Category

Couples Travel

Category

Away from the glitz of Miami and the theme parks of Orlando, Florida is a state bursting with natural beauty. You can experience the untouched beauty in places like The Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast.

Often you’ll hear, Americans from the New York side gravitate towards the Atlantic side of Florida. The populace from the Midwest and centre of the country tend to travel to the Gulf side of Florida. In places like Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach, you’ll experience genuine American hospitality in a laid-back environment. There are memorable outdoor experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Punta Gorda

Babcock Ranch Eco Tours

For those seeking to observe the flora and fauna of Florida, you should consider taking part in Babcock Ranch Eco Tours. Their swamp buggy eco-tour will take you through a working cattle ranch as well as through dramatic swamp lands. Throughout the 90-minute tour, you might spot majestic osprey, soft-shell turtles and wild turkeys. You are almost guaranteed to see alligators.

You get to travel through four different ecosystems. There are surprises along the way including petting a baby alligator and getting out of the buggy for a stroll through the Telegraph Cypress Swamp on a raised platform.

The Sean Connery film, Just Cause was famously filmed on the ranch and they even donated a hunting shack to the organisation.

If you are in the mood for a bite afterwards, they do have the Gator Shack restaurant. You won’t be surprised to hear they serve gator bites and wraps on their menu.

Alligator Creek Preserve

If you are looking for a relaxing nature preserve to spot wildlife that is also free of charge, do check out Alligator Creek Preserve. There are four plus miles of nature trails inside the preserve, but it is also next to the 45,000-plus acre Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park.

They have recently rebuilt a sheltered alligator dock for you to spot the lounging reptiles. They have commercial-grade viewfinders that are coin-free to help you spot the fauna.

They are a non-profit organisation and their chief focus is educational activities for the local school children as well as raising environmental awareness and preservation for the local surroundings.

Peace River Wildlife Center

Travelling through various parts of Florida, you’ll realise their preference is not to build zoos but wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres. At Peace River, they have an adorable collection of animal friends.

Their iconic ambassador is Luna the white Eastern Screech Owl. He is leucistic rather than albino. That means he lacks the cells that make pigments throughout his body. As they are heavily reliant on camouflage to protect themselves from larger predators, Luna stays permanently at the rescue centre for his protection.

Due to a shortage of space, they currently mainly house rescued birds. However, they are currently fundraising for a brand-new education centre in downtown Punta Gorda. With the increased capacity, they are hoping to be able to support more rescued mammals and reptiles in the coming years.

They run very strong education and awareness campaigns including responsible fishing and awareness of invasive species.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

Having only opened in 2017, this botanical garden is one of the most impressive you’ll encounter in the United States. This 30-acre waterfront haven consists of five ecosystems including marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands and tidal basins.

They have over 4,500 plants, trees and bamboo blended in with Florida’s natural landscape. They’ve created one of the largest botanical and sculptural gardens in Florida. Highlights include a rainbow eucalyptus. You’ll need to walk up and observe the bark to see why it has the rainbow moniker.

Their cycad garden is also worth visiting. These prehistoric plants appeared on Earth before the age of the dinosaurs. Most species are in decline around the world with four species on the edge of extinction. They are hugely valuable and have been known to be a target for opportunistic thieves.

A significant part of the experience is also about art appreciation. They have some outstanding sculptures on loan at the site. The ones to highlight include Next Summer and Bibi on the Ball. Both are from Carole Feuerman. The hyper-realistic style means you need to observe the sculptures up close, where you might spot individual eyelashes or veins on the elegant legs.

Englewood Beach

Kayaking through Englewood

If you are looking for something more active. I suggest a kayaking tour with SUP Englewood. If Punta Gorda is all about the flora and fauna, then Englewood is all about embracing the Florida coastline.

They run kayaking tours in various locations, but I would recommend the Don Pedro Island State Park tour. Their knowledgeable guides will give you the best practice for ethical paddling. You’ll be able to get up close with dolphins and manatees. You might spot fascinating shellfish like conch and crabs or hear majestic coastal birds like herons and ospreys.

You can paddle through scenic mangroves or take a short walk on Don Pedro Island to observe the pristine beauty of this barrier island.

An unspoilt beach haven

Experience an uncrowded side of Florida with the pure, wide, white sandy beaches of Englewood. There is a scenic 900ft boardwalk that crosses over the beach vegetation if you want to observe the shoreline from a distance.

You’ll find all the amenities you need such as water stations, restrooms and shower facilities, but it never feels commercialised. There are no vendors to approach you selling tourist gifts. The few bars and restaurants in the area are within walking distance but not right on the beach.

You are allowed to fish on the shoreline. You can walk for miles on end with pure sand on your feet whilst admiring the captivating Floridian coastline.

For those who think Florida is overcrowded and commercialised, think again. A visit to Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach will show you what the real, pure Florida has to offer.

Factbox

Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach is Florida’s best-kept secret of a charming natural paradise located on the idyllic Southwest Gulf Coast.

This coastal community surrounding the state’s second-largest harbor sits conveniently between Tampa and Naples. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have daily direct flights to Tampa.

For more information on the region, please visit –

https://www.pureflorida.com/

The vibrant culture scene in Cleveland is a hidden gem even to discerning Americans from other states. Cleveland has been an industrial hub for growth in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its proximity to natural resources like iron and oil. It is also very well connected by rail and water routes, which aided in the city’s growth.

John D. Rockefeller, widely regarded as the wealthiest American of all time, settled in Cleveland. The city was the richest in the world during the Gilded Age. These industrialists poured their wealth into cultural philanthropic endeavours, which is the reason for the thriving arts and entertainment scene in Cleveland.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Top of the list for music lovers to visit is the rock hall. If you think the pyramid structure looks familiar, it is because it was designed by I.M. Pei, who famously designed the Louvre Museum.

The number of artists on display is breathtaking. Where else will you see Dolly Parton and Tupac Shakur in the same exhibition? Dolly famously wanted to withdraw herself from becoming an inductee in 2022 because she did not consider herself a rock artist. However, the hall responded by saying “Rock and roll has had deep roots in rhythm & blues and country music.”

