Last month, Derik and I made the spontaneous decision to go to the Beer Festival held in Brugge, Belgium. With over 400 different types of beer made from breweries all over Belgium and Europe, it was hard to say no. I was a bit worried accommodation would be slim-to-none since we literally decided a week before that we were going to go. After a quick online search (o.k. more like a couple hours), I discovered booking.com had the best options, and I reserved a place at House of Bruges. House of Bruges Review To be honest, I’m a little upset I didn’t discover this cute little B&B last time we visited Brugge. I loved our stay at Hotel Marcel, but the value for money, quaintness, and overall private experience House of Bruges gave us, ... Read More
Andronikos Hotel Mykonos
A couple weeks ago Derik and I finally took a vacation together, and decided we wanted to get a little sun on our faces and wind in our hair, so we went to Greece. We spent a week sailing around the Saronic Islands with Medsailors, and then took a ferry to Mykonos to enjoy a couple days celebrating my birthday ( !!! how’s that for a birthday present). Derik was on the computer for hours looking for a great place to stay, stumbled upon Andronikos Hotel Mykonos online, and booked it right away. Andronikos Hotel Mykonos Review I am writing a review of the Andronikos Hotel not out of obligation (I was not asked in any way to promote their hotel, nor did I mention I had a travel blog to the staff), but because we had such a great stay. The ... Read More
Staycation at Hilton Palacio Del Rio
I don’t know about you, but I find that sometimes staycations are a bit more glamorous and restful than actual vacations. Is it the fact that you don’t actually have to travel anywhere? Is it the fact that you already know the area and the best location to stay in? Or is it simply the fact that you’re spending time with your loved one and all the hustle and bustle of normal life is set aside and exchanged with relaxation and enjoyment? Whatever the reason, taking a staycation is one of my favorite things and I’m not sure why we don’t do it more often. Hilton Palacio Del Rio Review The last few nights before we moved to Germany, Derik and I decided to take a mini staycation at Hilton Palacio Del Rio to celebrate Derik’s graduation from ... Read More
Glamping Bali with Sandat Tents
If I had to put one thing, and one thing only, on a bucket list for Bali, Indonesia, it would *hands down* be to go glamping again. Yes, you heard me right, glamping in Bali! There is literally nothing finer in life than staying in one of Southeast Asia’s most luxurious tents. Let me tell you, for all those who have sworn off camping altogether: give glamping a go and I promise you’ll change your mind. Like most travelers researching all the tips, tricks, places, views, eats, etc for "the island of the gods," glamping in Bali wasn’t top of my list, or even at all for that matter, because I had no idea it even existed. As I searched for the less ordinary, more unique lodgings for our most recent trip to Bali, I stumbled upon Sandat ... Read More
Revisiting the Grand Mirage
One of the most unique things Derik and I have experienced in our travels, was the opportunity to revisit a place we absolutely loved a few years prior. As we were making plans to leave New Zealand last year and looking forward to our travels through Bali, Singapore, and Europe, Grand Mirage All-Inclusive Resort invited us to stay a few days while we were visiting Bali. We had an amazing time at the Grand Mirage in 2012 (how's that for a dated post), and wouldn't dream of declining such a wonderful and welcome invite! The Grand Mirage recently had undergone some management changes, and I was curious how those changes effected our stay, and if we would even notice the difference. Thankfully for us, it was just as we remembered, and we ... Read More
A Luxury Villa Stay in Mallorca, Spain
Having the opportunity to jet away on vacation is wonderful, but being able to bring family along makes it a million times better! After spending the summer on-the-go, we were ready for a nice seven day getaway with Travelopo.com in a luxury villa (pinch me), where we could spend time with my sister, her adorable family (a great brother-in-law and two nieces under three), and a childhood friend, catching up and enjoying life. Travelopo.com Luxury Villa Review From the second my browser loaded Travelopo's website, I knew we were going to have a good time, regardless of the fact we literally had no clue what our villa was going to look like until two days before we arrived. I mean, GOODNESS, have you seen the rentals on their site? ... Read More
Anniversary Getaway at the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
This year Derik and I celebrated our fifth year wedding anniversary. For the last four years, Derik has done an amazing job putting together surprises and making our anniversary special, and I wanted to return the favor with planning this year's getaway. I found an amazing deal on a cruise around the Aegean Sea into the Mediterranean (posts about that coming soon), with the departure port leaving from Istanbul, Turkey. I've always wanted to visit Istanbul, and the fact that our cruise left from this cultural and historical city, had me super excited! Derik knew nothing of our cruise plans, or the fact that we were traveling to Istanbul, and I wanted to make sure I added little surprises the entire week. I partnered with Shangri-la ... Read More
A Romantic Stay at The Gangsa Private Villas
Relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of life, is sometimes the best gift you can give yourself. Add a little romance and significant other to that equation and you have the perfect couples' getaway. There's nothing more refreshing than a few days relaxing in a private villa…just you, your loved one, the sun and a fruity drink or two. The Gangsa Private Villas Review The Gangsa is one of three private villa resorts owned by Kayumanis, a team of professionals committed to offering some of the most sought after villa retreats in Bali — which I can attest to being true the second we stepped into The Gangsa's grounds. Although the area of Sanur doesn't exactly scream luxury, Kayumanis has done a fantastic job creating an oasis out ... Read More
A Luxurious Getaway at Samabe
Derik and I absolutely adore Bali. We visited way back in August of 2012 (where has the time gone?!?), and knew from the second we boarded the plane back home that we were going to return. Luckily for us, after we decided to leave New Zealand, a few marketing opportunities came up in Bali, and it became the perfect 30-day stopover before heading up to Europe. After initially landing in Bali, we needed a place to relax and unwind from the stress of moving, and Samabe , a Bali all inclusive resort turned out to be exactly what the doctor ordered. Samabe Bali Suites and Villas Review I remember initially looking at Samabe's website and thinking, "Are you kidding me? This place is absolute paradise!" It's new, it's clean, it's private…and ... Read More