Mr and Mrs D. Kerfoot, N. Yorkshire
"Emma - Wow what a trip! Excellent from the moment we were picked up at home to returning today. The staff were phenomenal and the train (Belmond, Royal Scotsman) and scenery left us speechless. Thank you so much for organising a trip in a lifetime!"
Mr and Mrs P Smith, Chester
"Just wanted to say how pleased my wife and I are with the process of finding and booking our 20th Wedding Anniversary holiday. We had been on line for weeks trying to find where to go, reading a million conflicting reviews and recommendations and just ended up going in circles and tearing our hair out. We then tried some high street “specialists” and to be honest were utterly unimpressed as they did little more than use the internet themselves, they hadn’t been to where they were recommending and it gave us no re-assurance whatsoever about booking anything. We now only had a few weeks to find something, at the last minute for May half term, just a one week window.
On our first call with Emma, her obvious knowledge and actual experience of places meant we immediately had confidence in what was being discussed. Within only 10-15 minutes Emma had established our objectives and also the things we didn’t want, discussed the probable regional options (some that we had come to ourselves) but importantly clarified which were more suited and why. At this point Emma then suggested places to stay with genuine enthusiasm and excitement as she had actually stayed at them; this interest and engagement in “our holiday” was so refreshing. Within four hours of the call we received a couple of options by email, we confirmed which we wanted and then just got a link to make payment, job done. Further to that, Emma had everything arranged, from FastTrack airport passes, transport to and from the hotel and options for a myriad of excursions. The whole process was a joy, rather than a stress, which is what we had experienced prior to dealing with Emma. We are now booked and ready to go with an online app containing all documents, and a lovely travel wallet with paper copies and luggage tags for re-assurance. I can’t recommend Emma enough, nothing was too much trouble."
Mr T Hill and Family, London
"We can’t thank you enough for another fantastic holiday. Domes Lake Algarve is just wonderful. It’s perfectly laid out and designed - the pools and lake are beautiful and we spent most of the week in the heated outdoor pool!
It’s a five minute walk from the stunning 4km beach, though we only visited it once since relaxing at the resort was so easy.
The spa is amazing! We each had absolutely wonderful treatments, really special.
The buffet setup in the main restaurant is spectacular. Beautiful food, beautifully presented. We didn’t get bored of it at all and the variety was exceptional. The lake bar also does excellent lunches, and makes world class sangria!
The room we had was beyond what we expected; rather than being a two-room suite, it was actually two adjoining large doubles so we were drowning in space!
I don’t think you’ll have any problem recommending this to anyone; the kids club (which we only briefly used) was very well set up, and there’s a hedge maze for kids to find their way around, the reward being a code for free ice cream!
Additionally, the Haute Living lounge provided free food and drink during the day, which we used four or five times. Effectively, had we been bothered, we could easily have spent the week all-inclusive.
We’ll be coming back to you before very long, fear not!"
Mr and Mrs T-Smith, Oxfordshire
"Just wanted to thank you so much for making our trip to Mexico so smooth, perfectly chosen and memorable!! Everything worked so well from the moment we were met at Gatwick through to our return journey - the hotel (Chable Maroma) was perfect for what we were looking for, the staff were lovely and the beach and weather perfect!
Thank you for your communication and updates - really felt valued.
Look forward to working together on more trips in the near future!"
Marshall Family, Yorkshire
"Thank you for all your hard work in pulling together an amazing trip for Cape Town, the Timbavati Game Reserve and Mauritius for us all. We were all completely blown away by it!
We’re thinking of where to go next so will definitely be in touch!"
Hunt Family, North Wales
"Just wanted to let you know that we arrived safely yesterday. All travel arrangements went very smoothly - the lounge at Manchester Airport was an absolute God send and we found the private transfer with no problems at all. It was all absolutely fab!
Thank you so much - we’re off to Magic Kingdom today after a very early start with 3 very excited kids! Will share some photos."
