About

The Dream Escape Philosophy

Meet The Team

A destination may inspire the journey, but it is the experiences, the connections and the stories collected along the way that define it.
Our ambition has always been to create travel that leaves a lasting impression and enriches people’s lives.

David Tobin, Founder & CEO

 

Luxury Travel, Reimagined

At Dream Escape, we create extraordinary journeys across the UK and Ireland for travellers seeking something beyond the expected. For more than 20 years, our team has combined unrivalled local knowledge, trusted relationships and exceptional access to design bespoke experiences shaped entirely around our clients’ interests, passions and aspirations. From private encounters and cultural access to remarkable hospitality and transformative experiences, we create journeys that are as meaningful as they are memorable.

Our Story

Founded in 2005 by David Tobin and Holly Mackie, Dream Escape was born from a simple belief: the most rewarding travel experiences are not defined by destinations alone, but by the people, places and stories that bring them to life.

What began as a vision to redefine luxury travel across the UK and Ireland has evolved into a leading luxury travel specialist, trusted by discerning travellers and travel advisors around the world.

While much has changed over the past two decades, our philosophy remains the same. Every journey begins with understanding the individual traveller. We take the time to uncover what inspires them, then craft experiences that reflect their interests, curiosity and sense of adventure.

The result is travel that feels deeply personal, authentically connected and impossible to replicate.

What Makes Dream Escape Different

Every Dream Escape journey is shaped by five guiding principles. Together, they define our approach to luxury travel and influence the experiences we create, the people we introduce and the stories we help our clients discover.

Legacy & Heritage

Connecting people to their story.

Purpose & Perspective

Travel that broadens understanding.

Cultural Immersion

Meeting the people behind the place.

Connection & Community

Travel that brings people together.

Extraordinary Rare Access

Unlocking the exceptional.

Dream Escape Collections

Our Collections invite you to discover the UK and Ireland through a different lens. Rather than asking where our clients want to travel, we begin by understanding what inspires them. From heritage and culture to gastronomy, wellness and adventure, each collection is designed to spark ideas and uncover possibilities, helping us create a journey that reflects your interests, passions and sense of discovery.

How We Bring this to Life

Through our curated collection of stories, destination expertise and insider perspectives, our insights pages are designed to inform, inspire and ignite your imagination. Drawing on our personal connections and privileged access, we share unique perspectives, local knowledge and inspiring narratives that move beyond the expected to uncover the exceptional.

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FOOD & DRINK

Harvesting the Good Life

Natalie Millar-Partridge interviews Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and uncovers the inspiring stories and sustainable practices behind River Cottage. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall shot to fame with his sustainable venture at River Cottage in 1999,...

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PLACES TO STAY

Gleneagles Townhouse

Gleneagles Hotel is set to open its first-ever city outpost in Edinburgh this spring. The Gleneagles Townhouse will span two historic buildings on one of the city’s grandest squares. When...

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The Team

Our team at Dream Escape is made up of experienced travel design planners and travel industry professionals who all have the same mind-set – to provide the best service to our clients. We are always happy to help you plan your next 
dream escape.
David Tobin

David Tobin

Owner, CEO
Holly Mackie

Holly Mackie

Founder, Chair
Gordon Donald

Gordon Donald

Director of Finance
Sal Maitland

Sal Maitland

Executive Personal Assistant
Kristin Duvall

Kristin Duvall

Director of Sales
Sue Morris

Sue Morris

Associate Director, Head of Marketing
Kirsty Hoskins

Kirsty Hoskins

Associate Director, Head of Curated Travel
Louise Murray

Louise Murray

Associate Director, Head of Product & Partnerships
Karen Darlow

Karen Darlow

Head of Curated Elite Travel
Karen Murray

Karen Murray

Head of Events, Dream Event
Susie Little

Susie Little

Senior Curated Travel Designer
Nicki Thomson

Nicki Thomson

Senior Curated Travel Designer
Michael Davies

Michael Davies

Curated Travel Designer
Debra Devlin

Debra Devlin

Curated Travel Designer
Greta Pasin

Greta Pasin

Senior Curated Travel Executive
Michelle Clancy

Michelle Clancy

Senior Curated Travel Executive
Lucy Logan

Lucy Logan

Curated Travel Executive
Lorrell Cranston

Lorrell Cranston

Curated Travel Executive
Daelin Roberts

Daelin Roberts

Curated Travel Assistant
Jenny Mitchell

Jenny Mitchell

Curated Travel Assistant
Finlay Mann

Finlay Mann

Finance Executive
Rosie Peattie

Rosie Peattie

Client Relationship Manager / Blue Badge Guide
Sally Strange

Sally Strange

Client Relationship Manager / Blue Badge Guide


"They had nothing but amazing things to say about their trip. All around, Dream Escape knocked it out of the park."

Cooper Violagis, Limen Travel

"Thank you for your flawless planning and execution of our Brownell Awards trip to Scotland."

Jessica White, Brownell Travel

“The Dream Escape team are just fantastic. I couldn’t be luckier than to be working with the company and staff like they have.”

Joe Colucci, Rudi Steele Travel

“Dream Escape is one of the most unique DMCs because they not only deal with an ultra-luxury client, but also showcase all the unique things about Scotland, Ireland, and the UK. Honestly, there’s no other DMC like them.”

Jennifer McCrea, Well Traveled Agency

“They are so professional. They always do an incredible job. They hire people that are caring, friendly, and knowledgeable. The attention to detail and everything that they they give is exceptional. Because these are customized trips, each one is different. Each one has little nuances to it.”

Valerie Wilson, Founder & CEO, VWTI

"Dream Escape provides a superb service with deep local relationships. Any of my clients would be thrilled to travel with such amazing professionals."

Lauren McWilliams Jones, Solas Travels (Brownell Affiliate)

"Their team's enthusiasm only gets me more excited about each client's trip."

Susan Whitson, Cadence Travel

“I think the more I get to know everybody on the team, the more I fall in love with Dream Escape.”

Jennifer McCrea, Well Traveled Agency