Browsing Tag

Tourism

Weekends well spent with Privilee

Posted on March 10, 2020

I have tried and tested many of the amazing discount books, club apps and fitness memberships here in the UAE, but from food to fitness and festivities, there’s none that really wrap all of the city’s offerings into one, quite like Privilee does.

Privilee is our local club card that gives back without the points system. Whether you’re just over here on holiday, a true blue expat or you’ve expanded your brood recently and aren’t sure where’s kid friendly, Privilee has a four different membership plans, running between 1, 4 and 12 months, for the ultimate flexibility. Offering a card free digital booking system, making the whole concept more sustainable too, your whole weekend is literally a click away.

Partnering with a wide array of partners across the city and the capital too, boredom just isn’t an option. It’s not just the picturesque white sands of Dubai’s infamous luxury hotels that are on offer either, it’s that gym you’ve always wanted to try but didn’t want to commit to, or the busy hotspots around the city that now take 25% off your bill with pleasure.

If you’ve ever sat at home on a Friday morning, wondering what to do with your weekend, a daycay at the beach followed by a workout in the sun and sundowners on the Palm doesn’t sound too bad, especially when you know you can just walk in…

Phuket Cleanse

Posted on January 30, 2019

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Affectionately describing my upcoming trip to Thailand’s infamous detox resort as ‘fat camp’ I received more than a few giggles from friends and family who asked if a trip to Phuket Cleanse was really necessary. I myself know just how much I’ve eaten over the festive period and I’m not afraid to admit it. Every moment with a raclette or tartiflette up in the Alps was thoroughly enjoyed and to be honest, I didn’t stop enjoying myself when I got back either. I knew ‘fat camp’ would kick me back into shape.

Arrival is fuss-free. Straight in to Phuket airport from Dubai, the transfer to Phuket Cleanse is only an hour away. We landed pretty late, so it was great to be given a very quick run through of the open plan reception/dining/games room and an update on the next day’s activities. Kick starting the trip was a 5.45am wake up call for a 4km hike up to the Big Buddha, but we weren’t quite ready for that just yet…

I’m a fussy eater at best, but armed with a list of intolerances and dislikes, the next morning I ventured into the kitchen… “I’m easy” I said, wary that this almost vegan cuisine would last the 5 whole days of my stay, “I eat egg”. So, there it was, my base protein for the copious amounts of upcoming workouts was to be based around a fair few omelette’s. This may be tougher than I thought.

The days were as easy or as hard as you wanted them to be, ranging from high intensity workouts at the nearby RAW Fitness center to aerial yoga and Pilates back at the villa. I chose to concentrate on cheese-loss and gaining muscle mass as a goal. A whole list of about 10 -12 activities were scheduled out across the venues and you could opt in for extras such as a sunset SUP or snorkel too.

We conquered the Big Buddha hike twice in our 5 days and it was grueling, but entirely worth it too as the sunrise made for an amazing visit, sans tourists. My favourite sessions were the HIIT and Strength classes, separated by about 6 hours each day, I made a point to do both. Throw in some foam rolling sessions, light meditation and a daily foot massage too, there was plenty to keep you busy if you wanted it. If, however you wanted to enjoy some of that 30*C sunshine, the pool in between classes was also a hotspot.

Not only is Phuket Cleanse the most community minded retreat I have ever set foot in, it’s also the eco-friendliest. With a real effort to cull all plastics and notes everywhere around the room reminding you to use bottled water instead of tap to brush your teeth or fill up your water bottles (all provided) rather than buy plastic bottles, it’s ticking all the right boxes.

What I was most surprised at I have to say, was my willingness to try all the food. Save for a few highly spiced options, I was loving the regular breakfast chia and coconut bowls, pak choi and vegetable medleys and even loved the various vegan cheeses.

I’m already planning my post-summer retreat, with or without friends this time as it’s such a great place to really focus on YOU. And I didn’t even miss the wine…

Adventure Animals

My Love of Extraordinary Elephants

Posted on August 5, 2015

I know it’s a bit of a throwback post, but I believe it’s ALWAYS worth mentioning these beautiful creatures…

Thailand is a magical place, full of tropical escapes, hidden beaches and islands teeming with wildlife, culture and sunsets you can only dream of. I’ve visited Thailand many times, on a variety of trips, be it bar-hopping down Bangla Road, floating markets in Bangkok or Island escapes for a touch of paradise. Some of my favourite memories come from a place that’s very special to my heart in the north of the country in Chang Mai.

The Elephant Nature Park is without doubt a wondrous place, where Ele’s roam free, eating organically and swim without fear in the rivers that run through the plantation. Volunteers help with everything from washing and preparing the food, to applying the medicine that some of the Ele’s need, to building the tree-houses that visitors stay in. It’s a very hands on society and you’ll never hear a grumble out of anyone there.

The truth here about the Ele’s and their trapped-in-tourism futures is that they aren’t well fed, free or happy. Elephants are fierce creatures by nature, but in Thailand there’s a lot to be said about their lack of spirit. Taken through very specific ‘treatments’ as infants, these nellies are removed of their ‘wild spirits’ and taught to comply with human handlers. Not a detail I want to describe here, but trust me when I say it’s heartbreaking to see. Most of those at the park will have started life as domesticated elephants begging on the streets.

The elephant rides you see advertised everywhere have all put their beauties through this treatment, it’s horrid to see them tied up to a pole next to the road, without shade or water. You may recall see them swinging their heads from side to side too – perhaps it’s an early sign of the elephants going slightly mad, perhaps it’s boredom – either way, wouldn’t you rather see them as a family swimming, drinking, trumpeting as you float down the river enjoying the tropical sights instead?

The Elephant Nature Park is a wonderful place to volunteer in like I did… learn about Lek and her incredible voyage of kindness as she buys these elephants back from their handlers (mahouts) and helps those still stuck in captivity. Releasing them into her sanctuary where they are looked after by mahouts who care for them without sticks, nails, electricity…

There are other hotspots in Thailand who are helping to preserve these giants too, like at Thailand’s Golden Triangle Anantara resort where they have a ‘walking with giants’ experience as apposed to trekking with them.

I look forward to the days where Thailand is animal tourism free… but there’s a long way still to go. The biggest thing to take away from all that I’ve written, is not to support the animal tourism trade in Thailand at all… walk with them, don’t ride them!