Rush Coffee

Rush Coffee

Tucked into the pastel-hued streets of Phuket Old Town, where Sino-Portuguese façades lean gently into one another and the tropical air hangs thick with incense and street food, I stumble upon something I hadn’t realised I was missing quite so desperately – proper coffee.… Read the rest

Shrine of the Serene Light

Shrine of the Serene Light

Tucked discreetly behind a narrow passageway off bustling Phang Nga Road, the Shrine of the Serene Light feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. While many visitors wander through Phuket Old Town admiring its colourful Sino-Portuguese façades, few realise that one of the area’s most atmospheric and historically rich sites lies just out of sight.… Read the rest

Wat Klang

Wat Klang

Set aside from the the pastel façades and Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Phuket Old Town lies a temple that many visitors walk straight past without ever stepping inside. It’s a shame because behind its ornate gates, Wat Mongkolnimit Phra Aram Luang, known locally as Wat Klang, offers something far more meaningful than just another photo opportunity.… Read the rest

Phi Phi Islands Family Adventure

Phi Phi Islands Family Adventure

There are early mornings, and then there are the kind that begin under a velvet sky, the world still hushed, as the promise of something extraordinary pulls you gently from sleep. Phi Phi Islands calls us for a family adventure.… 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