There are moments in every journey that stand out as truly special. For our team at Once in a Lifetime Holidays, being named the UK's Small Luxury Business of the Year 2024 is one such moment. This recognition celebrates not just our success, but the trust our clients and partners place in us to create their most precious holiday memories.
Every great journey has a beginning. For us, it started in 2019 when I envisioned a different kind of luxury travel agency. After 35 years in the industry, I understood that truly exceptional travel experiences come from combining deep expertise with genuine personal care.
I wanted to create more than just another travel agency. I dreamed of building a company where every client feels like family, and every holiday truly lives up to the 'once in a lifetime' promise.
What makes our approach unique is the deep understanding that luxury means different things to different people. For some, it's a private island in the Maldives; for others, it's finding the perfect family-friendly resort with those extra special touches that make all the difference.
Our "Follow in our Footsteps" initiative embodies this personal approach. Instead of generic recommendations, we connect our clients directly with team members who have first-hand experience of their chosen destination. It's like having a trusted friend who just happens to be a travel expert.
I've seen this approach make real differences in our clients' experiences. When a family's New York Christmas plans were threatened by sudden regulation changes, my colleague Kim's intimate knowledge of the city meant she could secure the required last-minute appointments while other travellers struggled. It wasn't just about solving a problem – it was about protecting precious family memories.
Little did I know that within months of launching, the travel industry would face its greatest challenge. Yet it was during this period that our approach proved its true worth. While others retreated, we drew closer to our clients, supporting them through complex travel restrictions and helping them plan for brighter days ahead.
I'm incredibly proud of the team we've built. Each of our Creative Travel Directors brings their own unique expertise that enables us to craft truly extraordinary experiences. Kim's mastery of Disney experiences creates magical moments for families, while her expertise extends to Dubai, New York and beyond. Libby's passion for adventure and skill in crafting unforgettable cruise experiences opens up new horizons for thrill-seeking travellers, and Rachel's background in airport operations and genuine love for being part of people's journeys adds another layer of expertise to our comprehensive service. One of our newest team members, Mark, brings a unique perspective - he first experienced our service as a client. His extensive skiing expertise and hospitality background, combined with his first-hand understanding of our perfect client experience, makes him an invaluable addition to our team.
Together, we bring over 130 years of combined experience to every holiday we plan. But more than expertise, we bring heart. Each of us approaches every booking as if we were planning our own dream holiday.
While this award is a wonderful recognition of our journey so far, I'm most excited about what lies ahead. The future of luxury travel is changing, with increased focus on sustainable experiences and meaningful connections. Our award-winning "Go Green this Summer" campaign was just the beginning of our commitment to responsible luxury travel.
Through our four specialised divisions – Holidays, Cruises, Adventures, and Experiences – we're continuously exploring new ways to create those unforgettable moments our clients seek. Whether it's finding undiscovered luxury retreats or crafting unique adventure experiences, we're always pushing boundaries while maintaining our signature personal touch.
For me, our success isn't measured in awards but in the moments we create for our clients. As we celebrate this achievement, I'm already looking forward to creating more extraordinary experiences. Whether you're dreaming of a luxury cruise with a new perspective, an adventure that pushes boundaries, or a family holiday that creates lifelong memories, my team and I are here to make it happen.
Ready to start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime experience? We would love to hear from you.
