From the top of Malabar Hill on Lord Howe’s northern tip, a mere 208 metres high, I survey the landscape before me. If you were given the task of designing a perfect tropical island, I don’t think you could do better than Mother Nature has done herself with Lord Howe Island.

Situated only 1.5 hours’ flight from Sydney, Lord Howe Island is isolated more by exclusivity than distance. The island can only accommodate up to 400 guests at any one time and unless you’re already a resident or you’re lucky enough to marry a resident, it’s more or less impossible to move here.

Because of its relative isolation, the island is an important conservation site for many rare and endemic species. Almost half the island’s 241 native plant species are found nowhere else in the world and the same goes for both the island’s reptiles, a skink and a gecko, and almost a thousand insect species.

It is an escape from technology and the hustle of urban life – there is no mobile phone coverage (the islanders voted against its introduction), limited internet access and the easiest way to get around is by bicycle.

For the limited number of cars on the island, there is a 25km/h speed limit and, possibly one of its most charming features is its No Lock Policy. It’s like stepping back in time to a place that moves at a slower pace.

So it is the ideal place to unwind, relax and appreciate the surrounding natural environment, and really, it is what you make of it: a virtual Choose Your Own Adventure destination.

It is a mecca for birdwatchers the world over. 180 bird species have been identified here, of which 32 currently breed here, including 14 species of seabird – petrels, shearwaters, terns and noddys all visit in their hundreds of thousands.

There are guided and un-guided hikes for all levels of fitness – from the relatively easy climb to Kim’s Lookout in the north, to the 8-hour trek up Mt Gower’s 870m in the south.

If you’d rather work on your tan, there are 11 beautiful beaches on the island, each just a short bike ride from the next. There are also two world class day spas, at Capella and Arajilla resorts on the north and south end of the island (respectively). I’ll come back to this…

The marine park surrounding the island is home to over 50 dive sites, ranging from resort dives in the shallow waters near the beach to spectacular trenches, caves and volcanic drop-offs.

On Neds Beach you can grab a snorkel and fins (just leave a donation in the honesty box) and enter a natural aquarium of rainbow-coloured wrasse, green turtles and black-tipped reef sharks, stingrays, clownfish, giant clams, corals and 14 kinds of sea urchin.

I’m here to do all of the above. Relax, unwind, get in touch with nature. Go on a few hikes, tackle Gower and maybe get myself a couple of spa treatments. But mainly, I’m here to explore the island’s marine park.

As a recent convert to the joys of scuba, I’m inspired by the amazing photos I’ve seen in the brochures (and on friends’ Facebook pages) and excited about the 50 dive sites. In fact I’m already fretting about which ones I won’t get to see.

As soon as we’ve settled into our rooms at the gorgeous family-run Pinetrees Lodge we head off for the beach, snorkels at the ready.

There are two dive operators on the island, Howea Divers and Pro Dive. They’re situated next to each other – literally – on Lagoon Beach and enjoy a healthy rivalry. They are both great operators – easy going, safety conscious and incredibly knowledgeable about the abundant marine life to be found here.

Over our week on Lord Howe we manage to squeeze in six dives and a few snorkels – and not one experience is like any other.

There’s something calming about the silence underwater that is deeply relaxing and yet the colourful underwater world you swim through is exciting and alive with colour. The whole experience is exhilarating and refreshing.

And the perfect end to the day: a massage at Arajilla or the signature treatment at Capella? Decisions, decisions…

Click here for more information

Where to stay: Pinetrees Lodge, Somerset Apartments, Arajilla Retreat

Victoria Aitken in New York

Holiday Goddess Editor writer and songstress Victoria Aitken has a new hit called Weekend Lover. And it also happens to be on the soundtrack of the new Whit Stilman (Metropolitan) film Damsels in Distress. We asked her to nominate some of the world’s best weekend destinations for lovers.

The Shore Club in Miami

This beautiful hotel sits right on South Beach’s Ocean. From the outside it looks more New York than Miami (the hotel is one of Miami’s tallest buildings) but because of it, the penthouse also has amazing sea views and a rooftop pool. Strange but interesting quirks include two deep wading pools with lily pads and exotic fish, and a 24-hour gym (those A-type personalities can exercise at any time.) It seems that the hotel does not want anybody working (so the Internet and the phone are hard to figure out)…but the shower doubles as a steam room. Any issues I had with my room were fixed in six seconds.

This is a Miami hotspot for the stars, and over the summer Lance
Armstrong stayed here. I’m sure he made use of the 24-hour gym (Only in America). The people here always seem to be on their cell-phone pretending to relax but tend to check their blackberry every half an hour between drinks or swims. I’ll give this three Weekend Lover stars.The lighting is sharp but if you want to show off your gym body, this is the place. Workaholic boyfriends will be happy.

Blake’s Hotel, London

The décor is beautiful at Blake’s, with old Turkish furniture and heavy wooden doors.  Each room is
different. The top suite even has a large Victorian drawing room, with a fire place, (the two suites are called 007 and 008) for James Bond fans. Expect heavy embroidered quilts, tromp l’oeils on the walls,shutters, huge beds, and basically state of the art splendor. It’s all very Napoleonic and there are plenty of theatrical decorative items- it could be Versailles even though you are in London.  The lighting is low,too, so your man won’t be tempted to start reading his work papers.

This hotel is full of Hollywood types, directors, actors, magicians, top designers and people who are just in love (those soft lights are so flattering, anyone looks like a supermodel under them.) Somehow it seems as if everyone has been smoking opium! The vibe is modern hippie and very relaxed…Walking into the bar feels exactly like walking onto an Almodovar film set. Think heavy diamonds,
1920’s cigarette holders, and women dressed all in black with perfect hair to match. Expect to find romance, or at least have one interesting conversations that lasts all night – maybe something along the lines of, “Who is the best psychoanalyst in New York these days? And of course, debates on whether Woody Allen is funny anymore.The bar closes late at night , so I’ll award this five Weekend Lover stars.

The EV in Bodrum, Turkey

This ultra-designed hotel is situated in Turkey just five kilometers from Bodrum. It was  deeply luxurious,  as each residence had its own pool. The EV only has 48 suites andthere is a fitness center and meditation room, but my suite felt like a meditation room too, as all the furniture is white – except for the plasma TV set.Who  were the clientele? Well, who knew? Nobody saw each other- this is a place not to stay if you are  single and hoping to chat someone up. My guess is that the exclusive, private and very rich who do not want to be disturbed come here. I’ll give this four stars, as it’s a great place to be left alone on a romantic hill side with just the two of you…

The Puro Hotel in Palma

The most extravagant  of all my Weekend Lover choices was The Puro Hotel, in Palma Majorca. The 26-room hotel is owned by a Swede, Mats Wahlstrom, and was very hip. Think Miami meets Vietnam but situated in Spain. It’s an old 18th century town mansion on the outside, but ultra chic and modern on the inside.  The  staff all looked like models , too.The rest of the hotel lounge was decorated with silk pillows, candles, guinea goose-feathered lampshades and Burmese mirrors. The room was minmalist and relaxing. Easily the most amazing thing in the room was the Bose wave sound systems, with 10,000 individual tracks.

