Independent travel professional specialising in personally tailored holidays & honeymoons.
Independent Travel Agent providing the highest level of customer care whilst offering the largest selection of travel options, destinations & properties at outstanding value for my clients. Multi Award winning service, 100% Financial Protection and Personal Service.
15/07/2025
HOW DOES IT WORK?
I often get asked how it all works when potential new clients are looking to engage my travel planning services to book their next holiday. The answer it simple because the process is simple!
Here's a quick guide to the 3-step process for planning and booking your next holiday with me.
If this sounds like the kind of service you're looking for, follow step 1 below and I will look forward to hearing from you.
I’m heading to the stunning Viceroy Ombria Algarve and I’m very excited to explore what might just be one of the most inspiring new sustainable luxury hotels in Portugal! 💚
Set away from the coast and nestled within 300 acres of orchards, this countryside resort is all about nature, wellness, and authenticity. Here you’re surrounded by peaceful landscapes, fresh air, and a deep connection to the environment., whilst the beach is only a 25 minute drive away.
The hotel has impressive sustainability credentials - from bioclimatic architecture and geothermal energy to a strong commitment to preserving local biodiversity. It’s a fantastic example of how luxury and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand.
During the trip, I’ll be:
🍫 Taking part in a chocolate-making workshop (yes, please!)
🏛️ Exploring the charming town of Loulé with a local tour and dinner
🌿 Discovering the hotel’s facilities, grounds, and culinary offerings
🍷 Finding the local vineyard
Even better - they’re currently offering a complimentary night’s stay this summer! It’s the perfect chance to experience affordable luxury, where you get all the indulgence without the beachfront price tag (especially if you're not even planning on using the beach).
Stay tuned for updates from this peaceful pocket of the Algarve or head over to Instagram and follow my live stories 👉 📸
Get in touch if you have any questions about this hotel or the local area.
If you're looking to visit Japan next Spring to experience the highlights of this fascinating country around cherry blossom season - be sure to get in touch soon to get your trip planned and booked for 2026 because hotel rooms for this limited period of time are filling up fast.
2026 Cherry Blossom 👉 Last week of March
Weather you're looking to combine the popular cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, or experience off the beaten track adventures with authentic experiences and traditional accommodation - or all of these things, I can help you create a personally tailored itinerary to suit your style of travel and include all the exciting tours to encompass the unique experiences you want to have - from cooking classes to samurai performances and everything in between.
Get in touch to plan and book your next adventure to Japan with a personal service, expert advice, award winning experiences and 100% financial protection.
With so many beaches to choose from, where do you start?
To give you a helping hand and to kick-start your holiday planning, here are five of my top beach recommendations to feature in your next American adventure...
1️⃣ Siesta Key, Florida
This beach boasts powdery white quartz sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers. This Florida barrier island off the coast of Sarasota was made for those who appreciate Siesta Key's laid back atmosphere.
2️⃣ Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is renowned for its expansive sandy beaches, bustling boardwalk, family-friendly amusement parks, and lively nightlife, making it a top destination for vacationers seeking both relaxation and entertainment.
3️⃣ Laguna Beach, California
Situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach boasts breath-taking coastal scenery, a vibrant arts scene, and pristine beaches perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and exploring hidden coves.
4️⃣ Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Coast Guard Beach is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with sweeping dunes, pristine sands, and scenic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a prime spot for birdwatching, seal spotting, and enjoying serene, unspoiled nature.
5️⃣ Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Lanikai Beach, located in Kailua on Oahu's windward coast, is celebrated for its exceptionally soft, powdery white sands and crystal-clear, calm turquoise waters, offering breath-taking views of the Mokulua Islands just offshore.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, couples escape, solo adventure or the fly-drive of a lifetime - get in touch to plan and book your perfect tailor-made itinerary with a personal service, expert advice and 100% financial protection.
Several of my clients have called me to discuss alternative beach holiday destinations for July and August that are slightly cooler than some of the popular places that are suffering from extreme heat during the peak summer months. Some are planning last minute holidays for this summer whilst others are planning ahead for 2026.
I have plenty of clients who love the sun, but for many who are older or have young kids, they would much prefer a more comfortable climate in the high 20°'s rather than mid 30°'s+. I get it! 😎
Greece, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus are incredible destinations for beach holidays in May/June/September/October but if you don't like the scorching heat, they're best avoided during July and August.
