Katie Hiatt
I love exploring new places, as well as revisiting old gems, trying the best restaurants, skiing the longest runs, finding the quietest beaches, testing the comfiest beds, sampling the local wine lists, then coming home to plan something all over again. Surely the next best thing to being on holiday is looking forward to your next holiday?
Having worked at Scott Dunn for over ten years in various roles, I am loving the relatively new Guest Loyalty Team as I get to talk to guests about the whole world! I get to share with guests my passions and ‘best bits’ but also get to discover their bucket list destinations and hear more about those! It also means I have an excuse to visit all those places I haven’t been – most recently Antigua and Oman! On the list for this year are Mauritius, Morocco and Egypt, so watch this space for some top tips. Travel has changed for me over the years from being on a budget, travelling with friends, romantic short breaks and now relaxing, hassle-free family trips (plus, of course, elusive child-free getaways!). There is always a new angle from which to explore a destination and I love being able to engage with guests and find out how they envisage their travel experiences. And then, the best bit, we get to make that a reality!
Favourite places I've been
What my guests have said
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"Booking with scott dunn was fantastic. Katherine Gotta was very knowledgeable about all the resorts and helped us select the Verdura which has been amazing. One of the best holidays we have ever had."
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"Katherine Gotla was excellent. She deserves a special mention as she followed up to book this holiday very proactively when other operators were slow. Great work."
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"Katherine has been brilliant from start of enquiry – she was prompt with a response, not pushy, reliable and tried her best to make our stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible and was the reason we booked with Scott Dunn. She has also been excellent in following up to get feedback."
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"We had the most amazing holiday in Zermatt, thank you Katherine. The apartment was great and the food first class, as was the service. Thank you for being so attentive to our needs before the holiday. We would certainly use Scott Dunn again and recommend you to others."
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"As per our conversation last week I just wanted to put in writing what a wonderful holiday we had in the Verdura Resort in Italy. It totally surpassed our expectations and was more perfect that we could have even imagined! I'd also really like to say that both Sam and Taylor from the Scott Dunn kids club were fantastic. Our eldest daughter adored both of them and said that they were the best bit of the holiday!! They also did babysitting for us and were all round warm, kind and very helpful. All in all a top recommendation and some very satisfied, tanned and relaxed holiday makers."
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"We don’t normally write thank yous however we have just returned from one of the best family holidays we have ever had at Darkoum C. Thank you to all at Scott Dunn particularly our chef Victoria, host Sam and Katherine Gotla, who dealt with the booking – all were exemplary throughout."
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"It has quickly got round to summer holiday time again! You were enormously helpful last year when you helped me find my holiday for me and my son, William, at Daios Cove. We had such a wonderful time! So much so that we have been talking about going back there this year."
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"Many thanks for organising a great ski holiday for us, you even managed to get the sun to shine on more than one occasion!"
My hot picks
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Anassa, Polis, Cyprus
My favourite hotel in the Mediterranean and I can't get enough of it. The service is faultless, the staff amazing and the food is delicious. A long season means it is perfect for early summer or Autumn sunshine. -
Blizzard, Val d’Isère, France
So centrally located and the best place to sip cocktails in front of a roaring fire. Venture into the outdoor pool – at the foot of the slopes – and you won’t regret it. -
Cervo Mountain Resort, Zermatt, Switzerland
For an early season weekend in Zermatt, stay at the Cervo Mountain Resort – the closest Zermatt has to ski in ski out and conveniently offers some of the best après ski also! -
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Golden Triangle, Northern Thailand, Thailand
One for everyone's bucket list. A must if you are visiting Thailand. -
Hotel Kristiania, Lech, Austria
They welcome here like you are family and treat you like royalty throughout your stay. They cannot do enough for you and ensure your stay is perfect and memorable. -
Jumeirah Mallorca, Mallorca, Spain
High on the cliff top this hotel has awe dropping views over the port. You are just a short walk from the traditional town of Soller with a sandy beach, local market and a huge choice of restaurants. -
The Sarojin, Khao Lak, West coast beaches and islands, Thailand
The perfect hotel with white sand streching as far as the eye can see. Service is faultless and the all day breakfast perfect if you want a long lie in or book an early morning adventure and want a relaxed breakfast - with fizz - on your return.
My top tips
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Amsterdam isn’t all about ‘brownies’ and the red light district – hire bikes and cycle along the canals – pre book Anne Frank’s house to avoid queuing for hours. Did you know Amsterdam is less than an hour from London?
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If you are after a long weekend skiing then I highly recommend Megeve, France – I was recently in resort picking up my lift pass at 10.15am having left the UK earlier that day!
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Book at table at Chez Vrony’s in Zermatt for lunch – ensuring to ski hard in the morning in order to justify a long lunch – and watch the sun gradually set over the Matterhorn.
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When heading for skiing in Switzerland don’t overlook a train transfer – unlike France, most resorts have train stations and the scenery is stunning as you start mountain ascent. Book first class and enjoy the glass carriages for 360 degree views.
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If you haven't been to Thailand - then go!