Racha Yai Diving

Racha Yai Diving (photo credit Roberta Martinotta)

Today starts with a crackle of anticipation as the alarm sounds in the early morning. We’re all excited about our our family scuba diving tour to Racha Noi and Racha Yai Islands. We have been promised coral gardens, curious marine life and just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting.… Read the rest

Rang Yai Island

Rang Yai Island

There’s something quietly seductive about islands you can see but haven’t yet reached. From Phuket’s east coast, Rang Yai Island sits just offshore, it’s close enough to feel accessible, distant enough to promise escape. At 110 acres, this privately owned island has built a reputation as a tranquil paradise, known for its white sand beaches, calm waters and a long association with pearl farming.… Read the rest

Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach

A day at Freedom Beach is a day earned and a day remembered. Tucked just south of the relentless energy of Patong, Thailand, Freedom Beach exists in quiet defiance of its neighbour – hidden, hushed and requiring a little commitment to uncover.… Read the rest

Surf’s Up

Surf’s Up

Surf’s up despite the glassy morning waters at JBR. Usually we’re here to ski or board but this morning it’s to make waves, literally, and then surf them.

The morning is warm as we head out of Dubai Harbour, around the tip of the Skydive Dubai runway and out into the glassy calm of JBR.… Read the rest

Palma de Majorca

Views to the Cathedral from Es Baluard Museum

We start our day in Palma de Majorca at the Parc de la Mar. Gazing up, we have landed right in front of La Sau, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. This incredible Cathedral dominates the skyline of this entire stretch of the old town, defining this stunning port side city.… Read the rest

The Penguin

The Penguin

Another perfect Dubai winter’s day.  Twenty eight degrees Celsius and clear skies.  Top top it all off, we have an invitation for The Penguin.

The Penguin herself

We’ve been out on The Penguin before, however, today is special as we are farewelling our hosts and will be sad to see them leave.… Read the rest

UAE National Day

Dubai skyline the Dubai Water Canal

National Day has been on my radar for about a month.  I knew it was coming, having looked into the background for a street being called “2nd December Street” earlier on in the year, the next sign came on the 1st of November when all the Halloween decorations came down and flags went up everywhere – on buildings, schools, in the shops, on houses and on people – in the form of scarves, pins and t-shirts. … Read the rest

Zaya Nurai Island

Zaya Nurai Island

“Where are you going?  Who are you going with? What time will you be home?”.

“Umm, I’m not really sure” I respond.  I’m not trying to avoid the questions, I just don’t really have the answers.  I’ve been invited along on a boat rally. … Read the rest