The room was equipped with a basement bathroom, which felt like going down to a dungeon because it was all very dark. Over the phone we were told that the parking was 100 metres away, yet
when we got there we found that it was a 20-minute drive away due to a one-way driving system. The hotel was very DISCO with a different DJ every night. I went up to the roof to try and sleep on one of the canopied day beds, but alas the air-conditioning was
right next to me, and by the end of it I was feeling on the verge of a
house-attack; the constant 24/7 house-lounge music was really just too wannabe hip.  What ever happened to the beauty of peace, thoughts and nature?

Expect cool, topless, tattooed women with model figures and men with shaved heads, mirrored shades and huge muscles. The crowd at this hotel is successful Couples kissed and felt each other up, publicly sharing their mohitos.

Weekend Lover Stars – 3.5.

The Starry Hotel in Krakow, Poland

This is the only five-star hotel overlooking Krakow’s main square, with the most beautiful roof terrace. It was formerly a mansion and some of its features have been saved, like its basement, which now houses a legendary pool. And so to my room – well, the mirror was so skinny that only one person could see his/her reflection at a time, and the walk-in wardrobe had almost surgical lighting. The lighting system was not centralized so take note lovers –  if you want to pee in middle of the night, you have to turn on the lights and wake up other person. The pool was amazing, though.  Equipped with jet pump showers, a steam room and sauna. I’ll give it several Weekend Lover stars!

Hear Weekend Lover by Victoria Aitken here. http://soundcloud.com/victoriaaitken/weekend-lover-radio

With its distinctive mid-century architecture, celebrity residents and groomed golf courses, Palm Springs in California provides Goddess Julie Miller with incentive for a leisurely retirement.

Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, Palm Springs. Pic: Julie Miller

Elvis buffs will do anything for a memento of the King of Rock and Roll. His memory elicits obsession like no other celebrity, with die-hard fans going to unbelievable lengths to stand where he stood, eat what he ate, sing what he sang.

So to be given free rein to recreate his every movement in a house he lived in is a rare treat.  But that’s exactly what you can do at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs, California. Here you can also play The King’s guitar, step out of the shower where he scrubbed, use his porcelain throne (sans shag pile carpet) and lounge beside the pool where he held wild parties. If you have the energy, you can even carry a loved one over the threshold, just as Elvis lugged Priscilla on their wedding night on May 1, 1967.

Elvis and Priscilla lived in this house in suburban Ladera Circle for a year from September 1966, renting it for an exorbitant US$21,000 from the estate of its original owners, architect Robert Alexander and his wife Helen, who died in a light plane crash a year earlier. A masterpiece of mid-20^th century design, it features a distinctive triangular roof, semi-circle construction and ‘peanut brittle’ masonry, as well as a 64-foot sofa running the entire length of the living room.

Known as the ‘House of Tomorrow’, it’s one of 2,200 Alexander buildings in Palm Springs largely responsible for transforming the sleepy desert community into a jet-setting town of the future. In fact, Palm Springs today has the largest concentration of mid-century modern architecture in the US, a distinctive style featuring clean lines, natural materials and amalgamated indoor/outdoor spaces known as Desert Modernism.

Remodelled in the taste-challenged 1970s, Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway was restored to its former glory in the late 1980s, with furnishings and decorations replicated from the many photographs taken during Elvis’ stay. During a visit in 2007, Priscilla Presley commented that the house looked exactly as she remembered, testament to the detail of the renovation.

Like many Hollywood celebrities, Elvis and his entourage were regular visitors to Palm Springs during the ‘50s and ‘60s. Contracted to studios, they were not allowed to travel beyond a two-hour radius from Los Angeles in case they were required on set; hence the popularity of this desert oasis. Elvis’ Palm Springs compatriots included Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Bing Crosby, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe; more recently, it was home to Liberace, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow and Sonny Bono, who was mayor of the town prior to his tragic death on a ski field in 1998.

The intrigue of the celebrity lifestyle continues to lure visitors to Palm Springs today, attracting over 3.5 million tourists a year. As well as touring Elvis’ home, you can walk down Palm Springs own ‘Walk of Stars’ immortalising over 300 celebrities who visited the desert playground; while a celebrity bus tour promises a peek at more than 50 homes of the rich and famous. For a nostalgic barfly experience, head to Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn, where the Rat Pack infamously played; while Copley’s Restaurant is located on Cary Grant’s former estate.

Even without a celebrity sighting, contemporary Palm Springs offers a touch of glamour reminiscent of Beverly Hills, with designer shops, public artworks and cool cafes on palm-lined avenues creating a chic, resort-style ambience. White-clad matrons with big hair, awful sun visors and dripping with jewels waddle along the sidewalks carrying incy-wincy canines; while the town also seems to have its fair share of retirees, zipping along in motorised wheelchairs.

Clearly, this is a great place for the wealthy to retire, with clean desert air, brilliant sunny skies, warm weather and a relaxed vibe. All I need to do now is learn to play golf. And marry a millionaire. At least I know where I can hold my wedding celebrations – after all, if it was good enough for Elvis…

Further Information:

California Tourism, www.visitcalifornia.com.au

Palm Springs CVB, www.PalmSpringsUSA.com

Admittedly, my love of Bali is born out of Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling memoir, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. Before Elizabeth introduced me to her version of Bali, I was one of many Australians who mistook the Indonesian island on our doorstep as a stomping ground for our bogan* countrymen and women. In part, it’s true. Any Jetstar flight landing in Denpassar from Australia is likely to be three-quarters full of mullet-hairstyled, singlet-clad lads or surfers** bound for the heaving bars and crassness of Kuta. Move along from Kuta, dear goddesses, and you’ll discover the super-chilled, laid back and affordable Bali that the rest of us come for.

My first trip to Bali was as a guest of the divine Como Shambhala Estate. It still rates as one of my favourite retreats in the world, but in more recent travels I’ve fallen for the private Balinese villa experience. A well-staffed luxury villa offers most of what you get from a 5-star hotel in Bali – lazy days filled with relaxing by the pool in beautifully appointed accommodation with great food, attentive service and on-demand pampering. And with the price of villas starting at less than the cost of a luxury hotel, it’s incredibly good bang for your buck. But for the uninitiated, searching for a villa is overwhelming because there are so many options to choose from. So, what to look out for?

The online search – tips & tricks

• There are a number of good online villa directories that allow you to search by the location (see picking your destination below), number of rooms, price, type of experience (e.g. beachfront, golf villas) and the type of view (e.g. beach, ocean, rice paddy, river views). We recommend Bali-Seminyak Villas, Seminyak Villas, Bali Vilas Rentals and Bali Villas Vacation. Note: You may be overwhelmed by every starting to look the same, so you just have to be clear on the amenities you want, your budget and eventually just pick one!
• When you’ve decided on a location (e.g. Seminyak, Jimbaran Bay, Ubud), you’ll then need to decide on where you want to be within that location (beachfront, compound, near shops, near restaurants/bars, solitude in the middle of rice paddies).  Print out a map (e.g. via Google Earth or Google Maps) to pinpoint the exact streets you want to be near.  (ote: Some properties listed as Seminyak are actually in Kuta and descriptions of ‘close’ to beach actually fail to include the phrase ‘if you have a driver, and in the unlikely event that the traffic is flowing well’).  Ask for street addresses of the villas you are considering – it is time consuming but ultimately worth it to avoid disappointment.
• Once you’ve made a shortlist, jump on to Google Earth and check out how close they are to main roads, restaurants and bars, temples and farms – all of which can be noisy or smelly. Remember that Google Earth images can be a couple of years old so if the villa you’ve chosen has a vacant block next to it, just check with the booking agent that it isn’t now a construction site or pig farm. It’s also worth checking out reviews on Trip Advisor.
• Look for a villa that includes a driver and services including in-villa catering, massage and you definitely want a swimming pool. Don’t be shy to ask for items not on the menu as the chef often loves to show you what he/she can do. It’s fun to discuss menus and ingredient options and the chef will often be very happy to take you to the market with them in the morming to choose the food for that day
• Try to book directly through the villa’s individual website as you’re likely to get a better rate.

