Climbing Sigiriya Rock is best at sunrise, make sure to take your camera and capture 360 degree views of a magical Kingdom long forgotten, the vista’s from the top are worth every step! Once we had descended we were greeted with cold towels and a selection of fresh fruit before heading back to our hotel (Water Garden Sigiriya). I felt we had all accomplished something really special and will always remember this amazing experience!

An incredible moment for me! Amazing to see these animals in their natural habitat. Interesting fact, every year from July to October there's 'The Great Elephant Gathering', where up to 300 Asian elephants congregate at the Minneriya Reservoir. Driven by the dry season, elephants from across the region gather here, creating one of the world’s largest wild elephant assemblies.

Who needs modern utensils? Two sisters from the local village near Uga Ulagalla cooked a sumptuous authentic ‘Kamatha’ meal using techniques and utensils from 2000 years ago! This traditional dining pavilion located in the centre of a working rice paddy field set the scene for a beautiful interactive dining experience. We were treated to a huge selection of traditional dishes and encouraged to interact alongside these talented home cooks who worked with old clay pots and open wood fires to create amazing flavours, which created an assault on the senses. This is a MUST DO experience and one that I will never ever forget!

I'm not one to wake at 5am for a nature walk at sunrise but I couldn’t resist the opportunity here. I simply stood, watched and was completely in the moment. Life can be so busy and hurried but in this moment everything was still (except for the wildlife’s early morning calls) and gave me time to reflect. We then continued on our walk and managed to make a note to myself to try and set my alarm clock a little earlier in the future and try to enjoy more moments like these!

Sri Lanka has some of the best beaches in the world and Weligama is one of them. This picture postcard beach was almost deserted. All that I could see were palm trees, rock pools, golden sand and the odd surfer here and there trying to catch the next wave. Our luxury villa was perched right on this very beach and watched the most incredible sunsets whilst we sipped chilled Arracks and indulged in our evening BBQ. Once the sun went down, the moon lit up the starry sky at night and all you could hear were the waves crashing against the shoreline. As I said, picture perfect!

If like me you are BIG on sustainability, no hotel does it better than the Boutique & Chic 1 Hotel Central Park, New York. Their ‘lobby farmyard’ of apples is a delicious complimentary treat for guests. The hotel really does live by it’s ethos, 'Nothing Is Ever Really Lost'. My favourite sustainable initiative when I visited was, ‘1 less thing’, where you can donate an item of clothing if you’ve overpacked, which they donate to those less fortunate within their community. Sustainable superheroes if you ask me! 

You would be forgiven for thinking you had taken a wrong turn when arriving at one of New York’s most Instagramable restaurants on the lower East Side, Beauty & Essex, but don’t let the façade fool you! Once you’ve finished browsing in the pawn shop (items are available to purchase), make your way through and be prepared for a truly special culinary experience!

Having visited the Statue of Liberty, a bucket list experience I can now tick off my to do list, I couldn’t help but take a selfie with the sprawling Manhattan sky-line and One World Observatory in the background on my way back to Battery Park on the ferry. Be sure to visit the Liberty museum whilst your there and learn about the fascinating history of ‘Lady Liberty’, how she was constructed and her unveiling to the public (which didn’t go quite according to plan) on the 28^th October 1886.

Art takes many shapes and forms and I came across this beauty on my walk on the High Line. An elevated public park created from a disused railway line on the West side of Manhattan, the High Line shares its green park space with contemporary art projects. Commissions such as ‘Thank you darling’ & ‘What if they bark’ spark dialogue as you enjoy the ‘rail trail’. My personal favourite is ‘Old Tree’, a bright red and pink sculpture wherein the tree of life connects Heaven & Earth.

Although quite early, we were extremely fortunate to view the beginnings of Great Migration in the Serengeti, when the wildebeest move North towards the Masai Mara.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unfilled, intact and inactive volcano in the world.  It’s home to an abundance of animals and birdlife, along with the semi-nomadic Masai tribes that practice traditional livestock grazing on its slopes.  We were lucky enough to cross paths with one of the tribes on our visit.

With a profusion of wildlife including the Big 5, the Serengeti offers the chance to observe not only the renowned species but also lesser-known ones, from giraffes to jackals and dassies to dik-diks. Even the sturdiest vehicles experience challenges in the rough terrain, 2 flat tyres is unfortunate, 3 was just careless!

