Category: Travel and Lifestyle

We recently went on a beautiful eight-night and three-Greek island hop without our children. We are midlifers just enjoying time together, so this blog isn’t centred around family-friendly holidays or holidays with teenagers. All the Hellenes and other travellers we met were friendly, helpful and hospitable. Food plays a big part in our decision-making when we choose holiday destinations. We both love to eat and are up for trying most things, especially fish; we love to swim (in the sea) and walk; and have downtime to read and for Tom to sketch. I’m conscious that our holiday priorities may not be everyone else’s cup of tea.

My best friend Clare was up for it. We re-jigged our diaries, and then on Friday, 26 May 2023, we flew from London Gatwick to Palma. My friend Clare and I were still determining what to expect, although we follow The Body Camp on Instagram and had a good old nosy on their website and read the reviews. It’s safe to say that it was an utterly incredible experience on many levels and surpassed our expectations. So here’s my blog on my no-nonsense thoughts on my seven days away.

After reading ‘A Theatre for Dreamers’ by Polly Samson for book club, I knew I had to visit the island of Hydra as the book depicted the island most beautifully. Besides, I love some of Leonard Cohen’s songs. The island didn’t disappoint, and Hydra has my heart.

Embrace the vibrant atmosphere of Athens in April! From 9 to 19 degrees, our weather journey was unpredictable. But with a stroke of luck, sunshine blessed our days occasionally sprinkled with gentle rain. 

Where classic meets boutique.

We were lucky enough to stay at the Great Northern Hotel @gnhotel for Tom’s birthday. The rooms evoke the magic, charm and sophistication of the heyday of the railways, brought right up-to-date to delight today’s guests. Beautifully designed to emphasise space, comfort and the character of the building. It’s the original railway hotel site since 1854; this hotel in the heart of the vibrant King’s Cross area didn’t disappoint.

Last week I was invited to the beautiful Middle Eight Hotel in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. In the basement is a fabulous live music venue, @qt_coventgarden, with a bar and restaurant. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, there are two shows by Leo Green @theleogreen and his talented band. Leo is an incredible Saxophone player. The atmosphere was electric; we all got up, danced, and enjoyed a drink and the delicious small plates.

Last week was a double first: the first time I’d ever been to the ballet and the first time I’d stepped into The Royal Opera House, in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.

The South West Coast Path offers (SWCP) 630 miles or 1,014 km of stunning coastal walking around the entire South West peninsula. Depending on where you start, you cover the Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, North Devon and Exmoor coastline.

This book is packed with helpful, clear, pictorial information, including maps. The book describes the Highgate to Hampstead walk as “a long hilly walk across London’s Northern Heights.” It’s about 7 miles. Our copy is outdated as it mentions shops, buildings and roads that no longer exist!

I feel so fortunate to live near Richmond Park. Since 2020, I have visited the Park almost two or three times a week, either my walking or cycling or with friends and family. It’s the best therapy, and it’s free.