XL Leisure Group demise

Here at travelguru.tv we firmly believe, when it comes to tour operating, small is most definitely best. Small tour operators generally have a genuine passion for a product or place, develop a team of dedicated and knowledgable staff and, above all, have a vested interest in providing the highest levels of service to their customers. And if more evidence were needed, the weekend turmoil caused by the collapse the XL Leisure Group and a fire in the Eurotunnnel provided it.


A case in point...one of our tour operator partners, Travel Editions who specialise in Eurostar trips, were directly effected. As the news of the fire broke on Thursday evening, their MD and his team worked through the night to make alternative arrangements for their 3 groups in France due back the following day. Having sorted out coach and ferry plans by about 3 am, the news of the XL collapse was just coming through. With passengers forward booked on their services to Crete, they then ploughed on til dawn rebooking said passengers on alternative flights. So as the sun rose on what proved to be an horrendous day for the travel industry, job done with nothing but praise emerging from passengers effected.

Quoting from customer emails...

I just wanted to congratulate all concerned in getting our group back home so efficiently when the channel tunnel was closed. I had been envisioning being unable to get back home any time soon, but our coach driver got us to Calais quickly, we did not have to wait all that long to get on the ferry, and then we found our coach waiting to take us to London when we got off at Dover. Bernard, our courier, kept us all informed, and I do realise that at your end a lot of effort must have gone into all these arrangements. So well done, one and all!

Just to thank you for a very efficient rescue package when the eurostar fire affected our return journey.We also wish to bring to your attention the remarkable skill with which our tour guide, Karen, handled a very difficult day.The death of a client on holiday coupled with the travel difficulties was handled by her with great competance and we cannot speak too highly of her professional attitude

When I heard Dermot Blastland (MD of TUI) on BBC Breakfast News trying to spin the bad news to a positive for the remaining 'Big Two' (TUI and Thomas Cook) it really got my goat. His implication that your holiday is only 'safe' if you book with them is utter rubbish - all the operators we work with are fully bonded so, big or small, your money is protected. The point is more that when things do go wrong, how do the organisations react? Do they use it as a PR opportunity to bang their own drum or do they roll their sleeves up and work through the night to take care of their passengers? I know who I'd rather trust with my hard earned holiday cash...

Jade Mountain, St Lucia

During our latest shoot in St Lucia we stayed in several different resorts but for me, Jade Mountain, near Soufriere in the south of the island really stood out.

Opened just last year, this is an extraordinary hotel in all senses of the word. Set above the long established and popular Anse Chastenet Resort, Jade Mountain rises up from the very top of the hill like some sort of Thunderbirds docking station. The main part of the building connects to the slope by mean of concrete bridges which are actually all individual pathways leading to your suite. The hill side face of the building is a mass of dark wood louvres with almost hidden doors but, beyond those doors are the most breathtaking suites I have ever seen.

For a start, each of the 24 suites is huge (the largest is over 2000 sq ft). They are all of course achingly stylish, they each have a large, totally private infinity edge pool but the most stunning feature is that the 4th wall is completely open and offers uninterrupted views out to sea and across to St Lucia's iconic twin Piton mountains. There are no phones, no TV and internet access only in reception - this is about pure escapism and tuning in to nature in the most luxurious and decadent fashion. The open wall means that you fall asleep to the nightime orchestra of the forest below, you wake to the sound of birdsong and you lie in your wonderfully comfortable four poster bed watching dawn break over the Pitons.

On hand to cater to your every whim is your 'major domo' - a personal butler who will unpack for you, iron your clothes, book any trips you might want, organise room service if you can't make it up to the Terrace Restaurant, in fact they will do anything you ask. Its the ultimate in understated decadence and, due to the high level of privacy provided by the location and the nature of the suites, its fast becoming a favourite with celebrities. Discretion is the watchword of Jade Mountain's amazing staff although one did let slip to me that Johnny Wilkinson has been recent guest.

Of course, it doesn't come cheap - expect to pay around £3-4000 for 7 nights. But, for a spectacular Caribbean wedding location, romantic honyemoon or indulgent hideaway - look no further! Watch the video at travelguru.tv