Anna Bleasdale
I joined Scott Dunn in 2007 and have been on a fabulous journey since then, specializing first on the heavenly beaches of the world, Caribbean, Seychelles , Mauritius and the divine South Pacific. Over the last few years I have been more focussed in one of our newer specialist areas, North America, and have been constantly inspired by the diversity, scenery and wildlife of both Canada and the USA.
There’s always something new to discover and highlights have included flying in a helicopter over lava spewing volcanoes on Hawaii’s Big Island through to the warmth and true hospitality of the Southern States and startling desert landscapes of the Mid West. Canada’s lush landscapes and wonderful wildlife never fail to delight and grizzly bear sightings have been some of my “wow” moments of my travel career. Although these have been my professional focus, other wonders of the world have been hard to resist and I have been lucky enough t have ventured by private plane through Namibia, explored the wonders of Egypt and Jordan, immersed myself in the fascinating culture of Vietnam and Cambodia and explore most of Europe over many years of quick weekend getaways and even spent a year working and traveling in New Zealand.
Through all these travels, one place has captured me completely, Australia. Whilst the East has the energy of the cities, lush rainforest and coral reefs, the West truly speaks to my soul with it’s red deserts, outback adventures and sublime crystal clear waters. Not to mention those whale sharks you can swim with, surely a highlight of my life to date.
My blogsWhat my guests have said
Favourite places I've been
Australia
British Columbia
DC and The South
Namibia
The Southwest
Western Australia
Travel nuggets
A flying safari around Namibia has to have been one of the travel highlights of my life. Not only did we get to experience incredible scenery inaccessible by road, I also got to see a shipwreck buried in the sands, over a mile from the ocean!
The sea plane ride into Nimmo Bay, in British Columbia, gives you a bird’s eye view of these beautiful fjord like waters. When I flew over, we were lucky enough to view a huge pod of dolphins
Bora Bora truly is a place that has to be seen to be believed. Even the most vivid pictures don’t offer the wow factor that being there does, it really did blow me away
The Montage Palmetto Bluff embraces the true hospitality of South Carolina. Spanish moss hanging eerily from the trees, a fascinating history and an afternoon 'porchin' all add to the deep south atmosphere there.
Washington DC has to be my favorite US city. It’s like walking into a film set, it’s all so familiar, with a buzz and history that makes it fascinating to explore for a few days. I recommend a bike tour to begin with and familiarise yourself.
I love the warmth and diversity of the Caribbean islands. Whilst Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados are great for an easy “fly and flop”, if you can bear to travel further, Anguilla, St Barths & the Grenadines offer less people & some spectacular beaches
My hot picks
Auberge Saint Antoine, Quebec City, Canada
The Auberge in beautiful Quebec City has been carefully and sympathetically renovated to offer a modern and comfortable hotel with a twist. It houses a living breathing museum within its walls, with artifacts from centuries gone by beautifully displayed.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
This resort in British Columbia offers the ultimate luxury wilderness experience. Be enveloped in your comfortable safari style tent after a day kayaking, bear watching, fishing, horse riding or simply being pampered in their wellness spa.
Nimmo Bay Resort, Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada
Nimmo Bay is one of the most exclusive wilderness retreats in Canada. Where else can you head out to lunch on a local glacier by helicopter?
