Dream Travel Inspiration From 15 Influential Women
Vanita Parti MBE, Founder, Blink Brow Bar
My dream destination: I would love to go to Bhutan and enjoy the quiet spirituality. It feels so different to other destinations and the idea of listening to the wind chimes, visiting Buddhist temples and embarking on long walks in the mountains really appeals.
Where I plan to go next:We had planned to go to India but then lockdown happened. Now, it feels too far to travel and almost over-indulgent. When the time comes, we’ll probably travel to a more familiar place in Europe for ease. Ibiza is always a winner, as we know it so well and feel perfectly happy in a villa with family and friends nearby. There’s always a very relaxed vibe in Ibiza and I’d like to think it will be even calmer than usual this year.
My most memorable trip to date: Our first visit to South Africa was amazing. We drove from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay and then flew to Johannesburg for a safari. The mixture of safari, beach and history was perfect. It is such a beautiful country. I look forward to returning with my children one day.
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Anine Bing, Designer
My dream holiday destination: I typically opt for a tropical destination, but I would love to visit Japan one day. I've never been and I always find so much inspiration in new places. I’d love to explore the city and see the street style.
Where I plan to go next: Over the last few months, I've been able to spend more time with my children, which has been so nice. Spending time with family and friends is very important to me. I think the place I would like to go to next would be Copenhagen. It has a special place in my heart as it’s where I grew up, so I have a lot of family and old friends there. I miss being surrounded by loved ones!
My most memorable trip to date: A trip to Mexico for my 37th birthday, about six months ago. It was right after a full week of travel in Europe for the Anine Bing x Terry O'Neill launch and it was so lovely to take some time off straight after and relax with my family. We went snorkelling, saw turtles swimming next to our boat, and meditated on the beach. A holiday filled with fun activities, relaxation and birthday festivities while soaking up the sun.
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Monikh Dale, Stylist
My dream holiday destination: Mallorca so we can get married! Sadly our wedding was meant to take place there this June, but it was obviously cancelled. It’s sad, but our day will come.
Where I plan to go next: We went on a winter holiday to Barbados as a big group two years ago and it was so much fun. Gorgeous beaches, lots of rum and, of course, being with friends – so much laughter. If we could go this winter, I’d be over the moon. Fingers crossed.
My most memorable trip to date: Mallorca this February with my fiancé, when we were wedding planning. We stayed at Can Bordoy and it was incredible. It was also my birthday so we indulged in even more food and wine than usual. The highlight had to be a swim in the outdoor pool on the morning of my birthday.
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Katharine Pooley, Interior Designer
My dream destination: When I imagine my next holiday, I never picture myself lying on a beach; after about five minutes I’d be thoroughly bored! Instead, I dream about adventure, adrenaline and wide open spaces. Climbing mountains, horse riding across deserts and sleeping in the open air, under endless starry skies. Listening to rain fall in the jungle, the elephants rumbling in the Savanna, or even the silence of the Arctic – to me that sounds like absolute bliss.
Where I plan to go next: Work is hectic and life is hectic, so holidays are for peace, and to feel closer to the natural world. On my hit list right now is Africa, Japan, The Pitcairn Islands and Raja Ampat.
My most memorable trip to date:Flying across Namibia in a little private Cessna (a small jet) and being able to land wherever we wanted for a picnic or to pitch up a tent. Freedom at its best.
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Monica Vinader, Founder Of Monica Vinader Jewellery
My dream holiday destination: I’ve heard of this place called Islas Secas in Panama, and I’ve been dreaming about it. The idea of being in a pristine ocean wilderness, on a secluded island in the middle of an undeveloped archipelago, is incredibly appealing right now.
Where I plan to go next: With some luck, we’ll still be able to go to Greece in August. We had found a small place by the sea in Andros called Andros Melisses and I cannot wait to dive into that blue ocean first thing in the morning before breakfast. I’ve never been to Andros, but I hear it’s really unspoilt and wild.
