Asia – Trips To Discover

12 Best 5-Star Luxury Hotels in Thailand

Georgie Darling — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:15:55 +0000

Thailand was the first place I ever visited in Southeast Asia, and since then, I’ve made it my mission to visit this gorgeous country again and again. A place where jungle views, white sand beaches, and incredible skyscrapers lay only a few hours apart, Thailand is a must-visit hotspot no matter what kind of vacation you’re after.

For those who like a taste of luxury, Thailand has plenty to offer, with a huge range of five-star hotels complete with sumptuous spas, unique excursions, oceanfront infinity pools, and everything in between. Read on for all of the best top five-star hotels in Thailand!

13 Best Hotels & Resorts in Canggu, Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:00:33 +0000

Having lived in Canggu for upwards of three years, I’ve spent more time than your average tourist checking out the coolest hotels and resorts around here. Known for being Bali’s digital nomad hotspot, Canggu is a paradise for surfers, yogis, foodies, and remote workers, with something to please all kinds of energetic travelers. With a perfect balance of laid-back vibes, stunning scenery, and vibrant nightlife, Canggu gives you the opportunity to catch some waves, chill out in a cafe, or party till dawn (or all of the above) with plenty of incredible hotels to rest your head at the end of a busy day. Read on for all of the coolest hotels here!

13 Best Hotels in Ubud, Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:00:46 +0000

Ubud, with its rich culture, stunning nature, and spiritual vibe, will forever be one of my favorite places in Bali. It’s hard not to get swept up in the magic of this town as you’re exploring its dense jungles, verdant rice fields, and vine-covered walkways. As well as that breathtaking natural beauty, with cascading waterfalls in every direction, Ubud is also a top spot for art and culture, with a vibrant art market running every day and a number of museums and galleries dotted around to explore. Not sure where to stay next time you check out Ubud? We’ve rounded up all of the best hotels here!

13 Best Hotels in Seminyak, Bali

Georgie Darling — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:15:40 +0000

Having lived there for just over a year, I still maintain that Seminyak is Bali’s coolest neighborhood. Home to a great range of restaurants, rooftop bars, beachfront dining spots, and independent shops, a trip to Seminyak never disappoints. Its beaches are just as ideal for surfing as they are for swimming or simply admiring from the beach with a new book in hand. And the range of hotels in Seminyak is pretty spectacular, too!

Not sure where to stay next time you head to Seminyak? Read on for all of the best hotels to check out.

14 Best Family Hotels in Bali

Georgie Darling — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:15:17 +0000

Beautiful Bali has plenty to offer for family vacations no matter where on the island you base yourself. Having traveled Bali far and wide, I’ve pulled together all of the best spots on the Island of the Gods for families looking to relax under the Indonesian sunshine or explore the restaurants, beaches, and activities widely available here. Heading to Bali with family in tow and not sure where to set up camp? Read on for all of the top family hotels in Bali!

10 Best Things to Do in Fukuoka, Japan

Madison Davis — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:00:17 +0000

Although not as popular of a destination as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, Fukuoka, Japan is another of the country’s metropolitan cities that is worth a visit. Massive shopping centers, scenic city parks, and ancient shrines are just a few attractions that draw travelers here. During my visit to Fukuoka, I experienced Sakura season when the cherry blossom trees were in bloom – a time of year when I highly recommend booking a trip to this Japanese city. However, these top things to do in Fukuoka, Japan are worth experiencing no matter what time of year.

9 Best Beaches in Japan

Madison Davis — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:00:58 +0000

Japan may not come to mind when you think of a beach getaway. However, the country is full of sandy shorelines perfect for snorkeling, swimming, surfing, beachcombing, and sunbathing. As a current resident of Okinawa, I can’t stress enough how iconic this subtropical island is. If you truly want to make your Japan trip about the beach, a stay in Okinawa (often referred to as the “Hawaii of Japan”) is a must. However, if you are visiting Tokyo or Osaka, there are a number of great beach spots that are a train ride away.

From remote islands to beach destinations that are fairly close to Japan’s popular metropolitan areas, there is a sandy shore for you among these top beaches in Japan.

