From local staycations and childhood caravan holidays in Scotland, to family summers in Tenerife and the spot where Gem & Tonic came to life… join us for a feel-good, sunny day catch up with our Founder Gemma as we chat all things travel, treasured memories and switching off.

1. City, beach, countryside… what holiday suits you best now?
   The countryside for sure, with Benji, my dog, and the kids. We recently rented a log cabin in Cumbria and it was just amazing - if you get good weather, you really do have everything you need there. Honestly, even if the weather isn’t great it’s still such a gorgeous, cosy spot to escape to. One evening there was a huge thunderstorm, so we got into our PJs, lit the log fire and curled up with Benji. It was bliss.
   
   
2. What’s your ultimate holiday switch-off?
   Reading a book. Before having kids, I could lie back and easily get through a book in no time. With kids, pool and beach time aren’t so relaxing - especially as I have real water babies! Among the chaos and fun though, I still try to sneak off for half an hour with a book… it just takes longer to get through it these days!
   
   
3. How has becoming a mum changed what you look for in a holiday destination?
   Flight time is the first thing I think about. Before kids, I loved travelling long haul and went to Thailand multiple times. The thought of doing that fight with a 2 year old now? Absolutely not!
   
   Growing up, my family had an apartment in Tenerife and we went every year, so it’s always felt really special. I continue the tradition with my family now. It’s great for Gorka, being Spanish speaking. The area is called Abama and we love the peace and quiet of this coastal town - it’s away from the bustling tourist locations but close enough to rent a car and visit when we fancy it.
   
   
4. Gorka is from Bilbao - do you head back there often to catch up with family and friends?
   Yes, absolutely. We visit at Christmas plus we try to get a few days there in summer. It’s such a fantastic city - I whole-heartedly recommend it for a city break - and it’s such a short fight too. For a beach day, San Sebastián is an easy drive and the beach is stunning.
   
   
5. What’s your favourite staycation spot?
   The Lake District or Scotland. The Lakes are practically on my doorstep, just an hour away - plus there’s a fab farm shop at the services on the way. As my Dad’s family is from Scotland, I spent a lot of happy caravan holidays there as a child and that area is still a favourite today.
   
   
6. If you and Gorka could sneak off for a child-free mini break, where would you go?
   We’re actually sneaking off this summer to Menorca! It’s 2 hours away, Spanish speaking (a win for Gorka), and we can indulge in lots of amazing seafood.
   
   
7. What’s your most treasured holiday memory?
   Caravan holidays in Scotland as a child. We would always go to a spot called Kukudbright and went so often that I became good friends and pen pals with two girls, Laura and Natalie, who lived there. Dad would put the seats down in the car and my sister and I would lie in the back for the long journey up. Such simple, fun times but honestly some of my best memories.
   
   
8. What destination is top of your family travel wishlist right now?
   Honestly? Nowhere exotic. We love Tenerife and will be back there this summer. When my kids get older, I’d love to take them whale watching in New Zealand.
   
   
9. What’s the best destination you’ve been to that’s felt like a pure reset?
   Ko Samui in Thailand. Everyone is so friendly and kind, the beaches are beautiful, the food is great quality and cheap, plus the lifestyle is so simple and happy. No wonder they call Thailand "The Land of Smiles".   
   
   
10. Do you have a favourite wellbeing holiday destination?
    Every year, I used to go to Jason Vale’s Juicy Oasis retreat in Portugal (he’s just opened another in the Algarve). It’s the loveliest place to retreat to… 8am morning hikes, 2pm yoga, fresh juices, fruit and veg or winter soups and stews. I always came back feeling so fresh and relaxed.
    
    
11. How do you carve out moments of wellbeing on family holidays now?
    Walking. We have an off-road buggy for Thiago and head off on holidays up mountains and exploring areas off the usual track (along with nice coffee shops!) Walking is so underrated - it’s free and works wonders for your mental health, plus the children get excited seeing new places.
    
    
12. What’s one place you return to again and again? Why?
    Tenerife, for sure. It reminds me of my Dad, who passed away when I was 17. We’d collect rocks on the beach, eat local food and just spend proper time together… every trip there feels very nostalgic and I love that I can take my kids somewhere that meant so much to my Dad and holds many memories of him.
    
    Tenerife also holds another very special place in my heart, as it’s there that I really manifested Gem & Tonic. I remember sitting on the beach making endless notes about what I wanted the brand to be, how I could bring it to life and make it meaningful… and, now, here we are!