My most memorable trip to date: We’ve taken quite a few holidays as a family to Mexico on the Mayan coast. My husband and I used to live and work there in the early 90s, and we love going back. We usually stay at Esencia, where we have so many good memories. From there, we take trips to fly fish around Boca Paila inside the Sian Ka'an Biosphere just south of Tulum. Over the years, we’ve taken our daughter to visit all the places we loved when we lived there.
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Liz Johnson, Paralympian and Founder Of Podium and The Ability People
My dream holiday destination: I've never been to New Zealand and I would love to go. I've heard it’s very similar to Wales, which I also love.
Where I plan to go next: Brazil is one of the first places on my agenda. I came back to the UK pre-lockdown but my partner stayed in Brazil as he’s still training for the Paralympics in Tokyo – now in 2021. I’ll be heading back to see him as soon as I can. I also plan to go on a holiday with one of my former swimming teammates and we're looking at Bali or Indonesia, as neither of us have been before.
My most memorable trip to date: I'm very fortunate that travel has been a huge part of both my work and my personal life. The year of my 30th birthday I went to the Bahamas, the Golden Triangle in India and Austria to learn to ski – all of which were incredible. But I do love Brazil – it really has become my second home.
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Ruby Hammer MBE, Make-Up Artist and Founder Of Ruby Hammer Beauty
My dream holiday destination: I’d love to visit somewhere I’ve never been before and have a proper adventure. Maybe a safari or a trip to Rajasthan, in India, with my husband.
Where I plan to go next: It doesn’t look like we will be getting away this year, so to go anywhere would be a bonus. We are considering our two most favourite destinations: Turks and Caicos or Coco Island in the Maldives. It all depends on whether we’re able to travel and if there is a quarantine.
My most memorable trip to date: It’s so hard to choose just one outstanding trip. The first time I went snorkelling and diving in the Maldives is something I will never forget, as well as sea canoeing with my daughter, Reena, in Thailand. I grew up in Africa, so I’m used to adventuring.
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Laura Wills, Founder, The Fashion Bug Blog
My dream holiday destination: It’s so difficult to choose, but I have always wanted to go to Bora Bora or on a safari. My partner and I had actually booked to go on a safari as part of our honeymoon, but then I fell pregnant and I couldn't take the anti-malaria medication.
Where I plan to go next: Ibiza! We got married on the island and go every year. I can't wait to be there, sipping a glass of rosé while watching the sun set.
My most memorable trip to date: My first long-haul holiday with my husband (then boyfriend) in 2010. We went to Thailand and I'll always remember the long, endless conversations we had as the sun went down.
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Jules Perowne, Founder, Perowne International
My dream holiday destination: I am desperate to go to Bawah Reserve in Indonesia – an archipelago of private islands in the Anambas which you can fly to from Singapore. I was actually booked to be there this May but, of course, had to cancel. It’s still top of my list for my first long haul trip.
Where I plan to go next: I’m planning a road trip through France in August. I’ll drive to Champagne to stay at the brilliant Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa for some tastings. Then, I’ll drive to Provence to stay at La Bastide de Marie in Menerbes, which is situated in the heart of the vineyards and lavender fields. I’ll finish up at the grandest dame of them all, Hotel du Cap Eden Roc which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. I can’t wait!
My most memorable trip to date: My favourite holiday was to Kenya and Tanzania with my mother. We flew up to Sasaab, a stunning lodge in the Samburu, located in the north of the country. It’s raw and beautiful, with views to die for. Then we flew down to Tanzania to Singita Grumeti to see the extraordinary Serengeti plains. I simply adore Africa and can’t wait to return.
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Bobbi Brown, Make-Up Artist and Founder Of EVOLUTION_18
My dream holiday destination: I’ve been dreaming about visiting New Zealand. I’ve never been but I hear it’s incredibly beautiful. It’s definitely next on my list o once we’re allowed to travel.
Where I plan to go next: I have no set plans yet – I think we’re all playing it by ear. My family and I have discussed Telluride, Colorado, France and the UK, which is one of my favourite places to visit because I’m a total Anglophile. When I'm in London, you can find me at the Dean Street Townhouse, shopping at Urban Zen, and getting my favourite treatments at The Light Salon at Hershesons.
