01 May 2024

Western Australia Cygnet Bay - Pearl Farm 05:30 start with a flight from Perth to Broome before picking up the Air Kimberley flight to Cygnet Bay. Safely landing at Cygnet Bay airstrip, it was off the the Pearl Farm. This Australian owned an operated farm spans four generations of the Brown family. Only until recently have they invited travellers to share in this very special place, recently described as one of the most unique destinations in Australia. After lunch it was off to Waterfall Reef Sea Safari. Witnessing a tidal phenomenon that had to be seen to be believed. The tides are only found in Kimberley. The experience offered an abundance of islands which formed the Buccaneer. Archipelago, combined with the world’s largest tropical tides exposing the unique natural phenomenon of the waterfall reef. Our accommodation was Pearlers Safari tents, these deluxe glamping Eco tents bring a new level of luxury with private ensuite air-conditioning and king-size beds. Built be eco-friendly with minimal impact on the environment they are solar panelled and use grey water treatment. They have used 100% of local businesses for the entire production. Cygnet Bay & Broome #anzacday2024 After a respectful start to the day, it was time for a coast to coast tour to explore Borrgoron (Cygnet Bay) learning about those traditional hunting techniques. I actually found a pearl which I was able to purchase.. Leaving Cygnet Bay mid morning with Air Kimberley back to Broome, to head to Matso’s for Lunch & Matso's Beer tasting the home of the original alcoholic Ginger Beer. Home for the evening was Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. Cable Beach club resort and spa is Broomes little piece of Heaven and the only resort directly overlooking the world renowned Cable Beach. This indulgent oasis features four accommodation styles, including luxury villas, elegant suites and deluxe rooms set amongst tropical gardens and captivates you with its kaleidoscope of colours radiating from Australia’s wondrous outback . The afternoon offered the opportunity to take in all the resort had to offer, including a scrumptious sunset dinner in the Sunset bar and Grill restaurant. Tomorrow is a special day & the STAIRCASE TO THE MOON, has to be seen to be believed. An amazing natural phenomenon takes place along the Pilbara and Kimberley Coastline, when the full moon rising across the exposed tidal flats creates the impression of a staircase leading to the moon. Broome before heading back to Perth. 8am - Walked through the park, avoiding the Crocodiles and joined Broome Whale Watching to offer an unforgettable morning with Snub nose dolphins, flat back turtles & sea snakes (kept out of the water at this point ) It was great to hang your legs over the edge of the boat and simply be entertained, a truly special experience I won’t forget. Concluding the tour it was back to the airport, picking up the flight to Perth. Our hotel for the evening- QT Perth.A luxurious, designer, urban hotel in the centre of Perth City, ideal if you love to shop, dine and indulge. Heading into Perth for Dinner at the Santini Bar & Grill. A restaurant Inspired by the sun and always embracing the seasons, it celebrates classic Italian dining, paired with everything Western Australian. The Black ink squid risotto was amazing, before heading to the roof top bar at QT. Perth A magical day, with special thanks to Perth Wildlife Encounters Arriving at 8am we picked up our wetsuits for this four hour snorkel. Located under the shore of beautiful Shoal water Bay - Perth Wildlife Encounters are a multi award winning company acclaimed for its ‘swim with dolphins’ tour as well as a range of tours to Penguin Island and Seal Island. This wildlife encounter took us to the islands top snorkelling spots in the ruggedly spectacular Shoal water Islands Marine Park, showcasing the best of the local marine life above and below the water. Thanks to Perth Wildlife Encounters It was then back to Perth to meet Peddle Perth to discover Perth's hidden gems with Perth’s Rickshaw tour. The tours are great fun interactive and engaging and good for all ages. They offer a fun outing to take in the best places the city has to offer. Not to mention passing by the biggest instrument in the world (bell tower) Dinner was at the fabulous Post Restaurant at the COMO The Treasury. Post was once the franking room of Perths original general post office, beautiful Italian food Rottnest The day started catching the SeaLink Rottnest Island to Rottnest Island. Sealink offer multiple daily departures from Fremantle and Perth with a complimentary bus transfer to their barrack Street jetty terminal from Perth hotels. Rottnest Island is located 19km off the coast of Fremantle, its Western Australia’s very own island getaway. Meeting The Hike Collective for a 2-hour Eco friendly walking tour, it offered a safe space to explore the islands rugged beauty. The Eco tour combined the beauty of nature with a deep dive into the island sustainable practices, whilst learning about its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. A chance to meet the Quokkas, who whilst friendly are still wild & very cute, it was certainly great to meet them up close. Lunch at Pinky’s offered views of the Beech and Bathurst Lighthouse. Pinky’s is one of the most celebrated down in experiences on the island. Pinky Beech also offers holiday accommodation with a difference, with low impact glamping experience featuring 83 Eco tents the resort appeals to experience-seekers who appreciate being close to nature. Catching the Ferry back to Fremantle and before flying out of Perth; there was time for one last fantastic Dinner at Italian Street Kitchen offering the best Italian food combined with modern culinary techniques and authentic recipes passed down through the generations.

