
Sam Growdon
She/HerBased in Hong Kong
Speaks French & basic Japanese
Trip budgets start at $400/night
Sam Growdon
Ask me about
My Story
South African-Born, Hong Kong-based, travel-obsessed Global Citizen. Creative Director turned Travel Advisor with a love of art, design, fashion and yoga. Mantra: Travel opens the hearts and minds of every human.
My Travel Style
A city-girl who thrives on finding unique places and experiences. The history, art, architecture, and human stories we learn while traveling excite me. I’m obsessed with beautifully designed hotels, trying new foods, testing my language skills, and soaking in the culture of new and unique places. I use my experience of visiting 50+ countries and living in 6 to design personally curated itineraries and immersive experiences that go beyond typical tourism.
My reviews (38)
Kara A.
5 days ago
Sam’s advice was spot on and this was the perfect hotel for our family. She also help booked our transfers to have lunch with friends at another hotel. The vans were great and everything was seamless.
Jessie K.
5 days ago
Booking with Sam was quick and easy. We couldn’t decide which room we wanted for our family 6, and when we finally came to a consensus as a family, Sam managed to snag the perfect room for us, book breakfast and give us an excellent rate. She even included 100USD dining credit, which with a family of 6, comes in handy! Before arriving in Bangkok, Sam checked in a few days prior to see if she could book us a transfer or take care of any other bookings. She’s communicative, responsive and very easy to work with.
In my 20s I was a global nomad and would go to Cape Town for the weekend from the US. In my 40s, I hate traveling. However, working with Sam and booking at the Siam Kempenski, this experience could not have been smoother or more pleasant!
Aaron K.
15 days ago
Sam, everything was incredible.. the flights, the resorts, hotels, guides, etc. We didn’t want to leave, and we appreciated your notes along the way! Tanda Tula is our new favorite place on the planet. The accommodations, hospitality, food, and safari are unmatched, and we certainly plan on going back in the future.We got to see the big 5, have a romantic time, and make friends along the way. We could live in Cape Town.. Cape Cadogan was beautiful and close to everything. Mont Rochelle is probably one of the nicest resorts I’ve ever seen.. the hospitality, accommodations, and views were incredible. The order of going from safari, Cape Town, Franschhoek, to Hermanus couldn’t have been planned any better. It was nice to slowly wind down the trip in such a relaxing part of the world. Thank you again for making our honeymoon so special and we really appreciate your recommendations. Truly first class and we would have been lost without your preparation! Thank you again!
Robert V.
3 months ago
Absolutely the best! Sam made our trip a first class memory beginning to end! She has set a new standard for our travel and we can never go back! Her attention to detail combined with her efforts to make our journey one that was arranged to our personal tastes was beyond expectations. We can’t say enough about how amazing she is! Fora has definitely earned a new client as long as Sam is in charge!
Robert G.
4 months ago
Our family holiday to Sardinia was everything we could have hoped, and MORE! Sardinia is breathtaking - turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-perfect towns. The beaches are world-class, the food and wine unforgettable, and it didn't feel overrun and busy even in peak European summer. It’s an outstanding family holiday destination with something for everyone.
Sam, our travel advisor, was phenomenal! She organised and booked everything seamlessly. Her attention to detail and thoughtful touches elevated every day of our trip. We loved her spot-on tips for things to do, restaurants, and tours in each town. Five-star service end to end, we can’t recommend Sam highly enough!
Kara A.
5 days ago
Sam’s advice was spot on and this was the perfect hotel for our family. She also help booked our transfers to have lunch with friends at another hotel. The vans were great and everything was seamless.
Jessie K.
5 days ago
Booking with Sam was quick and easy. We couldn’t decide which room we wanted for our family 6, and when we finally came to a consensus as a family, Sam managed to snag the perfect room for us, book breakfast and give us an excellent rate. She even included 100USD dining credit, which with a family of 6, comes in handy! Before arriving in Bangkok, Sam checked in a few days prior to see if she could book us a transfer or take care of any other bookings. She’s communicative, responsive and very easy to work with.
In my 20s I was a global nomad and would go to Cape Town for the weekend from the US. In my 40s, I hate traveling. However, working with Sam and booking at the Siam Kempenski, this experience could not have been smoother or more pleasant!
Aaron K.
15 days ago
Sam, everything was incredible.. the flights, the resorts, hotels, guides, etc. We didn’t want to leave, and we appreciated your notes along the way! Tanda Tula is our new favorite place on the planet. The accommodations, hospitality, food, and safari are unmatched, and we certainly plan on going back in the future.We got to see the big 5, have a romantic time, and make friends along the way. We could live in Cape Town.. Cape Cadogan was beautiful and close to everything. Mont Rochelle is probably one of the nicest resorts I’ve ever seen.. the hospitality, accommodations, and views were incredible. The order of going from safari, Cape Town, Franschhoek, to Hermanus couldn’t have been planned any better. It was nice to slowly wind down the trip in such a relaxing part of the world. Thank you again for making our honeymoon so special and we really appreciate your recommendations. Truly first class and we would have been lost without your preparation! Thank you again!
Robert V.
3 months ago
Absolutely the best! Sam made our trip a first class memory beginning to end! She has set a new standard for our travel and we can never go back! Her attention to detail combined with her efforts to make our journey one that was arranged to our personal tastes was beyond expectations. We can’t say enough about how amazing she is! Fora has definitely earned a new client as long as Sam is in charge!
My travel ideas (8)