They currently have a Hip Hop at 50 exhibition. Apart from fascinating memorabilia like LL Cool J’s signature four-finger ring, you’ll also learn about how hip-hop became a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon through the decades.

The visit is also a very immersive experience. You can stand beneath the Pink Floyd tour replica of The Wall. It was designed to mirror the Berlin performance of July 21, 1990.

The Garage on level 2 is where you can evoke the great rock bands of the past. You can jam with real instruments, be it drums, guitar, bass and keyboards. They have dedicated practice stations which will have video prompts to help you create your masterpiece.

Severance Music Center

Countless music lovers have voted Severance Hall as the most beautiful concert hall in the world. The mainly Art Deco design along with elements of Egyptian revival adds to a sense of Gilded Age grandeur.

It is home to the Cleveland Orchestra, informally part of the “Big Five” in the United States. The acoustics have been drastically improved since it first opened in 1931. Whilst the main focus is on classical music, they do offer more relaxed performances such as Amadeus Live. The full film is shown with live orchestral underscore.

They also run community programs that include free annual neighbourhood concerts. And they have a particularly dynamic musical program that celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cleveland Museum of Art

The breadth and quality of the exhibits at this museum rival the very best of museums from capital cities of the world. Their sparkling 39,000-square-foot atrium has been featured in films like ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’.

In times of considerable global tensions, they’ve managed to curate a blockbuster Chinese art exhibition. China’s Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta have secured priceless artefacts from leading Chinese institutions.

There are numerous masterpieces on display including The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew by Caravaggio and The Burning of the Houses of Parliament by J.M.W. Turner. However, they particularly excel in their collection of Asian and African art.

In recent years, they’ve engaged with modern technology through their ARTLENS Gallery and app. You can create your own digital artwork with ArtLens Studio. The app allows you to interact with every artwork on display in the galleries and find more information about it. Everything that is viewed is saved on the app, so you can revisit the masterpieces even when you’ve returned home.

Cleveland History Center

There is no better place to learn about the importance of Cleveland than at this museum. The array of antique automobiles might be a surprise to some. Although Cleveland was a major automobile manufacturing hub until Henry Ford perfected assembly line production of cars in Michigan.

The antique planes are equally impressive. Northeast Ohio had one of the busiest and largest airports in the world throughout the 1920s and 1930s. The legendary National Air Races took place on the shores of Lake Erie for 20 innovative years until an unfortunate crash took place in 1949.

Currently, they have a Fashion After Dark temporary exhibition which explores the fashion styles of Clevelanders from the 19th century and beyond. With the adoption of gaslight and electricity in the 19th century, evening wear rose in prominence. Expect to see sparkling sequins, flowing silks and dazzling gemstones. It is the first time an exhibition has taken place in the period building that is The Hay-McKinney Mansion.

Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

If you are looking for progressive, modern art, this is the place to be. They are not a traditional art collecting museum. They are all about giving a voice to contemporary artists. Since its founding in 1968, they’ve worked with more than 2,000 artists. Often, it is the artist’s first solo show.

They currently have a fascinating exhibition, Don’t mind if I do. It takes the Japanese sushi conveyor belt concept (Kaitenzushi) but puts artwork instead of sushi on rotation. It is all about making artwork more accessible especially for people with access needs. It is about engaging with the artwork and touching all the objects.

They have regular workshops to engage with visitors such as a Day of the Dead workshop and a Pom-Pom workshop.

Flats East Bank Entertainment District

The gentrification of Cleveland is none more evident than in this district. What was once a series of abandoned warehouses has turned into a hub of cutting-edge restaurants, new hotels and residential apartments.

It has brought a hive of activity to the waterfront with the Greater Cleveland Aquarium and the general Nautica Entertainment Complex. It is a shining example of why Cleveland continues to captivate visitors with their countless cultural offerings.

Factbox

Downtown hotels start at around $150 per night.

Travellers can now fly direct to Cleveland from Dublin with Aer Lingus. The flight launched in May 2023 and operates four times a week, with connections from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Passengers can carry out their pre-clearance in Dublin so that, on arrival at Cleveland airport, they can avoid immigration queues, quickly collect their luggage and start their Cleveland experience immediately.

For more information on flights, please visit –

https://www.aerlingus.com/

For more information on the region, please visit –

https://www.thisiscleveland.com/

From botanical gardens to nature parks

Less than one hour from Philadelphia is a lush region of Pennsylvania widely regarded as America’s Garden Capital. The prime attraction is Longwood Gardens. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States and draws millions of visitors each year.

With over 1,077 acres of designer gardens, open meadows and woodlands, this is a horticultural wonder of the world. The botanical garden is so vast, that it is divided into six distinct districts. My recommendation is to head there in the evenings to catch the Illuminated Fountain Performances. And focusing on the conservatory district and the main fountain garden district.

With its 19th-century architecture, the conservatory is considered the crown jewel of Longwood Gardens. You might observe delicate bonsais that have been trained to elegant shapes for over 100 years. They currently have a Chrysanthemum Festival that celebrates the arrival of fall. The dazzling arrangements would make even Marie Antoinette at the Palace of Versailles green with envy.

Their Illuminated Fountain Performances are accompanied by a varied playlist ranging from Madonna to the magic of Mozart. It is a 30-minute show that illuminates the skyline with infinite colours and energetic jets of water that pierce the night sky.

A nature park to consider visiting is Valley Forge National Historical Park. It is under 45 minutes away from Longwood Gardens. The park has over 3,500 acres of meadows and woodlands but more importantly numerous historical monuments.

It was the encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. It is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern US Army. You can visit the headquarters of General George Washington and learn how they ultimately defeated the British army.

They have numerous hiking trails to cater for all levels. Biking or trolley tours are also options. Whilst you can even drive your car around the park on a self-guided audio tour.

Countryside culture

UK and European tourists might not have heard of John James Audubon, but a visit to the eponymous center will enlighten you about his undoubted importance. His crowning glory was completing the book, Birds of America. It captures 453 life-sized paintings of North American birds with remarkable colours and vibrancy.

At the museum at Mill Grove, there are countless interactive displays to learn about the habitat, nest, and conservation of native birds.
You can enter a sound forest to hear bird songs in different habitats. And you can use a magnifier to examine different bird feathers up close.

