This week, we headed to Copenhagen Fashion Week, our first fashion week since 2022, and it was great to be back. We spent a whirlwind 72 hours reconnecting with friends of the brand, meeting new faces, and teasing our upcoming AW collection to content creators, press, stylists and tastemakers, alongside a packed schedule of meetings and events across the city. In between it all, we managed to eat, shop and explore as much as we could.

Here’s everywhere we stayed, ate and shopped throughout fashion week.

Where we stayed

Bella Grande Hotel was home for the trip and the perfect base for a busy few days in the city, it was also where we showcased our AW collection. Its nostalgic, characterful interiors made for a beautiful backdrop for the new season pieces.

Where we shopped

No RIXO trip would be complete without a little vintage hunting. The city has an incredible second-hand scene, and Copenhagen Fashion Week offered us the perfect excuse to spend every spare moment we could browsing its vintage stores.

A few of the team’s favourites were Episode, Bakkekilde, Paloma Vintage, Time’s Up Vintage and Kobenhavn K.

Where we ate

First up: Donna, an Italian restaurant that more than lived up to the hype. The food was incredible, and if you’re going, the ragù pasta and truffle pasta are must-haves.

A dinner at Delphine transported us to a bustling taverna on a sun-soaked island, with Mediterranean-inspired interiors, a lively atmosphere and a menu designed for sharing. We ordered family-style and would especially recommend the prawns and Greek salad.

And then there was the famous Gasoline Grill. We couldn’t come to Copenhagen without trying the city’s famous burgers, and they did not disappoint. The burgers were great, but the salty, crinkle chips stole the show.

Not technically a food recommendation, but we loved taking a wander around the infamous Nyhavn at sunset. With its colourful waterfront buildings, boats lining the harbour and buzzing atmosphere, it feels so quintessentially Copenhagen. We’d really recommend adding it to your visit, there are plenty of great bars along the harbour where you can grab a drink and people watch.

Breakfast and Coffee

We were lucky enough to start one of our mornings at The Roe Bar with a breakfast hosted by Who What Wear. Think classic Danish breakfast plates, excellent coffee and plenty of familiar faces from across the industry.

For something a little more grab-and-go, we also made several trips to Hart Bageri for its famously good buns. A Copenhagen essential, and exactly what you need when you’re rushing between shows, meetings and appointments.

Next Time

As we suspected, we left Copenhagen with a longer list of places we didn’t manage to get to than places we did.

La Banchina was high on our list but didn’t quite make it into the itinerary this time. It’s a Copenhagen institution where you can eat, drink and swim, which sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening, especially during August Fashion Week.

Esmée also came highly recommended by lots of the Copenhagen locals, so that’s firmly on the list for next time.

Until Next Time

We left Copenhagen Fashion Week feeling inspired and already excited to come back. It has a certain warmth and welcoming energy that make it feel unlike any other fashion week on the calendar.

Between reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones, discovering new brands and vintage stores, and eating our way around the city, it was a trip for the books.

See you next season, Copenhagen!

After finishing a work trip in Los Angeles in late May, my husband joined me and we set off on the California road trip we'd been wanting to do for years. We started the trip by flying from LAX to Reno, Nevada, hiring a car and making the beautiful drive over to Lake Tahoe. The rest of our trip included Yosemite and more time in LA, but Tahoe was, without question, our favourite stop.

We were incredibly lucky to be staying with family in their holiday home in Tahoe City, which meant we got to experience the lake from a local’s point of view and see a side of Tahoe that many visitors might miss. It was one of those places that completely exceeded every (high) expectation I had.

The natural beauty here is breathtaking, the water is so impossibly clear that it looks like glass, reflecting the surrounding mountains so perfectly that it almost doesn’t look real. We visited over Memorial Day weekend, and despite it being the unofficial start of summer, the mountains were still dusted with snow, creating the most stunning scenery alongside the deep blue lake.

One of my favourite parts of the trip was walking through the California State Parks that border the lake. We’d wander for hours, often without seeing another person, and it really felt like untouched wilderness.

Because we were staying with family, I don’t have any hotel recommendations to share this time. But for everything else I’d recommend, please keep reading.

Where To Eat

• Shady Side – Our favourite meal in Tahoe. A really vibey Mexican restaurant with delicious food and a great atmosphere.

• Sunnyside – Set right on the lake, this is the perfect spot for dinner at sunset. Beautiful views and a relaxed family atmosphere.

• West Shore Market – A lovely local deli with excellent produce. We picked up sandwiches and picnic bits here for lunch on the lakeside beach.

• Christy Hill Restaurant – We only stopped here for drinks, but the views from the terrace overlooking the lake are stunning. I’d recommend coming here for sundowners.

  

  

Things To Do

• Hire a boat – If there’s one thing I would say you have to do in Tahoe, it’s hire a boat. We rented ours from Tahoe Marine Supply, and it was hands down my favourite thing we did in Tahoe. Seeing the lake from the water is something really special and we had so much fun tubing and wakeboarding.

• Sunrise swims - Jet lag worked in our favour and the sunrise swims were another huge highlight of the trip.

• Spend a day by the lake – Some of our favouite moments … family, lake swims and picnics in the sunshine, what could be better!

• Walk in the California State Parks – Peaceful trails, beautiful scenery and, when we visited, and not another soul in sight. Sadly no bears but sightings here are common, so keep your eyes peeled!

• Visit Truckee – On the drive between Reno Airport and Lake Tahoe, stop in at Truckee. It’s a little historic town with a beautifully preserved 19th-century downtown.

Top Tips

• Hire a car. You’ll definitely want one for getting around the lake, and both the drive in from Reno and the road out to Yosemite are incredibly scenic.

• Reservations - Make sure you eat early - us Europeans are used to a 9pm dinner reservation on holiday, but everyone here eats at 6pm!

If you’re planning a California itinerary, I’d recommend starting in Tahoe before heading on to Yosemite and then the coast. It was the perfect way to start the trip for us, and ended up being our favourite stop of the road trip. We can’t wait to return!

Until next time!

Josie x

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Why it’s worth flying for:

I first came across Jnane Rumi on Instagram (thank you, algorithm), where I discover most of my travel destinations. I immediately saved it to a folder for future trip inspiration. From the pictures and videos I saw, I immediately knew it was somewhere I’d love. It sits within the Palmeraie, Marrakech’s enormous 1,000-year-old palm grove, an area filled with private villas and estates (with Cristiano Ronaldo’s estate supposedly just next door). Despite feeling completely secluded, it’s only around a 15-minute drive from the Medina, which suited us perfectly. We could spend a few hours exploring the souks etc before retreating somewhere peaceful during the hot afternoons,

The hotel has just 12 rooms, spread across the main house and several beautiful outbuildings, giving it an incredibly intimate, boutique feel. More than anything, staying here felt like having your own impossibly beautiful private villa, but with all the benefits and service of a world-class hotel. It would also be the most incredible place to host a private celebration or event.

The design is breathtaking. Every room is beautifully curated, the interiors effortlessly blend traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary design, and the gardens are some of the most perfectly landscaped I’ve ever seen. Everywhere you look feels chic and thoughtfully put together.