Tried and tested: Alu Bali in Seminyak, Villa Vajra near Ubud and Semara Ulawatu in Jimbaran Bay.

Picking your location

Bali offers a range of different experiences, the most popular being:

Ubud – for an inland mountain location surrounded by rice paddies, traditional Balinese culture and it’s artistic community. It’s also the home of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival;
Seminyak, Kerobokan and Jimbaran Bay – for an upmarket beach location with sunset bars, good seafood restaurants and shopping;
Canggu – just north of Seminyak, Canggu but has many private villas in the rice paddies that come with drivers to take you to the beach each day (if you like) or will ferry you to Seminyak for dinner each evening;
Ullawatu – for great surf and stunning cliff-top ocean views;
Kuta and Legian – don’t go there unless sleazy nightclubs and tacky bars are your thing; and
Sanur & Nusa Dua – for family-friendly beach holidays.

What to pack:
Not much. Bring the bare essentials (swimsuit, sarong, thongs***, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent a couple of floaty dresses that take you from beach to bar) and leave enough room in your suitcase for the shopping you’ll inevitably do. Forget the high heels – the streets can be treacherous so flat shoes are a godsend. Bali has high import taxes on alcohol, so it’s worth stocking up at duty free on departure – the alcohol limit is 1.5 litres per adult.

Things to do
The best thing about a villa holiday in Bali is doing nothing at all. Be pampered with massage (in most cases your villa will book therapists to come to you – it’s de rigeur to tip the villa staff and massage staff at the end of the stay), indulge in great food and wine (see Dining Out) or go shopping. For a giggle, book an in-villa personal training session (‘Rose’ took us back to the 80’s with an aerobics session to the sound of techno pop that we’ll never forget) and for the more adventurous book into a surfing lesson (Surf Goddess runs surf and yoga retreats for women), go white water rafting, mountain biking or climb Batur volcano – all of which can be organised by your villa.

Dining out:
Most luxury villas over in-house dining and catering options, but its also worth booking into some of the great restaurants and cafes Bali has to offer. In Ubud, try Mozaic* for award-winning French-Indonesian fusion cuisine in a beautiful setting; and Bridges* for fine dining in a relaxed setting, a cocktail lounge overlooking the river and Ubud’s only wine bar. In Seminyak, al fresco dining overlooking the beach at BREEZE at The Samaya and cocktails by the pool at Nutmeg Restaurant at Hu’Bar; head to La Lucciola (Kaya Ayu Beach, Temple Petitenget, Kerobokan) for a great brunch, or hang out with cool ex-pat types over what’s rumoured to be the best coffee in town at the Grocer & Grind. The Beach House at Echo Beach (Jl Nura Batu Mejan) is renowned for its seafood BBQ. * Bookings essential.

Bali is a shopping mecca for those who love Bali-style furnishings, homewares, woven baskets, garden furniture, amazing lights, Buddha and Ganesh statues, clothing and silver jewellery. There’s also a lot of not-so-great stuff that can make shopping overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to pick up a Luxe Guide a basic guide to start with. Many of the upmarket homewares, stone Buddha and lighting shops will also organise shipping home for you at a reasonable cost.

Visas & Departure taxes30-day visas can be obtained on arrival Denpassar Airport. Tip: To avoid the often two-hour long immigration queues, ask your villa to book a ‘fast track immigration’ service or book it through Bali Concierge for US$55 (including your visa and the VIP service). Keep Rps 150,000 up your sleeve for departure tax.

* ‘Bogan’ is a slang Australian term used to describe uncouth, usually lower-class people with bad taste and quite commonly, loud mannerisms. A bogan is akin to what Brits refer to as a ‘chav’ and Americans call ‘trailer park trash’.

** Bali is a mecca for surfers and whilst there are some bogan surfers it would be unkind of me to lump the two together.

*** ‘Thongs’ is the Australian term for flip flops, sandals or Jandals.

With thanks to guest Goddess, Kate Phillip.

Time to book your US football tour? Photograph - Vicki Arkoff.

Got American Football Fever? Go, College, Rah! But book your trip to the USA well before the season starts. Story – Holiday Goddess Editor Vicki Arkoff

Fans of American football (you heard me, football, not soccer) love the pigskin game passionately, but not many can afford to jet around the U.S. to faithfully follow their favorite teams and share in the pre-game tailgating ritual of grilling elaborate feasts/beerfests in flatbed trucks in stadium parking lots. With pro game ticket prices in the ionosphere, what’s a cash-strapped gridiron groupie to do?

Go to college, says Nicole Hockin, Hotel.com’s smart travel expert. That’s where the purest form of the game is played – on University campuses across the US, not at over-priced, commercially-sponsored pro stadiums.         It’s also where the team spirit and football culture is strongest, and, let’s face it: it’s where the best young players in the game are reaching their potential. Here are Hockin’s best bet tips for fantastic football getaways that stretch your dollar and provide memorable scenic side-trips along the way:

• September and October are great months to catch a game in the Northeastern U.S. in cities such as Boston, Massachusetts. With Boston College and the University of Massachusetts nearby, take some time to explore historic Freedom Trail and view the gorgeous fall foliage.
• If you’ve never experienced college football in the South, find a weekend to immerse yourself in the tradition and celebration that is predominantly the Southeastern Conference, the beloved college athletic organization. Consider the University of Mississippi, in Oxford (affectionately known as “Ole Miss,” it’s the campus featured so reverently in the Sandra Bullock film The Blind Side.
• Also consider – the University of Georgia in Athens,  Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the University of Alabama in Huntsville .
• The crispness of fall is a bit more tolerable out west in places such as Phoenix, Arizona. Consider Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe to watch Arizona State University’s team — there you can still wear shorts instead of that snowsuit you’ve been eyeing. 
• If you want to join 103,000 fans in the world’s largest sing-along then head to Knoxville, Tennessee for a few hundred rounds of “Rocky Top” in the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River. Gatlinburg is another nearby city and worth a stay to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Home of the College Football Hall of Fame, South Bend, Indiana is a great spot to pay homage to the legends of NCAA football and where a walk around the Notre Dame campus is a lesson in football history itself. Chicago, Illinois is an easy drive from South Bend so consider accommodations there and drive over for the game.
• The Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas is home to the annual Red River Shootout rivalry game played between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. It nicely coincides with the U.S.A.’s largest state fair, the State Fair of Texas. And take it from someone who’s been there — they can fry just about anything [Ed's note: that includes artery-clogging deep-fried Twinkies, butter & beer, y’all] so get ready for some fun fair food and a lot of true American entertainment at a low price.