You can see a treasured early edition of the Double Elephant Folio of The Birds of America. You can also view the original copper plate that Audubon used to produce his bird print.

What the museum does very well is not to shy away from the controversy of John James Audubon. There is a section explaining that he was a slave owner, spoke out against emancipation, and killed plenty of birds whilst also contributing to the conservation of birds.

One of the finest museums in the United States is the Brandywine Museum of Art. It has an unparalleled collection of Wyeth and American art. N.C. Wyeth House & Studio Tour is the best way to understand why the Wyeth family has contributed so much to American art.

You’ll learn how N.C. Wyeth found fame from his illustrations of The Last of the Mohicans (1826) and Treasure Island (1883). His son, Andrew found even greater success as a realist painter with masterpieces like Christina’s World. The studio has maintained much of its original character, as your guide will explain how the lighting and the painting ladder helped with N.C.’s work.

In the museum, you’ll find numerous fascinating non-Wyeth masterpieces such as Sugaring Off, Maple by Grandma Moses. She is famously a self-taught artist who started her painting career at the age of 78.

The best places to dine out

Local produce is the key in this region. At Kennett Square near Longwood Gardens, they are the self-proclaimed mushroom capital of the world. Around 50% of America’s mushrooms grow in the vicinity of Kennett Square.

The best restaurant in Kennett Square is unsurprisingly called Portabellos. The restaurant has been run by husband and wife team, Brett Hulbert and Sandra Morris for the last 10 years.

Their signature roasted mushroom soup is incredibly popular with locals. The addition of Madeira wine adds extra complexity to the flavours. Local mushrooms make a guest appearance in a significant number of dishes from their lobster ravioli to their veal forestier.

Finish off your meal nearby at La Michoacana. Their popular homemade ice cream has even drawn visits from President Biden. They have unusual flavours like avocado and cotton candy.

Another restaurant to consider is Founding Farmers at King of Prussia. Their USP is they source all their ingredients and make everything from scratch. This includes their bread to their beers. They have active recycling and composting programs that divert around 90% of their waste from landfills.

The restaurant is at 6 locations on the East Coast and is majority owned by American family farmers. They offer a 5% wellness charge that ensures staff have free mental health resources, access to health insurance and paid sick leave etc.

Their signature dishes include American classics like Yankee pot roast and shrimp & grits. However, their most popular offering is their decadent weekend brunch. They offer a generous carving station filled with the likes of herb-crusted roasted turkey and molasses-glazed ham. And before your meal, make sure you check out the spacious King of Prussia Mall. It is the third-largest shopping mall in the country.

Where to stay

For Valley Forge, I would recommend staying at Tru by Hilton Audubon Valley Forge. It is a casual and welcoming hotel. It is within a short driving distance to key sites like Valley Forge National Historical Park and John James Audubon center. Unusually for American hotels, they offer a complimentary breakfast too.

For Kennett Square, I would recommend staying at the Inn at Whitewing Farm. It is a charming family-run farmhouse hotel. They have 10 romantic guest rooms and suites surrounded by immaculately-maintained grounds. They are situated minutes away from Longwood Gardens.

For more information on the region, please visit –

https://www.brandywinevalley.com/

Hauts-de-France is the northernmost region of France, an area blessed with hidden gastronomic treasures. It is the most convenient area of France to reach from the UK. The most scenic route is by ferry crossing with the likes of DFDS. You can admire the iconic white cliffs of Dover. They offer links from both Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk. The great news is if you ever encounter strikes at one of the ports, the other is guaranteed to be open.

The crossing takes just 2 hours. They offer fantastic duty-free opportunities. There are no baggage restrictions and they have up to 24 daily crossings. If you upgrade to the premium lounge experience, you get a glass of complimentary bubbles on arrival as well as light sandwiches and snacks.

Your first port of call (after Dunkirk) should be the gastronomic nirvana that is Château de Beaulieu. It is the brainchild of Two-Michelin starred chef, Christophe Dufossé. A stay at the château is more than just their exquisite tasting menus. You can visit their farm and see the vast array of vegetables and fruits they grow from the iconic black garlic of the region to apple orchards that supply your breakfast juices.

Photo courtesy of Catherine Barrier

A morning visit to their bakery will get your stomach juices flowing as you see the buttery treats created in front of your eyes. They have a small farmhouse filled with rescued animals from donkeys to chickens to a very gluttonous pig called Boris. You might spot very artistic photos of these animals dotted throughout the hotel taken by the wife of Christophe Dufossé, who is an avid photographer.

If you speak with the concierge team, they might be able to arrange a visit to a local farm which supplies the lamb to the restaurant. The Boulonnaise sheep is a hardy breed known for its tender pink meat and intense flavours.

The tasting menu at Château de Beaulieu is a showstopping extravaganza. Provenance is vital to Christophe, on the menu, you will find every producer and supplier listed. It is no surprise, that they’ve been awarded a green Michelin star too.

Dishes have a decadent slant from luscious foie gras to an umami-rich handpicked crabmeat topped with caviar. If you want the ultimate dining experience, book the chef’s table, where you pick the freshest market ingredients and the chefs cook based on your discerning choices.

Photo courtesy of Catherine Barrier

For more casual fare, there is the Côté Jardin brasserie with the eye-catching wood-fired outdoor barbecue area. They serve farmhouse pork chops from the local area accompanied by a homemade barbecue sauce.

Another Michelin-starred restaurant with fine accommodation to consider is One-Michelin starred, La liégeoise and Hotel Atlantic. It is based in the attractive seaside town of Wimereux. Here you can catch the most captivating of sunsets whilst admiring locals frolic on their compelling, sandy beach.

Photo courtesy of Sophie Stalnikiewicz

Whereas in British seaside towns, you might be thinking of fish and chips; here it is haute seafood. Dishes they serve include a quinoa risotto with razor clams, champignon and a charred until crispy royal sea bream.

There is an embarrassment of riches in terms of local food and drink producers to visit. You can visit Clairmarais beer brewery to sample abbey-style beers. Their beers are refreshingly light compared to their Belgian counterparts nearby. Although little remains of Clairmarais Abbey, you can still see the superb farm, which mostly dates back to the 17th century.