Hyenas are considered as one of Africa’s top predators and are typically seen in groups known as clans. They tend to hunt at night and rest during the day. The hyena we encountered was cooling off in a muddy puddle to escape the daytime heat!

Tanzania isn’t just a place to view the big game, it’s an excellent choice for birders too.  The Serengeti & Tarangire National Parks and Ngorongoro Crater are among some of the top spots for bird watching in Tanzania.

No trip to Muscat is complete without a visit to see the truly awe inspiring Sultan Qaboos Mosque. The main prayer hall has a central dome rising 160 ft above the floor. There is a single carpet weighing 21 tonnes and took four years to produce and was the largest single-piece of carpet in the world, now second to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It’s a beautifully calm place to spend time and gather your thoughts with excellent air conditioning too!

Oman is home to many Wadi’s and I visited Wadi Derbat in Southern Oman, close to Salalah. When we visited in March there were many waterfalls feeding into the picturesque lakes. The valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife including many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. It’s not uncommon to see camels wandering down the road...

...We were told the camels are all owned, they are let out of the paddocks in the morning and then in the evening the owners will round them up like cattle using their 4x4’s and the camels recognize the beep of the car horns and come running home!

The Omani coast is a year-round home to 21 different species of whales and dolphins and you can dolphin watch along the majority of the coastline. The best time to view dolphins is between the months of October and May. Private boat excursions can be arranged to dolphin watch and snorkel with sea turtles and fish. Tours usually last for half a day and can be tailored to each person's preferences.

The Royal Opera House in Muscat offers much more than musical performances, it houses the largest music library in Oman and an exhibition of musical arts with rare instruments on display.  We took one of the fascinating tours that operate daily and were shown how the theatre can cleverly switch the auditorium from theatre to concert mode at the touch of a button!

Visiting Mutrah Souq in Muscat was great fun, it’s chaotic and getting lost is almost a given as each walkway looks just like the last.  It’s an assault on the senses, most stalls selling fragrant spices, scarves in a whole array of colours, beautiful glass lanterns and silver trinkets.  It felt very safe and friendly and not at all intimidating as you can sometimes find.  Bartering is expected and it became almost a game with lots of laughs and ultimately a bargain or two purchased!  

I loved my trip to Marrakech and the surrounding areas of the Atlas Mountains. Part of the trip was a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the lower Atlas Mountains. It’s an early start but well worth the effort for unrivalled views across this stunning landscape.

Marrakech is a truly ancient city, steeped in history and tradition. Wandering the streets of the old Medina is a must for any traveller to the city. The sights and sounds of this labyrinthesque area bring to life so many stories as you view all the old industries, still producing goods as they did hundreds of years ago. 

Marrakech is all about flavour – a superb destination to try your hand at traditional Tagine cooking. We had a class at La Sultana, cooking in their beautiful rooftop garden. A superb teacher, lots of fun and of course you get to enjoy your creation afterwards!

There's no better place in Marrakech than the idyllic rooftop garden of La Sultana to partake in a private cooking experience. This traditional Riad style hotel in the heart of the city walls has a friendly but stern top chef who will teach you all about the art of tagine cooking - and of course, enjoy your creation with a cool glass of wine.

If time allows, it’s great to get out of the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and explore the Atlas mountains. There’s no better place to enjoy the tranquillity of the area than by staying at the incredibly intimate and beautiful resort of Olinto. With only 9 rooms here, boutique and bespoke is the name of the game and is a wonderful alternative to Kasbah Tamadot.

Party like Madonna did and take advantage of a unique dining experience when staying at the opulent Selman Marrakech. Renowned for housing some of the world’s rarest and finest horses, when Madonna asked to celebrate her birthday in style, they converted the already fine stables into a stunning dinner location for them. They now offer this to anyone looking to walk in the stars footsteps – for a price of course!

Following a long international flight, the wise people know that to avoid a lengthy road transfer over several hours, it makes much more sense to hop in one of the island’s only two helicopters and transfer by air in around 15 minutes. Easy to arrange and not much more expensive than the usual road routes, you’ll enjoy fabulous views over this vibrant and lush Caribbean Island – giving a real sense of place to where you’ve arrived.

