It’s #throwbackthursday and we all just loveeeeeeeeeee digging out those old photos and stories, so I figured it was a great opportunity to share a post that I’ve written, where I have spent some time reflecting upon my ideas about bucket lists and my life well travelled, so enjoy!
It’s Monday morning,and today I am grateful!
As 2014 races along (can you believe it’s already mid March?) It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind that is life and for me I am realising more and more, the importance of stopping to smell the roses so to speak. When we take a moment to ourselves and have a look around, there is always something to be grateful for.
Yes, we all have our struggles (some more than others) and there are things we wish we had more of, or things we wish we could do or wish we could be… But what about the things we DO have and the things we CAN do? What about taking the time to appreciate those?
For me life is busy… beyond busy actually! It’s made up of family, friends, work, travel & activity, and it’s at the point that the people around me just laugh & shake their heads at how crazy I am all the time.
Thinking about it this morning, I have come to realise that my ‘BUSY’ is actually o.k. It’s o.k because I’m doing the things I love, with people I love, however I am definitely learning to set aside time just for myself, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate everything around me.
I’m ‘busy’ spending time with my family & friends and It’s not because I have to, it’s because i want to. I am grateful and lucky to be surrounded by such amazing and inspiring people, BUT I am learning to take the time to spend quality time with each and every person, rather than a fleeting catch up.
I am ‘busy’ with work, so that I can live a life that I am proud of, and so that I am able to live the life I imagined. I want to continue to grow and be the best I can be. I want to help and inspire others and I am lucky to work in such a dynamic industry, but more than ever I am also learning to slow things down and work closely with each and every colleague & client to ensure I’m exceeding their needs and expectations, not just ticking boxes and getting things done.
I am ‘busy’ staying fit and active because I like to feel good. I love pushing myself & I love learning new skills. I am grateful that I am healthy enough to do it and that I have a partner who shares my love of adventure, but I am also learning that laying around after a busy week is actually o.k too, and that my body needs the rest to restore and recover.
I am ‘busy’ out there seeing the world so that I can experience everything that life has to offer. I know that there is more than what was placed right in front of me, and I am now looking at my travel as something that isn’t just about me. I’m valuing the experiences more with the knowledge that I can share it with the people in my life (and you my lovely followers).
>> Stay tuned for my upcoming posts on The Cook Islands, China, Bali and the USA which are all planned for this coming year. All of which I am grateful to be able to experience.
Yes, there is more I can be, more I want to experience and others I wish to help & inspire, but all in good time. Today I am going to stop and live right here in the moment and be grateful, for I am lucky.
What are you grateful for? Can you take a step back today and look at what’s around you and be thankful?
Kate xx
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
It’s that day of the year again that people literally love or hate, Valentines Day! Whether you buy into it or not, it’s everywhere, so I figured I would embrace the day and share with you my Top 5 LUST worthy destinations for romance!
I’ve also been planning some splendid honeymoons lately, and have found some spectacular locations for you and your loved one to lap up the luxury & indulge in some alone time, from the cliché (yet undeniably lust worthy), to the off the beaten track, here are 5 of my faves!
Lake Louise – Canada
What can I say? I’m a sucker for the snow, and to me nothing says romance like an embrace in the mountains. Snow falling softly, crisp mountain air, a warm crackling fire, blankets to rug up in, a bubbling outdoor Jacuzzi and glass of mulled wine or a hot chocolate… tell me this isn’t romance bliss!
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise knows how to do romance. Often found on the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler “Gold List” for hospitality excellence, It’s set amongst souring mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and on the iconic emerald lake.
From a sleigh ride for two around the lake to ice skating hand in hand. A picnic hike into the mountains or a couples massage at their award winning day spa. Star gazing by night or Après & afternoon tea for two after a day of skiing…. the opportunities for romance are endless, and the mountains are sure to bring you closer to the one you love.
Santorini – Greece
This is a no brainer, and Santorini has been listed as one of the worlds most romantic destinations for decades, but it’s certainly one that’s got to be seen and experienced to believe.
Iconic Oia sunsets, private yachting, gourmet dining, wine tasting, donkey rides (if your romance needs a little adventure) .. the list goes on, and my favourite property in which to experience it all from? Canaves Oia Hotel.
A luxury property, set into the Cliffside with elegantly designed suites for you to enjoy this spectacular destination. A member of ‘Small luxury hotels’ of the world’ this property is small in size, but big on bliss and I can imagine you relaxing poolside, set against the traditional white buildings, overlooking the sea. Can you?
