Safe, Serene, and Soulful: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Welcomes Solo Female Travellers

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. © 

We made it as far as Sikkim, but our trip to Bhutan to photograph and write about the rhododendron trees in bloom didn't eventuate, due to a border closure.  Sad as this Himalayan Buddhist kingdom has long been on our wish-list. It would be unfair of me to go on my own, but a press release shared with me last week makes it tempting!

I have friends who have travelled solo there, so it's no surprise to read that Bhutan is emerging as one of the world’s most enriching destinations for female travellers journeying alone. At its heart, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a haven of peace, introspection, and healing—designed especially for those craving quiet transformation.

Tucked in the Neyphu Valley above Paro, the property is the country’s only 5-star all-inclusive wellness sanctuary. It caters to those who seek rest and renewal in a nurturing environment that values stillness, self-discovery, and wellbeing.

Bhutan has a deeply respectful culture, gentle pace, and emphasis on wellbeing 

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary highlights that there’s no need to explain why you’ve come alone. You are simply welcomed—as you are. In the villages, in the forests, and within the sanctuary itself, solo travellers will find the rare combination of solitude and genuine care.

Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Bhutan values presence over pace. The country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness supports slower travel, deeper connection, and mindful exploration. Whether it’s a meditative forest walk, a guided wellness consultation, or soaking in a traditional hot stone bath, each moment at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is designed to restore rather than rush.

Importantly, Bhutan is a welcoming destination for solo female travellers. The local culture emphasises respect, and interactions with locals are warm, yet never invasive. Women can explore freely, with peace of mind and a sense of inner freedom.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. ©

Every stay includes a private consultation with a traditional Bhutanese medicine doctor, daily wellness treatments, and unlimited access to therapies ranging from deep tissue massages to herbal compress treatments and traditional hot stone baths. Guests are encouraged to follow their own rhythm—whether that means sunrise meditation, a guided hike to a hilltop monastery, or quiet journalling beside panoramic windows.

In Bhutan, healing often arrives through simplicity: crisp mountain air, fragrant herbs, and the quiet steam rising from a traditional hot stone bath. At Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, this centuries-old ritual is honoured with care, offering guests a profound wellness experience rooted in Bhutan’s ancient traditions.

Known as dotsho, the Bhutanese hot stone bath is more than just a treatment—it’s a therapeutic ritual deeply embedded in gSo-ba Rig-pa, Bhutan’s traditional medicine system, with origins in Tibetan and Ayurvedic healing practices. Stones selected from riverbeds are heated over an open fire until glowing red, then placed into wooden tubs infused with local menchu (medicinal plants). As the stones release their minerals, the water becomes a powerful source of relief for sore muscles, fatigue, and stress.

“The bath works on both the physical and subtle body,” says Dr. Kelsang Dorjigkss, in-house Traditional Bhutanese Medicine Doctor at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. “The fire element transforms the water into something nurturing, while the combination of heat and herbs restores balance to the mind and body.”

Dotsho, Bhutanese hot stone bath. © Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Instagram 

Location: Neyphu Valley, Shaba, Paro. The Sanctuary is located a 15-minute drive from the only international airport in Paro, Bhutan (airport code PBH). Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan is located a one hour drive from the Sanctuary.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels Collection - Considerate Collection and Mr & Mrs Smith Luxury Hotels

Source: News Press Release, Donna Campbell PR

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, ©

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels Collection - Considerate Collection and Mr & Mrs Smith Luxury Hotels

History of Elouera SLSC's Fifty Years

So pleased to see my work with Elouera Surf Club up on their website Elouera History  I wrote it for /with them a few years ago, working with our very own Blue Cockatoo designer, Elouera surf lifesaver Peter. (See my photo with the history committee on page 216 of the pdf!) It was a fun commission and fantastic to work with some of Australia's surfing legends. 

Update: So moving to see lifesavers around Australia's beaches standing shoulder to shoulder for their Bondi family after the recent terrorist attack.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach, 13 December, 2025. ©AP

Icebergs pool, Bondi, 13 December, 2025.©AP 

Saturday: Showing iconic Bondi and the Icebergs' pool to Ken's grandson, water polo-playing Zac.

Sunday: A killing field. No words,

See Spain Differently in 2026

So delighted to meet representatives of Spain Tourism at a breakfast this morning at Paripe Spanish Tapas Bar, Sydney. 

