Our team
The Discerning Collection is a specialist privately owned, independent travel company operator offering ‘boutique’, hand-picked and personally validated holidays. Typically this would consist of smaller boutique hotels, villas with private pools, riads and traditional, ethnic hotels for the more discerning guest.
Our vision
To build the UK’s most successful boutique tour operation, with the highest levels of customer retention, advocacy and referrals.
We pride ourselves on our service and although all specialist travel companies will wax lyrical about this all important part of the holiday, very few actually provide a level of service that really lives up to the promise. We want to be seen as an operator that genuinely cares for our guests as opposed to one that cares more about chasing the ‘bottom line’.
Chris Mottershead
Managing Director
With over 30 years in the travel industry, Chris has pretty much done it all – from steering some of the biggest travel brands to uncovering the world’s best-kept secrets. Now, he brings that rare mix of deep experience, hands-on destination knowledge, and genuine excitement for bespoke travel to the Discerning Collection family.
He’s not just passionate about where you go — he’s passionate about how you get there, what you eat, who welcomes you at the door, and which sunset spot you’ll remember forever. Chris knows our destinations inside out (yes, he has a favourite villa in Kalkan) and is always on the lookout for something special you won’t find in a brochure.
Now proudly serving as President of the Institute of Travel and Tourism, Chris is as respected in the industry as he is approachable — with a strong focus on sustainability, thoughtful innovation, and those small, magical details that turn good trips into unforgettable ones.
He’s thrilled to be working alongside Viv and the brilliant Discerning team, helping guide the brand into its next chapter with heart, vision, and of course… plenty of stamps in the passport.
Nick & Viv Wrightman
Nick and Viv Wrightman began their careers in the travel industry and have spent a lifetime immersed in it. Nick started as a graduate trainee at Thomson Holidays, while Viv began her journey at the much-loved specialist, Sunmed Holidays.
Their early years provided invaluable training and experience, which paved the way for their next chapter — founding and running the highly regarded Tapestry Holidays. They later launched what they fondly describe as their “perfectly formed” boutique venture: the Discerning Collection.
Following Nick’s recent retirement, Viv continues to oversee operations with the same passion and commitment, now joined by a newly appointed Managing Director to lead the company into its next exciting chapter.
Holly Matthews
Holly joined us in March 2022, her career in the travel industry began shortly after completing her degree at Exeter University. Holly’s first role was with the Travel Team at Mr and Mrs Smith selling a wide variety of locations globally, she then went onto join the team at Exclusive Escapes working in a reservations capacity creating bespoke and tailor made itineraries. Holly has travelled extensively in Turkey and lives between the Turkish riviera and the UK and it probably comes as no surprise that her favourite destination is Turkey.
Following many years in sales which she absolutely loves, Holly has now branched into the product and contracting area of the business as well as website content and design. Holly knows Turkey like the back of her hand so whether you are seeking a quick get away in Istanbul, a luxury gulet charter, momentous villa stay or tailor made journey she can definitely help and her passion is infectious.
Lily Mottershead
Operations & Admin Manager
Lily is the newest addition to our team, bringing with her a strong background in administration and organisation. Since graduating from university, Lily has honed her skills in coordinating projects and supporting busy teams – experience that’s already proving invaluable in her new role. While she’s new to the travel industry, her enthusiasm and willingness to learn are helping her hit the ground running.
Beata Kulesza
Beata is an integral part of the sales team and started with Tapestry Holidays in 2003 and knows our product intimately, she is renowned within the team for remembering exactly which guest staying in which room and when – which we think is quite remarkable! A lot of our guests have booked their holidays with Beata for many years and know her as their loyal and personal travel advisor and more importantly her friend.
Beata hails from Warsaw in Poland and is still amazed as to how many of our guests mis-pronounce her name. Every day she is constantly spelling out her name aloud… B E A T A!
Laura Erdogan
Laura has lived in Turkey for the past 20 years and we are lucky to have her in our team. Laura originally comes from a publishing background but made the move to Turkey to pursue her passion of Travel. Over the years Laura has worked for a couple of tour operators both in Turkey and Cape Verde and comes to us with her vast expertise of customer relations.
Laura Joined us 10 years ago and in 2018 was joined by her husband Deniz who has worked in the tourism industry since leaving college. Together they work unremittingly to make your holiday effortless. Their concierge service is second to none, they are always on the look out to bring you new experiences!
Fergie, Blue, and Mowgli
Heads of Workplace Wellbeing
Fergie, Blue, and Mowgli may not answer emails, but they play an essential role in the Discerning Collection team as our beloved Heads of Workplace Wellbeing.
Mowgli, our nearly 9-year-old Australian Labradoodle, has been part of the office longer than anyone else (with the possible exception of Viv!). As the original wellness officer, he’s a calm, comforting presence who takes his role as chief morale booster very seriously — especially when it involves snacks or belly rubs.
Fergie, a 10-year-old French Bulldog, and Blue, a 6-year-old Weimaraner, round out the team beautifully. Whether it’s a moment of calm during a busy morning or a reason to pause with a smile, these two bring a soothing energy to every corner of the office.
Always composed in a crisis (and never ones to talk back), the trio reminds us to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the little things.
Whether snoozing in a sunny spot, patrolling for treats, or popping up in meetings uninvited, they’re woven into our daily routine.
With their quiet loyalty, gentle nature, and commitment to mental wellbeing (with scheduled naps, of course), Mowgli, Fergie, and Blue help keep stress levels low and spirits high, they are cherished, four-legged champions of the team.
“We take our job seriously—except when we’re napping, which is often.”
Mowgli, Fergie & Blue