And, of course, no true football fan could ever forget The Rose Bowl Tournament in Pasadena, California  Considered “the granddaddy of them all,” it’s held every New Year’s Day at 1:30 p.m. following the Rose Parade, and features an exciting match-up between two of the top teams in the nation. Not only is it a fierce battle on the field, it takes a fierce effort (and a lot of cash) to secure tickets, hotel rooms, and reserved Rose Parade route seats. But boy, oh boy, is it a never-to-be-forgotten scene.

So plan ahead, Holiday Goddesses, and remember to take advantage of National Collegiate Athletic Association discount fares offered by many airlines near top college football towns. “Sign up for the deal emails and act quickly when you see the flight you want,” says Hockin. “Seats and fares are limited.”

Located about 35 minutes by ferry off the coast of Auckland, Waiheke Island is famous for its natural beauty, wine, olives and artistic community. The 8,000 or so people who call the Island ‘home’ are an interesting mix of artists, winegrowers, farmers, hippies and corporate types who make the daily commute to Auckland. Amongst them is a touch of the little bit rich and famous mixed with passionate environmental campaigners including half the crew of Greenpeace’s infamous flagship, the ‘Rainbow Warrior’. It’s also a popular holiday and day trip destination for Kiwis and international visitors alike. Just a 15-minute walk up the hill from the Matiatia ferry terminal, the quaint seaside village of Oneroa is the Island’s main township and the perfect base to explore Waiheke.

Stay: Whichever way you look at it, Waiheke Island is spectacularly picturesque. The topography of Waiheke Island means that nearly everywhere you go has a view of the sea. The best way to stay is to book a ‘bach’ (Kiwi for ‘beach house’) through bookabach.co.nz, stock up on the local produce and make the Island home for a while.  Alternatively, if you are looking for somewhere a little less independent try Moana Vista B&B, the five-star luxury of Delamore Lodge or The Boatshed.

Wine & Dine: Typical of most wine-growing regions food and wine is an essential part of the Waiheke Island experience. The most famous vineyards of the Island’s cool climate vineyards specialising in Pinot Gris, Viognier and Syrah varieties, Cable Bay (12 Nick Johnstone Drive, phone 372 5889) and Mudbrick (126 Church Bay Road, phone 372 9050), both have cellar-door sales and wine tasting, wine bars and award-winning restaurants. There’s also a feast of good restaurants and cafes in Oneroa township including Viola (15 Ocean View Road, phon 372 7654) for a great Italian menu and wine selection in a cosy atmosphere, Vino Vino Cafe & Wine Bar (3/153 Ocean View Road, phone 372 9888) for Mediterranean-style cuisine with amazing ocean views) and Wai Kitchen (149 Ocean View Road, phone 372 7505) for good views and a contemporary menu specializing in seafood. For a fun, casual bite to eat head down to Little Oneroa Beach for yummy organic wood-fired pizza, calzone, polenta and pocketbreads at Dragonfired (phone 0272 961 655). There’s also unbelievably good scones and tea at the Oneroa Bowling Club (1 Mako Street, phone 372 7180).

Things to do:

Tramping: The Kiwi tradition of ‘tramping’ (hiking) is one of the best ways to explore Waiheke, its villages, ‘100 beaches and 1,000 views’. There’s a number of great walks on the Island so grab a bushwalking map from the Visitor Information Centre (118 Ocean View Road or at the Matiatia ferry terminal) and make sure you pack some tasty local gourmet treats, a hat, water and wet weather gear (the weather can change at a heartbeat in New Zealand). If you are visiting the Island in late January, the annual Headland Sculpture walk is a great way to combine one of the Island’s best bushwalks with a little taste of artistic culture.

For Adventure: From the Kayak Shed near the Matiatia ferry terminal you can hire kayaks, windsurfers and stand up paddleboards. Kayak Waiheke (phone 372 5550) also offers kayak paddling and fishing tours and Island Dive Waiheke (phone 372 4173) offers Certified PADI Dive Courses, equipment hire and snorkel excursions.

For Pampering & Relaxation: If bending and stretching is your thing, visit Synergy Studio (120 Ocean View Road, phone 372 8811) for yoga, Pilates, fitness training, massage and natural beauty treatments. The Breathing Space Yoga Studio (11 Moa Avenue, phone 372 4556) also offers Ashtanga, Hatha and pre-natal yoga classes, plus private sessions. At ART Works (2 Korora Road), you can chill out on a comfy old sofa and catch a recent flick at the Cinema (phone 372 4240) and check out the art gallery upstairs.

Shopping & Markets: If shopping for fashion is your thing, you are probably best to spend up in Auckland. But, if gourmet treats, wine and art is your thing there’s plenty on offer. There’s a whole community of artists and galleries to check out on Island, but the Waiheke Community Art Gallery (2 Korora Road, phone 372 9907) and Toi Gallery (145 Ocean View Road, phone 027 773 2975) are a good place to start for contemporary. For gourmet treats head to Waiheke Fruit and Vege (110 Oceanview Road, phone 372 8866) for a great selection of local produce including Waiheke Island olives and olive oil, roasted coffee and lavosh bread. A short drive away you can pick up great fresh local produce at the Island Farmers Market in the garden behind PLANiT Organic Takeaways and Eco Store (7 Belgium Street, Ostend, phone 372 3690) on Sundays from 10am; and the Ostend Markets in Belgium Street, Ostend every Saturday from 8.30am-12.30pm.

Getting there: Hauraki Gulf Waiheke Island is located about 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland.  The passenger-only ferry departs from Downtown Auckland. If you are bringing a vehicle with you, you’ll need to catch the Sealink vehicular ferry from Half Moon Bay or on Fridays and weekends, Auckland also. (Note: Bookings for the Sealink ferry are recommended, especially during holiday times. If you are booking a bach, check whether you need a 4WD vehicle to gain access to your holiday home).

Getting around: If you are staying on Waiheke for more than a couple of days, it is worth hiring a car, 4WD or a scooter from the Matiatia ferry terminal or the Oneroa Information Centre. Fullers bus offers full-day jump-on-jump-off day passes on the Explorer bus (but it’s not really very ‘Holiday Goddess’). From the Matiatia Wharf terminal you can also hire a mountain bike from Waiheke Bike Hire (phone 372 7937) or hire a car or 4WD through Waiheke Rental Cars (phone 372 8635) or Waiheke Auto Rentals (phone 372 8998). Or make the most of the scenery and explore as much as you can on foot and call in the local taxi (phone 372 3000 or 372 7000) when you need back up.

For more information visit http://waiheke.aucklandnz.com/
// ]]>

Author, travel writer and Holiday Goddess Editor Julie Miller loves the seafaring cats and strawberry margaritas at beautiful Buddha View.

Beautiful Buddha View, Thailand

My feet are dangling a metre above the water, twinkling with darting fish and a mermaid. She’s a little weathered from years submerged, but the Khmer Apsana dancer staring up at me is still an intriguing companion.

This is the last place I expected to be having such a cool dining experience – the Thai island of Koh Chang, in the north-east corner of the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border. But the Buddha View Restaurant has raised the bar for fabulousness in the region, combining European chic with relaxed Thai charm, great food and a seductive ambience.

