Biography
Coming from a well-travelled family, Vanessa began her adventures at a young age and was always encouraged to explore overseas. After school and university she enjoyed voluntary work in both Central America and India.
Her passion for scuba diving then lead her to Southeast Asia where she qualified as a Divemaster and travelled through various countries stopping to practise her new profession whenever she could. Once back in England, she joined Audley in order to share her experiences with others and help them get as much out of their travels as she did.
In her six years at Audley, Vanessa has taken full advantage of her travel job and has broadened her travel experiences to various other places in Asia, South America and Africa.
My Most Memorable Experience
I was so excited when a helicopter arrived at the safari lodge where I was staying on my birthday in South Africa last year. I thought (hoped) that maybe Posh and Becks were coming, until everyone starting singing happy birthday to me!
I got the shock of my life, it was such a surprise, I really had no idea! Cruising over the plains, in awe of the mind-blowing scenery and watching the animals gallop around below was a sight I'll never forget, and the thrill of whizzing through the canyons was terrifying but so much fun! I thoroughly recommend this to anyone going on safari.
My Favourite Destination
Bali really stood out for me as a small destination which has so much to offer. It would really suit anybody, without having any time-consuming domestic travel. You can get right in the thick of things if you want to enjoy the fabulous shops, bars, restaurants and world class hotels, or you can get right off the beaten track and stay in tiny, very authentic guesthouse type accommodations and really feel miles away from the rest of the world.
The scenery is also really varied with some gorgeous beaches, but also inland is so lush and offers thick jungle, paddy fields, towering mountains, and smoking volcanoes. These varied landscapes also play host to plenty of activities such as cycling, hiking, mountain climbing, white water rafting, or for a more peaceful experience you can just relax on the beach or in your lovely hotel and enjoy a sundowner and a spoiling spa treatment.
My Favourite Accommodation
Kapalai is a unique resort built on stilts directly onto a reef. There is only a small sandbar at low tide otherwise you are completely 'out to sea'! Sitting on your sun deck you can often see the turtles munching on the sea grass beneath you.
The snorkelling around the resort is great and you also have the opportunity to go diving or snorkelling at the world famous dive site island of Sipadan. Being so isolated, Kapalai is the ideal place to relax and soak up the sun and sea after your action-packed holiday jungle trekking and wildlife spotting in Borneo.