Shelley Brice Travel

Exciting news today with the announcement of the re-opening of NZ to Australians starting 13 April 2022.
Whether you're looking for an epicurean experience or a family adventure to middle earth, a honeymoon escape, or a golfing getaway, I've got contacts in all corners of the land of the long white cloud who'll turn your getaway into the trip of a lifetime.

It truly is one of the most amazing culturally diverse countries I've ever had the pleasure of exploring.

What's your favourite NZ destination or experience?

Mine has to be the Adventure Capital of the World - Queenstown!

This is where you will find the stunning Relais & Chateaux property at Blanket Bay. Just a 45-minute drive from Queenstown it's the perfect place to explore the breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

Doesn't it look amazing?

📷 Relais & Chateaux

The Russian and Ukraine crisis has impacted us all in different ways and it’s so hard at times to grasp that we are witnessing this in our lifetime.
What’s been so amazing to see is the heartfelt offers of assistance that many of my connections have been working and contributing to in the background. People-to-people connections and global community support are what matter most right now.
The biggest question has been how to ensure that your donations reach the right people and make the biggest impact where needed most, given that no banks currently work in Ukraine now.
Through my connections with my friend Sebastian Tirtirau and his humanitarian work with The Pilgrim Movement, I thought it was time to share what he is up to on the ground.
Right now, he is extracting refugees at the Romanian border, ensuring they have good accommodation, food, and medical aid. They will then provide transport for these people to Western Europe and Canada.
Just last night they hosted a beautiful family. From Kharkiv. A city of 1.8 million, reduced to rubble. They spent 2 days in a subway, 2 days in the basement of a kindergarten, and then they managed to escape. They had an overnight rest at a friend's house and the following day they headed West. There are so many still out there in the freezing cold.
Sebastian, his brother Christian, and all of their team are truly changing the trajectory of many family’s lives through their relentless efforts.
So, here is my invitation to you - if you are feeling called to make a difference and require surety that your funds will land in the right hands to make an impact then please jump onto this link and pledge your contribution.

https://lnkd.in/gkABGx3y

I can assure you the human connection will extend further than your monetary contribution.

WELCOME BACK WA!! 🎉🥂
Over the last 2 years while our WA borders have been closed my business has been gently ticking over in the background. Luckily for my Western Australian clients we have had the beautiful South West, Central Coast and Kimberley to take some wonderful adventures to. And, I must not forget the beautiful teams at Ritz Carlton and Como who have been wonderful in accomodating some special "stay-cations" too.
Thank you to all of my wonderful industry partners for making sure my clients have felt super spoilt!

What's bought the most joy for me over the last few weeks is reconnecting with clients and helping them with securing plans for Fiji, Antarctica, Maldives, and Europe for 2022 and beyond. The travel bug has well and truly bitten!

If you are an existing client in my business or are looking for a new advisor to navigate this new period of travel, I invite you to a reconnection/ discovery call. Let's talk about your travel plans and needs and make sure we are the right fit to work together.

You'll find my updated availability on the link below.

https://calendly.com/shelleybricetravel/15min

I look forward to re-opening doors and connections for you in the wonderful world of travel!

SB x

Are you looking for some travel inspiration to read over the weekend?

The H2O Issue – A Place in The Sun is the March/April edition of Virtuoso life and it has just dropped in.

In this issue of Virtuoso Life Australia/New Zealand there is a focus on a mix of travel opportunities that might be realistic now, as well as farther-flung inspiration for future travel dreams. Feature stories highlight Vietnam’s royal secret and timeless images that capture the soul of a classic Mediterranean escape. Plus, every issue includes cruise and hotel news, insider tips from travel industry experts, the latest development in sustainable tourism, and more.

If you would like a copy please drop me a PM or email [email protected] and I will send an e-copy straight to your inbox.

Where is the first place you would travel to once our borders are opened and we are permitted to travel?

My choice would be to Tuscany Italy for a 7-night stay at Villa Fontelunga with gorgeous hosts Paolo and Philip.

With spectacular views across the countryside towards the hilltop town of Cortona (think "Under the Tuscan Sun" fame), the Villa is set within an estate of 200 olive trees.
I would time it perfectly to make sure I was there for the private 3-course dinner party they host for their guests.
The "home away from home" hospitality, good food, wine, and the genuine heart-felt connection is the ultimate drawcard to put a stay here at the top of my list.

