Expert of the month

Explain your role and how long you’ve been at CV          

I’ve been working as a Travel Expert at CV for 11 years 

What are the current trends in the type of holiday people are looking for?            

Package holidays are popular and at CV we can arrange that all for you including flights from a range of airports, car & boat hire, even a massage!

What is your favourite destination?         

If I had to pick one I would say Jamaica, it's a beautiful island bursting with culture and adventure, from the warm weather to the locally sourced cuisine, there is so much to enjoy. The locals welcome you with open arms, and have plenty of stories to tell.

There are so many miles of beautiful beaches, from the famous Seven Miles Beach, or the rocky coastline of Cosmos Beach, while I also love the landscape with the stunning Blue Mountains and mass rainforest that can provide a relaxing cool down, with lower temperatures than the beach.

Something you must try are the jerk-seasoned dishes, the famous cuisine of the island, usually served on chicken or pork, delicious!

Which is your favourite villa that you’ve stayed in within our whole portfolio and why?      

It’s hard to say as I have a favourite on each island I’ve been to!  If I’m forced to choose one I would say Villa Petra. From the time I entered the magnificent gate at Petra, I knew I was in for a treat. Classically chic interiors, an inviting large pool overlooking lush gardens and the sea right on the doorstep. Villa Petra is a feast for the senses.

When and where did you go on your last familiarisation trip?       

My last trip was to Turkey mid-November for 4 nights.  

What makes Turkey special? Why should people holiday there? 

Crystal clear waters, the ruins of ancient empires, small idyllic villages, as well as cosmopolitan cities, Turkey has much to offer.

Turkish cuisine is much more than a tasty kebab, the breakfast alone is a feast, compromising of olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, jam, honey, spicy Turkish sausage,&  sometimes up to 10 different cheeses!  

The baklava is different to what you find in the shops back home and the fresh seafood, Meze, & vegetable dishes, will have you coming back for more.

Something else to try is the hammam experience, which has become synonymous with Turkey and from personal experience I'd say it’s definitely worth booking (or book a villa with one!).

What villas did you see in Turkey? 

We have grown our Turkey programme and have some beautiful new houses to complement the ones we already have.

Caria, Alara, Deniz, Raysu & Koti are some of the new villas I visited on this trip.

What would be your top tip for someone considering a villa holiday?       

With the wide range of handpicked villas at CV there is something for everyone, whether it be a romantic hideaway, beachfront bliss or a rural hamlet, we will find your perfect home away from home.

To speak to Cherine or one of our other travel experts, please call 0207 261 5400 or start your villa search here.