Bali, Mauritius, Portugal and Madeira enjoy a milder climate, where you still get the sun, sand, sea and everything you could want from the perfect holiday without burning your feet on the boiling hot beach! (You might save a few pennies too!).
Check out my top hotel recommendations and get in touch to plan and book your next beach break with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.
When everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time (like head to the beaches of Europe during the school summer holidays) the prices hike due to supply and demand. If you’re not quick to book your perfect summer holiday, you’re faced with choosing from whatever is left on the shelf (and there is usually a reason why it’s been left on the shelf) and paying over the odds for a substandard getaway.
That is unless you think outside the box and do the opposite of what everyone else is doing!
💡Here is the perfect example: Swap the beaches of the Algarve for the Portuguese countryside.
Spend 7 nights in a 2-bedroom residence including breakfast at the brand new Viceroy Ombria, based on a family of 2 adults & 2 children (under 12) travelling on 1st August 👉 £7,500. This is currently half the price of a 5* beachfront equivalent this summer.
Enjoy this stunning authentic Portuguese style countryside resort surrounded by 300 hectares of lush orchards, 6 restaurants and bars, 4 pools, a world class 2000sqm spa, state of the art fitness centre, wine roof, market place, pool bar, kids club, and a host of experiences including horse riding, honey harvesting, weaving workshops, pottery making and more. There is also a golf course!
The local town is a charming village with farmers market, shops and restaurants, and the beautiful beach of Pria do Anco is only 20 minutes away. So is the airport!
For more inspiration and 'out of the box' ideas for summer 2025, get in touch.
I'm excited to announce that Travel Counsellors has been recognised in the Conde Nast Reader's Choice Awards under the Tour Operators and Specialists category!
If you have previously booked a holiday through me, you will have experienced expert knowledge and advice, 100% financial protection and a service you won't find online. Now is the time to shout about it!
We couldn't have achieved this without the loyalty and support of amazing clients like YOU!
If I've helped make your travel dreams come true, I'd love your vote to help us shine even brighter.
PS: If you haven't experienced our multi-award winning service yet and need to plan your next holiday - get in touch and I'll show you exactly why we've been nominated for this prestigious accolade!
There's something truly magical about seeing the world from a hot air balloon - a serene, breath-taking perspective that makes you feel like you're floating through the sky. I'm a huge fan, and wanted to share four incredible destinations where you can experience this unforgettable sky adventure...
🇹🇷 Cappadocia, Turkey:
I can personally vouch for this one - I've flown over Cappadocia, and it was absolutely incredible! The sight of hundreds of balloons against the unique 'fairy chimney' rock formations at sunrise is something you have to see to believe.
🇪🇬 Luxor, Egypt:
In Luxor, you'll get a spectacular bird's-eye view of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the mighty Nile River as the sun paints the desert golden.
🇰🇪 Masai Mara, Kenya:
For the ultimate wildlife viewing experience, a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara is second to none. Watch herds of wildebeest and zebras migrating across the plains, spot elephants and giraffes from above, and witness the vastness of the African savanna as the sun rises.
🇯🇴 Wadi Rum, Jordan:
I'm excited to share that I have plans to fly over Wadi Rum this October! Known as the 'Valley of the Moon', this desert landscape of towering sandstone mountains and unique rock formations looks like something from another planet. I can't wait to see it from above and spend a night in a Bubble Tent with a stargazing experience too!
Discover the ultimate luxury escape on the stunning island of Corfu at the brand new Alkyna Resort, an exquisite adults-only (16+) haven.
Perched above a secluded bay on Corfu's breath-taking southwest coast, Alkyna offers stunning sea views from virtually every angle and direct access to a pristine private beach cove. Imagine waking up in your contemporary sea-view suite, perhaps with your own private balcony, hot tub, or even a swim-up pool!
Indulge your senses with:
🍽️ Five inspired restaurants and bars, including exquisite Mediterranean fine dining and a chic rooftop cocktail bar perfect for those legendary Corfu sunsets.
💆♀️ A luxurious world-class spa & wellness centre for ultimate rejuvenation.