We talked about areas including Galicia and Basque Country, as well as Malaga, Catalunya, Andalucia,  Madrid and, of course, Barcelona, where the tallest tower of the basilica of Sagrada Familia is nearing completion. (The recent addition of part of a cross to the tower in the ongoing works has now made Sagrada the tallest church in the world.)

Slow travel is trending on Spain's tourism menu for 2026 and, having enjoyed Seville and Zaragoza on an unplanned visit in June this year, I'm totally inspired to return to experience more sides of Spain. 

Think wandering through medieval streets and artisan quarters, eating with local producers and discovering regional flavours. Also staying longer to participate in workshops, traditions and cultural rituals, explore Spain's stunning National parks, UNESCO sites, and rural villages. 

Love Spanish Tourism's logo (see below), happy and energetic like Spain itself!  And yes, the tapas at Paripe were delicious!

More on the website here:

Spain Tourism

Sagrada Familia BBC update

Seville (Link to my blog post.)

Hotel Boutique Elvira Plaza rooftop, Seville, June 2025. Photo: AP

Bespoke pieces from Hart Gold and Silversmiths

Hart Gold and Silversmiths, Guild of Handicrafts, Chipping Campden. Photo: AP

So beautiful. Some items in the workshop, individually created for collectors from original Arts & Crafts pattern books.

Wild & Inspired; ASTW Anthology

 

ASTW Anthology: ©ASTW

Thrilled to have a piece chosen for this milestone publication for the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW). It's a personal story on revisiting my home county of Devon, England, and Cornwall, first published in the beautiful Travel & Living,  I'm especially pleased because it's a personal piece rather than a destination promo. Thank you so much ASTW editors for including me in this illustrious company of writers. Humbled and proud.

Lucy Worsley on the burning issue of candles at Versailles

Image © Lucy Worsley

Filming a new series The Keys to the Castle, Lucy has written a fascinating Substack:

A brief history of candles by Lucy Worsley

Seville: An Unpremeditated Pleasure

Hotel Boutique Elvira Plaza rooftop, Seville. Photo: AP

We flew to Seville from the UK after Air India postponed our flight from Heathrow to Sydney in June. We decided to change plans, spend another few days in Europe and fly out from Madrid instead. Very last-minute, but why not? And what a treat it was. 

We chose to stay in the Santa Cruz district the old quarter near the cathedral, so we were prepared for many tourists. But the weather was warming up at the end of June, so tourists were less obvious and our little square with its orange trees was mostly deserted. We were a two-minute walk from the Giralda, the bell tower of Seville's massive cathedral, and the Real Alcazar, the oldest royal palace in Europe, featuring exotic architecture and gardens.

Giralda at dusk. Photo:AP

Real Alcazar gardens. Photo:AP

Real Alcazar. Photo: AP

Real Alcazar. Photo: AP

Real Alcazar. Photo: AP

Tapas Bars

We were spoilt for choice for tapas bars in the district – we didn't bother with reviews, just wandered and chose bars we liked the look of. Cafe-Bar Las Teresas, founded in 1870, was a stroll through the labyrinthine passageways from our hotel. It's a favourite for its history and dishes such as Iberican acorn- fed ham, Iberian black pudding, Galician-style octopus. The stylish Cafe Santa Cruz was just around the coner from our hotel, and Bar Estrella an eight minute walk. Ken likes Estrella Damm beer, so the latter was a given.

Las Teresas. Photo: AP

Las Teresas interior. Photo © Las Teresas

Flamenco

Looking for an intimate flamenco show rather than a grand production, we booked seats for a  performance in an atmospheric theatre space and were spellbound by the performance of a singer, guitarist, cajon box drummer and dancer. The cajon is a Peruvian box percussion instrument introduced to flamenco in the 1970s by guitarist  Paco de Lucia. ( I thought the musician was just, well, sitting on a box  until I realised he was playing it!)

El Aranol, flamenco performance space. Photo: AP

El Aranol flamenco. Photo (from video): Ken Martin

Afterwards we had simple tapas at a street bar – anchovies, Iberian ham, a glass of rose, and delicious goat cheese with honey and walnuts. 

Tapas, Seville. Photo: AP

Only day two of this year's visit to Spain and we were so happy to be there. Next stop? Aragon for Garnacha wine, and delightful surprises in Zaragoza.