Chill out and forget city life (Photograph Julie Miller)

Owned by three Belgian friends, Buddha View perches on stilts above the waters of Bang Bao Bay, in the south of Thailand’s second largest island. Bang Bao is a working pier, trawlers docked alongside and women pounding shrimp heads into paste. Seafaring cats wander along the planks squeaking for handouts, and there’s always a fishy whiff in the air.

In the past few years, however, Bang Bao has also become a tourist mecca, with the narrow half-kilometre pier jammed with souvenir sellers, dive shops and restaurants. Guesthouses and private homes have also sprung up, with real estate prices exploding as society folk from Bangkok establish weekender accommodation.

Originally a sprawling Thai restaurant, the Belgians took over Buddha View four years ago, determined to upgrade, modernise and attract a different clientele – namely Europeans. First on the agenda was to convert half of the space to guest accommodation – there are now eight rooms available, simple yet stylish, all with king beds and four with spacious en suite bathrooms.

Dine by the pool and unwind

During the day, guests are welcome to soak up the sun on day beds strategically positioned on the pier; in the evening, these are the perfect place to sip on cocktails (the strawberry margaritas are to die for!), soaking up sunset views and watching the twinkling lights on the bay.

The coolest place to dine, however, is on colourful cushions alongside two large glass-top tables, hovering over holes cut into the original decking. The addition of the mermaid sculptures below, visible only at low tide, make for a mesmerising dining experience.

Matching the chill-out lounge ambience at the Buddha View is the quality of the food – exceptional flavours and presentation, with seafood barbecues and delicious jungle curries a specialty. And of course, you couldn’t get much fresher seafood, straight off the boat and direct to your plate.

Buddha View: 28 Moo 1 Bang Bao Pier, Koh Chang.

www.thebuddhaview.com

Rooms cost from 1000 baht per night in peak season (Dec-Jan), less at other times of the year.

Located in the northwest corner of Western Australia, Broome is one of the most remote towns in Australia. The first thing that strikes me about it is the surreal starkness and vibrant colours of the landscape. Flat red dirt plains scattered with scrubby bush stretch for as far as the eye can see in one direction and in the other, white sandy beaches lap against turquoise seas with a golden sunset bobbing just above the horizon. The second thing that hits me is the heat. It’s late September and a soaring 32-37 degrees. It’s cause to slow down and soak up the chilled, relaxed vibe that the town is famous for. The township stretches from one of Australia’s most famous coastlines – the 22 kilometres of Cable Beach – to the hub of Chinatown. With its fame and fortune built on the by-gone glory days of the pearling industry, Broome these days has been overtaken by mining and tourism becoming a mecca for travellers seeking a ‘top-end’ Australian adventure. The other thing that makes Broome unique is the people. Its population is a melting pot of artists, writers, musicians, miners and entrepreneurs. It’s also a multicultural mix of nationalities including Aboriginal Australian, Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Timorese shaped by the early days of the town’s pearling history.

Stay: From the languid beauty of Cable Beach to the buzz of Chinatown, Broome has a vast array of accommodation options ranging from flash backpacking at the Beaches of Broome to eco-retreats and the iconic luxury of Cable Beach Resort and Spa. Out of town, Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, located just over an hour’s drive south of Broome, is part Australian version of an African Safari, part seaside retreat and part luxury camp. For accommodation information and bookings visit Broome Visitors Centre.

Wine & Dine: Due to its remote location, Broome is an expensive place to eat and drink but there’s no shortage of great cafes, restaurants and bars. Sunset drinks at Cable Beach Club’s Sunset Bar & Grill is a mandatory Broome experience, but you need to get there well before the sun drops over the Indian Ocean to secure a spot. Cable Beach Club also has a Boardwalk Café, Thai Pearl restaurant (during the high season) and the beautifully decorated Club Restaurant offering fine dining.  In Chinatown, Aarli Bar (Cnr Frederick & Hamersley Streets, ph: 08 9192 5529) dishes up tasty seafood, tapas and pizza in a funky indoor/ outdoor setting. They also have great coffee. Next door, Noodle Fish (6 Hamersley Street ph: 9192 1697) dishes up the best fish in town with an Asian twist. Around the corner Azuki Japanese Fusion (15 Napier Terrace, ph: 08 9193 7211) offers great Japanese with a West Australian spin. For a cheap and cheerful lunch with a Mediterranean twist and an exotic setting, head to Land of Pharaohs Kebab House (Paspaley Plaza, Carnarvon Street ph: 08 9192 6469) or the Kool Spot café and deli (12 Carnarvon Street, ph: 08 9192 5512). About 20 minutes drive out of town, 12 Mile Café (53 Yamashita Road ph: 08 9192 8552) serves farm fresh organic food in a leafy garden setting. Note: 12 Mile Café is BYO and cash only and it’s worth calling ahead to make sure they are open as opening hours vary between the wet and dry seasons.

Things to do: Broome’s unique culture harks back to the pearling days of the 1800’s and people still come from afar for the famous South Sea Pearl that the town has built its fame and wealth on. A visit to Pearl Luggers (31 Dampier Terrace) to join one of their daily guided tours is well worth it. Broome Camel Safaris offers the chance to experience the quintessential sunset camel ride along Cable Beach and if you time your visit right (during the three days after the full moon from March to October), you’ll be able to witness the natural phenomena of the silvery Staircase to the Moon. For other unique experiences under the stars, Astro Tours will take you on an entertaining stargazing evening you’ll never forget, or you can catch a movie at the world’s oldest operating theatre, Sun Pictures (8 Carnarvon Street).

Adventure: Broome has plenty to offer the adventure-seeker ranging from tours to the Kimberley – a 423,000km stretch of land that is one of the largest, most remote and geographically diverse wilderness areas on the planet, heli-fishing trips for barramundi, indigenous tours, day trips to the stunning Dampier Peninsula and Cape Leveque and Gantheaume Point where you can see dinosaur footprints believed to be more than 130 million years old. Visit the Broome Visitor Centre (1 Hamersley Street) for more information about daily tours and attractions.

Yoga: Broome is a treat for yoga lovers with classes on offer at Broome Yoga School (26/28 Dampier Terrace) and The Loft (12 Frederick Street) in Chinatown and the Buddha’s Sanctuary at Cable Beach Club. Out of town, Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat offers daily morning yoga classes and residential retreats throughout the year hosted by visiting yoga teachers.

Pampering: Most of the good resorts in Broome have in-house spa and beauty treatments available but the best in town is Chahoya Spa at Cable Beach Club. Also good is Monsoon Holistics (ph: 0405 404 303) offering Hawaiian Ka Huna, remedial, relaxation and pregnancy massage as well as private yoga classes.

Shopping: It’s all about pearls, pearls pearls with showrooms lining the streets of Chinatown including the famous Paspaley (2 Short Street), but for the most interesting and modern pieces head to Aurore (31 Dampier Terrace). There are also great photographic and art galleries selling contemporary and fine Aboriginal art and craft including Short St Gallery (7 Short Street), their Bungalow Gallery (3 Hopton Street, Old Broome) and Gecko Gallery (9 Short Street).  With long, lazy days to enjoy the pleasure of holiday reading, it’s also worth heading to Kimberley Book Shop (7 Napier Place),

Getting there: Broome is a 2½ hour flight from Perth, Western Australia.

