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Brandywine Valley: Visiting America’s Garden Capital

The enchanting region known as the Brandywine Valley lies in the picturesque landscape of southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant cultural offerings, the Brandywine Valley captivates visitors with its blend of natural beauty and artistic heritage. From lush rolling hills to meandering waterways, this idyllic area has long been a haven for artists, writers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether exploring its charming towns, immersing oneself in its renowned art museums, or simply savouring the tranquillity of its rural landscapes, the Brandywine Valley offers an unforgettable journey through a tapestry of beauty, history, and inspiration.

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.

Brandywine Valley

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 centre 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, and 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 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/

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Celebrating Hauts-de-France, European Region of Gastronomy 2023

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

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48 Hours in London

Have you ever had to stay 48 hours (or less) in a city – on purpose? I’m not talking about layovers where you manage to sleep on hard plastic chairs because there is no airport lounge open in the wee hours of the morning.

Due to flight schedules, I found myself with a mere 48 hours (technically it was 35 hours) in London in early September. I welcomed the short time in the city, as I have not visited since March 2020. Clearly, I needed to make the best of my time and being that this was my 5th time to the UK capital, I was not queuing up to go to the London Eye.

How does one spend a short time in London? Here are my suggestions to help manage your time well.

Stay:

Choose one property, in one central area, near transit. Thanks to the Tube, its’ all very accessible. Yet depending upon the airport in which you land (Heathrow or Gatwick), you can guarantee an hour (or depending upon traffic) more has gone by.

My area of choice for this trip was the Mayfair/Kensington/Soho area, which is the fanciest area in London that I have ever stayed in. You really can’t go wrong as there are so many great boroughs in London, each with their own highlights. There is no need to travel across the city to only spend an hour or so to get back.

My wonderful, but short stay was at the COMO Metropolitan London just off the landmark Hyde Park Corner. If you have ever played the original version of Monopoly – you will know the address, its Park Lane. Conveniently, Bond Street, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Piccadilly are within easy walking distance.

There are 144 rooms and suites, as well as 19 long-stay apartments. Additional amenities include Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and COMO Shambhala Urban Escape for Asian-inspired therapies. At COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, Guests can indulge in award-winning wellness treatments such as facials, massages, and acupuncture. There is also an onsite steam room and 24-hour fitness center, where personal trainers are available upon request. Barring my time limit, I would have visited the Shambhala Urban Escape.

Should you have any questions about an itinerary, the concierge is happy to answer questions and help plan your stay. The helpful concierge was able to secure two tickets to the Victoria Albert Museum’s DIVA exhibit, which was already sold out for the Saturday afternoon.

When I awoke from my restful slumber (Sadly, I had to pull myself out of the comfortable bed for my flight) I was served the most delicious breakfast in record speed. The coffee was strong, the hash browns were crunchy and the omelette had everything I requested. In 30 minutes, I had left the hotel and was whisked away back to Heathrow.

Activities/ Eats:

Perhaps you are jet lagged and tired, and all you really want to do is close the dark-out blinds and hibernate with room service. Fight the urge. The city is calling your name to explore.

South of Hyde Park is the Victoria Albert Museum (V & A South Kensington). The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects, books and archives that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum holds many of the UK’s national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.

It’s one of my favourite museums in the world and the main entry is free (tickets are needed for special exhibits). While I managed to check out the DIVA exhibit, the new Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibit just opened (and sadly sold out – unless you become a member).

The Victoria Albert Museum is right beside the beautiful Natural History Museum, and if you have time and the attention for it, it’s also a great visit.

Pressed for time, I needed to get my fill of all the London institutions I could – my first stop was Fortnum & Mason. First founded in London in 1707, after Queen Anne permitted her footman William Fortnum to sell discarded candles from St James’s Palace, Fortnum’s has forged a close relationship with the British Royal household ever since. Fortnum & Mason has held several warrants, including one from Her Late Majesty, The Queen and continues to this day with His Majesty The King.

I have only had Afternoon Tea at the Piccadilly flagship once, but should your schedule allow 3 hours, it’s a quintessential must do. I left with a large bag filled with tea, chocolates, cookies and lemon curd spread. Had my bag not been filled to the brim, I would have brought more. While there is a store in Terminal 5 at Heathrow, nothing beats a visit to the beautiful flagship.

