23 January 2024

Day 1-3: Your Nature Lodge in Antoing Begin your enchanting journey at Your Nature Lodge in Antoing, surrounded by nature's beauty. Engage in exciting activities like kayaking and horseback riding, creating unforgettable family memories amidst the tranquility of the lodge. Day 4-5: Pairi Daiza's Underwater Walrus Suite at Pairi Daiza Zoo: Embark on a surreal adventure with a two-night stay in Pairi Daiza's Underwater Walrus Suite. Witness the majesty of walruses up close as they glide past your floor-to-ceiling suite window. Elevate the experience by spending a full day as a zookeeper, working with rare animals like polar bears, brown bears, tigers, and gorillas. Day 6: Namur's Castle and City Exploration Immerse your family in the rich history of Namur by spending a night in the city and exploring Namur Castle. Enjoy immersive family time within the castle's walls, creating lasting memories. Capture postcard-like photos with panoramic views of the Meuse River. Day 7: Dinant Castle's Immersive Experience Discover the magic of Dinant Castle with its immersive exhibits and enchanting surroundings. Delight in panoramic views of the Meuse River, providing the perfect backdrop for post-card photos that will transport you back to this captivating moment. Day 8: Manoir de Lébioles - A Royal Chateau Staying at Manoir de Lébioles is like taking on a time Machine to the glory & majesty of the past with all its royal & noble vibes. Experience a night of regal luxury at the Manoir de Lébioles, a royal chateau. Live like Belgian nobility, surrounded by opulence and charm, as you create treasured family memories in this historic setting. Day 9: Thrills in Rochefort - The Caves of Han Embark on a thrilling adventure in Rochefort at The Caves of Han. Explore underground wonders, marvel at breathtaking rock formations, and take an underground boat journey. This unique experience promises excitement & wonder for the entire family. Day 10: Euro Space Centre, Durbuy Aventure Valley, Dorci Chocolate Museum Euro Space Centre: Delve into the mysteries of space at the Euro Space Centre, offering interactive exhibits and simulations to captivate space enthusiasts of all ages. Walk on the Moon or even Mars & get to know how it feels like to live without a gravity. Euro Space Centre is liscened by Nasa & it is a must-see for these looking to expand thier imagination and fulfill their curious mind. Durbuy Aventure Valley: Get the adrenaline pumping at Durbuy Aventure Valley, where the family can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from zip-lining, Free-Falling to Tubing. Be ready for a day filled up with fun, thrill and a lot of Oxgyn as the park lies in the heart of valley. Dorci Chocolate Museum: Engage your five senses at the Dorci Chocolate Museum, providing a rich cultural experience of chocolate making. Let the kids indulge in a sensory exploration of the chocolate world. Bonus Stops: Museo de Figuras de Comic and Lanterna Magica Museo de Figuras de Comic: Explore the impact of iconic comic characters like Smurfs and Tintin on Belgian culture at Museo de Figuras de Comic. Discover the creative journey behind these beloved characters. Tip: Near the Museum, Lanterna Magica: Conclude your family adventure with the enchanting Lanterna Magica, a magical light show that will leave your family spellbound with its captivating visuals and storytelling (opens Sep to Nov only). Embark on this magical 10-day family adventure in Wallonia, where the landscapes, castles, and cultural attractions make it the perfect home for Belgian royals, chocolate enthusiasts, and Smurf fans alike.

