5 holidays I planned recently & what made them special
One of the questions I get asked a lot is:
“What kind of holidays do you actually plan?”
The honest answer: all sorts. From multi‑generational villa escapes to luxury trains, golf in South Africa and in‑depth touring in Asia, what ties them together is that each one is completely tailored to the people travelling.
I thought it might be helpful to share five real‑life style holidays I have planned recently (details lightly changed for privacy), and what made each of them special. You might spot your own “dream trip” in here, or simply get some ideas for your next escape.
1. A multi‑generational villa holiday in Croatia to celebrate a 70th birthday
Who was travelling:
Three generations coming together to celebrate a very special 70th birthday: grandparents, their adult children, and grandchildren ranging from little ones to teens. The brief was simple but important: “We would like sunshine, space and somewhere we can just be together without worrying about disturbing anyone.”
What I planned:
A beautiful private villa on the Croatian coast with:
Enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone.
A private pool, terraces and shaded corners for quiet time with a book.
A sociable open‑plan living area for lazy breakfasts and evenings together.
A location within easy reach of a pretty town, restaurants and the sea, so nobody felt “stuck” at the villa.
Private transfers for the whole group so there was no need to hire multiple cars.
A mix of relaxed days by the pool and planned activities like a private boat trip and a special birthday dinner arranged in advance.
What made it special:
Multi‑generational holidays can be a juggling act: different bedtimes, energy levels and ideas of fun. I took time to understand each person’s priorities, then recommended a villa and area in Croatia that worked for the whole group, not just one age bracket.
The birthday itself was the highlight. I arranged a special in‑villa celebration with a chef, cake and a few thoughtful touches that reflected the guest of honour’s favourite things. Because everything had been organised before they travelled, the family were able to simply focus on being together and celebrating a milestone, instead of worrying about logistics.
2. A river cruise cycling holiday for a group of old university friends
Who was travelling:
Three couples who had met at university and stayed close ever since. They wanted an active holiday that mixed gentle cycling, good food and plenty of time to catch up, without the pressure of constantly packing and unpacking.
What I planned:
A carefully chosen river cruise itinerary that passed through picturesque towns and countryside, ideal for cycling.
A ship with the right atmosphere for them: comfortable, stylish, relaxed and sociable, without feeling too formal.
Pre‑arranged cycling excursions on selected days, with routes graded to suit different fitness levels.
Pre‑ and post‑cruise nights in key cities so they could explore at their own pace before and after the sailing.
All flights and transfers coordinated so the three couples, travelling from different parts of the UK, could meet easily.
What made it special:
For this group, the joy was in the combination: they wanted to be active, but did not want a full‑on “cycling holiday” where every day was intense. A river cruise with organised cycling days gave them the perfect balance of movement and relaxation.
I spent time talking through how they saw each day unfolding: coffee on deck, a morning ride through vineyards or along riverbanks, afternoons on board or in local cafés, evenings with good wine and conversation. Matching them to the right cruise line and itinerary meant the whole holiday felt like it had been designed just for them.
3. A three‑week family tour of Vietnam and Cambodia
Who was travelling:
A family who wanted to show their teenage children more of the world, beyond the usual beach holiday. They were keen on culture, history, food and a bit of adventure, but did not want to feel like they were constantly rushing.
What I planned:
A three‑week, tailor‑made itinerary through Vietnam and Cambodia that flowed smoothly, with:
Time in the main cities with private guided tours to bring the history and culture to life.
Scenic journeys by road, boat and internal flights to keep travel days interesting, not exhausting.
Stops in smaller towns and rural areas for a more authentic feel.
A final few nights somewhere relaxed, with a pool, to unwind before flying home.
A thoughtful mix of included activities and free time, so they had structure but also space to explore or simply relax.
Guides experienced at working with families, who could engage the teenagers and gently adapt the pace as needed.
What made it special:
Longer trips like this work best when they are built around how the family likes to travel, not just a checklist of “must‑see” sights. We talked a lot about what they wanted the children to take away from the trip: an understanding of the local cultures and histories, but also relaxed family time and shared memories.
I made sure the itinerary had a natural rhythm: busy days followed by slower ones, city stays broken up with more rural overnights, and a proper rest at the end. Having private guides and transfers meant they were not wasting time figuring everything out on arrival, and the parents could enjoy the journey just as much as the teenagers.
4. A special retirement trip on the Al Andalus luxury train
Who was travelling:
A couple celebrating a long‑planned retirement, finally with the time to travel more slowly and savour each place. They wanted something unique, elegant and a little bit nostalgic: a journey rather than just a destination.
What I planned:
A luxurious journey on the Al Andalus train, travelling through some of Spain’s most beautiful regions in old‑world style.
Pre‑ and post‑train stays in carefully chosen hotels to extend the trip and allow time to explore at their own pace.
All flights and transfers arranged to keep the entire trip seamless.
Additional private tours in key cities to deepen their experience of the art, architecture and local cuisine.
What made it special:
This was a real “reward” holiday, marking the end of one chapter and the start of another. We talked about what retirement meant to them: more time, less rushing, and the desire to enjoy comfort and quality after years of hard work.
The Al Andalus train itself was the star, with its elegant cabins, dining car and beautifully curated excursions. I made sure the rest of the trip complemented that feeling: charming hotels, unhurried schedules and the right mix of guided experiences and time together. They said it felt like stepping into a different era for a little while, with every detail taken care of.
5. A golfing holiday in South Africa for a group of gentlemen
Who was travelling:
A group of gentlemen who share a love of golf and good company, looking for a trip that combined memorable courses, comfortable accommodation and some time to experience more of South Africa than just the fairways.
What I planned:
A route through South Africa that linked several high‑quality golf courses, with tee times booked in advance.
Well‑located hotels and lodges, chosen for comfort, atmosphere and easy access to the courses.
A balance of golf days and non‑golf days, including time for wine tasting, sightseeing and relaxed dinners.
Private transfers so none of the group had to worry about driving, directions or timings.
All international and domestic flights coordinated to suit the group’s preferences and schedules.
What made it special:
For this group, the golf was important, but so was everything around it: the scenery, the wine, the food and the chance to share an experience they would talk about for years. South Africa gave them all of that.
I made sure the pace of the trip worked: no frantic rushing from course to course, time to enjoy the clubhouses and surroundings, and a variety of experiences so that even the less golf‑obsessed members of the party felt it was a fantastic holiday, not just a sports trip.
What these holidays have in common
All of these trips were completely different, but they shared the same foundations:
Careful listening at the start, to understand what each person really wanted from their time away.
Tailor‑made planning, using trusted options in Phenix rather than one‑size‑fits‑all packages.
Honest advice about what would and would not work for each group.
Ongoing support, from the first idea to the moment they landed back home.
That is the difference when you book with a personal Travel Counsellor: it is never just a booking. It is a relationship, and my job is to make sure your holiday feels exactly right for you.
Ready to plan your own special trip?
If any of these stories sound like the kind of holiday you are dreaming about, I would love to help you create your own version.
Tell me:
Who is travelling
When you would like to go
What you want your time away to feel like
I will do the legwork, design a tailor‑made itinerary, and look after every detail of your booking so you can simply look forward to going away.
Contact me today to start planning your next adventure.