The beginning of a 2015 hails the first Travel Link Up and Emma, Kelly and Rebecca have started of with a fabulous first topic: Your Travel Wish List.
I thought I’d take the opportunity to let you know about the travels that I’ll be featuring on my blog this year as well as a few dream destinations that I hope to visit some day…
I have a *mild* obsession with beautiful, luxury and boutique hotels and my travel plans can be biased towards the hotels that I most want to visit…ok it’s about nature, culture, trying new food and having new experiences…but it’s quite a bit about the hotel too.
That being said I thought I’d structure this post around five hotels that I plan on visiting this year, followed by five I dream of going to one day. At the end of my post I also want to take the opportunity to dwell on a few resolutions for my blog in the new year so scroll to the end to find out my plans!Some of these dates / locations may be subject to change 😉
Plans for 2015
Marti Istanbul (February)
I last visited this fabulous Turkish city around ten years ago for a wedding, this time I will be returning for a visit to review the Marti Istanbul, located in the heart of the city.
 Istanbul is a city that holds many fond memories for me and I can’t wait to return and revisit all the incredible historical sights as well enjoy a kebab and some Turkish delight! One of my favourite things about visiting the city last time was hanging out at the stunning rooftops bars with perfect views of the Bosphorus, so I hope it’s not too cold in February.
I’m sure the city has changed significantly since I last visited so recommendations for bars and restaurants will be much appreciated!
Singita Boulders, South Africa (March)
 In March of this year, Mr S and I are embarking on our next major adventure. We’ll be heading to South Africa for several days of experiencing what Cape Town has to offer before driving through the Winelands and on to the Garden Route. I’ll be blogging about the itinerary in more detail later in the year, and I’d love some tips on what to do and where to eat.
For me the highlight of our South African experience will be going on Safari. Mr S and I will taking a plane to the Sabi Sands Reserve to stay in Singita Boulders for the experience of a lifetime.
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 The lodge itself looks totally gorgeous, decorated in natural materials that are in harmony with the outdoor landscape. Every suite has a private pool and viewing deck while food and drink are all included. It sounds utter bliss, and best of all we will enjoy daily game drives for the chance to observe some of the wonderful wildlife on offer.Our One Year Wedding Anniversary (May)
In May, Mr S and I will be celebrating our one year wedding anniversary…I’m already hinting that a weekend away will be the perfect way to celebrate! I mean you only one paper wedding anniversary, don’t you? We both love Italy and have already visited Milan, Lake Como and Florence together.
One place I’d love to is the Amalfi Coast and my hotel of choice would be Il San Pietro Positano.
The hotel seems to fit naturally into the cliffs of Positano and is surrounded by beautiful (pink!) flowers. There are two restaurants, one of which has a Michelin star, and for our one year anniversary, I would definitely choose the most romantic way to dine:
 With a lift straight down to a beautiful private beach and complimentary boat cruises, I think it would the perfect anniversary weekend away.
I’ve visited Bali before but this time I’m returning to fully explore the paradise island from it’s gorgeous beaches and rice fields to the iconic temples, I want to take it all in. Apparently the Balinese restaurant scene is completely different and constantly getting better. One place I can’t wait to return to is Ku de Ta, a fabulous beach club and restaurant, perhaps one of the most beautiful that I’ve been to.
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| My first time in Bali, as a much younger Spoon…taken from the SilverSpoon Archives |
When our adventures are done, I will give Mr S some ‘sitting by the pool’ time…and where better than the Alila Villas.
This is hotel I’ve lusted after for a long time…
Located high up on a cliff top, it’s the perfect place enjoy the view and indulge in plenty of pure relaxation. I’ll be enjoying the nasi goreng, cocktails and spa treatments while Mr S gets his pool time!
Fullerton Bay, Singapore (July)
A city best know for it’s incredible cleanliness doesn’t sound like the most exciting place in the world but Singapore is buzzing with fantastic restaurants, bars and shops.