28 September 2023

There is something truly magical, charming, & captivating about Club Med Seychelles that makes you feel like you have been enchanted, and you never want to leave. As Madonna says in her 80 famous hit song; Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free. This is where I long to be, La Isle la bonita .... Nestled in the heart of the Seychelles archipelago and a protected national marine park, offers a breath-taking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Amidst this tropical paradise, you'll discover a haven of luxury and leisure - Club Med Seychelles. In this blog post, I'll take you on a virtual journey to this exotic destination, exploring what makes Club Med Seychelles a dreamy escape for travellers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, pure joy and natural wonder. Getting there: Upon arrival at Mahe airport, we were greeted by the ground handling company that services CM guests, who did a great job in sorting out our luggage and escorting us on 15 min shuttle ride to Club Med Lounge, where we were welcomed by Club Med team with cold towels and beverages. In the meantime, we had our check-in completed & our luggage tagged and uploaded into the boat. The boat ride was smooth although it was raining; it took less than 15 minutes to reach the enchanting island of Sainte Anne. Accommodation: As we approached Club Med Seychelles for disembarkation, this time; we were greeted with stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches & swaying palm trees. Followed by welcome drink and briefing of our stay before we got into our accommodation. The resort offers a range of luxurious accommodation options, including beachfront suites (some of them come with their own private pool), Family, Deluxe, Superior Garden & Seaview Rooms. I had the pleasure to stay in a Superior Seaview Room where I got to wake up every day to the sound of gentle waves and take in panoramic ocean views from my own balcony. Being an Eco-Resort, all amenities in the room were made of recycled materials like sleepers, water bottles, even the toothbrush. Service: GOs (which means Gentles Organizers). They embody the Club Med spirit of friendliness, inclusivity, and enthusiasm, they play a vital role in ensuring guests have a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience. GOs normally are multi-talented and skilled employees who provide various services and activities to guests, creating a casual, lively and engaging atmosphere throughout the stay. During my stay, I got to know some nice GOs like Vincent, Jacky & Youcef as well they got to know me, and we became friends. GO-Show present a daily evening Entertaining Program for the entire family members to get involved and bond together in a fun & relaxing atmosphere allowing you; as a guest to be yourself! Family-Friendly Destination Resort: Club Med Seychelles caters to families with a variety of amenities and activities for children of all ages. The Mini Club Med for the little ones under the age of 3 offers supervised activities by Club Med GO's and the Junior Club Med for teenagers, ensuring that parents can relax while their children have fun and make new friends. There are various options for adults to have their own "ME TIME" starting from the Zen Zone where the beautifully heart-shaped adults-only pool is located together with the Yoga center. Otherwise, parents/adults can just take a nice relaxing chill on the Beach Bar & enjoy the ocean breeze, while couples can spend quality time in a romantic ambiance at the Reef Beach Lounge which offers an enhanced feel and look especially after dark when there is a subtle play of lights. Food & Beverage: Club Med Seychelles offers a diverse culinary experience, with multiple restaurants and bars to choose from. Guests can savor delicious Creole, Mediterranean, and international cuisines while enjoying breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The resort also hosts themed evenings and beachside BBQs, creating memorable & fun dining experiences. Turtle Cove is an all-day dining offering a rich buffet including live stations, while the Reef Lounge serves la carte menu. During my unforgettable stay at Club Med Seychelles, I got to experience a true feeling of pure joy & happiness, where I got to start my day venturing into the vibrant seaworld, taking a hiking yoga in the afternoon & dancing my heart out under starry sky at night. Beyond water-based activities, the resort can organize excursions to explore the rich culture and natural beauty of the Seychelles, including visits to local markets and nature reserves. Club Med Seychelles is a tropical paradise where luxury meets adventure, and relaxation blends seamlessly with natural beauty. Whether you're a water sports enthusiast, a nature lover, a family seeking quality time together, or simply in search of a peaceful retreat, this resort has something for everyone. With its stunning location, top-notch amenities, and dedication to sustainability, Club Med Seychelles invites you to experience the Seychelles in all its glory, making it an unforgettable destination for your next getaway.

