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Hello, I’m Steffi, Fleewinter’s Sri Lanka, Iceland, St Lucia and The Grenadines Specialist.

I’m currently based in the UK, after very nearly not returning from a year or so spent living in Sri Lanka and also fighting off the urge to call Iceland my new home!

Thanks to my family’s situation I travelled a lot growing up and didn’t want this to stop even when I had to foot the bill. Somehow I stumbled across my ideal job helping our fantastic customers plan their dream holidays and HAVING to travel to provide you with the best insights, advice and support. Well, someone has to do it!

Sri Lanka

My first Sri Lankan experience was around 10 years ago when a friend invited me to go with her. I didn’t need to be asked twice, I packed my bags and ended up staying at my friend’s villa without her as she couldn’t make it last minute. I had the time of my life in those 10 days.

The country was indescribably beautiful, the food was out of this world and as for the staff, and Sri Lankan people in general, I have never been so well looked after. I was welcomed into strangers’ homes for tea, dancing and feasts with their families.

Needless to say 10 days wasn’t enough on the Isle of Serendipity. I postponed my flights so I could see more. Finally, I returned home and then 2 months later I was back for a year to live and work on this island paradise.

 

What makes Sri Lanka so special?

I don’t think I can pick one particular highlight or memory as there are too many, so a ‘Classic Highlights of Sri Lanka’ trip means you don’t have to either!

For me, it’s the mesmerising diverse landscapes. One moment, you can be looking around ancient ruins and striking rock fortresses sprouting high above the jungle canopy before visiting a local village, cooking with the family and feasting on a ‘Lordly lunch’.

After some downtime, you can make your way south via the scenic train (one of the most scenic train journeys in Asia) past cascading waterfalls, over rolling hills and lush tea plantations before spending a few days having your every need tended to on a beautiful tea estate (the tea country is my favourite location to wile away some time and really unplug).

Later that day, you could be observing leopards and elephants in Uda Walawe or Yala National Park and spending the night in a humble safari camp or the most exclusive, luxurious safari lodge. Then, in just an hour or two you’re on the beautiful south coast beaches where you can see and do as much as you like or simply take in those beautiful sunsets by the pool or on the beach, with a drink in hand.

 

My favourite place to stay in Sri Lanka

A former tea planter’s bungalow set on a private tea and rubber estate, Rosyth Estate House is a private house, a boutique hotel, a home away from home. Whether you’re a solo traveller, couple, family with young children or travelling with friends, Rosyth caters for everyone. I think it must be the foot massage I have on arrival or perhaps the cinnamon iced tea (shortly followed by a G&T!) that set the tone for the wonderful 3 or 4 days I always spend here.

The complimentary yoga in the Shaala looking out onto incredible views of the plantation, rainforest and paddy fields below is a wondrous way to start the day. Breakfast prepared by the incredible chef is a close second (that coconut roti, pol sambol and egg hoppers is simply divine). The food at Rosyth is marvellous and a tour of the organic garden followed by a cookery course and/or Rosyth cookery book is a must. I love taking advantage of the complimentary estate walks with the Manager and lazing by the pool with a good book, although I was entranced by the sights and sounds of the grey langur monkeys stealing jack fruit from the trees above.

As the day draws to an end I usually head over to the lovely Rock Spa followed by drinks and nibbles watching the sunset over the beautiful valley below. Whether I stay in a standard Classic Room or the most exclusive Rock Suite complete with infinity plunge pool (with a view to say the least), I find all the rooms to be peaceful, charming, spacious and so inviting.

 

Iceland

I was actually intending to research and launch Norway until one of our Icelandic customers contacted me to see if he could persuade me to establish Iceland as a new destination (he works in the travel industry too).

I didn’t take much (well, any) persuading and after an initial month of driving the entirety of Iceland and seeing some of the most spectacular views, features and landscapes I’ve seen anywhere in the world, I’m so glad I chose to set up Iceland.

I stayed in some fabulous luxurious hotels but you’ll be glad to hear I did suffer a little too as I chose to camp a few times (yes, in a tent) in -10 degrees Celsius in the wind and snow to find and experience these secluded spots all in the name of research!

There really is no other place on earth like the Land of Ice and Fire. Its absolutely jaw-dropping landscapes and natural features can leave you speechless. You don’t have to be overly adventurous to explore this mesmerising island, but it does help! Yes, there really are stunning waterfalls, glacier lagoons, ice caves, diamond and black sand beaches (the list goes on) on the more popular south coast but I highly recommend getting off the beaten track and venturing to the slightly more remote areas for some magnificent experiences.

Some of my favourite adventures took place in the North, the Westfjords and the South East of Iceland. You won’t regret it! It’s not cheap to visit Iceland but it’s worth every penny and if it’s going to be a once in a lifetime trip, you need to make sure you do it right.

 

Personal Highlight – Deep Into The Icelandic Wilderness/A Hidden Gem

I discovered a simply magical place in the South East of Iceland where I joined the guesthouse’s owner, Denni, tracking reindeer on horseback through forests over hills and past waterfalls.

Upon my return I traversed the nearby river by cable car (powered by my own pulling power), bathed in the ‘hot pot’, was shown around the simply magical museum (designed and constructed by Denni) and feasted on delicious ‘farm to table’ Icelandic dishes. Oh, and then stargazed until late into the night in their observatory.

At the time, I was the only guest there and I didn’t want this experience to end. I even contemplated applying for a job as a guide so I wouldn’t have to leave. It’s a country I wish everyone could see at least once in their lifetime.

 

St Lucia – the world’s most romantic destination

I’m very excited to have taken over St Lucia and The Grenadines from a colleague of mine. St Lucia has just been crowned The World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination for the 15th time! It’s no wonder, as this unique island has an abundance of breathtaking views and staggering natural geological features from the iconic twin Piton (volcanic) mountains to its pristine beaches, marine parks and sensational beach resorts. Make sure you stay somewhere inland too, near Soufriere, higher up on one of the cocoa estates or even on the volcanic ridgeline for unparalleled views and luxury.

There’s so much to see and do for couples and families from ‘bean to bar’ chocolate tours, sailing, snorkelling, unrivalled scenic hikes and diving to zip-lining rainforest adventures, horse riding on the beach, street parties, ‘fish fries’, cultural visits (and the list goes on!)

 

 

The Grenadines are an island paradise

As for The Grenadines, this belt of 32 islands, 9 of them inhabited, offers the perfect island paradise for those seeking a secluded retreat in a quiet corner of the Caribbean with plenty of options for excursions and island hopping adventures whether that’s on a private yacht or a traditional schooner.

A two week (or longer) stay split between St Lucia and the sensational island of Bequia is high on my list of recommendations. I can’t wait to expand our offerings throughout St Lucia & The Grenadines with new itineraries, hotels and villas!

 

When to go to my beautiful destinations?

Sri Lanka is a year round destination with only the month of October being the time I wouldn’t recommend visiting due to the weather.

Iceland is beautiful in the summer and winter months but I also suggest visiting in the shoulder seasons when it’s quieter and more cost-effective.

St Lucia and The Grenadines experience their peak season between December and April but May and June are great months to travel for those looking for fewer people and some great deals.

 

Tell me more!

I would love to share my insights and advice with you for any and all of these destinations. I could talk about them all day if given the chance, but I won’t.

I’m always at the end of the phone or just an email away. Work doesn’t really feel like work for us at Fleewinter so we ‘work’ a lot!

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