Reviews

Freycinet Experience Walk and Who it’s for

Freycinet Experience Walk is an excellent multi-day walking tour (small groups max 10) taking in some of the most awe-inspiring terrain of Tasmania, ideal for budding botanists, bird & wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers will be right at home here as well as those wanting to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and explore the rich history of the area, follow the tracks of local aborigines tribes, explorers, settlers and other lucky bushwalkers.

Only a short drive from both Da Nang International Airport and nearby the historic town of Hoi An, a well preserved 15th century trading town in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, you will find Fusion Maia, this stylish all-inclusive spa holiday provides the perfect refuge to de-stress after a long month of business travel and deliver the healthy kick start I had been looking for.

Golden Door and who’s it for?

Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia is located in the beautiful NSW Hunter Valley. Featuring 74 villas this exceptional property is the only purpose built destination health retreat in Australia. Offering Healthy Lifestyle Weekend taster and longer stays ranging from three to seven nights all structured to deliver a holistic wellness experience. Healthy delicious meals are taken together ideal for the solo traveller who wishes to connect with others and attendees range from 25 through to 65+ all with their own unique reason for heading to the Golden Door from major life events, kick-starting their well-being, improving fitness or simply to take a healthy spa break, the program and classes are catered to all.

What is Samahita and who’s it for?

Samahita, which is Sanskrit for centered, has its origins in New York in the 1990s where founder Paul Dallaghan established Centered Yoga and was exploring all elements of yoga, meditation, spirituality, health, nutrition, alternative living and more. This journey continued through India and Thailand, where along co-founder Jutima Chombhubutr they established the early Samahita, well known simply as Yoga Thailand, in 2003.

Travel Specialist Samantha recently spent three nights at eco-luxe Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood, Thailand and this is her snapshot review…

Soneva Kiri is a luxe barefoot tropical island destination, catering best to families and groups of friends traveling together. A short 90-minute private 8-seater plane ride from Bangkok. The journey is smooth with an exciting landing on a short 850m strip on an adjacent island from which you will take a 5 minute speed boat ride to the jetty.

Located on the North East coast of Bali, is the secluded haven of Spa Village Tembok around 3 hours by luxury transfer presents the ideal opportunity to experience the ever changing Balinese scenery and to take many photos; with your own private tour guide.

What is THE BARAI and who’s it for?

THE BARAI is a luxury spa and wellness destination in Hua Hin, Thailand, set across 4.5 acres of pristine beachfront land and now offering a range of healthy lifestyle programs, perfect for a solo wellness adventure, a luxury healthy honeymoon or even an active family escape as adjoining is the Hyatt Regency and guests have access across both properties. Watch my video review here.

Tell us about the resort – what makes The BodyHoliday special?

The BodyHoliday is a luxury all-inclusive wellness holiday located on the tropical island of St Lucia. It’s been on my wish list for over 5 years and so I was very excited when I had the opportunity to visit. From Australia it’s a long way, however we suggest breaking up the trip with some time in the US or other nearby islands and stay there for at least a week. There are direct flights from the UK and for that reason you’ll find that most of the other guests are British with a mix of guests from Canada and the US as well.

Not far from the hustle and bustle of Manila, you will find yourself at The Farm at San Benito, 90 kilometres from the International airport. Entering the grounds is like entering another realm, time slows and it's all about you, and your well-being.

Travel Specialist Samantha spent 48 hours at luxury 5-star hotel, COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives and this is her snapshot review…

When I daydream I imagine COMO Maalifushi, set on a tropical island, surrounded by white sand and stunning aqua blue waters it is easily accessible from Male via a short seaplane flight, which is a bucket list item itself. The resort offers a 44m free-form pool, COMO Shambhala spa, open air yoga pavilion, water sports centre, dive centre, boutique and library. Three restaurants and fruit and vegetables are locally sourced or grown in the onsite gardens and bottled water is recycled. Transport around the island is mainly by bicycle, which guests can collect shortly after arriving.

Tell us about the resort – what makes Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort special?

Located on a hillside on the southern coast of Phuket, Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort is a small unique property, independently run by a family that gives it a personal, homey touch, allowing you to fully relax.

Travel Specialist Samantha spent 48 hours at luxury 5 star property, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa on a recent trip to Bali and this is her snapshot review…

Travel Specialist Samantha spent 72 hours at Phuket Cleanse and this is her snapshot review…

Less than an hour from Phuket airport is a health and fitness haven Phuket Cleanse, owned by husband and wife team Stanton and Melanie Proctor. The private retreat is situated on a private property with 18 rooms split across three blocks. Each room is air-conditioned and optimised for sleep and features either a king-sized or twin beds, bathroom, fan, towels, and organic toiletries.

Como Point Yamu is undeniably luxurious and sits in one of Phuket's more serene areas, just 25 minutes from the International airport. With the emphasis on wellness that the COMO brand is famous for, the vibe is electric and tranquil at the same time, expect top quality service with just 79 rooms, including 50 suites.

Here you can enjoy complimentary daily classes, as well as the luxurious Shambhala spa and cuisine if you choose or opt to dine on divine Italian fare or heavenly Thai cuisine. The perfect destination for a short break, a luxury healthy honeymoon or if you like to begin the day with yoga and watch the sunset over cocktails!

A modern twist on the traditional Balinese hotels, COMO Uma Ubud is a tranquil haven on the edge of the bustling village, just an hour away from Denpasar International airport and 5 minutes from the city centre you will find the 46 contemporary rooms, suites and villas, poised on the side of the lush green Tjampuhan Valley, the Uma Pool Villas offer mesmerising views to the river below. All rooms are elegantly decorated and infused with the signature scent of eucalyptus and peppermint complemented by the softness of lavender and geranium. It’s perfect for a solo spa retreat or an indulgent healthy honeymoon.

I was very excited about visiting SHA Wellness Clinic to rejuvenate and energise for a few days in Spain. It's making quite a name for itself and with regular visits from the likes of Kylie Minogue, Simon Cowell and Naomi Campbell, it seems everybody wants to reap the rewards from coming here.

Located in the untouched south of Mauritius, set in a tranquil bay on a curving lagoon of white sand Shanti Maurice is the ideal holiday destination to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. With a choice of many other luxury resorts in Mauritius, I considered myself lucky to have found this gem of a place.

Located in the untouched south of Mauritius, set in a tranquil bay on a curving lagoon of white sand Shanti Maurice is the ideal holiday destination to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. With a choice of many other luxury resorts in Mauritius, I considered myself lucky to have found this gem of a place.

If you were to dream up the ultimate sporting playground and transport it to an idyllic setting among the palms and rubber trees of Thailand, Thanyapura Phuket should come pretty close to your vision. Thanyapura Phuket is a 23-hectare athlete's playground, catering to world-class competitors, weekend warriors, school children and everyone in between and it is well on its way to becoming Asia's premier sporting hub.