Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges Who knew Australia’s next level of stylish hotel would start its incarnation in Tamworth, New South Wales? Regional Australia is really having its moment right now and with the opening of the fabulous Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges, there is now a super sexy place to stay on your next country-style getaway. I drove up from Sydney and stopped at Murruundi for quick whirl around Michael Reid’s ultra chic gallery and much needed flat white. Their homewares store and cafe are stocked with everything from R.M Williams boots and hats to African baskets and Sw ..read more

Country Style Magazine, September 2020 SO excited to be featured in the September 2020 issue of Country Style magazine, one of Australia’s chicest home interior and lifestyle magazines. It was such an honour to share our home with photographer Brigid Arnott and stylist Jodie Gibbons from Belljar Interiors (who organised the entire show and filled our home with beautiful flowers on the day!). We sat down with writer Penny Carroll who captured the story of how we found our little cottage in Picton, NSW and why we made the decision to leave beachy Austinmer and make a move to the country. Flippin ..read more

Rascal Voyages I had always thought of Raja Ampat to be the most exotic sounding place ever. Well I was right and nothing in my imagination could prepare me for the boundless beauty I was about to discover sailing aboard Rascal through the Indonesian archipelago! Getting There I was invited aboard Rascal for a five night adventure sailing through Raja Ampat along with other guests including Emily Penn, the famous British ocean advocate who campaigns for plastic free oceans and who opened my eyes to just how bad the problem has become over our many chats day and night aboard Rascal. Yes ..read more

Staying Put in Style During this time of non-travel, inward reflection and with a heartfelt yearning to check into a hotel, I have decided to “hotelerise” my home – I’ve pulled out the scented candles picked up from fond hotel stays around the world to remind me of better times. From La Reserve in Paris to Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, these candles are lighting and warming my home and let’s be honest … nothing screams “hotel stay” like a scented candle! Bedding down at Home – Bedhead by Anna Spiro Room Service My bedroom has been fluffed with pillows so high it resembles a F ..read more

Amerikalinjen I was just about to finish my “In Search of the Northern Lights” cruise on the Viking Star (more on this in a future blog post) and because was I hopping off in Bergen, I decided the best way home was via Oslo and I couldn’t have been happier – what a fabulous city it is! AND….. I got to check into one of Norway’s newest boutique hotels, Amerkalinjen. Checking In Housed in a classic building with a wealth of maritime history, Amerikalinjen has been reborn into a vibrant boutique hotel designed for the modern explorer. The hotel is easily accessed from and within ..read more

Vakkaru Maldives The Maldives continues to be one of the hottest destinations in the world and earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit the newest luxury kid on the block – Vakkaru Maldives.   Located in a stunning enclave within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, this five-star resort is perfect for high-end clients… families and couples alike.  A lush and secluded floating paradise of palm-lined beaches and powder-white sand, Vakkaru oozes barefoot elegance.  Arriving in Paradise I love arriving into the Maldives – Male International Airport is always buzzi ..read more

Bawah Reserve I finally got to see what all the fuss was about. This exotic island has been the name on everyone’s lips (and “It Lists”) since it opened so I needed to get there… and fast. I wasn’t dissapointed.. On Arrival This jewel of an island resort sweeps into view on approach from your seat aboard the chic Bawah seaplane (you depart from Batam after a ferry crossing from Singapore – don’t worry, transfers are a breeze and all part of the adventure). The island is drop-dead gorgeous and nothing prepares you for those bluer than blue waters, and the jungle clad interior ringe ..read more

My first, small-group hosted adventure to Japan was so much fun. After escorting tours to Mexico and Italy, I turned to the land of the rising sun for my next tailored group travel experience. Day one – We check into or home for three nights, the wonderfully sexy Hoshinoya Tokyo – I chose this property for its contemporary take on the traditional ryokan. Tea ceremonies and traditional Japanese breakfasts delivered to your room at precisely the time you ordered them is part of the charm. This is discreet Japanese hospitality and surprisingly, the hotel lies in the city’s economic center, a ..read more

ISLAND STYLE When you think of the Maldives, do you think of stunning blue water, palm trees, dreamy sun sets with a tropical castaway feel … well I do! Look no further, I’ve found your perfect island hideaway, right here at Soneva Jani. Soneva’s “no shoes, no news” policy starts the moment you board your launch transfer to the island (after gliding in by seaplane across azure waters dotted with sandy island archipelagos), and don’t worry, you won’t be needing them again until you depart as the resort is that easy-going and carefree. *just make sure you’ve had that pedicure prior to a ..read more