DESTINATION GUIDES

Review: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Review: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz‑Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is a five‑star resort set in the North Malé Atoll, around 50 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. Part of Marriott International and designed by Kerry Hill, it sits within the Fari Islands, a new luxury development that brings together three resorts — The Ritz‑Carlton, Patina Maldives and the upcoming Capella Maldives — as well as the Fari Marina Village. This village is home to the Fari Beach Club, boutiques and a collection of shared dining and cultural spaces. While guests are free to explore these wider facilities, The Ritz‑Carlton itself feels self‑contained, offering overwater and beachfront villas, a full‑service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, a dive centre and a wide range of recreational and wellness activities.

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Review: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Review: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a five-star property located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Part of Marriott International, the resort follows Westin’s global wellness philosophy built around six pillars: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. This ethos is reflected throughout the island — from the brand’s signature Heavenly Beds and daily yoga sessions to nourishing dining options and a focus on rest and renewal.

The resort features spacious overwater and beachfront villas, a dedicated spa, and a range of wellness and fitness programmes. Its location also offers seasonal access to Hanifaru Bay, one of the world’s top sites for snorkelling with manta rays. Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, The Westin caters to travellers looking for a quieter, more balanced Maldives experience.

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Luxury vs Ultra-Luxury in the Maldives: What’s the Real Difference?

Luxury vs Ultra-Luxury in the Maldives: What’s the Real Difference?

I’ve just returned from a week in the Maldives, spending three nights at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and two at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Both resorts were incredible — everything you expect from the Maldives: crystal-clear waters, top-level service, delicious food, and excellent amenities. However, these resorts belong to different tiers. While nearly every resort in the Maldives is considered as luxury, a select few are truly ultra-luxury. In this post, I’ll explore the difference between the two. At first glance, there may be little to separate them, but it’s the small, thoughtful touches — and the noticeable jump in price — that elevate some properties to that next level of luxury.

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Ginger Moon Review: New Californian Cuisine at W Dubai - Mina Seyahi
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Foodies, Middle East, City Breaks, Hotel Reviews Sophie Alexander-Osman Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Foodies, Middle East, City Breaks, Hotel Reviews Sophie Alexander-Osman

Ginger Moon Review: New Californian Cuisine at W Dubai - Mina Seyahi

Set above the shoreline at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Ginger Moon offers something new to the city: a beach club experience without the beach. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Harbour, with the towers of Dubai Marina rising behind, it’s a relaxed space designed for long afternoons and evenings.

At its centre, a large olive tree grows up from the valet area two floors below and stretches through the heart of the restaurant, forming the bar canopy with seating all around. The kitchen is open, so you can see the chefs at work, and there’s a choice between indoor tables or breezy outdoor seating. We visited for dinner (kindly gifted) and stayed well into the night.

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The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide: Best Places to Stay, Eat and Explore
Egypt, Cairo, Foodies, City Breaks, City Guide, Wonders Of The World, Africa Sophie Alexander-Osman Egypt, Cairo, Foodies, City Breaks, City Guide, Wonders Of The World, Africa Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide: Best Places to Stay, Eat and Explore

Cairo is exactly what you expect — and yet, it still manages to surprise you. Loud, hot, completely alive. The kind of city that doesn’t ease you in gently, it just sweeps you up in its chaos and colour. One minute you’re weaving through traffic that somehow works without rules, the next you’re standing still beneath the Pyramids, barely believing they’re real. It’s gritty and grand all at once, with layers of history, street noise, spice and smoke. And somehow, it all just works. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Cairo always gives you something unexpected.

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The Ultimate London Foodie Guide
Foodies, London, England, United Kingdom, City Breaks, Europe, City Guide Sophie Alexander-Osman Foodies, London, England, United Kingdom, City Breaks, Europe, City Guide Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Ultimate London Foodie Guide

London’s food scene is endlessly exciting—diverse, ever-evolving, and full of character. From hidden coffee shops to rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, the city delivers memorable dining moments at every turn. Whether you’re in the mood for a slow brunch, a quick bite between galleries, or an unforgettable dinner above the skyline, this guide highlights the best places to eat and drink across the capital. Here’s where to go when you’re hungry and after something a little more special than the usual chain.

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Best Beach Clubs in Dubai
Dubai, Foodies, Middle East, United Arab Emirates, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman Dubai, Foodies, Middle East, United Arab Emirates, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman

Best Beach Clubs in Dubai

Whilst Dubai is known for being a modern metropolis, it’s also a coastal city which is a huge perk, as there are many fancy 5* hotels and beach clubs dotted all along the seafront. The city has over 300 days a year of sunshine and blue skies - spare a few days for sandstorms. Given the near-perfect weather all year long, Dubai is also famous for its brunches… on the beach! Any day or time of the week - unlimited food & drinks, DJs, infinity pools and a bloody good time awaits you. And maybe some crazy Brits…

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Best Restaurants in Dubai
City Breaks, Dubai, Foodies, Middle East, United Arab Emirates Sophie Alexander-Osman City Breaks, Dubai, Foodies, Middle East, United Arab Emirates Sophie Alexander-Osman

Best Restaurants in Dubai

Whether you’re in the mood for sipping cocktails by the Burj Khalifa or tucking into Greek food with your toes in the sand – Dubai’s got you covered. From sky-high lounges to beachside gems, the list of restaurants here is genuinely endless. I always say I’ll go back to the same place – I really do – but somehow, every week, I end up discovering somewhere new and convincing myself it counts as “research.”

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Best Breakfasts in Dubai
City Breaks, Dubai, Middle East, Foodies, United Arab Emirates Sophie Alexander-Osman City Breaks, Dubai, Middle East, Foodies, United Arab Emirates Sophie Alexander-Osman

Best Breakfasts in Dubai

Smashed avocado with scrambled eggs and a latte, please…

I’ll always choose a breakfast date over dinner—especially in Dubai, where mornings are something special. There’s just something about starting the day with sunlight, good coffee, and a sea view (or a skyline one). The city does breakfast so well, whether you're after a beachside café with fresh pastries or a rooftop spot serving truffle eggs and oat milk lattes.

I’ve worked my way through a fair few places, but there are still so many more to try. That’s the thing about Dubai—it’s constantly evolving, and its breakfast scene is no different. From laid-back neighbourhood favourites to buzzy hotspots worth booking ahead for, there’s a spot for every kind of morning.

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20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Italy

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Italy

One of my favourite countries in the world - Italy! A place that is dreamy from every aspect - the language, landscapes, culture, history and of course the cuisine. Italians are the kings at maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Which is something that the rest of the world can definitely benefit from.

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