Suitcase Series: Michelle Bishop owner and GM of Bangalay Luxury Villas

This week we caught up with Michelle Bishop, the woman behind Bangalay Luxury Villas, to find out what she never travels without, her packing tips, and what her most memorable trip has been so far…

Michelle Bishop is the creator, owner, and General Manager of Bangalay Luxury Villas and Bangalay Dining at Shoalhaven Heads on the NSW South Coast. She currently manages all aspects of the boutique resort’s operations.

Michelle has been instrumental in developing international standard tourism products and experiences over the past eight years, working alongside Tourism Australia, Destination NSW, Shoalhaven Tourism, and NSW Wines on key campaigns. Michelle has held positions on both government and tourism industry committees and boards. With Bangalay being recognised as one of the leading tourism businesses on the South Coast, Michelle is regularly called on as a spokesperson and industry representative by the media.

Michelle is passionate about the South Coast – its natural environment, local produce, and history. This passion has formed the vision and concept behind Bangalay, which has been executed by Michelle through sustainable bespoke architecture, chic interior design, and inventive and original food and beverage direction. The unique, personable, and attentive style of hospitality at Bangalay speaks of Michelle’s welcoming, perceptive, and yet relaxed nature.

Following her early interest in creativity and the arts, Michelle started her career as an interior designer, ultimately moving into key senior strategic roles in commercial architectural firms, project management, workplace strategy, and property advisory businesses. Michelle has always drawn on her creative problem-solving and extensive abilities to see the ‘whole picture’ when approaching any project. As a widely networked and natural connector and communicator, throughout her career, Michelle has been able to bring highly skilled people together to form successful project teams.

Michelle’s interest in business strategy, leadership, and organisational development whilst working in the property sector led to the completion of postgraduate studies in management at the University of Wollongong.

In her spare time, Michelle remains invested in her local community as well as her family, assisting with fundraisers, community events and numerous projects.

Michelle is a Board Director of Bundanon Trust, the only regional National Collecting Institution, and a Member of the Shoalhaven Economic Growth Advisory Group. She is also a founding director of the South Coast Tourism Industry Association.

In this week’s Suitcase Series, we take a sneak peek into Michelle Bishop‘s travel psyche…

What’s been your most memorable trip, and why?

A 10-week road trip through the centre of Australia, Gibb River Road and the whole West Coast – it was incredible I would love to do it all again.

What’s your favourite ever hotel?

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island. It is completely authentic, the architecture and interiors respond so well to the natural environment and the style of food and service are just perfect for me.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island is Michelle’s favourite hotel

Where or what is your escape?

I get to travel solo to Sydney, Canberra, and the far South Coast regularly for board meetings and other work-related commitments which I really enjoy. I try to squeeze in a great restaurant, bar, gallery exhibition, or long walk with friends if I can.

If you could go anywhere tomorrow, it would be…

We are just coming into the best time of year on the South Coast so it’s always hard to leave this time of year. I would love to do another stay at Paperbark Camp (just down the road) and stay in their new King Delux tent or a few days in Mollymook or Narooma.

What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?

I’m a retreat junkie, I have recently done a forest bathing retreat with Experience Nature at Osborne House and one with Stand Tall Retreats at “The Casa” in Kangaroo Valley, I also love visiting Gaia. I love to have a few days completely curated for me, I love helping people plan their stays when they stay at Bangalay but really love when someone has done all the organising for me.

Michelle Bishop — Michelle enjoys travelling with her family.

My top bucket-list destination is…

Europe in summer, I haven’t been but would love to

If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?

My Husband Tom and Kids Myles (17), Alex (14), Camilla (12) and Eddie (4), are great travelling companions and I wouldn’t feel too guilty about reading a book which I never seem to get time to do otherwise!

What is your jet-lag recovery tip?

It’s been so long since I’ve had a long flight I can’t remember! I always try to make sure I drink plenty of water when I travel.

Bangalay Luxury Villas

What is your suitcase stalwart?

I have a white Samsonite OC2Lite that I love for short trips, for road trips I load everything into Pony Rider “Market Carry Alls” and “duffle bags”, with 4 kids we need to squish a lot in so hard suitcases don’t work.