Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s unique combination of natural diversity and climate has made for an island teeming with different species and wildlife, drawing visitors from all over the world to the relatively small island. If the numerous tourist blogs and online guides are to be followed, there’s a tried-and-tested tourist trail that leads travellers south of theContinue reading “Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka”

The Roundhouse at Trebartha East, Ahangama

In the early 1960s, the face of Sri Lankan tourism changed forever when surfers flocked in with their boards, taking advantage of the teardrop-shaped island teeming with coves, breaks, and barrel waves. Among the sleepy towns that transformed into surfing hotspots virtually overnight, Ahangama on the island’s south coast remains one of the most popularContinue reading “The Roundhouse at Trebartha East, Ahangama”

Kahanda Kanda, Koggala

Kahanda Kanda, a luxurious retreat in Sri Lanka, offers a serene experience amidst nature. Arriving through a rain-soaked landscape, guests enjoy uniquely designed bungalows, private pools, and exquisite local cuisine. With a focus on detail and hospitality, owner George provides an unforgettable stay, blending seclusion with access to nearby attractions.

Casa Youm, Marseille

Marseille’s reputation precedes it, for better and for worse. As the popular song goes: it’s not the capital – it’s Marseille, baby – and you’re unlikely to find a place that epitomises contrast quite like the capital of Provence. The newspapers would have you believe that it’s a scene of violence with riots breaking outContinue reading “Casa Youm, Marseille”

Hameau des Baux, Provence

Nestled among the cypress trees of the Alpilles, a recently-renovated luxury hamlet of Provençal charm is laying low, just waiting to be discovered. When you arrive at Hameau des Baux, just outside the towns of Baux de Provence and Paradou, it appears to be a medieval village, complete with stone façade chapel and quintessential townContinue reading “Hameau des Baux, Provence”

Arca, Roatan

There’s a new arrival on Roatan’s West Bay, and you’re not going to want to miss it. In December 2023, Arca opened its doors for the first time; a chic and understated locale hidden in plain sight among the bright lights and beach hawkers of West Bay. Save for a wooden sign with the hotel’sContinue reading “Arca, Roatan”

Central Park Voorburg

“Vreugd & Rust”: Peace and rest. It’s the name of the park situated in the Voorburg suburb of The Hague, and a perfect descriptor of the ambience when wandering around this leafy neighbourhood, located just a short bus/train journey from the largest city on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands. And right in theContinue reading “Central Park Voorburg”

Ibagari, Roatán

By the time we arrive at Ibagari hotel on Roatán, it has already been mentioned to us numerous times. The hotel’s reputation precedes it, and it felt like everyone on the island – from taxi drivers to people we met on neighbouring islands – wanted to recommend it to us as the luxury choice. AndContinue reading “Ibagari, Roatán”

La Maison Haute, Brussels

While Belgium may not enjoy the same worldwide renown as its European neighbours, it’s a country with a rich tradition of bold architecture and cutting-edge design. From links to the beginnings of Surrealism to hidden Art Nouveau flourishes at every turn, the country’s designers display an innovative flair (for good and for bad – we’veContinue reading “La Maison Haute, Brussels”

Château de la Resle, Burgundy

Just fifteen minutes outside the town of Auxerre, and surrounded by vineyards and chocolate box towns of Burgundy, sits Château de la Resle – an intoxicating blend of bold modernity and old world charm. On arrival, it has all the hallmarks of a classic French mansion: wooden shutters, turreted roofs, oeils-de-boeuf windows, and façades drapedContinue reading “Château de la Resle, Burgundy”