For those lucky enough to stay at Body Holiday, enjoying an intimate dinner at their elevated restaurant, i-Tal is an absolute must. Located high in the canopy overlooking the beach, a sunset trip here will include a walk through the kitchen garden with the chef before enjoying several courses, inspired by local Rastafarian routes and all plant based. Make sure you enjoy the Bob Marley cocktail too! 

The Pitons are an absolute mainstay of St Lucia, dominating the west coast of the island and even present on the national flag, these Jurassic Park style cliffs can even be hiked and traversed to offer unparalleled views over the Caribbean Sea. It takes around 4 hours to get up and down and due to the heat, you need to have some fitness, set off early morning and take lots of water.

Jade Mountain is a complete one off in terms of architecture, it almost wouldn’t matter how the hotel was designed due to its envy inducing location opposite the Pitons. However, they’ve gone above and beyond and offer unique open walled suites and bedrooms – with views straight out to the iconic landscape, this is the horizon greeting you as you wake up.

With an abundance of aquatic life and still Caribbean seas, St Lucia is a wonderful place to freshen up your diving skills or try this adrenaline sport for the first time. No matter where you are staying on the island, you won’t be too far from a superb dive spot.

I loved visiting Cape Town! Here we'd hopped on a cable car, taking us to the peak of Table Top Mountain, with views for days! To cap off the evening, we headed to the Sunset Bar at the top of Silo Hotel. 

Visiting Cape Peninsula was definitely a highlight of the trip, with a private guide and driver we also stopped at the world-renowned Boulders Beach, getting to see some adorable penguins! 

A trip to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must. Just an hour's drive from Cape Town, it offers stunning scenes and of course exceptional wine. I'd highly recommend Franschhoek, where I enjoyed a wonderful 2 night stay. I'd also have to recommend exploring the famed wine route on the wine tram, we got to hop on and off savouring wine and food, what an experience! 

A bucket list moment was ticked off in Hermanus, seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat! The thrill of witnessing these magnificent creatures breach, leap out of the sea, and even listening to them sing was absolutely captivating.

I had the thrill of a life time journeying to Eastern Cape, seeing the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Elephants, giraffes, we saw so much! On our final evening, as if on cue, the king of the jungle made an appearance. This safari experience at Shamwari is an absolute must for anyone seeking to witness the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.

Mallorca is one of the most charming places I've visited. I loved exploring the mountain villages of Deia and Valledmossa, so I'd highly recommend venturing here, the views are incredible! 

Let me paint a picture of my recent visit to Soller, a hidden gem nestled amidst the captivating beauty of Majorca. Renting a car was the perfect choice for exploring the villages, and my stop in Soller turned into a delightful escapade, relaxing with a delicious tapas lunch, and of course a refreshing jug of sangria - all against this stunning backdrop.

Trust me, whether art is your passion or not, exploring Palma's art galleries with a local guide is a must-do activity that promises to unveil a whole new world of inspiration and cultural discovery – a truly enriching experience that you won't want to miss during your time in Palma!

One of my favourite days was spent at Beach Club Gran Folies, one of Majorca's most legendary beach and pool clubs. We spent a totally laid back day here, savouring traditional cuisine washed down with delicious strawberry daiquiris. Ending the day with a refreshing dip in the sea.

A visit to Palma's cathedral is not just a sightseeing experience – it's an immersive encounter with centuries of craftsmanship to appreciate. I was in total awe!

My home for a few days at the beautiful Milaidhoo... nothing compares to the feeling of relaxing in your own over water villa in the Maldives, the epitome of luxury if you ask me! I'd recommend this place for any couples wanting to experience island life.

The views from my room were second to none. Crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see, and if you want to get a closer look, its a great place for reef snorkeling. 

The service at Milaidhoo was wonderful, they truly look after you here!

I also had the pleasure of staying at Intercontinental Maamunagau, where I ate some of the most delicious food, and even met the celebrity chef!  

For food recommendations... Cafe Umi is an unbelievable choice for breakfast. Lighthouse, seen above, is a wonderful dining experience - the lamb chomp was my favourite!

They also have a wonderful Fish Market, an amazing Asian experience and best fish I've ever had!

Food wise there are so many healthy options here! There's three restaurants to choose from, and everything is done with such attention to detail. Also an added bonus, there are no shoes required at any of them, ever!

