Victoria’s travels have taken her through Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Africa and Europe – including joining a government delegation to research tourism opportunities in Yemen and Oman. Standout moments include diving with stingrays in the Maldives, walking with elephants in Botswana and exploring ancient ruins across Yemen and Syria, inspired by her degree in Classics and Archaeology. A formative spell at school in the south of France sparked a lasting love for Provence, where she now specialises in sourcing exceptional villas and bespoke experiences, from truffle hunting to private wine tastings.
How long have you worked in travel?
Since 1996, when a friend asked me to cover her job while she went on sabbatical. I had previously travelled extensively through the far east and Australia and was already bitten by the travel bug. A call from a client asking me to organise a private trip to Yemen lead to the offer of a full-time role, heading up a new Middle East division for the company I worked for at the time!
What do you never travel without?
A pashmina, perfect for wrapping up on night flights and cool evenings. A good book is another must have.
What would you wish you had with you if you were stranded on a desert island for six months and why? You can choose a luxury and something practical.
A fully charged phone to call for help and listen to a good podcast/music whilst I wait! If no Wi-Fi reception, an emergency survival kit and an egg laying chicken!
If you could travel with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
The current Dalai Lama – compassionate and calm, plus a terrific sense of humour!
What is your most memorable travel moment?
Visiting Old Sana, the historic quarter of Yemen’s capital; exploring the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra with an archaeologist guide; diving with manta rays in the Maldives; the Taj Mahal at sunrise; walking with elephants in Botswana; watching orangutans in Indonesia; and finding a baboon reading my book on my balcony when I returned from a game drive in the Serengeti!
What was your worst travel disaster?
Breaking down at dusk in the middle of Chitwan National Park, Nepal, and then heading off to trek the Annapurna Circuit without a local guide!
What’s your secret hidden gem (such as a little bookshop, restaurant, café, little-known museum/gallery, artisan shop)?
The Friday market in Lourmarin, Provence. I’ve been chatting with some of the same store holders for over 30 years now!
What’s the most unusual client request you’ve received and were you able to fulfil it?
Providing my client with a painting easel and canvas as she wished to paint the glorious Provencal view from her villa garden.
Have you won any awards or been recognised for a specific achievement?
I was chosen to join a government delegation researching tourism in the region. A small group of us travelled with a member of Parliament through Yemen, Dubai and Oman. On route I was chosen to make an impromptu speech to a group of dignitaries in the Ambassador’s residence in Sana, had dinner with the Sultan’s nephew in Oman, and was interviewed on Radio Muscat!
If you hadn’t worked in travel, what would you have liked to have done?
Nursing.
If you could retire to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Provence. I just adore the culture, food, scenery, markets, and way of life.
Favourite book(s) and why?
The Magus by John Fowles, all of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s atmospheric Spanish novels, Khaled Hosseini's powerful works, Joanne Harris’ fabulous stories set in France, and Robert Galbraith, for a good page turner.
