Sophie Gale

Travel Specialist

At 18-years-old, I was off exploring Barbados, Hawaii and Canada – falling in love with their unique styles and character and embracing all life had to offer. In short, I was hooked on independent travel from an early age, and it’s this passion that drew me to Mr & Mrs Smith, where it’s not about being flashy; it’s about experiences made memorable by culture, people, places… and great hotels. For me, it’s about passing that passion on by pursuing the spectacular and creating ‘the one’ for our members.

Sophie'stop Mr & Mrs Smith stays

  • Bali, Indonesia

    Alila Villas Uluwatu

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    Near Bali’s southernmost point, these secluded eco-friendly villas are special not just for their commitment to sustainability, but for their little touches – think, his and hers named toiletries – and top-class staff. Plus, gaze-worthy views make aerial yoga at the cliff top bar all the more impressive.

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  • Halkidiki, Greece

    Ekies All Senses Resort

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    This is a real hidden gem, and was the first Smith hotel I ever visited so it holds a special place. It’s an understated, family-friendly stay with a minimalist design, knockout beach, poolside St Tropez-style parasols and a fairytale, treehouse restaurant.

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  • Hampshire, United Kingdom

    Heckfield Place

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    I couldn’t believe that here, so close to London, I was able to feel so away from it all. It was like a Jane Austen novel come to life (her village is only 20 minutes away, in fact), and so I spent my time walking around in my slippers and in a daze, doing jigsaws, eating tea and cake and dining in the out-of-this-world restaurant.

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Travel Tips

Whether it’s a city break, beach retreat or countryside getaway, I always bring along my running shoes. It’s the best way to discover your immediate surroundings, to enjoy the present moment and to keep on top of fitness.

Sophie'sdream destinations

  • Serengeti National Park

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    The Lion King is my guilty pleasure, so I have to say the annual wildebeest migration and other African wildlife in Tanzania. The stampede to find fresh grazing, water and to welcome newborns is a sight to behold.

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  • Buenos Aires

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    This city has done well to avoid over-commercialisation, meaning there’s still plenty of hidden gems. Spend summer days picnicking in the Paseo el Rosedal garden, or – if you have the coordination – head for a locally taught tango class.

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  • New England

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    Most people’s favourite time to visit New England is in the fall, but I love it in the summer, too. It was here that I witnessed a killer whale breaching just yards from our speedboat off the coast of Cape Cod, with a lighthouse in the distance. Magic.

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I wish I was...

…the contessa of Castello di Reschio, hosting my family and friends for an entire summer – with all the hotel’s modern trappings (what a perfect poolside) and some ancient ones, too (horse riding at sunset).