If you are a fan of Genièvre, you can visit Houlle distillery. It was founded in 1812 and is still run by the same family. There is a quaint, antique charm to the rustic nature of the distillery. They’ve been winning countless gin awards throughout the last few years. Although you’ll learn even though it is a juniper-flavoured traditional liquor, the taste can vary across the spectrum of gin to a whisky.

Cheese lovers should head to Les Freres Bernard. Apart from having a wide selection of local, artisan cheeses, you can visit their factory to see the production process. The recommended times to visit are Monday-Friday in the mornings. Provenance is also a key part of their process and you can see where their local cows come from.

They will be more than delighted to let you sample their offerings. The one to consider buying is the local speciality, Mimolette. It is a sharp but not overly powerful cheese with rich fruity and nutty notes. The cheese is famously banned in the US because of the presence of cheese mites.

There are numerous activities in the region which will appeal to the young and the not-so-young. A canal tour with Les Faiseurs de Bateaux along the Audomarois marshes is a must.

It is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. They have over 200 bird species, 13 bat species, 29 fish species and close to 400 plant varieties. The incredibly rich soil has meant locals have been cultivating in the area since the Middle Ages. Garlic, onions and hemp were the most popular crops.

A canal cruise can include a meal on board and a workshop, where you visit a shipyard of the last boat makers in the Audomarois marsh before boarding a bacôve.

Finally, before sailing back to the UK, you must make time to visit the Calais Dragon. The mechanical creation is a fire-breathing, water-spouting dragon machine. It was created by the theatre company La Machine in Nantes.

Photo courtesy of Marion Harmel

It is handled by at least 5 machinists and you can ride on top of the dragon for a 47-minute ride through the waterfront of Calais. There are other creatures in the design phase which will accompany the dragon in the future.

You can also enjoy lunch at the Dragon Shed with suitably themed burgers and mocktails to accompany your experience.

If you are looking for a short gastronomic break away from the UK, why would you not consider Pas-de-Calais? It is extremely easy to get to by ferry with the likes of DFDS.

For more information on the region, please visit –

www.visit-pas-de-calais.com

Just a quick hop on the subway and you will find yourself in Brooklyn. There are so many great finds across the East River, I simply could not leave Brooklyn out of this New York City guide.

Stay

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

A natural sanctuary located at waterfront on Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge stands right beside the East River and 5 blocks west of the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade. Set in a 10-story building, the hotel offers 195 guest rooms and 28 suites. While the hotel is great for work; there is 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, fully equipped with built-in sound and connectivity. The hotel is suitable for play as well. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has Harriet’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge complete with a plunge pool and unobstructed views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Looking to completely recharge? The Bamford Wellness Spa is devoted to nurturing the mind, body and spirit through a holistic approach to treatments.

Penny Williamsburg

In 2022, Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood welcomed Penny. The newest addition to the Sydell portfolio – creators of NoMad, Freehand, and LINE brands – Penny is the portfolio’s younger artist sibling with colorful interiors and a distinctive art collection by local neurodivergent artists. Penny is small in size, at 118 rooms but big at heart. The namesake is Sydell CEO and Founder, Andrew Zobler’s small chihuahua with a big personality. The rooms at Penny Williamsburg offer homey comfort with hardwood floors, kitchenettes, pour-over coffee systems with complimentary coffee, unlimited free filtered water (my necessity!) The hotel shares a building with beloved NY institution Bard College classrooms and dorms.

Hotel Indigo Williamsburg

Located near the Metropolitan Avenue subway station, you will find the Hotel Indigo Williamsburg. Kutnicki Bernstein Architects and Cl-oth Interiors drew from the surrounding culture to create a welcoming space within the ultra-contemporary structure. Artists, Fernando “Ski” Romero and the team at Flyrite Tattoo added their own touch to the property with bright murals and restaurant signage. Amenities include complimentary bicycles, a 24-hour fitness center and seasonal pool. Start your morning at the Lobby Coffee Bar and enjoy a fresh, local pastry and a hot coffee or tea. End your day overlooking the Manhattan skyline while enjoying Polynesian/Samoan inspired light bites on the fourth-floor terrace, Tatau.

Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg

Opened in March 2023, The Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg is a 216-room boutique hotel overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The bright, airy rooms emphasize natural materials and space-saving design solutions, a large backyard garden provides a spot to unwind alfresco, and flexible co-working and meeting studios serve the needs of Brooklyn’s creative class. Food and beverage options include Mesiba, a festive, Tel Aviv–inspired restaurant serving Levantine cuisine; Bar Bedford, a destination cocktail bar and all-day café; Jolene Sound Room, an energetic lounge with a custom sound system; and finally LilliStar, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar.

Nu Hotel Brooklyn 

Nu Hotel, located in Downtown Brooklyn’s vibrant Boerum Hill neighbourhood on Smith Street and Atlantic Avenue, is surrounded by Brooklyn’s premier cultural, retail and tourist attractions. The hotel offers 93 art-inspired rooms and suites, a fitness centre, lobby lounge featuring the NU Marketplace, complimentary daily continental breakfast and more. Special note – the Unban Suite comes complete with an in-suite hammock.

See

Parachute Literary Arts

Parachute Literary Art’s Coney Island Poetry Map is a free public poetry installation, featuring 25 original poems, created by Amanda Deutch, whose family lived in Coney Island for several generations. Founded in 2009, Parachute Literary Arts is a Coney Island based community arts organization.

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Museum houses a huge permanent collection categorised by culture, as well as visiting exhibitions, with a current exhibition on Pablo Picasso (fifty years after his death) through a ‘critical, contemporary, and feminist lens’. While It’s Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby, is set to close on Sept 24, the Spike Lee: Creative Sources exhibit opens on October 7. The Brooklyn Museum is situated next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and visitors can purchase discounted passes that allow them to tour both in the same day.

Brooklyn Academy of Music 

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-arts centre located in Brooklyn, and has been the home to adventurous artists, audiences and artists for 150 years. Returning after three years, the Next Wave Program returns, featuring some of the most fascinating artists in film, theatre, dance, opera and the visual arts. Check out all three different locations (Peter Jay Sharp, BAM Fisher and BAM Strong) for work celebrating both emerging and seasoned artists.

