Brunch in Bloom

Brunch In Bloom

Birthday celebrations in Dubai often come with lofty expectations. There are rooftop venues, extravagant buffets and brunches where the spectacle occasionally overshadows the food. For Jason’s birthday this year, however, we find Brunch in Bloom refreshingly different.

Tucked within the DoubleTree by Hilton at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Gastro Kitchen’s Brunch in Bloom reimagines the beloved Dubai brunch with a gentler touch.… Read the rest

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – Olive Oil Perfume (c.1350), rhubarb, rose & saffron

Valentine’s Day in Dubai invites a certain level of theatre. The city already knows how to perform – light, scale, ambition – so choosing the right stage matters.… Read the rest

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads

The air smells of sea, salt and various scents of sunscreen. Kids surf, locals walk dogs, drink coffee and laze in the park or on the sand. Burleigh Heads is doing its thing. Likewise our holiday is doing its thing – that thing where time loosens its grip.… Read the rest

Greek Island Trifecta

Greek Island Trifecta

Part of the Saronic Islands, Agina, Agistri and the tiny Moni islands feel like a Greek Island trifecta. After a few days exploring Athens, it’s time to take a break from the history and crowds. My sister, Michelle & I, book ourselves onto a boat tour for a day a sea, sailing the Greek Islands.… Read the rest

Oman for Eid

Oman for Eid

We have been to Oman for Eid previously. Our last experience, in 2017, was a vastly different one to our more recent experience of Oman for Eid – a perfect long weekend of camping at the beach.

Campsite views

With the Eid holidays offering the perfect excuse for a short getaway, Jason, our boys Jasper (14) and Harley (11) and I team up with another family.… Read the rest

Girona, Peratallada & Calella Day Trip

Girona, Peratallada & Calella Day Trip

I have arrived in Barcelona and booked a Girona, Peratallada & Calella day trip. It’s a full day including two wonderful medieval towns and a glimpse of the coast. About as much as one can expect in a day.… Read the rest

Calella de Palafrugell

The stunning coastline at Calella de Palafrugell

Calella de Palafrugell is a charming coastal town about 125 km northeast of Barcelona. I have arrived here from Girona and Peratallada on a sunny November afternoon. While the weather isn’t quite warm enough for a swim, it’s pretty clear that Calella de Palafrugell is a summer place.… Read the rest

Les Bains du Castel

Les Bains du Castel

Jason has spotted Les Bains du Castel on a morning walk and has surprised me with a booking for this evening. The stunning location is enough to set it aside as special occasion dining. We have already experienced a fair share of wonderful dining over the last couple of weeks during or Côte d’Azur holiday.… Read the rest

Royal Beach

Royal Beach (photo hotel-royal-antibes.com)

When the sea breeze awakens the taste buds a visit to Royal Beach is in order. Royal Beach is a private beach and restaurant affiliated with the Hotel Royal Antibes.

After our morning walk around Phare de la Garoupe, we now sit in the light sea breeze, with our seaside table facing Cap d’Antibes, overlooking the Bay of Ilette.… Read the rest

In & Around Antibes

In & Around Antibes

It’s Summer Day 3 and we spend the day in & around Antibes. The day starts with procuring breakfast from the local markets after which we take a trip to the lighthouse Phare de la Garoupe on the famous Cap d’Antibes.… Read the rest