My 10 Most Memorable Travel Moments of 2016

I can firmly say this year has been a memorable one.

I watched sunrise and sunset in all below countries. I explored some of the cities without a map, got lost but discovered new places I wouldn't have otherwise and met some incredible people along the way.

Frosty Richmond Park

My day started off bit frosty.

Awake at the crack of dawn, I decided to seize the day and go for a long winter walk through Richmond Park before meeting a friend for a little 'breakfast celebration'.

Southbank and Caravaggio

Last Sunday, it was a beautiful winter day.

With clear blue sky, bright winter sunshine and crisp air, I decided to explore Christmas markets in Southbank first before meeting a friend for a bit of cultural enlightenment.

London, you wheel-y are a beauty!

Spa Day at Healthouse Las Dunas*****

When I was given the opportunity to visit Healthouse Las Dunas, a luxurious health resort located near Estepona on the western Costa del Sol, I squealed with excitement.

Homely Casa la Concha, Marbella

Last week, I jetted off to Southern Spain to watch my dear friend get married.

Longing for a bit of peace and tranquility, I chose to stay at Casa la Concha situated in the foothills of the iconic La Concha mountain.

Magical Sunrise and New York Café, Budapest

I woke up at the crack of dawn.

Unable to sleep, I decided to head out to Fisherman's Bastion to catch the sunrise.

Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube

Despite growing up only 3 hours away, I never visited the capital of Hungary.

The Danube river, the longest in the EU, runs through the heart of Budapest.

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus in Budapest

I recently visited the beautiful city of Budapest.

I chose Kempinski Hotel Corvinus because of its name and central location. Staying for two days only, being located within walking distance to the Danube River and all major attractions was important to me.

I have stayed in many Kempinski hotels and have never been disappointed - always so grand, luxurious yet very homely.

Ciao Milano!

To be honest, Milan was not on top of my must-visit places, but when the opportunity arose, I was glad I paid this fashionista city a visit. 

Artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the maestro Giuseppe Verdi, fashion designer Giorgio Armani all lived and worked here. Full of attractions, history, and architectural treasures, there is no shortage of places to admire.

Beaches and Bays of Kent

When the sun shines in the UK, you absolutely must 'make hay while the sun shines'.

I jumped on an early train from St Pancras and 1.5 hours later, I arrived in Broadstairs to be greeted with azure skies, sandy beaches and breathtaking vistas all around.

I decided to make the 3 mile/5km journey from Broadstairs to Botany Bay on foot, which took me over an hour as I kept getting distracted by the beautiful scenery.

Bucket list adventure - Paragliding

I had a dream.

Dream of stretching out my arms, closing my eyes and flying high, up in the sky seeing the world with a bird's-eye view and experiencing the ultimate freedom.

I woke up early just as the sun was about to rise.

Grand Hotel Fasano, Lake Garda

After having walked miles touring Verona, I could not wait to head to Lake Garda for a bit of me time.

I checked into the Grand Hotel Fasano.

Verona's Charming Corte Realdi

After couple of nights in Cinque, I moved on to their more traditional sister hotel. 

Right in the heart of the old town tacked away in narrow alley, I found Corte Realdi.

Fair Verona & Aida Opera

To awaken in a strange town is exciting - you are surrounded by adventure.

Second day was filled with exploring Verona's charming old town.

I visited square after square. Church after church.

First Day in Verona and Cinque

First stop of my Italian adventure was Verona.

I checked into Cinque.

Afternoon Tea at The Egerton House Hotel

I love a good afternoon tea.

Cucumber sandwiches, cakes, freshly baked scones with clotted cream... that's just my cup of (afternoon) tea.

Egerton Hotel very kindly invited me down to try their take on it.

Polo in the Park

Have you ever been to a Polo match?

Me neither. So when I received an invitation to attend Chestertons Polo in the Park, I got very excited.

Despite the sun being stubborn and hiding behind the clouds, it was a warm and beautiful day without a drop of rain. Cheers to that.

Porto Cristo and Deep Blue Seas

Before exploring Palma and admiring the Mallorcan countryside, I first reached east for a much-needed me-time.

Three days with a book in one hand, cocktail in the other and a bit of discovering in between.

Unwinding at Castell Son Claret

After two busy days exploring Palma, we headed to Es Capdella, Calvia to switch off and completely relax.

Surrounded by 132-acres of beautiful nature and La Sierra de Tramontana mountains, declared a World Heritage Site, Castell Son Claret was the perfect choice of peace and luxury.

Exploring Palma de Mallorca

Despite having less than 48 hours in Palma, we wanted to see as many unique shops, art galleries, cultural sites as possible, and try all traditional food.

Mainly grapes. Served in a wine glass.

After we dropped our bags off at the hotel, we headed out to explore.

Naturally, one of the main attractions is the Cathedral de Mallorca (La Seu) standing proud by the seafront. It was built between the 13th and 17th centuries, but the famous architect Antoni Gaudí redesigned parts of the interior in the early 20th century. Magnificent.

Staying in Palacio Ca Sa Galesa, Palma de Mallorca

When I started to plan my trip to Mallorca, I knew I wanted to stay in the heart of Palma for couple of nights so when I came across Palacio Ca Sa Galesa, lovely little hotel tucked away behind the Cathedral de Mallorca and a short walk to all restaurants, tapas bars and seaside, I was sold.

Spring at Kew Gardens

Have you ever visited London's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew? No?

Let me give you a quick tour.

Vogue 100

There is a very special exhibition going on in London.

Vogue 100.

Current Skincare Favourites

I have always been a beauty addict.

Yes, I am one of those that strictly follow in average five-step skincare routine slipping into a pang of terror after accidentally applying a face cream before the serum. I know.

There used to be few extra steps, but after years of practice I have 'narrowed' it down to a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer and eye cream. Once a week, I give my face a little more TLC by using a scrub and applying a face mask.

Name a skincare brand, and I most likely tried it but over the years, I have learned to stay with products that suit my skin.

That being said, I still like to explore new ones so here are some of my long-term or currently discovered and new favorites.