The food was another highlight. Every meal was exceptional, and the service incredible. We visited during the summer, when Marrakech is quieter than the popular spring and autumn months, and were incredibly lucky to be upgraded to one of the hotel’s top suites, Shams. It meant we experienced the hotel at its most personal, with almost one-to-one service throughout our stay.

Our suite was spectacular, with a huge terrace overlooking the gardens, an enormous bathroom and a beautiful freestanding roll-top bath. The whole team were warm and welcoming, and having the manager available via WhatsApp for anything we needed made everything feel seamless and incredibly slick.

Although not cheap - rooms start from around €385 per night, I genuinely think it’s worth it for a special occasion. The combination of the setting, design, food and hospitality made Jnane Rumi one of my favourite hotels to date.

Peaceful, stunningly beautiful and intimate in a way that very few luxury hotels manage to achieve. We left already talking about when we could return, and dreaming of hiring the whole thing for a big birthday celebration with friends and family.

The only downside? I think Jnane Rumi may have ruined hotels for me. I honestly can't imagine finding another place that captures everything I look for in a dream stay quite so perfectly.

As always, thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to subscribe if you’re not already, and share it with someone who might be planning a trip to Marrakech.

Until next time,

Josie x

So, with that in mind, here are the 10 luxury hotels currently sitting at the very top of my bucket list. Hopefully they provide a little inspiration for your own future travels.

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1. Jnane Rumi, Marrakech, Morocco

Hidden within Marrakech's palm groves, Jnane Rumi looks more like a private estate than a hotel. The combination of earthy Moroccan design, art-filled interiors and lush gardens makes it look impossibly chic. Better still, it's close enough to the Medina to experience Marrakech at its most chaotic, before retreating to a perfect, peaceful oasis.

Image Credit - Conde Nast Traveller

2. AndBeyond, Kenya

If it were possible to dedicate an entire hotel wish list purely to AndBeyond properties, I would. After spending part of our honeymoon at AndBeyond Ngala in December 2025, I can say with absolute certainty that they are the best hotel group I’ve travelled with. The service was exceptional, the attention to detail unmatched, and that’s before even mentioning the wildlife sightings.

The challenge now is deciding where to go next, but one of their Kenyan properties feels like the obvious choice. Few travel experiences compare to a safari, and I'm already dreaming of getting back out on a game drive.

Image Credit - AndBeyond

3. Aman Tokyo, Japan

Few hotels have achieved the cult status of Aman Tokyo. Sitting high above the city, the minimalist design, enormous suites and sweeping skyline views make it one of the most iconic urban hotels in the world, not to mention, that pool!

Image Credit - Aman

4. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India

I fell hard for India when I first visited in 2015 and have been lucky enough to return twice since. Udaipur remains one of the destinations I'm eager to visit, with the Taj Lake Palace sitting firmly at the top of my hotel wish list for the trip.

Set in the middle of Lake Pichola and only accessible by boat, the former royal palace appears to float on the water. A stay here would feel totally unique and magical!

Image Credit - Taj Hotels

5. Six Senses Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Thailand has no shortage of beautiful resorts, but this is the one I keep coming back to and saving on Instagram. Perched among the jungle with uninterrupted views of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts, it feels peaceful, tropical and stylish. A perfect choice for some winter sun!

Image Credit - Conde Nast Traveller

6. Nekajui, Costa Rica

Costa Rica will always have a special place in my heart. I spent time backpacking there when I was 18 and have wanted to return ever since.

Nekajui recently found its way onto my radar after appearing on Riley Harper’s Substack. Perched above the coastline in Guanacaste, it looks like the sort of place that captures the magic and wild nature of Costa Rica, just with considerably better accommodation than my gap year days.

Image Credit - Forbes

7. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hawaii

Every photo I’ve seen of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay looks almost insanely beautiful. Set above Kauai’s famous Hanalei Bay, the hotel blends sustainability, wellness and some of the best views in Hawaii. The 1 Hotel Group really nail it, and having only visited their city properties previously, this beachside hotel is seriously high on the wish list.

Image Credit - Conde Nast Traveller

8. Kokomo Private Island, Fiji

If heaven on earth really did exist, I’d imagine it looks something like Kokomo. Set on a private island surrounded by Fiji’s Great Astrolabe Reef, the resort combines insanely turquoise water, beachfront villas and the kind of barefoot luxury I love.

Image Credit - Kokomo Private Island

9. NIHI Sumba, Indonesia

NIHI Sumba has spent years appearing on lists of the world's best hotels, and it's easy to see why. Between the empty beaches, surf breaks, wild horses and effortless luxury, it's the sort of place that would be worth every second of the long journey to get there!

Image Credit - Nihi Sumba

10. Soneva Jani, Maldives

Perhaps an obvious choice, and call me basic, but I genuinely can’t think of anything better than waking up in a water villa, opening the bedroom roof to the stars and launching myself down a private slide into the Indian Ocean. Some bucket-list hotels become obvious choices for a reason.

Image Credit - Michelin Guide

I’m fortunate enough to already have one of these amazing hotels booked for 2026, the only question is which one gets booked next? I’m curious to know, what’s on your hotel bucket list? I’m keen to add to my ever growing list!

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During our trip, I picked up the Portuguese phrase “sem pressa”—“no rush”, and it couldn’t feel more fitting for this incredible place, which has earned its place as one of my favourite summer destinations in Europe.

Where To Eat

Beach Restaurants

• JNcQUOI Beach Club

• Sublime Beach

• Restaurant Sal

• Comporta Cafe

Restaurants

• JNcQUOI Deli - Our favourite dinner, amazing interiors and completely faultless food.

• Cavalarica - High quality, local ingredients and great atmosphere set in old stables, but on the more expensive side.

• Jacare - Laid back pizza restaurant with trendy setting and vibes.

• Quinta Comporta Hotel Restaurant - Also great for a sundowner.

• Almo - A great spot for coffee and brunch in Comporta town.

Cavalarica

JNcQUOI Beach Club

JNcQUOI Deli

Sublime Beach Restaurant

Where To Stay

• Quinta Da Comporta Hotel - Where we stayed and absolutely loved, ‘Hotels To Fly For’ review coming.

• Sublime Comporta Hotel

• Independente Comporta - Recommended by my friend Katie as a perfect stay for families owing to the private villas and pools but use of hotel facilities including amazing breakfast and daily cleaning.

Quinta Da Comporta Hotel

Things To Do

• Shopping in Comporta - We loved Casada Da Cultura (a great indoor market) and Lavando (more high end but gorgeous womenswear, menswear and homeware).

• Gomes Deli - Worth a mooch - a really cute local deli with great produce in Comporta town.

• Surfing - Surf in Comporta

• Horse Riding - Cavalos Na Areia

Gomes Deli

Top Tips

• Hire a car - Comporta town and the main beach clubs are around a 10 minute drive from each other.

• From speaking with locals, it seems May and September are the ideal time to go. Apparently in July and August there are mega crowds, difficulty getting reservations and also lots of mosquitos.

Until next time!

Josie x

I’m incredibly lucky to have grown up spending my summers at my parents’ home in Mallorca. Years of returning to the island have meant that I’ve built up a long list of recommendations along the way. So here we have it - my favourite restaurants in Mallorca.