Hotel Elvira Plaza

Cafe Bar Las Teresas 

El Aranol flamenco

Estrella Damm

Note: The pedestrian-only cobbled laneways were a challenging walk to the Hotel Boutique Elvira Plaza with our bags (packed voluminously for the flight to Sydney). The delightful member of staff who helped us to the taxi on the way back made it clear that we need not have struggled, we should have contacted them beforehand for help as taxis can't access the pedestrian Plaza Donna Elvira locality. 

Women in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles

Image: Print impression for Phoebus, by. Mitzi Cunliffe for Liberty, screen-printed pigment on paper, 1959. Design is copyright © Liberty Fabric Limited [1959].

Lovely news from Liberty and the William Morris Gallery!

From October, William Morris Gallery is presenting Women in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles. Conceived in partnership with Liberty Fabrics on the occasion of the design house’s 150th anniversary, this major exhibition will highlight the pivotal role and contributions of women textile designers.

Tracing the rich history of Liberty fabrics, the exhibition will survey the evolving influence and status of women in textiles over the past 150 years. Women in Print will bring together iconic patterns by designers such as Althea McNish, Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell,and Lucienne Day, alongside previously overlooked names. It will feature over 100 works, spanning garments, fabric, original designs, film and historic photographs.

Women in Print is curated by Rowan Bain, Principal Curator of Collections and Programme and Roisin Inglesby, Curator William Morris Gallery, with exhibition design by Simon Milthorp, Lai Couto and Scarlet Winter.

Women in Print is part of William Morris Gallery’s 75th anniversary programme.

Dates: Saturday 18 October 2025 - Sunday 21 June 2026

Read more:

https://www.wmgallery.org.uk/event/women-in-print

Spring in our Bush Paradise

Boronias line the cliff edge with pultanea 'eggs and bacon' in the foreground. Photo: AP

I'm just so pleased that we were here in the bush for spring this year! It came early at our place with tiny pterostylis greenhood orchids I find very hard to identify as there are so many variations. Next, carpets of purple spreading hardenbergia, followed by masses of white libertia paniculata, which love one of the shady sides of the valley as do the little caldenia finger orchids, some pink and some white. The helmet orchids, corybas, seem to have disappeared for now.

Then come the irises, covering the top of our mountain and beginning to flower first on the north side of a slope – they love still sunny spring days! The big dendrobium rock orchids appear on rock edges, quite lovely this year but not as plentiful as last and a very short flowering time. 

Patersonia sericea, wild iris. Photo:AP

Pale pink boronia floribunda bushes light up  the cliff edge seen in the distance  – later than the striking Sydney baronia we see on the cliffs on the drive to Sydney, 'ours' are small and bushy and very fragrant. In the foreground is a pultanea, 'eggs and bacon'. The whole upper parts of the property are densely populated this year along with a pure yellow variety I haven't named yet. (!!)

We're excited to see orchids including diuris donkey orchids (love the ears) and tiger or hornet orchids, diuris sulphurea. 

Diuris, donkey orchid. Photo: AP

A year or so ago I noticed a spreading network of leaves on a large boulder on our road in, so this year I loved finding out that it is a tongue orchid, named for its leaf shape. It is tiny, but has masses of flowers.

Dockrillia lunguiformis, tongue orchid.

.

To be continued!

Visit England's West Midlands

Updating my App, new version out soon! 

Broadway Tower, Broadway, Worcestershire. ©AP

I love the West Midlands in the heart of England, especially patchwork fields, walking trails, history, castles, villages, gardens, all things Shakespeare and the glorious countryside. My heart skips a beat whenever I see the sinuous outline of the Malvern Hills (the Sleeping Dragon) and to walk on them is magical. 

But in researching and developing my travel App, England's West Midlands, I've also channelled some family roots that are firmly planted in the heart of the industrial Midlands.

These include Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill and Dudley in the industrial Black Country where you'll find the fascinating Black Country Living Museum – think Peaky Blinders and much more. Also Coventry with its atmospheric old-meets-new cathedral.

Morgan Roadster, Malvern, Worcestershire. ©AP

Food? Yes, I'm a fan of the countryside's fresh produce, farm shops, some great pubs, lively cafes plus the outstanding, multicultural cuisine of Birmingham. Artisan distilleries, craft breweries and vineyards are outstanding in this region. 

