Amanda Matthews
Amanda Matthews
*Managing Director*
Designer Travel Expert
Since July 2021
I’m Amanda and I live in Saddleworth in the North with my family. I am married with two lovely children and a dog.
I have been in travel for over 25 years and I can honestly say travel is my life. We set up Designer Travel in 2008 to offer great advice and experience to ensure that our clients get the very best holiday for their needs. There is nothing worse than paying a lot for a holiday, taking the time out only to get there and be disappointed. Our team know where to look, often will have first-hand experience of your chosen resort and will search to find you the best offers. I won’t say we are the cheapest but we care and look after every client and it’s sometimes those small extras that can save you more than you think.
As for my holidays, my favourite place is Florida, it’s a magical place for having family fun with memories that will last until the next time! I have a soft spot for St Lucia too, as we got married there. My worst holiday has to be Jamaica and not because of the place which I loved but we stayed in a not so nice hotel and got eaten alive (needless to say this isn’t on our site!).
Get in contact with me if you would like any help in planning your holiday. I specialise in family holidays and also offer a full concierge service.
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Articles
Capo Bay Cyprus - A real gem
We have just returned as a family from the Capo Bay in Protaras in Cyprus. We travelled in October. ...
Maldives Hints and Tips
Hints and Tips For Travelling to the Maldives... The Maldives is one of our top destinations and we ...
Nightlife in Maderia
Madeira Nightlife During the week you will find nightlife is fairly quiet in Madeira, however Funcha...
Elegant Hotels in Barbados - Bajan Kids Club
 Elegant Hotels understands the importance of quality family time. Their Flying Fish Kids Clubs at ...
The House in Barbados wins top Trip Advisor Award
The House does it again! The St. James, adults-only property has received three top awards from Trip...
New Enhancements at Turtle Beach Barbados
Following Elegant Hotels reonvation of Colony Club last autumn its now the turn of Turtle Beach. The...
The Maldives ... Honeymoon Paradise
As we are now in Wedding Fayre season, The Maldives is now one of my top destination_blogs for quote...
Sensational South Africa
Experience the delights and amazing sights of South Africa with this amazing itinerary .....includin...
Dr Livingstone I presume…or maybe not!
Well, it was Dr Livingstone who discovered the Victoria Falls bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe and an a...
London by rail....
Amazing sights, sounds , history and culture await you at England's Capital and I have some amazing...
Orlando, Helpful Tips
If you are visiting Florida and your stay includes Orlando you may find some of these tips helpful w...
Thailand Honeymoon with a difference...
You never want to forget your Honeymoon. The saying is 'An Elephant never forgets' and you certainly...
Madeira ..... The worlds most famous garden!
Whenever Spring arrives, and the flowers start to bloom, I always think of Madeira ..... Â There are...
Swimming through an aquarium in the Maldives
Having just got back from a wonderful trip to the Maldives, I have to report on what a magical exper...
Why travel to China and Southeast Asia during winter?
Here are just a few of the reasons why you would travel to China and South East Asia during winter: ...
Love is in the air?
The Venice Carnival opens this year in the middle of February and continues until Mardi Gras early i...
Deep and crisp and even .......
Huge amounts of food consumed, and an endless round of people, parties and pleasures…. Where to ...
Thailand - a fusion of contrasting experiences
This has to be one of my favourite destination_blogs ............ Vibrant cities, exotic islands, w...
Things to do in New York!
Flights to New York are about to become a lot cheaper as of July 2014 as the airline company Norwegi...
Sri Lanka - NEW luxury all the way
The main airport in Sri Lanka, Colombo has just opened a new business class lounge and Sri Lankan Ai...
River Cruising
Have you ever thought of a river cruise? It may be the perfect solution.  At the moment there are...
Cancun Mexico
It‘s hard to sum up Cancun and do it the justice it deserves. This resort has so much to offer eve...
Marmaris
Marmaris has something for everyone , Families, couples and all different types of groups. Fr...
Makadi Bay - Egypt
Escape the bustle of everyday life with a relaxing stay in the beautiful Red Sea Resort of Makadi Ba...
My Maldives
The Maldives is so much more than an ideal destination for honeymooners - read on to find out more. ...
Thinking of the Maldives?
Having just returned from 3 Maldivian Islands, I have to say it is still my favourite place in the w...
Canada's Winter Wonderland Province
A little over nine hours flight time from the UK brings you to Calgary in Alberta, one of Canada's m...
Accommodation Recommendations
Ikos Dassia
Breathe in the scent of fragrant pines, gaze out at the azure Ionian waters and feel your mind still...
Iberostar Bahia
Facilities and amenities at the resort include three pools, a children‘s pool, watersports, guided...
Iberostar Selection Praia do forte
Praia do Forte is home to four endangered species of sea turtle. The hotel is a great choice for nat...
Iberostar Selection Andalucia Playa
Constructed in a traditional Andalusian style, the resort offers guests a wealth of amenities and fa...
Spicers Clovelly Estate
The estate is surrounded by beautiful gardens, green grass and natural rainforest making it a pictur...
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
This Asian influenced refuge is set on 18 acres of lush rainforest next to Gardners Falls in the bea...
Spicers Sangoma Retreat
This wonderful eco-certified retreat boasts an infinity lap pool, sauna facilities and guest lounge ...
Spicers Guesthouse
Enjoy a relaxed country escape in Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. Expect understa...
Spicers Potts Point
The 1880's Victorian terrace houses the rooms and suites of the hotel with the exterior having a tex...
Edenhouse Luxury Lodge
This elegant lodge boasts a truly wonderful position between Nelson and the beaches of the Abel Tasm...
Bay of Many Coves
The suites at this resort have been designed to blend in effortlessly into the 52 hectares of surrou...
Eagles Nest
This top-class resort boasts five private luxury villas, four of which have their own private heated...
Annandale
The location of Annandale makes it a perfect choice for lovers of the great outdoors. Take a nature ...
One&Only Desaru Coast
Desaru lies on the east coast on the state of Johor, part of the Malay Peninsula. The resort is loca...
One&Only Mandarina
This five-star resort is a wonderful choice for couples and families alike. You can simply relax by ...
One&Only Portonovi
The hotel occupies an enviable position in Portonovi and guests are sure to be enchanted by the loca...
One&Only Reethi Rah
At One&Only Reethi Rah, you can do as much or as little as you like. Relax and soak up the sun on on...
One&Only Palmilla
The coastline location means guests benefit from direct access to some amazing beaches including one...
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
This is a place which simply awes you from the moment you arrive - with lush natural gardens, rugged...
Bless Hotel Ibiza
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Bless Hotel Ibiza has luxurious air conditioned rooms a...
Emerald Faarafushi Resort & Spa
This idyllic resort is set on a lush private island which spans 20 hectares and houses 60 villas on ...
Katikies Garden
Katikies Garden is housed in a former historic Catholic monastery and is a tranquil refuge perfect f...
Hammock Cove Antigua
This five-star property offers adults an upscale retreat for discerning travellers seeking an all-in...
One&Only Gorilla's Nest
This welcoming and contemporary lodge has 14 rooms and 7 suites which all benefit from stunning view...
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
Maya Sanur has been designed to maximise views of the ocean from as many of the public areas and roo...
The ShellSea Krabi
You can relax on the beautiful beach, enjoy some of the non-motorised watersports or take a dip in o...
Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
The serenity of this resort envelopes you from the moment you arrive. Set on a hilltop above the val...
Bulgari Resort Bali
Experience the beauty of this unspoiled Bali beach resort which offers sophisticated accommodation w...
Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village Resort
Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village Resort is a delightful beachfront resort spread over 240,000 sq m. It...
Iberostar Selection Sabila
Iberostar Sabila showcases minimalist decor throughout, with well equipped rooms and suites and welc...
Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma
This is a wonderful hotel for a couples all-inclusive luxury break. Relax by the pool or head down t...
Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma
The hotel enjoys a lovely position only two minutes‘ walk from the beach and just 15 minutes from ...
Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado
There‘s plenty to do at Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado if you fancy doing something other than rela...
Nobu Hotel Barcelona
You have the benefit of being located close to the Eixample neighbourhood, near Plaza de Espana so y...
The Abu Dhabi EDITION
The hotel has two pools, a gym and a luxury spa offering customised treatments, massages, beauty ser...
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos has 200 rooms and suites, a number of high end retail outlets, a private beach ...
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
You‘ll find everything you want and more at the family-friendly Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel - ...
Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace
The hotel has four pools and SPA Sensations awaits if you‘re in need of a spot of pampering; treat...
Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve
Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is also conveniently close to the town of Lagos and Palmares golf ...
