The SL Directory: Tour Operators

Black Tomato's team have travelled – and lived – all over the world. That means it can create bespoke holidays for every sort of traveller, whether you want a unique backpacking trip across southeast Asia, an adventure holiday in Africa or a group trip off the beaten track. Its ‘By Month’ tool offers inspiration throughout the year, and Black Tomato is also one of the few tour operators that customises itineraries across every continent. For a once-in-a-lifetime trip around Japan, ask to speak to country specialist Alys.

Visit BLACKTOMATO.COM

Specialising in big, bespoke adventures, Abercrombie & Kent has over 60 years of experience, with whole teams dedicated to each continent. Trips could take you anywhere from the hills of Bhutan to Canada’s epic mountain ranges. Unique to the brand is its ‘Guardian Angel’ service – dedicated, local staff members who provide 24/7 on-the-ground support and personalised assistance, with deep knowledge of their specific destination. Guardian Angels often meet guests on arrival, sweep you through customs, co-ordinate logistics and offer immediate assistance with any travel desire or issue, any time of day. 

Visit ABERCROMBIEKENT.CO.UK

The Turquoise Holiday Company is an award-winning tour operator that creates luxury and bespoke holidays. Established in 2002 by three friends – all of whom found it difficult to plan fun and romantic holidays that would suit every type of traveller – today the team won’t recommend anywhere they haven’t been. In the space of two decades, the team has planned over 10,000 honeymoons, so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about what goes into making a memorable trip. Now, the brand offers a wide range of bespoke holidays around the world, including quick getaways to the Mediterranean, honeymoons to the Maldives (their specialist destination) multi-generation celebrations in the Caribbean, and family safari adventures.

Visit TURQUOISEHOLIDAYS.CO.UK 

Joro is one of the few B Corp-certified luxury adventure travel operators out there. If you’re looking to travel more sustainably, its team will help minimise your footprint and give back wherever possible, from cutting down flight routes to organising activities with local communities. Its small team of ten – led by co-owner Duncan Over who specialises in African safaris and yachting expeditions – can plan adventures like conservation trips in Kenya, hiking across Nepal’s smaller mountains (if Everest is too ambitious) or wildlife spotting in the Argentinian rainforest.

Visit JOROEXPERIENCES.COM

Thirty years ago, And Beyond opened the first private game reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Aiming to deliver sustainable conservation through responsible tourism, it quickly established itself as a name to trust – and now operates across Africa, Asia, South America, Antarctica and the Indian Ocean islands. You can stay in over 30 lodges and camps it owns and operates, all of which offer things you won’t find elsewhere, whether that’s cool design elements or unique activities. It’s also great with small group trips – think a girls’ adventure to Costa Rica.

Visit ANDBEYOND.COM

Regular SL readers will know we trust F&P Travel. Friends Holly and Philippa started with a portfolio of chalets in Méribel before branching out into other areas of the world. Today, they offer every type of holiday across some of the world’s most beautiful destinations – think Zanzibar, Oman and Mauritius. Its concierge service takes care of logistics, extras and special touches, from babysitting and dinner reservations to food experiences and activities like kayaking, surfing, diving, whale watching and ski lessons.

Visit FANDPTRAVEL.COM

Founded in 2011 by George Morgan-Grenville, Red Savannah is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor-made trips and private villa stays around the world. The team designs journeys rooted in real expertise – drawing on first-hand knowledge, long-standing relationships and a clear understanding of what makes a trip genuinely rewarding. There’s no luxury jargon or over-selling here: Red Savannah focuses on well-considered itineraries, meaningful experiences and exceptional villas and estates, offering straight-talking advice and trips with real depth.

Visit REDSAVANNAH.COM

Group tours can be tricky to get right if you don’t want to be lumped with a motley crew. This is where Flash Pack comes in with its tours and itineraries for solo travellers. Over the last five years, the team has been arranging immersive, high-end tours for those in their 30s or 40s. Example adventures run from exploring Thailand by train to hopping around New Zealand’s South Island. The really adventurous can sign up as an Insider, grab a discount and jump on first-time tours that will set the template for future Flash Pack trips.

