25 May 2025

I recently had the absolute pleasure of joining an exclusive Travel Counsellors FAM trip to Sri Lanka, hosted by the amazing team at Columbus Tours. From ancient temples to luxury tea trails, elephants to sunsets, this trip was nothing short of spectacular. Day 1 - Arrival & Welcome at The Wallawwa, Kotugoda We landed in Colombo and were whisked away to The Wallawwa Hotel in Kotugoda. What a gem of a property! Tucked away in lush gardens and just a short drive from the airport, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a long flight. We were treated to a lovely welcome dinner hosted by the wonderful Bobby, Kurt, and Esther from Columbus Tours. Great food, great company, and a warm Sri Lankan welcome, what a perfect start! Day 2 - Temples, Safari & Water Gardens Our fantastic driver Ananda picked us up the next morning, and we hit the road towards Sigiriya. First stop: the Dambulla Cave Temple, a beautiful, peaceful place filled with ancient Buddha statues and colourful murals. Later that afternoon, we headed out for a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, but since the elephants had moved, we ended up at Hurulu Eco Park. We saw so many elephants up close - it was magical! We checked in that evening to the stunning Water Gardens Sigiriya, a luxury boutique resort inspired by the ancient water gardens of nearby Sigiriya Rock. Set in tranquil surroundings, it features elegant villas (some with private plunge pools) , lush landscapes and stunning views. It's the perfect retreat in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. After a delicious dinner, we turned in early for a big morning - to climb Sigiriya Rock at sunrise! Day 3 - Sunrise at Sigiriya Rock & Onward to Kandy The early wake-up call was so worth it. Climbing Sigiriya Rock at sunrise was truly unforgettable. It was honestly one of the most incredible moments of the whole trip. We set off early while it was still dark, we could have set the alarm a little earlier so we put the feet to the floor to make it up before the sun started to rise! As we climbed the steps, the sky slowly started to lighten with pinks and oranges breaking through the mist. By the time we reached the top, the sun was just rising over the horizon, it was pure magic. On top of Sigiriya Rock, there are the fascinating ruins of an ancient royal palace, it's like stepping back in time. Our guide gave us an insight of it's history and showed us what was left of the king's throne , gardens and a giant reservoir that still holds water today! The views are absolutely unreal, 360 degrees of lush jungle, misty mountains and little villages in the distance. Totally worth the early start and a bit of sweat! An unforgettable experience. After our climb, we headed to Kandy and checked into the charming Kandy House Boutique Hotel. It’s a beautifully restored manor house with lush gardens and incredible food. That evening, we visited the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a powerful spiritual experience and a must-do in Kandy. Day 4 & 5 - Tea Country by Train We boarded the iconic Kandy to Hatton train and journeyed into Sri Lanka’s lush tea country. The views were breathtaking. Our home for the next 2 nights was the exquisite Tientsin Bungalow, part of the Ceylon Tea Trails collection. Set in manicured English gardens, this colonial bungalow offered 6 luxurious suites , we had exclusive use of the bungalow, complete with our own butler, it was absolutely amazing! We visited the Dunkeld Tea Factory to learn all about the history and craft of tea-making, then walked a stretch of the Pekoe Trail, taking in the incredible scenery and watching the hardworking local ladies pick tea. We also visited another bungalow in the Ceylon Tea Trails collection, the Castlereagh Bungalow which had amazing views over the Castlereagh Lake. With personalised butler service, gourmet dining and a serene ambiance, these bungalows provide an authentic and indulgent retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka's highlands. Day 6 - Scenic Train & Into the Wild at Uga Chena Huts Next, we made our way to Yala National Park, but not before a special experience aboard the Calypso Train, complete with live music and a stop at the iconic Nine Arches Bridge. We sang, waved at locals, and soaked up the jungle scenery, it was great fun! We stopped at the Nine Arches Bridge - a stunning colonial era railway set in the lush jungle and tea plantations, famous for it's stone arches and scenic train crossings. Lots of photo opportunities here! In Yala, we stayed at the ultra-luxurious Uga Chena Huts - a luxurious, all inclusive retreat nestled between the lush jungles of Yala National Park and the serene Indian Ocean coastline in Southern Sri Lanka. The resort offers 18 spacious huts, each having it's own private plunge pool and outdoor decks. It was wild luxury at its finest. We went on safari and explored Yala National Park, famous for its leopard sightings, elephants, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. It was thrilling to be so immersed in nature with expert guides leading the way. Day 8+9 - Coastline, Galle & Farewell On the way to our final stop, we dropped into the beautiful Anantara Peace Haven in Tangalle for a site inspection and a delicious lunch with ocean views. We arrived at the Fortress Resort & Spa in Koggala, our final hotel - a beachfront hotel that blends Dutch colonial inspired architecture with modern elegance. just in time to unwind before exploring Galle Fort the next day. Galle is full of colonial charm, boutique shops, and great food, it was the perfect way to wrap up our adventure. After a final lunch together in the delicious Fort Bazaar restaurant, we headed back to Colombo for our flights home, hearts full and cameras full of memories. Final Thoughts Sri Lanka has honestly stolen a piece of my heart. The people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met, the food is delicious, and the scenery ranges from misty hills to golden beaches. Huge thanks to Columbus Tours for hosting such a seamless and inspiring trip. If you haven’t been, put Sri Lanka on your list. You won’t regret it!