1. Wellies, Puerto Portals

A Puerto Portals classic, Wellies always has a great atmosphere. It’s a spot we find ourselves returning to again and again, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a more dressed-up dinner. The terrace is perfect for people watching (and there’s always plenty to see in Portals!), and the menu is great.

Food To Fly For - Garlic Prawns to start and the Thai Sea Bass for main

2. Hotel Bendinat, Bendinat

Chic, chic, chic!! A very special place to us, and where we stayed when we got married in Mallorca last year. Bendinat Hotel is the kind of place you almost don’t want to share, lest it lose it’s magic! The terrace is perfect for a long lunch or sunset dinner. Make sure you ask for a seat on the front row (not guaranteed), and arrive early for a drink on the terrace at the front of the hotel, the views from both are amazing!

Food To Fly For - Any of the paellas!

3. Hotel Corazon, Soller

Insane interiors, great service, delicious food and a properly cool, laid-back atmosphere. Tucked away in the hills above Sóller, it still feels like a hidden gem so get there asap. Perfect for a long, slow lunch or sundowners and dinner on a summer evening.

Food To Fly For - House Made Hummus and Beef Smash Burger

4. El Camino and El Caminito, Palma

Two of our absolute favourites in Palma. El Camino is a lively, counter-style tapas spot where you perch up and watch everything being prepared in front of you, always a fun, buzzy atmosphere and incredible food. El Caminito, its newly opened, smaller sister, is slightly more intimate but just as good. Expect incredible Spanish small plates done perfectly.

Food To Fly For - The Tomato Bread and Burrata and Pea Salad in El Caminito and Courgette Goats Cheese Flowers and Scallops in El Camino

5. Flanigan, Puerto Portals

Another Puerto Portals institution, Flanigan has been around since the 80s and my family has been going since the 90s, we once sat next to the King of Spain in here! It’s got a classic, slightly old-school feel and the setting and food are amazing. Slightly more expensive, so a good one for a special occasion.

Food To Fly For - Hake Bites to start and grilled Sea Bass for main

6. Izizi Nunak, Port Ixol

Port Ixol is a small fishing port in the bay of Palma, it has lots of bars and restaurants dotted along the beach front and is well worth a visit if you’re in the south of the island. We love Izizi Nunak because of the Asian inspired menu and amazing sunset views from the terrace.

Food To Fly For - Japanese Crispy Prawns

7. Cappucino, Puerto Portals

You’ll find the Cappucino group all over the island, great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Definitely not my favourite food wise, but the absolute best people watching spot for a pre / post dinner cockail, the vibes are great. Also visit the Valdemossa branch for breakfast and an explore before the crowds!

Food To Fly For - The sushi is really great, thanks to its sister restaurant, Tahini next door. And whilst, not technically a food recco - the frozen strawberry daquiris here are great!

8. Spot, Palma

(photo courtesy of the Spot Instagram page)

Just as good for a big group as it is for a couples date night, this restaurant in the heart of Santa Catalina is a great pre night out spot. A mixed cuisine with Spanish influence, we love to share lots of dishes in the middle but it’s suited to individual meals too.

Food To Fly For - Tortita with Bluefin Tuna, Patatas Bravas and a Spicy Marg!

Lots more Mallorca tips coming your way, but for any further questions, please leave a comment below.

Besos,

Josie x

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Why it’s worth flying for:

I came across The Hotel while in another of my trip planning research holes and it immediately stood out. It felt like exactly the kind of stay this Substack was set up to promote: the mid-range sweet spot between luxury and budget, a stunning, small, hidden gem hotel, without the luxury price tag.

The design is very simple, with neutral tones and a clean aesthetic. There is one restaurant and bar, set on the beach, with a lounge area inside the hotel and a pool connecting the two.

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The location works really well, you are close to some of the main surf spots and within easy reach of all the restaurants and cafés that have made the surf town Ahangama such a great place to visit. The hotel itself is a calm oasis to sit and have a sundowner whilst watching the surfers on the Sion Peak surf break, just in front of the The Hotel.

The food is a standout, everything we had was really good - fresh, simple, and the kind of menu where you keep defaulting back to eating in even when you have said you will try somewhere new. My personal favourite was the hand-made açai bowl for breakfast.

It is family run, and all of the staff were great. There are not many rooms, so everything feels quite personal. The whole place has a relaxed, barefoot luxury feel, and the service reflected that, friendly, attentive, and low key.

We were there over New Year and they put on a really fun party, which added to the whole experience. The DJ and party were amazing, and in keeping with the vibe of the hotel, the dancing was bare foot in the sand … bliss!

We actually stayed in two different rooms during our time there as we got upgraded part way through to a junior suite, which was an added bonus. We started in a ground floor room that was huge and opened straight onto the beach - an amazing morning coffee spot. Then we moved upstairs to a higher room with a balcony and an amazing sea view, which was different but equally as good. Across both, the rooms follow the same approach as the rest of the hotel, simple, and stylish, with great balconies and outdoor space. If I were to choose, I’d say a higher room is better as you get more privacy, despite the fact you could step out onto the sand in the ground floor room.

If we went back, we would try to book one of the penthouse rooms. The wraparound terrace and bathtub look especially amazing (check out their instagram for more pictures)!

They also have surf and yoga on offer if you want it, which we enjoyed. Rooms are roughly in the £120 to £180 per night range depending on the time of year, which feels like a good price for the setting, staff, food and general vibe.

In summary - a laid back, stylish and luxurious stay on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Perfect for surfers, or those who enjoy soaking up the laid-back, good vibes that surf towns have to offer, whilst keeping their feet firmly on the sand.

As always, thanks for reading. If you liked what you read, don’t forget to subscribe if you’re not already, and share this post with someone you think might enjoy it.

Keep an eye out for my next ‘Hotels To Fly For’, featuring our second stop in Ahangama - The Palm Hotel. Trust me you won’t want to miss this one!

Share To Fly For | Josie M

This was a nine day road trip through the south of France, but I wanted to separate this first part to show just how easily you could recreate a similar experience with only a weekend, and still fit in some of the very best of Provence.

We flew into Marseille, hired a car, and drove straight into the Vaucluse region to begin. For context, over the course of the full road trip, we visited Oppède-le-Vieux, Gordes, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence.

This post focuses on the first part of the trip, based in the Vaucluse region and will cover Oppède-le-Vieux, Gordes and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Located in the heart of the Luberon, Bastide du Mourre hotel in Oppède was our first base, and I cannot recommend it enough. Oppède-le-Vieux a quiet, lesser-known hilltop village is worth a visit while you’re there. With its stone buildings, winding paths, and views across the countryside, it felt like stepping back in time. It is also walking distance from the hotel - albeit a steep hill!

Things to do

The Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was a standout and easily one of the best markets I’ve been to in Europe. Known for its antiques, it stretches through the town alongside the river, with stalls selling everything from vintage homewares to local food. The setting is what really makes it - winding along the water with little bridges, cafés, and bars dotted throughout. We spent hours wandering, picking up food, and shopping along the river.

Gordes quickly became one of our favourite villages, and we ended up going back twice for dinner during our stay. Perched high on a hill with incredible views, it has a slightly more polished feel than some of the smaller villages nearby. Make sure you stop at the viewing point on the drive in for the best view of the village and its surroundings!

