Hotel San Michele, Capri

05/06/202505/06/2025

A beautiful hotel needs a few prerequisites: such as friendly welcoming staff, a great buffet breakfast, a pool to escape to and well serviced rooms.

Hotel San Michele has all this and an incredible view, which is worthy of staying for if the only reason.

The rooms are well kept and have a nostalgic charm. I had a very small, tiny room on the second floor with possibly the best views of the island. It was room 203 but it was a single bed and so tiny you could NOT swing a cat in there. I affectionately called it my Capri Grotto.

Given the time of year, it was very hot and the pool along side the hotel is free to use for guests, including a beach towel and sun chair. It can get busy so pick the times that you go.

The pool restaurant was definitely a stand out. With fresh fish, yummy salads, attentive staff, I only really discovered it on my last day and of course, the obligatory bellini ( a spritz type drink with prosecco and peach juice).

Not normally a fan of breakfasts nor buffet bars, it’s not something I factor in when considering a hotel. However, the buffet breakfast at Hotel San Michele was exceptional. Not on a Sheraton cook anything you want level, but on another level. Lots of cheese, cold meats and small selection of hot foods. The usual Americana junky breakfast foods. And lots of fruit and salad ingredients.

I don’t normally have breakfast but did enjoy my breakies at the hotel which are included in the price.

I will be going back to stay as the rooms, the views, the staff and pool/bar next door make this an easy place to stay.

Book here.

Pool side office Couran Cove

22/03/201622/03/2016

A favourite local escape is to Couran Cove on South Stradbroke Island off the Gold Coast.

Self contained apartments that are cool and offer all the necessaries (fridge, hot top, bath etc) with great views. Ramada Hotel Chain managed the property for awhile but I am not too sure who owns it now.

Sometimes I take the children, other times I go alone. Today was a short day trip.

A few hours on the island can feel like a substantial time. I catch the 930am ferry over and by 10.20am have set up pool side.

There are lots of things to do and the resort welcomes day trippers.

As a day tripper you can moor your boat at the marina and use the facilities.

There’s an easy walk (approx 45 minutes) to the other of the resort bringing you to the open sea.

The beach is beautiful and usually deserted.

If you bring children they can play in the adventure playground, ride bikes, run across the duck board walk, stand up paddle, kayak in the safe moat and play in the pool.

The pool in the middle of the resort is BIG. I love it for doing laps, for cooling off or playing with the kids. What I really like is the laid back Aussie atmosphere and chance to sip a cocktail pool side. It FEELs like holidays should feel.

Today I set up my temporary office and dive into some blogs and admin.

There is Australian wildlife every where. Milling around on the grass areas such as wallabies and kangaroos. Kookaburras, butcher birds and magpies. Very occasionally you will see a goanna runing across the sand.

It’s very cool, user friendly and relaxing.

Today I ate the Thai Beef Salad, which was really delicious and appropriately priced.

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Gold Coast

04/03/201602/04/2016

Well I am spoilt. Twice in the one week to a marina on the Gold Coast both boasting great times, warm autumn breeze and great food.

Sanctuary Cove Gold Coast — Swimming pool at Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Today I check into the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort for a seminar on natural medicine.

It’s been years since I stayed here but the place still holds a certain charm and “newness”.

I have fond memories of coming here – located beside a world class marina, surrounded by a world class golf course and access to many restaurants – it is great to be back.

The layout of the resort has always been appealing – loads of space, open air, great weather and lots to do (or not if you prefer).

It’s neatly groomed gardens, magnificent pools and private rooms make this a fantastic getaway.

The staff here are excellent – all polite, helpful and well, just here to make one’s trip memorable (for all the right reasons). Everyone I have had contact with has been wonderful.

Playing chess at Sanctuary Cove — BIG chess at Sanctuary Cove

There is lots to do here. Aside from playing golf on one of Australia’s best known golf courses (and home to PGA cutie Adam Scott), there is swimming, a gym, a spa, BIG chess, walks around the marina and many firesides and enclaves to chat with someone or daydream and read a book.

10/10 stars guys!