The Inspiring Journey of Andy and Fran Castle: Building a Luxury Travel Empire
In the dynamic world of luxury travel, few stories shine as brightly as that of Andy and Fran Castle. This charismatic couple, who first crossed paths while studying at Bournemouth University, transformed their love for travel into a thriving business. Their journey began in 2005 with the formation of Ski In Luxury, a company dedicated to providing exclusive skiing experiences tailored to the desires of their clientele. Just two years later, they expanded their vision, launching Villas In Luxury (originally Resorts In Luxury) in 2007, further establishing their footprint in the luxury travel sector.
By 2009, the Castles took a bold step by unifying their brands under the umbrella company, Blue Skies Lifestyle. This strategic decision opened up a world of possibilities, allowing them to diversify their services within luxury travel. The name choice reflects their optimistic ethos; Andy succinctly stated, “Everyone loves blue skies whether in the mountains or on the beach, it makes us smile and content.” This philosophy is at the heart of their operations, as they aim to bring joy and satisfaction to their clients year after year.
Over the years, the company has witnessed exponential growth, currently boasting a dedicated team of 24 professionals across various departments including Sales, Marketing, and IT. Andy emphasized their commitment to expanding this talented team, sharing his excitement about recruiting new cohorts who can contribute to their vision. “We are actively seeking and taking on more talent to enable us to expand the business further in the coming years,” he stated.
What sets Blue Skies Lifestyle apart is their commitment to nurturing young talent. The company has a long-standing tradition of hiring students directly from Bournemouth University and even local schools, which allows them to shape future professionals in the luxury travel industry. As Fran shared, “We have great pleasure in recruiting graduates, postgraduates, and placement students from Bournemouth University as it takes us back to where the journey began.” Witnessing these young recruits grow and flourish within the organization brings immense satisfaction to the Castles, making their business not only a career but a mentorship platform.
The hands-on experience that students gain in this vibrant environment is invaluable. Working across numerous tasks in the luxury travel sector enables them to acquire essential industry knowledge and practical skills. Based in picturesque locations such as Ringwood, Broadstone, and Southbourne, the team shares a passion for travel — particularly skiing and mountain adventures. “We work hard and aim high to be the best but we have fun along the way,” Andy noted, emphasizing the importance of enjoying their journey and fostering strong relationships with clients and operators.
The dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Blue Skies Lifestyle was recognized as the World’s Best Ski Travel Agent to France at the prestigious World Ski Awards. This accolade serves as a testament to the Castles’ unwavering commitment to providing top-tier experiences in the luxury travel sector. With a clear vision, a robust team, and a passion for travel, Andy and Fran Castle continue to pave the way for success, embedding their legacy in the world of luxury travel and opportunity.