Shop

APOTHEKE

A luxury home fragrance brand inspired by the unexpected beauty found in life’s simple pleasures. Founded in 2011 by Chrissy Fichtl, APOTHEKE is defined by craftsmanship and guided by passion, offering scents that are thoughtfully blended to elevate the everyday. Chrissy is self-taught in the beauty of essential oils and soap making, having begun by sourcing essential oils directly from farms and being “discovered” while selling at the famed Brooklyn Flea. 12+ years later, the candles and bar soaps remain handmade and poured in Red Hook, Brooklyn at their factory and flagship location with clean ingredients ensuring all products are sulfate and phthalate free, non-GMO, and vegan.

Rue Saint Paul

Rue Saint Paul is Brooklyn’s sustainable closet, offering new, rental, and pre-owned sustainable fashion. The first in Brooklyn. Kelly Wang, founder of Rue Saint Paul, is committed to helping reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint, promote ethical manufacturing, and drive responsible and circular consumption. Kelly’s hope is that one day sustainable fashion will just be fashion.

Catbird

The Catbird flagship shop has remained a longstanding Williamsburg neighborhood staple since 2004. Alongside Catbird’s signature jewelry including Forever Bracelets, shoppers can also find special home and beauty products too. Stop by for complimentary jewelry styling during your next Brooklyn visit.

Les Aimants

Les Aimants is a Brooklyn-based contemporary bridal designer with deep French roots. The collections are designed with a minimalist mindset creating timeless pieces for the modern bride. By using unique 3D technology, Les Aimants enables the customer to customize their design using the online builder and eases the bridal experience with accurate body measurements which removes the need for alterations and additional fees which so many brides experience.

PARADISED

This Brooklyn-based luxe women’s fashion brand is the epitome of laid-back vacation dressing with a street edge. Consisting of beachy color palettes and vibrant palm prints, these pieces effortlessly capture the tropical tranquility of white sandy beaches and the bold hues of blue water.

Velvet Caviar

Launched in February of 2014, from the founder Michelle Aran’s bedroom in NYC. Within months, the brand became a viral sensation across social media as people everywhere fell in love with their never-before-seen phone cases. Since then, they have grown into an amazing team based in Brooklyn, NY where they work consistently to release new styles and drops every month of phone cases & accessories such as phone grips, charms, air pod cases, battery packs and more.

Have you ever packed your bags on a whim to visit a city you’ve either never been to before or one you went to many years ago? Our girl Rachel McAlley did just that recently, she returned to Bristol a city she hadn’t visited since 1998.

I was really looking forward to my 2023 return to Bristol, because this time I was going to be a tourist. This trip meant that I had the chance to stroll at my own pace, visit places I’d wanted to see all those years ago, and enjoy a few of Bristol’s famous attractions.

The team from Visit Bristol and Visit West made sure that I had plenty to do, including a morning walk to Clifton Suspension Bridge, a visit to Clifton Observatory, and some shopping around the independent shops within Clifton Village.

I stayed at Hotel Du Vin Bristol Avon Gorge, a stunning boutique hotel located on Sion Hill, overlooking both the River Avon and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. The hotel itself sits on the hillside and is surrounded by beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture. Hotel Du Vin Bristol Avon Gorge is the ideal location for visiting Clifton Village, the most coveted area within Bristol.

My room at Hotel Du Vin was a Deluxe Gorge Vista Room with super king-sized bed, monsoon shower, flatscreen TV, Nespresso machine, and free WiFi. The view out of all the bedroom windows was of the gorge itself and the valley below. The deluxe vista room starts at around £150 per night depending on date and availability.

It was exceptionally spacious, very comfortable, and even offered underfloor heating in the bathroom. This nice little touch didn’t go unnoticed after I’d been walking all day and it eased my sore feet!

Whilst at the hotel I dined at the in-house French restaurant, Goram & Vincent, which boasts the most outstanding views of Clifton Suspension Bridge.

A laid-back contemporary restaurant that has an excellent menu packed with steaks, fish, burgers, and skewers to choose from. I opted for the Sourdough Baguette with Lescure Butter (£2.95) to start followed by the Chicken Skewer (£17.50), and ended with The Cheese Plate (£10.95). The Chicken Skewer was served with tabbouleh, red cabbage slaw, flatbread, fries, and both chilli and garlic sauces. This dish was absolutely divine, a perfect mix of French and Middle-Eastern flavours sitting alongside the smoky, spiced chicken. I even indulged in a non-alcoholic Raspberry & Elderflower Collins Cocktail (£6.95) while enjoying the view of the bridge.

It was early evening, so I decided to venture a little further afield and head to a part of the city I hadn’t seen before, Bristol Harbourside. Everything had closed for the day, when I arrived, but what a fabulous place to visit. I wish I’d been earlier in the day as I would have gone to Arnolfini a contemporary art centre, M Shed Museum and The Matthew of Bristol, a replica of the John Cabot ship that he sailed to Newfoundland back in 1497. I could have also caught a Bristol Ferry, the water bus service from the floating harbour.

Back at the hotel I rested my weary feet and enjoyed watching the TV in my room, with some chocolates and a glass of Mango, Ginger & Lime Gin from local Bristol distillers, 6 O’Clock Gin.

After breakfast at Goram & Vincent I went for a walk up to Clifton Suspension Bridge, only 5 minutes stroll from the hotel. The bridge is such an iconic part of Bristol, it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and officially opened in 1864 after Brunel’s death. Today the bridge is open 365 days a year and costs just £1 for motor vehicles to cross, it is however free for cyclists and pedestrians like me!

I spent around an hour at the bridge taking in the extraordinary views whilst walking across, and perusing the Visitor Centre. The centre is free to enter and there’s lots to read from a historical point of view, plus there’s a film to watch about the bridge too. There were plenty of other tourists in the visitor centre and on the bridge taking photos of Clifton Suspension Bridge, which was great to see.

From the bridge I walked a little further up the hill to Clifton Observatory to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. It costs £5 per adult to enter the observatory, this includes a visit to the museum in the Observatory tower, and a walk down to the Giant’s Cave. Alternatively, visitors can book tickets solely for Giant’s Cave if preferred, at just £3 per adult.

