Claire's educational trip to North India with Peirce & Leslie was truly special. It was a beautiful whirlwind of culture, colour, history and incredible service across Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
From the moment we arrived in Delhi, Peirce & Leslie took care of everything. We were greeted at the gate, assisted with our bags, and whisked away by a driver with chilled water and snacks at the ready. Their attention to detail was impressive, from tipping bathroom attendants to expertly navigating local markets. Their comfortable, air-conditioned coaches ensured everyone had a window seat, and the guides throughout were warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful.
Delhi – The Oberoi New Delhi
A serene sanctuary in the heart of the city, The Oberoi New Delhi is all about light, height, and space. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of either Humayun’s Tomb or the Delhi Golf Course. My Premier Plus room on the third floor was beautifully styled with a pop of teal (my favourite!) and incredibly spacious at 51 square metres. Like all Oberoi properties, the hotel embraces the "Tree of Life" philosophy: Oberoi is the tree, the hotels its branches, and guests the leaves, nurtured at every step.
Agra – The Oberoi Amarvilas
Just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, this is the place to stay in Agra. Inspired by Mughal palaces, the hotel features fountains, terraced lawns, reflection pools, and pavilions. All rooms face the Taj, and golf cart transfers make sunrise visits seamless. The Mughal-style architecture, lush gardens, and tranquil pool area made it hard to leave.
Jaipur – The Oberoi Rajvilas
Set across 32 acres of landscaped gardens, this resort is designed to evoke the grandeur of a Rajasthani fort. Located about 45 minutes from the city centre, it’s an ideal retreat, perfect for sightseeing in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. I stayed in a spacious, air-conditioned Luxury Tent, complete with 45 square metres of interior space, a private garden. The peacocks wandering the grounds were a cute bonus.
Udaipur – The Oberoi Udaivilas
This lakeside palace was a true highlight. With domes, grand courtyards, and regal architecture, it felt every bit the royal retreat. My Premier Pool View Room was peaceful and private, and a spa facial was the perfect indulgence. Dining at sunset overlooking Lake Pichola with live music was a magical finale to the trip.
India is vast and diverse country. From the green avenues of Delhi to the lakes of Udaipur, every destination offered something distinct in history, culture, and energy. Travelling with Peirce & Leslie was wonderful, from expertly timed visits and insightful guides to the little touches that made all the difference.
Delhi
Delhi is a city of contrasts; modern and ancient, peaceful and chaotic. We explored Humayun’s Tomb, Kartavya Path, India Gate, Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. A full day of sightseeing in Old Delhi reminded us just how invaluable our Peirce & Leslie guide, Vikas, truly was. His vast knowledge and confident navigation through the bustling streets made for an incredible and memorable experience. As one of the greenest capitals in the world, Delhi continues to surprise, with active archaeological sites still uncovering stories from its layered past.
Agra
Steeped in Mughal grandeur, Agra enthrals you with its monumental architecture and history. You simply can’t go past the Taj Mahal. We were lucky enough to experience it at both sunrise and sunset, what a treat! We visited the impressive Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). I think that a one-night stay here is perfect – arrive mid-morning, explore Agra Fort, have an afternoon by the pool, and then enjoy sunset at the gardens overlooking the Taj. The next morning, visit the Taj for sunrise and you’re away.
Jaipur
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is regal, romantic, and rich with history. Our time included exploring the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar, both UNESCO World Heritage Site’s. We also got to visit City Palace where the royal family still resides. We had a memorable evening at Rambagh Palace which gave us a taste of Rajasthan’s royal elegance. Jaipur is also a gateway to wildlife sanctuaries and Ranthambore National Park, where you might spot tigers, leopards, and deer.
Udaipur
Set around seven man-made lakes, Udaipur is peaceful, picturesque, and the perfect finale to a vibrant itinerary. We explored the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, the Vintage Car Museum, and enjoyed a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. We also enjoyed an early morning cycling tour through the countryside.
India is captivating. From its dramatic shifts in geography and architecture to its ever-changing climates and vibrant population. North India in particular is a whirlwind of culture, colour, and contrast. The best time to explore this region is between October and March, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the rains of monsoon season. This itinerary was beautifully curated and executed by the team at Peirce & Leslie. Without them, the journey would have been overwhelming. For anyone looking to experience India in comfort and style, this is the way to go.
We are thrilled to share that Quay Travel has been awarded the prestigious TAANZ Retail Travel Agency of the Year at the 2025 National Travel Industry Awards.
This recognition is an incredible honour and a reflection of our passionate team, our commitment to luxury and personalised service, and the trust our clients place in us every day.
