SWAIN Experience Newsletters

December 2011

Highlighted Region: Bhutan

Linda and I recently returned from Bhutan where we stayed at four of the Amankora Lodges within such a beautiful country. An especially poignant memory for me was when we were in Gangtey, visiting the main temple where we received an all-day, special blessing for long life. It was here where we met a small, very unique, nine-year-old monk playing soccer with the other monks. We learned that this boy at the age of three, had been identified as a reincarnate of a previous “head monk”, and was then moved to the temple to live. He has already written three books and is on his way to become the head monk in the later stages of his life. Click Here for More

September 2011

Highlighted Region: New Zealand

Eagerly, I planned this trip for my wife Linda and me to visit some of my favorite places in New Zealand, including some of the wonderful luxury lodges. Linda hadn't been to New Zealand in over ten years, so I was looking forward to sharing many new experiences with her since much has changed over the years. A leisurely trip is what we were after - to take our time and enjoy the lodges as well as our good friends we had met during our years of building SWAIN. Click Here for More

June 2011

Highlighted Region: Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

I’d been told that an expedition cruise aboard True North would an experience I wouldn’t soon forget and I was eager to see just how unforgettable this journey would be. We boarded the vessel at Wyndham Port in Western Australia for our voyage through the Kimberley. We were met by Craig and Holly Howson, the owners of True North and taken to our spacious deluxe cabin on the Explorer Deck. We settle in at the bar and set sail soon after. I knew this was going to be an expedition to remember. Click Here for More

March 2011

Highlighted Region: Fiji Islands

It’s our last night on what has been one of the most amazing vacations I’ve experienced. The past seven days have seemed too good to be true, with one incredible memory being made after another. I am standing in awe in my beautiful Fijian hut (the local Fijians call it a bure - “boo-reh”) amid perfectly placed candles that expose a trail of flowers leading into the bathroom where our tub has been set up for an indulgent evening soak. The staff here is absolutely amazing – already having put our favorite wine on ice by the bath tub. Our bed has been turned down with dramatic white gauze netting and fluffy pillows plus more beautiful flowers sprinkled all over our bed are exceptionally inviting and waiting to envelop us. The sound of the ocean in the background adds to the magic of the moment. Click Here for More

December 2010

Highlighted Region: Tasmania's East Coast

Through our many travels around Australia and the world, we thought we’d seen it all – turquoise blue waters, soaring mountains, sumptuous food and wine, impeccable service, fascinating history dating back thousands of years...but it wasn’t until we arrived at Saffire Freycinet that we realised we could experience all of this in one vacation. Click Here for More

September 2010

Highlighted Region: Indian Palaces

Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces Announce Two New Jewels of India

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai has recently reopened its Palace Wing after an extensive restoration. The reinvigorated Palace wing comes with a warm arrival and stunning stay experiences. Click Here for More

June 2010

Highlighted Region: Whitsunday Islands

Our journey to Hayman was about to commence. We had arrived at Great Barrier Reef Airport and were met by a friendly team from Hayman who arranged for our luggage to be taken from our aircraft. Click Here for More

March 2010

Highlighted Region: Queenstown

The flight into Queenstown is possibly the most spectacular in the world. The flight path takes you over the magnificent Southern Alps, known by Kiwis as 'The Great Divide' that does indeed divide the South Island of New Zealand like a perpendicular crooked spine, and down towards the guardians of Queenstown, the Remarkables Mountain Range. The descent is impressive at any time of year and our summertime visit was no exception. On arrival at Queenstown airport we were greeted with the most wonderful, spirit-stirring panorama, the mountains on one side and an impossibly blue/green Lake Wakatipu, fed by fresh, pure, rapidly flowing alpine rivers. Definitely a sight to gladden the most jaded traveler's heart! Click Here for More

