Jim Mallory
ORBIT INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT - NELSON
Shane Ogg
LEISURE TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT PONSONBY
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017?
Japan. Whether you’re a city person or nature lover, year-
round there is always something to do.
If Japan had a personality, what would it be like?
Traditional laced with eccentricity.
What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had?
Sunrise over Macchu Picchu. It was a magical moment
and one of those places that lived up to - and exceeded
the hype.
Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already.
If you’re not grossed out by bones, visit the catacombs in Paris. A very unique
experience that relates to the city’s growth.
What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday?
The beach in California when I was eight. It was the first time I saw the ocean.
If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant?
In a cold climate I’d install underfloor heating. It’s such a nice feeling to
walk barefoot when it’s snowing outside. Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017?
South America, particularly Brazil.
If Brazil had a personality, what would it be like?
Two words only – SENSUALLY SEDUCTIVE!
What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had?
Vietnam. From sipping Long Islands beside busy roads
to temple prayers for my eight unborn children (that I’m
supposed to have in the near future), it blew my mind.
Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already.
Rabbit Island (kunoshima) is smothered in the cute critters. A
short ride from Hiroshima Airport and then a quick ferry, just don’t
go if you have allergies!
What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday?
Taupo. It doesn’t sound flash, but nothing beats the beauty of Aotearoa.
If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant?
Something very similar to the Hotel Metropole in Venice. With spectacular
views (both in landscape and staff), it would exude magnificence.
Happy Aquarian Melanie Schonewille
TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT NELSON
LEISURE MANAGER - HOT WHANGAREI
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017?
South and Central America.
If South America had a personality, what would it
be like? Down to earth, captivating and adventurous.
What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had?
South East Asia. Washing and feeding the elephants at
Elephant Hills was incredible. We stayed in luxury tents
on a beautiful lake and kayaked while looking for gibbons.
Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already.
On some tours you can have dinner in the Vatican and the
Pope’s own chef will prepare your dinner for you.
What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday?
Travelling through the US with my Dad when I was nine. Theme parks and
jet skis on the lake!
If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant?
Free Wi-Fi and remote (mobile) controlled room functions so you can set
the air-conditioning on your way home (Next Hotel Brisbane and Aloft Hotel
in Bangkok both offer this feature). Italy.
If Italy had a personality, what would it be like?
Sexy, romantic, loud and chaotic.
What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had?
A little fishing village called Aspra, an hour out of Palermo,
Sicily. The most authentic local experience I’ve ever
had - not another tourist in sight for the entire four days.
Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already.
Venice’s corner buildings have arrows pointing to San Marco
Square, Rialto Bridge or St Lucia Station. You might go the long way but
follow the arrows and you will get there.
What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday?
My family rented a bach in Hahei. Come nightfall, us kids would head to
the estuary armed with torches and homemade spears to catch flounder.
If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant?
My perfect hotel would be on a beautiful beach, with perfect weather. I don’t
need much to be happy, but it must have enough loungers for everybody!
Kirsty Stewart Amanda Ellis
TRAVEL SPECIALIST - HOT HORNBY
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017?
Japan - vibrant food, friendly people, diversity, safe, true
cultural experiences.
If Japan had a personality, what would it be like?
Unique and captivating.
What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had?
Swimming with sharks on a remote reef off the coast
of Belize with no land in sight.
Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already.
Tip over-enthusiastically the first night of a cruise, then always
return to the same bar (and bartender) for a more personalised service.
What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday?
As a child travelling through Mexico in a green VW Kombi van with my
parents and siblings.
If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant?
Themed floors to suit all tastes: one level contemporary, one level cultural
and one level low-cost.
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017?
TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT BARRINGTON
Which destination is your top place to vi sit in 2017?
Cambodia. While cruising down the Mekong River you
get to see how the locals live in rural areas.
If Cambodia had a personality, what would it be like?
Hardworking and resilient, with a kind, friendly nature.
What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had?
Riding a camel through the Sahara Desert at sunset.
The night’s sky is so clear you can see the Milky Way.
Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already.
Prague has an award winning underground bar in the Old
Town Square, called Black Angel Bar.
What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday?
Visiting Australia Zoo - seeing Steve Irwin and chasing him to say hello!
If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant?
It would be in a tranquil location, themed to the country. Standalone rooms
with outdoor spas that overlook the view. It would be all-inclusive and have
a pool with a swim up bar.
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