I love Morgan cars, too, made in Malvern. Fabulous!

Ludlow is a foodie capital in Shropshire with specialty shops, cafes, pubs, while the entire Welsh border country is dreamy and atmospheric – perfect for country drives and exploring. 

My App dives into industrial heritage, leads you to vintage transport collections so symbolic of the Midlands, as well as many specialist museums, energised with interactive displays and dynamic exhibitions. Some such as Evesham's Almonry (below) are significant buildings and treasure troves in themselves, recording fascinating local history including the destruction of Evesham's great abbey.

In England my base is close to the North Cotswold village of Broadway and just a stone's throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. I love the black and white architecture and thatched cottages of the Midlands as well as the honey-coloured stone houses of the Cotswolds. 

The Almonry, Evesham.©AP

I'm also a short drive from Coventry, now emphasising its heritage with landmarks including the Telegraph newspaper building repurposed as hotels and accommodation, as well as heritage walks, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and the Coventry Music Museum. Coventry Cathedral has a very special place in my heart – my father was born in Coventry and loved the old cathedral and Holy Trinity Church next door, where he went to Sunday School. Take a guided tour to discover Coventry's secrets.

Meanwhile, Birmingham is regenerating its city centre with impressive buildings such as The Cube, home to Hotel Indigo Birmingham and Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse, Bar & Grill (think modern comfort, food and champagne). Dishoom Birmingham delivers Irani/Bombay fusion, all welcome. Bakeries and cafes reflect the mix of influences, there's fine dining and vegans and vegetarians will love Birmingham, too. 

The Cube, home of Hotel Indigo Birmingham.©IHG Hotels

The Library of Birmingham, affectionately called the 'Wedding Cake' is one of centre's signature buildings, while the Bullring & Grand Central shopping centres combine to create the largest city centre shopping complex in the UK. The historic Jewellery Quarter is home of 100 or so diamond dealers and jewellers, also cafes, bars and restaurants – multicultural Birmingham really loves its food! The best way to explore is on a walking tour such as the Birmingham guided city centre walk.

The Library of Birmingham.©Visit Birmingham

The Garrick pub, Stratford-upon-Avon.©AP

I might be the only one to think this, but I'm quite taken with the echoes I see in the Library of Birmingham's decorative exterior patterns and those of The Garrick pub in Stratford-upon-Avon, one of the oldest in town. Shakespeare himself may well have imbibed at the Garrick as it is very close to re-vamped New Place where he lived in his later years until he died. Of course Stratford-upon-Avon is a key Midlands' attraction, with much ado about Shakespeare and the beautiful houses associated with him and his family, including Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's Birthplace. Take a walking tour to disvover the highlights.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon.©AP

Major Rivers in the Midlands include the Trent, Tame, Avon, Severn and Wye (forming the English/ Welsh border for much of its length) and the area is linked by a network of canals built to carry freight at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Canal boat holidays are a rewarding way to travel through the countryside and right into the heart of towns and cities including Birmingham, Stourport-on-Severn, Stoke-on-Trent, Stratford-upon-Avon, Upton-upon-Severn. 

The Hatton Flight of locks, Warwickshire.©AP

Canal boat on the River Avon.©AP

And those castles, gardens, villages and stunning views? I've a real feeling that many people are craving a comforting sense of place and history right now and the West Midlands delivers. Visiting English country gardens in their many seasons is one of life's pleasures ...

Bourton House Garden. ©AP

... as is standing on vantage points such as the Malvern, Shropshire and Cotswold Hills to admire the patchwork fields and views across middle England. Broadway Tower is just one of my favourites.

Please download my Travel App to enjoy much more of the West Midlands, plan a trip, see the sights.

Link: 

England's West Midlands

Published by TouchScreen Travels.

My thanks to all who have helped me including the West Midlands Growth Company, Visit Britain, local businesses and attractions, PR and marketing companies, friends, family and associates and, especially, TouchScreen Travels.

Sri Lanka: Wellbeing at Glenross Living; Surfing, Snorkelling, Diving, Fishing from Teardrop Hotels' Kalkudah Beach House

Glenross Living, Neboda, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Photo by Glenross Living©

I love a wellness retreat, especially those in beautiful settings where the energy is palpable. Rainforest hits the spot as I found at one signature retreat high above a river valley. I've long wanted to return there but the temptation of the new is always irresistible and when I read about holistic wellness in the Sri Lankan rainforests, I was keen to know more.

