SaltyBug

One of our favourite days at the beautiful @manamilife was the day we spent on the water. We explored surrounding islands and hidden coves, snorkelling on protected reefs. Cristito our captain carefully navigating the waters. One of the reasons this day was so special, is because Manami employ local experts as Nature Butlers. Their role is to guide you through their home environment. They teach and take care of you, ensuring your experience is the best it can be. Our Nature Butler Aries comes from a fishing family. Now, he leads snorkelling and scuba expeditions. Working daylight hours is better than fishing at 3am, catching squid by hand as he lures them to the water’s surface. He hasn’t lost his touch though, catching a tiny tropical fish with his hands for my delight. “Be careful” he implores as I swim off with this sweet little fish between my fingers to show my family, before we set it free. I feel like an excited child with this precious gift. He was joined on board by the gorgeous Chef Robert, whose passion for his craft was so evident as he nurtured the grill. “When I snorkel I find inspiration for my recipes” he tells me as we swam together after lunch. We were looking for a giant crayfish who lives in this area. “Tell me more” I ask. “Tell me your inspiration”, and he does as we float in warm waters, bird song filling the air and butterflies skimming the water by rocky cliff faces. This place, is paradise. 📍Manami Nature Resort, Sipalay, Philippines #invited #familytravel #snorkeling #luxurytravel #islandvibes

I found paradise. 📍Manami Nature Resort, Sipalay, Philippines #invited #explore #nature #luxury #Philippines

Let me introduce you to Manami Nature Resort. Perched on the clifftops of Sipalay in Negros Occidental, Philippines, this sustainably built, family-run resort is redefining what luxury means. It’s no longer just beautiful rooms and infinity pools. It’s about feeling connected to nature, community and the story of a place. You notice it in the thoughtful details. A plate of homemade brownies waiting in your room. The genuine warmth of every welcome. The feeling that you’re not simply a guest, you become family once you step inside. Here you will chase moments to hold tight in your memories. Whether it’s watching fireflies dance beneath a sky scattered with stars, snorkelling pristine reefs in a protected marine sanctuary, or just being able to slow down, remembering how to breathe. There were so many moments of kindness that made our stay extra special. Suggesting extra experiences to enhance our stay, and the way the kitchen team wrapped up our kids’ favourite meal to take with us. It’s thoughtfulness that comes from genuine care. Leaving was incredibly hard. But what stays with me most isn’t just the spectacular setting, it’s the way this place made us feel. At Manami, luxury isn’t measured by excess. It’s measured by connection to people and nature. Definitely put this destination on your Philippines bucket list. #Invited #philippines #familytravel #luxurytravel #tropicalparadise

Hidden Valley Springs, tucked at the base of the Mount Makiling mountain range in Laguna quickly became a favourite place to visit when we lived in Manila. It’s one of my top recommendations when I’m asked where to go on a trip to Manila, because it’s easy to get to, the facilities are good and it’s well taken care of. We had a very fast stopover in Manila and took work colleagues out exploring on the one full day we had here. They’d never travelled in the Philippines before and were blown away by how serene and beautiful this little spot is. I love how this place makes me feel. It’s fully immersive. Cicadas buzz, giant tropical butterflies dance between flowers, and birdsong echoes through the forest. Enormous palm fronds and ferns overhang the pools, keeping the sun off your skin and the warm humid air embraces you like a cozy blanket. It’s a forest paradise and I am certain there is magic in the mountain water here. Be sure to put it on your list of places to visit. Here are my tips for your visit: 🍃 Plan to arrive early at opening to avoid the crowds 🌺 Pack bathers and towels, sun cream, hat, change of clothes and snacks 🍃 Facilities: there are changrooms and lockers as well as a restaurant offering a lunchtime buffet and afternoon tea 🌺 Getting there: hire a car and driver or book a trip directly through Hidden valley Springs. #itsmorefuninthephilippines #explore #tropicalparadise #waterfalls

