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Darwinian Deals

They fly, crawl, swim and (rarely ever) bite. Heck, some even sneeze salt. What are we talking about? These are just a few of the incredible animals of the Galapagos Islands. And right now they’re offering their hangout time at a discounted rate. Nowhere in the world can you experience the same level of diversity […]

Pool Party: Turks & Caicos

Beach shack chic is hard to come by in the Caribbean, and while shiny infinity pools and jaw-dropping architecture have their place, there is no better antidote to city life than the effortless pairing of sand, sky, and weathered wood. Where: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Why: Here at Parrot Cay, sunsets are best enjoyed […]

Pool Party: Zanzibar

The beachside pool is the best of both worlds: nature’s spectacular view combined with man-made safety and climate control. Where: Baraza Resort & Spa, Bwejuu Beach, Zanzibar Why: Something you may not know is that while most of the beaches of Zanzibar are idyllic and perfect for sunbathing, the water itself is not. The tides on the […]

On My Plate: Con Dao

In Vietnam, the simplest ingredients are combined in countless different ways to create culinary magic. The best part is that each region does a dish just differently enough to make you want to try it again and explore new flavours. Where: Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam What: Banh Xeo. A delicious combination of a crispy rice flour […]

Pool Party: Rio de Janeiro

This is the place to watch day turn into night, as the twinkling lights of the strip come alive, and the wholesome afternoon vibe turns into a heady, fulsome fun. Where: Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Why: Rio is full of rooftop pools. All along the Copacabana and Ipanema beachfronts there are a plethora of pools for […]

Reaching Corumbau

Sometimes it’s about the journey and the destination. Brazil’s massive and magnificent coastline houses many hidden treasures that are well worth seeking out, even if it takes a wee while to arrive there. On a recent trip to Brazil I found a particularly challenging route to reach a remote beach lodge. The first part of the […]

High Low: Hoi An

It’s hard to see the differences between two hotels in a similar location without doing a little on-site research. I did just that this spring, and am happy to report that there’s a spot on the beach outside Hoi An suitable for all wallet sizes. High: The Nam Hai 800 USD and up (high season)  The […]

On My Plate: Quirimbas

While my lens is zoomed in on this amazing plate of fresh Mozambican crab, your imagination can zoom out and picture the rest of the scene. Cloudless skies, calm seas lapping the shore, ocean breezes ruffling my linen shirt and a toothy grin stretched wide across my face. Where: Londo Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique What: […]

Pool Party: Hoi An

The infinity pool: there’s a reason it has graced the cover of about 14 billion travel magazines. The illusion of floating in your own private sea is priceless. Where: The Nam Hai, Hoi An Why: Sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation. After whipping around the scooter-frenzied streets of Saigon or exploring the crowded […]

Volunteering in Paradise

When an email comes in offering you three free nights on a private island in the Maldives, you’d be forgiven for assuming it’s cruel spam. This is the real deal, though: volunteer on one of of three very cool projects and you’ll be repaid in luxury. Ever since our safari planner Greg returned from Soneva […]

High/Low: Sicily

Rudston Steward (our Italian guru) has let us in on a couple of his favourite hotels in Sicily, for the big spender and for the little spender. Or why not stay at both to see everything this Mediterranean isle has to offer? High: Grand Hotel Timeo 550 USD and up When you think about a “top […]

Discovering Honduras

Honduras has had bad press of late for the gang violence in its inner cities. Yes, that is a reality in the country, but on a recent visit I found that Honduras is really made up of incredible ruins, amazing natural wonders, friendly folk and a stunning set of Caribbean islands. I had the pleasure […]

The Anti-Resort

We have nothing but love for the Ritzes and Four Seasons, Amans and Oberois of the world. You can’t argue with plush décor and impeccable service. But luxury suites don’t exist everywhere, and sometimes the destination is all the better for its lack of 5-star accommodations. I discovered Cape San Blas on a last minute […]

Hush-Hush

Sleep doesn’t come easily when you’re mulling over newly gained and sensitive information. This might be your situation for the first few nights you spend in Panama’s semi-secret Santa Catalina. I say ‘semi-secret’ because although the word is out on its opulent surf, the little village can be accessed only by the long, bumpy, dead-end […]

I Got 99 Problems But A Beach Ain’t One

I think my love for beaches was originally fueled by my hatred for wearing shoes. Footwear is a form of slavery, if you ask me. So imagine my glee when I arrived at Soneva Fushi, a private island in the Maldives with a “no shoes” policy. They actually took my sandals from me, put them […]

Salient Salina

It’s official: I’m a Sicilian junkie. The Aeolian Islands have cast their seductive spell on me. I am now suffering from acute Summer Withdrawal Syndome, and have been salivating over Salina ever since the day I left. I keep going back to the bewitching Aeolians. The stark volcanic landscape is stunning, the sea sparkling, the […]