velvet | beach holidays
Lang-Tengah-island-photo

Ten islands to visit in Malaysia

Malaysia is known the world over for its cultural diversity, expansive tropical forests, mouthwatering cuisine and yes, its glorious beaches. I’ve had the privilege of visiting many Malaysian islands to laze on the blinding white sands, swim in the crystal-clear water and say ‘hi’ to the amazing marine life. Malaysia comprises two parts: Peninsular Malaysia [...]

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The luxuries of dreamy Ko Racha

A special guest post by a girl named Bird. All too quickly and flippantly the word “undiscovered” is attached to the words “Thai island” and the hearts of numerous beach-loving travellers start beating a little quicker. For this reason I’d quickly like to state that Ko Racha Yai, a small island found 12 miles off [...]

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swimming-with-manta-rays-photo

Velvet moments: travel photo – swimming with rays in Bora Bora

One of the many highlights of my trip to Bora Bora in French Polynesia was swimming with various types of rays in the Bora Bora lagoon, amongst which the large manta ray. I described this experience in my Travel Journal entry, A Little Piece of Heaven: “As the boat anchored, about a dozen large manta [...]

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aigua-blava-bay-photo

A relaxing holiday at Hotel Aigua Blava

The road from the town of Begur to Llafranc winds past some of the most beautiful villas on the Costa Brava. After several miles, a left turn in the direction of Fornells leads visitors to arguably one of the most charming hotels along the coast: Hotel Aigua Blava. Situated on a promontory, this family-run hotel [...]

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jameo-grande-lanzarote-photo

Enchanting spots: Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a volcanic island that is part of the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco. The island is famed for its bewildering volcanic landscapes – think multi-coloured craters and black lava fields against the stunning backdrop of the deep blue Atlantic. Of the many attractions on the island, the Jameos del Agua is [...]

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cancun-beach-photo

Captivating Cancun

Ever since it first appeared on the map of Mexico in the late 70s – a sun-kissed location in the north-east corner of the Yucatan Peninsula ideal for development as the country sought to grow its tourism industry – Cancun has been known as a classic beach break kind of place. The majority of the [...]

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camogli-harbour-photo

Exploring the Italian Riviera

The Liguria peninsula in the northwest of Italy, a short drive east of Genoa, is a gorgeous region of colourful fishing towns, beautiful beaches and historic attractions. Liguria, often referred to as the Italian Riviera, is a favourite holiday destination amongst many Milanese and the global jet-set (think royal families, Madonna, Rihanna… and you get [...]

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Koh-Mak-island-Thailand-photo

Enchanting spots: Koh Mak, Thailand

A special guest post by Barbara Weibel. A Vacation Where No Building is Higher than a Coconut Tree I stepped off the speed boat that had whisked me from the mainland of Thailand to Koh Mak, a tiny island in the far eastern Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border and realized I’d found paradise. [...]

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El-Far-hotel-restaurant-llafranc-terrace-photo

Dining with a view at El Far

El Far is a name that’s synonymous with the historic Sant Sebastiá lighthouse that for centuries guided ships along the Costa Brava. The adjacent inn was a favourite among the locals who came here to enjoy the sea breeze, the majestic views and a glass or two of vino. Spectacularly situated high above the seaside [...]

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Getty-Villa-Malibu-photo

My velvet escape travel tip: Malibu

“My velvet escape travel tip” is a guest series about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown or favourite place of the guest writer. With this series, I hope to uncover travel tips from places around the world to help visitors have a truly local experience. Today’s guest [...]

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