Travel was an integral part of Ella’s life right from the start; growing up, her parents were always focused on taking the family to as many places as possible and passed over things like expensive Christmas and birthday presents for trips abroad. This culminated in the family moving to Boston for a few years when she was four, and the travel bug was well and truly caught.
Her love for Asia started when she took a year out before university and travelled to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. She fell head over heels for the people and the food, and it is her dream to one day live in Hanoi or Siem Reap (or both!). She then lived and worked in Sydney for a few months and toured New Zealand on the way home. She nearly took another year out to keep travelling, but for the sake of her mum’s sanity she went to Cardiff University as planned, keeping the travel itch scratched by taking part in an Erasmus exchange in Oslo and escaping abroad whenever possible.
She had long-been the go to among family and friends for holiday queries and itinerary ideas, but her career in travel started somewhat serendipitously; whilst living in a remote area of Norway, she came across a position for a travel advisor specialising in Scandinavia, and realised she couldn’t think of a job that was better suited than organising travel for people.
After a few years in various roles, Ella realised she wanted to move somewhere she could focus on her love of Asia, and ETG was a natural fit to do just that.
Today, she’s an expert in crafting immersive holidays across Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia.
Ella has a keen interest in eco-conscious travel: whether that’s slow journeys by boat or stays in low-impact jungle lodges.
Her next recce? Borneo! And she’s already counting down the days…
“Life is short and the world is wide. The sooner you start exploring it, the better.” – Simon Raven
Ella’s Destinations
Some of Ella's Favourite Hotels
Discover some of her top picks, from floating eco-lodges to swish city crashpads.
Thailand
BABA Eco Lodge
Highlights
Highlights
Undeveloped island setting,
Great Thai food,
Fun adventures
Best for
Families
Couples
Friends
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Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Shinta Mani Wild
Truly extraordinary. A unique tented safari camp, Shinta Mani Wild offers outdoor experiences as incredible as its dining and accommodation.
Highlights
Highlights
Atmospheric setting,
Bill Bensley design
Best for
Families with teens,
Couples
Friends
Gallery
The Siam
Thai Colonial and Art Deco Riverside villas on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, where oriental antiques meet luxurious modern comfort.
Highlights
Highlights
Bold Bill Bensley design,
Prime position
Best for
Couples
Tatai, Cambodia
Canvas and Orchids Retreat
A floating lodge. Close to nature, miles from anywhere. Utterly unique.
Highlights
Highlights
Magical nature,
Privacy,
Luxury amenities
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Nature lovers
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Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Borneo,
Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island Resort offers barefoot luxury in Malaysian Borneo with villas, marine adventures, nature trails and ocean views from a protected island setting.
Highlights
Highlights
Tropical snorkelling,
Jungle trails,
Scenic villas
Best for
Couples,
Families
Gallery
Feedback from Ella’s Travellers
Relaxing holiday in Thailand
A Brilliant Adventure (Bali and Beyond)
Epic Trip in Thailand
