Ellen Fraser
London Office
When I was growing up in sunny Southern California, people were always very content with their surroundings, but since traveling to visit family when I was very young, I haven't been able to shake the wanderlust! My theory in life is that you will never know what city is the greatest in the world…until you see every city in the world! But the place I've fallen in love with most is Southeast Asia!
I moved from California to London in 2015 to be closer to Europe and continue my exploration around the globe. Since moving here, I’ve taken full advantage of the ease of travel and have nearly manage to visit a different country every month! When I first visited Asia, I was immediately hooked. From the culture, to the amazingly welcoming people, to the incredible food, I never wanted to leave! Now, I’ve moved from planning trips for my friends and family to planning trips for guests at Scott Dunn and I couldn’t be happier sharing my amazing experiences of Asia with them.
Favourite places I've been
Travel nuggets
The incredible temples in Cambodia are all well worth the early start to beat the heat and the crowds. Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat is absolutely stunning and a must in Siem Reap!
Tip to beating jetlag - be sure to eat three meals a day on your first few days at the appropriate times to get your body set to local time quicker!
If you're traveling through California, be sure to stop off in Carmel and Big Sur on the central coast. Fantastic beach, great resturants, and some of the best wine in all of California!
Make sure you make time to explore Hoi An when in Vietnam. An incredibly charming village lined with hand painted lanterns, and amazing food! Try out the BBQ chicken at Cargo Club in Old Town!
Make sure you check out the night market in Luang Prabang, Laos where you can find amazing locally made crafts and jewelry.
Always get Vietnamese ice coffee when traveling through the country. It's the best when made locally, you can really taste the difference!
If you love Thai food, be sure to try the Pad See Ew at the Anantara Layan in Phuket. It's the best I've ever had!
My hot picks
Azur Lodge, Queenstown, Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, New Zealand
Just outside Queenstown, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the lakes and make for the perfect wake-up view!
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hoi An, Hoi An, Central Vietnam and Beaches, Vietnam
The best service I had in all of Vietnam, the Four Seasons goes above and beyond when it comes to luxury! The main pool is to die for, but don't forget about the incredible, warm sea, right beyond the pool!
Kauri Cliffs, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
The views out to the Bay of Islands can only be beaten by the incredible service!
Phum Baitang, Siem Reap & Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Unlike any other hotel I've been to, it's set up like a small village with traditional stilted houses surrounding rice paddies. Be sure to have a sunset cocktail in the Cigar & Cocktail Lounge for the most incredible, colorful sunsets!
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Ninh Vanh Bay, Vietnam
One of my favorite properties in Indochina, it encapsulates the barefoot luxury concept. If possible, go for the Beachfront Pool Villas, with your own private walkway to the beach, your feet will be in the clear, warm water in just 30 steps!