Getting around: Getting around Broome is easy. Broome Town Bus Service offers half hourly services from 7.10am to 7.10pm between Broome and Cable Beach stopping at local attractions and resorts in the peak season and hourly in the low season. Chinatown Taxis (08 9192 3316) will take you where the bus doesn’t and with its wide roads, kilometres of footpath and a flat landscape, Broome the ideal place to get around on a bicycle – you can hire one from Broome Cycles. 

Yoga is a part of daily life in Byron Bay. This bustling coastal town on the Tweed Coast of Northern New South Wales is a hippie haven from way back. It’s also a Mecca for backpackers and holidaymakers seeking the sun, surf and the spiritual. Kris McIntyre gives you the low down on where to stay, where to eat and play, and most importantly, where to bend and stretch and reach for the stars.

The relaxed bohemian lifestyle that Byron Bay is renowned for is a little more commercial these days, but all the things that make Byron special are still ripe for the picking – an amazing year-round climate, a lush rolling hinterland that ambles down to beautiful beaches, eccentric characters and wonderful healers including some of the best yoga teachers in Australia. With names like Jessie Chapman, John Ogilvie, Louisa Sear, Dena Kinsburgh, Lance Schuler and Liz Costigan calling Byron Bay home, it is no wonder that visitors flock here in the hundreds year after year to hang out and learn yoga. Whether you are looking for a cheap holiday with a bit of yoga thrown in to a luxury health retreat or the chance to do a teacher training program whilst living in a community of like-minded people, Byron has something to offer. In fact with a smorgasbord of daily yoga classes, year-round retreats and highly regarded teacher training across a range of styles and traditions, yogis are spoilt for choice here.

STAY
For luxury digs, head into the lush hinterland about 20 minutes outside town for Olivia Newton-John’s Gaia Retreat & Spa (933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet. T: 02 6687 1216) which offers programs from $912.50 per person (twin share) for two nights including all meals, a one-hour massage, daily yoga and leisure activities. Closer to town and the beach, the Byron at Byron (77 – 97 Broken Head Road, Phone:  1300 554 362 ) offers 2 night packages from $490 per person (twin share) including breakfast, one hour spa treatment, lunch or dinner one day and daily yoga. Belongil Beach House (25 Childe Street. T: 02 66 857868) offers relaxed communal beachside living just a ‘frisbee throw’ from the beach and a 10 minute stroll to the township. Accommodation ranges from shared rooms to studios and cottages from $40 per night. There’s also a courtesy bus to Byron, a communal kitchen, garden café, free boogie boards and massage on offer. At the Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge (Skinners Shoot Rd. 02 66857709) the vibe is hippie-hippie shake. The range of ‘funky abodes’ include Teepees and Island Bungalows starting at $18 per day (camping) to $34 (shared dorm) or $80 per day in a private room. Onsite facilities include the Buddha Bar Restaurant, Byron Lounge Cinema, Buddha Gardens Day Spa, communal kitchen, recording studio and daily yoga classes.

LEARN
For the novice practitioner, a visit to Byron Bay is a gentle introduction into a healthy yogic lifestyle. you’ll find a yoga class within a side stretch of just about anywhere. Step up a notch and there’s a full calendar of yoga retreats ranging from weekend getaways with Liz Costigan to week-long programs like Jessie Chapman’s Radiance Retreats. Jessie’s popular retreats incorporate daily yoga classes (Hatha/ Vinyassa) with basic but comfortable accommodation, nurturing food, massage treatments and a fun program of activities including dance, bush and beach walks, nutrition talks, cooking demonstrations and meditation. At the premium end of the spectrum Jessie also runs luxury retreats at Gaia Retreat and Spa. Gaia also offers tailored health, fitness and detox programs incorporating daily yoga in a beautiful setting in the Byron Hinterland – perfect for a mini-break with friends or a mother-daughter retreat. Aspiring yoga teachers also have the chance to immerse in a yogic lifestyle with intensive teacher training programs ranging from a four weeks to a year. The most popular include John Ogilvie’s Byron Bay Yoga Centre (combining Iyengar, Asthanga, Sivananda and Satyananda) and Lance Schuler’s Inspya (Hatha) training, both of which include residential intensives throughout the year.

Radiance Retreats with Jessie Chapman range from 4-7 nights starting at $1497 (twin share) in basic accommodation to $2335 at Gaia Retreat & Spa. Dena Kingsberg’s Yoga Shala (11 Black Butt Street) offers Asthanga Mysore classes. Bookings are required and check dates for Dena’s travel schedule. www.dena.net.au  Liz Costigan’s Byron Iyengar Yoga Lounge (1a Banksia Drive) offers daily classes (Tuesday-Sunday), 5-night retreats from $1400 or ‘choose your own date’ retreats from $350 for two nights. The centre also runs teacher training with Glenn Ceresoli on six weekends across the year for $4,040. Inspya runs 4-6 week Hatha Teacher Training programs for levels 1-4 with Lance Schuler from $5,000. Inspya also run 10-day raw food retreats with onsite accommodation and camping. www.inspyayoga.com. Byron Yoga Centre (6 Byron Street) offers daily yoga classes, 7-day retreats from $1250 and Teacher Training modules from 12-day intensives for $2500 with ashram style accommodation from $143 per week. www.byronyoga.com. Red Tent Yoga (5/102 Centenial Circuit) offers yoga classes, workshops and ‘Wise Women Circles’ just for the gals and kids. Or bring your inner surf goddess and yogini together at one of Samudra’s surf and yoga retreats.

EAT
With healthy cafes that serve up organic produce, vegan meals and a ‘LSD’  (Soy Dandelion Latte) without a raised eyebrow, Byron Bay is a rare treat for the vegetarian eater. Cafe One One One (1/111 Jonson Street)  dishes up hearty regional produce with a European bent. The infamous Fins Restaurant has relocated to Salt Village near Kingscliff, but you can enjoy great gourmet fish and chips at Fish Mongers (Bay Lane, behind the Beach Hotel) If you’ve got cash to burn, there’s Olivo (34 Johnson Street. Phone: 6685 7950), Dish (Cnr Jonson & Marvel Streets Phone: 6685 7320) or Rae’s on Wategoes (Marine Parade, Wategos Beach, phone: 6685 5366). For the best coffee in town try Bay Leaf (8/87 Jonson Street) or Mokha on Lawson (Feros Arcade Shop 2/ Lawson Street). If you are staying in town for a while, you can shop for fresh organic produce and supplies at Santos and the Fundamental Food Store, nicknamed ‘Fundies’ by the locals. Or meet the local farmers at the Byron Farmer’s Markets held every Thursday between 8am-11am in Butler Street Reserve.

DRINK
Despite its reputation as a bit of a party town, Byron’s nightlife is surprisingly limited but there are a few quirky local haunts and pubs. The beer garden at The Beach Hotel (Bay Street) is Byron’s most popular watering hole with live music most nights and Sunday afternoons. ‘The Rails’ Railway Hotel (Jonson Street) and the rowdy Great Northern Hotel (Byron Bay Street) both come to life with live music gigs and a local crowd. Put your dancing shoes on and disco with the hot young things at La La Land (Lawson Street) or Cocomangas (Jonson Street).