Now I must say that I hope it was actually the rainforest, yoga and more that appealed and not the 'chocolate box on arrival' mentioned, although that triggered the following memory: 

We had travelled to Switzerland and were most generously hosted. One particular day involved a wonderful fondue lunch in Gruyere (with potatoes to dip in the cheese), hot on the heels of which was a visit to a chocolate factory, then a multi-course gourmet dinner by a leading chef on the banks of Lake Geneva at Montreux! The chocolate factory of course meant multiple samples and purchases of sweet treats as gifts for those at home.

On the return journey to Australia we stopped off to experience a luxurious wellness/spa retreat to photograph it and gather information for luxury travel/wellness stories. The diet rules were very strict and the Swiss chocolate gifts in our bags became very tempting and, yes, we succumbed and polished off the lot in one sitting.

SO, the prospect of a chocolate box on arrival at Glenross Living in Neboda, Kalutara, Sri Lanka perhaps cancels the tiny guilt-trip I guess I must have been on for some years.  Chocolate and wellness, yay! 

Sri Lanka is an emerging wellness destination and Glenross Living is just 43 kilometres from Colombo,  surrounded by green and misty valleys on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sinharaja Rainforest. 

The emphasis is on wellness and experiencing the setting, exploring scenic hiking trails for birdwatching excursions, witnessing the age-old traditions of rubber tapping and cinnamon peeling, and visiting the cultural gems of Kalutara Temple and Richmond Castle. Unwind in spacious tranquillity, lounge by the pool, picnic under the cooling shade of trees scattered across the 90-acre land – a personal butler will take care of all your needs.

Photo by Glenross Living.©

Information/Bookings  www.glenrossliving.com 

Teardrop Hotels Unveils Kalkudah Beach House, Sri Lanka

Kalkudah Beach House, the newest addition to Teardrop Hotels’ portfolio in Sri Lanka, will be open for stays from 1 June 2025.

A secluded retreat on Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast and a scenic 6-hour drive from Colombo, 35 kilometres north of Batticaloa and an hour’s drive from Polonnaruwa, Kalkudah Beach House is nestled within a 25-acre coconut estate, with direct access to Kalkudah Bay, a seemingly endless stretch of soft, golden sand and calm waters.

Kalkudah Beach House, Sri Lanka. Photo by Teardrop Hotels©

The Main House was originally acquired as a family holiday home in the 1970s and known as Eastern Breeze Estate. During Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war, the estate was abandoned and intermittently occupied by both the Sri Lankan military and Tamil Tigers.

The current owners purchased the property in 2004, shortly after the devastating tsunami swept through the region. Remarkably, the house’s Dutch-inspired arched windows and doors of the Main House withstood the disaster, though the building had fallen into disrepair and required extensive refurbishment.

Over the past 20 years, a slow and deliberate evolution has shaped Kalkudah Beach House into what it is today. Additions include a 2-bedroom Palm Villa, 22-metre swimming pool and water purification system that integrates the gardens and estate and fills the pool.

The Main House blends timeless charm with modern comfort featuring three beautifully designed rooms. Guests can book rooms individually, reserve an exclusive 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom villa, or opt for a full buyout of all five rooms for the ultimate private experience.

Ocean-to-table dining takes centre stage, with much of the seafood coming directly from the fishermen who bring in their daily catch right in front of the hotel. Succulent sea crab and grilled reef fish are prepared with locally sourced ingredients and perfectly paired with fresh salads and aromatic Sri Lankan curries.

Kalkudah Beach House is the perfect base for discovering the highlights of Sri Lanka’s east coast and cultural triangle.  From vibrant coral reefs to ancient cities and historic landmarks, there is plenty to discover in the surrounding area. There are waves to be caught surfing at Arugam Bay, snorkelling adventures in nearby bays and coral-rich coves teeming with marine life, diving and deep sea fishing trips in Pasikuda, whale and dolphin watching tours in Trincomalee, and relaxing sunset cruises over Kalkudah Bay. 

Explore the historic Dutch Fort in Batticaloa, climb magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and discover UNESCO’s Polonnaruwa ancient city, as well as vibrant town markets and local life in Valaichchenai.  Spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears and other endemic wildlife at Minneriya or Kumana National Parks.