My most memorable trip to date: My favourite holidays are always when I’m with my family. Usually we go to the Bahamas, but it’s still currently being rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, an issue that’s really close to my heart. My other most memorable holiday was a year ago in June, when I celebrated a friend’s birthday at Soho Farmhouse. It’s definitely one of my favourite places to stay.
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Anna Vitiello, Stylist & Co-Founder, AndFinally
My dream holiday destination: I have an urge to go back to Greece. My boyfriend and I have gone there every summer for the last ten years. I think it’s part of a bigger yearning for ‘normality’. For me, Greece in the summer feels familiar, happy and relaxed.
Where I plan to go next: Italy. I miss the south of Italy, my family and the food there. If travel restrictions allow, I might repeat the same trip I took last summer, when I travelled to Ischia, Capri, Sorrento and Torre Del Greco.
My most memorable trip to date: Cape Town for my best friend’s wedding just before the pandemic hit. We were so lucky to still be able to travel and it created some of the most beautiful memories ever.
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Sarah-Louise Marks, Co-Founder, The Adventures Of Us
My dream holiday destination: My partner Christopher and I would love to visit the Seychelles, but if we could be anywhere right now it would be Paxos in Greece.
Where I plan to go next: We're planning on visiting our favourite place, Puglia in Italy, as soon as possible. We can't wait for pasta and a refreshing glass of spritz.
My most memorable trip to date: Definitely adventuring through India's Golden Triangle, seeing tigers in Ranthambore, exploring temples in Jaipur and sleeping in a floating hotel in the city of lakes, Udaipur. India is beautiful, exciting, colourful and a complete whirlwind. It was the trip of a lifetime.
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Samantha Cameron, Founder, Cefinn
My dream holiday destination: Daymer Bay in Cornwall. Nowhere is more beautiful when the sun is shining. An early morning run to Rock, followed by body surfing in the waves at Polzeath, a long beach BBQ with friends, and an evening swim at Daymer Bay would be my ideal day.
Where I plan to go next: We are planning to go to Sri Lanka next year. My children love surfing so we will definitely spend some time at the beach and then hopefully travel around to see some of the different sites and landscapes. We are particularly excited by the thought of the food!
My most memorable trip to date: To the Northern Territories in Pakistan just after I finished university. I travelled with a friend from Peshawar up through Swat, to Gilgit and then to Hunza in the Himalayas. The landscape is so breathtakingly beautiful; it’s like hovering somewhere between heaven and earth.
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Tanya Rose, CEO & Founder, Mason Rose
My dream holiday destination: The south of France. Every summer we stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence at a little, but extremely well known, hotel called La Colombe d'Or. It’s famous for the fact that artists such as Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Miro and Leger all used to stay there and trade paintings for board and lodgings.
Where I plan to go next: As soon as lockdown is over, I plan to check in at the Buchinger Wilhelmi – a beautiful lakeside retreat and clinic on Lake Constance. I’m keen to restore my immune system after suffering very badly with the coronavirus!
My most memorable trip to date: A two-week holiday in South Africa, starting in Cape Town and driving along the Garden Route, arriving in time for a private safari experience at Shambala Private Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province.
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Leonie Hanne, Blogger & Founder, Ohh Couture
My dream holiday destination: Anywhere hot and sunny! I’m always daydreaming about the Amalfi Coast. I think it has everything you need for an idyllic vacation: amazing food, breathtaking views and world-renowned hotels. Plus Capri is just around the corner if you’re looking for a fun day trip.
Where I plan to go next: Hopefully Positano as it really is my favourite place. I try to visit every year for my birthday at the end of July, but sadly I’m not sure if it will be possible this year.
My most memorable trip to date: It’s so hard to pick just one but I think I'd have to say Tulum, Mexico. My first trip there was honestly so amazing that I had to go back for more. It feels like my own personal paradise where I can properly switch off and recharge. When I last visited, in January, I spent four whole days just enjoying the beaches, riding bikes and trying out the most incredible restaurants – they have great vegan options.
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