Best Beaches in Cape Town
Cape Town's beaches are gorgeous and some of the best in the world! While there are other beautiful beaches in other countries, many of them are private, overly crowded with sun-gazers or cultivated for tourists. Cape Town’s beaches are public beaches of natural beauty and rarely over-crowded. The best time of year to visit Cape Town is November through to March – it’s hot and sunny and also a superb time to escape the northern hemisphere winter too. Keep reading for my top 5 best beaches in Cape Town.

Best Beaches in Cape Town
Cape Town's beaches are gorgeous and some of the best in the world! While there are other beautiful beaches in other countries, many of them are private, overly crowded with sun-gazers or cultivated for tourists. Cape Town’s beaches are public beaches of natural beauty and rarely over-crowded. The best time of year to visit Cape Town is November through to March – it’s hot and sunny and also a superb time to escape the northern hemisphere winter too. Keep reading for my top 5 best beaches in Cape Town.

Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary
Add Sri Lanka to your travel list! With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming people, Sri Lanka has a little something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the stunning beaches, explore ancient ruins or go on an adventure in the lush rainforests, this beautiful island has it all. And let's not forget about the delicious food and tea! From mouth-watering curries to fresh seafood, your taste buds will thank you. So why not pack your bags and make Sri Lanka your next travel destination?

Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary
Add Sri Lanka to your travel list! With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming people, Sri Lanka has a little something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the stunning beaches, explore ancient ruins or go on an adventure in the lush rainforests, this beautiful island has it all. And let's not forget about the delicious food and tea! From mouth-watering curries to fresh seafood, your taste buds will thank you. So why not pack your bags and make Sri Lanka your next travel destination?

From the Skies in Cappadocia!
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia was a bucket-list item for me, and to do it with girlfriends was incredibly special. One of the oldest and most incredible parts of Turkey, Cappadocia is filled with unusual rock formations that give this region it's otherworldly landscape. These rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" – tall spires of rock carved over thousands of years by erosion, but look almost sculptured by hand. The ancient caves in this area also add to it's unique geology. One of the top attractions is the complex network of cave dwellings and underground cities - some of which are 8 levels descending 60 meters! Many of these caves were once churches and places of worship; carved chapels feature elaborate murals giving real insight to the lives of those that have lived in the surrounding valleys for centuries. Cappadocia is a surreal landscape and an unforgettable experience, especially seeing it from the sky.

