Is it crazy to want to visit a place just so you can stay in a hotel? More specifically, Les Deux Abbesses, a hotel nestled in a small, picturesque village in Haute-Loire (South-Central France), complete with cobbled passageways and rustic cottages that have been converted into individually designed rooms.
Where small, picturesque village means this:
And rooms in the rustic cottages look like this:
I am half-certain I’ll see fairies and plenty of magic happening here.
Absolutely convinced that cruising round the south of Singapore would be the best way to celebrate my 30th later this August, I started dreaming up a guest list and even looked for caterers. Between websites, it dawned on me that I actually didn’t want something big. More specifically, I didn’t want to plan. If you know me at all, you’ll know I get a real kick out of planning events, but as much as I’d love to have all my closest family and friends with me, I’m too lazy and unmotivated to coordinate anything for myself. I can’t quite explain it, but it’s less… exciting? Anyway, I figured I’d be more than happy hanging out with my girls. So I went back to the drawing board.
I looked at restaurants… Perhaps a nice dinner party? Too formal. I looked at hotels and clubs… Perhaps a pool party? Too dependent on the weather.
Then the buddy’s recent celebration at Capella came along, and I knew I wanted a getaway. It also helps that my birthday falls on a public holiday Monday this year, making it the perfect long weekend to whisk my girls off with me to a gorgeous Thai island. Sun, sand, beach, great Thai food. Yep, this is what I want. :)
I actually have a couple of options in mind, but both resorts are far from the main attractions of Phuket. Sala Phuket is located on Mai Khao, while Aleenta Phuket is located on Phang Nga. Both are about an hour or more away from Patong, where the main action is. While I don’t really have a problem with being away from the hustle and bustle of town, I’m a tad concerned about a possible lack of local street food options.
Many of you already know this: back in 2002, I studied in Brisbane for 2 years with two of my closest friends. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I’ll do it all over again in a heartbeat. Not only did I develop a closer walk with the Lord while I was there, it also taught me to appreciate my loved ones even more. It was a life-changing experience, in the truest sense of the word.
My girls found love while we were there and migrated in ’07, and there is not a single day that I don’t miss them. I try to go back at least once every two years to catch up with them and the other friends I made during my time there. Yet, as much as I consider myself an adopted Brissie girl, I’ve never really seen what Greater Brisbane has to offer. So this June, I have every intention to visit at least two islands and go all touristy down under.
Moreton Island
The second largest sand island in the world (Fraser Island being the largest), Moreton Island is a popular place for whale watching. But I’m most excited about seeing the many shipwrecks (albeit sunken deliberately to form breakwaters) and possibly doing some sandboarding. I last did it back in ’01 and even though I slipped off the board a couple of times and was dead tired climbing up the sand dunes, it was also extremely fun. :p I’d also love to snorkel amongst the wrecks, but seeing as it’ll be winter, I’m not so sure if it’ll even be possible.
North Stradbroke Island
Straddie apparently boasts one of the most picturesque views that Queensland has to offer, with its rugged coastal landscapes and white sandy beaches. It’s also got a rich Aboriginal history and the three townships on the island give it a relaxed village vibe. It seems easy enough to get to and I’m definitely looking forward to spending a leisurely day wandering around the island and spotting (more) whales and dolphins at Point Lookout, from the North Gorge Headlands.