PAMPER
For the best pampering experiences head out of town to Gaia Retreat & Spa where you can have a spa treatment and lunch or Kiva Spa (1 McGooghans Lane, Mullumbimby. 02 6684 4811). Entry to Kiva’s bathhouse is $20 with treatments from only $45 for a half-hour massage. Shaman River Rain calls Byron Bay home and offers mobile massage services when he’s not traveling the globe. If you are lucky to catch him you’ll enjoy one of the best massage treatments you’ll ever have.  Phone: 0408 192 769.

SHOP
Shopaholics will find everything from hippie couture to surf wear, street fashion and oodles of homewares. The best way to approach shopping is to head to Jonson Street and wander. On a drizzly day head to the esoteric Abraxas Bookshop (13 Lawson Street) or the Medicine Wheel (1/84 Jonson Street) for a tarot reading and classic Byron spiritual bits and bobs. The Byron craft and produce markets are held on the first Sunday of the month in Butler Street Reserve.

EXPLORE
Off the mat, take up surfing, scuba diving, drumming, Tantra, temple dancing or any of the myriads of distractions that are offered in abundance to entertain your inner soul seeker. A sunrise walk to Cape Byron Headland and Lighthouse is a must. Further afield, climb Mount Warning, visit Minyon Falls and explore the Hinterland and surrounding towns including Mullumbimby (‘Mullum”), Lennox Heads, Brunswick Heads and Bangalow. For tips on local markets, events and gigs, pick up the local newspaper, The Echo.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Byron Bay is about 2½ hours drive south of Brisbane. Fly to Ballina or the Gold Coast/ Coolangatta. Check www.webject.com.au for the best deals. Xcede Airport Shuttle service offers transfers to Byron Bay for the 50 minute trip from Ballina ($18 each way) and Gold Coast ($40 each way). Phone 1300 233 113 or book online. (Tip: Queensland and NSW have different time zones in summer so remember to check daylight saving times when you cross the border). Blanch’s Buses run regular, but not especially extensive, local services. Check www.blanchs.com.au for timetable information. Your best bet is to hire a bike. Byron Bay Surf and Bike Hire (1/31 Lawson Street. (02) 6680 7066) rent a range of bikes from $20 per day or you can buy a used bike from as little as $150.

Andreina Cordani tries seafood out of a loch and avoids the hordes.

cc. Flickr.com / mike138

About two hours’ drive away from Glasgow, is the virtually uninhabited valley of Glencoe, where mountains soar into the sky as spring water pours down their sides. Deer roam the pastures, and you can even see the occasional eagle. For a quick weekend escape, there’s nothing better, and if you want to stay longer, there’s plenty more to discover. Travel in spring or Autumn and you’re taking a risk with the weather, but you’ll be avoiding the tourist hordes – and let’s face it, when it come to Scotland, you’re always taking a risk with the weather.

This is our must-list for the Glencoe area…

Walk the Hidden Valley
In previous centuries the Hidden Valley was used as a hideout for sheep rustlers or quarrelling clansmen, but now it’s one of the most popular walks in the area. Walk, clamber and occasionally bum-slide along the two-mile path through a beautiful forest, crossing a sparkling burn which looks clear enough to drink (although don’t!) until the valley finally opens out in front of you. Leave mid-morning and you’ll get there in time for lunch in the valley, before heading back.

Visit the Clachaig Inn
Want to drink whisky, listen to live music, chat up outdoorsy Scottish men and carouse until the early hours? The Clachaig is for you. It’s the best place to party for miles around and if you’ve been to the Hidden Valley that morning you’ll see all the people you met along the way in the bar that night. The Clachaig also offers simple but very welcome accommodation including deliciously hot showers. The food is simple and hearty, perfect after a hard day’s walking and there’s even a drying room for your soaking-wet walking gear. (clachaig.com)

Sandwiches at Crafts and Things
OK, when it comes to freshly-made lunches you’re not exactly spoilt for choice. It’s Crafts & Things or… well, Crafts & Things. Luckily their rolls and cakes are excellent, they make packed lunches to go or you can eat in, surrounded by books and various crafty-crystally type gifts.

Seafood feasts
If there’s one problem with Glencoe it’s that there aren’t enough good places to eat. Local eateries vary from the tartan-tablecloth-mixed-grill variety to the beautifully decorated places which garnish everything with ‘jus’ and charge a fortune. One exception is the Lochleven Seafood Cafe, which serves deliciously fresh, simple fish dishes straight from the loch.

Land Rover safari
The National Trust at Glencoe runs ‘safaris’ around its land from April to October. Incredibly enthusiastic guides drive you around, teach you to spot wild deer on the mountainside and give you a real insight into the landscape around you.

Get paddling
See nearby Loch Linnhe from different point of view by booking a kayaking session (we went with Rockhopper) Paddling silently along the flat water, we saw a seal pop its head out of the water and follow us. A perfect moment – and it’s great for the biceps, too. www.rockhopperscotland.co.uk

Photo Attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72486075@N00/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Kris McIntyre has an alternative kind of safari for you – via stunning spas and meditation wells.

The idea of travelling to Southern Africa usually conjures up romantic notions of wildlife safaris and exotic adventure. But if you are looking for a less traditional route to explore this vast and exciting continent, we’ve discovered our own ‘Big Five*’ for the body and soul … with a distinctly African twist.

Earth Travel (South Africa)
Earth Travel offers unforgettable travel adventures around the world including bike tours through some of South Africa’s most beautiful and wild places including Kruger National Park, Cape Town and the Wild Coast. With tours ranging from 3-14 days, this is a sometimes challenging but enjoyable way to get fit, even if you’re not to begin with. The average day involves two to six hours of cycling, but there’s a back-up team if you want to hoist your bike, take it easy and enjoy the scenery. Earth Travel also offers self-drive and customised tours through Southern Africa including wildlife safaris and sporting holidays.
What to bring: Your own biking gear if you have it – otherwise you can hire everything you need from Earth Travel, a basic level of fitness and a willing, challenging spirit.
Cost: from R3000 per person for set tours. Cost includes all accommodation and meals, Earth Travel guide and backup team. Customised tours are priced on individual requirements.
Bookings: www.earthtravel.co.za or email xavier@earthtravel.co.za

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat (Western Cape, South Africa)

© BushmansKloof.co.za

Recognised as one of the world’s best hotels, this is a wilderness experience offering African-style luxury with soul. The Reserve is part of a World Heritage site located in the Cederberg Mountains, 3-4 hours drive from Cape Town, dedicated to restoring indigenous wildlife and flora and protecting 130 San Bushman rock art sites. With just 16 rooms, the Lodge is private and intimate, but you also get to mingle with other guests and the very knowledgeable rangers. With gourmet cuisine, the heavenly Gingko day spa and a beautiful setting this is the perfect place to rest, heal and pamper yourself. On the daily nature drives you can expect to see Cape Mountain Zebra, Eland, Bontebok and more than 150 bird species. Relax by the pool or with a stroll through the medicinal gardens, or get physical with a host of outdoor activities including hiking, rock-climbing, mountain biking, archery, fly-fishing and canoeing.
What to bring: A sense of adventure, a good pair of walking shoes and someone who deserves to be seduced by the surroundings.
Cost: From R1750 per person (twin share) for a standard room (low season). Rates are per person per night including all meals, guided tours and activities (excluding spa treatments).
Bookings: Phone +27(21)685 2598 or www.bushmanskloof.co.za