13 Best Places to Surf in Bali

Georgie Darling — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 13:15:29 +0000

Advance warning: once you’ve tried surfing in Bali, there’s a fair to reasonable chance you’ll become a little addicted. This incredible Indonesian island doesn’t hold back when it comes to the good waves, and Bali’s surf spots rightfully deserve their reputation. It’s virtually impossible to spend too long on this island without giving surfing a go once or twice, and you’ll find surf spots to suit beginners through to pros here. Sure, Uluwatu might be home to Bali’s most well-known surfing spots. But the island has a whole host of incredible places just waiting for you and your board to rock up. Read on for all of the best places to surf in Bali!

13 Best Spas in Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:00:52 +0000

Bali doesn’t hold back when it comes to incredible spas, and I’d know – I’ve spent the last few years trying out as many as possible. The Island of the Gods is renowned for its impressive wellness culture, a place where massage is practically medicinal, and aromatic herbs and spices make up the ingredients list in all kinds of treatments. The beautiful backdrops of this island make Bali’s best spas even more of an experience, with views of rice fields, active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and rainforests from your massage bed. Heading to Bali and ready for a little R&R? Read on for all of the best spas in Bali!

12 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:00:19 +0000

After learning to dive in Indonesia in early 2020, I made it my mission to explore as many of the archipelago’s best diving spots as possible. And fortunately, from my home in Bali, there are plenty nearby. Bali has some of the best scuba diving opportunities in the world, with dive sites to suit all levels and a huge range of marine life to match. Indonesia sits in the Coral Triangle, an area of the ocean that supports the greatest diversity of coral species in the world, which means a dive here is always exciting. From vibrant coral reefs to elusive mola mola, endless turtles, and schools of colorful fish, read on for all the best places to scuba dive in Bali.

13 Most Beautiful Beaches in Bali

Georgie Darling — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:15:27 +0000

There are few things I love more in Bali than a day at the beach and luckily, there are plenty of them to explore on this incredible Indonesian island. Bali has upwards of 35 beaches spanning almost an entire rainbow’s worth of colors. Down south in Uluwatu, you’ll find soft golden sand and surfer-friendly waves. A little further up the east coast and you’ll find gorgeous white sand and scuba diving spots. On the west coast, there’s Canggu’s famous volcanic black sand and a huge range of beach bars and restaurants. Venture up to the north, and you’ll find even more variety! Heading to Bali and not sure which beaches to check out first? We’ve rounded up all of the best beaches in Bali.

11 Best Things to Do in Bali When it Rains

Georgie Darling — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:00:08 +0000

Having spent the best part of three years in Bali, Indonesia, I’ve become well-versed in all of the best things to do on the Island of the Gods. And, while most Bali daydreams feature blue skies and endless sunshine, it’s worth noting that this part of Indonesia has a pretty hefty rainy season. But Bali is still worth visiting between November and March – you’ll just want to plan your trip accordingly to make the most of the weather outside.

Visit during this time for cheaper accommodation, less crowded restaurants and hotels, and smaller, more curated group trips as you explore the island. Read on for all of the best things to do in Bali during the rainy season!

12 Best Day Trips in Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:15:06 +0000

I’ve been based in Bali, Indonesia, since 2019 and have spent that time exploring as much of the island as possible. Thanks to Bali’s relatively small size (the island is 153 km /95 miles wide and spans 112 km / 70 miles north to south), it’s easy to venture out just for the day without spending too long on the road. And, despite its small size, Bali has a huge range of sights to see, from majestic waterfalls, picturesque beaches, incredible architecture, and fancy hotels, among plenty more.

These day trips assume that you’re spending most of your time in the Badung regency (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu), which is where most tourists set up camp. With that in mind, read on for all of the best day trips in Bali!

13 Best Luxury Hotels in Bali

Georgie Darling — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:30:22 +0000

Contrary to what my family and friends back home think, not all of my time in Bali over the last three years has been spent in luxury hotels. But, as a travel writer with a taste for the good stuff in life (and a career that practically encourages new experiences), it seemed only right to check out some of Bali’s best luxury hotels during my time here. And what a lot of them there are: from the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua through to the surfing spots of Canggu and Seminyak and the dense jungles of Ubud, Bali really doesn’t hold back when it comes to luxury hotels. I’ve rounded up all of the best ones below!