The Daintree – Australia
Australia has wonderful diversity when it comes to romantic escapes. From the outback to the city, the beaches and the mountains… but nothing whispers romance like tropical seclusion and walking barefoot on a pristine private beach, miles from anywhere.
The Daintree rainforest, Queensland offers the opportunity to get lost in the moment, and the private islands and eco lodges will whisk you away into your own private love bubble. Experiences like sailing, diving, snorkelling, hiking, wellness programs and fine dining, will ensure that there is something for even the most active ‘I can’t sit still’ couple.
One such destination is the Bloomfield Lodge, a beautifully remote, captivating, boutique property, on the fringe of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland. It’s one of Australia’s most exclusive getaways, and the Eco lodge combines luxury accommodation with gourmet dining, and is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It was also recently ranked No1 in Forbes Magazine as the ‘Worlds Best Remote Hotel’… and with a range of accommodation options there is something for everyone.
Bora Bora – Tahiti
Tahiti would be on the list of almost any ‘bride to be’, as her dream Honeymoon destination, and having planned countless visits for my clients, their reaction is always the same… ‘Breathtaking’, and Bora Bora is always described to me as if they have stepped out of a dream and into reality, so it’s somewhere that certainly has to be experienced to be believed.
Bra Bora is an island in French Polynesia, and is surrounded by barrier reef and a shimmering aqua lagoon. In the centre of the island lays an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. This volcano and lagoon set the backdrop for one of the romantic destinations you could visit, and a trip to Bora Bora wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the stunning St Regis, Bora Bora.
One of the most exclusive resorts in the region, they proclaim to match blissful Polynesian paradise with flawless signature service, and by all accounts they do! Another property to make a regular appearance on the Conde Nast Traveler “Gold List”, the St Regis, Bora Bora provides a tropical paradise with a contemporary Asian flair!
If the stunning location isn’t enough to transport you to world of bliss, their selection of romance activities certainly should. From the Miri Miri day spa to a private island photo shoot. Champagne sunset cruises, personal dive trips and much much more, it’s a haven that will leave you speechless from the moment you arrive.
Taj Mahal, Agra – India
While I admit this isn’t the 1st place you think of when you think of ‘romantic destination’s, and surely the likes of Paris or The Maldives would be ahead of India on my list, but nothing has moved me more in my travels, than standing in front of the ‘Taj Mahal’ .. The worlds greatest declaration of love. I thought it would be a miss not to have this on my list.
You’ve seen pictures of her in books, magazines and in movies all your life, but nothing can quiet compare to that moment you walk through the arch way, and see her standing there in all her glory. Time seems to stand still, and every image you’ve seen of her vanishes away, as they in no way do her justice. There is an awe and a kind of magic that seems to radiate from her and despite the tens of thousands of people swarming around you, it sort of feels like it’s just the two of you. To share that moment, with the one you love would undoubtedly bring you together, and while most women would nudge their partner and ask ‘would you build something like this for me?’ it’s undeniably one of the worlds most romantic buildings, and perhaps a little less cliché than the Eiffel Tower in France or the Sydney Opera House.
For your stay in Agra, romance it up at the beautiful The Oberoi Amarvilasm Agra. One of Agra’s most luxurious properties, you can wake up to the view of the Taj Mahal from your room, and watch her dance in golden light of the morning sun.
The resort will leave you and your loved one feeling like an Emperor or Princess, in surroundings of pavilions, manicured lawns, reflection pools and a selection of dining choices that will fulfil your appetite after a day or two exploring Agra.
So take your partners hand, wake up to the Taj Mahal, and share a moment under the archway at the greatest monument of love in the world.
That completes my choice of 5 Lust Worthy Romantic Destinations, but the list could go on and on. Everyone’s idea of romance is different, and could be as simple as a candle lit dinner at home, dressed in style. I’d love to hear your ideas of your favourite romantic destinations, as I’m always planning honeymoons and looking for fresh inspiration.
As for today and the dreaded V DAY…If you are lucky enough to be with the person you love, do more today than send a card because you have to. Simply celebrate what you have and never take it for granted. Then plan your next romantic getaway, and let me know if I can help 😉 hehe
Happy Valentines day to all of my loves…. You know who you are xxx
Kate x
Kate Scott - Travel Stylist 