Natalie Matthews
My expertise
I'm based in
Greenstone Hill
Looking for help with your business travel? Find out how I can help here
Crafting bespoke travel experiences, from European cities to Island idylls
I am an Independent Travel Counsellor based in Johannesburg, with over 28 years of experience and a dedicated focus on premium leisure travel. Travel is my lifelong passion, and I bring that same excitement, curiosity and care to every journey I design for my clients.
My business has been built largely on personal referrals, which I see as the greatest compliment. I am known for going above and beyond: listening carefully, understanding what really matters to you, and then creating tailor-made itineraries built on thorough quality standards. From our first conversation to your return home, I am with you every step of the way.
As part of a global community of over 1 900 Travel Counsellors, I draw on genuine on-the-ground insight and trusted recommendations from around the world. With access to an extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts, a wide choice of tour operators and airlines, as well as private transfers, car hire, visa assistance and comprehensive travel insurance, I curate seamless, end-to-end journeys that feel effortless for you.
I particularly enjoy designing memorable family holidays, whether it is the excitement of Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, a relaxing island escape to Mauritius, or a tailor-made itinerary that balances travel styles and energy levels, all planned with the same level of care and personal attention.
Having personally travelled through France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and the UK in Europe, across the Indian Ocean islands, throughout Asia and Australia, the Middle East and extensively across the United States, I use this first-hand knowledge to help clients choose the right destinations, accommodation and experiences for their journey.
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Singapore through Gold‑tinted glasses
Some destinations creep up on you. Singapore sweeps you off your feet from the moment you land. I was invited along on the Gold Travel Counsellors Singapore Trip, hosted with incredible care by our local team and partners, and what followed was a four-day whirlwind of sky‑high views, timeless icons, and pinch‑me experiences.
01 Oct 2026 5 min read
Shandrani Beachcomber:
For me and my husband, Shandrani Beachcomber wasn’t just another hotel stay. It very quickly became his favourite, the one he keeps talking about and wants to go back to with the whole family. Even walking into our room for the first time felt like a bit of a celebration.
28 Aug 2026 3 min read
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius:
Some places get under your skin the moment you arrive. Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa in Mauritius did exactly that for me. It is also where Kev and I spent our honeymoon, so this stay felt extra special.
28 Aug 2026 4 min read
Effortless Comfort with a Beachfront Heart
Our site stay at Beachcomber Victoria in Mauritius revealed a resort that balances generous space, easy comfort and that laid back beachfront lifestyle so many of our clients dream of.
28 Aug 2026 3 min read
"Exploring the Emerald Isle: A Journey through Ireland"
Our self drive trip to Ireland in June exposed us to enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures. The Journey began in The Ancient East - Kilkenny, a medieval city boasting a well-preserved castle and a lively arts scene. We were fortunate enough to catch a Final Match of Hurling, their traditional sport which is considered as the fastest field sport in the whole world, in a quaint
21 Jul 2023 2 min read
Washington DC - A State of Historical Surprises
When we decided to include a 3-Day Stopover in Washington DC after our week in Orlando, I certainly did not expect to be completely enthralled with all that the City had to offer us. From the abundance of Historial and Modern Museums to the Culinary delights & picturesque character of Georgetown. Our first activity had to be the popular Hop-On Hop-Off Bus so that we could orientate ourselves be
25 Jan 2022 2 min read
Western Cape Road Trip 2020
My family and I completed a 2-week road trip from Johannesburg all the way through the Karoo & Eastern Cape up to the Western Cape and I can honestly say that we live in an incredibly picturesque country with ever-changing dramatic landscape to explore! Our stops included the historic town of Nieu-Bethesda where we stayed on a working farm and got to explore the quaint little town including the
11 Jan 2021 2 min read
Uk / UAE Celebration
Not only were we celebrating 20 years of Marriage, but I was also celebrating 20 years of being in the Travel Industry and what better way than an impromptu trip to the UK to see our all-time favorite rock band U2 live in London. This was followed by a road trip through the English countryside up to Scotland and ending with a blast on the fastest roller coaster in Abu Dhabi! While in London, we
