At the company’s head office in Bolton we have a team of over 200 people dedicated to supporting our individual Travel Counsellor’s, ensuring they have everything they need to provide the very best travel service possible for their customers. As part of the vast range of accommodation, flights, car rental choices and everything else in between we make available for our agents, we also have our own Tour Operation, Suitcase, which means we can have direct relationships with a host of lovely, luxury hotels across the globe.

A host of travel suppliers exhibiting at the Travel Counsellors' Annual Conference (pictured above)

As Travel Counsellors’ Product Manager my job is to ensure the quality of the properties we have in our Suitcase portfolio meet our high standards, so they have to care for our customers as much as we do. This means I have to do a lot of travelling at times – it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it!

Towards the end of last year I spent some time in Barbados to visit a collection of five hotels on the island owned by Elegant Hotels, each with its own unique style and
each offering a range of luxury options for family, romance, activity and culinary experiences.

I stayed at the Tamarind (pictured above), which perfectly blends traditional Caribbean flavour with contemporary style. A day here begins with complimentary breakfast each morning, and then perhaps you might like to take a dip in one of the three on-site pools, indulge with a massage at the spa or try your hand at a variety of complimentary water sports. By the way, there’s a great Roti Den across the road from the Tamarind. Don’t miss out and treat yourself to a Chicken Roti for lunch!

Whilst this all sounds quite idyllic, I was in Barbados to work (I promise) and spent time visiting the other hotels in the Elegant Hotels’ portfolio. First on my schedule was a timeless retreat restored from a former Colonial Club, the Colony Club. With hotel shops and two on-site restaurants and bars, you’ll never have to leave the hotel, although it’s just two minutes to Holetown where there are more beachfront eateries and lively jazz bars to delve into.

The House (pictured above), an adults-only resort on the world-renowned platinum West coast of Barbados, was next on my list. Like its namesake, The House is expertly designed to make guests feel like they are staying in a luxurious home from home amidst beautiful boutique surroundings, and features the acclaimed Daphne’s restaurant, ranked among the top 10 Most Popular Restaurants by the Best of Barbados Zagat Guide. For a premium all-inclusive experience the Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach resorts offer great value for families and couples alike too.

Away from the hotels I recommend any first-time visitor to Barbados takes the time to experience an island safari. This is a great way to explore, and the drivers are great fun and make it a truly memorable experience. And if you are lucky enough to find yourself in Barbados, ensure you leave a Friday night free for Oistins famous Fish Fry. I didn’t have chance to go this time, but perhaps that offers the perfect excuse to go back soon! I look forward to telling you all about it when I do.