Image from iStock
After Bali we’ll have a two day stopover here, and for my luxe location I would choose the Fullerton Bay Hotel. However, you’ll definitely also find me in Raffles sipping on a Singapore Sling 😉
Dreams for the Future
That’s eventual future by the way… I don’t plan to fit this into 2015 too 😉
Jade Mountain, St LuciaEver since I saw pictures of Jade Mountain, I wanted to go…
Set high on the hills in the beautiful island of St Lucia, every room has a panoramic view of the Pitons which can be seen from your infinity pool. The view is completely unobstructed because the rooms at Jade Mountain have no fourth wall!
 I would certainly put aside my fears of something scary flying into the room order to stay in this gorgeous and architecturally stunning hotel. Of course, I’m not one to sit for too long in a hotel room, I love an excursion… Hotel Chocolat have their own hotel in St Lucia and after reading about
Caroline’s experience I’m keen to visit and try making my own chocolate!
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
What Princess doesn’t want to stay in palace and strutt around pretending that she really is royalty?
 It’s the beauty of this gorgeous alpine retreat, perched high up on the Swiss alps that really appeals to me. Funnily enough, I’ve never been skiing (due to my fear of heights, moving quickly and potential broken limbs), but I love the idea of romantic hot chocolates by the fire, indulgent spa treatments and first class food.
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 With a room like this, I wouldn’t need a handsome prince to rescue me from my turret, I could happily stare at that view all day long.
For even great privacy the hotel has a separate hut located high above the town of Gsteig, an 18th Century hut that has been renovated into a gorgeous chalet with spectacular views of Gstaad. It would be perfect for an intimate dinner for two, though I think refrain from staying the night as it only has a outdoor loo and no hot water!
Mr S and I didn’t have much flexibility with our wedding dates and a May wedding was decided. As we’d wanted our honeymoon to follow soon after, we chose Bora Bora as our destination of choice. Bora Bora was also a dream destination of mine, but had we taken our honeymoon at a different time of year I definitely would have spent some time in the Maldives.
All the hotels in the island nation look totally idyllic, but it’s Huvafen Fushi that’s really caught my eye…
The rooms appear to float majestically on the sea, the beaches are pristine and there are several different restaurants to choose from. The resort also has it’s own sailboat, which you can also stay on for night, with your own private chef and wine cellar…
Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand
A homage to the lovely travel link up ladies…New Zealand is a distant dream for me because it’s so…well…distant…
The gorgeous lodge is set on a remote 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland.
And from the cliff top vista there are 180 degree views of the Pacific ocean. The suites look gorgeous with a private porch, large bedroom and fireplace and huge walk in wardrobe and with only 22 suites the service is hugely personal. The lodge reminds me of the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in my life, Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains in Sydney.
A major reason for visiting the hotel is the golf course, but as you may imagine Mr S and I aren’t keen golfers…but I dream of coming here for barbecues on the beach, nature walks and spa treatments.
Vietnam has always been a country that I’ve been curious to explore. To see history and culture in Saigon and Hanoi, the beauty of Halong Bay and to float down the Perfume River in Hue.
After all that adventure I’d relax at the Six Senses Ninh Van, a beautifully rustic hotel nestled in the hillside that embraces both luxury and sustainability.
When I looked back at my wanderlust wish list, I noticed a common theme running among the hotels. Every property was in a very isolated location, which though romantic and very relaxing, was miles away from the cosmopolitan world. Trust me, it’s not my dream to live in splendid isolation, quite the opposite actually… it’s more of a dream to explore these countries and islands and truly take everything in before finding the perfect place to hide away with Mr S, spend some time together….and perhaps take a little time to write about all the adventures that I’d just had…….and if you’re interested in knowing more about my wanderlust follow me on
Pinterest….Blogging Resolutions
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1. To continue to blog regularly at least 3 – 4 times a week.
2. Work on my photography skills and attend some workshops.
3. Attend some more blogging workshops.
4. Meet more bloggers.
5. Read new blogs (please leave links in the comments section)
6. Organise my own bloggers event.
7. Finally shift over from Blogger to self-hosted Word Press and make some changes to my blog’s layout.
Apart from where stated, all photographs were provided by the hotelÂ
