Anne-Sophie Hurtaud

Bali is full of life and there is a lot to do, but sometimes it’s difficult to find a quiet oasis where you can relax and just enjoy the nature. Before spending a few days in Canggu, we wanted to go for a few nights‘ retreat, and Nirjhara just happened to be the best sanctuary.

Indian food is one of my favorite foods in the world (more than French and I’m French) so it was a given that I must one day visit India. I went on this trip with my best friend. It first started as a joke, thinking that it would be a wild adventure and it was indeed fun and crazy, but in the most amazing way. The beauty of this country is inexplicable, and people should really go above their prejudices and explore India. Since it was our first time in the country, we decided to visit Rajasthan, where you can find the pink (Jaipur), blue (Jodhpur), and yellow city (Udaipur).

Living in the Philippines, you tend to travel to the beach when you want to escape the noise, but there are as well amazing options hidden inside Luzon Island, and the mountains have beautiful areas to discover. The greenery surrounding you and how peaceful it gets will amaze you. Take a break from island-hopping and instead go for a hike to discover the beautiful rice fields of the Philippines. Trust me, you will be surprised.

Visiting New Zealand was a dream of mine. I wanted to explore the city, the nature, and the vineyards, and that is how I came up with this eight-day itinerary. From the city to Waiheke Island to Hawke’s Bay to enjoy delicious wine and Rotorua to witness the unique geothermal activities, there was not one part of this trip that was not mind-blowing. This was the perfect amount of time to visit the north island and get a glimpse of the Māori culture.

Siargao is one of the Philippine’s prime destinations, located in the southern part of Mindanao. It is known as the “Surfing Capital” of the Philippines with its very famous Cloud 9 spot. The island is a paradise for adventure and nature lovers with a wide range of activities, including surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. But most of all, Siargao has a reputation for great dining spots, from locally sourced ingredients to Asian fusion or trendy new bars, and I will be sharing all my tips in this article.

Living in the bustling city of Manila, it is a must to have a quick-escape destination less than two hours away from the city, where you can relax in the middle of nature with just the sound of birds. Well, Parallel is that place! From thoughtful architecture to mind-blowing views, on point amenities and service, there is just nothing more to ask for—a unique hidden gem that will inspire your best dreams. And what’s a trip without some great food spots? It’s a must, so I picked two of my favorite spots along the way, to include as part of this short weekend getaway.

Tokyo is such a vibrant city, and, if you are foodie, this is paradise on earth. Japanese cuisine is diverse, so there is so much to experience and there is always a hidden gem to discover. I love creating itineraries in destinations I have experienced several times. Tokyo is a giant playground — from cultural experiences to great views and landscapes or out-of-the-box activities, there is so much to do. Kyoto is much more traditional, which makes it a perfect place to escape to after few days in a super busy city — take the express train and wander through a more historical side of Japan.

Boracay is the perfect island for a birthday trip or a weekend between friends to party and relax. The island has a great vibe with lots of cool dining and drinking spots and dozens of water activities. But among all, Boracay is famous for her transparent blue water all over the island that you can discover through different island-hopping trips. If you want to get away from the buzz, you can easily retreat to the north of the island, just 30 minutes from the city. In the north, you can chill on a hidden beach or in a luxury resort. The island has something to offer for everyone it just depends on the experience you are looking for. It is one of the most famous destinations in the Philippines and definitely a must-visit at least once.

Paris is a city full of life, with a new experience to live every time you visit this city. You would not think of Paris as a place for a family reunion, but I just organized a trip for my uncle's 50th birthday for a group of 14, including friends and family. It was amazing! From delicious food to great entertainment and walks through the city, it is just always special to be in Paris.