Hotel

We stayed at Bastide du Mourre, which I highly recommend. It’s the kind of place that feels peaceful, beautifully designed, and completely in tune with its surroundings — exactly what you want from a stay in Provence (rooms from around £200 per night).

It deserves its own full spotlight (coming soon), but it was genuinely one of the highlights of the trip, I’ll let the pictures below do the talking!

Highlight

We sort of stumbled upon the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Sunday market, then later realised its quite famous, and for good reason. This quintessential Provençal market, with live music, great produce and good vibes, is exactly what you’d picture it to be!

Restaurant recommendations

• La Bastide de Pierres — An Italian restaurant in Gordes owned by the Airelles group, with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.

• Le Tigrr Gordes — A really fun spot for dinner and drinks when we visited. It has since closed but appears to be reopening this summer as a Beefbar pop-up, great views!

Across the few days, there were also countless cafés and casual spots, particularly in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where we stopped for drinks and food along the river.

Top tips

• Base yourself in a smaller village like Oppède for a quieter, more authentic feel, and then visit places like Gordes for meals.

• Visiting in June also meant we caught lavender season, and seeing the fields in full bloom across the region was a real highlight.

• Hire a car — it’s essential for exploring the region properly and gives you the flexibility to move between villages at your own pace. We found parking quite easily but expect to pay in the public parking in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes.

Getting there

We flew into Marseille and hired a car, the drive into the region was straightforward, and having a car made the entire trip much easier.

Overall

The region is an incredible introduction to Provence — scenic, relaxed, and full of character. From hilltop villages to riverside markets and long rosé-filled meals, it’s exactly what you want from this part of France.

This first part of the trip alone would make the perfect long weekend itinerary, and a great example of how much you can see and do in Provence with just a few days.

Part two will be coming soon, where I’ll cover the rest of the trip including the coast and some of the other towns we visited.

As always, thanks so much for reading. If you enjoyed this guide, feel free to share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already!

We visited in summer 2023, and it provided the perfect place to start our Italian road trip (more on that to come). It’s glamorous and iconic, but at the same time small enough that you can enjoy the relaxed pace of life.

Read on to discover my guide to the perfect Portofino weekend, including the best things to do, restaurant recommendations, and a few helpful tips for visiting this beautiful corner of the Italian Riviera.

Located on the Ligurian coast in northern Italy, Portofino has long been known as one of the most glamorous seaside villages in Europe. Despite its reputation for luxury, we found it surprisingly easy to enjoy without spending a fortune.

We flew into Pisa Airport and rented a car, with the drive to Portofino taking just under two hours. It was the first stop on our Italian road trip and such a special way to begin the trip.

Portofino itself is very small, centred around its famous harbour lined with pastel coloured buildings and restaurants. Much of the experience is simply soaking up the atmosphere - people watching ( / celeb spotting) in the port, stopping for aperitivo, and beach hopping to the local beaches.

Things to do

• Hire a boat for the day. We rented a small boat from the harbour and spent the day exploring the coastline, which was without a doubt our highlight of the trip. Top tip - look out for the iconic Dolce and Gabanna mansion on the coast, as seen in the Kourtney Kardashian Wedding special (if you know, you know). We were also in Portofino at the same time as Jeff Bezos, his yacht and army of bodyguards, which provided some great people (and yacht) watching.

• San Fruttuoso is a must visit. This tiny beach is only accessible by boat or hiking trail and was incredibly special. The water is crystal clear and the setting is beautiful. The beach features the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, and the underwater ‘Christ of the Abyss’ statue, as well as two restaurants with incredible views. We loved it so much that we went back for a second day on the ferry, which drops you directly on the beach from Portofino’s harbour.

• Walk up to Castello Brown. The walk is steep but absolutely worth it, the views over Portofino are iconic.

• Walk to Paraggi Beach. The walk from Portofino to Paraggi is stunning, winding along the coastline with beautiful views the whole way. We did this one afternoon and then spent the rest of the day relaxing on Paraggi beach.

Giorgio’s Restaurant, San Fruttuoso beach

View from Castello Brown

Accommodation

Accommodation in Portofino is quite limited, with the most famous option being the Belmond Hotel Splendido, and sister harbour-side hotel, the Splendido Mare which are incredible but extremely expensive.

Instead, we stayed in a lovely apartment which was around £200 per night (linked here and pictured below), located just one road back from the main harbour. The location was perfect - close enough to walk everywhere but tucked away from the busiest part of the port.

Our host was amazing and even helped us book restaurant reservations and organise a few plans while we were there.

Highlight

My highlight of the trip was spending the day exploring the coast by boat and discovering San Fruttuoso.

Restaurant recommendations

• Da Giorgio – Our favourite restaurant on San Fruttuoso beach. Simple seafood, amazing setting built into the rocks and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Ristorante Stella – A lovely restaurant right on the port with beautiful views over the harbour.

• Ristorante Da Gemelli – Another great option on the harbour serving classic Italian dishes.

• Although we didn’t stay there, we also went to the Belmond Hotel Splendido for drinks and dinner one evening. It was such a great way to experience one of the most iconic hotels on the Italian Riviera and enjoy the incredible views without the price tag of staying there.

To be honest, you can’t go too far wrong with any of the restaurants on the harbour, the Belmond also has a restaurant on the harbour-side which we didn’t try but looked really nice.

Belmond Hotel Splendido

Top tips

• One important thing to know when visiting Portofino is that traffic into the town is sometimes restricted, especially during busy summer periods. Make sure you have pre-reserved parking arranged with your accommodation in advance. Parking was around €30 a day.

• Spend a day visiting San Fruttuoso, either by boat or ferry.

• You must have a reservation to visit the Belmond Hotel.

• Two to three nights is the ideal time to visit.

• The apartment listed has very steep stairs and no lift, bear in mind when booking.

Getting there

As mentioned, we flew into Pisa Airport and hired a car. The drive to Portofino took just under two hours and was a beautiful introduction to the Italian Riviera.

Parking was in the main town car park, and from there it’s a short walk into the harbour and surrounding streets.

Overall

Portofino might be small, but it’s incredibly special. Between the colourful harbour, beautiful coastal walks, amazing food and nearby hidden gems like San Fruttuoso, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxed Italian Riviera weekend.

Put simply, we cannot wait to return to return!

As always, thanks so much for reading. If you liked my newsletter, please share it with a friend and don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already! ✨

Read on to discover my guide to the perfect Lake Como weekend, focusing on which lakeside spots to visit, restaurant recommendations and the most incredible hidden gem hotel.

Located in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como has been a retreat for aristocrats, artists, and travellers for centuries. Known for its dramatic alpine backdrop, elegant villas, and charming lakeside towns, it offers natural beauty and Italian lifestyle (what’s not to love). While it’s home to some of the world’s most famous luxury hotels, we found that it’s absolutely possible to experience Lake Como in a more affordable way.

We visited the first weekend of October, which couldn’t have been better. The weather was perfect, around 20°C, and more importantly, there were no crowds. Ferries were quiet, towns felt relaxed, and everything was easy to enjoy without the peak summer chaos.

Things to do

One of the best things to do in Lake Como is simply explore the towns, we loved stopping off in each to have coffee, pasta or gelato depending on the time of day.

• Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is a beautiful historic villa with incredible botanical gardens and lake views.

