A Few Moments with Stacey

With over 20 years of experience in luxury travel, Stacey has helped create bespoke holidays for couples, families and travellers seeking unforgettable experiences around the world. As Head of Travel at Willow & Bird, she's passionate about getting to know every client and creating journeys that feel effortless, personal and unforgettable.

We sat down with Stacey to learn more about her passion for travel, what inspires her, and why personal service will always be at the heart of everything she does.

You've spent more than 20 years in the travel industry. What has kept you loving it all this time?

Without a doubt, it's the people.

I've been incredibly lucky to spend my career helping people celebrate some of the happiest moments of their lives. Whether it's planning a honeymoon, a family holiday that's been years in the making, or a special anniversary, every trip has a story behind it. Knowing I've played a small part in creating those memories is something I'll never take for granted.

What have you learnt after all these years?

That travel is never really about the destination.

Of course, beautiful hotels and incredible places are what first capture our imagination, but it's the moments that stay with you. Watching your children see the ocean for the first time. Finding a tiny restaurant you'd never have discovered on your own. Sitting together at breakfast with nowhere else to be. Those are the memories people tell me about when they return home.

What made Willow & Bird feel like the right fit?

Because it reflects everything I believe travel should be.

There's no 'one size fits all' holiday. Every client is different, every family is different, and every journey should feel personal. I love taking the time to really understand what someone is looking for before making a recommendation. Sometimes it's a destination they already have in mind, and sometimes it's somewhere they never even knew existed.

Do you still get excited about planning holidays after 20 years?

Every single day.

The world is always changing, with new hotels opening and new experiences waiting to be discovered, but the excitement never fades. I still find myself researching destinations just because I'm curious, and I genuinely love sharing those discoveries with my clients.

What's one piece of advice you always give?

Don't try to do too much.

Some of the best holidays aren't the busiest ones. Leave time for long lunches, slow mornings and unexpected discoveries. Those unplanned moments often become the ones you remember most.

And finally... what does luxury travel mean to you?

For me, luxury isn't about how many stars a hotel has.

It's about how a place makes you feel. It's knowing everything has been thoughtfully taken care of before you've even arrived. It's walking into a hotel where you're welcomed by name, finding those little details that make your stay feel effortless, and returning home with memories you'll treasure forever.

That's the kind of travel I love creating, and it's exactly what we hope you'll find at Willow & Bird.