Mr and Mrs McHattie, Manchester
"We were looking to go away in January 2022 but were unsure where to go with Covid etc. only making things more complicated. A friend recommended that we speak to Emma and all our problems were solved. Emma took time to talk us through all the options and then recommended Sri Lanka and I'm so glad she did. It wasn't somewhere we had previously considered and what an experience we would have missed. Not only was Sri Lanka absolutely beautiful but Emma took the time to find out what was important to us and then hand picked the perfect destinations, hotels and experiences. The attention to detail was amazing and we didn't have to do a thing. We had a private driver who liaised with each hotel to make sure all times were agreed and we had any food we needed for travel etc. We stayed in 4 different places over two weeks and it was totally stress free. Each hotel was amazing and nothing was ever too much trouble. Our guides and drivers were excellent with more local knowledge than you could ever need. It was also totally flexible so if you wanted to chop and change or skip things, no problem. I can't thank Emma enough; it was the experience of a lifetime. I wouldn't even consider travelling without Emma arranging it again - she is the best."
Mr and Mrs Lamb, Midlands
"Emma organised a great 13 day stay in Dubai for us, a place we have transited a number of times but never stayed to explore.
On recommendation from family and friends we decided to use Emma to plan our itinerary from entry to exit; flights, transfers, hotel and sightseeing.
I’m not sure what our expectation of the place (or indeed Emma’s business) were but I can say with all honesty both experiences exceeded.
Emma offers a personal, professional and knowledgeable approach to the destination. All worked very well and we will most definitely use Emma’s planning and execution again for future trips"
DiPersia Family, London
"We are so happy we found Emma! Having worked with some of the leading names in travel, our family was looking for a more personal, boutique experience with the ability to build a profile together to make future planning of trips much easier. Emma is professional and very knowledgeable but also friendly and easy to work with - she totally got what we were looking for after just one phone call and sent us on a beautiful trip to Antigua, where we fell in love with the island. Her recommendation on hotel was spot on and suited us down to the ground. Nothing was too much trouble and Emma ensured we had a brilliant trip from start to finish - even ensuring we had the best available airline seats and food in the fridge on arrival! We would highly recommend working with Emma."
Mr and Mrs Ikin, Cheshire
"Planning a trip during a pandemic is challenging and although ours sadly had to be cancelled at the last minute, we are very grateful to Emma for her outstanding service in ensuring the whole process was stress free and easy for us.
Emma looked after all of the details providing us with brilliant recommendations and advice.
We look forward to a time when we can book another holiday through her in the future.
Highly recommend."
Mr and Mrs Green, Wiltshire
"Emma's influence on our amazing honeymoon in Oman has been exceptional. Her experience, diligence and thoughtfulness ensured that the whole process was a pleasure. We wholeheartedly recommend Emma who was fully responsible for creating an adventure that has given us the most wonderful memories. Thank you, Emma!"
Mr and Mrs Lilley, Cheshire
"Many thanks Emma for executing a perfectly organised trip to the Chedi in Andermatt for Alex and I. Planes, trains, cars, massages and room organised exceptionally well which made our 48 hours away without the kids especially relaxing – which was exactly what we were after! "
Miss Waterson, Cheshire
"A BIG MASSIVE thank you from Stephen and I. We had such an amazing trip. The hotels were incredible with excellent service, Michelin star food and 5 star facilities. The travel experience was seamless with the airport meets and car hire - everything just worked with no issues. The safari was like nothing we had experienced before. We saw so many animals and our guide really made it extra special. Tree Tops won Stephen lots of gold stars for Valentines. It was such a romantic, beautiful retreat with an added extra guest of the biggest Baboon sat in a tree when I was in the outside shower! Mont Rochelle, what a place in such a beautiful town - it really was amazing. Sea Five in Camps Bay was again lovely and a great location for the wedding. We cannot fault any of the hotels on the trip and we look forward to booking our next one with you. "
Mr and Mrs Fifield, Cheshire
"My Dear Emma, we can’t thank you enough for organising such an amazing trip to Rome and Venice for my Birthday. The hotels were simply wonderful, all the transfers were fantastic and we visited all the places we wanted to!
I’m so glad we chose the Hotel in Barcelona that you recommended – if the other two are anything to go by we won’t be disappointed.