The Observatory tower was built in the Iron Age and has been used for centuries as a fort, viewing point, and more recently a museum. The Camera Obscura, designed by William West is one of just three working Camera Obscuras in the UK, it has sat atop the tower since way back in 1828. Today this camera, which rotates 360 degrees still offers clear real-time images of Bristol.

The Giant’s Cave is reached through a 200 feet-long tunnel, and 130 steps down (and back up) which opens to a viewing platform in the cliff face. This is another must-see attraction whilst in Bristol and the views are beyond exquisite.

After the lengthy walk to Giant’s Cave, I ventured into Clifton Village itself for a spot of shopping and a wonderful lunch. There is an array of independent boutiques, bespoke art shops, luxury jewellers, quaint cafés, plus a number of unique vintage and thrift shops. The village is steeped in Georgian architecture, and has quite an upper class yet boho feel to it. There were lots of locals and visitors shopping, lunching, and enjoying their time in Clifton.

I met some friends and we dined at KIBOU for lunch, a Japanese Kitchen and Bar in the heart of Clifton Village. With hand-painted murals, which visually depict Japanese street life, a menu that offers exotic cocktails, bao buns, sushi, and ramen this was definitely the chicest place to be in Clifton Village.

We ordered dishes including Yasai Tempura Vegetables (£8.50), Katsu Chicken Curry (£14.60), Salmon Terriyaki Don (£17.50), and Chicken Terriyaki Don (£14). I had the Chicken Don and it was insanely tasty, full of good stuff including green beans, edamame beans, and cabbage alongside the chicken and rice.

We were too full for dessert, and it was time to collect my luggage from the hotel and make my way to Bristol Temple Meads train station.

I travelled to and from Bristol with Cross Country Trains, who offer standard seats, first class seats, and discount for railcard users. The train took around 5 hours from Bristol to York, and was a very comfortable way to travel with excellent leg room. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance of travelling for the best possible price as it can cost more to pay on the day. Cross Country offer an onboard food and drink service on most of their journeys, delivered straight to your seat. What more do you need!

My return visit to Bristol was a huge success, I could even see myself living in Clifton in the future, and I will be returning far sooner than in 25 years time!

It is with great thanks to all the above for their hospitality throughout my trip. For more information visit the following Instagram accounts:

@Visit West @VisitBristol @HotelDuVin @BrunelsBridge @CliftonObservatory @DiscoverClifton @kibouclifton @crosscountrytrains

We’ve mentioned in recent articles, how Hong Kong is rapidly developing into a cultural hub of the Far East. Most of the recent openings have been at the West Kowloon Cultural District. However, if you are prepared to travel a little further afield to Sha Tin, you’ll discover a hidden cultural gem that is a mecca for the Cantonese entertainment industry. Hong Kong Heritage Museum has been open since the year 2000 but hasn’t always featured on the tourist maps with visitors focusing on attractions in Hong Kong island or Kowloon.

The total exhibition area is around 7,500 square metres and includes five permanent galleries: the Jin Yong Gallery, the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, the T.T. Tsui Gallery of Chinese Art, the Chao Shao-an Gallery and the Children’s Discovery Gallery. On top of that, they have six thematic galleries that show pop-up exhibitions that highlight the diversity of Cantonese cultural offerings.

Their permanent exhibition: Hong Kong Pop 60+ is arguably one of their most popular permanent exhibitions. It highlights how the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong has created a diverse environment for creativity to thrive. It covers iconic Hong Kong films like A Better Tomorrow and Infernal Affairs as well as Cantopop legends like Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung. The latter has his special exhibition at the moment: Miss You Much Leslie. It commemorates the 20th anniversary of the passing of superstar Leslie Cheung. The exhibition celebrates his tremendous achievement in music and film with countless stage costumes and vinyl records along with his staggering award collection.

Bruce Lee fans will be in seventh heaven with their Bruce Lee: a Timeless Classic and A Man Beyond the Ordinary: Bruce Lee pop-up exhibitions. It is the 50th anniversary of his iconic film ‘Enter the Dragon’ which made him a posthumous superstar and also his unfortunate passing away. The exhibition examines the legacy he has left behind in popular culture, whether it is in film, comics or animation. You might come across action figures based on Bruce Lee in various manifestations, his famous nunchaku or the iconic yellow jumpsuit. The exhibitions include large-scale multimedia and interactive programmes.

Hong Kong film buffs will be thrilled when they visit: Out of Thin Air: Hong Kong Film Arts & Costumes Exhibition. It celebrates the golden age of the Hong Kong film industry and explores the industry both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. It focuses on the importance of art and costume design in Hong Kong films. As you stroll through the exhibition, you’ll come across memorable costumes, props, set designs, drawing manuscripts, paraphernalia, videos and reconstructed scenes of workshops. Highlights include Brigitte Lin’s smuggler lady costume in Chungking Express (1994) and the set design drawing album of Shaw Brothers Studio. The latter was the largest film production company in Hong Kong. They operated from 1925 to 2011.

Although, not all their exhibitions are Hong Kong-focused. They recently held the blockbuster: Virtually Versailles exhibitions. Using cutting-edge digital technology, the exhibition transported you to the famed Hall of Mirrors. And they also had immersive bike installations where you can cycle around the scenic gardens of Versailles. Visitors got to virtually visit Marie-Antoinette’s bedchamber and discover the splendid history of the Palace. The exhibition was a roaring success and particularly popular with locals who were still cautious about travelling abroad post-COVID but still wanted a taste of foreign adventures.

They run public guided tours of the various exhibitions free of charge throughout the week. Most are presented in Cantonese but some are offered in English and Mandarin. They also have online programmes that let you experience snippets of the museum without having to head out to Sha Tin. This is a must-visit experience for those who are keen to learn more about Cantonese culture.

To find out more about Hong Kong Heritage Museum, please visit

https://hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/highlights.html

Ask your average international tourist about the American coastline and the majority are going to mention California and Florida. However, if you question the well-travelled Americanophile, you are likely to hear mentions of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas on the Texas coastline. The breezy excitement of the former is the perfect foil for the laid-back island lifestyle of the latter.