Visit FLASHPACK.COM

Scott Dunn has spent three decades perfecting the art of holidaymaking. Its experts organise trips in over 100 countries across the globe – including the remotest destinations imaginable, like Antarctica and the Andes. From honeymoons and family holidays to ski trips and safaris, it covers every type of holiday – there are even Explorers Kids Clubs for summer camps and adventures tailored to little ones. For ultra-luxury holidays, its Scott Dunn Private arm allocates personal travel advisors to ensure everything is as smooth and luxurious as can be – we like the sound of a private two-week tour of Indonesia’s outlying islands. 

Visit SCOTTDUNN.COM

Founded in 1993 by Susie Cazenove and Henrietta Loyd, this operator is the gold standard in tailor-made travel. Known for its deep destination expertise and meticulous attention to detail, the team designs beautifully considered journeys across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. Dedicated ‘Destination Experts’ have extensive knowledge of the regions they specialise in, and are continuously revisiting, trying and testing in order to offer clients up-to-date and little-known insights into the regions they are so passionate about. If you value thoughtful planning, seamless service and genuinely enriching experiences, this is a name worth knowing.

Visit CAZLOYD.COM

For more than three decades, Intrepid has been redefining adventure travel with small-group tours that go beyond classic sightseeing to connect you with the soul of a place. Since 1989, its immersive trips have paired curious travellers with locally based leaders, authentic experiences and like-minded explorers, inviting you to uncover hidden gems across all seven continents. A certified B Corp, Intrepid balances purpose with profit, supporting communities through The Intrepid Foundation and weaving sustainable, responsible tourism into everything it does. Whether you’re trekking in Asia or cruising the Nile, expect real connections and positive impact. 

Visit INTREPIDTRAVEL.COM

Founded in 1906 by travel pioneer Alfred Kuoni, Kuoni has evolved into one of the UK’s most respected premium tour operators, famed for luxe long-haul escapes and bespoke itineraries. What sets Kuoni apart is its blend of timeless expertise and personalised service – holidays are hand-tailored by destination specialists who listen to what you want and curate experiences you won’t forget. With over 200 travel awards under its belt, a network of stores across the UK and a reputation for excellence in honeymoons, safaris, beach escapes and more, it’s a go-to for those who want travel that feels effortless and exceptional.

Visit KUONI.CO.UK

Trailfinders has been crafting tailor-made travel since 1970, when founder Mike Gooley opened the first office with just four people. Today it’s one of the UK’s most trusted independent tour operators, with 47 travel centres staffed by expert consultants who know destinations inside out. Renowned for personalised service, bespoke multi-centre holidays, complex itineraries and unbeatable flight options, Trailfinders takes care of every detail, from flights and hotels to rail, cruises and self-drive adventures. 

Visit TRAILFINDERS.COM

Carrier is a boutique luxury tour operator with over 40 years of experience crafting bespoke holidays that feel more like art than arrangements. Experts design every trip around your tastes, from privileged access and iconic suites to immersive cultural moments and hidden gems you’d never find otherwise. With a focus on personal service and flawless execution, Carrier curates journeys across all continents – whether you’re after island escapes, polar adventures or tailor-made touring holidays filled with insider experiences. 

Visit CARRIER.CO.UK

Original Travel has been crafting truly tailor-made luxury holidays since 2003, wedded to the philosophy that “life is in the detail”. Based in London and known for its award-winning, bespoke itineraries, it designs journeys around you – from off-the-radar safaris to cultural escapes, beach retreats and family adventures – all built by destination specialists who know their regions intimately. Every trip is enhanced by thoughtful extras like local concierges on the ground and personalised touches you won’t find elsewhere. A favourite with discerning travellers seeking originality and impeccable service.

Visit ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK