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For a summer safari, the beaches of southern Mozambique are the ideal place to catch your breath, kick back & relax.
This unique retreat has 1, 2 & 3 bedroom residences & a 2-mile long house reef. Simple pleasures reign here. Surprisingly, for a resort with only 8 residences, there are three restaurants to choose from as well as in-residence brunches & beach barbecues.
This new, boutique hotel in Singapore contrasts the past & present combining a landmark building and a contemporary 5-storey structure. Built in 1936 by local philanthropist, Mr Lee Wee Nam, it was where Singapore's earliest immigrants came to send money back home - known as a remittance house.
Now, has 48 rooms split into the Heritage Wing and the Urban Wing. The 2-bedroom Heritage Suite is a superb, spacious option for families visiting the Garden City. Impressive that such a small hotel also boasts a Singapore-essential - rooftop pool with a view of the iconic . I am staying later this month, so more to follow...
I'm so pleased to be supporting the conservation work of in Asia.
For every My Native booking made this year, the company has made a contribution to their ocean recovery projects in Batam, Bintan and Thailand. The organization employs local staff, pays fairly, provides benefits and training, building a community committed to challenging the status quo. So, a huge social impact as well as the conservation focus.
As a corporate supporter, the data is impressive: I get to see specifically how many hours of employment the investment yielded, how much waste was collected, where it was collected (beach/mangrove/kampungs), and the % breakdown by material type (e.g. fishing nets, logistic packaging, tires, food wrapping etc..).
More updates on this, but 850kg is a good start! Clients can obviously make their own contributions too and see precisely how and where their funds have been spent.
All eyes on the beautiful City of Lights this evening for the opening ceremony. Excited to see how the parade will unfold on the Seine!
This island resort in the north-east corner of the Maldives is well known for its turtle population, and I was fortunate enough to see many yesterday. The real highlight of the stay was snorkelling with Manta ray; even the dive master was lost for words...
This pristine island has had many guises over the years and is now in the very safe hands of . For families, the choice of 2-bedroom villas is impressive; very practical layouts and all beautifully renovated in late 2023.
Some places are hard to leave. This 9-villa Sri Lankan retreat is one of them.
If you are seeking pure escapism, it works. As a base for exploring, it also works. For family groups, the multi bedroom colonial villas provide the space you'll need. And for head-to-toe, indulgent pampering, there are few better places to choose.
A butler is assigned to each villa who attends to everything without ever being too present. As I have found across all of Sri Lanka, there is a genuine warmth to the service that can't be taught in hospitality school.
And a final note on food. From breakfast to dinner, roti to sambal, hoppers to curries, the chefs deliver on flavour and variety. And being so close to the ocean means that ceviche and grilled lobster are menu staples.
Summer safaris are so popular with my clients this year.
One family staying in a private conservancy in Northern Kenya this week had a front row seat to these spectacular wildlife interactions. Leopards are notoriously shy and elusive, so to spot one with her cub was a highlight. And witnessing a giraffe hunt was really quite something.
Contemporary or Colonial? Which interiors would you choose? The exteriors and setting of both will please all palettes.
I'm visiting this Sri Lankan spa retreat next week. So, stay tuned for my thoughts.
'The hands-down highlight, is The Point, a spectacular circular building with a Spanish restaurant downstairs and an infinity pool with a swim-up bar upstairs. There's nowhere else to be at sunset, reclined on a beanbag, cocktail in hand, as the Maldives' paint chart of bright blues morphs into a canvas of ambers, pinks, peaches and golds'
A remarkably beautiful island with broad, white-sand beaches, a flourishing house reef and soaring coconut palms and dense jungle at its heart, this Maldivian resort is blessed in natural resources. And now in the expert hands of an absolute leader in hospitality and sustainable tourism, I can't wait to experience it myself this July.
Watch this space...👀🌴
Once considered one of the poorest slums in Java, the local government was planning to evict residents due to poor living conditions.
That was until eight students from Malang University teamed up with a local paint distributor, gathered painters and artists and gave Jodipan a fresh new look.
And so the colourful village of Kampung Warna Warni was born, bringing tourism to the area and much-needed revenue for local businesses.
A favourite stop when travelling through eastern Java...
A busy day booking a Christmas & New Year escape for a family looking for the best-value that the Caribbean can offer over the festive season. This 9-bungalow property is quintessentially Caribbean offering a stylish, low-key, familial, house-party atmosphere on a quiet stretch of the island.
'The resort is so chic, so well done. It’s happy and casual, but still elegant. The kids will run wild and largely leave you alone. You’re going to swim, walk on the beach, eat tasty, healthy food, drink a bit too much at night, and sleep in, and actually finish a book.'
Summer safaris are being discussed this week, and there is still good availability in South Africa in some of my preferred lodges & camps.
& Mozambique is a staple summer favourite & the ideal way to top off your African adventure.
Many of you are getting in touch this year to plan wildlife adventures, from Africa to Costa Rica and Sri Lanka to Indonesia.
The willdlife encounters from this lodge are described as being thrillingly untouched, and with only 10 bungalows on the 20-acre estate, I can believe it. My children and I are staying here this Easter break so stay tuned for our thoughts...
In the meantime, brings its to life...
'Spy crocodiles, turtles and swimming elephants on boat safaris. Walk through the forest guided by members of the indigenous community. For downtime, there’s a swimming pool, board games and field guides to read plus nerd yourself out in the wildlife research station'.
Happy Valentines Day 😍
This is surely one of the best rooms to hang out in with your all-time favourite person. Wouldn't you say?
Named after a Berber woman who owned the original 19th-century building, this 14-room riad has design surprises to delight around every corner...
Set on 10 acres, planted with olive groves and fragrant gardens, this Moroccan hotel has dramatic views of the red earth mountains. Nine vine-covered guesthouses have breathtaking rooftop sitting areas, private gardens and, in some cases, pools.
Greece, in my opinion, is always a sound choice.
This relatively unknown island guarantees quiet beaches, authentic tavernas, and no cruise ships on the horizon.
And this 2-bedroom, traditional townhouse is a brilliant, boutique bolthole for exploring the island's many treasures.
Morocco is in my mind & heart this morning as the death toll rises from Friday night's devastating earthquake.
Along with fellow members of , we are meeting this morning to arrange a fundraising event in London next week. More details to follow.
Presently, immediate funds are being directed to support communities in the remote rural villages where the damage seems to have been the worst. Donations are presently going to EFA - Education for All, a brilliant non-profit initiative that provides an education and boarding houses for girls from rural villages in Morocco, who previously had no access to education beyond primary school. I visited this area in 2019 and have seen first-hand the brilliant work they are doing.
To support, please donate at https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/earthquake-crisis-appeal/
It's 4 hours from Paris to Moutiers on the 'snow train' that connects the capital with the Alps. When we arrive, we'll be just a 30-minute drive from our hotel in Thrilled not to have the usual 2-3 hour drive from the airport.
So, if the journey is as much a part of the holiday as the destination for you, consider the option which best allows you to sit back & admire the view (or, in my case, catch up on work with better wifi than I have at home). And many of you are now asking us about the most energy-efficient way to travel. Well, this is one of them...🚄 💚 🌎
I'll be sloping off to the brand-new this week too so watch this space...
This is one of our favourite islands to visit for a day of snorkelling & ocean time when you're staying in Bali...
Our Summer months are the best time to visit.
Happy 8th December from my own front door.
It has been and continues to be a period of recovery for the industry globally. More so than ever, my brilliant partners have innovated, supported and collaborated to rekindle the passion, raise the sector up and enhance the customer experience. I have been astounded by the initiatives, sense of community and resilience on my travels to all corners of the globe this year.
Wishing you all a fabulous festive time with your nearest & dearest, and a healthy & prosperous 2023.
Happy 1st December! 🎁
This month, we'll be sharing a daily advent offer from our favourite hotels, lodges & resorts around the world.
Today's advent door takes us to Morocco, the outskirts of Marrakech - just a 4-hour flight from London and a very easy transfer on arrival. We currently have a 'Stay 7, Pay 5' offer for all stays at this sublime resort until the end of October 2023. Favourite times to visit? Our Spring & Autumn months...
'We loved every minute of it and the pace was absolutely perfect. It had culture, adventure, fun and relaxation...'
Such wonderful feedback from a lovely family who spent October half-term exploring the many wonders of Jordan.
Getting away for a quiet week away right before the busy festive season kicks off is such a fabulous idea in our opinion.
Even more so when there's a 4-for-3 offer on stays until 23rd December. Winter sun guaranteed regardless of whether you've been naughty or nice this year...
It's been a while since we've planned a Canadian Summer adventure, and this one is truly spectacular...🇨🇦
Known as the Canadian Galapagos, this remote, wild set of islands provides an experience like no other. The family's brief is to focus on adventure & wildlife over anything else and Haida Gwaii delivers both in bucketfuls.
They'll also be heading into the Rockies, spending a few nights on Vancouver island and ending up on the beaches of Hawaii - an easy, 6-hour direct flight from Vancouver. 🌊
'St Barths isn’t short of hotels attuned to guests’ glitzy nightlife needs, but if you’re a family looking for a resort that will cater to your every whim or a wellness-minded couple craving some privacy and a total reset, this is the place for you'
The French-Caribbean island of St Barths popped up this week in a late Christmas booking. This is an island that offers more than just a fly & flop Caribbean resort holiday. You'll definitely want to hire a jeep for your stay, explore the beaches, dine out at beach clubs & restaurants, and peruse the island's markets, galleries & boutiques...
I first visited the island 15 years ago and fell in love with the mix of French sophistication & Caribbean ease. This 22-suite property is a new addition to the breezy, bijou island and one worth a serious look.
One & two bedroom pool villas are scattered on the hillside, all with brilliant ocean views. Breakfast will be delivered to the terrace of your suite each morning and there's a relaxed Beach Club & fine-dining restaurant on-site too, as well as two swimming pools, a small spa & gym and a Surf Shack.
There's a new kid on the block in Swedish Lapland and she's pretty spectacular.
We know this corner of Sweden well so get in touch if you're interested in an experience like no other this Winter...❄️
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This week is all about Greece, and finding the right Summer villa for a lovely family of 5... Unusually, there are some great discounts this month on July & August stays in a few of our favourite Greek resorts too.
After a week road-testing Sri Lanka's national parks and ecolodges (more on those in this week's newsletter), we've arrived on the south coast. And what a place...
Our Easter escapes couldn't be more varied this year. Toughest decision for our clients staying at this Sri Lankan resort is which pool to swim in each day...
And easily combined with a day or a few nights in the Atlas Mountains for a break from the surf...
Your departure from this lodge consists of a thrilling 3.5-hour adventure on the Pacuare River’s most stunning stretch of water and class III and IV rapids. Pass through steep canyons draped in waterfalls and lush rainforest teeming with wildlife...
Where the hardest decision you'll make is whether to book a Beachfront or Hillside Villa...
Komodo is the summer location in Indonesia to enjoy a very special private charter for wild encounters and underwater experiences, combined with Sumba, the land of the Indonesian cowboys. Embark on a Journey Beyond the Ordinary, Where Dragons Roam Free and Cowboys Ride the Golden Shores of Southeast Asia's Hidden Gem. Cruise the Komodo National Park, where you can witness the Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat. Enjoy deserted island vibes with a picnic lunch on a secluded beach. All from board a luxury private chartered Phinisi liveaboard providing luxury accommodation each night at a different location.
Kenya: you think you know it: diverse landscapes, amazing wildlife sightings and the friendliest people on earth. But also plenty of other people to share it with. Not so, if you head north! Laikipia is the Maasai Mara’s older, and much cooler, big brother. With huge private conservancies, filled with wildlife and stunning properties, it’s a ‘must add’ to any itinerary. Our favourite camp here offers guests the chance to join in with a number of ongoing conservation activities, such as joining River Rangers on a patrol along the Timau river, tree wrapping projects and horse riding with Lolldaiga mounted ranger patrols. All this, in addition to spotting the big 5…
Four villas & a Lodge set admist vineyards and orchards, yet only a 5-minute walk into Franschhoek. With a team of chefs, the cuisine is dynamic and fresh, from local-style ‘braais’ to laden breakfast tables, personalised picnics, private dining and select Shared Table evenings.
Busy planning a Summer vacation to Peru for some repeat clients. And this property on the north coast is such a favourite.
It's hard to find a quiet, secluded spot in the Caribbean. This estate's four acres feels like another world: the sort of place where you and your clan can forget about everything but each other and the exquisite surroundings. Sleeping up to 28, there is plenty to keep you busy from watersports to swimming in the bay, three swimming pools complete with waterslide, tennis, pickleball courts & a spa.
'It’s hard not to over-emphasise just how little other London hotels can touch what Raffles has been lucky enough to tap into here. Historically, the building has perched at the very hub of establishment.' If you like your hotels to have a touch of history to them, look no further than the newly opened @raffleslondon.theowo . The former War Office now houses private residences and Raffles London - which itself offers 9 destination restaurants, 3 bars, a sublime Guerlain spa and a 20-metre indoor pool. There is a choice of historical suites & more contemporary rooms. And our preferential rates mean that you'll receive the best value packages and perks too...
Fresh oysters with amalfi lemons, poolside @veduraresortsicily - perfezionare 👌🏼
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Designing and delivering exceptional travel experiences, with local know-how.
At My Native we take care of all your travel requirements and provide in-depth local knowledge to ensure your holiday is unique and perfectly suited to you. Whether you are a family in need of reliable childcare options (and the holy grail of some ‘me time’), a couple looking for a dreamy, romantic setting, or a group of friends on an adventure, we are here to help.