Corpus Christi

A Texan city where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a diverse city life and idyllic beaches that transport you to another world such as Padre Island National Seashore nearby which includes 70 miles of untouched beaches and wildlife habitat.

Experiencing the Texan coastal life

The city has played host to the Windsurfing World Championships due to the windy nature of the locality. This is ideal during the warmer months when you can enjoy a cooling breeze on a sunset cruise with the likes of Texas Tease. You can enjoy a leisurely cruise around Corpus Christi Bay on a 74-foot sightseeing boat. They can serve up high-quality dinner fare with local shrimp and oyster Rockefeller.

If you want to pilot your vessel innovatively, then you should consider Glow Row. It is a night-time kayaking experience guided by glowing lights which surround your transparent kayak. Their North Padre Island – Sunset Island route is ideal for beginners as the waters are very shallow there and it is relatively easy to spot some marine life.

Sightseeing ideas

There are a multitude of varied offerings in Corpus Christi. If you didn’t spot any aquatic creatures during your kayaking, you will at The Texas State Aquarium, the largest of its kind in Texas. They have an interactive stingray lagoon. You can spot reef sharks in their eye-catching curved aquarium with a 68-foot-long acrylic window, which is the longest in North America. You can enjoy an acrobatic show at Dolphin Bay. And the most fulfilling part is learning about their conservation work at their newly opened wildlife rescue center.

Nearby is the USS Lexington, which is a former WWII aircraft carrier and currently a naval museum. The most popular part is the flight deck with 20 historic aircraft on-board with the centrepiece being Maverick’s F-14 Tomcat jet from the original Top Gun film. There is plenty to experience below deck too from a flight operations tour to a fascinating late-night paranormal investigation.

You can savour the cowboy lifestyle by going on a visit to King Ranch. It is the largest ranch in the United States, bigger than the country of Luxembourg. You can go on a ranch tour where they explain the modern-day workings of their business. You can visit King Ranch Museum to appreciate the history of the brand and purchase the finest leather goods and outdoor gear at their saddle shop.

Where to eat

A visit to the institution that is Water Street Oyster Bar is a must. They’ve been serving Corpus Christi since 1983. They’ve recently expanded to oyster farming in Copano Bay nearby. Their menu is a seafood lover’s paradise with everything from wood-grilled oysters to shrimp picayune. Their sister restaurant, Elizabeth’s at the iconic Art Museum of South Texas is equally worth a visit. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu includes shakshuka and Italian torte for brunch. Whilst the museum houses fascinating temporary exhibitions such as the blockbuster, Collidoscope: De La Torre Brothers retro-perspective.

Port Aransas

Affectionately known as Port A by the locals. It is all about island life in this part of Texas, especially as the town has a population of less than 3,500.

Cruising to carting

You can also enjoy a cruising experience at Port A, but their offering is more geared towards the family with Red Dragon Pirate Cruise. There are interactive games on board but it is more about dolphin watching and admiring the scenic coastline. Another mode of transport that is popular with locals and tourist alike are the golf carts that are ubiquitous all over town. Visit at the right time of the year and you might spot their iconic Christmas golf cart parade, their Mardi Gras parade, their pirate parade or even their graduation parade. It is a great way to see the town highlights including Horace Caldwell Pier, its jetties and Roberts Point Park.

Embracing the wildlife

For bird-watchers, a visit to Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is sheer heaven. You can observe hundreds of local and migratory birds in this wetland area. There are sheltered observation towers along with a 700-foot boardwalk. You can observe waterfowl, grebes, shorebirds and flaming pink Roseate Spoonbills, which is the Port A city bird. If you are lucky, you might even spot their resident alligator “Boots”. If you visit on certain days, they have free guided tours with binoculars provided for loan.

You get a feel of the passion locals have for their marine ecosystem by visiting the newly renovated Patton Education Center and Wetlands. There are interactive displays that help you understand the local marine life. Along with the Amos Rehabilitation Keep, which is all part of the campus of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, you feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that there might be hope for our seas. Rescued sea turtles are a major part of their project as the Gulf of Mexico is home to 5 of the 7 sea turtle species. You might spot the likes of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles or loggerhead sea turtles.

Dining the island life way

Fresh-from-the-sea ingredients in a laid-back environment are what you can expect at Port A. Fin’s Grill and Icehouse, which is a sister restaurant to the cruise company serves up classics from the region like a crispy shrimp PoBoy to unique creations like crab-stuffed gulf fish. They can all be washed down with a wide selection of margaritas. They have an elevated version that uses Dobel tequila and Gran Gala.

If you walked into Trout Street Bar & Grill, you might think fishing is a religion on the island. The menu offers everything from snapper to redfish to steelhead trout, all can be cooked in a variety of ways. There are historic photos of blue and white marlin being caught in the state and they offer you catch ’em we cook ’em service, which is also available at Fin’s Grill.

Finally, what better way to end your Texas coastal experience, than savouring a beachside shrimp boil around a bonfire, which can all be arranged with minimal fuss by the likes of Rollin’ Tide. Enjoying an authentic low country shrimp boil whilst admiring the sunset over Mustang Island with your feet in the sand is one of those little joys of life that will linger long in the memory.

https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/

https://www.portaransas.org/

The cultural scene in Hong Kong is thriving at the moment. That is in no small part due to the likes of the West Kowloon Cultural District. One of their latest museums to open is arguably its finest: Hong Kong Palace Museum. They house over 900 invaluable artefacts from The Palace Museum in Beijing. Many priceless pieces have never left the capital city or even been shown to the public. They have seven thematic galleries focusing on these items, general Chinese art and modern reinterpretation of Palace Museum culture. There are two galleries with temporary exhibitions showcasing art and treasures from other parts of the world. Currently, they have the blockbuster, Cartier and Women exhibition as well as Radiance: Ancient Gold from the Hong Kong Palace Museum Collection and the Mengdiexuan Collection.

The state-of-the-art building has been designed by Rocco Design Architects Associates Limited. With an exhibition space of 7,800 square metres, it has been designed to offer abundant rest areas both inside and outside the galleries. The facilities are barrier-free and particularly spacious, capable of handling substantial crowds during the holidays periods. You can observe throughout the building, they’ve used contemporary interpretations of traditional aesthetics. They’ve taken inspiration from the architecture of the Forbidden City but also taken care to blend in with Hong Kong’s urban skyline.

