Top Image: Sara Hegarty, Senior Business Development Manager. Photo credit, Anna Robinson Photography

Suitcase Series: Sarah Hegarty Senior Business Development Manager of Pan Pacific Melbourne

This week we caught up with Sarah Hegarty, the Senior Business Development Manager of Pan Pacific Melbourne, to find out what she never travels without, her packing tips, and what her most memorable trip has been so far…

Sarah Hegarty is a Senior Business Development Manager at Pan Pacific Melbourne, Victoria, and has been a part of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group family for over 12 years. Sarah has had the pleasure of working at several hotels within the Pan Pacific Group within Australia in various roles and departments.

Hospitality became Sarah’s passion during High School after her first overseas trip to Europe which then led to her career in hotels whilst completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Hospitality (Hotel School Sydney).

Sarah is a person who believes that one must create opportunities for themselves. A philosophy that has been constant throughout her career. Her belief in this philosophy has been the building block of her current work ethic and saw her move interstate to Melbourne over 9 years ago, to work within multiple departments and take on leadership roles over the last 12 years of her career.

Sarah believes she would not be where she is today if she didn’t take these challenges and seize opportunities to further develop herself as a young professional.

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

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

It would have to be my first trip to Europe as part of a Modern / Ancient History tour I took back in Year 12. Staying in multiple different hotels and destinations, and meeting different people along the way, just made the whole experience more enjoyable. It was also the moment I fell in love with hospitality and therefore wanted to pursue a career in hotels.

What’s your favourite ever hotel?

Not to be biased, but currently, I would have to say our very own PARKROYAL Collection Pickering hotel, in Singapore. It’s a magnificent build with a focus on sustainability, with an iconic eco-friendly ‘hotel-in-a-garden’ concept. Over fifty different varieties of plants have been used to create a towering high-rise garden. It’s simply beautiful. I think all cities around the world should take a page out of Singapore’s book on how the cities of the future should look like. And of course, now that I am working at the fabulous Pan Pacific Melbourne, it’s also shaping up to be something of a favourite – especially with my friends and family who all love the brilliant location right on the edge of the city. The spectacular views from the Pacific Club Lounge are arguably amongst the best in Melbourne!

Pan Pacific Melbourne — PARKROYAL Collection Pickering hotel, in Singapore, is one of Sarah’s favourite hotels

Where or what is your escape?

Movies – I am a huge movie buff. Whether it be a ‘who’s done it’, or a funny rom-com, I am set. The cinematography these days is just outstanding and the locations some of the movies expose you to, are magical. Since we haven’t been able to travel much over the last few years, to be able to escape to these places and live vicariously through these movies, has been my current escape.

If you could go anywhere tomorrow, it would be…

North Pole – I say that as I have just recently watched a channel on Youtube where a couple has just spent 2 weeks on a magnificent cruise to the North Pole. To take a plunge into those icy cold waters and stand at the northernmost point of the world would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?

I think serenity, warm weather, and relaxation – take me to a place that is away from the hustle and bustle, where you can relax along a nice beach or pool, and take some time to get a relaxing massage. Put the phone away, enjoy a nice book, or two, and just be in the moment.

My top bucket-list destination is…

Egypt – I have had this fascination with Ancient Egypt for years and would love to set eyes on the magnificent Pyramids.

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

That is a hard one as I have so many, and for different reasons …

But I would have to go with Dame Julie Andrews. She has been an idol of mine since I was a little girl. I find her to be such a gracious, humble, and kind person. I only recently watched her acceptance speech after receiving the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. She spoke so fondly of others that have helped her and thanked those who have been dedicated to their craft to allow her to stand on that platform and be recognised as a true star of the film industry. What class. Plus it would be great to hear all her stories from being on the sets of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music.

What is your jet-lag recovery tip?

Sleep! I always try and book flights that are arriving very early morning or late evening that way when I arrive at a destination, I try and sleep as soon as I land. I’ve been fortunate that this has worked out perfectly in the past, and I feel I adapt quicker to my new location quicker.

What is your suitcase stalwart?

Apple Air Tag! Only used it recently for a trip to the Gold Coast and absolutely loved it. It takes that little bit of stress away knowing you can easily locate where your bags are.

What is your number one packing tip?

Always pack a change of clothes, toothbrush, and toothpaste in the carry-on. There’s nothing more refreshing than being able to brush your teeth on long-haul flights especially.

I never travel without…

My sunglasses – I cannot live without them. Anything to get rid of the glare in the day is perfect. Whether it be a sunny, overcast day – they are my saviour.