A Modern Wayfarer

Unique Travel

Archives for September 2016

How To Find Banana Beach Phuket: A Guide

It’s no secret Banana Beach is one of the only secret beaches left in Phuket - mainly because it takes time and effort to reach. While many tourists know the elusive bay exists, very few actually know how to get there. The 200m stretch of sand referred to as ‘Haad Hin Gluai’ or ‘Banana Rock Beach’ by the locals, can only be reached by longtail boat from nearby beaches or a steep jungle path. So put some fuel in your scooter, grab your walking shoes (and beachwear of course) and follow this ... Read More

Hotel Droog Amsterdam: Expect The Unexpected

It’s not often you stay in a hotel with only one room; but then again, what defines a hotel anyway? Is it an establishment offering daily room service and cleaning? Is it a place to stay overnight when you want a little luxury in your life? Hotel Droog (pronounced ‘drock’ with that phlegmy throat twang only the Dutch do well) is all of the above and more. Part hotel-part-design-studio-part-retailer-part-event-room-part-gallery-part-café....phewf, this collective space takes the traditional and ... Read More

Secret Beaches in Phuket: They Still Exist

With the influx of tourism over the past two decades and the resulting urbanisation of its pristine coastline, it’s hard to believe secret beaches in Phuket still exist. I for one was amongst the sceptics, especially after visiting Phuket in passing some years ago. What was touted as a rustic paradise, was instead crawling with big resorts, package holidays and families in search of a cheap and cheerful trip. I was disappointed; it seemed like anything off-the-beaten-track was well and truly on ... Read More

Thailand Coffee Tank: I’m in Love

I must admit, when it comes to architecture and design I have eclectic taste. Whether it's a rustic eco-lodge, a modern/minimal villa, or a canvas cafe in the middle of a rice paddy, when thoughtful and beautiful design blends seamlessly with a travel or hospitality experience it's kind of the holy grail for me.  So you can imagine how excitable I was when this little nugget of Thailand Coffee Tank love showed up in my inbox the other day. Designed by Secondfloor Architects, a Japan-based firm, ... Read More

The Real India: Toxic and Exotic Agra

That fucking dog. If it's not the bells that do it, it's a cacophony of hounds, invariably led by this one who you can only assume to be the ring leader. It's a low howl at first, and then others join the cry, and eventually it almost resembles a concerto, albeit a concerto without any melody. Of course, this is not the end of it. Once the dogs start, you know you have approximately eight minutes and twenty-seven seconds until the sirens, horns, voices and even the singing follow suit. This is ... Read More

The Balè Bali: A Striking Seduction

Bali's Lifestyle Retreats always manage to make me feel like a queen. The striking, architectural design of each hotel's facade and the sheer brilliance of their personalised service never ceases to seduce me every single stay. The Balè is no different. Just as The Amala and The Santai before it, The Balè Bali proves that space, privacy and modern luxury are paramount to the hotel group's ethos as a whole. Walking up the enormously vast steps from reception to the 29 individual pavilions and ... Read More

New Contributor: Travel Photographer Ben Cooke

This week on AMW, we’ve got ultimate vagabond and travel photographer Ben Cooke, sharing a few of his (very real) experiences traveling and living on the cusp of poverty in India. This talented gent has recently returned from a 10-year stint backpacking the world. Yes that's right - 10 years of flip-flops, hostels and passport stamps! In 2006, Ben finished an Engineering degree and promptly bailed on western society to experience the giant global wonderland that is Earth. For an entire decade ... Read More

Tips for Traveling as a Couple: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Okay so here’s the thing, I’ve never really done ‘couples travel’ superbly well. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t love traveling as a couple - in fact I really relish the relationship-strengthening experiences traveling as a duo can provide - but because I’ve traveled solo countless times in the past, I’ve kind-of-sort-of developed a camaraderie with, well, myself. And that partnership has been damn hard to break! After years of holidaying independently you understand your true ... Read More

Why You Should Book a Sailing Trip in Europe

You're stranded in Australia while those Instragrammers are living their best European life all hashtag #blessed. The struggle is really really real. If you see any more images of perfect overseas sunsets on social media you may just pull a Ferris Bueller and hightail it outta here. Except you can't...just yet. You tell yourself there’s no way in hell you’re going to miss out on another European summer next year, but you're keen to book something a little different. Instead of staying beside the ... Read More

A Tuscan Treehouse Gone Luxe

Ever dreamt of a summer villa in Tuscany? What about a luxurious, eco-friendly tuscan treehouse instead? La Piantata Farm’s high-tech “Black Cabin” is a tree house unlike any other. Perched seven proud meters off the ground and mended by the shade of leaves from a 200 year-old Maritime Pine, the large (87 square meters to be exact) structure overlooks rolling lavender hills, endless olive groves and mountains that blend seamlessly into the sunset. This is a tree house that makes absolutely ... Read More