It was a quick few days in Manila for work commitments before heading off the mainland. There wasn’t a lot of time for much but I did get to catch up with my beautiful friends, and previous neighbours over dinner. I would have loved more time to see more friends and visit more places over here. It’s been so special and meaningful to return. We took my husband’s work colleagues out to a favourite place of ours. Hidden Valley Springs is a great day trip out of the city. It’s still as lovely as the first time we visited ten years ago. And of course, we had to give them a try of Dirty Icecream - it’s not dirty, it’s named that way because it’s a street food. We had cheese flavour. It’s creamy and a great cool treat on a hot, humid day. #philippines #asia #itsmorefuninthephilippines #quicktrip

I was completely captivated by the port art in Horta. I could have spent days looking at each one. I found myself searching for murals about home. It is quite a feeling when they are discovered. #portugal #streetart #horta #invited

My latest article!

I really loved telling this story about the port art in Horta. I am fascinated by all things folklore-ish, mystical, magical and mysterious so this ticked all the boxes for me. The top image is my gorgeous friend Charlotte, finishing off our mural after the rains had passed and we had all left the island, so now there is a little bit of us all left for many, many years to come. That is a really cool feeling.

Thank you to my editor Juliette Silvertsen at for trusting me.

I really loved telling this story about the port art in Horta. I am fascinated by all things folklore-ish, mystical, magical and mysterious so this ticked all the boxes for me. The top image is my gorgeous friend Charlotte, finishing off our mural after the rains had passed and we had all left the island, so now there is a little bit of us all left for many, many years to come. That is a really cool feeling. Thank you to my editor Juliette Silvertsen at @nzstuff for trusting me. #travelwriter #portugal #storytelling #folklore

The Pan Pacific is one of my favourite spots for a Perth CBD staycation. My husband and I have barely crossed paths lately, thanks to work, travel and life, so a cheeky overnight escape was exactly what we needed. The rooms are beautifully sophisticated, with thoughtful touches that make the whole experience feel a little more special. One of the best things about staying here is the location. The city is right on your doorstep, with great bars, restaurants and attractions all within easy reach. That said, we decided to stay in for the evening making the most of the hotel, rather than brave the cold outside. The Club Lounge serves complimentary drinks and canapés from 5.30–7.30pm, and downstairs you’ll find UMA, the hotel’s award-winning Peruvian restaurant. We opted for the set menu, which takes you on a journey through the Amazonas, it was gorgeous. The next morning, late checkout meant we were in no rush to wake up, enjoying coffee in bed before breakfast in the club lounge. Eventually, reality caught up with us. A few messages from home were all the reminder we needed that our little city escape was over and it was time to head back to the kids. #westernaustralia #staycation #invited #winterescape

Listen here: www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons

Today I had the pleasure of speaking on ‘Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan’ on @rnznewzealand about my expedition with @biosphereexpeditions in Portugal. I’m not going to lie, I was really nervous trying not to trip over my words, and hoping my dog stayed asleep so he wouldn’t notice people walking past our house (that would have been a disaster because he cannot help himself!), anyway thank you for the opportunity RNZ. Visit their website to listen www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons #Radiointerview #travelwriter #citizenscience #whalewatching #portugal

Welcome to The Loft at Little Creatures Fremantle. Overlooking Fishing Boat Harbour, right upstairs from the brewery, this is where you’ll find cozy nooks, elevated dining and handcrafted cocktails. The menu is designed for sharing, exploring and of course – indulging. The space is elegant, offering seating for everyone, whether in a group or on an intimate date. This is the place to come whether for lunch, sunset drinks or a memorable evening. Thank you @peachandpineapple for the invitation to experience this beautiful space, and congratulations @littlecreatures_fremantle on the new premises. The service, food and cocktails were fabulous, what a great night ✨ #Invited #thingstodoinperth #perthfood #fremantle