Buddhist Retreat Centre (Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)
The Buddhist Retreat Centre (BRC) offers a beautiful place to learn about Buddhist philosophy, psychology, meditation, arts and culture. Set amongst tranquil Zen gardens and indigenous bush, the BRC overlooks one of the great valleys of the Umkomaas river system just 90-minutes drive from Durban. The 125-hectare estate has also received National Heritage status by former President Nelson Mandela in recognition of its work in protecting the flora and fauna of the area. The BRC runs a full program of educational retreats ranging from Buddhist meditation practices to yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Kung, to drumming workshops, painting workshops, couples and family retreats. You can join a hosted retreat or simply stay and enjoy a self-guided retreat with access to BRC staff for advise on Buddhist teachings and meditation. Make sure you buy a copy of their ’Quiet Food’ cookbook which holds the secret to the infamous BRC fare.
What to bring: The BRC recommends bringing casual comfortable clothes, a warm waterproof jacket, torch, walking shoes and umbrella.
Cost: From R280-R720 per person, per day depending on what style of accommodation you choose. Costs include accommodation and meals. Buddhist tradition does not charge for teachings so it is also good karma to donate a voluntary ‘dana’ to the teachers or the Centre.
Bookings: Phone +27 (39) 8341 863 or www.brcixopo.co.za

Temenos Country Retreat (McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa)
Just over two hours drive from Cape Town, Temenos is a great spot for a romantic escape, time out or a spiritual holiday. The Retreat has 13 fully equipped self-contained cottages set within beautiful gardens and contemplative spaces. The vibe is Zen meets rustic Byzantine. Facilities include a meditation well, library, chapel, lap swimming pool, Tebaldi’s restaurant and massage treatment rooms. Outside the front gate lies the quaint village of McGregor where you find art classes, health shops, cafes and local craft galleries. There is a full calendar of events throughout the year including Wellness Weeks and silent retreats.
What to bring: If you don’t want to leave your cottage then bring everything from tea bags to tofu – otherwise, there’s Café Temenos, and the town of McGregor has some good eating spots.
Costs: From R460 per person per night (accommodation only). Three-day Wellness Retreats start at R2700 per person including accommodation, meals, morning walks, yoga sessions, two body therapies and daily meditation.
Bookings: Phone + 27 (23) 6251 871 or www.temenos.org.za

Yoga Safari (Botswana, Southern Africa)
Spiritual meets safari. Yoga Safari offers unique week-long retreats combining daily yoga and meditation with an African wildlife adventure including the chance to see the ‘big five*’. With the reassurance of an experienced guide, the safari takes you through the Central Kalahari to the Moremi Game Reserve where you’ll stay in a traditional bush-safari camp with walk-in canvas dome tents, camp beds complete with mattresses, sheets, duvet, pillow and towels, warm showers and a fire to sit around and enjoy ‘sundowners’ (pre-dinner drinks). Safari locations change throughout the year according to the season and movement of the game. You don’t have to be an experienced yogi to come along, but a basic level of fitness is recommended.
What to bring: There’s a full packing list on the Yoga Safari website.
Cost: The 8-day/ 7-night retreats are US$3499 per person sharing including all meals, yoga and game drives.
Bookings: For upcoming dates and bookings phone +267 7140 0108 or visit www.yogasafari.com

FAST FACTS & TIPS:
• * The ‘Big Five’ is a term coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. The term is still used on wildlife safaris referring to the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard.
• The official tourist website for South Africa is http://www.southafrica.net/
• For cheap airfares, hotel bookings and car hire in Africa visit www.kulula.com

Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh) are said to have drunk at The Warren House Inn at Dartmoor, but also to have been haunted by its ghost. You’ll want to visit for the local ales or local walks. It’s a big, blokey, beautiful bar. Visit warrenhouseinn.

If you can’t do gluten, you can still do high tea – get to Barnes Bridge rail station or take the 209 bus to Orange Pekoe at 3 White Hart Lane. The website is orangepekoeteas. It won the Time Out 2008 Best Tearoom award and caters for the wheat-free very nicely. We also like Nicole’s, which is fashionista Nicole Farhi’s downstairs cafe. Gluten free chocolate cake and macaroons – not bad. Shop afterwards! The website is www.nicolefarhi.com. The queen of gluten-free is The Lanesborough, which is wildly expensive and luxurious. Book at least a day before.  Visit lanesborough.

There is a set classic dim sum lunch for well under ten pounds at Pearl Liang if you care to hop on the train to Paddington or order a cab to 8 Sheldon Square W2. London Chinese love it – always a good sign. Scallop dumplings or mango pudding, anyone? Visit pearlliang.

Every image you have in your mind of Northern Scotland is probably true. I experienced it all last summer, when I stayed with a schoolfriend in Ineverness: kilts, bagpipes, haggis and grouse shoots.

I was imagining luxury in the extreme that weekend, as I was staying in a cottage owned by Mohamed Al Fayed. Oh, how wrong I was. The cottage itself was comfortable enough, but everything else was severe. Cold swims were just one of the features on the menu.

The minute I arrived in Inverness I was taken to a reeling (Scottish dancing) practice. There were about fifty people of all ages in the hall but only three of us who didn’t know how to reel, and it was immediately obvious.

As everyone else paired off into couples I found myself without a partner; not only did I not know how to reel, I didn’t know anyone else in the room. I then had twenty grandmas descending on me, all trying to find me a willing partner who would teach me

how to dance. Of course I ended up with the five foot thirteen-year-old.

Having had my right foot trodden ad absurdum, I was glad when the next reel began and I found myself being thrown about by a 6’5″ Caledonian, fully kilted-out with his sporran (pouch) and sgian dubh (funny little knife worn in the top of the sock).

Reeling with him was much easier as he just whirled me about – no thinking on my part was involved.

The names of the dances are great – The Duke of Perth, The Reel of the 51^st and Strip the Willow. I think my favourite had to be The Dashing White Sergeant, though. You get two boys for that one!

I thought the reeling had been terrifying enough, but the next day I was dumped with ten of my friends to swim in a freezing cold river. In Inverness this is considered a holiday trea, but even the salmon were trying to jump out, the water was so cold.

This was followed by a grouse shoot. I can’t shoot so I just walked along with the party. I had no idea what I had let myself in for. All the men were of course in kilts. I was starting to realise by now that the kilt is in fact the standard item of clothing for men in Inverness. We were expected to walk all the way up the grouse moor, and all the way back down.

I only made it one way – give up your yoga or your daily jog – walking up a hill of heather is far better exercise. Because I couldn’t shoot I was one of the beaters. We were accompanied by six family dogs. Apparently they’d been bred for this sport but it wasn’t apparent to me. As far as I could tell my job as beater was to be yelled at by anyone holding a gun/wearing a kilt.

After three hours of watching the 30 guns we managed to kill a grand total of three grouse. Apparently that’s normal. Applaudable in fact.

After all this, we were expected to reel again. The energy of the Scots is remarkable -. I was ready for nice lie-down. As I began to pick up the steps of the dances, though, I began to appreciate being swung around by strapping young men with bare knees.

Things were looking up. After a week of this I started to think maybe Inverness wasn’t so bad after all. Despite being 5° colder than the rest of the UK and lacking modern comforts, there are a lot of gorgeous boys up there who knew how to look good in a skirt.