Ms B

South Africa Guru

I travel all over the world with my 7-year-old daughter at my side and because of that, I have a deep understanding of the meaning ‘child-friendly’! Kid-sized bathrobes and real kid-friendly meals? Yes, please! I’m a hotel addict, a mother and a wife (to a hotelier!) which makes for a great combination when it comes to “opinions” on hotels and family destinations.

I was born and raised in Sicily, so I definitely apply an enthusiastic Italian flair to everything I do. I then lived in New York for two decades before moving to South Africa in 2008. South Africa is now my base and is where I want to be, but my suitcase is always packed and ready for the next adventure – whether that be Sicily to visit family or out into the bush to check out the latest safari camp! My love for the travel industry was sparked by my early travels to Southeast Asia in the late 90s, culminating with my first trip to South Africa and Botswana in 2003. After that, there was no turning back.
Living in South Africa allows me to be in constant contact with the hotels, camps, lodges and experiences I work with on a daily basis. I never fail to be amazed by the country I now call home: the culture, nature, wildlife, diversity of landscape, food, wine, adventurous escapes, biodiversity, incredible beaches, mild climate, plus the amazing local arts and music…I could go on and on. Driving along the West Coast at Golden Hour, hiking through the Waterberg Trails, game viewing in the Lebombo Concession and along the Nwanetsi River are all highlights of my explorations in South Africa.

While I’ve worked in the travel industry for 15 years, it is my European upbringing, combined with the time I spent living in the United States, which ensures that I offer an intrinsic understanding of European and American travelers’ needs and expectations. My extensive product knowledge and endless curiosity push me to constantly try new things, eat at new restaurants, revisit places, meet local people – all of which enhance my clients’ experiences when they visitSouth Africa. Owning my own boutique travel company allows me to use my innate ability to always think outside of the box, find solutions and create the ideal trip for my travelers. My connections to in-country specialists include sommeliers, chefs, photographers, personal shoppers, yogis, specialist wildlife guides and historians.