• Bellagio is probably the most famous town on the lake, with cobbled streets, gorgeous buildings, and plenty of places to stop for coffee or lunch.

• Giardini di Villa Melzi offers peaceful lakeside gardens that are perfect for a walk around.

• Varenna was one of our favourites — colourful and beautiful waterfront views.

• Argegno was another lovely stop on our drive in to Tremezzo, a smaller town where we wandered around and had a coffee.

The ferries make it very easy to hop between towns, and the boat trips became one of our favourite parts of the holiday.

Hotel

We stayed at Al Veluu Suites in Tremezzo, which I highly recommend. Located just above the town, it had the most incredible panoramic views over the lake. It’s exactly the kind of place I love sharing on To Fly For, a hidden gem that offers an incredible experience without the luxury price tag (around £200 per night).

There are only a handful of rooms, which makes it feel very private and special. I’d highly recommend booking a room with a terrace so you can fully enjoy the views. We got lucky and got to experience the best sunset I’ve ever seen, the sky was SO pink.

Its location was also perfect, close to the ferry stop and within easy reach of nearby towns. It’s also just above the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where we went for dinner one evening, which was a really special experience.

Highlight

The highlight was spending a full day exploring the lake by ferry, hopping between towns, and taking our time to enjoy each.

Restaurant recommendations

• Al Veluu – The hotel’s own restaurant was excellent, with amazing food and unbeatable sunset views.

• Grand Hotel Tremezzo – We had dinner at the T Pizza restaurant, which was a great way of experiencing such an iconic hotel, for a lower price point. We also had apperetivo drinks in the bar at the front of the hotel.

Top tips

• Visit in early October if possible - the weather is still beautiful, but without the summer crowds.

• Use the ferries to explore multiple towns in one day — it’s one of the best ways to experience the lake.

Getting there

We flew into Milan Malpensa Airport and hired a car, which I’d highly recommend. The drive to Lake Como took around an hour and was very straightforward. Having a car gave us flexibility, especially for reaching smaller towns and our hotel, which was slightly elevated above the lake.

Overall

Lake Como doesn’t have to be an overly expensive or crowded destination. With the right timing, hotel choice, and approach, it’s one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places for a relaxed European weekend.

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Siargao, often called the surf capital of the Philippines, is everything you imagine a tropical island to be: palm-lined roads, white sand beaches, and a laid-back, effortlessly cool atmosphere. Compared to Palawan, it has a different feel, less about dramatic limestone landscapes and more about lifestyle, surf culture, and relaxed island living.

Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island in the province of Surigao del Norte, located in the eastern Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s best known for Cloud 9, a famous surf break, which helped put the island on the global map. Once a quiet fishing island, Siargao has evolved into a tropical hotspot while still retaining its charm, with a strong surf culture, great food scene and boutique hotels.

Siargao has the kind of relaxed pace of life and unique magic that (I’ve come to realise) only a surf town can bring, despite me not being great at surfing myself, it’s a vibe I love to try to find across the world.

We flew to Siargao via Cebu, taking a connecting flight from Coron as there were no direct routes and found the whole trip very seamless.

We stayed at Surfing Temple, which was so great. It’s a trendy boutique hotel, with modern design and a laid-back atmosphere. The food and service were both excellent, and it was the perfect base for exploring Siargao. Our bedroom had a big bed, lots of hidden storage, an outdoor shower and great AC (what more could you want).

The Cloud 9 area is the best place to stay if you want to be close to the surf and the main hub of restaurants and cafés. It has a great energy, especially in the evenings, when everyone heads out for sundowners and dinner after a day at the beach.

Beyond surfing, Siargao is also known for its boat trips, lagoons, and palm forests. But honestly, a big part of Siargao’s charm for us, was simply slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere.

Restaurant recommendations

• La Mesa – One of our favourites, excellent food and a great atmosphere.

• Barbosa – Perfect for dinner and cocktails, often with live music, which made it a really fun evening spot.

• Pop Up Surf Bar – The ideal sunset spot, very relaxed and right on the beach.

• Surfing Temple - We loved the food in the hotel itself, go for the homemade cornflake chicken nuggets.

There are also loads of great coffee shops and casual places everywhere—you’re never far from somewhere cool to stop.

Highlight – The overall vibe. Siargao isn’t about ticking off sights, it’s about enjoying the lifestyle. Surfing, sunsets, great food, and the relaxed energy made it one of our favourite stops.

Budget – Like the rest of the Philippines, Siargao is very affordable. Boutique hotels offer great value, and food, drinks, and activities are all very reasonably priced. Surfing Temple itself was around £100 a night.

Getting there – We flew from Coron to Siargao via Cebu, then at the end of the trip flew from Siargao to Manila before taking a direct flight home.

Top tips

• Stay in the Cloud 9 area if you want to be near the best surf spots, restaurants, and cafés.

• Rent a scooter - it’s the best way to explore the island.

• Check the weather - we got lucky to have great weather in the rainy season, there is a different climate here than Palawan.

• Surf lessons - easy to find anywhere but DM me if you want the details or our instructor.

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I hope this guide helps you decide which resort might be right for you, whether you’re planning your first ski trip or your fifteenth.

We’ll start at the beginning of my ski journey. My parents took my sisters and I to Bad Gastein, Austria, but seeing as I was seven and I hardly remember it, let alone have recommendations, I won’t be sharing anything beyond this cute twin pic below. Ski school in a foreign language is not for the faint-hearted, but a right of passage in all good skier’s journeys, and made infinitely less intimidating by being a twin!

Bad Gastein, Austria, 1998

What is it I love so much about skiing? Having recently returned from an incredible trip to Verbier - I thought about this a lot, what is it that keeps me coming back (and forking out so much money) year after year?

• Ski resorts feel like Christmas - they are gorgeous, there is perennial snow, fairy lights, alpine lodges, Christmas trees! As a lifelong Christmas lover, this is definitely part of the appeal.

• The food - fondue, raclette, crêpes - all of the mountain specialities are delicious.

• The après ski - post skiing partying, dancing on tables at sunset, DJs and copious amounts of rosé, all surrounded by stunning scenery. What more could you ask for?

• Mountain air - and the smell of wood fire in resort.

• The fashion - I adore the ski outfits, both on and off piste.

The biggest love for me though, and the thing that pulls me back time and time again is the feeling. On a blue bird day, when the conditions are just perfect, the pistes wide and the snow soft, the feeling you get when you’re carving down the mountain is the closest thing to flying on this planet. The biggest adrenaline rush and pure joy.

Meribel, France, 2025

Verbier, Switzerland, 2026

Chamonix, France, 2024

Levi, Finland, 2022

But here’s the crux of it: skiing is undeniably expensive. Ski hire, lift passes, accommodation, all the gear needed. Add to that the amount of schlepping normally involved with getting to the slopes - long transfers, hot, crowded ski rental shops, queues for lifts, I could go on.

Because of everything involved (and because it’s always worth it), I hope this post helps with your decision-making when choosing the best resort for you.

In no particular order:

1. Meribel, France (approx. 2 hr 30 min from Geneva Airport) - If you pushed me to name a favourite resort, it would have to be Méribel. It holds a special place in my heart because my twin sister and I lived there when we were 18, working in a nightclub during a ski season and returned many times since. Méribel sits in the centre of Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in Europe, which means great skiing, restaurants, and après ski.

