Content creator, hotel expert and travel writer Gina Jackson began photographing her luxe hotel escapades on @ginagoesto as a hobby while studying at Cambridge. Today, she’s amassed a 60k + community with her transportative travel photography and her honest, to-the-point hotel commentary. Gina is now a published author of British Boutique Hotels and London Hotels by Hoxton Mini Press. 

We caught up with Gina on her insider travel tips, from off-grid boutique hotels in Bernalda to home turf country hotels with one-of-a-kind interiors.

For me, travel is…

…immersing myself in different cultures, and discovering new places and cuisines. I’ve been lucky enough to travel from a young age, and will never take it for granted: the thrill of arriving in a new location is a feeling that never gets old, as is the novelty of trying new experiences.

Favourite off-grid boutique hotel and why? 

Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda: seemingly separated from the rest of the world, the hotel is hidden away in a tiny Italian town in the Basilicata region, not far from Matera. Owned by Francis Ford Coppola, the palazzo’s original character – beautiful frescoes, lavish interiors and pathways covered in wisteria – has been keenly preserved during the restoration. Days here begin with bountiful breakfast spreads, and are spent lounging by the pool, and taking part in pasta workshops – it’s a truly romantic hideaway.

A hotel whose interiors you wanted to copy and paste into your own home? 

Heckfield Place: the design strikes a balance between honouring the building’s original period features and infusing them with a contemporary feel. I love the muted, neutral tones, the rattan furnishings, the marble and gold touches in the bathrooms, and the fresh flowers everywhere. There’s a quiet attention to detail that is present throughout the entire property. 

The hotel with the happiest memories for you and why? 

Tierra Patagonia in Chile, one of the most unique places I have ever visited. It takes about 9 hours to travel there from Santiago, but is so worth the trek – situated just outside of Torres del Paine national park, it really is at the furthermost peak of South America, and you’ll feel entirely immersed in wilderness. The hotel is an architectural masterpiece, snaking endlessly into the barren landscape, and you’ll spend your days here on scenic hikes, led by the hotel’s private guides. I visited with family just after I’d graduated from university, and it was definitely one of the most memorable trips we’ve taken together. 

Where are you most excited about travelling to next and why? 

I’m excited to head back to Malaysia later this year to visit my grandma. I’m most excited to taste authentic Malaysian food again: the flavour of my favourite dishes is very difficult to replicate at home; there’s also a special smell and humidity unique to Malaysia that I recognise as soon as I step off the plane. 

If London (or elsewhere in the UK) is your home, what city/country does your soul wander to on rainy days? 

Hong Kong: a city that feels like my second home. There’s an energy in the city that I haven’t experienced elsewhere – I also love the constant juxtaposition of old and new, whether that’s designer boutiques nestled next to hawker stalls, or bamboo scaffolding holding up the city’s skyscrapers. 

When I travel, I usually bring…

My Apple Airpods (I can’t bear to sit on a train or plane without listening to music!), a good suncream for all weather conditions (the best I’ve used is Skinceutical’s Advanced Brightening UV Defense in factor 50), and my sunglasses (I’m currently loving this pair by Velvet Canyon).

Instagram follows 

@the_adventuresofus: one of my favourite travel accounts ever! Their photos from across the world are so beautiful, and I have found so many places and hotels that I want to visit on my bucket list thanks to them.

@loft208: I love following Lisa’s DIY home renovation project. The interiors of her home are so calming and chic – I want my future home to look like hers!

@kirthanaa: I’m obsessed with Kirthanaa’s beautiful tablescapes, and the artfully created dinner settings that she styles. I’m always drawing inspiration from her home and wardrobe, and she’s encouraged me to experiment with more colourful homewares when I’m setting the table

Favourite item in your home and why?

Definitely the hand painted plates that I carried all the way back from Puglia, designed and made in a ceramic factory in Fasano – they’re now all the rage in the UK, and so many brands have tried to copy the design, but I’m proud to own some original pieces, and I love using them for dinner parties. They sat on my lap during the entire flight home as I was so determined not to break them!

How would you describe your everyday look? What are you typically wearing? Any brands are great here. 

My style differs a lot between summer and winter: in winter, I’m more often found in neutral tones, and prefer wearing tailored, minimal pieces by COS, The Frankie Shop, and Arket. In summer, I wear a lot of long floaty dresses and linens: Daily Sleeper, Pink City Prints, and Faithfull The Brand are my favourites.

Most recent style discovery/ a brand that’s caught your eye?

I recently discovered Deiji Studios’s loose-fitting linen sets. They’re chic, easy to wear, and perfect for hot weather: great for flinging over a swimsuit before heading to the pool. 

Coolest independent store in London? 

I love Couverture and The Garbstore in Notting Hill for its selection of contemporary mens and womenswear – they stock lots of independent designers, and trend-led pieces.

Any neighbourhood/city gems? 

There are so many good spots in Notting Hill. My favourite neighbourhood haunts are: Layla for fresh pastries, Lift Coffee (where I often grab a lunchtime coffee) and Empire Empire (my favourite Indian restaurant in London). Gold and Zephyr are also favourites of mine for lunch or dinner – and The Pelican is one of the best pubs in town.

What will you use House of Bashka for? 

I can’t wait to discover some more boutique hotels to visit around the world, and also some homeware shops – I’m constantly wanting to tweak my interiors and am a magpie for quirky candlesticks, table linens, crockery etc! 

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