With Christmas now just days away, naturally my mind is occupied with presents for friends and family, which has got me thinking about all the fabulous gifts I’ve found on my travels over the years. With that in mind, I’ve asked my clients, all of whom are well-used to arranging shopping excursions and studio visits for guests, for their top tips on finding local gems - at any time of the year! 

Galavanta is delighted to share news of The Brown, the first luxury hotel to open near the city of Medellin in the north west of Colombia. Discreetly tucked away on a lush hillside overlooking the spectacular Guatapé Reservoir, with breathtaking views over the water, the hotel offers guests a laid-back escape in the utmost comfort.

The big news Down Under is from Eclipse Expeditions who are offering The Tailor’s clients the chance to explore Australia’s pristine west coast on a new Leopard 50 Catamaran. For the first time, guests will sail in six-star comfort to discover rugged Kimberley’s ancient rock art, world-class fishing in the untouched Montebello Islands, and the award-winning wine of Margaret River.

As many of you know, there are strong synergies among the By Georgie DMCs. Each are run by like-minded owners who have certain qualities that enable them to deliver at the highest level. One of these qualities is ‘unparalleled access’. Access to little-known places, to hard-to-reach people and to next-level experiences that seem, on paper at least, deliver the impossible. Here’s a glimpse at the calibre of access they can offer.

What better way to connect with a destination than through its food and the talented people who make it? In this delicious lineup, each of the By Georgie DMCs has put forward an exciting experience that truly represents the heart – and tummy – of their country. Guaranteed to make your mouth water!

I’ve asked each of the DMCs in the By Georgie portfolio to pick out an ‘ultimate experience’ that would, in effect, play its part in a round the world trip par excellence. This isn’t just about the biggest or best, but experiences that carry with them a net-positive impact…

Explore nature’s classroom with the By Georgie collection, learning about the world through the eyes of local communities, endemic wildlife and passionate guardians of cultures, conservation and the environment…

Offering authentic adventures in the wild that end with a “soft landing”, The Tailor curate handcrafted itineraries full of experiences that challenge your clients just the right amount – and blast open their world view…

This private estate on the Dominican Republic’s untouched north coast is fringed by its own golden-sand beach. All the charm of a Spanish colonial villa, but without any compromise on modern amenities…

There are times when a destination is so ingrained in a guide’s identity that they elevate an experience of a place in a completely profound way. In this edition we have taken the opportunity to share six of the very best guides who do just that.