I’m so fortunate to have fantastic clients who, after coming back from a trip that I planned for them, proceed to tell all of their friends and family about my services. One of those amazing cheerleaders is Jane, in San Francisco, who put her friends, Helen and Kevin, in touch with me to plan their honeymoon. Right from the start, the couple had their eye on a dream destination: South Africa. They wanted a mix of adventure and relaxation – what better destination for such a combination? I began to work back and forth with the couple on an itinerary that would incorporate everything they’d been dreaming of.
Keeping in mind the price point that Helen & Kevin felt comfortable with, I put together a stay that began with two nights in Johannesburg, since they had friends in the area and wanted to visit Mandela’s home in Soweto – an experience that I’m sure stands out as an incredible memory, especially considering Mandela’s recent passing. Even for visitors to the South Africa, Mandela manages to touch each and every person who steps foot into the country – from the stories told by locals to the sights dedicated to his honor. I can only imagine the celebrations of his life that will be taking place this week!
After this introduction to the country, Helen and Kevin moved onto Cape Town to stay in the ultra modern One&Only before enjoying a couple of nights filled with fantastic food and wine at the Cellars-Hohenort, a Relais and Chateaux property known for their culinary scene. Their trip ended with a stay at Thornybush Shumbalala Game Reserve – the only property in their itinerary that I haven’t personally visited, but have received fantastic reviews on from past guests.
After much anticipation, Helen and Kevin finally enjoyed their dream honeymoon this past August (and I’m just finding the time to sit down and right about it this week – whoops!). I was thrilled to hear from both of them immediately upon their return and had to share, albeit a bit behind, their kind words about my services and testimonials to the properties and destinations!
“We had a FANTASTIC time on our honeymoon,” Helen said in her first email to me. “Thank you so much for your thoughtful planning. Each of the hotels where we stayed were impeccable and top of the line in terms of service. I loved the One & Only hotel the most- truly a 5-star+ experience. And the Shumbalala Game Lodge was just wonderful; a private chef wins me over every time! We really had a wonderful honeymoon full of romance, some adventure and luxury!”
Later that day, Kevin added, “We really had a wonderful time on the trip! We feel like we spent just the right amount of time in Johannesburg, Capetown, Constantia & on safari, which is really because of your knowledge of South Africa and your travel guidance in crafting the trip! Each of the hotels where we stayed also knew that we were on our honeymoon (also thanks to you!) so they really made us feel welcomed and celebrated- we had champagne, chocolates and rose petals greeting us everywhere we stayed!”
My email correspondence with Helen and Kevin ended with them both excitedly sending pictures from their trip – which is my absolute favorite thing to see from happy clients! All of the photos in this post are from their adventure through South Africa.
Big thanks to Jane for referring these two, and thanks to Helen & Kevin for trusting me to put everything together. Here’s to many more adventures!
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