The Local Touch

Incredible trips start with the people who know a place best. The most memorable experiences simply aren’t possible without true local knowledge. At the heart of Jacada, our Concierge team share a profound connection to their destinations, unlocking doors that make a trip truly special – and truly yours. They go above and beyond to share their passions and provide personal recommendations every step of the way. Join us as we chat with some of the team about the magic touches they bring to every journey.

CATHY JOCUBEIT

Concierge for Asia Pacific

Tell us about yourself. I’m Australian, but I’m currently based in Vietnam. My family and I have roamed around for over a decade now, sharing our time between Australia and Southeast Asia. Next month I’ll be back in Australia, then onto Indonesia and Thailand. We move a lot and love it. We’re very fortunate.

In a country with so many highlights, how do you celebrate the best of what Australia has to offer? Food is such a huge part of life in Australia, which is why I enjoy crafting memorable experiences centred around dining. An Aussie barbeque is a must when visiting the country and I take pleasure in surprising our travellers with the remote locations we can arrange for one – amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Mountains in Sydney or the serene beauty of Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Another remarkable experience combining food, landscapes and culture is a private dinner atop a dune overlooking Uluru. This exclusive setting offers a mesmerising view at sunset. It’s simply stunning.

Can you recommend any farm-to-table restaurants in Australia that prioritise locally sourced ingredients? I often recommend Farmer’s Daughters in Melbourne for its exceptional local cuisine, sourced directly from Gippsland in Victoria. Their menu is meticulously curated to reflect the freshest seasonal produce. I often like to arrange set menus for our travellers, allowing them to savour a taste of the entire region.

How do you foster an understanding of Austalia’s Indigenous cultures? I often try to offer a welcome gift for travellers to Australia so they can be instantly connected to the country’s culture and heritage. This could take the form of a scarf or bag crafted by a First Nations designer or artist, and is something for clients to use whilst here and enjoy when at home. It’s an instant introduction to what’s important to Australia.

We have a lot of popular sites with significant or sacred importance to First Nations communities, such as Uluru and the Daintree. We work with excellent guides who educate and explain everything along the way so that our travellers have a better understanding of their history and protection.

ALICE COSSO

Concierge for Europe

Tell us about yourself. Currently based in Genova, Italy, I’ve spent several years living abroad. I’ve always been passionate about travelling, and try to find opportunities to escape from routine. I love discovering new cultures and experiences.

Wine is deeply ingrained in Italian culture. What are some ways you enjoy sharing this experience? I thoroughly enjoy organising wine tastings in unique settings. There are areas in Italy where you can do wine tastings in lavender fields which I find particularly romantic. For a more authentic experience, we arrange tastings paired with a delightful lunch in a Tuscan farmhouse.

As a local, how do you share Italy’s rich tradition of street food? Each region has its own culinary specialities. In Liguria, where I’m from, the traditional street food is focaccia or farinata, a savoury bread made with chickpea flour. In Sicily, you’ll find arancini stuffed with meat sauce, peas and cheese, and cannoli. In Emilia-Romagna, there’s the piadina romagnola, a thin flatbread filled with an array of ingredients like cold cuts, cheese or veggies. And in Naples, while pizza reigns supreme, the folded pizza a portafoglio – or “wallet pizza” – is a local favourite eaten like a sandwich.

What’s your favourite restaurant for a special occasion? La Sponda in Positano. It has amazing views over the sea and is lit by 400 candles, creating a beautifully romantic atmosphere.

Can you share some romantic experiences you’ve arranged across Italy? I love organising private chefs' tables in beautiful locations, such as the Caruso Hotel in Ravello with its panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast.

My favourite experience was for a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary in Positano, the very place where they had exchanged vows two decades earlier. We recreated their special day, securing the same room at the same hotel and arranging a bouquet identical to the one the bride had carried down the aisle. We framed prints of their wedding photos for their accommodation and gifted them a Polaroid camera with an empty album to capture and cherish new memories. It was very special.

EUGENIA CAYASSO

Concierge for Africa

Tell us about yourself. I am from a small island off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast called Corn Island. I grew up reading novels, looking at pictures of my dad's travels and dreaming of seeing all these amazing places. I met a South African who is now my husband working on cruise ships, and we now live in Durban with our two kids. I’m passionate about being a mom of two boys and raising them while exposing them to different people and cultures.

What’s special to you about life in South Africa? There’s so much. I’d particularly highlight the spirit of ubuntu, which is a philosophy that focuses on how we are all interconnected. It’s pretty much a spirit of generosity and hospitality that you'll find everywhere you go. It reminds us that our actions and the choices that we make have a great impact on one another – and so we need to be mindful and respectful.

As a parent yourself, tell us what makes South Africa such a great destination for families. South Africa has everything! Big cities, beaches, mountains and phenomenal safari experiences for the whole family in malaria-free areas. Not to mention the incredible cuisine that really showcases South Africa’s diversity.

