20 May 2025

A Perfect Phuket Getaway Elephants, Temples, Thai Cooking & Island Hopping. What not to like ! Phuket, Thailand a destination I travelled around over the years and on my honeymoon has long been on my bucket list to return to with my two kids. From ethical wildlife experiences and peaceful temples to vibrant island adventures and delicious cooking classes, this trip had it all. Here’s a little peek into some of the highlights of our unforgettable journey. - A Morning at the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park If you’re visiting Phuket and love animals, the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is an absolute must. This isn’t just another elephant “experience” it’s a genuine sanctuary where rescued elephants are treated with the love, respect, and care they deserve. What sets this park apart is their strict animal welfare policies. There’s no riding, no tricks rules just connection, education, and care. All the elephants here have been rescued from poor conditions, and now live in peace. We spent the morning feeding them endless amounts of sugarcane and bananas, giving them a mud bath, and then rinsing off together in a big splashy shower. It was joyful, humbling, and unforgettable for us and our kids. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, sharing stories about each elephant and how they were rescued. - The Big Buddha & Wat Chai Thararam No trip to Phuket is complete without a visit to the Big Buddha a truly awe-inspiring sight. Standing at 45 metres (148 feet) tall and over 25 metres (83 feet) wide, this colossal statue is made of concrete and beautifully covered in Burmese white marble. It’s not just impressive in size the atmosphere around the statue is calm and reflective, especially as you listen to the soft chants of monks in prayer. A peaceful place to pause and take it all in. Just a short ride away, we visited Wat Chai Thararam (also known as Wat Chalong), one of the most beautiful temples in Phuket. The grounds are filled with ornate buildings, golden statues, and intricate architectural details that make it perfect for a slow, reflective stroll. Thailand’s temples never fail to amaze, and this one is no exception. - A Delicious Thai Cooking Class with Chef Pui @brasswok_thai_cooking_class One of the absolute highlights of our trip was the Family Thai Cooking Class with Chef Pui and not just because we got to eat everything we made. Chef Pui is warm, funny, and bursting with knowledge about traditional Thai cooking. We rolled up our sleeves and learned to make: - Tom Yum Gung – Prawns in spicy herbal soup - Pad Thai – Everyone’s favourite - Massaman Curry – A rich, comforting curry with chicken or tofu - Thai Green Curry – Fragrant and fiery in all the right ways Cooking together as a family, then sitting down to enjoy it all was such a rewarding experience. If you’re looking for an activity that’s fun, educational, and oh-so-delicious, this class is a must. And our teens loved it! - Island Hopping Adventure with @5starmarinephuket To round off our Phuket adventure, we headed out on a private island-hopping tour with the amazing Ning from 5 Star Marine and what a day it was. We explored: - North Phang Nga Bay – Epic limestone cliffs & emerald water - Mangrove forests – A quiet, lush escape - Koh Panyee – A unique Muslim village built on stilts - James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) – Iconic & cinematic - Hong Islands – Incredible canoeing through caves and lagoons - Paekruwit Floating Seafood Restaurant. Fresh, flavourful seafood right on the water - Rang Yai Island – White sand beaches and crystal-clear swimming It was a picture-perfect day of discovery the stunning islands, its nature, and total bliss on the water. Final Thoughts Phuket has definitely changed over the years. But whether you’re into wildlife, culture, food, or adventure (or, like us – all of the above), this Thai island and its people has something to enchant every traveller. From mud baths with elephants to learning the perfect curry paste, it’s the kind of trip that fills your heart, your belly, and your soul. I'll always recommend going to Thailand. It has so much to offer any traveller Elaine

20 May 2025

Our Magical Return to Atmosphere Kanifushi, Maldives There are some places in the world that leave a lasting impression on your heart and for our family, Atmosphere Kanifushi in the Maldives is exactly that. After falling in love with the island during our first visit over 10 years ago now, returning felt like coming home to a slice of paradise, only better. The moment our seaplane touched down on the turquoise waters, we knew we were in for another unforgettable escape. The Warmest Welcome From the moment we stepped onto the island off the seaplane. we were greeted like old friends. The team at Atmosphere Kanifushi has a unique way of making every guest feel special, remembered, and truly cared for. Their service is nothing short of five-star, yet there’s a genuine warmth that goes far beyond luxury it’s hospitality from the heart speaking how the kids have grown and remembering the activities they loved on the last visit. All-Inclusive, All-Amazing One of the biggest reasons we chose to return is the incredible Platinum Plus All-Inclusive Plan. It’s not just about food and drinks it’s about the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is taken care of. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the pool, indulging in premium wines, or booking excursions and snorkelling trips, it’s all included, and it’s all exceptional. A Culinary Journey The food at Atmosphere Kanifushi is a highlight in itself. Every restaurant offers a unique experience, from the beachside grills to elegant fine dining. As a family with mixed dietary preferences, we were thrilled with the options for me especially the vegetarian restaurant, Just Veg, which remains one of the best vegetarian dining experiences we’ve ever had. Even the kids found something to love. Pools, Play, and Pure Joy The island offers a perfect balance of relaxation and fun. Our kids absolutely adored the Kids Club on their first visit when they were that little bit younger, where daily activities kept them engaged and entertained while we stole away for a couples massage at the Akiri Spa by Mandara. The spa is pure bliss, with tranquil ocean views and expert therapists who know how to melt every bit of tension away. Adventure in Every Direction While it’s tempting to spend your days lounging in the sun, Atmosphere Kanifushi offers an exciting variety of activities that had us exploring every corner of the island and beyond. From snorkelling and diving trips to vibrant coral reefs, sunset fishing, jet skiing, and kayaking, there was something for every mood and moment. The house reef snorkelling is a must teeming with marine life and just steps from the shore. Getting There in Style Even the journey to the island is an experience to remember. The seaplane transfer offers breath-taking aerial views of the atolls scattered like jewels in the ocean. It’s the kind of start (and end) to a vacation that makes the whole trip feel even more magical. Why We’ll Keep Coming Back This was our second time at Atmosphere Kanifushi, but it certainly won’t be our last. There’s a reason it’s become one of our favourite islands in the Maldives. It offers the perfect mix of luxury, adventure, serenity, and heartfelt service. Whether you’re a couple looking to reconnect, a family seeking quality time, or someone who simply wants to be pampered in paradise this island delivers on every level. Until next time, Kanifushi, thank you for welcoming us back with open arms, for the memories made, and for reminding us that true paradise can be revisited. Elaine

