March 2024 by Christine Simpson
Thank you Keri at Black Opal for your suggestions and help in arranging a fantastic few days in Reykjavik. The hotel and its location were perfect and we saw everything we wanted to see and more.
March 2024 by Mandy B
We have just returned from our second cricket tour and holiday with Black Opal, this time to India. We saw both the Hyderabad and the Vizag test matches, were escorted around the Golden Triangle then we had a week on our own, visiting Mumbai, Amritsar and Varanasi. While the last two destinations were not on the offered itineraries, Alex at Black Opal designed the trip to include them, providing fabulous guides who ensured we saw as much as possible.The hotels were of the highest possible standard available, virtually all 5 star. The organisation of all aspects of the trip was outstanding. Black Opal were able to secure the best seats for the cricket, ensured we knew what we could and couldn?t take into the grounds, and provided comfortable transport to and from the grounds with VIP parking. They provided packed lunches in Vizag, brought in from a nearby hotel, however, this wasn?t permitted at Hyderabad. Here, on the first day, the stadium was late providing lunch, so our guide, Manjeet sourced the best samosas, keeping us all happy.Alongside each test match, Black Opal hosted a welcome event, Stumps and a farewell dinner. These were all great fun and plentiful in terms of food and drink. A special mention for the Stumps event at Bot 9, across the road front the cricket ground. Analysis of the match at close of play on day 3 was informative and entertaining with Steve Harmison and Owais Shah offering their insights.Our trip was hosted by Martin and Gladdy, who, together made the best team, taking care of all aspects of our trip. It was a privilege to watch the cricket with Gladdy who offered expert insight. Martin is constantly checking the group, having a special knack of ensuring everyone was fully included, and, of course his tremendous photography skills!Black Opal partners on the ground, Banyan Tours, were faultless. On arrival at each airport, they provided Meet and Greet, escorting us through the airport, or changing terminal if required. Of special note was Manjeet who was with our party for the whole tour. His organisation was impeccable, and was a brilliant and knowledgeable guide during our excursions. I would also like to mention Sanjeev and Viren, who were particularly helpful at other points of the trip.The Banyan staff who accompanied us during transfers between hotel and airports were attentive, including when we had a problem demonstrating that we had a valid ticket at Varanasi. (It is impossible to enter the airport without a ticket). Our difficulty had been anticipated, overcome and our onward travel was not disrupted. We later discovered alternative solutions had been considered, but fortunately, weren?t required.Black Opal?s ability to offer such a luxury trip with the best hosts and high-quality partners ensured this was an outstanding trip, where nothing was too much trouble and every detail considered and taken care of. Thank you to all involved and we will definitely be travelling with Black Opal in the future.
March 2024 by Trish Brennan
The expertise that we received from Keri was exceptional. Black Opal and, in particular, Keri, provides a very personalised and relaxed service without any pressure whatsoever. All the arrangements were brilliant. When we encountered an issue checking into a flight, Keri responded promptly and dealt with it.We had a fabulous time because we knew we had a back-up team to fall back on. We would definitely use the company again. Thank you.
January 2024 by Andy Levitt
Excellent service from start to finish. Jody helped us with all arrangements and it was great joy to be able to drop her a line if we had questions. Always receiving a quick response and helpful answer. I would definitely recommend using them to book a holiday, they provided support and advice you just can?t get online.
May 2023 by Steve Payne
Keri, and the Black Opal team, were very helpful in booking flights to help with a charity trip to Ethiopia and Malawi earlier this year. Four surgeons travelled to east Africa for 3 weeks to help mentor local surgeons perform some complex surgery to help young men return to supporting their families, in some of the poorest countries in the world. Black Opal kept us abreast with the constantly changing flight plans in a complex series of journeys, and did this at the least cost to Urolink, our host charity. Although there was a lot of work, there was also some down time, and we hope you enjoy a few images we gathered during our visit to this beautiful part of the world.
May 2023 by Mel Stevens
Fantastic service from start to finish. Alex from Black Opal was recommended by a friend and organised such a perfect holiday to the Maldives for myself and my husband that surpassed our expectations. Nothing was too much trouble, she dealt with all queries before and after booking quickly and efficiently and made us feel like her top priority. Thank you Alex, it really was a holiday of a lifetime, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to others.
February 2023 by Suhail Nawaz
Black Opal were highly attentive and well organised. Keri was very helpful in coordinating all aspects of our trip and we will be happy to use their services again.
February 2023 by Alex Harrop
My family and I have used Black Opal now for a couple of years and have always found them to be friendly, informative and amazingly helpful. We decided to go away over new year and within a few hours of emailing Keri at Black Opal we had a holiday booked. Keri responded with a variety of destinations, flight times, costs etc - all of which matched our brief perfectly. She made it all so easy from our point of view. Thanks to Black Opal we had a wonderful holiday and have already booked our next trip at Easter through them.
December 2022 by Suzanne Hardy-Smith
Superb trip to F1 in Abu Dhabi. Alex was our excellent host for our 4 day trip. Great communication, choice of accommodation and concierge services made this a memorable trip and would highly recommend Black Opal
November 2022 by Fiona Knight
We have recently been to a few sporting occasions (rugby and horse racing) with Black Opal and each trip has been outstanding. Kath Morris is a gem: her attention to detail and overall customer service is second to none. I cannot commend their service too highly.
November 2022 by paul woolley
I've always loved so many things about Keri her attention to detail, nothing phases her and that good old fashioned customer service with a smile. We are not long back from 7+ years in Asia and we are picking back up with Keri again and I'm delighted to report a holiday vacation booked with Keri is just as I remember it - perfect !! Barbados is great as we all know ,downside is that many of the Hotels on the West are in need of a lick of paint at worst and extensive refurbishment at best and the Tamarind falls into the refurbishment bucket for sure.
November 2022 by John Burgess
Jody organised an amazing experience at the Imola F1 Grand Prix with only a weeks notice! From flights, hotel, connections all weekend and to the brilliant hospitality in a Paddock Club suite. It was such a fantastic 3 days, we had so much fun and not an ounce of stress thanks to Jody, Kath and the Black Opal team. More memories to cherish. Thank you!!
November 2022 by Sarat Broughton
Thank you to Louise at Black Opal Travel Group for helping to create a wonderful break to Valletta, with stylish hotel, excellent location and seamless transfers. It made for a stress free experience and we would definitely use the services of this company again.
November 2022 by Wendy Higton
Keri was exceptionally helpful, well organised and knowledgeable. It made organising a holiday much less stressful and I wondered why I had ever organised holidays myself! We will certainly be going to Keri for future holidays.
November 2022 by Gill Moore
Just enjoyed a wonderful city break in Berlin organised through Black Opal. Louise was professional, helpful and responsive. Highly recommended.