Have a very good Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Many thanks again. With love, John and Ros xx"
The Sealy Family, Cheshire
"Just wanted to drop you a line to say a huge Thank You for organising our holiday. We had a great time . The hotels were superb. The staff at both hotels were amazing. We loved Thailand for all its different aspects and being able to walk out to the fishing village of Bophut was fab. Hope to be in touch again regarding future holidays!"
Mr and Mrs Lewin, Chester
"We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Emma Mackley Private Travel. Taking account of our budget and travel requirements for a week on the Amalfi coast of Italy before the main holiday season kicked in Emma recommended two beautiful hotels in Sorrento, and the one we chose, the Grand Hotel Cocumella, ticked every box, with its stunning gardens and breath-taking views of the Bay of Naples. She gave us total peace of mind, organising everything for us beautifully. Thank you Emma."
The Wolstencroft Family, Cheshire
“Thank you again for organising our fabulous adventure in Bali - your advice, organisation and planning was all so appreciated. We felt so well looked after over there and every detail worked like clockwork. The hotels and locations were perfect - we wouldn't have known where to start. It really was the best holiday ever!”
Miss Barlow, London
“I can highly recommend Emma Mackley Private Travel. We were looking for a last minute trip to South Africa including Cape Town, a once in a lifetime safari and some time on the East Coast to bathe in the Indian Ocean. Emma listened to our needs before making recommendations and presenting a wonderful itinerary. The whole trip was superb, from the stylish V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to the sensational Oyster Box Hotel on the East Coast to a safari adventure on the private game reserve before finishing up in the Drakensburg Mountains. Everything was perfectly organised and we were well looked after every step of the way.”
Private PA, Cheshire
“I have used Emma to help co-ordinate my client's travel arrangements on a number of occasions. They had an amazing time on their recent trip to South Africa where they stayed in a lovely Waterfront apartment with a super helpful local host, before going on to the Kalahari Desert on safari. They said it could not have been organised better; the safari lodge Emma recommended (Tswalu) was awesome and run by an incredibly efficient and attentive team. They were great with the kids, accommodating different meal times and special requests with ease. One of the children wanted to try crocodile so they had some flown in! Double thumbs up for an all round amazing holiday.”
The Richards Family, Chester
“As a family we have visited Dubai a number of times but have generally booked and arranged flights and hotels independently. On this occasion based on recommendation from a friend we employed the services of Emma Mackley Private Travel (EMPT). The advantages were immediately apparent; complimentary VIP meet and greet in Manchester as well as lounge access, being fast tracked from check-in to the lounge where we could relax and have a drink with the children after a few purchases in duty free!
On arrival in Dubai we were fast tracked through security and waited with a drink in the lounge while the team collected our luggage from the baggage carousel and escorted us to our private hotel shuttle. EMPT provided hotel recommendations based on our requirements, having three young children we needed a hotel where we could relax in luxury surrounding but had activities for our children. The hotel (the Sofitel on the Palm) was perfectly suited with a large choice of excellent restaurants along with several pools, children's activities, a kids club and a beautiful beach.
For those looking for a luxury hassle free holiday without endless internet searching for the perfect match to your requirements I'm sure you would find EMPT a brilliant choice as we did.”
Mr & Mrs Mead, Essex
"We wanted our first abroad holiday as a family of four to be a well-deserved break in a hotel that was child friendly with fantastic facilities and local cuisine. Emma listened to the brief, budget and hand selected two options for us. We discussed also the flight time (no more than 4.5 hours) and how as parents we also really wanted 5 star luxury and so Emma suggested The Almyra in Cyprus.
Emma was able to book us two interconnecting rooms for our two boys, arranged for baby items to be there on arrival, provide details on kids club and local attractions for us to visit. Emma also made it possible for my Mother to come too for the last 3 nights which was a real treat for us and for the children to spend some quality time with their grandmother.
We had the most wonderful week and were looked after superbly by the Almyra. We would highly recommend using Emma Mackley Private Travel again for our next family holiday and maybe even a cheeky adults trip away! Thank you Emma, you really made our holiday perfect."