   Ideal for: Those who want access to a huge ski area.

2. Courcheval, France (approx. 2 hr 30 min from Geneva Airport) - Courchevel is undeniably boujis. Think designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and expensive restaurants. But it also has beautiful wide runs, excellent mountain restaurants, and seamless access to the rest of Les Trois Vallées.

   Ideal for: Those who want an elevated experience, on and off the slopes.

3. Val Thorens, France (approx. 2 hr 45 min from Geneva Airport) - As Europe’s highest ski resort, Val Thorens offers exceptional snow reliability, making it ideal for late-season skiing. Many accommodations are ski-in, ski-out because the resort is built directly into the mountain.

   Ideal for: A ski trip either very early or late in the season.

4. Megeve, France (approx. 1 hr 15 min from Geneva Airport) - Megève is perfect for a shorter ski trip thanks to its proximity to Geneva. A really gorgeous town with great restaurants and even better people watching.

   Ideal for: A quick ski weekend getaway

5. Chamonix, France (approx. 1 hr 15 min from Geneva Airport) - Chamonix has an amazing town with a lively atmosphere and stunning scenery. The skiing is great, though it does require considerable schlepping, as all ski areas involve bus journeys. It also feels like somewhere that would be equally magical in summer.

   Ideal for: Those looking for a bit more out of their ski resort (it has an ice rink, pool, good gym etc)

6. Val D’Isere, France (approx. 3 hr from Geneva Airport) - Amazing skiing, town and après scene. The longer transfer makes it better suited to a week-long trip rather than a quick weekend.

   Ideal for: A week away with friends, with guaranteed great skiing and even better après.

7. Le Deux Alps, France (approx. 2 hr 45 min from Geneva Airport) - Went here at Easter on a uni ski trip and had such terrible snow that most of the group didn’t even bother hiring skis and spent most of it drinking in the sun.

   Ideal for: Not the resort’s fault - just bad timing, not many recommendations to share here!

8. Verbier, Switzerland (approx. 2 hr from Geneva Airport via train) - Loved everything about Verbier and after my first visit recently (read HERE), it’s already firmly on my favourite list. Easy to get to, amazing skiing, gorgeous town and great restaurants.

   Ideal for: Everything! Convenience, skiing, restaurants and a great town.

9. Zermatt, Switzerland (approx. 3 hr from Geneva Airport, via train) - Zermatt is completely car-free and only accessible by train. It’s a beautiful town with excellent skiing, and incredible views of the Matterhorn.

   Ideal for: A week or longer trip, because of the access.

10. Ishgl, Austria (approx 1hr from Innsbruck Airport) - Party capital and amazing for après-ski. I spent many family holidays here growing up, and the memories are some of my best. The skiing is excellent, and the nightlife energy is unmatched.

    Ideal for: Those hunting down the best après-ski and nightlife in the Alps.

11. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria (approx. 2 hr from Salzburg Airport) - Another inter uni ski trip where a lot more partying was done than skiing, a great ski area and lively atmosphere.

    Ideal for: Intermediate skiiers looking for a great après options.

12. Gstaad, Austria (approx. 2 hr from Geneva Airport) -Another very glamourous resort, but with fantastic skiing and beautiful surroundings. We had incredible conditions when we visited and really loved it here.

    Ideal for: People watching, designer shops and wide open easy ski runs.

13. Cervinia, Italy (approx. 2 hours from Milan Malpensa) - Cervinia sits beneath the Matterhorn and offers amazing scenery and fantastic skiing (you can easily ski between Italy and Zermatt, Switzerland). Unfortunately, our trip was cut short by a hotel-wide gastro bug, but what we experienced before that was brilliant.

    Ideal for: A European break that spans two countries in one ski day.

14. Levi, Finland (approx. 1 hr from Kittilä Airpor) - Levi was pure magic! Temperatures dropped to –20°C, and we visited during Polar Night, when the sun never fully rises, skiing under floodlights felt surreal and magical. A truly unforgettable trip. You can read my full review HERE.

    Ideal for: A bucket list trip and experience.

15. Bankso, Bulgaria (approx. 2 hr from Sofia Airport) - I visited Bansko for a music festival, which was incredibly fun. It’s very different from the Alps in terms of scale and vibes, but it’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a more affordable ski trip, it was very cheap!

    Ideal for: One of the most affordable ski trips available in Europe.

Chamonix, France, 2025

Isghl, Austria, 2007

Bankso, Bulgaria, 2014

Val D’Isere, France, 2016

I’m lucky enough to have travelled to many ski resorts across Europe (a full guide to all coming soon), and despite it being my first visit, Verbier is now one of the few I would happily return to again and again.

I’ve kept this one short and sweet, so I’ll jump straight in:

Getting there

We flew into Geneva Airport, which is around a two-hour drive from Verbier and is also serviced by a really convenient, mostly direct train. My husband and I aren’t typically “catch the train” people, preferring the convenience and speed of a taxi. However, a few people recommended that we take the train directly from Geneva Airport to Verbier, and I’m so glad we listened.

The Geneva Airport train station is just a few minutes’ walk from arrivals and is all very straightforward. We took two trains, changing at a station called Martigny, as the direct trains don’t run in the evening and we had flown in late. However, the second train left just a few minutes after we arrived in Martigny, and from the same platform, making it very easy. You need to take the train to Le Châble, where a short cable car takes you up to Verbier on arrival (included in your ticket price).

In the cable car with all of our luggage on the journey home

Restaurants

• In resort:

  • St Bernard, Experimental Chalet - My number one recommendation. The perfect combination of chic setting, good atmosphere, amazing service and incredibly delicious food. A must go!

  • Boca - A delicious Mexican restaurant with great food, well made cocktails and a live DJ. A good one for big groups.

  • Fer De Cheval - Right in the centre of town, lively, laid back restaurant and bar serving typical mountain food, pizzas, pasta etc.

  • Au Vieux Verbier - a gorgeous spot right at the bottom of the ski lift in town, perfect if you’re meeting someone in town who doesn’t ski for lunch. We had lunch here on our last day before getting the train home.

• On the mountain:

  • Le Dahu - Great lunch spot on the mountain, near the main lift area.

  • Chez Dany - Famous and recommended a lot, but hard to get to via a closed piste due to lack of snow, so not ideal for unconfident skiers.

  • Mont Fort Café - We had a coffee here and the views were incredible.

• Après-Ski

  • Carrefour and Le Rouge

Experimental Hotel

Mont Fort Café

The corn ribs in Boca

Chez Dany

What I Wore

Perfect Moment Polar Flare Down Jacket and High-Waist Aurora Flare Ski Pant, both in Waffle Print Green, with an Oakley Helmet and Montec Goggles.

Hotel

We stayed in Hotel Montpellier, which cost us just over £1k for a double room for three nights. The hotel staff were super friendly, the breakfast was great and the rooms were slightly dated but comfortable. The highlight was the pool area which had a pool, sauna and steam room, which was perfect for after skiing. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk from the centre of town, but this suited us to get some air and steps after dinner each night. It’s also serviced by a public bus which runs from right outside, directly to the ski lift, which was about a 5 minute journey, running every 15 mins.