14 Jul 2020 5 min read
Hong Kong - Seeing the Unseen May '19
Hong Kong is such a vibrant, colourful destination with so many sights, sounds and smells that entice you to experience something different at any given moment. We spent a ‘long weekend’ in Hong Kong at the end of May, the weather was hot, humid with frequent short showers but this did not deter us in the least. On arrival at Hong Kong Airport it is advisable to purchase an ‘Octopus’ card which
14 Jun 2019 4 min read
Sensational Seychelles
The Seychelles Islands, being only a 4-hour flight away from Johannesburg, definitely has to be on any island holiday bucket list! The main island of Mahe boasts the smallest Capital City of the world being Victoria. The streets are clean and bustling with happy and friendly people. The little market is a gem in the city centre for all your shopping needs, the city even boasts a 'little Big
26 Sept 2018 2 min read
New Years Cruise aboard the MSC Sinfonia
What better way to end off a hard working year with a bang! The 11 night New Years Cruise aboard the MSC Sinfonia will tick all your boxes in terms of entertainment & relaxation. To begin with I would recommend booking either an outside cabin with a view or alternatively the spacious Balcony Cabins where you have an outdoor balcony to welcome the fresh air and scenery. Teenagers can also
27 Sept 2017 3 min read
Magical Mauritius with Beachcomber
After spending a week in Mauritius on a memorable Educational with Beachcomber Tours, I experienced all that the island has to offer from sunshine, humidity, cyclonic weather activity to perfect sunshine once again and the most friendly faces of the locals. Our trip began checking in at the British Airways counter for our flight from OR Tambo to Mauritius with the full use of their Business Clu
01 Mar 2016 5 min read
Mauritius on a Spoil!
How fortunate to have visited Mauritius for the 6th time and it never ceases to amaze me with its beauty and friendly atmosphere! On this particular trip I was able to visit and stay at a range of hotels from 3 Star to 5 Star Plus! The 3 Star Hotels that really stood out for me would be the Recif Attitude, an intimate boutique style hotel located right on the beach in the North West of t
28 Aug 2013 3 min read
Tantilizing Thailand
Thailand - one of the most compelling trips that I have ever been on. My experience began with Thai Airways, a seamless check-in and an enjoyable flight to follow. After an 11 and a half hour flight we began to see the sun rising over Bangkok. As we made our descent we could see little islands popping out of the bay area and wetlands began to appear making way for the Metropolis City of Bang
22 Jul 2013 4 min read
Las Vegas In a Week!
You can only imagine my level of excitement after learning that I had been invited to travel to Las Vegas! I was quite impressed with the International flight on Delta Airlines from Johannesburg to Atlanta, the aircraft was in a good condition, the seats were spacious and services on-board were excellent. Check in was easy and our transit in Atlanta through to Las Vegas was seamless. Du
05 Mar 2013 4 min read
The Spice Island of Zanzibar
I can honestly say that Zanzibar is an Island that has something to offer everybody. From soft sandy white beaches, to a range of water sports, cultural tours, shopping, spa's and the list goes on. We flew with 1Time Airlines who have direct flights to Zanzibar every Saturday and Tuesday which means that you could easily go over for a quick break of 3/4 nights or extend to 7/10 nights. Af
18 Nov 2011 4 min read
Blue Train Experience
I have just experienced one of the most luxurious adventures our Country has to offer, a trip aboard the Blue Train with an additional two nights in Cape Town. Our journey began on a Monday morning, a professional check in followed by an escort to our Deluxe Cabin with the luxury of a personal Butler at our beck and call. Brunch, consisting of a 3 course meal accompanied by our choice of b
23 Jun 2009 2 min read
Discovering Dubai
I was very fortunate to be able to visit Dubai in September 2008. I had been hard at work finding the most suitable destination for my family where every one of us would be able to enjoy an aspect of an exciting new Destination. Dubai was the ultimate option, having excellent weather during September, stunning swimming beaches, an exciting water park and of course an abundance of shopping
28 Apr 2009 3 min read
Reviews
What my customers say
Videos
Discover the world with me
Cape Town Inspiration
Cape Town is known for its beaches, beautiful nature, food and wine routes, loads of hidden gems and exquisite lesser-known locales.
09 Sept 2021
5 Reasons to trust me with your Business travel plans
Here's why you can rely on me, a Business Travel Counsellor to help you navigate a new travel landscape.
28 Jan 2021
A World of Good Awaits
Many magical destinations are desperate for us to explore them once again!
28 Jan 2021
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