Can you also imagine how much fun my girls would have for a week with their gorgeous dogs?

So let's share where is top of your list and why?

📷 Villa Fontelunga

Happy Friday!

Today's inspiration is something that is on my own bucket list. I loved watching Gorillas in the Mist as a young girl and I will fulfill on my dream to go and see these majestic creatures in the wild.

NATURAL HABITAT SAFARIS- ULTIMATE GORILLA SAFARI

Natural Habitat's immersive photo adventures are specifically designed for serious nature photographers! Maximise every possible photo opportunity with more time in the field, ample room for gear, daily workshops, editing sessions, and portfolio review by our professional photographer guides.

Uganda and Rwanda are among the most beautiful countries in Africa. They've designed the itinerary to include exceptionally scenic drives between safari locations, offering a chance to photograph the countryside and small communities along rural roads. And, crucially important, driving allows for maximum photography equipment allowances, which may be restricted on small planes with tight weight limits. Because they do a point-to-point trip from Entebbe to Kigali, there is no backtracking, unlike most other gorilla safari itineraries—which means more diversity for you to see and photograph
-route! And finally, expert photography Expedition Leaders are by your side with personalised tips and instruction, from shot composition to follow-up editing—for photographers of all ability levels!

Trip Highlights

🦍 Four different gorilla-tracking expeditions—two each in Uganda and Rwanda—maximize your time with the last of the world's endangered mountain gorillas

🦍 Look for golden monkeys and complete the primate experience in Kibale National Park with a chance to photograph wild chimpanzees and colobus monkeys

🦍While primates are our focus, a visit Queen Elizabeth National Park where African plains game and predators abound on the Rift Valley savannas

Who else has seeing this experience on their bucketlist?

Today's inspiration is for all wildlife lovers.

NATURAL HABITAT ADVENTURES have an incredible SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION
12 DAYS / APRIL 2022 - LIMITED TO ONLY 7 TRAVELLERS.

Track and photograph the world's most elusive big cats in their native Himalayan habitat, on this small-group winter expedition to the remote alpine heights of far-north India.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Best Chance to Photograph Snow Leopards

• With top trackers and guides, pursue photos of snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife such as bharal, urial, ibex, and Himalayan wolves

Seven Nights in the Snow Leopard's Realm
• On this in-depth photography immersion, stay at a private mountain lodge in snow leopard territory, with en-suite facilities for our group alone
Explore Local Himalayan Culture

• Ladakh's austere mountain landscape is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture: photograph villages, monasteries, and passes adorned with prayer flags

For pricing and availability contact me at [email protected]

For those dealing with itchy feet, this week is all about inspiration for the future and exploring foreign shores.

TAHITI TO FIJI: REEFS, LAGOONS & VOLCANIC ISLANDS with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

The archipelagos of the South Pacific have defined our notion of ‘island paradise’ since Robert Louis Stevenson told his tales and Paul Gauguin captured Polynesia in paint.

Sailing from Tahiti’s lush volcanic crags to the sparkling white shores of Fiji, this BRAND-NEW itinerary will offer guests a discovery of fascinating geology and a stunning wealth of bird species and marine life. They will dive or snorkel among underwater canyons and tunnels formed from lava. They will meet island communities, relax on secluded beaches, and explore far-flung reef systems via Zodiac, sea kayak and stand-up paddleboard.

Other highlights include visiting the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia & witnessing
a dramatic fire walking ceremony in Fiji.

A 14-day experience, this itinerary has three departure dates to choose from – April & September 2022 and March 2023; all utilising the National Geographic Orion (102 passengers) as the base to uncover the true South Pacific.

And with so many incredible photographic opportunities available; you will have access to our Lindblad-National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor AND National Geographic
Photographer on all departures.

This is a perfect opportunity for someone looking to explore this remote region with all the comforts of a beautiful expedition vessel.

📷 Lindblad expeditions

Contact [email protected] for details of dates and pricing.

Leave the entertaining to someone else this Festive Season...

