DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - Japan for first timers.
Japan has been on my list for years. I haven’t made it there yet, but so many friends and clients have travelled recently that I’ve been able to pick their brains and collect recommendations along the way.

So, I’ve pulled together my Japan list: the places they loved, the hotels worth knowing about, what not to miss and the little tips that make a first trip easier.

Japan really is a year-round destination, with every season bringing something completely different. Cherry blossom in spring, long summer days, autumn colour or snow in winter.

As for me? I think Christmas next year might finally be the moment!

This is a 4 city stop over 12 days - but can easily be adapted for longer or shorter or for the seasons! Enjoy

#crosscollection #japanfirsttime

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT - And Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, South Africa
I have to talk about this one. Phinda Vlei has been part of my life for years, I grew up not far from here in KwaZulu-Natal and this lodge has always had a special place in my heart. It’s just been through a full revamp and honestly, @andbeyondphinda have outdone themselves.

The six suites are bigger now, with more room in the bedrooms and sitting areas, gorgeous new bathrooms that open onto outdoor showers, and private pool salas looking straight over the wetland. The whole look takes its cue from the old plantation homesteads you used to find on KZN’s sugarcane and pineapple estates, but done in a way that feels fresh rather than dated.

They’ve added a lovely new library to the main area, and the dining deck has been extended so you can eat al fresco with the sand forest and vlei right there in front of you. Everything is sustainably done too, locally sourced FSC certified hardwoods, less thatch for better insulation. It’s now 12 and up only, which honestly just suits the mood of the place.

Still only six suites. Still no noise, no crowds, just forest, wetland and whatever wanders past. If you’ve been before you’ll know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t, this is your sign.

📍 andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

#PhindaVlei #andBeyond #KwaZuluNatal #LuxurySafari #crosscollectiontravel

HOTEL SPOTLIGHTS - where my clients were this summer….
@sablealleybotswana
@labastidedesainttropez
@wearewilderness Little Kulula
@nayaratentedcamp
@forestis.dolomites
@casabonavita
@vestige.collections Son Vell
@danairesort
@pariliohotel

Looking forward to the next season of travel…..
#crosscollectiontravel #summerdestinations

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - The Nile River, Egypt.

Researching the 2027 eclipse sent me down something of a Nile rabbit hole. I won’t be travelling during the eclipse itself, but it has made me realise just how much I want to do this trip.

Forget the huge cruise ships. I’ve been looking at smaller boats, from tiny private dahabiyas to one rather fabulous historic paddle steamer (of Agatha Christie fame).

Most journeys take around four to six nights between Luxor and Aswan, depending on the boat and direction. I’d travel in October or November, or February and March, and add a few nights in Cairo at the beginning and perhaps Abu Simbel at the end.

My dream version? A group of friends, our own dahabiya, crew and Egyptologist, and five or six days slowly sailing the Nile. Who’s in?

@setnefru.egypt
@almourad.dahabeya
@lazuli.voyages
@gaiamagictravels
@nile.canopus
@steamshipsudan