The best time to visit Kalkudah is normally between April and October, when clear skies, low humidity, and calm, turquoise waters create perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities. This period sees minimal rainfall, mirror-still seas, and plenty of sunshine. The rainy season, which traditionally begins in early November and lasts until February, brings periodic rains and changing sea conditions, making swimming best approached with caution.

Information/Bookings/Early Bird Offers 

https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/kalkudah-beach-house/

 

Touring England: Let's Play

Retro game from the 1930s, by House of Marbles. 

Now discontinued, what a shame. I'll look for second hand/used.

Morris Mania: William Morris Gallery, London E17

Morris Mania will be at the William Morris Gallery, London E17, from 5 April to 21 September, 2025

Poster ©William Morris Gallery

In his designs, William Morris combined his two greatest passions: the wonder of nature and a socialist belief that everyone should have access to art and beauty. His work has become almost too successful, reproduced on iPhone cases, shopping trolleys and AI-fabricated posters. This exhibition at the William Morris Gallery brings together everyday items decorated with his patterns, including many featured in photographs sent to the gallery by members of the public. “We’ve been overwhelmed with the response and have everything from collapsible walking sticks to chopsticks, and all manner of mugs and crockery,” says the gallery’s director, Hadrian Garrard. “The sheer brilliance of his designs and the fact that he wanted people to observe and appreciate a perfect expression of nature is something that endures.”

The exhibition will feature Wallpaper (2025), a newly-commissioned work by archive documentary filmmaker Natalie Cubides-Brady, exploring how William Morris’s designs have been used in screen history. A montage of scenes from film and TV will reveal the diverse and sometimes surprising range of narratives, settings and moods that Morris designs conjure up. Cameos in everything from My Fair Lady, Sunday Bloody Sunday and Django Unchained, to Gogglebox, Coronation Street and Peep Show, highlight how Morris designs form part of the fabric of 20th- and 21st-century popular culture.

Trellis, by William Morris.

Arts & Crafts in the West Midlands

Victorian era wallpaper and textile designer William Morris was the champion of the Arts & Crafts Movement, an anti-industrial art movement (1860 – 1910) devoted to returning to traditional methods of craftsmanship. 

Inspired by a love of nature, his designs feature flowers, trees and birds. Two of his iconic patterns were the basis of the award-winning garden – Trellis (1862) and Willow Boughs (1887). Shades of green blue, reds and earthy tones predominate in the designs.  Morris patterns  also starred in fashion designs – Next produced a summer range – as well as the evergreen iconic home furnishings.

I'd been visiting some of the Arts & Crafts treasures in the West Midlands and the Cotswolds and I was already hooked. The movement focused on central England, particularly the Birmingham School of Art. Also, the Guild and School of Handicraft, based on the structure of the medieval craft guilds, was relocated from London’s East End to Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, by architect and designer C.R. Ashbee, famous for his silverware.

There are just so many aspects, from the floral fabulousness of a Morris Design fabric or wallpaper to Burne-Jones tapestries and stained glass. There's beautiful silver and wood carving, Arts & Crafts gardens, houses and churches. And what better way to view them than on a drive through the glorious countryside, especially at the height of summer?

All Saints Church, Brockhampton, Herefordshire. ©AP

I made just such a journey to Herefordshire, in search of All Saints Church, Brockhampton (above). I'd read that it is recognised as one of the most important Arts & Crafts buildings of the early 20th century, so I had to see it. Driving via Little Malvern (the gorgeous Little Malvern Court and garden is open just now), British Camp on the stunning Malvern Hills and Ledbury, I headed to Much Marcle and headed past the Westons Cider Factory down narrow lanes to Brockhampton. I was rewarded with this and a churchyard filled with wildflowers.

Broadway Tower, Broadway, Worcestershire

I particularly like the idea that Broadway Tower, a landmark folly high on the Cotswold hills above the village of Broadway, was once a holiday retreat for Arts and Crafts Movement artists including pre-Raphaelites William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones. 

Broadway Tower. ©AP

Broadway Tower

Gordon Russell Museum, Broadway, Worcestershire:

Furniture designer Russell was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement in his early career. 