Iberostar Grand Perast
The hotel is perfectly positioned on the seafront and located in a peaceful UNESCO-listed town of Pe...
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
This family friendly resort has a gorgeous infinity pool, fitness centre, Hub M.I.Y aroma lab and th...
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas
This all-villa five-star resort overlooks a private stretch of beach and is perfectly placed for exp...
Zadun, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The hotel enjoys a privileged position along the impressive coastline of Puerto Los Cabos. Guests ta...
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai
Boasting an enviable beach setting, guests at this 5-star hotel will be treated to stunning views ov...
Hotel Amapa
Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination due to it‘s beautiful beaches and the iconic sunsets. Hot...
TRS Cap Cana Hotel
This luxurious resort is surrounded by 2,500 hectares of lush tropical forest alongside a long prist...
Savoy Palace
Savoy Palace enjoys a wonderful location on the Avenida do Infante in Funchal; very convenient for e...
Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas
The resort offers guests a wide range of facilities and amenities including private beach access rig...
Cape Fahn Hotel
Boasting just 22 immaculately appointed pool villas, the resort welcomes you with tranquility and in...
Six Senses Bhutan
Bhutan has long been a ‘once in a lifetime' destination that many hope to visit during their trave...
Azerai Can Tho
This tranquil resort has 60 contemporary rooms with views of the garden, lake or river. You‘ll be ...
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
This five-star hotel has 171 spacious rooms and suites, furnished to the exceptionally high standard...
Avani+ Samui Resort
Enjoy a tropical island escape at this stylish hideaway on Koh Samui. With 58 chic rooms and pool vi...
Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa
The hotel benefits from a privileged position right by the waterfront, with Kiotari beach just a few...
Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito
Miramar Beach is a stunning place to enjoy some early morning yoga, swimming, surfing, kayaking, sta...
The Barcelona EDITION
Guests here will love being in the heart of the city as The Barcelona EDITION is located beside the ...
The Bodrum EDITION
The Bodrum EDITION is located on the western point of the Bodrum peninsula, just under 2 miles from ...
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
A short 15-minute boat ride delivers you to the extraordinary Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Well-appoint...
Baglioni Resort Maldives
The Maldives is renowned as one of the best diving destinations in the world, with a wealth of coral...
The Nautilus Maldives
Expect highly personalised service from the moment you arrive at this bohemian hideaway located in t...
Hotel Birks Montreal
When you leave the hotel, you‘ll find yourself on Square Phillips and within easy reach of a numbe...
Silversands Grenada
Basking in a beautiful beachfront position, take a dip in the impressive 100-metre infinity pool and...
Rosewood Baha Mar
Cable Beach is truly stunning and is considered to be one of The Bahamas‘ best beaches. The Rosewo...
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Guests to this five-star hotel enjoy a brilliant location in Kuala Lumpur; just 300 yards from KLCC ...
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Here at the adults-only resort of Kudadoo, there‘s an AAA concept - Anything, Anytime. Anywhere. -...
Viceroy Los Cabos
Viceroy Los Cabos has four swimming pools, including an infinity-edge beach pool and a rooftop pool ...
Canaves Oia Epitome
Canaves Oia Epitome brings a luxurious sanctuary of relaxation to Santorini. Perfect for honeymooner...
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa
The hotel enjoys direct access to the beach so it‘s perfectly placed for a spot of down time and s...
W Kuala Lumpur
You‘re conveniently situated by the main tourist spots when you stay at this exceptional hotel, wi...
W Brisbane
Cosmopolitan finesse awaits at W Brisbane, located in the heart of the city with views over the Bris...
Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru
The island is fringed with powder-white sands which meet impossibly blue waters teaming with colourf...
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
An air-conditioned walkway connects the hotel to the up-market Pavilions mall and there are plenty o...
W Dubai - The Palm
W Dubai occupies a fabulous spot on The Palm, overlooking the sparkling Arabian Sea and Dubai Marina...
Joali Maldives
The seaplane transfer delivers you to the tranquil and beautiful Maldivian island of Muravandhoo whe...
Six Senses Krabey Island
Krabey Island spans 30 acres and has just 40 private pool villas surrounded by a boardwalk which joi...
Sugar Bay Barbados
Sugar Bay Barbados offers a wide range of on-site activities and amenities so you‘ll find everythi...
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
The hotel has an infinity pool, a tranquility pool and two outdoor freshwater pools so there‘s ple...