01 May 2024

Adelaide - Australia An early start, meeting Matthew Kurko owner of Small Batch Wine Tours who offers market leading private and shared-group tours. This was a great opportunity to visit the boutique cellar doors, whilst taking in, Yangarra Estate, Gemtree Wines, lunch at the beautiful https://salopian.com.au. & onto Olivers Taranga Vineyards. It was then off to Cape Jervis to pick up the short 45 min crossing. Sealink operates the only sea transportation between mainland South Australia and Kangaroo Island There’s a definite unmistakable sanctity about Kangaroo island. As you step onto the island it’s impossible not to relax. Our home for the evening the charming Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel Kingscote situated on the seafront of Kingscote, with spectacular views from every room. Before a much needed sleep, Dinner was 1834 Hotels Aurora Ozone Hotel - offering stunning views over Nepean Bay. Kangaroo Island An early breakfast, thanks to The Australian tourism commission Cactus - Coffee, Food, Bar a casual dinning experience that focuses on the islands produce, showcasing the best of the island. After breakfast it’s was off for an all-inclusive luxury day of extended tours of the island courtesy of Exceptional Kangaroo Island. The tour takes in Flinders Chase National Park allowing you to roam around Remarkable Rocks, massive granite boulders perched on the southern ocean, before visiting the exceptional Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island It was then back to Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel Kingscote with its 250 acres of spectacular coastal estate and stunning secluded beaches, the very best in boutique accommodation, truly took my breath away! Kangaroo Island before heading into the Adelaide Hills. Starting the day with breakfast at Sea Dragon, it gave me an opportunity to get up close and personal to the islands main residents before heading off to explore the island. Taking in, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, built in 1852 it was the first built in South Australia and offers stunning panoramic views across back stairs passage and kangaroo Island coastline. Thankfully, avoiding the world’s 4th deadliest snake as we took Devils kitchen walk. Seal Bay Conservation Park ?? - the islands most popular attraction to see the endangered Australian sea lions in their natural environment. Then headed to Vivonne Bay Jetty & Beach - voted one of Australians top beaches because it’s Clearwaters cleanliness and privacy, it definitely lived up to its reputation. A beautiful lunch at Vivonne Bay General Store Cafe, located on the beautiful south coast of Kangaroo Island. ? Before leaving, we visited Kangaroo Island spirits located within a rather Ram shackled exterior. It’s Home to an award-winning distillery where liquors gin and vodka are all homemade. It was then a quick flight from Kingscote Airport to Adelaide, before heading to Adelaide Hills area brimming with wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries. Our home for the evening, the stunning Mount Lofty House superbly positioned overlooking the breathtaking piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills Wine region. This is one of Australia’s premier boutique country house hotels. ? Built in 1852 And now transformed into Hardys Verandah Restaurant, was tonight’s Dinner location. Day 5 - Winelands After breakfast at Mount Lofty House it was time to check out and head to Barossa. Barossa is around a 50 minute drive north east of Adelaide, this internationally acclaimed wine region encompassing the towns of Tanunda, Angaston & Nuriootpa. Meeting Matthew from Small Batch Wine Tours we wandered into cellar doors tasting some of the most award-winning wines in the world After the completion of the days tour, we headed to The Louise, a breath taking welcome in the heart of the Barossa Valley. The hotel is ideally situated at the heart of the legendary Barossa wine country in South Australia, offering breath taking views across the vineyards. Dinner courtesy of the South Australia tourism commission was held at the Appellation restaurant recognised for its world-class regional dining, it did not disappoint! Day 6 - Southern to Western Australia After an early start and breakfast with the it was off to the Airport to catch the 3.5hr flight to Perth. Unfortunately our flight was cancelled which offered some time to spend in the city of Adelaide. A quick stop at the Adelaide Oval, climb not compulsory before heading down to the central markets before a Vietnamese lunch at the delicious Soi 38 and picking up the later flight. Arriving into Perth, checking into Warders Hotel - A small boutique hotel in the old limestone cottages that were once the Fremantle Warders’ homes. The cottages offer a little pocket of calm among the vibrant heart of Fremantle. Highlight for me was the trip over to Kangaroo Island and the outstanding quality of food and wine South Australia offers.

