My first-ever company educational trip (fam trip) was a fantastic experience.
Representing Ultimate Destinations and travelling on my own for the first time was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but I loved every second of it. 😊
When Alan asked me if I’d like to go on this trip with Palladium Hotel Group, I couldn’t believe it!
Michelle at AS Training had suggested the opportunity, and there were two incredible options: Hard Rock Tenerife or Hard Rock Marbella. I was so excited and grateful when I was chosen to represent us in Marbella.
Before I went, I spent some time researching the Palladium Hotel Group to learn about their hotels, locations and facilities. I’ll admit, I was nervous travelling on my own and not knowing anyone felt a bit daunting. But a huge thank you to Jo Peters, who hosted the trip. She was amazing - so welcoming and inclusive - and she made sure everyone was enjoying themselves from start to finish.
The journey
I flew from Luton to Malaga and connected with another agent on the same flight through our trip WhatsApp group. We decided to share a transfer to the hotel, which was a great way to ease into the experience. There were 15 agents in total, and everyone was so friendly.
The Hard Rock Marbella experience
The Hard Rock Marbella absolutely lived up to its name. From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the atmosphere. The hotel had such a cool vibe - background music from DJs around the pool, incredible food and a team of staff who couldn’t do enough for us.
We each had our own rooms (a lovely touch!) and plenty of free time to explore the local area. Puerto Banus Marina was a highlight for me - such a beautiful place to wander, with stunning shops and a great atmosphere.
We also had training sessions to learn more about the Palladium Hotel Group. During the hotel tour, we explored the different room types, the spa, gym, pools and other facilities. It’s easy to see why the Hard Rock brand is so popular - it blends luxury with a fun, vibrant atmosphere.
What I learned
This trip wasn’t just about the hotel - it was also a chance to meet and learn from other agents. Some had decades of experience in the travel industry, and it was fascinating to hear how differently they work. Many were home-based, which is so different from how we operate in the office.
One thing that really stood out was how much easier it is to recommend a hotel or destination once you’ve experienced it yourself. This trip gave me a deeper understanding of the Hard Rock brand and Marbella as a destination, and I know it’ll help me offer even better advice to our clients.
Favourite moments
Visiting Puerto Banus Marina: such a vibrant, beautiful spot.
Lunch by the pool: the food was fantastic, and the DJs’ background music made it feel so special.
The atmosphere: whether it was the friendly staff or the laid-back vibe, the hotel was just incredible.
The weather: between 28 and 32 degrees throughout – beautiful!
I had such an amazing time and met some wonderful people who I’ll definitely keep in touch with. A huge thank you to Jo Peters for being such a fabulous host, to Palladium Hotel Group for an unforgettable experience and to Alan for his trust and support in sending me.
This trip was a big milestone for me, and I can’t wait for my next adventure. 😊
