The driver handed us cold hand towels, fresh cookies, a bottle of water and told us there was wifi in the shuttle for the short drive from the airport. From that moment, we knew our stay at Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang was going to be a standout experience. Skye Gilkeson La Residence Phou Vao…
Flying Through the Trees by Zipline with Flight of the Gibbon Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand has long been a mecca for tourists, hikers, yogis and those in search of healing. It’s an ancient city rich with history, culture and charm; somewhere you can lose yourself for days. But if you’re looking to go beyond the city walls and get a different perspective than the well-trodden Thai mountain tracks, why…
Luxury and Wellness at The Westin Phuket
I’ve written about the Westin’s mission to foster a feel-good vibe at their resorts before. Checking into a Westin feels a little like coming home. In this case, home was a luxurious and relaxing resort on the idyllic and exclusive east coast of Thailand at The Westin Phuket in Siray Bay. Skye Gilkeson The Westin weaves an element…
Outdoor Activities You Must Try in Langkawi, Malaysia
With narrow roads winding through the rainforest, connecting the chalets, thick with greenery and beautiful tall trees at either side, a simple walk back to your room at the Berjaya Langkawi Resort itself is enough to inspire any nature or sporting enthusiast to actively explore. These Langkawi activities will ensure you train Skye Gilkeson While…
Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Malaysia
It’s the striking natural beauty of Langkawi that first catches your eye as you circle to land. Brilliant emerald waters lap at white sandy beaches, dotted with palms, while beautiful rainforest covers much of the island, home to its native fauna. The 500 million year-old Langkawi rainforest is also where you’ll find the Berjaya Langkawi Resort. The Berjaya property covers more than 80…
Meeting Ritchie the Orangutan in Borneo, Malaysia
Since I was a teenager I’ve wanted to spend time with gorillas and orangutans in the wild. I’ve always craved a Jane Goodall moment. Thanks to a side trip to Borneo during our time in Malaysia, I’ve now had that moment, or at least a close brush with it when visiting the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a…
Snorkelling in the Gili Islands, Indonesia
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to take with you? Well, you’re in luck, a trio of desert islands in northern Indonesia called the Gili Islands already have everything you’re looking for. You just have to jump on a boat and get there. When you arrive, make sure a…
A Scenic Ubud Bike Tour through Rice Fields and Villages
Most people who are drawn to the calm of Ubud are in search of raw, organic food and an inviting yoga studio. We did that during our trip too. But when we read about an adventure through the hills on an Ubud bike tour, we couldn’t resist the chance to jump in the saddle. Skye Gilkeson…
A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Bali, Indonesia
As I sit in a Bali cafe, writing as the rain comes down, I can see a couple of Aussie women to my right. One has her holiday reading at the ready; it’s a book titled “Bali: Heaven and Hell”. Now, I don’t know what the book is even about, but it’s a pretty good…
Meet The Amazing Amelia Hill
Amelia Hill’s story would be the perfect plot for a Hollywood blockbuster but for the 38-year-old, it’s shockingly real. Imagine spending almost every waking minute confined to a single room, unwell and untouchable. Well, that’s been Amelia’s reality for the past five years. Skye Gilkeson Amelia was just 14 when she began feeling sick; “I…
Damon Gameau: That Sugar Film
You may recognise Damon Gameau’s face from both the big and small screens (Underbelly, Razzle Dazzle and now Gallipoli & The Kettering Incident), but it’s his role in That Sugar Film that could be his most memorable and rewarding yet. Damon Gameau is the star, director and human guinea pig in a documentary that takes…
A Pocket Travel Guide to Oregon, USA
When most people plan a trip to America; Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco tend to take the top spots on the itinerary. But if you’re looking for a little adventure, beautiful scenery and undeniably delicious local food, consider their cool, hipster cousin, Oregon. Oregon is one of the most proudly unique places…