25 May 2025

When work takes you to the Mediterranean on a brand-new cruise ship, you say yes, no questions asked! I was lucky enough to join the 5-night inaugural sailing of the stunning Sun Princess with 4 of my TC colleagues and let me tell you, Princess Cruises knows how to throw a floating celebration! Sun Princess is the newest and largest ship in the Princess fleet, and it’s a showstopper. Sleek, modern, and full of natural light, it blends elegance with comfort. The architecture of the Piazza, its soaring glass dome atrium is a definite highlight, and there’s something magical about sipping an Aperol Spritz while watching the sea sparkle below you! With an impressive selection of dining options, lounges, and entertainment venues, the ship struck the perfect balance of luxury and laid-back vibes. Day 1: All Aboard in Civitavecchia We boarded in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, buzzing with excitement. Even though this was a working trip, the atmosphere was electric, lots of familiar faces in the industry and everyone eager to explore. After a smooth check-in and a first peek at our balcony stateroom (hello, Mediterranean views!), we grabbed a celebratory cocktail and explored the ship. Dinner that night? An indulgent multi-course affair that ended with us raving about dessert and promising ourselves a trip to the gym that never quite happened. The thought was good though! Day 2: Pizza, Views & Vibes in Naples We woke up to Vesuvius peeking over the horizon as we pulled into Naples. With just a day in port, we made the most of it, pizza, naturally, was a priority. We wandered through the buzzing streets, took in the views from Castel Sant’Elmo, and grabbed an espresso so strong it could wake the dead. Back onboard, we caught golden hour from our balcony and later enjoyed live music and dancing under the stars. Day 3: Chania’s Charm Chania, Crete, was next and it stole our hearts. The Venetian harbour was picture-perfect, with its pastel buildings and little cafés right on the water. We strolled through the Old Town, picked up a few handmade souvenirs, and enjoyed some authentic Greek food that made us rethink everything we thought we knew about feta cheese. Back on Sun Princess, we caught a performance in the ship’s state-of-the-art theatre beyond impressive! Day 4: Ancient Wonders in Kusadasi (and a little shopping!) Kusadasi gave us the chance to visit the incredible ancient city of Ephesus, which was just wow. Walking those marble streets where history comes alive was surreal. We couldn’t stop snapping photos, and our guide made it all so fascinating. We squeezed in a little market browsing before heading back, where we indulged in a relaxed dinner with sea views and talked about how lucky we were to be here! Day 5: Cruising towards Athens Our final full day was at sea, perfect for enjoying everything Sun Princess had to offer. We lounged by the pool, dipped into the spa (highly recommend the thermal suite), and soaked up the sunshine with a few cheeky cocktails. There was something really special about sailing through the Aegean with no rush, no to-do list, just time to enjoy. Disembarkation in Athens: We arrived in Athens with full hearts, full phones (over 1000+ photos!), and a few new freckles. Criona, Nadine, Eleanor and I all agreed: being hosted by Princess Cruises on this sailing was an unforgettable experience. Between the destinations, the incredible hospitality, and the sheer beauty of the ship itself, it was the kind of trip that makes you grateful for what you do! If you would like help in planning your dream cruise, please feel free to get in touch.

24 May 2025

I was very fortunate to have been invited to an Ultra Luxury Showcase on board Uniworld's S.S, Joie di Vivre. This was an opportunity to learn from the world's best luxury cruise lines over 3 days. The ship was docked right in the middle of the city and from the moment, I got on board, I could tell this wasn’t your average ship. Everything, from the décor to the staff, was all about that luxury vibe, but not in an over-the-top way. It felt stylish, classy, and super cosy. The S.S Joie de Vivre brings the “joy of living" to the rivers of France. It's a 128-passenger ship known for its luxurious amenities, handcrafted furniture, fine antiques and the most amazing bedlinen! A relaxing river cruise involves enjoying the scenery, amenities, and activities offered on board a vessel as it travels along a river. This type of cruise is known for its slower pace and opportunities to appreciate the landscapes on both sides of the river. Sailing past Notre-Dame and the Louvre while chatting about the future of luxury travel made me realise how much I love my job! I can tell you that I had 3 Days on board that I will never forget, Joie de Vivre definitely lives up to its name. If you would like to enquire about a Luxury River Cruise, then please feel free to get in touch!

