Q1. Tell us about your recent trip to Eden Roc in the Dominican Republic.

Tess - We spent a glorious week over Easter at the Eden Roc in the Dominican Republic which - always a win in my book - is just SO convenient to get to. With a direct flight from London in just over eight hours and just 20 minutes from the airport, it’s doable for even a short trip or a week’s duration like we did.

It was wonderful to escape the seven-month-long British winter to near perfect 28-degree temperatures, and what a luxury to arrive to a room with beachfront views. Sundowners on the balcony while watching the sky change colour over the crashing waves of the Caribbean Sea... seriously, I don’t think it gets much better!

Q2. What was your favourite thing about the hotel?

Tess - This hotel truly does not disappoint. In fact, it’s completely divine on every level. From the Instagrammable palm trees and powder soft sand location, the seaside ice cream hut serving delicious sundaes and sorbets (with THE best toppings: nut brittle AND marshmallows? Yes please), the blissful spa (where I enjoyed one of the best massages I’ve ever experienced), to the incredibly considerate service - I felt pampered from start to finish.

Hmmm. It's pretty tricky to narrow it down to my favourite thing… but I think it has to be the breakfast. I believe one of life’s great luxuries is having breakfast made for you (instead of having to do all the work, as is usually the case at home!). This spread was the breakfast of kings, just scrumptious with freshly squeezed juices, eggs in every incarnation cooked to order, pancakes with yummy toppings, French toast and oh MY the fresh fruit - sweet as nectar. Not only that, but an entire station dedicated to cakes and desserts. Yep, pudding for BREAKFAST - how decadent!

Q3. What’s the most important thing for you when choosing a luxury holiday?

Vernon - Great question - quality and varied amenities really. You don't want to be on the look out for things or asking for things. Service levels are a must. Basically, I want to spend my holiday just relaxing and spending time with friends and family. Soaking up the surroundings and enjoying the best of what's available. It's always nice to have a spa and a gym with a wide range of equipment. A golf course is a bonus! Oh, and a good beach menu! Sometimes you just don't want to have to get dressed and go to the restaurant for lunch.

Q4. Holiday essentials - What items can you simply not travel without?

Tess - My travel holiday essentials always include plenty of books, sunglasses and a straw hat - I’m pretty fanatical about not putting my face in the sun.

I always pack a full medical bag including a thermometer - yes I know, I’m such a mum, but we've needed one too many times!

My entire range of NAIA Beach swim and resort wear. It's simply the most flattering swimwear out there, I promise, complete with magically minimising swimsuits so you can have your cake and eat it (and not bother about the consequences - because who’s got time for that on holiday?).

Flip-flops and wedge heels because stilettos don’t cut it in the sand. And lots of bags of snacks like chocolate biscuits, popcorn and crisps, because nothing infuriates me more than a £5 KitKat in a mini bar. No thanks!

Q5. What destinations are on your holiday bucket list, and why?

Tess - My holiday bucket list is extremely long! Topping that list has to be Bora Bora in Tahiti. The beaches of French Polynesia look like paradise on earth, and I could go and visit my sister and family in New Zealand, and possibly stop at the Fiji Islands along the way - that sounds like a heavenly trip.

I’d like to go to Kyoto in Japan and see the cherry blossoms, staying in a traditional Ryokan. I lived in Japan briefly as a teenager but stayed mostly in Tokyo, so I would love to see more of the country. I’d love to see the tango danced in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and visit the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, doing the Whitsunday Islands. Dubrovnik in Croatia is up there, with its gorgeous beaches and winding streets. Plus, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. Not forgetting Havana in Cuba for the buildings, the vibe, the colours and, of course, the dancing!

Then there’s Hawaii: Maui, Lanai… I’d love to see the beautiful waterfalls, canyons and incredible surf beaches. I mean, how long have you got?! So much to see and so little time…

Q6. Where will you be travelling to next?
Tess - Next, I’m off to Ibiza for the Ibiza Fashion Festival in July. NAIA Beach is headlining - a proud moment for us as the festival flies the flag for sustainable brands, and we are very proud to be continually expanding our sustainable range. We will also be shooting our SS25 campaign out there. I can’t think of a better location.

Vernon - I think next up for us will be our annual trip to the South of France! Although, it's up for debate at the minute as Tess has thrown the Greek islands and Mykonos into the mix. We've never been and have heard really good things.

Q7. Tess, 2024 marks 20 years of you presenting Strictly - congratulations! Are you excited for the new season? What has been your most memorable moment over the years? If you could choose anyone to join, who would it be and why?

Tess - It's incredible really to think Strictly will be 20 years old this year. I was in my 30s and pregnant with Phoebe when it started. My friend Gabby Logan told me the other day that I'm apparently the longest running entertainment presenter in a show. I had no idea - what an honour!

It’s truly a privilege to work on a show that captures the nation’s imagination and is so warm and celebratory. It just feels full of joy, it's as simple as that. I sometimes have pinch-yourself moments when people I truly admire, such as actor Michael Caine and more recently Jonathan Pryce at the Baftas, come up to me and say that they’re huge fans of the show and never miss it. It seems to reach out to everyone.

I’ve had so many stand-out, memorable moments over the years, but one of them has to be Ed Balls doing Gangnam Style. To see a form of politician completely throw himself into dancing like he did was admirable. I’ll never forget it!

Q8. Vernon, how have you found life on Radio 2 since re-joining permanently? Who would you most like to interview on your show and why?

Vernon - Oh I absolutely love it, it's so fun and I'm having a great time. Recently, we've honored the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings, otherwise known as D-Day, so I got to speak to lots of incredible people. Radio 2 in the Park is also coming up in September, which should be great fun! As for who I'd like to interview the most... that's a great question. I think it would have to be His Majesty The King!

Q9. How was your experience with Destinology?

Tess - In the past when booking holidays, I have sometimes found myself getting lost down a rabbit hole of Googling just trying to build the perfect trip. It takes me weeks, and even then it doesn’t always turn out as it was meant to!

Discovering Destinology has taken the load off. They have an uncanny instinct for knowing exactly what will suit you. It’s like that ‘eureka!’ moment when you realise it’s one less thing to worry about because they’ve totally got you covered.

I’ve also never experienced such care and attention to detail. Destinology literally nailed everything on my wish list, and I’m so grateful for their help.

Vernon - Seamless. When you're planning a dream holiday you want everything to work like clockwork, and Destinology did exactly that - everything requested was provided. This was a bespoke holiday, tailored just for us, and Destinology made this experience perfect.

Q10. Finally, would you recommend Destinology?

Tess - Are you kidding? Absolutely, 100%, YES. I’m recommending Destinology to all my friends because they just know how to get it right. It’s almost like they’re telepathic and anticipate your needs before you do. They take away all the stress and help with the smallest of details, whether that’s arranging tickets for the adventure park in advance, finding out if the hotel has bikes you can hire, or booking a restaurant - and they deliver every time.