The Residence Maldives
This five-star resort has been sympathetically designed to blend traditional Maldivian architecture ...
Olhuveli Beach & Spa
This breathtaking resort is located at the tip of South Male Atoll and is fringed by white sandy bea...
Coco Bodu Hithi
This secluded island is full of lush tropical vegetation and fringed by white sandy beaches. You wil...
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
As soon as you arrive via sea plane from Malé airport, you will know you‘ve chosen somewhere spec...
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO
Helengeli Island is located in North Male Atoll and is home to the trendy OBLU NATURE Helengeli by ...
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Set in the stunning beauty of the South Ari Atoll, the Centara Grand Island Resort is a true barefoo...
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO
OZEN by Atmosphere opened in July 2016 and immediately became a popular choice with travellers due t...
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Surrounded by verdant gardens, you‘ll find Outirgger Konotta has plenty of offer for a memorable s...
Sea Breeze Beach House
Enjoying a lovely position on the South Coast of Barbados, this is the perfect place to relax with a...
MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa
MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, enjoys a wonderful position o...
Six Senses Uluwatu
Six Senses resorts never fail to impress, and that‘s certainly true of Six Senses Uluwatu where yo...
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Parklane guests can relax on the 300-metre beach or take a dip in one of the three outdoor pools. Th...
Ikos Aria
This luxurious property boasts more than 370 immaculately appointed rooms and suites offering all th...
The Chedi, Lustica Bay
The Chedi enjoys an enviable position in the town of Lustica Bay allowing wonderful views over the A...
Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi
Sirru Fen Fushi or ‘Secret Water Island’ is one of the most exclusive islands in the Maldives’...
Seven Pines Resort
Seven Pines Resort Ibiza lies on the west coast of the island and spans over 56,000 sq m. The resort...
Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Abaton Island Resort & Spa is a beautifully designed hotel benefitting from a stunning location in H...
LUX* Grand Gaube
The resort is located on a private beach in northern Mauritius, a 10-minute drive from Cape Malheure...
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Experience a stylish slice of island life at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay which enjoys a lovely position on ...
Hotel 50 Bowery
This boutique hotel is located on Bowery near Canal Street and Manhattan Bridge making it easy to ex...
Lani's Suites de Luxe
The adult-only Lani Suites is one of Lanzarote’s top hotels and offers beautiful accommodation, ex...
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
This stylish resort is right on the beachfront which stretches for over 450 metres and is convenient...
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
Enjoying expansive views of the city skyline and Arabian Gulf, the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi is i...
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Enjoy sublime views over the pristine beach and sparkling Indian Ocean from the outdoor infinity poo...
Three Corners Rihana Inn
The Rhiana Inn is an extension of the Rhiana Resort and offers a sandy Lagoon beach where you can st...
Three Corners Sunny Beach Resort
The hotel has a lovely private beach by the Red Sea where you’ll find a dive centre so you can enj...
Ayada
The island is encircled by a pristine sandy beach leading to a shallow lagoon. This is an ideal dest...
Santorini Secret Suites & Spa
This beautiful hotel offers suites designed in the traditional Cycladic island style, adding a conte...
Domaine des Andéols, Provence
The Domaine is a small collection of uniquely themed small stone villas which have been renovated to...
Hotel Casa Fuster, Barcelona
Casa Fuster is a luxurious 5-star property built in 1908, designed by the famous Catalan architect L...
Bagues Hotel, Barcelona
One of the huge advantages of this delightful hotel is the location – right on Las Ramblas in the ...
El Avenida Palace, Barcelona
This hotel stands between two of Barcelona’s most symbolic and famous streets – the Passeig de G...
Hotel Arts Barcelona
Overlooking miles of pristine beaches and the grand panorama of Port Olympic, Hotel Arts encompasses...
Hotel Colon Guanahani
Situated in the centre of Playa de Fanabe, Costa Adeje, you’re very well placed here to easily rea...
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
Whether you prefer a pool or the beach, Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is a great choice for you. There ar...
Sheraton New York Times Square
This is a superb 4-star hotel in the heart of Manhattan with the 7th Avenue subway station just 50 y...
Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel
The hotel has two outdoor pools, tennis courts, a beach volleyball court and a luxury spa which has ...
Pure Salt Port Adriano
You’ll enjoy an air of peace and calm at Pure Salt Port Adriano; it enjoys a lovely location, sepa...