15 May 2025

Kurumba Maldives Why Kurumba Maldives Was the Perfect Quick Island Getaway for my husband and I When you live in Dubai the Maldives is that place that you can go to for a long weekend or longer if your lucky with just over a 4hour direct flight to Male. That’s why my recent trip to Kurumba Maldives was such a great trip. This resort has all the beauty of the Maldives but with one major perk, it’s just a short speedboat ride from Male airport. No need for a seaplane on this trip which was perfect as we were short on days. This alone makes it an ideal choice for shorter stays or spontaneous getaways when time is limited but you still want the magic. From the moment we arrived, Kurumba had this charming, laid-back energy. Lush greenery, soft white sand, and those picture-perfect turquoise waters wrapped around the island it ticked all the boxes. But it wasn’t just a pretty face. One of the biggest highlights for me was their restaurant and dine-around options. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or barefoot bites by the beach, there’s something delicious waiting. We made it a point to try something new each day, and honestly, every meal felt like a mini adventure. Just make sure you book ahead. My daily ritual quickly became morning kayaking on the crystal blue sea. There’s something magical about floating over clear waters, spotting fish beneath you, and feeling completely at peace. It was the perfect mix of movement and mindfulness—and it set the tone for each day. And as for the evenings ? Well, those were reserved for sunset sundowners on the beach. Sitting with your feet in the sand, sipping something cool as the sky turns pink and orange… yeah, there’s no better way to end the day. Kurumba may not be the most remote island in the Maldives, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a perfect blend of convenience, beauty, and luxury ideal for anyone wanting a slice of paradise without the travel time. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And if you’re considering a Maldives trip but want to skip the seaplane and still enjoy all the tropical bliss, Kurumba should absolutely be on your radar. Elaine

15 May 2025

A Soulful Retreat Week in Sri Lanka Reconnect, Revive, Recharge: My Travel Blog from an Unforgettable Yoga & Wellbeing Retreat Tucked away on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna was the magical setting for a yoga and meditation retreat I’ll never forget. Titled Reconnect, Revive, Recharge, this retreat turned out to be so much more than I ever imagined. An incredible blend of mindfulness, adventure, and authentic cultural connection. From the moment we arrived, the Good Vibes were unmistakable. No TV, no alcohol just a group of inspiring likeminded women on a shared journey of reflection, self-growth, and deep reconnection. The energy was raw, real, and filled with gratitude. Unawatuna: Where Serenity Meets Smiles Each afternoon, we wandered through Unawatuna village, greeted with endless warmth and kindness by the locals. The Sri Lankan people are some of the friendliest, most joyful souls I’ve ever met, always smiling, always welcoming. Their peaceful, generous spirit made every walk feel like a moment of connection and calm. Tea Tasting in the Highlands One of our standout experiences was tea tasting at Hermanteas Plantation. We learned about the rich tea culture of Sri Lanka and were amazed to discover that one of the machines they use is actually from Ireland my own home country. It was a beautiful reminder of how cultures intertwine and how something as simple as a cup of tea can carry the stories of generations. Surf’s Up at Dewatta Beach Of course, no retreat is complete without a little adventure. We headed to Cool Vibes Beach House, right on Bonavista Bay at Dewatta Beach, where the waves rolled in with just the right energy. Whether you were a beginner or a pro, there was something empowering about standing on a surfboard and letting the ocean carry you. We ended the day with a beautiful dinner together on the water’s edge. A Night in Mirissa & Sunrise at Sea Towards the end of the, we travelled down to Mirissa for a change of pace and a night by the beach. The following morning brought a 5:00 AM wake-up call for a whale-watching experience a special birthday gift from a good friend of mine Nadia. While the whales remained mostly elusive (just a distant spout) we were mesmerized by playful dolphins and sleek barracuda dancing in the water. It was a morning filled with light, joy, and the quiet awe that only nature can provide. A Farewell in Historic Galle Our final stop was the enchanting city of Galle. Steeped in colonial architecture and vibrant history, it was the perfect place to reflect on an incredible week. The cobbled streets, charming cafes, and coastal views felt like a storybook ending to our journey. The Heart of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka stole a piece of my heart. From the deeply spiritual atmosphere of the retreat to the colorful markets, mouthwatering curries, and genuine kindness of every person we met, this country radiates soul and warmth. The culture is rich, the food unforgettable, and the landscapes nothing short of breathtaking. This wasn’t just a retreat it was a full-body, full-heart experience. A chance to reconnect with ourselves, revive our spirits, and recharge among new friends and new perspectives. Until Next Time… Forever grateful for the amazing group of women I shared this journey with, and for Sri Lanka a place I’ll hold close forever. I’ll be back ! Elaine