12 October 2023

We flew with British Airways and we took the Manchester- Heathrow domestic flight and then continued from Heathrow to Barbados. Connections and our luggage transfer was perfect. The transfer time was sufficient to relax and grab some breakfast, but we also did feel like the travelling was being prolonged and we were waiting around unnecessarily. Our cases were also transferred onto our Barbados flight which made everything calmer and easier for us. We travelled in economy on both flights, and they were both a pleasant experience. The seats were comfy and had plenty of leg room and width. We were provided with pillows, blankets, headphones and a great selection of movies, series podcasts and music. The food and service was great. I would recommend checking in the day before especially if you haven’t pre booked seats. We received hot and cold drinks and had the option of chicken, vegetables and rice or tomato pasta. Each main course also included a starter, cheese with crackers, water, bread and a dessert. We were greeted upon arrival by Chad from St James transfers which also gave us the fast track service. This made security checks quick and easy, and we weren’t waiting in the queue on arrival for immigration. We had a little wait for our bags to come on the carousel but nothing no more than 30 mins. We were then taken to our taxi which dropped us at our first destination which was the Waves hotel. We were greeted with an optional rum cocktail and a cold flannel, and we were informed of our gifted 2 spa vouchers each as we were staying with the hotel for 5 nights and free yoga. The spa was really excellent and everyone was really friendly and knowledgeable. The beach whilst small is gorgeous and quiet so plenty of beds. Both the main restaurant and the café look out onto the beach which is nice in the morning or as the sun Is setting. On the beach you also have the option of water sports to take part in which are included within your stay and have no extra costs. The food was really nice overall there was a choice during our stay of either a themed buffet or A La Carte options as well as the café at lunch. As part of the Elegant resorts you can dine at the other hotels which are included in your all inclusive plan.. Waves also has it own Asian restaurant which is open some nights which is excellent but book in advance as its really popular. We spend one day out on a Catamaran trip with Cool Runnings which was so much fun. You have 2 snorkelling experiences as well as time to go and swim at lunch. The food and unlimited drinks were really great quality and the staff were brilliant. They were really chatty and taught us a lot about the island. Would highly recommend!! After our 5 night stay at Waves, we then moved to The Tamarind which is further up the west coast (approx. 10-15 minutes in a taxi). Tamarind sits in between 2 sister hotels. Treasure Beach and the House. One huge benefit to staying at Tamarind is you can make a reservation for the Positano restaurant situated at the House. This is a fantastic options for Italian cuisine. It doesn’t open every night so booking early is recommended, gorgeous food and great long island ice teas!!