VR Rotorua Lake Resort

20/07/201920/07/2019

Accommodation in Rotorua is tricky.

At one end you have dorm style back packer and at the higher end you have some boutique resorts.

Finding something in between is a challenge and weekends are particularly challenging (and a bit pricey). If you have the option plan ahead or do what we did and stay a little bit out of town.

The VR Rotorua Lake Resort is a family friendly hotel about 15 minutes outside of Rotorua on it’s own lake. Lake

The friendly staff are really helpful and the facilities whilst a little older are just fine!

Our room has quite a romantic feel with a spa tub that opens onto the main room. The main room opens on the grassed area infront of the lake giving us direct access to the jetty and vast lawns. It is a really tranquil and beautiful spot.

We arrive late so head straight for a hot tub and sauna. Both are delightful. The pool is a 28 degrees.

In the morning we get to use the kayaks free of charge and have a quick paddle on the lake. The lake is actually a series of locked lakes that cover a wide part of the country side.

We don’t eat at the resort but the restaurant serves until late and breakfast can be purchased additional to the room. There are tennis courts for those keen for a hit. All in all, we decide we will be back and might even bring the kids.

The Beach Club Monaco

10/05/201710/05/2017

When you mention Monte Carlo and Monaco to people, images of flashy designs, rich and famous and fast cars come to mind. But for me it is different. Of course those elements are there but for me, Monte Carlo (the main part of the province on Monaco) is a gate way to the Cote D’azure and many fun night clubs!

This is my forth visit to town and each visit it feels like home as the surrounds become more familiar. I find the locals very friendly and very accommodating for my high school French.

I have never had a problem with people being rude or not trying to understand me. Quite the opposite, many go out of their way and are almost flirty in nature…

I am in town for the boat show and to network for my art works.

A friend is staying at the Monaco Beach Club and suggests “hanging by the pool” which in my sleep deprived, slightly hung over state sounds heavenly.

My first experience with the hotel is overwhelming. They treat me like a princes and attend to all my needs. The breakfast buffet is simple and adequate and can be consumed overlooking the water.

After breakfast we decide to relax on the terrace (verandah) and watch life go by. Which in this case is watching super yachts bob around on the horizon as helicopters come and go, bringing in guests and supplies.

A few swimmers come to the waters edge and swim out, laughing and giggling and enjoying the serene waters.

I muster a few water colours and the sun beams down on the alcove we find ourselves in.

Beside the hotel is a bluff that is rarely used. I go exploring.

Offering some of the best views of Monte Carlo I find the bluff a childhood delight. I scale up and down it’s little walk ways and lose myself in time day dreaming about making this location home.

All in all the Beach Club Monaco is a world class hotel, offering world class views, with easy access to the beach or the 50 meter pool. The rooms are stunning and clean, the staff exemplorary and the interiors very Monte Carlo and chic. I highly recommend staying here if you can afford it .

Galleria Salamanca – boutique hotel

02/01/201702/01/2017

Coming home to Tasmania is always a buzz.

The kids and I love the festivities over New Years, as the Sydney to Hobart yacht race is on, ex pats fly home for Christmas and the Taste of Tasmania is on!

It’s a great vibe!

Finding accommodation can be a drama though and prices can soar.

We like staying central for a few days over the Taste and stumbled across this newly opened gem. It’s called Galleria Salamanca.

Located right in the heart of Salamanca, access to the surrounding wharfs, town and Battery Point is a cynch.

I love our room, clean, new and open.

The bed is heavenly and the pillows bulky but soft. Lying in bed last night, I make a note to get similar for home. With air conditioning to cool or heating the place is weather proof.

We have a lovely living space with separate bedroom.

Perfect for the kids and I.

I can highly recommend this hotel for your stay in Hobart.

Labak River Hotel Ubud

09/09/2016

Finding the perfect place for a retreat is tricky.

Somewhere secluded but close to town. Somewhere with good clean facilities (especially air conditioning) but not at a crazy price. And somewhere that has enclaves for people to escape to and do some personal reflection and growth but it safe and contained. YES! It’s very tricky and until you hold your retreat, you are still not 100% it is right.

This retreat in Ubud, Bali, I chose the Labak River Hotel.

It’s located on the out skirts of Ubud but not a long way out like many others. You can walk to town in 15 minutes past the monkey forest, or jump on a scooter and be there in five minutes.

The hotel is spacious but has many intimate spots to hold small groups and for people to relax and recline.

All the bedrooms were beautiful and provided the guest with their own veranda and big chair to chill out in. I loved my bed!

A river runs behind the hotel and provides a lovely gurgling back ground sound. The hotel does face another hotel on the other side of the river, yet it is far enough away that no privacy is forfeited.

Beside the hotel is Ubud’s newest yoga facility, Ubud Yoga Centre, which is beautiful and offering great food with views.

The massages on offer are excellent and I had the Balinese Flower Bath 90 minute ritual. Absolutely therapeutic and relaxing. I highly recommend it.

The hotel has a few bar areas and the staff are friendly and helpful.

You can tell they want your stay to be special.

I will be holding my next retreat there in November 2016. Check out the retreat deets here.