As part of our mission to see many more of the 7,000+ islands of the Philippines, I got a surprise trip to Samal Island, of the coast of Mindanao near Davao, the capital. If you’ve always wanted to stay in an overwater room and have a beach to yourself, without the price tag that a […]
Mindanao had been on my travel list ever since we moved to the Philippines and a recent surprise trip made it happen: A beach getaway to the Pearl Farm Resort led us to Davao, the capital of Mindanao – and it’s a lot better than its reputation!
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was our choice of resorts for a romantic getaway to the Maldives – and it was a memorable trip and one of the best hotel stays in my life! The Maldives are a naturally beautiful dream destination (read here) and the Conrad is a beautifully designed resort, spread over its
Most reports on the perfect honeymoon destination include two destinations – Bora Bora and the Maldives. And I couldn’t agree more. Both are beautiful beach destinations that make the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The Maldives has some of the most amazing beaches and lagoons and has managed to develop and maintain a great
The stay at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa was the highlight of our trip to French Poynesia and one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. If you are planning a romantic getaway to Bora Bora (read my review here), you should consider the InterConti as your place to stay.
Recently, two very dear friends got engaged. After 16 years of a loving and inspiring relationship, wedding bells are in the air… and, of course, a honeymoon! Seeing the two exchange rings inspired me to write about what is in my mind the most romantic destination on our blue planet and one of the foremost
Bali made it yet again onto the Top 10 World’s Best Islands list – and there is a lot to like about it. From the party beaches of Kuta, Legian or Seminyak to the resort area of Nusa Dua; from the remote Gilli Islands to the rice paddies of Ubud; from the beautiful temples to
Manila is not only a gateway for South East Asia and the 7,000 islands in the Philippines, it also has a number of beach and mountain destinations nearby for a weekend getaway. I have reported on Taal Lake & Volcano and the Nasugbu coast. If you want to do more than enjoy the scenery or swim, you
Gili Trawangan was a late edition to my ASEAN Explorer trip – I wanted to some peace & quiet on the beach after lots of wildlife, adventure and city time at the beginning of my trip. And the Vamana Resort at the North Eastern tip of Gili T fit the bill: a small, independent boutique resort
Ever since I visited Bali for the first time (and loved it), I was looking for a smaller, less developed and generally less busy version of Bali – trying to keep all the good things without some of the bad things that come with development. I had high hopes for Lombok, but while I enjoyed
I wanted to finally see Lombok and enjoy the beach after lots of wildlife adventure and city life.. and ideally use points to save on this budget trip – and that made the Sheraton Senggigi the only best choice on Lombok for me. It’s the only large chain property available on points and it is
Lombok has been on my travel list for a long time: When I first visited Bali 15 years ago, Lombok saw some tragic events with local mobs, stirred up by muslim agitators, looting Hindu and Chinese businesses and homes, sending tourism on Lombok into a long decline. I was looking for an “unspoiled Bali”, something