From the Skies in Cappadocia!
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia was a bucket-list item for me, and to do it with girlfriends was incredibly special. One of the oldest and most incredible parts of Turkey, Cappadocia is filled with unusual rock formations that give this region it's otherworldly landscape. These rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" – tall spires of rock carved over thousands of years by erosion, but look almost sculptured by hand. The ancient caves in this area also add to it's unique geology. One of the top attractions is the complex network of cave dwellings and underground cities - some of which are 8 levels descending 60 meters! Many of these caves were once churches and places of worship; carved chapels feature elaborate murals giving real insight to the lives of those that have lived in the surrounding valleys for centuries. Cappadocia is a surreal landscape and an unforgettable experience, especially seeing it from the sky.

4 Day Shopping, Culture and Sightseeing in London
See iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Wander through the city's iconic parks. Eat traditional fish and chips in famous pubs and shop the English capital's luxe departments stores. You won't run out of things to do in London. So, pack your (empty) bags and make belly space for world's best tea and scones!

4 Day Shopping, Culture and Sightseeing in London
See iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Wander through the city's iconic parks. Eat traditional fish and chips in famous pubs and shop the English capital's luxe departments stores. You won't run out of things to do in London. So, pack your (empty) bags and make belly space for world's best tea and scones!

2-Week US Road Trip : Los Angeles to Sedona
A road trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix is a must-do for any traveler. It has beautiful scenery and many chances to have fun. It also offers some of the most famous places in the country. From the bustling city of Los Angeles to the beachfront paradise of San Diego and the majestic natural wonders of Sedona National Park. So pack your bags, fuel up the car, create a jammin' playlist, and hit the road!

2-Week US Road Trip : Los Angeles to Sedona
A road trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix is a must-do for any traveler. It has beautiful scenery and many chances to have fun. It also offers some of the most famous places in the country. From the bustling city of Los Angeles to the beachfront paradise of San Diego and the majestic natural wonders of Sedona National Park. So pack your bags, fuel up the car, create a jammin' playlist, and hit the road!

Italy Undiscovered - Summer Days in Pesaro
Pesaro is an undiscovered gem and the perfect four-day beach holiday. Positioned perfectly in the middle of Italy’s eastern coastline, it’s a great stop on a trip from Milan to Bari or Venice to Lecci — or if you’re looking for a small town without masses of tourists that still delivers on Italian sandy beaches, excellent seafood, warm hospitality and gelato for days. There is just enough to do for those who like culture and activities, but the main attraction is the warm friendly vibe, beach, sun and Adriatic waters. Maximum summer vibes with minimum effort.

Italy Undiscovered - Summer Days in Pesaro
Pesaro is an undiscovered gem and the perfect four-day beach holiday. Positioned perfectly in the middle of Italy’s eastern coastline, it’s a great stop on a trip from Milan to Bari or Venice to Lecci — or if you’re looking for a small town without masses of tourists that still delivers on Italian sandy beaches, excellent seafood, warm hospitality and gelato for days. There is just enough to do for those who like culture and activities, but the main attraction is the warm friendly vibe, beach, sun and Adriatic waters. Maximum summer vibes with minimum effort.

3 Day Trip to Yangshuo, China
Featured for eternity on the Chinese 20 Yuan note and a stamp, the iconic Karst mountains of Yangshuo (or as some folks refer to them, Sugar Loaf Mountains) in Guilin, China are even more stunning than on your social media feed. If you’re coming from Hong Kong, it’s a quick and easy 3.5-hour train ride, or a great add-on to a Southern China trip.

3 Day Trip to Yangshuo, China
Featured for eternity on the Chinese 20 Yuan note and a stamp, the iconic Karst mountains of Yangshuo (or as some folks refer to them, Sugar Loaf Mountains) in Guilin, China are even more stunning than on your social media feed. If you’re coming from Hong Kong, it’s a quick and easy 3.5-hour train ride, or a great add-on to a Southern China trip.

