Category: my places to stay

  • A boutique homestay in Malaysia

    In a secluded corner of south west Malaysia, a new style of homestay accommodation has opened its doors to the more authentic traveller seeking out somewhere stylish and affordable to stay, yet still off the well-worn path. With a boutique feel and beautiful attention to detail, Villa d’Acqua is a brand new lodging of 28…

  • Le Manoir de Malagorse: a leisurely stay in the Lot

    I dream. All winter long, I dream. I dream of springtime again in south west France. For it once more reawakens the pleasures of outdoor living in a region robust with picturesque places to stay. I recollect an idyllic country retreat lovingly restored. A sun-dappled courtyard. A good read. A long refreshing drink. The pleasantly…

  • Back to Basque

    The region we’ve probably dropped in on the most since residing in south west France is Pays Basque; both the French and Spanish pockets of this distinct and dynamic province sandwiched between the rugged southernmost reaches of the Bay of Biscay and the robust scaffolding of the Pyrenees stretching inland. Ever since first motoring down…

  • Six stylish boutique bases in Bordeaux

    One of France’s most culturally charming cities, Bordeaux has seen a surge in stylish places to stay over the last couple of years, many accommodating the elegant 18th-century dwellings dressed with honey-hued limestone façades that lend themselves so effortlessly to quirky and charismatic boutique abodes. It isn’t however all that easy to find chic accommodation under…

  • Far from the Amalfi crowd

    We’re in Italy celebrating Mr Gallivant’s BIG birthday, and after a few treasured days in Rome it’s time to head south for a week on the Sorrentine Peninsula. This is a first for all three of us – Sweet Pea is still but a distant dreamy hope – and I’m thrilled to be discovering the…

  • Tarn and La Terrasse de Lautrec

    The twisting, turning road through the plane tree contours of countryside south of Réalmont en route to our chambre d’hôte for the coming days is an absolute delight. We are in the heart of the Tarn département, deep in Cocagne country, and the picturesque route beyond the robust planes is flanked by fields of gold…