06 January 2025

Exploring South Africa: From Cape Town, The Garden Route and Amakhala Game Reserve My recent trip to South Africa was filled with so many incredible moments, it’s hard to capture them all! South Africa is a destination I book regularly from honeymoons to epic family trips so I couldn't wait to experience it myself. I was very fortunate to have been invited by the South African Tourist Board to sample their wonderful country. Cape Town Days We started in Cape Town; the city welcomed us with open arms. From the bustling markets to the peaceful sunsets over the ocean, each day was a new discovery. Taking the Cable Car up Table Mountain, the views were simply stunning—you could see the entire city and beyond, making every step worth the effort. Table Mountain - no trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to Table Mountain, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world. *Top Tip - make sure you book your ticket to Table Mountain for the day you arrive as you have 7 days from this day to use your ticket. Try and visit during clear weather to maximize the views. On the day we landed in Cape Town, we literally dumped our bags at the hotel at 12pm and were up Table Mountain at 1pm. We had clear skies that day, so we grabbed the opportunity and went straight up! The beauty of South Africa is that they are pretty much in the same time zone (give or take an hour or two) so you don't experience any jetlag which means you can start exploring the minute you arrive! Robben Island - another must see. Take a journey into South Africa's past with a visit to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ferries leave from the V&A Waterfront and include a guided tour led by former political prisoners. Boulders Beach - Penguin Paradise! We took a trip to Boulders Beach to meet it's most famous residents - African Penguins! *Tip - Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best photo opportunities* Wining and Dining in Franschhoek Next, we headed to Franschhoek, a charming town in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The air is fresh, and the scenery looks like a painted masterpiece of rolling hills and lush vineyards. We indulged in some of the best meals I’ve had anywhere, paired perfectly with local wines. Coastal Retreat in Hermanus In Hermanus, the pace slowed, and the atmosphere was relaxed. We spent our days watching whales from the shore—a truly serene experience. The friendly locals made us feel at home with stories and recommendations that enhanced our stay. Adventurous Days in Knysna Knysna was a blast with its vibrant waterfront and forest adventures. We explored local crafts at the markets and enjoyed fresh seafood, caught right from the waters you look over as you eat. Safari Experience at Amakhala Game Reserve The trip culminated at the Amakhala Game Reserve, where we stayed in cozy lodges and ventured out on safari drives at dawn. Seeing elephants, lions, and a myriad of wildlife in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring. We were lucky to stay in both Safari Lodge and Bukela Lodge. Would highly recommend! Every part of this journey was unforgettable, and I’d love to help you experience it too. If you’re thinking about a trip to South Africa, give me a call and let’s chat about making your travel dream a reality.