December 2009

Highlighted Region: Australia

On this particular trip to Australia I wanted to be inspired by World Wonders - so the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest were on the list of places to visit. I wanted my fill of unique "Aussie" wildlife, so Adelaide and nearby Kangaroo Island were part of the plan. Finally, I was intrigued by all I'd heard about Melbourne's eclectic laneways and sumptuous culinary offerings, so there'd be a stop there, too. Click Here for More

September 2009

Highlighted Region: The Blue Mountains

We are two and a half hours north-west of Sydney and the country road ends with a gasp! We are at the Wolgan Gap, and laid out before us is the spectacular Wolgan Valley, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. It's more like a canyon than a valley, with its dramatic towering cliffs and sandstone escarpments. Click Here for More

June 2009

Highlighted Region: Tanzania

The excitement started to build as I boarded my charter flight from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to the Grumeti region of the Serengeti and the Singita Reserves there. The three new properties have been on my "must-see" list since they opened just over two years ago. Click Here for More

March 2009

Highlighted Region: New Zealand

Arriving into New Zealand we were happy to be met by Green Realm Travel who drove us into Auckland city in a European luxury mini-van. The inner city 5 star hotel was so relaxing after a long flight, and our welcome pack included a nice shoulder bag, windbreaker jacket we had selected in black and beige and our personalized itinerary for our tour. Click Here for More

December 2008

Highlighted Region: Various regions by rail

There is no other experience quite like Australia's great rail journeys. And what's more, the experience begins the moment you step aboard. So you can sit back, relax and indulge in some of Australia's most wonderful scenery. Click Here for More

Sepember 2008

Highlighted Region: Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand

Bangkok - The best decision I made was upgrading to a digital camera in preparation for this trip. Had it not been for that I would have been sauntering back to the Sofitel Silom with five rolls of film in my pockets along with the anticipation of seeing tangible proof that the sacred royal grounds of the Grand Palace and its golden guardian deities protecting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha were every bit as fantastic as I recall. Click Here for More

June 2008

Highlighted Region: Darwin and the Top End, Australia

Walking out of the lobby of the SKYCITY Darwin hotel I am immediately greeted with a very strong handshake and the "true-blue" voice of Sab - "G'day Ian, you ready to see the outback, Mate?" Click Here for More

March 2008

Highlighted Region: Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

As I stood looking over the sheer cliffs plunging into Hawke's Bay and the vast blue of the Pacific, accompanied by only a few gannets of my golfing partner, I simply marveled that life doesn't get any more ideal than this very moment. Then I looked at my scorecard. Alas, no day is perfect. Click Here for More

December 2007

Highlighted Region: Cruising the Great Barrier Reef

It's one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, one of those seven special places you must see in your lifetime, the unique and precious treasure, alive and vibrant in the warm shallow waters of the tropical Coral Sea, spectacularly rich in color and exotic marine life, and breathtakingly beautiful. Click Here for More

Sepember 2007

Highlighted Region: South Island, New Zealand

Canterbury Trails' mission is to provide 'journeys of learning, discovery and adventure' and this company based out of Christchurch on New Zealand's picturesque South Island certainly upholds what it claims to deliver! Click Here for More

June 2007

Highlighted Region: Victoria, Australia

DRIVING along the wide open roads of country Victoria, I was surprised to see how dry the farmlands have become, a result of the regions 5th year of below average rain falls. Click Here for More

March 2007

Highlighted Region: Japan

WATER has been splashed between the main gate and the doorstep of the Japanese inn, or ryokan, a symbol of welcome in Japan. It informs me that I am expected and everything has been made ready for my arrival. Click Here for More

October 2006

Highlighted Region: Rwanda

HIS EYES were dark pools staring at me through a veil of bamboo. His movements were slow and graceful a startling contrast to his four-hundred-pound frame. It is not everyday one comes face to face with a silverback gorilla. Click Here for More

July 2006

Highlighted Region: Tahiti

MUCH LIKE the late sixteenth century European explorers looking to escape the chaos of everyday life, international travelers are venturing to the 118 exotic island nations of Tahiti to experience the natural simplicity of the South Pacific. Click Here for More