To our amazing clients: thank you. Your loyalty and shared love of travel inspire us in all that we do. It’s a privilege to help bring your journeys to life.
And in true Quay Travel style, our walk-on song for the night was “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, a personal favourite of our Managing Director, Michelle Malcolm, and a cheeky nod to our vibrant, female-led team who bring passion and heart to every itinerary.
From all of us at QUAY Travel, thank you for being a part of our journey. Let’s keep exploring, together!
Take to the skies and experience Australia like never before with Air Adventure, offering small group and private air safaris to some of the country’s most remote and remarkable destinations. From the rugged Kimberley and outback icons like Lake Eyre to the red cliffs of the Arnhem Land coast, these fly-in experiences allow you to cover vast distances in comfort and style.
With Air Adventure you’ll enjoy front-row access to ancient landscapes, Indigenous culture, and world-class regional cuisine, all without the hassle of long drives or crowded airports. Whether you're looking to explore Australia's wild north or the heart of the Red Centre, this is slow travel made easy.
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You no longer need to travel halfway across the world for a safari experience, Monarto Safari Park has brought the thrill of the wild just across the ditch. Located only an hour from Adelaide, Monarto offers a vast African-style landscape where you can explore open plains, encounter incredible wildlife, and connect with nature in an unforgettable way.
Spanning over 1,500 hectares, Monarto is one of the largest open-range wildlife parks on the planet. From behind-the-scenes tours to close-up animal encounters, there are experiences for all ages and interests. At the end of this month, the highly anticipated Monarto Safari Resort opens its doors, introducing stylish lodge and glamping accommodation right in the heart of the park. Whether you're travelling as a couple, a family, or an animal lover chasing something truly unique, Monarto offers a rare chance to stay among the wildlife and experience safari magic.
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Tucked between the Rimutaka Ranges and the wild shores of Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau Country Estate offers an elevated take on country life. Just a scenic drive or a short helicopter flight from Wellington, this award-winning Relais & Châteaux lodge invites guests into a world of relaxation. Each cottage suite offers sweeping views, cosy fireplaces, and warm interiors that reflect the estate’s working sheep station roots.
Days here are defined by choice: venture out on a guided ATV tour across rugged coastal trails, explore nearby Martinborough wine country, or indulge in a massage followed by a glass of local Pinot by the fire. Whether you’re seeking quiet reconnection or a romantic getaway, Wharekauhau delivers understated luxury in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.
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If sport is your passion, why not build your next holiday around it? One of our partners, Sportsnet Holidays, offers premium travel packages to the world’s most exciting events including Formula 1, Wimbledon, the Rugby World Cup, NRL Grand Final, and more. Packages include official event tickets, quality accommodation, and access to pre- or post-event experiences like sports dinners, guest speaker events, and hospitality lounges.
Whether you’re planning a friends’ trip or a family experience, we make it easy to turn major sporting moments into memorable travel. Connect with us today!
Nestled in the sunniest and most secluded part of Fiji, Yasawa Island Resort & Spa has long been celebrated for its romantic, all-inclusive experience, and it’s now even better. Following a refurbishment in 2024, the resort has introduced new furnishings and lighting in all bures, stylish bar and dining upgrades, and new poolside and beach loungers. The addition of a brand-new pickleball court brings a playful touch to this luxurious, barefoot paradise.
With only 18 traditional beachfront bures and 11 private white sand beaches exclusively for guest use, Yasawa offers unmatched privacy and tranquillity. Daily scenic charter flights from Nadi are included, and guests can enjoy unlimited private beach picnics, world-class snorkelling, authentic Fijian culture, and indulgent treatments at Fiji’s first beachfront spa. Whether you’re seeking true escape or unforgettable romance, Yasawa is the perfect island hideaway.
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For lovers of music, luxury, and fine Tuscan living, COMO Castello Del Nero’s 'Opera & Opulence' experience is the perfect summer escape. Set among the olive groves and vineyards of Chianti, this exclusive two-night package invites you to stay from 25 - 27 July 2025 in a refined Estate Room (rates from EUR 3,300 per night), with daily breakfast included.
The centrepiece of this experience is VIP access to Andrea Bocelli’s concert on 26 July 2025 at the breathtaking Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico. Begin your evening with a pre-concert wine tasting and elegant dinner, before being transported to a night of world-class performance under the Tuscan sky. With limited availability, this is your chance to experience a beautiful harmony of music, culture, and luxury.