🏊 Two shimmering pools, including a stunning infinity pool that seems to melt into the Ionian Sea.
Alkyna isn't just about luxury; it's also designed with sustainability at its heart, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Plus, get ready for tailored experiences like wine tastings, yoga, and exploring the island's charm.
Get in touch to plan & book your next escape, and be one of the first to enjoy this brand new hotel - with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.
Experience Portugal's railway nostalgia with rides on historic trains, enhanced by vineyard tours and tastings at renowned wine estates in the Douro Valley.
🔹 8 Days
🎟️ 6 Included Excursions
🥘14 Meals
⭐️4* Hotel
✈ Flights included
👉 Prices from £1,440pp
HIGHLIGHTS:
🔸Journey on the Douro Historical steam train through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley.
🔸Visit Viana do Castelo, a picturesque coastal town and ride the Santa Luzia Elevator, Portugal’s longest funicular.
🔸Set off on a scenic journey aboard the MiraDouro train from Porto to Régua, an authentic vintage railway experience.
🔸Tour Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, visiting the Sé de Braga Cathedral before riding the historic Bom Jesus funicular.
🔸Experience a tour of Guimarães, Portugal’s birthplace, exploring its medieval streets and Guimarães Castle.
🔸Explore Porto’s riverside Ribeira district, a UNESCO-listed area filled with colourful houses and lively cafés.
🔸Enjoy a wine tasting at Quinta de Pacheca, one of the Douro Valley’s most historic wineries.
🔸Board the ‘little’ land train through Porto’s most famous landmarks, from the São Bento Railway Station to Aliados Avenue and Clérigos Tower.
🔸 Wander around Portugal’s largest open-air market in Barcelos, famous for its traditional ceramics and fresh produce.
🔸 Ride the Penha cable car for a scenic ascent to Penha Mountain, where you can take in views of Guimarães.
Get in touch for more information and to plan & book this incredible itinerary on dates to suit you between June and October 2026.
My latest digital brochure showcases my collaboration with InsideAsia - the most incredible partner for tailor-made cultural adventures and group tours in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
They are true specialists in creating unique and memorable travel experiences with on-the-ground support. Their B-Corp status ensures you're travelling authentically and responsibly - connecting with local cultures and respecting the environment at all times.
Alongside my assistance to help design your itinerary and package these incredible experiences with flights, multi-centre elements, financial protection and 24/7 support - you will be guaranteed the most amazing adventure of a lifetime.
If Japan, Korea or Southeast Asia are on your travel wish list, get in touch to plan & book your next adventure with a personal service, expert advice, and 100% financial protection.
One of my personal travel goals is to visit all of the Seven Wonders of the World, responsibly. By the end of this year, I will only have 2 left to visit!
Visiting the Seven Wonders of the World responsibly means being intentional about how you travel, the impact you leave behind, and how you engage with local cultures.
My latest blog talks about how to do this, along with some tailor-made itinerary suggestions and guide prices to help inspire your next adventure to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World without compromising on luxury.
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Contact The Business
Send a message to Marie Rowe - Luxury Travel Agent:
Hi, My name is Marie. I’m an independent travel agent and tour operator specialising in personally tailored holidays, city breaks, honeymoons and luxury travel.
I am passionate about providing a travel service that offers a high level of customer satisfaction, out of hours contact, a personal approach, supreme value and above all, a level of service that is seldom found on the high street or online... at no extra cost!
I have vast experience in arranging all types of holidays worldwide including long-haul, fly drives, safari, all-inclusive, honeymoons, luxury travel and city break experiences.
My aim is to personally manage your travel experience from start to finish. From your initial enquiry to the day you return home, I am here to answer any questions and I can arrange additional elements of your holiday such as car hire, private transfers, airport hotels, parking, airside lounges, excursions, trips, tours and more.
As part of a multi-award winning global network of independent travel consultants, I have connections with all the major tour operators as well as small, independent, niche and specialist travel companies that can’t be booked online or on the high street.
So whether you’re considering a luxury escape to the Caribbean, a multi-centre trip to the Far-East, or a cultural visit to a European city – I would be delighted to discuss your travel requirements and ideas at a time to suit you, either over the telephone, Skype or in the comfort of your favourite café.
