Beyond the Ordinary

The Seychelles is made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of East Africa. While most people picture its famous beaches and clear blue waters, there’s a wilder, more remote side beyond the main islands that few get to see. Here, you’ll find rare wildlife, peaceful isolation, and creative conservation efforts that make for a truly unique adventure. Island Diversity & Geography The Outer Islands, such as Alphonse, Cosmoledo, and Astove, are coral atolls and sandy cays located far from the main islands. You can only reach them by small plane or boat, so getting there is [...]

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Now that the holidays are winding down, it’s a good time to start thinking about your travel plans for 2026. If you enjoy places that are authentic, peaceful, and full of character, this is a great moment to start dreaming and planning. What’s the most unusual destination you’ve ever visited? Many of us dream of seeing more of the world, but planning a trip to a less familiar destination can feel overwhelming. That’s why we often return to places we know and feel comfortable in. There’s nothing wrong with that! France and Italy, [...]

Japan has a word for hospitality that goes far beyond good service. Omotenashi is a deeply rooted cultural value — a quiet, anticipatory care for guests that finds its origins in the ancient tea ceremony. It’s not about rules or expectations; it’s about making people feel welcome without asking for anything in return. When I travelled across Japan with my husband, we encountered omotenashi everywhere. In Nikko, the owner of a beautifully designed traditional house  ( an architect by profession )came to pick us up in his original Fiat Panda. Later, in a traditional family home in the Japanese Alps, we [...]