About us
Who we are
The Discerning Collection is a privately owned, independent travel company specialising in boutique, handpicked and personally validated holidays. Our portfolio is carefully curated, featuring characterful boutique hotels, private villas with pools, elegant riads and distinctive stays designed for travellers seeking something more considered than the mainstream.
Our vision
To build the UK’s most trusted boutique travel company — defined by long-standing relationships, exceptional repeat business, and genuine advocacy from our guests.
We believe great travel is shaped not just by where you go, but by how thoughtfully it is put together. While many companies speak about service, we focus on delivering it where it matters most — through careful planning, honest advice, and a genuine understanding of what makes a holiday truly work.
What we do
Every property within our collection has been chosen with care, based on consistent guest feedback, strong repeat business, and our own first-hand experience. Nothing is included without being personally assessed by our team.
We work closely with our hotel and villa partners, building long-standing relationships to ensure standards remain consistently high and aligned with our values. As one of the founding travel members of Feefo, all guest reviews – positive or otherwise – are published transparently, allowing us to continuously refine and improve what we offer.
Our customers
We are proud that a significant proportion of our guests return to travel with us year after year – a reflection of the trust we’ve built over time.
Our clients are typically well-travelled, discerning, and value quality, individuality and thoughtful service over mass-market offerings. Whether choosing a rustic villa or a five-star boutique hotel, what matters most is that the experience feels right — considered, seamless, and true to expectatio
Our team & values
Our UK-based team has an in-depth understanding of every property and destination we offer. This allows us to provide detailed, honest guidance — often down to the exact room or villa layout — ensuring each holiday is tailored to suit the individual.
Many of our team have previously worked in customer-facing roles overseas, bringing valuable first-hand insight into the destinations and experiences we recommend. This knowledge now informs how we shape each holiday ahead of departure, helping guests make confident, well-informed decisions from the outset.
We take a personal approach to every booking. No two guests are the same, and we take the time to understand what matters most — ensuring the right holiday is matched to the right person.
Some background info on the team and owners at Discerning Collection
The Discerning Collection was founded by Nick and Viv Wrightman, whose careers in travel span decades and whose shared passion for thoughtful, well-curated holidays shaped the business from the very beginning.
Nick began his career as a graduate trainee at Thomson Holidays, while Viv started at specialist operator Sunmed Holidays. Together, they went on to create and run the highly regarded Tapestry Holidays, before establishing The Discerning Collection — a business built on personal knowledge, trusted relationships, and a commitment to doing things properly.
Over the years, they have personally visited and carefully selected every property within the collection, building long-standing relationships with owners and hoteliers, and earning the loyalty of a discerning client base who return time and again.
Today, the business enters a new chapter. Viv remains closely involved, continuing to bring her experience, insight and continuity to the brand, while Nick has stepped back into retirement.
The Discerning Collection is now led by Chris Mottershead, a highly respected figure within the travel industry with over 30 years’ experience at the highest level. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge, deep destination understanding, and a genuine passion for well-crafted travel experiences.
His approach closely aligns with the values on which the company was built — focusing on quality over volume, long-term relationships, and the small, thoughtful details that elevate a holiday from good to exceptional. Working alongside Viv and the wider team, Chris is guiding the business forward with a clear vision, while preserving the character and integrity that have always defined The Discerning Collection.
Our product
Every element of your holiday is carefully considered — from flights and transfers to accommodation and experiences. We work with trusted partners who share our values, ensuring consistency and quality throughout.
Our holidays are designed to be flexible. Whether you are looking for a short stay, a longer villa holiday, or a more complex multi-centre itinerary, we tailor each booking to suit your preferences — with departures available from a range of UK airports and for varying durations.
Our destinations currently include Turkey, Greece, Italy, Mallorca, Malta, Morocco and Sri Lanka, alongside a growing collection of distinctive UK stays.
Why book with Discerning Collection?
- Our collection is handpicked and personally recommended
- We match you not just to the right destination, but the right property — and often the right room
- Every holiday is tailored to your individual preferences
- A high proportion of our guests return year after year
- Our business is built on referrals and long-term relationships
- We take a personal approach — discussing your plans to ensure everything fits
- We provide clear, knowledgeable guidance throughout the planning process
- All holidays are fully financially protected (via ATOL or our Financial Trust)