12 March 2023

Never in my life, I would have imagined that screaming the word “Zimbho” would open a door for me to a bucket-list dream destination like Zimbabwe. As I was one of the 9 lucky travel professionals who were selected during a travel-trade event that was hosted at the Dubai Expo 2020, to go for 10 days Familiarization Trip to visit the country and get first-hand knowledge of its attractions, lodges, culture, wildlife and natural beauty which wowed us and had us falling in love. Fast forward, months later; the day came to board the flight that we had been eagerly waiting for to Harare. Thanks to Emirates onboard ICE entertainment system, 9.30 hours flew away both in the air and the mind. Upon arrival, we had to spend more than 1 hour to get our sim cards organized, the waiting time along with the general exhaustion of the flight got some of us; including myself, into a lower energy zone. However, the energy was instantly shifted the moment I stepped out of the airport when my eye accidentally fell on the bloody orange colour of the sunset, hiding shyly behind the airport terminal like a little kid welcoming a bunch of guests who are complete strangers. That was the moment that my gut felt the beauty of the place, it was like love at first sight. Our overnight stay in Harare was hosted by a charming boutique city hotel called Melaki that was comfortable with spacious rooms and very interesting interior design inspired by Zimbabwe wildlife. The next morning, the hotel kindly prepared our breakfast boxes so that we can catch our early morning domestic flight on Air Zimbabwe to the city of kings (Bulawayo). The Green Doughnut of Zimbabwe Upon arrival at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport in Bulawayo, we were welcomed by magnificent wild animals that were fabricated as decorations at the arrivals hall which got everybody excited and eager to see more of Zim's real wildlife. The city of kings (Bulawayo) was named after the royal throne of the last King of the Ndebel & the founder king (Mizilikazi). Besides the most sought-after "Matobos National Park", which is famous for being a safe home for white rhinos; this hidden cosy oasis is indefinite in many ways. I feel it resembles a doughnut where the town is in the middle of the hole and surrounded by dams & natural parks, which makes it a very special place for peace, tranquillity and it is an irresistible escape for nature-lovers, birds watchers and outdoor sports activity enthusiasts. Speaking of the outdoors, Bulawayo flares with history, culture, art, fresh air, and a variety of picnic stations, lovely artistic cafes & eateries right in the heart of nature. Into the Wilderness The remote wilderness of Hwange National Park is a 4-5 hours drive away from Bulawayo. Its grasslands and mopane woods have made it the home to large elephant herds, lions, and African wild dogs. During our two-night stay in Hwange, we experienced a private and secluded safari in a pristine environment coupled with heartfelt service by a team of passionate Nambyans who are the original inhabitant tribe of the Hwange region. At night, we were enchanted by live performances that ignited a spark within the heart of the dark and wild jungle. Our game drives in Hwange were equally exciting but more thrilling, due to the summer season during our visit to Zimbabwe; the National Park of Hwange was hot with naked trees and yellow grasslands. The scenery felt surreal as if it was hand-painted with hands that have a great appreciation of diversity & the silent beauty of our mother nature. As we commenced our Safari adventure, we were lucky to be greeted by a family of elephants of different sizes, then we spotted wild dogs, impalas, and buffalos besides the unforgettable scene of a zippy giraffe who was strolling as if it was sauntering on a catwalk towards a tip of an Acacia Tree. Hwange is considered one of the best-kept game parks on the brown continent, thanks to its remoteness and animals free-roaming in their natural habitat. The Thunder of the Falls blossoms life As we proceeded with our journey, we stepped into the majestic Victoria Falls National Park, everyone in our group got to experience an expenditure of force as if our souls were set free. The impulse of positive energy filled us with rapture & joy as if all our worries were washed away by the mist, thunder and magic of the abundant falls. The park consists of 7 viewing platforms to enable viewers to have different perspectives of the falls, and along the way, we get to spot flora and fauna and hear different melodies from resident birds. The excitement and thrill of Victoria Falls did not end up here, actually, it rather got accelerated with an Aerial helicopter ride over the falls, which left our jaw dropped but spirit lifted!!! It is no surprise that Victoria Falls is considered one of the world's 10 natural wonders. As our journey ended, there was no better way to bid farewell than a Sunset Cruise in the Zambezi River. Once we embarked onboard the Zambezi Explorer & as we sailed into the calm river, we were greeted again by a herd of elephants but this time, they were queuing to venture into the river for a swim, these were truly unforgettable moments as we saw these divine giants crossing the river with their kids; it left us all in awe and reverence. A little later, some hippos who were trying to keep their head just over the water, accompanied our boat for some time till the sun started to shy away. The red velvet energy of the sunset mixed with our feelings that are charged with memories, beauty and appreciation created these extraordinary moments that were both peaceful and emotional, these are the moments that I will always cherish because, for me, these are the moments that truly matter. Throughout my journey, I was inspired by the names of the people that I got to meet like Lovemore, Reason, Chief, Memory, Faith, Joy, Blessing & the list goes on. I felt as if I was transferred to another world where humanity in its simple form & kindness were still in existence, as if I was guided to return to these human qualities that were personified through these profound names. People & Nature undoubtfully are the true assets of (Zimbho) which; by the way, means ‘’ Zim is good’’. Find out more, exclusive visual content on the Zimbabwe trips and Safari packing tips through my social media channels.

20 May 2021

Emirates Place defines the true meaning of Arabic Legacy in many ways. First, the palace has hosted world leaders, Presidents, kings & queens from all over the world. The sophisticated vibe is felt as you walk into the grand majestic lobby where you will be wowed by the attention to details and arts invested in every corner of the domed palace. Second, the beautiful architecture of this charming palace brings together a diverse inspiration of the Arab World & the entire region. The moment you reach the palace you feel as if you have been transported in the speed of light to one of India's Rajethstan Palaces. While the domes and entrance of the hotel with its tall pillars awakens the nostalgic fragrance of the Levant that is nothing less than mystical. As you walk across the corridors towards the rooms, you will get mesmerised by looking at the beautiful square-shaped courtyards placed on the ground floor with tall palm trees which look like a Moroccan fascinating Riad which boost the place with calming energy and a flavour of another Arabic Culture from the west of the Arab World. The journey gets even more exciting as you walk towards the beach, where you will get bumped into beautiful private wooden cabanas located next to an Arabic cool beachfront Badawian tent where you see camels roaming freely. I encourage you to be daring and to try riding one of these Arabic creatures and my promise to you is an experience that will take you on an inspiring journey to live between the rich culture of the past and the modernisation present in the capital. Surprisingly, although the hotel is a palace yet you don’t get to feel overwhelmed with any sort of formality or forced to be too dressy as you roam around. In fact, the palace caters to various families needs thanks to its water slides, lazy pools, cascades and friendly staff which create an ambience of relaxation that ensure a quality time has been experienced throughout your stay. The palace is spread out across a huge space of land, gardens, & beach which makes it ideal for different types of guests, including couples, solo's & families. Finally, staying in Emirates Palace is not merely a hotel stay, it is rather an experience of a Masterpiece for anyone who is seeking appreciation of time, quality & exclusivity within the heart of the capital.