Enjoy a stress-free Christmas sailing the Whitsunday Islands aboard Golden Horizon - the World's largest rigged sailing vessel. All you need to do is relax, unwind and enjoy the adventure.

22 December 2021 - 6 January 2022.

Starting in Cairns, set sail south along Australia’s iconic East Coast to spend Christmas exploring the sunny Whitsunday Islands – ribbons of white sand, tall palms, and brilliant blue waters.

Discover Brisbane’s paddle steamers, botanic gardens, and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art before an unforgettable New Year’s Eve watching the fireworks off Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.

Enjoy New Year’s Day at sea before taking passage to the waters off Coffs Harbour Marina where you might be lucky enough to spot whales in Solitary Islands Marine Park, before ending your adventure in vibrant Sydney.

• 15-night tall ship cruise aboard the NEW Golden Horizon from Cairns to Sydney
• All shipboard main meals
• A selection of beers and wines with lunch and dinner onboard
• Use of onboard water sports equipment including water skis, pico sailboats, kayaks, knee & wakeboards, windsurfing, stand up paddleboards, snorkel gear, a floating island, and trampoline plus noodles for swimming
• Onboard resident destination expert speakers plus cultural performances reflecting the region visited

Enquire now for cabin availability and costings at [email protected].

Considering what to do for your travels in December 2021 and January 2022 and struggling to find anything available?

Tasmania is calling you....

Coastal Wilderness Expeditions by Small Cruise ship with Coral Expeditions.
Experience Wilderness, Wildlife and Convict History as a perfect option for the True Explorer.

Enjoy excursions or activities each day, guided by expert Expedition Leaders and lecturers provide commentary on culture, history, and the region’s unique geology, plants and wildlife to help you connect with these special places.
Taste Tasmania’s remarkable fresh produce, cool-climate wines, and artisanal spirits throughout your expedition and at special wine-tastings and events.

Dates as follows:

26 December 2020 - 6 nights Sydney to Hobart
(following the race)
1 January 2021 - 16 Nights Circumnavigation of Tasmania
27 January 2021 - 10 nights Coastal Wilds of Tasmania

** Cabin availability is limited please contact me for further information via DM or at [email protected]**

Happy Monday!

Needing some inspiration if you are in lockdown in Perth?

An electronic copy of Virtuoso life is perfectly timed to drop in this week.

Please drop me an email at [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy to keep dreaming of travel.

FEELING A LITTLE HO HUM ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL OPTIONS FOR 2021?

Why not spoil yourself and your loved one with an indulgent
5-night escape between Como The Treasury and Cape Lodge.

Experience the vibrant cultural heart of Perth with a two-night stay at COMO The Treasury. Following this urban adventure, embark on a three-night coastal exploration of the pristine white sands, serene forests, and endless culinary delights of the South West region.

COMO THE TREASURY
- 2 nights in a Heritage Room
- Breakfast at Post
- Drinks on arrival
- In-room refreshments, movies, and Wi-Fi
- Virtuoso amenities – inclusive
- Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
- Early check-in, subject to availability
- Late check-out, subject to availability
- USD $100 equivalent hotel credit per reservation
- COMO Shambhala gift set
- One-way airport transfer

CAPE LODGE
- 3 nights in a Garden View Deluxe Room
- Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
- In-room refreshments
- Daily country-style breakfast
- Vineyard estate tour and wine tasting
- Sunset picnic hamper with a bottle of sparkling wine
- $100 restaurant voucher in the Cape Lodge Restaurant
- $25 Fraser Gallop cellar door voucher

DISCOVER THE BEST OF WA
Book before 30 November 2021 for stays until 17 December 2021.
Five-night stay from $3,610 for two guests. Rates subject to
availability and conditions apply.

Please reach out via DM or email [email protected] to check your preferred date availability.

Happy Saturday!

I have always loved planning family holidays and in particular multi-generational adventures. Having the opportunity to plan our family one, in secret with my mum is definitely a memory I will cherish forever. Keeping it a secret for 10 months, with secret nudges, giggles and hints was all part of the fun!

12 months ago today we were about to embark on that "secret" family cruise for my Dad's surprise 70th birthday. Wow, so much has transpired in that last 12 months - who would have ever thought we would be where we are today?

The memories that are about to pop up for all of us will be so much more precious, knowing that there is no timeline for when we can explore shores afar again. We are all so very, very grateful!

So, today I feel inspired to ask you to share some of your favourite photos and memories that you've created with your families and friends. In the hope that it too inspires you to reflect on the great adventures you've had.

Hold tight onto the hope that it won't be too long before we are finally off again ✈️

Super excited to be diving deep into a virtual roadshow with the Wonderful World of Belmond for the next 2 days!

While we can't travel internationally right now, it's so important for me to maintain my global connections, especially as Western Australia's only Belmond Bellini travel advisor.

I will be connecting with the GM's and sales teams to talk about what's trending in the world of luxury travel and plans for the future.

If you haven't heard of Belmond I invite you to take a look at their 46 iconic hotels, trains, safaris and cruises.

https://www.belmond.com/

Belmond | Luxury Hotels, Trains, River Cruises and Safaris Visit the Belmond website to find a luxury hotel or resort, timeless train or river cruise journey, or adventurous safari. Wherever you go, we promise memories to last a lifetime.

Shelley Brice Travel updated their website address.

Who thinks this deserves a Friday champers !! 🍾🥂

2 weeks to go - but fingers crossed we can have some loved ones
re-connected, some grand children cuddled for the first time, some FIFO families back together and some business flowing in...

Whooo Hooo !!

This weekend I was fortunate to stay at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton, Perth.
As we recently welcomed this beautiful property to the exclusive Virtuoso Hotel portfolio, it was only fitting to make sure that I'm recommending hotels with a personal tick of approval ✔

The service was incredible, the rooms are luxurious and spacious and the food was fresh and delicious with a distinct local twist.
The hotel offers everything we seek in a 5 star hotel experience.

Shelley Brice Travel clients can now enjoy a host of complimentary amenities in the Ritz's standard rate when they book their stay with us!

Amenities include:
🌟Daily breakfast for two guests
🌟Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
🌟Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
🌟Complimentary Wi-Fi
and the best inclusion..
🌟$140AU room credit to be used on in-hotel dining or spa experiences.

Want to know more about this hotel or what other Australian Hotels are in our Virtuoso portfolio? DM us or email [email protected] - we'd love to help with your staycation and spoil you too!

Are you looking for a completely remote and authentic holiday experience?

If you love off the beaten track adventures then put this Western Australian island on your list !

Dirk Hartog Island sits 750kms north west of Perth, in the Shark Bay World Heritage area. It is accessible via 4WD and barge from Steep Point or Denham.

The island has a unique place within Australia's history, as the site of the first recorded European landing on Australian soil, in 1616 by the island's namesake Dutch captain Dirk Hartog. This landing was more than 150 years before Captain James Cook officially discovered Australia.

Renowned for its remoteness, natural beauty, spectacular landscapes, snorkelling and fishing Dirk Hartog Island is an ‘ark’ for endangered wildlife and a great place for an island adventure.

Don't own a 4WD to get there, no problem!
Let me create a package for you and some friends on a charter flight from Perth with 3 nights accommodation at the island's
eco-lodge.

Contact me at [email protected] for more details.

This week we are starting to explore some of the wonderful destinations that are available in our own backyard, that perhaps you might not have heard about.
While I acknowledge that we can't travel to some of these places right now, I believe we still need inspiration for the future.

Today we are heading up to the Northern Territory to a fabulous little hidden treasure, 45 mins by private plane out of Darwin.

"Where Luxury meets adventure " in a perfect wilderness lodge on the Cobourg Peninsula.

It's a special place to celebrate a milestone birthday or occasion in 2021 and the best news is there is a stay 4, pay 3 offer for selected 2021 dates.

Please contact me at [email protected] for further details.

Seven Spirit Bay 90 sec This is "Seven Spirit Bay 90 sec" by Outback Spirit on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Thank-you Vogue Living for this feature.

I have to say I love staying in a hotel with a luxurious bathroom. 🛀
There's something about a soak in a big bath, then getting wrapped up in fluffy towels.