Gran Melia de Mar
The hotel has two beautiful outdoor pools. You will particularly love the Sky Pool which overlooks t...
Melia Cala d'Or Boutique Hotel
The area surrounding the hotel is rich with local flora and fauna and there are idyllic coves just w...
Hotel Cala Sant Vicenc
The hotel is located approximately 6km from Puerto Pollensa and close to the village of Cala San Vic...
Be Live Collection Palace de Muro
Be Live Collection Palace de Muro has direct access to Playa de Muro beach and Alcudia is a short r...
Castillo Hotel Son Vida
Castillo Hotel Son Vida has two outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, two bars, a health club, ...
Can Alomar Boutique Hotel
Housed in a protected and listed building, Boutique Hotel Can Alomar has grand facades and an expert...
Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thallaso
You can choose to relax on the nearby Meloneras beach or enjoy one of the six swimming pools at the ...
Lopesan Baobab Resort
When you arrive at Lopesan Baobab, you’ll pass through the exotic reception area to huge tropical ...
Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa
There are two pools for adults – one with an infinity edge which has the most amazing views across...
Cordial Mogán Playa
The hotel has two stunning swimming pools which are heated in the winter months. Relax and enjoy the...
Bohemia Suites & Spa
Surrounded by the landscaped lush tropical gardens and palm trees is the main pool which has three w...
Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort
The beach is within easy walking distance of the hotel and is a lovely place to spend the day or get...
Elba Palace Golf & Vital Hotel
This is an ideal resort for golf lovers as it’s set within the 18-hole, par 72 Fuerteventura Golf ...
H10 Rubicon Palace
You’ll find the perfect place to relax at H10 Rubicon Palace with the new Chill-Out terrace which ...
Meliá Salinas
Of course, you can spend your time on holiday relaxing your days away on the beautiful beaches, but ...
H10 Timanfaya Palace
There’s a full programme of activities organised for guests at the H10 Timanfaya Palace including ...
Trident Hotel
The hotel has a beautiful private beach where you can swim, sunbath and relax in perfect peace. The ...
The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa
Turtle Bay is a fantastic location where you can enjoy the beach or take to the water and scuba dive...
Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa
The nearby beach offers gentle waters that are ideal for watersports such as waterskiing, windsurfin...
Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa
The hotel is set amongst 25 acres of lush tropical gardens and next to a beach stretching more than ...
Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
The fabulous beach is a great place to relax your days away or try your hand at one of the waterspor...
Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
If you are dreaming of an outstanding luxury holiday for your family, look no further than the Parad...
Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
The hotel is situated on an expansive sandy beach which fringes one of the most beautiful lagoons on...
Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
Guests will love the cascading swimming pools and ponds set in the heart of the 17 tropical acres of...
Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa
There’s so much to choose from at Shandrani. There are three white-sand beaches and a great select...
Atmosphere Kanifushi
 Situated in the sparsely populated Lhaviyani Atoll in the beautiful tropical archipelago of Maldiv...
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Let your body and soul relax at the luxurious Tamara Spa. The glass floor gives you a fascinating gl...
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Just one minute away on its own private island, you will find the Island Spa with seven over-water t...
Huvafen Fushi
This is the perfect place to discover the underwater world of fish and coral landscape with superb d...
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa
Heritage Le Telfair provides golfers with access to one of the best golf courses in the Indian Ocean...
Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel
Steigenberger ALDAU has a lovely private beach, two large swimming pools and a lazy river. There’s...
Asimina Suites Hotel
The Asimina Suites has a beautiful sandy beach, two outdoor swimming pool, heated indoor pool, flood...
Columbia Beach Resort
LocationSituated along the pristine 2km stretch of Blue Flag-beach, Pissouri Bay, the renowned Colum...
Cleopatra Luxury Resort
The Cleopatra Luxury Resort is just a short distance from local cafes, restaurants and shops plus th...
Sultan Gardens Resort
The resort boasts 220 metres of private sandy beach atop the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reef, with sp...
Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel and Spa
Stella Di Mare Hotel and Spa has excellent leisure activities, superb restaurants and top-class gues...
Hotel Las Madrigueras Golf Resort & Spa
You’ll find the resorts of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas are just a short taxi ride away, ...
Baron Palms Hotel
Baron Palms Hotel is a superb five-star boutique-style hotel set in spectacular lush tropical garden...
Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Baron Resort is a superb five-star hotel and features 600m of private white sandy beach opposite the...
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