From food to textiles, Liberty is another one of London’s great retailers. In 1875, Arthur Lasenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took a building on Regent Street, with just three dedicated staff and plenty of ambition. The Tudor style building is magnificent with flooring constructed by the timbers of two ancient ‘three-decker’ battleships. The HMS Impregnable – built from 3040 100-year-old oaks from the New Forest – and the HMS Hindustan, which measures the length and height of the Liberty building. Shoppers can find luxuries from around the world, and most notable is the Liberty textile archive. Around the holiday season, Liberty comes out with a massive Advent Beauty Calendar that draws queues and always sells out. I love browsing through their section of stationery and Liberty print products.

If you are a fan of stationery and leather essentials, the Smythson flagship on New Bond Street is a must-stop. Since 1887 Smythson has been creating bags and accessories to notebooks, diaries, stationery, and home accessories to suit every adventure. Of course, a brand with so much heritage also has several Royal warrants under its belt. Pick up a notebook or two and have initials embossed in the cover, makes for a perfect gift to give (or keep).

Perhaps you are wondering if I had a chance to stop, sit and enjoy London’s finest food? With such a short timeline, I unfortunately did not. However, if you can make reservations over lining up in a queue for time-management sake, try one of the establishments in the area below.

Sometimes it is nice to visit familiar restaurants in other cities, so the expectations of service and food quality is clear. While I have visited the LAVO in New York, the restaurant recently opened during London Fashion Week at the BoTree Hotel. Split over two floors, LAVO is flooded with natural light, complete with a grown Olive Tree and features a sleek bar area with an intimate terrace. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features a selection of high-end Italian dishes created by Chief Culinary Officer Ralph Scamardella and Head Chef Stefano Lorenzini.

SUCRE opened in London after a successful open in Buenos Aires in 2001. Founded by Chef Fernando Trocca the restaurant pays tribute to Argentina and its Mediterranean roots. The beautiful dining room is adorned with massive decanter chandeliers with a wood oven and huge “parilla” (or grill) at the centre. This ensures cooking is done the Argentine way, using embers rather than the live flame. The Sunday Asado prix fixé 3 course menu starts on October 15, where guests can choose from several mains, including a mouth-watering 300 g Striploin with Chimichurri.

If you are looking for something exclusive to London, try Franco’s. Established in 1945, Franco’s is considered as one of London’s first Italian restaurants. Head Chef Stefano Turconi’s menu offers homemade bread and fresh pasta, a variety of fish and meat as well as vegan and gluten free options. Franco’s opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bar and heated outside terrace are open all day. Perfect for a quick chat over a drink. I have heard that the dedicated rosé wine section is one of the largest in the city.

Nestled in The Bloomsbury Hotel, you will find the Dalloway Terrace. This restaurant has been on my list for a while, as it has a dreamy ambience. It is a year-round garden terrace (fully heated in the winter). Open all day, the restaurant offers brunch, afternoon tea and a pre-theatre menu. The Dalloway recently partnered exclusively with Neal’s Yard Remedies and London Essence to celebrate their commitment to British biodiversity and sustainability.

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Tai Kwun: From a former police station to the cultural heart of Hong Kong

The contrast could not be greater. Tai Kwun in Hong Kong was formerly the much-loathed Central Police Station, Magistracy and Victoria Prison. It was a symbol of the colonial times back when Great Britain ruled Hong Kong. Nowadays, it has been revitalised and reopened since 2018 as Tai Kwun. A centre of excellence for heritage and arts.

Located at 10 Hollywood Road, Central. It is mere steps away from the likes of Lan Kwai Fong and the business district. It is a minor miracle, that this prime real estate wasn’t sold off to developers but instead turned into a cultural hub for locals and tourists. Tai Kwun Contemporary is a non-profit visual arts program and they try to curate five to eight exhibitions each year to highlight socially relevant issues. This September, they will present “Killing TV”. It is a fascinating, brand-new exhibition on how modern-day artists deploy, disrupt, and deconstruct television as a medium. The different artists involved in the exhibition explore the themes of identity, consumerism, and human connection in society. This is often displayed in a tongue-in-cheek manner.

The venue is also a wonderful performing arts centre. Throughout September, they have the “Chilled Steps” concert series. In their fourth year, they previously the focus was on jazz music. However, this year, they’ve expanded to cover pop, folk, Western and Chinese music. Between September and October, they are also offering free film screenings of classic teen films from the 1950s to the 1980s. The carefully curated films show the youth of Hong Kong from a bygone era as they embrace the increasing influence of Western culture.

A significant part of the Tai Kwun experience is about the heritage of the site. The former Central Police Station compound had more than 170 years of history. This is brought back to life for the audiences of today through interactive tours, heritage storytelling areas, eclectic education programmes and focused heritage exhibitions. The guided tours are 45 minutes long, in Cantonese, English or Putonghua. It runs twice a day Monday – Friday and three times a day during the weekends. It is also free of charge. They have an insightful behind-the-scenes online section on their website where you can visit the hidden gems of the site. You can see the secret underground passage to the Central Magistracy or see how the compound was once a WWII Air Raid Shelter.

Of course, it isn’t all about education and learning. Tai Kwun is also a great venue to savour gastronomic delights, sample innovative cocktails and shop at independent boutique stores. One of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Hong Kong is based in Tai Kwun, Madame Fù Grand Café Chinois. The refined, colonial decor is matched by tantalising dishes such as sautéed diced Angus beef with Yunnan chilli and garlic. Their free-flowing dim sum offering during lunchtime Monday – Thursday is always popular with locals and tourists alike. The art noveau-inspired, Dragonfly bar offers some of the most innovative cocktails in town. Expect to sip on the likes of Hi Lazies, which contains Irish whisky, pineapple, lime, pimento liqueur, orgeat and baby spinach. It might sound peculiar but their talented mixologists know how to serve up a winning concoction.

Numerous world-class art galleries are also based at Tai Kwun such as Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery and Ora-Ora. The former focuses on 20th-century French art and modern and contemporary art in Asia. While the latter sell groundbreaking, modern art pieces from across the globe. There are also numerous boutique shops on offer such as Pap Studio which sells handmade Turkish-inspired lamps and Touch Ceramics which sells beautifully crafted and handmade ceramics and porcelains.

Although it only opened in 2018, Tai Kwun has rapidly developed into a must-visit destination for tourists when they visit Hong Kong.

For more information on Tai Kwun, please visit –

https://www.taikwun.hk/en/

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A Chic Weekend In Bristol

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

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Art

Hong Kong Heritage Museum: Championing Cantonese culture

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

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Wake Up Here: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel an oasis in Johannesburg

Chaos is a word best use to describe what ensues at Johannesburg OR TAMBO Airport upon landing after an arduous ten-hour flight from London.

Johannesburg itself is a vibrant, energetic smorgasbord of sights, sounds, smells and tastes- a veritable melting pot of sensorial delights. If all this starts to become a tad overwhelming though, then you’ll find plenty of calm at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel.

Before it became a boutique hotel in 1997, Fairlawns was previously a ten-acre family home which had everything from stables, training rinks, cow, geese and dogs too. This warm, cosy atmosphere still permeates throughout the now luxury hotel which has won a slew of awards from best spa to best restaurants from the likes of TripAdvisor, Joburg Awards and Luxury Travel Guide.

We were greeted by the doorman ‘Doctor’ upon arrival to the hotel’s grand driveway. Interestingly we met a lot of South Africans during our stay whose names portrayed professions or virtues their parents wished upon them. We also met a lovely lady named ‘Patience’ and another called ‘Joyful’. Beyond their names – they were memorable of course due to their excellent service, which is something that this luxury hotel can certainly be proud of.

The Fairlawns Boutique Hotel is located in the sleepy suburbs of Sandton which is the Central Business District of Johannesburg and near to all its main cultural sites. The estate is made up of individually-designed suites that exude elegance and grandeur – with the Grand Chateau Suite the pièce de resistance of the whole estate.

We stayed in one of the Courtyard Suites, which wrap a picturesque colonial-style courtyard that is the perfect place for a stroll. Picture Palladian-inspired suites, high-ceilings, four-posted beds, French windows and sumptuous fabrics and textures and generously sized bathrooms.

The interiors are elegant but punchy. Unlike other luxury resorts who embrace a rainbow of neutral tones, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel embraces the rich colours and textures of Africa but with a French manor house touch. Victorian-inspired portraits, French chairs and a veritable greenhouse of orchids are dotted throughout the space creating an ambiance of eclectic sophistication.

The lobby opens up to the Manor House Bistro which blends indoor and outdoor dining spaces and opens up to the striking outdoor pool. The restaurant offers a creative menu filled with international dishes that are perfect for all day dining. This is also where the excellent breakfast is served.

While it wasn’t yet opened during our visit, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel has teamed up with French Champagne house Perrier-Jouet to offer guests a refined luxury Champagne experience in-house. The new space is inspired by nature and connects to the beautiful Courtyard – which is a great spot to enjoy some bubbles while watching the African sunset. Truly – finding a place like Fairlawns Boutique Hotel amidst the hustle and bustle of Joburg is a true rarity indeed.

A night at one of the Courtyard Suites at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel starts at R9,400 (£391) on a B&B basis. For more information visit https://fairlawns.co.za/

Tel: +27 (0) 11 808 7300

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Corpus Christi and Port Aransas: Traversing the Undiscovered Texas Coastline

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/

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Hong Kong Palace Museum: Discovering the treasures of the Forbidden City and beyond

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

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The Ultimate Guide to the Philippines

With over 7,107 island (depending on the tide) the Philippines is a country that offers so much for travellers looking for sun, sea, sand and culture. Filipinos are known for our warm hospitality and our country, otherwise known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Southeast Asia. If the Philippines has been on your travel bucket list, then let this local give you the best Philippine travel tips so you can travel in style.

History, culture and language

The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in Southeast Asia, which can be attributed to the Spanish who occupied the archipelago for over 300 years. Thanks to this – Filipino culture blends Eastern and Western influences – and our national dish the ‘adobo’ even takes plenty of influence from the Spanish. Other famous foods like ‘caldereta’ and ‘menudo’ also take a lot of inspiration from Spanish cuisine. So, don’t be surprised to learn that some of the most common names in the Philippines are ‘Juan’ and ‘Maria’ and that in plenty of rural provinces, Spanish architecture still remains. In fact, you can find the old ruins of Intramuros amidst the chaotic capital of Metro Manila – which shows the remnants of our time as a Spanish colony.

The capital of the Philippines is Metro Manila, which is a bustling metropolis that is home to over 20 million people. The chaotic capital offers plenty of cultural sites too, as well as great shopping, food and entertainment. Check-into one of the five-star hotels on Manila Bay to watch one of the famous Manila sunsets, or visit Rizal Park or the National Museum, where you can see historical works of art including the famous ‘Solarium’.

Filipinos in Metro Manila spend much of their daily life in shopping malls, which are all over the city. Here, you can shop, dine, eat, and socialise just like Filipinos do. In terms of nightlife, check out the super clubs in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), or Población – which has attracted a cool millennial and Gen Z crowd thanks to its cool, underground speakeasies and bars.

The national language is Tagalog, though most Filipinos can speak English – so you won’t have to worry about any language barriers. The national currency is the Philippine Peso, though most establishments in the major cities like Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and Pampanga (to name a few) will accept card payments. However, do be prepared with cash when you visit more rural destinations.

Travelling to the Philippines

Most flights to the Philippines travel through either the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila (NAIA) or through the International Airport in Clark, Pampanga. Clark is about an hour and 45 minutes away from the capital, which is also where most domestic flights depart from.

If you’re travelling to Cebu, Boracay, Palawan or Siargao – then it is just a short flight (maximum a few hours) from the domestic terminal in Metro Manila. Don’t forget to check out travel advice and the latest Covid advice before travelling to the Philippines. As of May 2023, fully vaccinated travellers only need to sign a health declaration to enter the country.

Environment & Climate

Thanks to it being an archipelago, the Philippines has a wealth of beautiful tropical islands, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, hidden lagoons, palm trees, world class diving, fantastic mountain landscapes and even volcanic landscapes too. The main draw for tourists are of course the islands with places like El Nido and Panglao Island in Palawan, the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, the Banawe Rice Terraces in the Cagayan Province, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Taal Volcano in Tagaytay, Puerto Galera and Puerto Princesa, Boracay Island and Siargao Island some of the best destinations.

Generally speaking, there are only two seasons in the Philippines – wet and dry. Dry season begins around December until May, peaking during April and May (which is summer in the Philippines). Wet season, or typhoon season, runs from June to November. During this season, plenty of places in the Philippines welcome heavy rains and typhoons, as well as strong ‘habagat’ winds – so if you’re looking for sure-sunshine, then it is better to visit during the dry season.

Is the Philippines expensive for tourists?