The themes of galleries are very well construed. For example, in gallery two, they have “From Dawn to Dusk: life in the Forbidden City”. You can follow the noteworthy events in the daily life of an emperor and other staff members in the palace. You will encounter what the emperor might be wearing on different occasions.

They don’t shy away from using modern technology in portraying the historical details of the period. Expect to see state-of-the-art video walls that will transport you back to the time of the Qing Dynasty. In gallery four, you’ll encounter very impressive portraits of Qing Emperors and Empresses. They’ve also created helpful timelines, where you can follow the imperial lineage. Even the main thematic galleries from one to seven are not expected to be permanent exhibitions and they will likely be rotated out after being on display for over a year.

Hong Kong locals will be particularly fascinated by gallery six, which explores “Private to Public: the history of Chinese art collecting in Hong Kong”. It explores the philanthropy of Hong Kong donors who have chosen to donate artwork they’ve privately collected, so the public can enjoy the beauty of these pieces. Often this has been to help promote Chinese culture at home and abroad. With each display, there is a handy note explaining the original owner of the artwork. For example, there is a wonderful oil on canvas painting of The Matilde moored in Hong Kong Harbour from the Anthony Hardy Collection.

Despite the historical nature of most of the artefacts, the museum is a very forward-thinking and progressive institution. This is very much in evidence in gallery seven “No boundaries: reinterpreting Palace Museum culture”. In this gallery space, they’ve asked six Hong Kong-based multimedia and interdisciplinary artists to create fresh and bespoke pieces of art installations for the museum which takes a fresh interpretation of the art and culture of the Forbidden City. The most impressive installation is without a doubt “A grandiose fanfare” by GayBird. The artwork fuses the atmosphere of Qing court music with modern festive performances through 31 audio channels and kinetic installations. It even includes a special sound installation performance every half an hour.

No modern-day museum is complete these days without world-class dining options and a well-stocked gift shop. Hong Kong Palace Museum has numerous options from the high-end King Lung Heen offering fine dining Cantonese cuisine to the very accessible Chinese teahouse, Xia. Their gift shop, ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press is a treasure trove of Chinese cultural gift ideas from ornamental trinkets to coffee table books.

https://www.hkpm.org.hk/en/home

Dominica is justifiably called the Nature Island because of its soaring cliffs and lush vegetation. With a local population of under 75,000, this is your dream escape to be far from the maddening crowds. It was one of the last islands in the Caribbean to open up to tourism and has managed to follow an ecotourism model which encourages sustainable development.

Where to stay

The ideal base to start your adventures is at Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort. It is situated in the capital, Roseau which makes a convenient base to explore the rest of the island. There are no chain hotels or large-scale resorts on the island, just hotels like Fort Young which oozes character in abundance. The hotel is on the site of a military fort dating back to the 17th century and was subsequently used as a police station. They are currently undergoing extension works to add 60 rooms in the autumn. They will also be displaying many of the original features of the building including a centuries-old bread oven and historic walls.

The rooms are extremely spacious and incredibly affordable from $190 per night and $255 per night if you opt for all-inclusive. If you are looking for a regal experience, upgrade yourself to one of their oceanfront suites. The names of these suites are named after prominent Dominican historical figures. They are larger than most people’s flats with a heavenly King bed, living room, dining room, kitchenette, and two bathrooms, which feature a whirlpool tub and shower. The best part is the expansive balcony for you to gaze into the tempting Caribbean Sea.

Dining out

Looking for dining options in Roseau can be a tricky affair. Some restaurants don’t open for lunch. Some don’t cater for dietary requirements such as vegetarian food. The best restaurant we discovered is The Palisades Restaurant at the hotel. You can enjoy al fresco dining at the only seaside restaurant in Roseau. The restaurant has a winning formula of offering local flavours with the likes of jerk pork served with provision pie along with comforting classics like luxuriously creamy shrimp a la king pasta. Their attentive staff do consider requests. With pleasure, they can offer more vegetarian options or lactose-free options, if you feel choices are lacking on the menu.

Spa

Visiting Dominica is often about revitalising and recharging oneself. Their Zemi Spa is just the space to achieve these goals. You’ll get to enjoy signature treatments with the mesmerising sound of the Caribbean waves in the background. They only use locally sourced ingredients and will cater the experience to your personal needs.

To-Do

The island is one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. And the hotel must be at the heart of the operations, considering the non-stop flow of divers streaming in and out of the harbour which you can observe from The Palisades Restaurant. They have an equipment shop along with expert guides, so can cater from beginner level to advanced. Champagne Reef, with bubbles appearing through the sand due to underwater hot springs, is a must-visit for any diver.

The resort offers an “all-inclusive island-included” experience. It truly takes out the hassle from tourists having to arrange their excursions. Top of the list should be a visit to Titou Gorge. It will be a scenic swim through emerald waters to a waterfall surrounded by cliff walls. The entrancing light that filters through the gorge creates an ethereal atmosphere and it is no surprise, many Hollywood films have been shot at the gorge including Pirates of the Caribbean.

It is often combined with a trip to Trafalgar Falls. Set amongst the verdant mountainside are twin majestic waterfalls. One offers a cold-water pool whilst the other offers hot-spring water. The scenery looks like a film set from Avatar except the wildlife you will see will be adorable land crabs rather than Jurassic-type beasts. And close to this popular site is the River Rock Cafe, which reputedly serves the finest rum punch on the island (and probably the strongest).

Finally, a visit to Dominica isn’t complete without checking out the world-famous thermal springs. Ti Gwen Glo Sho is one I would recommend for the tranquillity and variety it offers. There are 2 separate hot springs with varying degrees of heat. The sulphur water is therapeutic as well as soothing. It’s nestled amongst various exotic flowers and rainforest cover and you are more than likely to encounter the endangered Lesser Antillean iguana.

If you want an off-the-beaten-track experience in the Caribbean, make sure you consider Dominica for your next holiday.

https://www.fortyounghotel.com/