On my trip to Tenerife I stayed at Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, offering pure relaxation, wonderful panoramic views and attentive service. Here I'm at the adults only pool, with incredible views of La Caleta! 

Of course I had to enjoy some cocktails from the Maresia Bar, made by their award winning mixologist! The banana and rum cocktail was delicious.

At the Michelin Star restaurant, Il Boccoino, we had a wonderful evening of fine dining with paired wines. 

One of my favourite parts would have to be the boat trip, we were perfectly looked after, and had the chance to snorkel and paddleboard. 

Smiles all round! Here I'd had a wonderful time at an Art & Wine lunch, with delicious home cooked food, of course some wonderful wines and an artistry experience - all organised by the hotel! 

This is one of my absolute favourites! I would describe it as an understated luxury Mediterranean house. The hotel's grounds are absolutely mesmerising.

Loved visiting the clifftop village of Casares (about 15-minute drive from Finca Cortesin). Comfortable shoes are a must. After the climb you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the restaurant next to the castle, or visit the a lovely souvenir shop.

All guests are treated to a complimentary Tesla drive for one day at Ikos Andalucia. I drove to Estepona and it proved to be a delightful choice. Estepona is a captivating resort town, adorned with charming cafes, inviting tapas bars, and an array of shops. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the urban art along Ruta de Los Murales Artisticos.

The Marbella Club is an historic five-star hotel cherished by A-listers and families alike. I'd suggest trying out the cozy vibe and delicious food at the candlelit El Grill, and then head to the bar for some cocktails with live music. Oh, and definitely treat yourself to their famous Chocolate Mousse at El Grill!

One of the best things about Ikos Andalucia... it offers an insane selection of 300 wine labels from around the world - all included at no extra cost for guests to enjoy!

I had the pleasure of experiencing three exceptional hotels in Cyprus. This is Amara, a truly luxurious beachfront hideaway and haven for food lovers, with Matsuhisa Limassol, an outpost of the renowned celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, where he masterfully combines cuisine from his native Japan with influences from Peru, resulting in unique tastes and exquisite presentation.

Staying in the Studio Sea View Suite at Anassa was an utterly unique experience. The spa especially has an extensive Thalassotherapy program. It's also a perfect stay for families with so much to keep the little ones entertained - bare in mind the Kids club is an additional fee.

Parklane, my other favoured hotel in Cyprus, is perfectly placed on the beachfront in Limassol and is the only internationally branded luxury resort in Cyprus. Inside it features boutiques Dior, Off-White, Lora Piana and Loewe... I especially love this art project in the hotel! 

I savoured the finest Greek Salad at Nammos in Parklane. The service was incredible, the food delicious and the ambiance delightful! 

The mountainside scenery of Lake Como is just stunning, with lush green slopes tumbling down to the sparkling water. The colorful villages are so charming, adding a pop of vibrancy to the landscape. I especially loved exploring the vibrant villages nestled among the mountains.

Wandering through this adorable town of Sirmione that sits right on the edge of Lake Garda was like stepping into a Fairytale. The streets are lined with cute little gelato shops and cozy cafes where the smell of freshly baked pastries fills the air. At the water's edge, is this ancient Scaligero Castle that just adds a whole other level of charm to the place. It's like every corner I turned was another postcard-perfect moment!

Why not use a Riva Boat to explore lakeside towns? That's exactly what I did as I spent the day exploring both Varenna and Bellagio. In Varenna, the picturesque shoreline and pretty old town charmed me, while in Bellagio, I was enchanted by the cobblestone lanes, elegant buildings, and blooming gardens set against the backdrop of the lake and mountains. If you’re feeling artistic you can join a painting workshop in the grounds of Villa Melzi, taking home a piece of Bellagio with you.

Italian cuisine is truly amazing, known for its rich flavors and culinary traditions. No visit to Italy would be complete without indulging in the delights of a local pizzeria. I would highly recommend trying a pizza making class as it offers a fun and hands-on way to learn about the art of crafting authentic Italian pizza while immersing yourself in the country's culinary heritage.

There are many iconic sights on Lake Como, but none quite like the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Beyond the facade lies a mesmerising water fountain that leads guests to the exquisite landscaped gardens, creating the perfect fusion of luxury and natural beauty.