15 Best Beach Resorts in Bali

Georgie Darling — Mon, 29 May 2023 13:30:52 +0000

As an avid scuba diver and all-around fan of the ocean, I spend as much time as possible exploring Bali’s best beaches. With an almost rainbow-hued array of sand here (everything from black to gold, white, and even pink), each corner of Bali offers something a little different to explore. And, when a day trip isn’t feasible, I like to check into Bali’s best beach resorts for the full experience. Beach resorts come in all shapes and sizes here, from luxury cliffside spots overlooking the Indian Ocean to tranquil resorts hidden away in Bali’s lesser-explored corners. Read on for all of the best ones!

Best Overall: AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
Best for Couples: The St. Regis Bali Resort
Best for Families: The Legian Seminyak, Bali
Best Luxury: Bulgari Resort Bali
Best Value (Budget/Affordable): Puri Bagus Lovina Resort

Top 10 Things to Do During Golden Week in Tokyo, Japan

Madison Davis — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 11:52:09 +0000

During my first Golden Week in Japan, I didn’t realize that the holiday week was actually a collection of four national holidays that all fall on the same week (Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day). I hate to admit that I was blind to the festivities the week held during my first Golden Week here. Now that I’ve been in Japan for two years (and coming up on my third Golden Week), I highly recommend engaging like the Japanese do during this week: embrace nature, accept the crowds, and attend a local event. From cultural attractions to nature-themed festivals, enjoy Japan’s biggest holiday season with these top things to do during Golden Week in Tokyo.

Top 13 Bali Villas with Private Pools

Georgie Darling — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 14:00:13 +0000

In our humble opinion, it would almost be rude to arrange a vacation to Bali, Indonesia, and not check yourself into an incredible villa with its own private pool. This beautiful island is home to an endless array of stunning vacation rentals perched on clifftops, deep in the jungle, or directly on the beachfront. Whether you’re staying in the southern half of the island to hit the gorgeous beaches in Bali or you’re venturing up to the north for volcano treks and dolphin-watching trips, you’ll find places to stay to suit all budgets. Not sure where to check in for your next trip to Bali? Read on for all of the best villas with private pools.

15 Best All-Inclusive Maldives Resorts

Georgie Darling — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 13:15:44 +0000

There’s nowhere on earth quite like the Maldives. One of the most amazing island vacation destinations on earth, this endless collection of tiny islands is home to warm azure waters, picturesque white sand beaches and many luxury resorts. So, if you’re traveling to the Maldives, you might as well go all out with an all-inclusive package, too.

You’ll find many incredible all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, with various restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered while tanning by the pools, checking out the surrounding marine life, or simply watching the world go by from your over-water bungalow. Not sure where to start? Read on for all of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives.

Top 12 Capsule Hotels in Japan

Georgie Darling — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:15:54 +0000

Few things scream Japanese culture quite like a capsule hotel. Fusing a budget-friendly midpoint between a cheap yet functional hotel and a hostel, a capsule hotel offers all of the socializing with a little more privacy. You’ll spot these capsule hotels, mostly located around different things to do in Tokyo and its surrounding neighborhoods, where space is tight and room prices remain high.

A brilliant option for travelers exploring the country on a shoestring budget, these hotels tend to have individual rooms as well as larger communal spaces. Some have spas, restaurants, and balconies while others are a little more on the basic side. Either way, they all deliver the main thing: a good sleep each night before you head out to explore more of the country and culture the following day.

14 Unique Airbnbs in Thailand

Georgie Darling — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:00:45 +0000

Thailand: at one end, you’ll find dense jungles and verdant nature. Travel downwards and you’ll stumble across miniature remote islands, azure waters, and white sand beaches. When we say Thailand offers a lot of variety, it’s hard to put into words exactly just how much it encompasses. And that’s something that applies not just to its dramatic landscapes and scenery but also its accommodation.

Sure, you could stay in a hotel here. But you could also stay in a castle, in a luxury tent up in the mountains, a tiny structure perched in the trees, or something else entirely. Read on for all of our favorite unique Airbnbs in Thailand.