The Philippines is a relatively cheap destination for tourists. The Philippine Peso is approximately 70PHP to 1GBP, which means everything is cheaper for Brits. In Metro Manila, especially in luxury shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, prices can get quite steep. Super luxury resorts like Balesin, Amanpulo or Shangri-La in Boracay are just as expensive as their counterparts in other parts of the globe. However, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives for travellers on all kinds of budgets. For example, the Apo Experience on Apo Island is very famous among backpackers, so is the surf town of Siargao – which has plenty of cool hostels that draw in a very international crowd.

Boracay Island, which has been named as ‘the most beautiful beach in the world’ on numerous occasions is a bit more on the touristic side – but has plenty of hotel options for all budgets too. There really is something for everyone here.

Top tips for your first trip to the Philippines

If you are visiting the Philippines for the first time then you are surely in for a treat. Once you get to the airport get a local sim card (either Globe or Smart) as this will give you data that will allow you to move around with ease. There is no UBER in the Philippines, but there is Grab – so we recommend you download the application even before you land as it is much safer and better than using cabs (which sometimes have cheeky drivers that try and overcharge).

In terms of Philippines travel tips, the main draw are really the islands so we recommend staying just a couple of nights in Manila and heading to the beaches straight away. Better get your flip flops ready!

Best places to visit in the Philippines at a glance

Boracay Island, Aklan

Boracay Island is the most popular beach destination in the Philippines. This island is a favourite by tourists the world over thanks to its powder white sand, crystal clear waters, and vibrant foodie and nightlife scene. On White Beach, check into one of the mega resorts like The Lind or Discovery Shores for a true luxe experience. Dine at Lemoni Café, which is a foodie institution on the island, or enjoy the fresh fish straight from the market in D’Mall. If you want to avoid the tourist hoards, then why not stay in one of the island’s quieter beaches? Kite surfer favourite Bolabog Beach is much quieter and our favourite spot here is Banana Bay Boracay – a boutique hotel that is Bolabog’s best kept secret.

For a more low-key beach vibe then head on over to Diniwid Beach, which sits on a small cove at the end of White Beach. Here, don’t forget to try out some of the cocktails at DiniBeach Bar – another local favourite.

Where to stay: Banana Bay Boracay

Banana Bay is located in the charming kitesurfing beach of Bolabog and has excellent accommodation for a very reasonable price. This family-run hotel is a true gem on the island. The rooms are spacious and contemporary and there is even a saltwater treated pool. Banana Bay Boracay is also home to a kitesurfing school – so if you’ve ever wanted to try this extreme sport – then now is your time to go for it! The hotel’s on-site Monkey Tree Bar also offers the best burgers on the island, but don’t forget to try other fan-favourite dishes like the Mee Goreng and ‘Einagang Baka’.

Where to eat: Lemoni Café

Lemoni Café is one of the most beloved restaurants, operating in Boracay for almost 20 years. It is one of the first gourmet restaurants on the island and has been delighting travellers with its delicious Fish Cakes, Tiger Prawns Risottos, and excellent breakfast and brunch options ever since. It is also one of the highest rated restaurants on the island.

Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte

Siargao Island is a favourite amongst surfers and backpackers thanks to its low-key appeal, beautiful beaches, and excellent coves and giant barrel waves. (Cloud 9 is an especially well-loved surf spot by both locals and tourists alike) Siargao is known as the Philippines’ surf capital drawing in surfers from all over the world, it also has a pretty cool foodie and nightlife scene. In Siargao you will find plenty of cool cafes and brunch spots during the day, and crazy beach parties that last all through the night. Beyond the beach, Siargao is also home to magical lagoons, rock pools and protected dive sites. Some of the most popular island destinations in Siargao are Naked Island, Guyam Island and Daku Island – but there’s plenty to discover here, preferably on Motor Bike.

El Nido, Palawan

Palawan is one of the most environmentally rich islands in the Philippines and El Nido is one of the most popular destinations here.

El Nido is home to plenty of magical limestone lagoons (think Leonardo Di Caprio in The Beach but better) where you can kayak or swim in. There is the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon which can only be accessed via a small cave. Seven Commandos Island is one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido – and was named after the legend of how seven Japanese commandos sought refuge on the island post World War 2.

