When you think about deserts, what springs to mind? For me it’s mighty, Saharan-style sand dunes that undulate for miles. So it is always a shock when you arrive in the Atacama to a stark, moon like landscape filled with terracotta colour craggy mountains, volcanoes and salt lakes.
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Greystoke and the Chimpanzees
It’s not often I am blown away by a place, but as we sailed around a mountainous headland and the thatched roof of the longhouse of Greystoke Mahale came into view, the sight before me was even more beautiful than I’d ever imaged.
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France’s little “Ré” of light
Ile de Ré, a gorgeous place on France’s Atlantic coast, is one of my favourite close to home destinations. It’s perfect for either a short break for a couple or a longer family trip, ticking all the boxes for a great holiday: Short flight (1½ hours from Manchester to La Rochelle); no jet lag; delicious food and wine; no driving; and lots of time spent outdoors.
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Stirring up the senses in Sri Lanka
People often think of Sri Lanka in the same way as India - noisy, chaotic and a complete assault on the senses. It’s not. Sri Lanka has its own personality and a really lovely easy going island mentality with sweet, generous and welcoming people.
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