If anyone understands the joy of connecting with the communities that shape a place, it’s Alesha. She learnt this early on while growing up in New Zealand and Australia, where she developed a curiosity for cultural anthropology and a deep respect for the contrasts between Western and Indigenous communities.
That human interest continues to drive Alesha’s approach to travel today, making her a natural fit for Experience Travel Group’s community-based holidays.
With over a decade in the industry, she brings insight and experience to every trip she designs.
At ETG, Alesha crafts thoughtful holidays to Sri Lanka (sometimes combined with the Maldives) and Oman.
She lights up when talking about her favourite moments in Sri Lanka: drifting across a still lake near Sigiriya as fishermen cast their nets beneath the looming rock fortress, or weaving through Colombo in a Landy, swapping stories with young people about how life is changing from one generation to the next.
And when it comes to Oman, she’s always happy to talk about how Bedouin guides navigate the Empty Quarter’s shifting sands using generations of inherited knowledge, or recommend the best spots to see playful dolphins come to the shore (psst, Alila Hinu Bay is her top pick).
Alesha also has a good sense of humour about travel’s less polished moments (ask her about her ‘scary’ shark encounter in the Maldives or the oversharing Vietnamese guide).
Her top ETG hotel? Gal Oya Lodge in Sri Lanka, for its elephants and – naturally – the chance to interact with the Veddah community.
All in all, Alesha knows her stuff. But more than that, she genuinely cares about helping curious travellers experience destinations in an enriching, eye-opening way.
“Every person that you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Alesha’s Destinations
Sri Lanka
Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya Lodge is located in the heart of the Gal Oya National Park, not far from Sri Lanka’s most sizable inland body of water, Senanayake Samudraya. This wonderfully serene lake is surrounded by forests teeming with colourful wildlife.
All the teak and mara wooden furnishings have been locally and lovingly handmade and the building’s open-plan architecture maximises the panoramic mountain views.
Highlights
Highlights
Scenic spot,
Sublime swimming pool,
Amazing activities
Best for
Families,
Couples
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Dhofar, Oman
Al Baleed Resort by Anantara
Sitting between a freshwater lagoon and a pristine stretch of coastline, Al Baleed Resort by Anantara provides top quality service, facilities and villas in Salalah. Just 15 minutes from the international airport, the resort is close to the area’s highlights and from here it’s possible to do a range of day trips between time relaxing on the beach. Salalah is abundant in natural diversity, so you can choose to explore historical sites, mountains and the desert as well as the coastline.
Highlights
Highlights
Beach location,
Infinity pool,
Best for
Families
Couples
Gallery
Al Hajar Mountains, Oman
Alila Jabal Akhdar
An outrageously gorgeous gorge-edge resort. Luxurious. Breathtaking. Unique. And more than a touch of Grand Canyon grandeur.
Highlights
Highlights
Magnificent mountain views,
Day excursions,
Infinity pool
Best for
Families,
Couples
Gallery
