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The Secret Sauce

I’ve been fortunate to travel my whole life, visited over 45 countries, many multiple times and one country over 30 times I love it so much!

In a world with a trillion destinations, some manage to stand out and rise to the top.  

What makes a destination stand out to me? Is there a secret formula that makes me fall in love with a destination and pull me back time and time again?

I’ve reviewed my favourite destinations, looked at them from all angles and finally like a lightning bolt it came to me!

I’ve discovered my secret sauce recipe and I’m delighted to share it with you

For me it must have the following ingredients:

  1. Authentic - It must offer an authentic local experience.
  2. Friendly & Professional staff – I want to hear and see how the staff love their jobs and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with you.
  3. Small and remote – if it takes some effort to get there its on the right track
  4. Relaxed Luxury – I don’t need gold taps but I do love a king size bed, premium linen and lots of hot water in the shower.
  5. Delicious food – fine dining is not necessary but a chef who prepares local quality ingredients with love and pride is essential.
  6. Nature – let me immerse myself in nature.

  7. Inclusiveness – it must have a long table where guests all get to know each over dinner.

I’ve applied my secret sauce recipe to share with you my all-time favourite travel experiences around the world.  

These places are so unique, so special, that I don’t want to share them with everyone. I fear they will be over-loved and lose their uniqueness so if you really want to discover for yourself why I love these places let’s talk.

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ONETA SIMELI

FIJI

After over 30 visits to Fiji and staying in over 75 resorts, I have finally found paradise.

Hidden away on an island with no roads I can truly say that it’s one of the few places in the world where you can still find both quiet solitude and true adventure.  It is a peaceful and restorative haven for any kind of traveller.

Relaxed luxury is how it feels, only a handful of bures ensure you are never in a hurry and completely free to decide what you want to do and when.

This remote resort is primarily focused on diving, snorkelling and fishing. You can see one of the largest reefs in the world from your bure window! 

When not on the water there are a myriad of other activities to choose from or just relax by the ocean in a hammock reading a good book while you wait for the sound of the drums calling you to your next scrumptious meal.

By the time you leave you will feel part of the family as you have experienced the warm genuine Fijian hospitality and joined in on the fun.  Be warned, like me, you may never want to leave.

 

AFRICA

From the desert to the wetland, the scrub land to the subtropics and vast grassland plains Africa boasts an incredible diversity of climate, flora, and fauna. I’ve explored national parks to private conservancies, where number of guests and vehicle numbers are strictly limited allowing for a more intimate safari experience.  Selecting the best experience to suit your unique safari dreams is vitally important. I’ve experienced national parks with unlimited visitors allowed as well as private conservancies with vehicle and safari camp limits that allow you to go off road and spend time with the wildlife one on one.

This favourite safari camp touched my soul and draws me back time and time again.  The local guides are in the top 5% of African guides and love sharing their knowledge with you. Unfenced camps means uninhibited wildlife encounters. It’s not unusual to hear lions roar outside your tent at night or to bump in to a herd of giraffe as you wander to the dining area for dinner. If you are wild about Africa let’s design your ultimate safari together

 

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NORWAY IN WINTER

I spent my youth in Norway and have family spread throughout the country whom I love visiting when ever I can.  Norway has so many beautiful places to visit and it’s very hard to narrow it down to one. 

High up above the arctic circle is a small family owned authentic Norwegian lodge that offers the ultimate winter experience. This lodge has 8 cosy rooms and a large luxurious lounge and dining area with a roaring fireplace, and long communal table where delicious, sumptuous meals are served.

During the day guests spend their time exploring the snow covered mountains on snowmobile, by dogsled or on skiis or snow shoes. The scenery is breathtaking, and you have to pinch yourself to believe it is real. Of an evening as you sit by the fire with your after-dinner tipple you await the call ‘she’s here!’ and if you’re lucky,  Lady Aurora puts on a spectacular show with colours dancing across the sky.

 

NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM LYNGEN LODGE
LYNGEN LODGE