Community profile – Sarah Hoyland

From Lane Cove to Ladakh and beyond

In 2014 when some Lane Cove mums chatted about needing a break from the constant demands of work and family life, it was lucky that Sarah Hoyland, Director of the Classic Safari Company and long-term Lane Cove resident, was amongst them.

Words by Liz Foster.

From there Sarah built a trip for eighteen women to India based round Holi, where they celebrated the famous Festival of Colours in true style with the locals. Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, side trips to Jaipur and Mumbai, and special access to an ancient fire ceremony on the Ganges were also included. The whole experience was full of colour, laughter and life, amplified by social media throughout Sydney and further afield. And the idea of the Secret Women’s Series was born. Since this first Holi trip, Sarah has created unique experiences for dozens of women from Lane Cove and beyond. Her boutique travel company designs bespoke journeys to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Latin America, to places you only read about in story books. But Sarah knows the key is much more than just breathtaking destinations you’ve only ever dreamed of. “Our special edge has always been creating uplifting tours, designed by women, for women and about women. Whether it’s immersing our clients into women’s collectives, visiting local schools or joining traditional cooking classes, we know what makes them tick and we do it in style.” Sarah is now busy designing other female focused trips, including an upcoming literary ‘Indian Tales’ tour with Jennifer Byrne; and a ‘Spice Up Your Life’ food safari with chef Christine Manfield. A textiles-focussed tapestry tour through Peru with former Lane Cove resident and home stylist Megan Morton is also on the cards, plus longer-term plans for other escorted tours with her. Sarah has also worked extensively with Australian designer Camilla to develop inspiration for her prints. “As a busy working mother, I get that our clients move heaven and earth to carve out time from their hectic schedules. There’s nothing we don’t think of to make our Secret Women’s Series seamless, incredible life changing experiences.” Sarah’s myriad network across the world also provides first class local support when you need it. A chance opportunity with one connection brought her face-to-face with the Dalai Lama in remote Ladakh in north west India earlier this year. A five-day journey and strenuous passport security were well worth it to experience that moment. She and her sixteen-year old daughter Eliza were dumbstruck. “He’s an incredible conversationalist – he found out we were from Australia and asked us so many questions, we could hardly get a word in edgeways!” Sarah’s family has travelled all over the world with her. But she’s a stickler for detail and will only design a trip if she’s confident with the offer.

“I have been lucky enough to travel extensively through Africa, South America, the Middle East, India and beyond. It’s only by seeing and experiencing it all first-hand that I’m willing to curate and promote the experiences for others.” Despite her frequent and exotic trips, Sarah’s only too happy to return to Lane Cove where she and her family have lived for eighteen years. “The chance to travel so widely is fantastic, but I love coming home. Lane Cove has been a fabulous place to live and raise our girls. Everyone who lives here is so friendly and happy – and who could blame them? The sense of community is truly extraordinary.” 