5 Days of Beauty, Food and Culture in Seoul
Seoul may be the mecca of Tik-Tok K-beauty trends, multi-floor cosmetic stores and aesthetic doctors and spas. But it is also a city filled will delicious food, interesting culture, antique stores, shopping malls and cool markets. So while you might head to Seoul for the beauty treatments, be sure to bring an empty stomach and a suitcase!

5 Days of Beauty, Food and Culture in Seoul
Seoul may be the mecca of Tik-Tok K-beauty trends, multi-floor cosmetic stores and aesthetic doctors and spas. But it is also a city filled will delicious food, interesting culture, antique stores, shopping malls and cool markets. So while you might head to Seoul for the beauty treatments, be sure to bring an empty stomach and a suitcase!

Best Beaches in Cape Town
Cape Town's beaches are gorgeous and some of the best in the world! While there are other beautiful beaches in other countries, many of them are private, overly crowded with sun-gazers or cultivated for tourists. Cape Town’s beaches are public beaches of natural beauty and rarely over-crowded. The best time of year to visit Cape Town is November through to March – it’s hot and sunny and also a superb time to escape the northern hemisphere winter too. Keep reading for my top 5 best beaches in Cape Town.

Best Beaches in Cape Town
Cape Town's beaches are gorgeous and some of the best in the world! While there are other beautiful beaches in other countries, many of them are private, overly crowded with sun-gazers or cultivated for tourists. Cape Town’s beaches are public beaches of natural beauty and rarely over-crowded. The best time of year to visit Cape Town is November through to March – it’s hot and sunny and also a superb time to escape the northern hemisphere winter too. Keep reading for my top 5 best beaches in Cape Town.

Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary
Add Sri Lanka to your travel list! With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming people, Sri Lanka has a little something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the stunning beaches, explore ancient ruins or go on an adventure in the lush rainforests, this beautiful island has it all. And let's not forget about the delicious food and tea! From mouth-watering curries to fresh seafood, your taste buds will thank you. So why not pack your bags and make Sri Lanka your next travel destination?

Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary
Add Sri Lanka to your travel list! With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming people, Sri Lanka has a little something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the stunning beaches, explore ancient ruins or go on an adventure in the lush rainforests, this beautiful island has it all. And let's not forget about the delicious food and tea! From mouth-watering curries to fresh seafood, your taste buds will thank you. So why not pack your bags and make Sri Lanka your next travel destination?

From the Skies in Cappadocia!
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia was a bucket-list item for me, and to do it with girlfriends was incredibly special. One of the oldest and most incredible parts of Turkey, Cappadocia is filled with unusual rock formations that give this region it's otherworldly landscape. These rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" – tall spires of rock carved over thousands of years by erosion, but look almost sculptured by hand. The ancient caves in this area also add to it's unique geology. One of the top attractions is the complex network of cave dwellings and underground cities - some of which are 8 levels descending 60 meters! Many of these caves were once churches and places of worship; carved chapels feature elaborate murals giving real insight to the lives of those that have lived in the surrounding valleys for centuries. Cappadocia is a surreal landscape and an unforgettable experience, especially seeing it from the sky.

From the Skies in Cappadocia!
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia was a bucket-list item for me, and to do it with girlfriends was incredibly special. One of the oldest and most incredible parts of Turkey, Cappadocia is filled with unusual rock formations that give this region it's otherworldly landscape. These rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" – tall spires of rock carved over thousands of years by erosion, but look almost sculptured by hand. The ancient caves in this area also add to it's unique geology. One of the top attractions is the complex network of cave dwellings and underground cities - some of which are 8 levels descending 60 meters! Many of these caves were once churches and places of worship; carved chapels feature elaborate murals giving real insight to the lives of those that have lived in the surrounding valleys for centuries. Cappadocia is a surreal landscape and an unforgettable experience, especially seeing it from the sky.
My travel photos



