DESTINATION GUIDES
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.
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.
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.
The Ultimate Aswan Bucket List: Top Places to Visit and Explore
Aswan is a small city in southern Egypt, known for its temples, islands, and links to Nubian culture. It’s a common stop on Nile cruises and an easy base for visiting major sites like Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. The city is walkable, affordable, and less chaotic than Cairo or Alexandria, making it a good place to slow down while still seeing key parts of ancient Egypt. I wasn’t expecting Aswan to be so naturally beautiful—the Nile is wide and calm here, with rocky islands and desert landscapes on either side. The Nubian people are incredibly welcoming, and the food is fantastic. Life here feels simple, with small boats being the main way to get around.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting AlUla, Saudi Arabia
AlUla is one of Saudi Arabia’s most remarkable destinations, located in the northwest of the country within the Medina region. Known for its dramatic desert landscapes and archaeological significance, it is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as ancient rock tombs, historic dwellings, and striking sandstone formations. In recent years, AlUla has opened up to international tourism with new infrastructure, seasonal events, and luxury accommodations, making it an ideal destination for travellers interested in history, culture, and nature.
Review: Staying at Marriott Mena House, Cairo
This isn't the result of a viral post making the rounds on social media - Marriott Mena House in Cairo has been captivating visitors for over a century. Nestled just down the road from the Great Pyramids of Giza, this iconic hotel is the pinnacle of ancient history and luxury, offering guests a front-row seat to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. If the Great Pyramids are on your bucket list - as they are for so many - then Mena House is the perfect place to stay, while you give this extraordinary wonder, one big tick.
Exploring Luxor: The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Nile River, Luxor is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum — and it’s easy to see why. This ancient city is a treasure trove of history, where every corner reveals stories carved in stone and echoes of a civilisation that shaped the course of human history. From the towering columns of Karnak Temple to the mysterious tombs hidden deep within the Valley of the Kings, Luxor offers an unforgettable journey through time.
Best Beaches in Seychelles
Seychelles is known for having some of the clearest water, finest beaches, and most striking granite boulders in the world—a true island paradise scattered across the Indian Ocean. Whether tucked behind a luxury resort or hidden at the end of a hiking trail, every beach in Seychelles is public, meaning you’re free to explore them all. From postcard-perfect coves to long, shallow bays ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving, the islands offer something for every kind of beachgoer.
Review: Caravan AlUla by Our Habitas
There’s something cinematic about arriving in AlUla for the first time. Set deep within the Ashar Valley, this design-led retreat brings a new kind of luxury to the desert: 45 gleaming Airstream caravans, each thoughtfully placed to blend into the Mars-like surroundings. The site itself is more than a place to sleep—it’s a communal experience. Food trucks serve up regional flavours, gathering spaces encourage connection, and activities draw on local Bedouin traditions. For those chasing something different, Caravan AlUla captures the wild beauty of the desert without compromising on comfort.
Visiting Four Seasons Resort Seychelles for the Day
Perched above the turquoise curve of Petite Anse, nestled within Mahé’s lush jungle hills, Four Seasons Seychelles is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Known for its private hillside villas, impeccable service and £2,000+ per night price tag, this is the kind of place most only dream of staying. But what many don’t realise is that you don’t actually have to book a villa to enjoy it for the day.
50 Photos to Inspire You to Visit AlUla
My husband and I were sitting in the otherworldly Our Habitas pool, discussing our top five favourite places we’d ever been. Less than 24 hours in, and we both agreed—this Arabian gem was already at the top of our lists. With the likes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Monument Valley, Four Seasons Seychelles, and Iceland, one thing ties them all together: untouched natural beauty. And AlUla is no exception. It’s as if Monument Valley had a Middle Eastern twin.
Honeymoon Destinations for 2025
If you’re on the hunt for honeymoon inspiration, just like my hubby and I - then you’ve come to the right place. We got married in April 2024, and had our ‘mini-moon’ a few months later in July. We spent 4 nights in Zanzibar which was exactly what we needed after a long year of wedding planning. But we both said we would save our big honeymoon for 2025, with plans in place to spend 3 weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. Sorry I don’t have inspiration for these destinations - yet! But watch this space! (I can’t wait!)
Villa Nautica: Luxury Island Resort in The Maldives
As of 2024 there are nearly 200 resorts in The Maldives, so choosing where to stay can be extremely overwhelming. Especially for the honeymooners who have meticulously planned in advance and saved thousands, to go on the most special trip of their life - they don’t want to be disappointed when they arrive.
I was lucky enough to visit The Maldives for my 30th birthday in 2023 - I still can’t believe I can say that! We stayed at the newly upgraded Villa Nautica on the North Malé Atoll, which has been voted the number 1 resort on TripAdvisor for 2024.
Paradise Islands of Japan: Okinawa, Ishigaki & Miyakojima
Japan has way more to offer than just bustling cities, culture and incredible food. The country is made up of over 6,000 islands and is surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Whilst travelling and working on a cruise ship in 2017, one of our main routes was sailing to three islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. Okinawa, Miyakojima and Ishigaki are all in the Okinawa Prefecture.
A Guide to Visiting The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
On everyone’s bucket list - right? I studied Ancient Egypt in primary school and remember being completely obsessed with the subject. Pharaohs, Pyramids, Hieroglyphics, all of it. I was intrigued that artefacts and mummies are constantly being discovered and the Pyramids are still standing after 4,500 years.