Sarah Jarvis
Head of Asia Pacific Travel Design
I don’t do things by halves. My first solo trip as an adult, I dived in head first for a trip around Singapore, Borneo, Australia and New Zealand. Not really knowing what I was letting myself in for, I found I was fascinated by the different cultures I came across. Far different from my upbringing in London! I came back and knew I wanted to talk about travel to as many people as possible.
Experiencing different food, talking to locals about their way of life, being able to see amazing views in person rather than from a screen just makes you feel all tingly. I feel very lucky to be able to help others feel how I felt on this first trip and make sure to get under the skin of each country I visit.
Best destination for families: Thailand
Thailand is a great place for families to go - especially if it's their first time to Asia. All of those small details that make a family holiday smooth sailing are thought about and easy to come by in Thailand. Plus Thai's love children and you'll often find people you come across who will want to talk to you about your family or interact with the kids.
On my bucket list: South Korea
South Korea! It's so culturally diverse from other areas with Asia Pacific and is becoming popular due to Korean food, Kpop and Korean Film coming into the mainstream more over the last few years. I'd love to learn more about Jeju Haenyeo, who work at keeping an old industry of women divers alive.
My favourite trip: A Grand Tour of Australia and New Zealand
This Grand Tour Itinerary shows the best of Australia and New Zealand and visits some of my favourite places in the region. A core memory of mine is seeing the GBR from a helicopter. I also loved getting a better understanding of the Maori culture whilst in Rotorua.
My favourite hotel: Bawah Reserve
I adore Bawah Reserve for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and inspiring commitment to Positive Impact. This secluded island in Indonesia, accessible by seaplane, offers an unforgettable experience of Indonesian culture and cuisine. Just steps from your villa, you can spot magnificent sea turtles gliding through the water. It’s pure paradise and the perfect way to unwind after a fast-paced tour of Asia.
My top tips
- If you can, do an evening and morning trip to the Taj Mahal. The way the light hits it at different times of day can really change how it looks.
- If you are travelling to places such as Maldives or Great Barrier Reef, make sure to pack the reef safe suntan lotion.
- If you are going to Sri Lanka, bring binoculars to catch the amazing birdlife as well as the wildlife on the ground.
- Our guides know where to go for safe street food, if they offer you something, eat it! A great way to get a sense of a country is by the food.