My love of travel began when my intrepid mum took me to Sri Lanka in 2000. Travelling around this extraordinary country was the moment I fell in love with exploring new cultures, climates, cuisines and landscapes. Our travels together continued around India, Kenya, Sicily and more – but our to-go list never gets any shorter. Now I have small children, my style of travel has temporarily changed but my passion for discovery, and superb food and wine has not. Count me as your go-to when considering interesting and insightful itineraries that involve, entertain and delight all ages. I am proud to be awarded a place in Travel and Leisure magazine as an A-List advisor. Crafting private journeys, getting under the skin of a destination and creating lifetime memories is my passion. I can’t wait to help with yours.
My most memorable trip
Eastern and Oriental Express
My husband and I travelled through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore on Belmond’s Eastern and Oriental Express on our honeymoon. We met others celebrating milestones, dressed up for dinner and enjoyed exceptional meals. Peter the talented pianist took any request we threw at him and we danced in the Piano Bar well into the night. It felt like we’d be transported to another time, we had such fun.
On my bucket list
Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge in Rwanda is definitely on my bucket list. The location and design looks extraordinary. I can’t think of a more phenomenal overall experience than basing yourself at Bisate whilst having the most humbling, revered and mildly terrifying wildlife encounter, spotting mountain gorillas.
See where I’ve travelled
Swedish Lapland
"Watching the northern lights wash the night sky with fluorescent swirls, ribbons and mists of green, purple and blue was an extraordinary Arctic experience."
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Western Australia
"Driving through the Kimberleys in north-west Australia, one of the world’s most remote wildernesses; the extraordinary rugged landscape, the eye popping colours and the distinct sense of our own insignificance. "
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Mallorca
"Sailing around the northern tip of Mallorca with my family, such an exceptional destination - the clearest bluest water, tiny coves to swim with the boys, makes me truly relaxed and happy. "
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Botswana
"In northern Botswana we watched from our boat, silent, as a parade of elephants crossed the Linyanti River in front of us; mothers pushing along babies, who used their trunks as snorkels. "
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My favourite trip
The Flavours of Spain
If it falls under the food and wine category on Jacada’s website then I’ll probably be interested. I love both the Spanish foodie trip as it brings back delicious memories and we have such superb insider experiences and contacts here. I also love the wines of France which also brings back terrific memories of various trips to these regions. There are such historic prestigious vineyards in the Medoc which are a joy and a privilege to visit.
My favourite hotel
Deplar Farm
Deplar Farm, in the far north of Iceland, is an extraordinary experience. Remote and dwarfed by the mountains flanking it, the traditional turf house is run as a super-luxe home from home. You’ll enjoy family style meals, a divine spa and the most superb geothermal pool to relax in whilst (hopefully) watching the northern lights.
Kate and Symmone exceeded all expectations by crafting for us a personalized 4 country, 29 day cultural journey focused on different cultures, local people, local food, "off the path" excursions, history, scenery, stories, smiles, and laughter. They did a great job understanding how we like to travel, our expectations, and goals. Every detail of this adventure was taken care of…
Jacada was very helpful in every aspect of planning our trip to Portugal. Kate Herz and Rita Pinto were so receptive to our thoughts and needs and made wonderful itinerary suggestions. All of our tour guides and drivers were experienced and informative and always punctual. The hotels (all fabulous) and activities which were recommended were fun and interesting and not…
As usual, this was a wonderfully curated trip. While no one can see & do everything during a trip of less than 4 weeks, it felt like we got close. Ireland is a magical country, full of beauty & history, and we would all do well to emulate the friendly people we met everywhere who are the heart of a…
Wonderful trip. Big WOW! Jacada is the best company we've ever used. Everything was scheduled and worked seemlessly. Top quality all the way. Will definitely use again.
Kate Hertz and Sabina Munoz were both available all the time and kept track of what we were doing. We had amazing guides in Iceland! The hotels that were booked for us were top-notch with very good food. We will make sure to use Jacada Travel again.
My top tips
Swap the rolling hills of Tuscany for wilder, charming Piedmont. A fraction of the footfall and, dare I say, home to Italy’s finest wines.
Explore Andalucia in April and we’ll tie in Seville’s Feria de Abril (April Fair), such a fun vibrant fiesta. We’ll book you into a private caseta so you can party like, and with, the locals.
When travelling to Iceland the only opportunity to dine and enjoy the choice of some superb city restaurants is in Reykjavik. Avoid staying here on Sundays and early in the week as the best ones are closed.
Regardless of destination, I always always bring a change of clothes and swimsuit in my carry on. If my luggage is delayed I can still swim, go out for dinner and enjoy my first 24 hours, while my bags catch up.