What’s the best way to spot the Big Five? You can head to Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve or Madikwe Game Reserve – to mention just a few. Your best sightings will be on game drives. In terms of when to go, the best time to plan a trip is during the dry season or winter (June to September). During this period the vegetation is sparse and it becomes easier to spot animals around watering holes and rivers.

Safari experiences can be truly magical. Tell us about one of the private moments you’ve most enjoyed arranging. For a couple who was travelling across East Africa, I organised a candlelit romantic dinner and gifted them a Maasai blanket as a souvenir of their trip. They loved it and I still have the photo they shared with me of the experience.

GRACE ELLIOTT

Concierge for the Middle East & Silk Route

Tell us about yourself. I’m originally from the UK, but Jordan is now home and I have a strong affinity for the diverse identities found across the Arab states. While I've explored much of the Middle East, Jordan holds a special place in my heart, closely followed by Oman.

How would you describe Jordan? Jordan offers more than just Petra; it boasts diverse geography, with its lush northern landscapes and surreal Wadi Rum desert. It's a destination full of adventures, but it's also a feeling – the warmth and hospitality from the Jordanian people – that makes visitors feel truly welcome.

How does Jordan’s rich history and heritage inspire experiences you curate for travellers? Exploring Jordan is like stepping into a time machine, where travellers are transported through history. From the well-preserved ruins of Jerash, reminiscent of a bustling Roman city, to Petra, carved by the skilled hands of the Nabateans, each site offers a glimpse into the past. Through the experiences I arrange, I aim to provide our travellers with a unique opportunity to witness the diverse civilisations that have shaped Jordan's remarkable heritage.

How do you help travellers connect with local culture through personalised experiences? We prioritise fostering connections between people and places. At Beit Sitti, a cooking school located in Weibdeh, travellers engage in hands-on experiences, preparing traditional dishes like maqluba (made with layers of meat, rice and vegetables, cooked in a dish and inverted onto a serving platter) or mansaf (lamb, rice and jameed sauce made from dried fermented yoghurt) alongside local women. Or, we can connect travellers with a Jordanian socio-political expert who offers valuable insights into contemporary life in the country. In Wadi Rum, travellers can experience a deep immersion in Bedouin culture, learning about their ancient way of life through experiences like Arabic coffee and bread making.

What excites you about the Middle East right now? Its increasing recognition. From hosting major sporting events like the World Cup and Formula 1, to the rise of emerging fashion brands such as Nadine Merabi and Nafsika Skourti, the Arab world is taking to the global stage. This is accompanied by an improved tourism infrastructure across the region, making it even more accessible and appealing to travellers. I’m excited about the launch of Siranna, an ultra-luxe hotel only accessible from Aqaba by boat, that’s focused on relaxation and tranquillity.

CARLOS MACHADO

Concierge for Latin America

Tell us about yourself. Originally from Venezuela, I now call Santiago, Chile, home. My passion for photography has been a lifelong journey, with my camera always by my side. Through photography, I've discovered a deep love for travel. Exploring new places and immersing myself in various cultures fuels my creativity and allows me to capture unique moments wherever I go.

As a keen photographer, which landscape in Chile has left a lasting impression on you? During one of my solo adventures in Chile, I found myself amidst the otherworldly beauty of the Atacama Desert. I visited the Chaxa Lagoon, a salt flat that transforms into a natural mirror when flooded. Chile is known for its clear skies, but on this day fluffy clouds decided to join the spectacle. As the sun began its descent, it painted the sky with vibrant hues of orange and red, creating a fiery masterpiece above. And there, right in front of me, were flamingos gracefully wading through the water – truly a sight to behold!

In your opinion, what makes Latin America such a captivating destination for families? The versatility. Within a single country, you can immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of cultures, landscapes and wildlife. On this side of the world, volcanoes coexist with serene lagoons while lush forests border vast sand dunes. You can take to the waters to see colourful fish and witness humpback whales during their migration, or head inland to catch a glimpse of Magellanic penguins or spider monkeys swinging through the tropical forests of Central and South America. Latin America also has a rich culture with lots of magical stories and epic facts that are great for children.

There’s also magic in experiencing disconnection together as a family. In landscapes as breathtaking and remote as those found in Latin America – the lush and dense Amazon Rainforest, enigmatic Rapa Nui (Easter Island) or the thundering Iguazu Falls – it’s possible to fully disengage from everyday life and really be in the moment.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve surprised our adventurous clients with in the past. I had the joy of surprising a family of musicians on their travels in Ecuador with a private performance of Diablada de Píllaro. This vibrant festival is a celebration of music, dance and the captivating performances of traditional masked characters adorned in bright colours. The family were given the opportunity to play alongside the performers and even learn some dance moves. It was an incredibly intimate experience for them, and one that will undoubtedly remain etched in their memories for years to come.