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For over 30 years, Captain’s Choice, a privately owned Australian company, has invited travellers to discover the extraordinary, offering bold, inspiring itineraries that few will ever experience. Travelling by private jet, you’ll skip queues, connections, and the chaos of commercial travel. You’ll land closer to your destination while enjoying every moment in comfort and style. From custom-configured aircraft and fully inclusive pricing to immersive excursions and rare cultural encounters, every detail is thought-out to elevate your journey from start to finish.
Here are just a few of the breathtaking journeys on offer:
Experience India's rich tapestry of culture and history, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the backwaters of Kochi. This journey offers exclusive experiences, including attending the Diwali Festival and a private Aarti ceremony along the Ganges. Discover more here!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South America, featuring a private cruise in the Galápagos, a luxurious train ride to Machu Picchu, and a helicopter flight over Iguazú Falls. Discover more here!
This expansive journey connects the vibrant cultures of Latin America with the beauty of the Atlantic Islands, offering unique experiences like a private Amazon cruise and stargazing in the Atacama Desert. Discover more here!
Recreate the historic Kangaroo Route aboard a privately chartered Qantas Airbus A330-300, with exclusive experiences like a gala dinner at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay and a private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Discover more here!
With Captain’s Choice, the journey is just as important as the destination, and every detail is designed with that in mind. Connect with us today to find the adventure that’s perfect for you.
My latest adventure took me through the incredible landscapes of Ireland and Scotland, where history, charm, and a touch of luxury made for an unforgettable trip.
First stop - Adare Manor in County Limerick. This neo-Gothic beauty is absolutely stunning, and I fell under its spell. The whole place has an incredible sense of history and warmth. One of the highlights was breakfast in The Gallery - a breath-taking hall stretching 40 metres long and 6.5 metres high. Inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, it's said to be the second-longest room in Ireland, surpassed only by Trinity College’s Long Room.
Another favourite moment? Pre-dinner drinks in one of their cosy wine cellars, which set the perfect tone for the evening.
Taking long walks through the grounds and sneaking out the back gate to explore the local village was also a fun adventure.
While in Limerick, I had an amazing experience with "Secret Ireland Escape," who put together unique, customized tours. Ours had a medieval theme, and we were hosted by a wonderful couple who have lovingly restored a castle. They met us at their dock, dressed us up in cloaks and tiaras, and as we stepped through the door, we were greeted by the soft melodies of a harp. We enjoyed a traditional Irish feast, completely immersing ourselves in the moment.
Another day, we tried falconry at Adare Manor, starting with small birds and working our way up to the bigger ones. The bald eagle, though, was apparently out of our league - it stayed with the instructor! An informative and fascinating experience.
After the peaceful countryside, we made our way to Dublin and checked into The Merrion Hotel for two nights. This place, made up of four beautifully restored Georgian townhouses, had so much character and charm.
Dublin’s pub scene was calling, so we joined The Perfect Pint Tour. While Guinness is the national drink, I’m more of a gin fan - and thankfully, that was allowed! The tour took us to some fantastic, independently owned pubs, each with its own unique vibe. A standout was John Kavanagh’s, better known as "The Gravediggers." Established in 1833 and still run by the Kavanagh family (now in its seventh generation!), this place feels like stepping back in time. It even has a tiny snug with a little window where pints are quietly passed through. Such a cool spot with so much history.
A short flight transported us to Scotland, where the legendary Gleneagles awaited. Nestled in the rolling hills, this place was pure magic. We had three amazing nights here, diving into classic countryside activities - taking a guided Drovers walk (where we learned about the old cattle herders), playing golf on pristine courses (with mixed success!), and trying our hand at clay shooting. The staff were incredible, making sure every detail was just right.
Our journey wrapped up in Edinburgh, where we stayed at the Gleneagles Townhouse - a beautifully restored old bank turned into a stylish hotel. The mix of historic architecture and modern touches made it a seriously cool place to stay.
One of the highlights was the Johnnie Walker Experience, a fun, interactive tour that brought the brand’s history to life. Actors walked us through the whisky-making process in a way that felt more like theatre than a standard distillery visit. We even got to explore our own taste preferences before diving into the different flavours.
Another unforgettable Edinburgh moment was a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, where we got a glimpse into royal maritime life - so fascinating!
This trip was a deep dive into the history, culture, luxury and landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. From medieval-themed nights in Limerick to cosy pub-hopping in Dublin, and from the peaceful Highlands to the historic streets of Edinburgh, every moment felt like a new discovery. The sense of place in each spot was incredible, and I’ll be holding onto these memories for a long time to come.