02 December 2018

This holiday has to have been one of my favourite trips ever! Having previously honeymooned in another Six Senses resort in the Maldives, we had high expectations and Six Senses Zighy Bay did not disappoint! We flew direct from Dublin to Abu Dhabi as we had planned a two-centre holiday – Zighy Bay in Oman first and then onto Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The drive from Abu Dhabi to Zighy Bay is approximately 3 and a half hours (only 2 hours from Dubai) but as soon as our driver got on the road, we were glued to the window admiring the vast Arabian Peninsula and the journey flew by! Six Senses Zighy Bay is a hidden gem located on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula. Due to its unique location, guests have the choice of 3 arrival experiences - The dramatic 4x4 drive down from the top of the hill overlooking the bay is the usual choice for guests but for a supplementary charge, you can take a scenic 15-minute speedboat trip from a nearby port or for the ultimate arrival experience, they can paraglide in! Did I do this? No, as I was 6 months pregnant and I don’t think the paraglide would have been able to hold me up, even if it did, I think I would have looked more like a small elephant paragliding into the resort and somehow, I don’t quite think that this was the image Zighy Bay was looking for! The scenery here is truly breath-taking as you have dramatic mountains on one side of the resort and a mile-long powdery beach on the other along, with stunning views of the majestic Gulf of Oman in front of you. What more could you ask for?! Zighy Bay has 82 family friendly private villas (different sizes and prices). We were lucky enough to stay in one of the amazing beachfront pool villas which had its own private pool, very spacious outdoor lounge/dining area and direct access onto the beach. Our 18-month-old loved the Omani hut, it was her own little hideout and as it was in the shade, it was a great escape from the midday sun. Each villa comes with its own bicycles, which is a great way to get around. If you don’t fancy walking or hopping on the bicycle you can always call your own private butler to come and collect you in the buggy and chauffeur you to your destination (which is probably only a 5 minutes’ walk from your villa but being pregnant I did call on her once!) There are lots of excellent dining options and of course the stunning mountaintop Sense on the Edge restaurant is a must (please note this is only open Wednesday-Sunday and pre-booking is essential). Zighy Bar is very chilled with its happy hour referred to as the “no rush hour” from 9:30pm-midnight. I have to admit that with a toddler in tow, we were in bed early most nights, so we didn’t get to avail of the no rush hour too much! However, one night we did book a babysitter and went to the cinema on the beach where we relaxed under the stars, ate popcorn and watched Ferris Buellers day off! There is a kid’s club and a teens club which will keep the children entertained (very important!). We brought our little girl to the kid’s club where she did lots of arts and crafts and some activities. Happy toddler = happy parents! Babysitting is also available. Guests can avail of a range of experiences whether it’s mountain biking, paragliding, snorkelling, hiking diving, a sunset Dhow cruise or a pampering session at their award-winning spa, you won’t be stuck for things to do. My husband decided to try the micro lighting which he said was amazing and the views were breath-taking, although it wasn’t so amazing for me to watch him, how I didn’t go into early labour then I’ll never know! Service throughout the resort is relaxed but excellent. Six Senses Zighy Bay is the ideal destination for families and couples – whether it’s a honeymoon or a special occasion, a holiday here will be truly one you will always remember. After 5 days here, it was time for us to leave. Would I return? In a heartbeat!

18 October 2018

When it came to our honeymoon, we had decided on a 3 centre holiday, combining the Maldives with Chiang Mai and Khao Lak in Thailand. The first stop on our honeymoon was to the eco-friendly Gili Lankanfushi resort in the Maldives which was formerly known as Six Senses Soneva Gili. Upon arrival at Male International Airport we were welcomed by the resort staff and taken to our comfy speedboat. The resort has a “no news, no shoes” philosophy so while on board the speedboat our host offered to take our shoes along with our luggage and that was the last time we wore shoes for the week, even at dinner! Of course, you can wear shoes if you like but we loved the barefoot luxury of Gili Lankanfushi. The location of the resort is a huge advantage as some resorts involve a seaplane transfer which only operate in daylight hours so depending on the arrival time of your international flight, you may be required to overnight in Male on your arrival or departure day. Within 15-20 minutes of boarding our speedboat we arrived at Gili Lankanfushi. Arriving here is like arriving in paradise! The scenery is breathtaking. Powdery white beaches, lush tropical vegetation with plenty of palm trees, and turquoise, clear waters in the stunning lagoon. The staff here are absolutely fantastic and so attentive but not intrusive. Upon arrival at the island, you will be met by the general manager and your personal butler, called “Mr or Ms Friday” (in line with the Robinson Crusoë ambiance of the island). Whenever you need something during your stay, you just press a button on the villa phone and it will connect you directly to your Mr./Ms. Friday. The Fridays will also be there to wave you off when you leave (something you will be reluctant to do). All 45 overwater villas are massive, amongst the largest in the world, and come in 4 categories; villa suites, residences, Crusoe residences and the Private reserve. They are built of natural materials, with beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms, and with maximum use of deck space to soak up the sun. As we were on our honeymoon, there was a bottle of champagne, fresh fruit platter and a “Happy Honeymoon” cake waiting for us which was a lovely touch. From the steps of our villa we had direct access into the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. Each villa also comes with a rooftop terrace, perfect for stargazing every night. We availed of the in-villa dining for our first few nights as our villa was just so stunning it was hard to leave! The food here is amazing and plenty of dining options to choose from. Now that the wedding was over I was able to indulge a bit more!! Four evenings per week the beach and overwater bar are transformed into a buzzing market experience. We love Asian food and were lucky enough to experience the ‘Asian Street Market’ themed night where the beach was lined with stalls of different types of Asian food, it really was spectacular. They also have ‘Mediterranean Spice Souk’, ‘Passage to India’ and’ Maldivian Seafood Grill’ themed nights. We also booked wine tasting in their stunning underground wine cellar. We mingled with other guests and had great fun with the extremely knowledgeable sommelier! There are a wide range of activities and excursions guests can avail of. I booked one of the amazing treatments at the incredible Meera Spa. With its over water treatment rooms and glass floor panel, this spa really has the wow factor. After 8 nights of pure R&R at this idyllic paradise, it was time for us to leave. We will be back someday!