What a year! As 2016 draws to a close, we are looking to the future, but also reminiscing about our many travel adventures over the last 12 months. We personally visit all of our boutique hotels and properties, and then revisit them regularly to see how they’re getting on. With 1,500 hotels, that keeps us pretty busy, but there’s nothing we love more than catching up with our fantastic hoteliers and finding out what’s new in their corner of the world. Here, we take a look back over the year that was…
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was a big deal for us this year. Both our Marketing Manager Sarah (currently on maternity leave) and our Acting Marketing Manager Clair took extended tours of this beguiling country. Whales were spotted at sea, leopards were tracked in the jungle, and the country’s most delicious okra curry recipe was discovered.
Indonesia
Other far-flung adventures included Assistant Editor Melissa’s Balinese expedition. Bambu Indah proved the perfect base from which to discover the island’s world-famous Green School. And she also unearthed a new i-escape destination, Gili Air, an Indonesian island haven where the living is easy and turtles rule the waves.
India
India is another i-escape favourite, and 2016 saw not one but two of our Bookings Consultants visit this diverse country. Kerala was the focus: Emylou gave us the low-down on her solo trip to Fort Cochin and Marari Beach, while long-time India enthusiast Ben shared his insider tips for this laid-back region. Rajasthan was also on his itinerary, and as the country’s second largest state, there was much to discover.
Malaysia
Most recently, friend of i-escape and freelance reviewer Emily McDonnell has been sharing tales from her trip to beautiful Southeast Asia. She kicked off with a cross-country jaunt from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, then journeyed on to Penang, with stops at a few island hideaways along the way.
Europe & North Africa
Closer to home, Deputy Editor Abi revelled in Iceland’s wild beauty, and later spent a few days exploring Berlin. Further south, Emylou indulged in some Andalucían foodie delights, and Head of Bookings Kate took a kid-free long-weekend in Essaouira.
UK
Back in the UK, our impromptu staycations included a cosy autumnal trip to Wales, a dog-friendly Cornwall beach break, and a family-friendly fortnight on the Scilly Isles.
It’s been a heck of a ride. We’ve met some fantastic hoteliers and seen some wonderful places, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2017. Keep checking back to see where we end up next…
Merry Christmas from all at i-escape!
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