I’d definitely stay in Hotel Montpellier again but I’d also consider the Experimental Chalet for a more luxury stay, and Hotel Ermitage for the value and location (right in the town centre).

Hotel Montpellier views

Highlight

Nothing beats a bluebird ski day with perfect conditions - quiet pistes, good snow and incredible views, we were lucky enough to have two days of three like this which was definitely the highlight.

The view from the top of the Mont Fort cable car

Budget

There’s no escaping it, skiing is expensive. Verbier is also famous for being one of the most expensive resorts in Europe. Ski and boot hire was around £200 per person, same with lift passes (for 3 days). Our train tickets cost around 100CHF each way and meals were between £50 - £125 a head.

What I’d have done differently

Our room was right on the road and so a bit noisy, next time I’d ask for a room on the back of the property for better views and more peace and quiet!

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Tuba Club is a restaurant, bar, and small hotel built on rocks overlooking the sea in Les Goudes, a fishing village just outside Marseille. It takes its name from its former life as a scuba diving club, and is best known for its iconic yellow stripe sun loungers and sea side restaurant.

Tuba Club is easily one of my favourite spots in Europe, and really deserves the honour of my first hotel spotlight.

The setting is dramatic in a way that doesn’t feel over done: sheer rock, open sea, and uninterrupted views. The food is exceptional, the sunsets are stunning, and the crowd is achingly cool, but in a non-intimidating way.

The rooms are small and no frills, but that doesn’t matter. You’re there to be outside, taking in the incredible views and soaking up the good vibes.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with service that’s attentive and friendly. There are only a handful of rooms, so booking ahead is essential.

We stayed for one night at the end of our Provence road trip, just before flying home, and immediately wished we’d planned longer. By chance, it was the summer solstice, and we watched the sun drop into the sea over a special dinner on the longest day of the year.

There’s a communal guest-only lounge which looks like it’s straight out of an interiors magazine, with a vintage 70s feel and subtle nautical references. Breakfast is served as an informal buffet, with hands down the best granola I’ve ever eaten - home made in a local bakery, I’m still dreaming of it 18 months later.

Tuba Club also has a rooftop terrace and bar called Bikini, which serves small plates and cocktails. We went up for sundowners, which was perfect.

It’s sometimes difficult to convey the atmosphere of a place like Tuba - the gentle hum of friends having a conversation over dinner, the crash of waves on the rocks, the clinking of glasses, the easy going staff, and the stunning but relaxed setting.

Sometimes with a place like this, the photographs have to do the talking.

Please just take my word for it, this place is a must visit.

Highlight - Our sunset dinner spot and views.

Getting there - Tuba Club is a 40 minute drive from Marseille airport.

Budget - Rooms are around £200 a night.

What I’d have done differently - Stayed longer!

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When I told people I was going to Copenhagen, the almost immediate reaction from all was ‘OMG it’s amazing, I could live there’, it had high expectations and it exceeded every single one of them! It’s an incredibly charming and cool city, the people are warm and the vibe is laid back, it feels very clean and safe, with a coffee, food and shopping scene that make it the perfect city break.

Copenhagen had long been at the top of my city-break bucket list. We visited in February 2025 and stayed at Villa Copenhagen, which was perfect for any time of year: a heated rooftop pool, sauna, comfortable rooms, and a great breakfast buffet, the ideal base after a day of exploring.

One of the trip’s highlights was simply exploring and mooching: trying coffee in different neighbourhoods, strolling through parks, exploring boutiques. We walked a lot, cycling is more common, but a snowstorm made walking the better option for us.

Our favourite areas were: Nyhavn, the historic harbour and quintessential view of Copenhagen! Nørrebro had great restaurants and boutiques - make sure to visit Baest restaurant while there; some of the best pizza we’ve had. We loved joining the locals on both a cycle and a walk around Sortedam Sø lake in the sunshine, stopping for coffee and pastries at Original Coffee by the lake.

We enjoyed a gorgeous snowy walk through Kongens Have park, and we loved the Beau Marché furniture shop and café in the city centre. We also explored the Freetown Christiania neighbourhood, which was full of colourful buildings, made even more magical by the falling snow.

Copenhagen has earned its reputation as a pastry capital, we loved Hart Bakery and Andersen & Maillard, My personal favourite - the cinnamon buns - perfectly soft, sugary, and delicious, washed down with a cappuccino.

We visited Copenhagen in a snow storm which, as a snow lover, felt so lucky! It made the trip so magical and hygge (sorry I couldn’t resist), and as we got a gorgeous blue sky day after the snow had passed, I feel we got the best of both worlds and really saw the city in a gorgeous wintery light. We went for two nights, three days, which was the perfect amount of time.

All in all, a relaxed weekend of eating, drinking and exploring in one of my favourite European cities to date, I can’t wait to go back …

And yes, I could absolutely live there too!

Restaurants - We got so many recommendations from friends ahead of our trip, but went with Delphine, Baest, Cantina and Cecconi’s, Soho House based on where we could get reservations! Next time I would love to try Apollo, Locale 21, Goldfinch and Omar.

Highlight - Cliche but seeing the iconic Nyhavn harbour for the first time at sunset was incredible after wanting to visit for so long!

What I’d have done differently - No notes! The only thing I can’t wait to do is experience Copenhagen in the summer for a completely different vibe, swimming in the lakes etc.

Budget - Everyone warned us how expensive Copenhagen was but since the cost of living spiked in London in the past few years, we didn’t really feel much of a difference in prices. Rooms in Villa Copenhagen are around £200 per night.

Getting there - Lots of carriers fly direct from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead) to Copenhagen. We flew with BA on avios points and the flight was around 2 hours.

As always, my DMs are open for any questions or further travel tips!

About Palawan - Palawan is a province in the western Philippines, composed of numerous islands and famous for its dramatic natural beauty. For our trip, we chose El Nido (six nights) and Coron (three nights), two of the province’s most iconic destinations.

The Philippines had been at the top of my travel wishlist for years. Visiting in late December 2023 for two weeks, I was drawn by its tropical landscapes, powder-white sands, and turquoise seas.

We began in Manila, flying into the capital and staying for one night at the Nobu Hotel Manila (approximately £100 per night). Ten minutes from the airport, the hotel offered excellent value, a great pool area, and the signature Nobu restaurant, at a fraction of typical prices. It served primarily as a stopover; we were eager to reach the islands as quickly as possible.

El Nido was hard to beat. From its beaches and landscapes to its hotels, laid-back bars, and restaurants, we really loved it here. Spending six nights there, longer than anywhere else on our trip, was a great decision.

We flew to El Nido with Air Swift and stayed at two hotels I cannot recommend enough. Maremegmeg (around £200 per night) is built into the cliffs with a stunning infinity pool overlooking Vanilla Beach. From the views and service to the food and sunsets, everything was perfect. It’s especially memorable for us: we got engaged on our first night there, in a private spot at the end of Vanilla Beach at sunset.

Our second stay, Buko Beach (also approx £200 per night), offered a different vibe: thatch huts set just back from the beach, a pool overlooking the sand, and a relaxed, private atmosphere. Staff were warm and hospitable, it was a peaceful, serene retreat.