Snowshill Manor Garden, Snowshill, near Broadway, Worcestershire:

This Tudor manor house is packed with memorabilia collected by eccentric Charles Wade – so much so that he lived in a house in the garden. The Arts & Crafts garden was created by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, an Arts & Crafts architect. 

The West Window, St Peter’s Church, Binton, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire: 

A memorial to Robert Falcon Scott of the Antarctic, installed in 1908 by the vicar of Binton who was Scott’s  father-in-law. Four scenes by Charles Eamer Kempe are amongst Gothic works and include a scene of Captain Oates’ farewell.  (Kempe worked with  Arts & Crafts Movement projects but didn’t buy into their socialist ideas.) 

Winterbourne House, Birmingham:

Housing and town planning reform pioneer John Nettlefold and his wife Margaret built their villa in Birmingham in 1903. They chose the Edwardian Arts & Crafts style and John used elements of the home in designs for housing in poorer areas of Birmingham. The Grade ll listed garden was designed by Margaret, inspired by Gertrude Jekyll. The garden is now the University of Birmingham’s Botanic Garden. Inside the house are exhibition rooms with William Morris wallpaper, Edwardian furnishings and family memorabilia.

Rodmarton Manor, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire:

The house and furniture were built/made by local craftspeople according to Arts and Crafts ideals, in the old traditional style. Everything was created by hand using local stone and timber and the gardens are beautiful. 

Bourton House Garden, Gloucestershire:

Award-winning garden with a Renaissance structure, Arts & Crafts-style planting.

Bourton House Garden. ©AP

Owlpen Manor, Dursley Gloucestershire: 

Arts & Crafts repairs were made to an ancient manor house. Includes Sidney Barnsley A&C furniture, setting and gardens to die for. Said to be one of England’s most haunted houses! (Group tours only.)

Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire:

Hart Silversmiths workshop and The Guild of Handicraft Gallery

Court Barn Museum dedicated to Arts & Crafts; Silversmithing/industrial design in the Old Silk Mill 

Robert Welch, Sheep Street, silversmithing/design and flatware/cutlery sold worldwide.

Hidcote Gardens, Gloucestershire, near Chipping Campden

Kelmscott Manor, Gloucestershire, Morris’s famous family home

Kiftsgate Gardens, Gloucestershire, near Chipping Campden

Pugin’s St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham

Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton, near Birmingham

For Arts & Crafts aficionados, Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum’s Wilson Gallery has an impressive collection with a dedicated Arts & Crafts Archive.  

The ASTW Conference at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort & Country Club, Hunter Valley, NSW

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort & Country Club, Hunter Valley, NSW ©

How excited was I to discover that the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) was holding its convention in my 'hood'? Over the moon, actually, as I'd just returned from living overseas for many months and was trying to re-connect with my surrounds and people, including fellow members of the ASTW.

I'd been living in a 500-year-old cottage in the Cotswolds, worrying about leaving the history, countryside, ancient landscapes and, of course, friends. But when I did come back, I realised how much I had missed our mountain in Wollombi, the incredible sandstone landscapes, the adorable flora and fauna, the vineyards, the history, and a sense of place I realised I already had.

Our highly-anticipated ASTW annual conferences have been held around the world during my 30+ years of membership and there are many fabled stories. I was ASTW Vice President the years we went to Rotorua, and Lombok where there was a ton of sand involved at the beach-side awards dinner!

For 2024, with Destination NSW as a strategic sponsor, the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association and Oaks Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club became hosts (sand only in the golf bunkers at Oaks). Neighbouring partner Elysia Wellness Retreat was on hand for a welcome touch of wellbeing. 

Elysia Wellness Retreat, Hunter Valley, NSW ©

I signed up and realised that it had been a while since I'd focused on Hunter Wine Country as a destination. Living in the beautiful Wollombi Valley, our drive routes often skirt Pokolbin's vineyards, instead using Lovedale Road on the way to Maitland, and Broke Road en route to the beautiful Winmark Wines, Margan Wines & Restaurant, Whispering Brook and the Upper Hunter. Winmark is a favourite, specialising in Chardonnay with a stylish tasting room, gallery and irresistible shop as well as boutique accommodation. 

Sometimes we drive the scenic Mount View Road from Millfield, up across the Brokenback Escarpment (see photo above), past beloved Bistro Molines and down to Pokolbin, passing famous vineyards such as Sadler's Creek, Audrey Wilkinson, Tamburlaine, and Brokenwood Wines.