05 January 2021

Our heavenly team-building getaway, made up of a group of 8 people, was surely a trip to remember. The excitement started to build up at the airport, the time we started boarding our overnight flight to Phuket. Our host has organised our arrival pick up which took about an hour combining both land & sea transports. We ventured into the sea by a speedboat that has a perfect size to accommodate all 8 of us with our luggage. Luckily, the speed boat had a cover like an umbrella which was very helpful against the rain-shower which normally takes place during Monsoon season at this time of the year. On Arrival, instantly; we got totally immersed in the divine tranquillity of our Private Resort ''Ani Villas'' located on the calm shores of Phang Nga with a stunning view of the Southeast Asian Sea that is nothing but a bucket-list worthy. With the feeling of ''You Can Have it All'' We seldom felt the need to go out, specially that the resort concept is ‘’It is All Yours’’ from your own villa to the 100*foot pool, bar & very cool heart-rate waterside that was the reason to fill the image library of our phones with many snaps & videos; down to having a team of 10 at your service that included a General Manager and a Chef. The concept of ‘’Its All Yours’’ has given us so much flexibility & freedom not only with what we wanted to do but also with what we wanted to eat & drink specially that everything was covered including Unlimited Spa Treatments. Thanks to this diversity of inclusions, we did not have any issue queuing for the Spa as I thought we would, as each small group was busy with some other activity from stand-up paddling to Kayaking or simply chilling in one of the 10 stunning villas in the resort. The idea of travelling to Thailand and more; to a remote island during Monsoon was not so smoothly swallowed by some folks in our group. Surprisingly, I felt that the Monsoon vibe made our trip even more exciting. Because remember, after the rain there is the sunshine & rainbow. And that is what I exactly did, I went ''Chasing The Rainbow'' on a Kayak trip from the shore-steps of Ani villas to surrounding stunning exotic islands, the experience was invigorating yet serene and inspirational. Time flew on ''The Island of Dreams'' that I didn’t get a chance to experience any of the local restaurants which are mainly located at the cosy small downtown of of Kho Ya Noi. I was busy relaxing on hammocks hanged between the lush along the seaside of the island. Sure enough, I was touched by the kindness of the locals when someone approached me and offered me a shelter and a cup of tea when it started pouring while I was waiting for my driver. This only shows that the Kho Yoa Noi is way less touristy & commercial comparing to other places in Thailand. This does not mean that I did not try out the local cosine, in fact, we went a little deeper into the Thai Culinary thanks to our in-house chef who was patient enough to talk all 8 of us through a journey of cooking class that was not only fun, but we also learnt how to cook a Vegetarian Thai Green Curry. The aromatic tasty dish was served for lunch besides Thai sticky rice & tropical mocktail to calm down the slightly chilli flavor of the curry. Asking about souvenirs?!!? oh well, I got my first tattoo made on my left-arm which I believe is now my ever-lasting souvenir from Kho Yao Noi. I am super grateful till today for Ani Villas team who recommended a highly professional tattoo-artist who took on the mission fearlessly that caused little to no pain during & after I was tattooed. The overall experience was so genuine and personal that we literally had ''almost'' everything at our fingertips, Sea & Sky who were so caring and made my stay a very comfortable one. We were tempted to go out once, when we found a very cool Tree-House bar just few steps in front of Ani villas that we were so pleased to experience. The bar has got a wonderful island vibe that we could even dance barefoot, every time I remember this place, I get the feeling of ''Taking me back there'' Lastly, If you are curious about the cost, it may scare you a little to say that it could cost between 800-1000$ per night per person to stay at Ani Villas which is not too expensive considering the amount of inclusions & the personal service, however, we can always tailor something that could possibly lower the budget a little. My Top Recommendation for this place is first for family/friends’ reunions/party, Team-Building outing, Occasions like Weddings or Birthdays. However, we were also told that some celebrities & VIP’s loved the place due to the privacy, on-demand service & generous inclusions. The entire space along with a minimum 7 villas out of 10 can be yours and all services & inclusions can be tailored to meet your wildest expectations. The overall trip to Ani Villas was not just a holiday but a true experience that is not only tattooed on my left arm but in heart too.