2016 you will receive one entry into the competition. You 

can also enter by answering the following questions: 

1) Which RB team members have visited Antigua? 

2) Where did Sam recently visit in Central America? 

3) Where did Kirsty visit for the 3rd time this summer? 

Enter at www.rbcollection.com/curtainbluff or send your 

entry with your contact details to us (address on page 2). 

Full terms and conditions can be found at: 

rbcollection.com/curtianbluff. 

Learn more: curtainbluff.com

Q&A 

We meet David Wickers, award-winning travel journalist and Director 

of Specialist tour operator Bridge & Wickers. 

How and when did your passion for travel begin? 

My passion for travel was kindled at a very early 

age. Not from going anywhere interesting as a 

child with my parents - unless you count Margate 

and Great Yarmouth (we were pretty hard up). But 

as soon as I got my offer from Cambridge I was off, 

hitch hiking all around Europe for six months. Uni 

summer holidays were always filled with travel 

adventures, from roaming around the Middle East 

and across North Africa to a head to toe journey 

through Latin America. 

How did your travel career begin? 

After a series of different writing mini careers, first 

as a comedy script writer, penning sketches for 

the likes of Dave Allen, The Two Ronnies, Kenneth 

Connor and Ned Sherrin/Quiz of the Week. I then 

wrote a number of children’s books and, after 

spending a year in Calabria, writing about selfsufficiency 

and growing vegetables. 

After tiring of writing features about growing 

turnips and what to put in your compost heap, I 

realised that I might just be able to earn a living 

writing about by true passion, travel. After 

freelancing for various publications I became 

Chief Travel Correspondent for The Sunday Times, 

a position I held for 17 years. I have also been Travel 

Editor for Marie Claire and am currently Travel 

Editor on Good Housekeeping. 

Tour operating was born out of a friendship 

with Jerry Bridge who had successfully created 

a company called Bridge The World. After selling 

BTW to E Bookers, Jerry suggested, some 12 years 

ago, that he and I start an up market company 

focussed initially on Australia and New Zealand. I 

was really excited by the idea. We set up offices in 

London’s fashionable Primrose Hill, employed a 

small team of destination experts and our business, 

and our reputation, grew rapidly. We were more 

recently acquired by the luxury tour operator The 

Ultimate Travel Company, which covers much of 

the rest of the world, but we continue as a standalone 

unit under the umbrella of our new ‘parent’. 

We have also expanded our destinations to include 

both Canada and the USA. 

Where was your most memorable trip to and why? 

This is hard to answer as there have been so many. 

If forced to pick one I’d say my very first visit to 

the USA. The specific moment I cherish is flying 

into New York, hopping in a yellow cab and driving 

across the Queensboro Bridge at night, suddenly 

the immense wall of buildings, their lights staring 

across the East River like thousands of eyes, then 

suddenly plunging into the very soul of the city, its 

streets so alive with cars and people. I always envy 

anyone going to New York for the very first time 

and being overwhelmed by that very same sight. 

How do you think travel can enhance your life? 

I’m a firm believer in the old cliche that travel 

broadens the mind as well as your horizons. Of 

course many people look upon a holiday as a chance 

to just relax, lie on a beach and recuperate after 

demanding months at work. But even a simple fly 

and flop holiday gives you a chance to take a look at 

another culture, maybe shop in the local markets, 

visit a museum or gallery, eat in restaurants that 

don’t serve roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. But 

the most rewarding experiences, in my mind, 

involve not only travelling to a destination but 

exploring once you’re there, renting a car or riding 

trains and getting off the beaten track. 

Have you had a life changing moment on holiday? 

I very nearly had a life ending moment when I was 

mugged in Los Angeles at gunpoint. My own fault 

really. I’d gone to visit Watts Towers, a regularly 

visited public sculpture in the heart of (certainly 

then) a high crime ghetto. The stupid part was 

deciding to go for a walk around the neighbourhood 

with a camera slung round my neck. Three guys 

approached, one with a gun, demanding the 

camera. Goodbye camera - but at least the guys 

scarpered as soon as they’d got what they wanted. 

The moral of the story? Take local advice on where 

it’s safe to wander, especially at night. 

Where will you be visiting next? 

I’ve just been sailing in Turkey, a proper holiday, 

but my next two work assignments will be to 

Switzerland, walking in the Engadin Valley, and 

Tuscany, both of which I will be writing about. 

I then go to British Columbia in Canada where 

I’m escorting a small group of Bridge & Wickers’ 

clients. We’ll be flying to Vancouver, then flying by 

seaplane to a remote but luxurious resort called 

Sonora to see bears and maybe whales, followed 

by a two-day journey on the Rocky Mountaineer 

to Jasper where we’ll be following the spectacular 

Icefields Parkway to Banff before flying home from 

Calgary, RB can take your reservation today!

*Valid until 30th September. Conditions apply. 

Choose one: 

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• The Finest Cuisine at Sea 

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Contact RB Collection on 01543 258631 to book your cruise with 

40 | TRAVEL EXPLORER | SAVOUR AUTUMN / THE WINTER WORLD 2016 with THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA

Travel Explorer Magazine (AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 EDITION)

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