Hunter Wine Legends

The Hunter's historic wine families include the McGuigans, celebrating over 100 years of winemaking. Now Lisa McGuigan is taking the family name in new directions with her Vamp Wine Rooms, think Gothic/Medieval Knights+ (check the website). Lisa and the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association hosted a fun cocktail party here for the ASTW.

ASTW cocktail party at Lisa McGuigan Vamp Wine Rooms
Photos © Alison Plummer

As with many Hunter winemakers, Lisa's range includes varietals from other signature Australian wine regions for the best of all worlds. From the Hunter come the likes of her Silver Pinot Grigio, Platinum Gruner Veltliner, Platinum Chardonnay and Velvet Vin-Rose, then Renaissance Cabernet Merlot and Renaissance Spartacus Shiraz from Langhorne Creek (South Australia), and Pinot Gris from the Alpine Valley (Victoria).

Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter has around 150 wineries and cellar doors including historic estates and new boutique vineyards. Yes, something for everyone but one of our ASTW members visiting for the first time in a while remarked that the region is much more 'boutiquey' now. 

For the Hunter's traditional Shiraz and Semillon,  winemaker Andrew Thomas of Thomas Wines has long  been passionate about local, producing single vineyard wines from signature grape varietals including Kiss Shiraz, Sweetwater Ridge Shiraz and Braemore Semillon. 

Tasting menus and local produce

Restaurants trending 'feed me' tasting menus include Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines and the farm-to-table experience at Margan Wines & Restaurant, Broke. Fixed price two or three course choices are also common to many including iconic Bistro Molines and  'food over fire' Yellow Billy Restaurant. Most menus feature local and regional produce. 

Fresh from the garden at Margan Wines & Restaurant.
Photo © Alison Plummer.

As well as wine-tasting and restaurants, the Hunter is a favourite wedding venue, has lovely rose and other gardens at Hunter Valley Gardens and is a top spot for hot air ballooning, horse-riding, and tours. Up for a beer you'll head to Harrigan's Hunter Valley, IronBark Hill Brewing Co at the Peter Drayton cellar door, or maybe Potters Hotel & Brewery. 

Tourist Drive 33

Tourist Drive 33 through Wollombi is a scenic way to drive to the Hunter – stop off for a wander around our historic village, enjoy a gelato, coffee, and food at the Wollombi General Store. Have coffee/brunch/lunch at Myrtle and Stone, shop at stylish Twine, treasure hunt at The Forge and shop for local crafts at The Roadside Gallery. We have vineyards and cellar doors, too, including Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Noyce Brothers and Undercliff. Wollombi Tavern is a meeting place for all. 

Off the beaten track, cultural experiences take you into the heart of the beautiful backdrop of the sandstone country surrounding the plains. Finchley Trig lookout in the Wollombi Valley is a special place for me.

 I'm delighted that my own backyard is as vast and varied as the Hunter Valley! 

Magical Mount Yengo from Finchley Trig. Photo © Alison Plummer

Planning a trip

The Hunter is an easy drive from Sydney (around two and a half hours), Newcastle Airport (around an hour). For more Hunter Valley info and inspiration visit the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism website, and call in to the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre when you're here.

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort & Country Club is centrally placed on Thompsons Road, Pokolbin, with a range of villas and suites, two restaurants and two bars. Leisure facilities include the resort's signature golf course, the partner onsite spa, Elysia Wellness Retreat, plus three swimming pools and two tennis courts. 

Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association

Oaks Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club

Elysia Wellness Retreat 

Vamp Wine Rooms

Winmark Wines 

Margan Wines & Restaurant

Thomas Wines Hunter Valley

Tourist Drive 33

Cultural Experiences

Visit Wollombi

ASTW Awards for Excellence Sponsors

Destinations, cruises, flights & tours

Virgin Australia  Travel Writer of the Year: Winner, Dan Slater

Coral Expeditions Travel Photographer of the Year: Winner, Lyn Gail

Bunnik Tours 

Celestyal Cruises 

CroisiEurope Cruises

Intrepid Travel

Newcastle Airport

Norfolk Island Tourism

NRMA Parks & Resorts

Virgin Australia

Walk Japan

Travel Industry

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Destination NSW

TravMedia  (Major sponsor of ASTW)

Tourism Australia