Who's with me ? 🙋🏻‍♀️

I'd love to hear about your pick for luxury hotel bathrooms !

https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/design/14-luxury-hotel-bathrooms-to-inspire-your-own/image-gallery/1f0d51bb9c2cb8f59761feeb93a6fdab

14 luxury hotel bathrooms to inspire your own Soak up these inspirational and utterly ornate hotel bathrooms.

What’s my story and what makes me tick ?

I began working in travel in my early 20’s.
Prior to completing my business degree, I was fortunate to have returned from a big overseas adventure, so the spark and love of travel was always there flickering away.🔥

I realised early on that I wanted to use my skill-set towards something that I was really passionate about and that I could share my knowledge and experience in, plus grow at the same time.

I’ve had some inspirational mentors along the way and been extremely fortunate to have had a fabulous career, now spanning over two decades.
I’ve cultivated a solid client list who entrust me with their plans – there’s a sentimental aspect in my approach and I love being part of creating their memories.

I’m an avid traveller and have had the most incredible travel opportunities – 45 countries and so many more on the list to go…
I love food and wine, my favourite travel memory was seeing the Treasury at Petra for the first time and an expedition to Antarctica is high on my bucket list. 🐧

Aside from my love of travel and running my business my most important role is being mum to my two beautiful daughters.
Yes they are twins and yes they are identical. 👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏻

I’m of the opinion that one of the best gifts I can give my girls is the gift of travel.
I believe when you are travelling you are out of your comfort zone, it gives you confidence, it helps you grow, it teaches you compassion, it teaches you patience and most importantly it helps you be grateful.

Lucky for me, they too are falling in love with the allure of our world but realise that plans for overseas adventures are simply on pause… for now.

What do you believe travel has taught you ? 🌏

Today let's talk about my logo !

Designing a logo for a business is not an easy task – especially when you think about what the logo means, what is stands for and what’s the purpose of it.

When I think about iconic brands and their logos - they symbolise a person, business, product or service.

So in designing my logo, rather than it just reflect one of those elements, I wanted it to be a reflection of them all – those who know me well, know that I don’t do things by small measures, I’m an all in type of person 😊

So with that in mind, the Shelley Brice Travel logo has been created to be a representation of :

✨ BEAUTY
✨ NURTURE
✨ PROGRESS
✨ WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Let me share my thoughts with you :

Our world is an amazing place and the products and experiences that I use to create my clients’ journeys are simply beautiful. My logo is a representation of that beauty.

An integral part of long term business success is how much you nurture your client and industry partner relationships – irrespective of industry, but more so in travel.

I’ve spent the last 18 months making amazing connections and opening doorways for my clients through personal connections, both on home soil and around the globe.
I believe this is the future of travel, less transactional and more relationship based.

I'm a travel designer who takes a personable and authentic approach to service – nurture was the perfect word to encapsulate who I am and what I do.

I’m also an avid learner and always looking for new and exciting destinations, products, experiences and introductions.
Being progressive and innovative in my approach with my clients is so important.

And finally I live in Western Australia and was born and bred here. So, it was unquestionable for me to acknowledge and pay homage to my upbringing with an elegant black swan.

I'd love to know what you think of the backstory about my logo design !

Welcome to Shelley Brice Travel !

You might find yourself pondering why I would be doing this now, but in line with the wise words of Winston Churchill : “ You never let a good crisis go to waste “ …..

Truth be known – Shelley Brice Travel has actually existed in the background since May 2019.

The "gift of time" during this period has afforded me the space, the energy and the creativity to bring Shelley Brice Travel to life and out into the public eye.
This decision, yes is gutsy and it truly means something personal to me on three levels .

💥 It has me give my word to myself - I am determined to be a business survivor of COVID-19.
💥 It communicates to the travel industry, to all of my valued trade partners and fabulous travel colleagues that I am going to be here post COVID-19, to walk beside them in the rebuild of our industry.
💥 But most importantly, it creates certainty in the minds of my valued and very loyal clients. I am here to stay and I'm not going anywhere. I will be here for you when the world is safe and you are ready to travel again.

So despite the current global circumstances, finding the silver lining and the opportunity in the crisis has been a complete blessing for me !

I look forward to having you join me on the journey - let's create the future of travel together. 💗

Shelley Brice Travel updated their phone number.

It's now easier to email Shelley Brice Travel