CATHERINE
I love the USA, there’s a world of experiences waiting for you to discover with some real hidden gems. My favourite cities are New York and San Francisco. When I want to kick back and do nothing it has to be the Maldives.
Closer to home, the Greek Islands, Italy and Iceland are firm favourites – I love the scenery, the food, the wine and the people.
MY FAVOURITE HOTEL
Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives. This unspoilt jungle is set in 44 acres in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and Marine Discovery Centre with turtles, dolphins and manta rays. Having stayed at many luxury resorts, this is where I found the confidence to have my first ‘Finding Nemo’ moment. The level of accommodation, the outstanding service, the food, it’s all amazing and I honestly can’t think of one negative thing to say about this paradise.
MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
I’ve been fortunate to have more than one. Going on a walking safari with Donovan (one of the most amazing rangers I’ve ever met) whilst staying at Singita Ebony Lodge in the Sabi Sand South Africa, trekking the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu in all its morning glory just awesome.
MY TOP TIPS
- California – everyone should drive Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, but my top tip is doing it from north to south. Which ever direction you do decide to take, the scenery is stunning but you get a better view going south because you’re on the ocean side of the road.
- New York – if you’re a film buff the perfect spot to talk about Manhattan is just below the Queensboro Bridge. Go have yourself a Woody Allen Manhattan moment, as this is where Allen and Keaton share a scene in the movie, it’s so romantic and memorable that it will make a fabulous spot to pop the question “Will You Marry Me”. The bridge is also known as the 59th Street Bridge, which Simon & Garfunkel immortalized in the song “Feelin’ Groovy,” and it’s the bridge of eternal crossing in the opening credits of Taxi.
- Lanzarote, Canary Islands – when visiting this volcanic island make sure you hire a car so that you can visit the many sights of local artist Cesar Manrique. Manrique, a sculptor, painter, architect and one of the pioneers of modern art in Spain, has created 7 tourist centres on the island including the beautiful Jameos del Agua.
- The Seychelles – with over 100 beautiful tropical islands, one of the joys of visiting the Seychelles is to island-hop. Make sure you stay on at least two islands and enjoy a day visit to the quintessential paradise that is La Digue. La Digue is best explored by bicycle, which is the mode of transportation favoured by the locals. Meet the giant tortoises, visit the old vanilla and cinnamon plantations at L’Union Estate, then finally for all you beach lovers head to Anse Source d’Argent, probably the most photographed beach in the world.
CATHERINE’S TRAVEL JOURNAL
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