On this episode of Travel Writers Radio, I had the opportunity to chat about – Sri Lanka – one of my favourite destinations with Graeme Kemlo. I was lucky enough to return to Sri Lanka in March on a famil with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau for the #sosrilanka campaign in a kaleidoscope of curry, tuk-tuks, elephants, dancers, Ayurveda, more curry and dancers and plenty of Sri Lankan hospitality.
My first foray into radio, chatting with the delightful Graeme Kemlo on Travel Writers Radio about our incredible mega-famil with the Sands Resorts Macao in Macao for the #ReDiscoverMacao campaign. No glam required for radio, just wonderful memories of our stay at The Londoner, the Vegas-inspired Cotai Strip and Macao’s unique mix of Europe-meets-China culture.
Often considered the Vegas of China, Macao holds so much more charm than its casinos and gambling escapades. From the extravagant Cotai strip to Macao’s distinct cuisine and traditions, you will be amazed at the range of things to do in Macao. I first visited 20 years ago and was impressed by the Portuguese influence back then.
I was even more captivated when I returned for the Sands Lifestyle #ReDiscoverMacao 2023 Familiarisation campaign with almost 150 travel professionals from around the world. I was thrilled to discover the new developments have been built on reclaimed land, preserving Macao’s unique heritage across the historic peninsula and the islands of Taipa, Coloane and Cotai.
Like a jewel dropped into the ocean, Sri Lanka sparkles bright, especially when you have these 10 unforgettable things to do in Sri Lanka. Once named Serendip, then Ceylon, the tear-drop isle might be compact in size, but it heaves with beautiful beaches, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, tea plantations, wildlife, dance, gems, spice, jungles, ancient wonders, Ayurveda and kilo-watt smiles every which way.
With the streets lined with Ayurveda spas, and I thought it was time to take my wellness journey up a notch with a stay in an Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka. But I must confess, I was anxious about my stay in an Ayurveda retreat. I really like espressos, I don’t take kindly to being told what to eat and nor do I enjoy the taste of medicine. I wasn’t entirely on board with the vegetarian menu either during my stay at an Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka, unlike my neighbour pictured below.
One of the oldest forms of holistic healing in the world, Ayurveda promotes natural beauty, positive health and a long life. Sri Lanka heaves with Ayurveda practitioners, and treatments vary from wandering into a centre for a relaxing massage to an intensive stay at an Ayurvedic retreat in Sri Lanka where you’ll be revived physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Receiving an Ayurveda treatment is a life-changing experience for the body, mind and soul – but be prepared to have your Western sensitivities challenged, as I discovered on a recent trip to an Ayurveda spa in Sri Lanka.
Some of Sri Lanka’s best elephant safaris and beaches can be found in the south of this magical tear-shaped island. Foreigners, burquas, and children bob along to the rhythm of boats along the curvaceous bay of Unawatuna. The scents of coconut oil, incense, diesel, sunscreen, salt, and curry flirt with abandon in the gentle breeze. The idyllic scene is complete with swaying palm trees and sauntering bikini-clad bodies glistening in the humidity.
Teeming with food, bars, shopping, wildlife, day spas and swanky hotels, Singapore has all the vices covered. The diamond-shaped compact metropolis may be deemed unadventurous for the intrepid traveller but is ideal for swooning lovers looking for fun date ideas in Singapore.
A verdant checkerboard of rice paddies and lush expanses, Ubud has staked its claim as the spiritual and artistic capital of Bali. About an hour from the airport, give or take a thousand or so motorbikes, twisty bends and road work delays, you’ll relish in the tranquillity and these unique places to stay in Ubud, Bali.
