Club people • June 2015
Gold Executive Club Member Ana Silva O’Reilly documents her passion for the finer things in the popular luxury travel blog, Mrs O Around the World. She talks luxury destinations, hotels and memorable journeys with The Club
When did you join the Executive Club?
I joined in 2002, but only really became an active member when I moved to the UK in 2009. I’ve been a Gold Member for the past four years.
What's the best thing about being an Club member?
Priority check-in, First Class lounges and an extra piece of luggage; with the Executive Club, all of these extras are now part of my travel routine.
And why do you choose to fly with BA?
One of the things I appreciate when I travel is BA’s Twitter team. Knowing they’re there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, gives me incredible peace of mind. Last year, I gave them my Golden Ticket [which denotes excellent service], as they really do go beyond their call of duty.
Where’s the most luxurious place you’ve stayed?
I love Finca Cortesin in southern Spain. It’s understated, everything runs like clockwork and they do the world's best gin and tonics. Everything there is perfect.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to a hotel room?
I’m not the kind of person who can live out of a suitcase. I have to unpack straight away so I can say to myself, ‘I've arrived!’
Where would you recommend for a luxury break in London?
The Arch (above) is a phenomenal boutique hotel in Marylebone. The rooms are fantastic, the service is excellent and it’s great value for money.
Where has been your most memorable trip?
For our fifth wedding anniversary, my husband and I went on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It felt like stepping back 50 years. The scenery was stunning and the cabins were beautifully decorated.
Where have you travelled to recently?
I visited Sabi Sands game reserve in Kruger national park in South Africa. I went on four game drives over two days, where I was lucky enough to see the ‘big five’ safari animals.
Which destination is next on your list?
I am off to Halkidiki in Greece for the first time, and am also going back to the Algarve later this summer. My husband and I go every year (it's practically part of my pre-nuptial agreement!) and it's one of my favourite places in the world. I'm looking forward to epic lunches on the beach with simple grilled fish and white wine sangria.
Read Ana's blog, Mrs O Around the World, or follow her on Twitter @mrsoaroundworld
This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips