Valetta, Malta

The Grand Harbor and Fort St. Angelo

I am utterly unprepared for the delights that Valetta, the capital of Malta, has to offer.  I have heard of the beauty of the Greek Islands, the party scene and endless nights that Ibiza has to offer but I seem to have missed Malta altogether. … Read the rest

Santorini

The blue of the sky and the sea as I emerge from below deck to the dazzling sunshine stuns me momentarily.  I blink a few times and Santorini is before me.  Can this really be?

The harbour is almost unnoticeable, hidden in plain sight at the bottom of the cliffs as my eyes are drawn upwards into the light. … Read the rest

Ornos Beach

Blue Water, Ornos Beach

Ornos Beach, Mykonos has the vibe of a small fishing village that has been invaded.  You can tell this was once a sleepy little town but tourism has taken over and today it’s hot and busy.  It’s the closest beach to the town of Mykonos with sun beds and umbrellas for rent on the fine white sand.… Read the rest

Bracciano

Bracciano’s layers of old town

Benvenuto Bracciano!  It’s been a bit of a long day so far.  We have been up since 2am and didn’t get much sleep before that with last minute packing, not to mention the excitement.  Somewhere en route mid air over Diyarbakir, heading towards Ankara, I have a major pinch-me moment. … Read the rest

Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano

Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano by night

The incredible Renaissance castle, Castello Odescalchi, sits in the heart of Bracciano and has borne witness to centuries of change.  As we arrive in Bracciano on the first leg of our Summer Holidays, it greets us, presiding over the piazza as we unload our bags, the boys too tired to notice, me bewitched and speechless at the sight. … Read the rest

JA Palm Tree Court

JA Palm Tree Court from Pool Side

JA Palm Tree Court is part of the Jebel Ali Resort, an oasis in the truest sense of the word.  Located in the southern region of Dubai, near the base of the undeveloped Palm Jebel Ali and next to the Jebel Ali Free Zone and port area, it’s a lush green space set on the coast between sand and sea. … Read the rest