I captured this image while strolling through the picturesque town of Malcesine, nestled along the shores of Lake Garda. This charming destination boasts historic buildings and captivating views of the glistening lake. Malcesine offers a delightful blend of historic architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a perfect escape for those seeking an authentic Italian experience. Visitors can also embark on an unforgettable experience by accessing the cable car to Mount Baldo from here. The panoramic cable car ride offers breathtaking vistas of the lake and the Alpine scenery.

During my visit to Paros, I embarked on an early morning stroll through the town of Naoussa, and I was immediately captivated by its beauty.  It offers a delightful array of quaint cafes, traditional tavernas, and boutique shops, inviting visitors to savour the essence of Greek island life. It's a place one can immerse themselves in the island's rich history and natural beauty while enjoying the warmth of its welcoming community.

I had the opportunity to partake in an olive oil tasting experience whilst in Mykonos, delving into the journey of this revered Mediterranean staple from the cultivation of olives to the art of pressing and bottling. Learning about the health benefits and distinct flavours of various olive oils was truly enlightening, and I would highly recommend this experience to fellow foodies! Olive oil tastings can be arranged at different locations across the island, including private villas and yachts.

As the sun rose over Corfu, I took a leisurely stroll to the beach and was enchanted by the sight of local fishermen heading out to sea in their small boats. The gentle morning light painted a serene picture, highlighting the island's maritime traditions and offering a peaceful start to the day

During my time in Crete, I embarked on a short boat ride to the island of Spinalonga, steeped in history and natural beauty. I couldn't help but feel transported to another era, particularly given the island's association with the book 'The Island,' which vividly depicts its past as a leper colony. Climbing to the island's highest point, I was greeted by breathtaking views of the surrounding seas and rugged terrain.

We spent a morning at Rizes Folklore Farmstead in Mykonos, venturing away from the coast we joined a guided tour and we were warmly welcomed by the hospitable family who shared captivating insights into their way of life and cherished traditions. Exploring the farmstead, we found that there are immersive experiences on offer, including cookery classes and bread making. Our morning started with a wholesome meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, leaving us with cherished memories of a genuine encounter with Myconian heritage.

These centuries-old windmills hold a significant place in Myconian history, once serving as vital components of the island’s flourishing milling industry. While they now stand as iconic landmarks, their rich legacy adds an extra layer of fascination to the scenic beauty of Mykonos.

We spent the night in the Omani Dessert Magic Camp. Waking up to this view was - in keeping with the name - magical! Picture yourself in cozy, eco-friendly tents, each featuring comfy beds and private bathrooms, all beautifully decorated in authentic Omani style. Plus, you can indulge in delicious meals crafted by talented chefs, whether you choose to dine under the stars or relax in the communal area.

The Opera House in Muscat is well worth a visit even if its just to take in the stunning architecture. Opened in 2011, it features a large 1,100-seat multiform theatre, making it the largest performing arts venue in Oman, If you can catch a show, they are spectacular!

One of my favorited moments, an adventure on the Omani Desert! The never-ending views of the dunes are nothing short of incredible. 

Soaking up the culture with a visit to Mutrah Souq located on the Corniche in the heart of old Muscat. The souq is bustling with life, offering a mix of traditional crafts, spices, and local delicacies, all surrounded by the stunning views of the coastline and mountains. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and experience the rich history of this charming city.

To end the trip, I headed to one of Oman’s many natural Wadi’s to cool off and enjoy some stunning scenery! A wadi is basically a dry riverbed or valley, often found in desert regions, that comes to life during the rainy season.

A beach with the ‘Wow Factor’, The Stunning Anse Georgette Beach, Constance Lemuria. This is a great spot for snorkeling and is one of the few untouched beaches in the Seychelles.

Straight from the Indian Ocean, the seafood is a must try!

Everywhere you turn there's another stunning view. Apart from the obvious sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling along the beaches, the Island is great for hikes. This mid day hike and view is one of my favourites.

Located on a rock peninsula between the two Anse Kerlan beaches, sits the perfect spot for lunch at Constance Lemuria's 'The Nest'. It's the most private location of the hotel, offering super exclusive dinners. 

The perfect way to end the day and take in the sunset when in the Seychelles...