Day Three of our Halong Bay boat cruise with Paradise Cruises began at about 7am. The early start ensured we beat some of the other crowds headed to Bo Hon Island to see one of the biggest caves in the area, Sung Sot Cave meaning ‘Cave of Surprises’. Skye Gilkeson Day Three Sung Sot Cave We…
A Luxury Halong Bay Cruise with Paradise Cruises
A fog enveloping the boat began to rise as we did on day two of our luxury Halong Bay cruise with Paradise Cruises. It appeared to be a residual haze from an evening storm. We hadn’t heard a drop of rain, snuggled up in soft white sheets in our air-conditioned cabin, oblivious to the outside…
Halong Bay Luxury Cruise with Paradise Cruises | Day One
Picture almost two thousands small islands and islets rising sharply from emerald-green waters. Beautiful limestone rock faces sparkling under the sun’s gaze. Clingy green rainforest vines springing from rocky crevices and netting large areas of the rugged, uninhabited islands. Sea eagles circling above. Lone fishermen wading in shallow waters off the sand in sheltered inlets. Sound like paradise? Close enough. I’m describing…
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang
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…
Organised Chaos in Vietnam – From Hanoi to Halong Bay
Scooters zoom past you and cars don’t wait either. A ‘beep’ or ‘toot’ from a horn is not a sign of aggression, but a warning that they are coming and you should move out of their way. There is no other option. If you’re game enough to cross the road my tip is to walk with…
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…
Oahu: An Adventurous 3-Day Itinerary
I have always put off visiting Hawaii for fear it would be overrun by tourists and overpriced food and drink. While it is a tourist hot spot, there are plenty of places to escape the crowds and find reasonably priced meals. Plus, it’s almost an all-year-round kind of place. I was there in February, which…
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…