Wish You Were Here: The Y Travel Team's Postcards from 2025
2025 has been an extraordinary year of travel for our team. From the awe-inspiring landscapes of Antarctica to the magical Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen, and Tangier in Morocco, from Japan’s serene art islands to the wilds of Kenya, from festive European Christmas markets to the rugged beauty of The Kimberley, together we explored all seven continents.
Some journeys were eye-opening FAM trips, deepening our destination knowledge, while others were deeply personal, lifelong dreams realised, milestones celebrated, and treasured moments shared with loved ones. These experiences remind us of the transformative power of travel, the joy of connecting deeply with the world, and why we are so privileged to do what we do.
As the year closes, we share our personal ‘Postcards from 2025’, hoping they spark your own wanderlust, inspire bold adventures, and remind you that life is short, the world is wide, and it’s made to be explored.
YVONNE
“Antarctica was, without question, my most memorable journey of the year. Sailing with friends aboard Silver Wind to my seventh continent was profoundly moving, from the vast, silent landscapes and sculptural icebergs to the extraordinary wildlife and the unmistakable sense of standing at the very edge of the world. Completing my second polar plunge, after the Arctic, into Antarctic waters was both exhilarating and humbling.
This adventure was part of a deeply special month away, beginning with two treasured weeks in Mexico with our children, where we delved into the vibrant culture of Mexico City and Oaxaca and savoured the serene beauty of the new Four Seasons Tamarindo. We also visited the extraordinary Viña Vik in Chile, where art, landscape, and wine offered a quiet, reflective magic. Even on my fifth visit to Mexico, each region revealed entirely new perspectives, a profound reminder that the same country, the same world, can endlessly inspire, transform, and move us.”
Y Factors: This journey connected us deeply with Adventure, Culture & Community, Taste, The Unexpected, and Wellbeing.
ALLAN
“Travelling through Morocco with Yvonne and close friends was unforgettable. From the stillness of the Atlas Mountains to the deep blues of Chefchaouen and the romance of Tangier, the journey felt rich and alive. Olinto Atlas Mountain Retreat was a standout, a serene hideaway shaped by olive groves and ancient rock. Hiking through the Atlas Mountains, a home cooked Berber lunch, fragrant tagines, rooftop dinners in Tangier, and desert dune buggies through the Agafay brought us closer to the soul of the country. Nights under the stars at Inara Camp and wandering Chefchaouen’s blue laneways made the experience truly unique and colourful.
Morocco revealed itself through its people, its colours, and its quiet, grounding moments - made even more meaningful shared with Yvonne and close friends.”
Y Factors: This journey connected us deeply with Adventure, Artistry, Culture & Community, Taste, The Unexpected and Wellbeing.
SALLY
“I love spending time with my boys, and we all love an adventure! We headed to Queenstown for ten action-packed days. We cruised around Milford Sound in pouring rain, which looked like a scene from "Lord of the Rings." Bungy-jumping from the highest suspended platform at 135 metres was exhilarating. We also went e-biking around Lake Dunstan, hiked Roy’s Peak Track in Wanaka, and played golf with stunning views over Lake Wanaka. It was busy, it was fun, and a truly memorable holiday with my favourite travel companions.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of Adventure, Nature & Sustainability, and The Unexpected.
DANA
“I was so fortunate to have won a prize through Leading Hotels of the World for seven nights in Italy, and decided to take one of my oldest and closest girlfriends with me. It was an incredibly special trip being able to share it with one of my best friends, as it was something we've not been able to do together (kid-free) for years! We started in stunning Lake Como, staying at Il Sereno, then headed to fashionable Milan where we stayed at Portrait Milano, and finally to the Grand Hotel Miramare in the picturesque coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure. I'd injured my back just before heading away, so I was forced to move at a slower pace. As uncomfortable as it was, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as though the Universe was forcing me to slow down, and really soak in each destination, watching the world go by, and almost feeling like a local! It was such a lovely change from my usual fast pace of travel.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of slowing down and connecting with Culture & Community, Generosity, and Taste.
BILL
In October, I celebrated a milestone birthday and wanted to do it in style. We started with a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise to Mallorca and Menorca, and every detail – the ‘Ilma’, the food, the service, and the intimate atmosphere – was flawless. From there, we headed to Paros, Greece for my birthday celebrations. I loved this laid-back, rustic island. Andronis Moínos was superb, and our two-bedroom pool villa was perfect. The beaches were stunning, and we were blessed with fabulous late-season weather. Lunch and sunset at Alíki, with your feet almost in the water, was a very special experience. I can’t wait to go back.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of celebrating life’s milestones with elegance and intention, connecting deeply with Adventure, Culture & Community, Nature & Sustainability, Taste, and Wellbeing.