Where to stay: El Nido Resorts

El Nido Resorts, which has the monopoly on luxe tropical accommodations offers three connected resorts here, Miniloc, Lagen and Panggaluisan – and while all three come with a hefty price tag, these all-inclusive tropical paradises are certainly well worth the splurge. When you visit any of the three resorts, you have access to the other two as well – so it’s a great deal. You also depart from a private terminal in Manila, which means you get to avoid the chaos of the airport. Plus, once you arrive – absolutely everything is included in the price, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. El Nido Resorts offer plenty of delightful activities and excursions that even include private boat trips to secluded bays and islands surrounding the resorts.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

A six hour drive away from El Nido is Puerto Princesa, which also offers plenty of beautiful beaches and is home to the Subterranean River Natural Park, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The whole part is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and here, travellers can go on an incredible underground river journey through the Saint Paul Mountain Range. Palawan is very biodiverse, and exploring the wildlife here is truly magical.

Where to Stay: Purple Fountain

Our favourite hotel in Puerto Princesa is the Purple Fountain; a quirky boutique hotel that has excellent hospitality and great food too. There is a warm ‘home-from-home’ vibe here that will quickly draw you in. It is also within quick driving distance to all of Puerto Princesa’s main attractions including the Underground River, Honda Bay and Luli, Cowrie and Starfish Islets. Plus – the adobo here cannot be missed.

Cebu, Central Visayas

Cebu is probably the second busiest city next to Metro Manila. Located in Visayas which is the central region of the Philippines, Cebu is also home to plenty of beautiful beaches and culture. When in Cebu, don’t forget to try Cebuano Lechon – which is a favourite dish whenever there is a big celebration of fiesta. A Lechon is a whole roast suckling pig with the crispiest skin you will ever taste!

Where to stay

Our favourite is Shangri-La Mactan which has been treating luxury travellers for decades and still has that magic touch.

San Juan, La Union

Another surfer favourite, San Juan La Union offers wide stretches of white sand beaches and excellent waves, attracting surfers from all over the world. La Union is just a four hour drive from Manila. The town is centred around General Luna Avenue where most of the hostels, bars and restaurants congregate. This sleepy surf town is a favourite weekend destination by Filipinos and is home to plenty of great restaurants too. We like Sabong FC, CleanBeach Co and El Union, which are some of the best coffee shops in the island.

Bohol, Central Visayas

Known for the amazing ‘Chocolate Hills’, a peculiar 50sqm group of hills that turn chocolate whenever it rains, Bohol is yet another wonderful destinations for naturae loving travellers. Bohol is extremely biodiverse and is home to the Philippine Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate. Panglao Island and Anda Island are two beautiful beaches that are home to many a luxury resort, perfect for beach-loving travellers.

Where to stay: Eskaya Beach Resort

This luxurious Filipino-style beach resort is a honeymooners’ dream. Picture thatched villas, gorgeous infinity pools and excellent Filipino hospitality. Eskaya is named after the indigenous people of Bohol and offers a uniquely Filipino stay that will surely delight.

Tagaytay, Cavite

Tagaytay is one of the most peculiar destinations in the Philippines. Just a few hours’ drive away from Metro Manila, Tagaytay is mountainside town that sits on the crater of a volcanic lake, which holds an active volcano inside of it. Taal Volcano, one of the smallest volcanoes and most active volcanoes in the Philippines, is the centrepiece of this cliffside town – which offers incredible views, great food and plenty of excellent luxury resorts.Tagaytay Highlands, an exclusive country club which is home to one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Philippines, is a main draw for the jet set of Metro Manila. Here you can enjoy indulgent spa treatments, golf amidst beautiful alpine landscapes, and plenty of family-friendly activities too.

Where to stay: Eskala

Eskala is a luxury boutique hotel that offers incredible views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. The chic, glass-fronted hotel curves around a gorgeous infinity pool – which is perfect for capturing that perfect Tagaytay selfie.

Where to eat: Antonio’s

Antonio’s Fine Dining and Antonio’s Breakfast are two of the longest-standing culinary destinations in Tagaytay. They are so good that people often drive from Manila just to have dinner or lunch there. The ambiance is old-world Filipino Glamour and the atmosphere is simply amazing. It is no wonder why Antonio’s Fine Dining is a favourite wedding venue for the Filipino elite too. Antonio’s Breakfast, its sister brunch restaurant, has one of the best breakfasts in the whole of the Philippines – and well worth the drive.

Where to Eat: Balay Dako

Part of the Antonio’s restaurant group, Balay Dako offers incredible traditional Filipino dishes with flair. Upstairs, Balay Dako also offers one of the most romantic settings and most incredible views of Taal Lake too. Plus – the prices are very reasonable.

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