I can still feel the gentle rocking of our boat as it inched across the turquoise shallows leading to Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort. Stepping on the wet sand, we were met by staff with smiles wide and welcoming. We sauntered up to sit in the reception area for check in with chilled pineapple…
Eat, Play, Love: The Ultimate European Honeymoon
Just over three months ago, I married my best friend. We had the party of a lifetime and yes it was, like everyone says it will be, one of the best days of your life. After the busy lead up to a wedding, all the planning and emotional energy that is invested, you are well…
Why We Have Fallen in Love with ClassPass
Los Angeles is to the fit traveller what Florence is to the foodie; paradise found. LA is a town that is insatiably hungry for the latest trends in fitness, health, beauty and longevity and there are new studios constantly popping up to meet the demand. Cue ClassPass; your key to road testing each trend, without having to commit….
The NAKA Phuket
Seeing The NAKA Phuket for the first time takes your breath away. A collection of cantilevered villas hang from the mountainside. Each has a wrap-around glass front facade framing the 180-degree panorama at every angle. From the reception area on the hilltop, the valley floor begins to fall away, creating a sweeping slope from the…
Aleenta Phuket Resort and Spa
Far from the chaos and crowds that overwhelm Patong’s streets and stretches of sand, there’s a luxury hideaway and a place we went to for healing during our time in Phuket. Instead of following the tourist trail south when touching down on the island, we turned north to Phang Nga, just 20 minutes from the airport. It’s there…
The Nai Harn, Phuket
A gentle breeze washes over me. It’s a welcome reprieve from the heat of the midday sun. I sit reclined, peeking across a flower bed overflowing with fuschia bougainvillea, to the bay below. The colourful plants, yachts rocking in the crystalline water and the striking white building behind me spark memories of Greece. But I’m a long haul from the Aegean. Instead, it’s…
Ayara Kamala Boutique Resort on Millionaire’s Mile, Phuket
Ayara Kamala is nestled into the hillside of Phuket’s famous Millionaire’s Mile. The exclusive, boutique resort and spa became our luxury hideaway for a few days on the island’s picturesque west coast. From the moment we arrived at Ayara Kamala, we felt at home. The staff were friendly, the rooms and suites beautifully appointed and the view…
Thanyapura Sports Hotel, Phuket
If you were to dream up the ultimate sporting playground and transport it to an idyllic setting among the palms and rubber trees of Thailand, Thanyapura sports hotel Phuket should come pretty close to your vision. Thanyapura sports hotel Phuket is a 23-hectare athlete’s playground, catering to world-class competitors, weekend warriors, school children and everyone in between and it is…
An Epic Guide to Hiking in Interlaken, Switzerland
Although Zurich was my base during a recent stay in Switzerland, the efficient, clean and relatively cheap train services operating around the country made it impossible to pass up the opportunity to take a day trip to go hiking in Interlaken. Andrew Mates Hiking Interlaken Interlaken has long been known as the adventure capital of Europe. It…
Doctor Salad, Stockholm
After spending our days in Helsinki dodging raindrops we were spoilt with a few sunny days in Stockholm to explore. So we went online to research Stockholm’s Paleo, organic, healthy and clean eating destinations. We were shocked to find there weren’t a great number of choices, but thankfully we came across Doctor Salad. Andrew Mates After setting…
Fairmont Hotel, Singapore
From the moment we stepped into Fairmont Hotel Singapore’s very grand lobby, we felt welcome. We began to cross the luxuriously appointed foyer and we were swept up with an easy smile by a hostess who lead us directly to check in. Hotels of this size have the potential to leave guests feeling lost in the crowd….
Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore
Weaving our way up the Hotel Fort Canning driveway, the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park kept the washed colonial facade curiously hidden, until the final turn. At first glance, the iconic building is impressive. Perched on the hilltop looking over the Singapore city skyline and surrounded by 18 hectares of national parkland, the luxury hotel is a stunning urban oasis, seemingly…