Of course, the star attractions in Palawan are its lagoons and beaches, so boat trips are a must. In El Nido, the famous tours run from A to D; we chose tours A and D, hiring a private boat to avoid crowds. By asking our captain to reverse the typical route, we experienced some lagoons almost entirely alone, which provided magical moments, particularly at the Small Lagoon.

Next, we flew to Coron with Air Swift. While we opted for a quick flight, many friends and people we met recommended the TAO boat trip, a three-night journey between El Nido and Coron (both ways) visiting completely deserted islands in Palawan, something to consider if you have time.

Coron itself didn’t captivate us as much as El Nido, but the surrounding islands alone are worth going for. We lodged at the Fat Lion (around £100 per night), a slightly dated property, but had excellent service and a rooftop pool offering incredible views. We also eyed up a hotel called the Two Seasons which we were put off booking as it looked a bit ‘resorty’, but with hindsight wished we stayed there.

For our boat trip, we opted for the Super Tour, which included the famous Twin Lagoon, island hopping, and a BBQ lunch on a private beach. Coron’s scenery and island-hopping opportunities are breathtaking, making it a worthy stop on your Philippines itinerary.

After Coron, we flew to Siargao, which I’ll cover in a future newsletter—watch this space!

Overall, it will be difficult to find landscapes and beaches worldwide that rival Palawan. Coupled with the warmth of its people and its relaxed vibe, it is the perfect tropical escape and is absolutely one of my top three destinations in the world.

Restaurant recommendations

El Nido - Bella Italia had a great atmosphere and was set right on the beach, same with La Plage. Las Cabanas and Panorama bar for sundowners. We also really liked the food in the Maremegmeg hotel restaurant on the beach, which often had a DJ at sunset too.

Coron - Island Boy is an amazing live fish market, we loved the local atmosphere, proceed with caution though, as we got food poisoning, we also liked Trattoria Altrove.

Highlight - El Nido will forever hold a special place in my heart, it doesn’t get much better than a sunset proposal in a picture postcard worthy beach. This, coupled with the lagoons, beaches and scenery mean it’s a placeI’ll remember forever.

Budget - The Philippines is a really affordable destination, all of our hotels ranged between £100 - £200 a night and the quality and service was incredible. Beach club days with lunch, drinks, beds etc were around £15pp as an example.

Top tips

• Book internal flights early! They get booked up months in advance and the ferries didn’t look like a pleasant experience.

• Carry cash - for when you’re on boat trips and in tuk tuks etc.

• Take reef shoes and a dry bag if you have them, you’ll need them on all boat trips, if not you can rent them there.

Getting there - We flew there and back with Air China via Beijing, it was my first time travelling with the airline and I’d heard mixed reviews, but we found it absolutely fine and seamless!

What I’d have done differently - We flew just before Christmas so airfares were a fortune which meant we had to go for a really long flight time to save costs. We had a 5 hour layover in Beijing airport which made the whole travel time way too long, especially when ‘losing time’ with time difference on the way there. We left London on Thursday evening and arrived in the Philippines on Saturday morning!

With it’s snow-dusted forests and hard-to-catch Northern Lights, it’s easy to see why Lapland has long earned its place on the bucket lists of travellers across the world. There’s a rare, almost otherworldly magic here that draws people in, and for good reason …

My twin and I had wanted to visit the Arctic since as long as we can remember, as winter babies, we knew this would be the perfect way to celebrate our 30th birthday. We based ourselves in Levi, Lapland and split the trip into two parts - a few days skiing in Levi ski resort, followed by the true Lapland experience in the Northern Lights Village.

We flew into Kittilä, Levi’s nearest airport, connecting via Helsinki with Finnair because of availability, but there are direct flights available from London with Finnair and Easyjet.

We did three nights in Levi ski resort and stayed at the Sokos Hotel (approx €154 per night) which was basic but served a purpose and was a five minute walk from the ski hub.

Levi ski resort is located nearly 80 miles north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that our late December visit coincided with the polar night, where the sun remains below the horizon throughout the day. It was an incredible experience, the sun didn’t ever come fully up but we had a sunset style daylight for a couple of hours in the middle of the day. All of the runs are flood lit, wide and have amazing snow, so the skiing was a really amazing experience.

The resort is small, so it’s well suited to beginners, but I’d say a couple of days skiing is probably enough given the size of the resort. The ski hire and passes are much cheaper than anywhere we’d been in the Alps and overall we absolutely loved the whole experience.

The only downside was the temperature, which reached -20c at some points so we couldn’t ski for as long as we would have liked. Your eyelashes and hair also freeze!

This photo was taken at 3pm!

We then moved to the Northern Lights Village, Levi for two nights (rooms start from €239 per night), which was without a doubt, one of best things I’ve ever done in my life. We stayed in a glass roof hut where we could sleep under the stars (and northern lights)!

We arrived at the village at lunchtime, which meant the whole sky was a gorgeous pink colour and the beauty and wonder of it all truly took our breath away.

On the afternoon we arrived, we went on a Husky Sled Safari, which was magical with the sunset and glistening snow. Steering the sled proved harder than we imagined, but this only added to the fun.

That evening, we had booked Aurora Hunting by snowmobile, but luck was on our side, and we saw the Northern Lights before even leaving the village. The village has a clever alarm system that goes off in your hut if the lights appear, so you won’t miss them even while asleep. Watching the aurora from the comfort of our own hut was special but getting out into the wilderness on the snow mobiles to see them was the biggest bucket list moment ever!

On the second day, we did the Reindeer Express experience which was a peaceful antidote to previous day’s Husky safari and snow mobiles. In the afternoon, we booked a private spa session, featuring a sauna and an outdoor hot tub, which I would really recommend.

The huts have a setting where you can melt the snow off the roof for better views!

Restaurant recommendations

The food in Levi is fairly no-frills rather than a focus of the trip. Kota Bar, next to the ski lifts, became our default for après; we went both evenings and stayed for dinner one night. The second night, we ate at Ristorante Renna, an Italian restaurant in the village. Mountain lunches were at Ravintola Sivakka one day and the Gondoli restaurant near the activity park the next.

When we moved to the Northern Lights Village, all meals were served in the main building of the village, which was great, salads, soups, meats etc. and a communal bar for pre or post dinner drinks (food is all inclusive in the hotel package).

All in all, it was a trip that will stay with me forever, blending moments of awe with adrenaline activities, all set in a landscape that felt so other-wordly and was a complete break from reality. Lapland delivered not just a bucket-list experience, but a sense of magic that I’ll never forget!

Highlight - Seeing the Northern Lights so vividly!

Budget - Approx £1.5k - £2k all in.

Best time of year to visit - The lure of Lapland at Christmas time is undeniable, especially if you have children, but bear in mind the Polar night doesn’t just mean no light, the lack of sun makes it super cold. A sweet spot of daylight and temperature would be February / March time.

Getting there - Lapland is serviced by multiple airports but we flew to Kittilä airport.

What I’d have done differently - I wish we’d packed warmer clothes for the skiing element, we’d packed for a typical Alps skiing trip and it wasn’t enough for the -20c temperatures, so be prepared. Flying direct would also have made both journeys quicker and more convenient.

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Hi, I’m Josie,

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I’m a travel-obsessed, thirty-something Brit, bringing all my favourite travel recommendations out of the DMs and into one place. To Fly For is exactly what it says on the tin: all of the places worth flying for.

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