LEORA
“I spent just under three weeks in Japan in October and November, starting with a seven-day island-hopping FAM trip in the Setouchi region, home to the famous art islands. My partner then joined me for the rest of the journey, and we celebrated his 60th birthday. We stayed in stunning architectural properties and traditional ryokans, and I loved exploring the art installations on the islands. The highlight was our four-day hike of the Nakasendo Trail, passing original Edo-period post towns, bamboo forests, fields, and rivers. We timed it perfectly to see the autumn leaves in beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows. It was wonderful to experience a side of Japan that many visitors don’t see, immersing ourselves in nature and rich culture.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of Artistry, Culture & Community, and Nature & Sustainability.
PINA
“This is a trip I’m enjoying as we speak. It’s one of my bucket-list trips, and special because I’m traveling with my sister, showing her what I love most about Europe. We’re starting in Switzerland, exploring Zurich and Basel before embarking on a river cruise through France and Germany. From there, we’ll head to Amsterdam, staying at the Kimpton De Witt Hotel, then on to London for Christmas Eve afternoon tea at The Ritz. We’ll spend time in the Cotswolds before finishing our winter wonderland adventure in Paris. I hope to make snow angels, cycle in the snow, visit as many Christmas markets as possible, and try a few mulled wines along the way.”
Y Factors: This trip will be all about the joy of Adventure, Culture & Community, Taste, and The Unexpected.
SHELLEY
“My husband and I joined a 10-day Ponant cruise of The Kimberley in August, sailing from Darwin to Broome aboard Le Jacques Cartier. The cruise showcased Australia’s stunning and remote landscape in ways I’d never imagined. Zodiac excursions to Horizontal Falls, King George River, and Montgomery Reef were spectacular. Hiking to see ancient Aboriginal rock art was a privilege and deeply moving. The highlight was a half-day helicopter trip to Mitchell Falls, combining a short hike and swimming in the crystal-clear Mitchell River. It was an incredible way to experience one of Australia’s most dramatic and untouched regions.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of Adventure, Nature & Sustainability, and The Unexpected.
LINDA
“In May 2025, my family and I returned to Berlin to participate in the commemorations for Magnus Hirschfeld Day on 14 May. He was my great-great-uncle, and the day honours both his birthday and the anniversary of his passing. It was a deeply cultural and moving experience as we explored memorial sites and engaged with the city’s rich queer history. We were personally invited by the Berlin State Government Queer Commissioner to a reception at the French Ambassador’s office. My mother had the honour of delivering a short statement to the audience at both the reception and earlier at the Hirschfeld Column, which made the experience all the more beautiful and memorable.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of Artistry, Culture & Community, and Generosity.
KARA
“My cousin’s wedding in Italy turned into a very special multi-generational trip. I traveled with my sister, her fiancé, my parents, and my children through Italy, London, and France. Experiencing an authentic Catholic Italian wedding was unforgettable. Visiting the Dolomites for the first time was a highlight, with Gardena Grödnerhof standing out for its beautiful setting, outstanding staff, and breathtaking landscapes. Our first time e-biking was a highlight. We also experienced many hotels we work with closely, including the newly refurbished Disneyland Hotel Paris, which truly feels like a princess’s castle. Of course, Disneyland Paris itself was a must with the kids. Creating precious moments with our children and exploring different cultures and religions reminded me why I love travel.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of Adventure, Culture & Community, and Taste.
CATE
“I was so fortunate to have two incredibly special trips this year. One was celebrating a milestone birthday in Sicily with my husband, but the trip that truly stole my heart was Kenya, a lifelong dream. Being in Africa was a pinch-me moment – seeing the animals in the wild and staying in amazing safari camps exceeded every expectation. The camps were second to none, with elegant farm-to-table dining and local art at every turn, some featuring outdoor art installations. Visiting local villages and learning about their way of life made the experience even more meaningful. It was everything I had hoped for and more.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of Adventure, Generosity, Nature & Sustainability.
JODIE
“Bhutan is a truly special place, and my nine-day journey with &BEYOND was unforgettable. From breathtaking Himalayan vistas to cliffside monasteries, each moment felt magical. I stayed in several luxury lodges dedicated to sustainability, including Gangtey Lodge, &BEYOND Punakha River Lodge and COMO Uma Paro, where I enjoyed quiet reflection, peaceful wilderness settings, and spiritual experiences like hanging prayer flags and traditional blessing ceremonies. The highlight was trekking to the majestic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), one of Bhutan's most sacred site – a challenging climb rewarded with awe-inspiring valley views and a true ‘pinch-me’ moment. Bhutan is a place where the true treasures are mindfulness, connection, and happiness.”
Y Factors: This trip reminded me of the joy of adventure, culture and community, nature and sustainability, wellbeing, and the unexpected.