| Based in Sydney, I cover Australian and international destinations for publications including Vive La France and Hoildays with Kids. I am particularly interested in family friendly getaways and also write about the best that Sydney has to offer including beaches, days out, local wildlife, cafes and restaurants. I flavour my writing with local knowledge and can supply high-res photos. Find me on international travel writers' site, media kitty: www.mediakitty.com |
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I have the following stories available for immediate use (high-res photos included in package).
As it is in heaven (review of Olivia Newton-John’s Spa Retreat, Gaia, at Byron Bay, NSW)
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I think I may have discovered the Garden of Eden. Nestled in the voluptuous hills of the Byron Bay hinterland is the 21st century incarnation of this Old Testament wonderland. Nowadays it is a spa retreat co-owned by Olivia Newton-John and renamed ‘Gaia’ after the earth goddess of Greek mythology.
Checking in at Gaia’s Kukura House with Leanne Schoen is a sensory experience in itself. Before you can say ‘relax’ I am sitting down with a fragrant pot of tea (a blend called ‘the Buddha’s tears’ that looks like little green balls when dry but after hot water is added the green tea leaves unfurl and release the jasmine flowers within) and a platter of elegantly presented kiwi, strawberries and cantaloupe.
Just as in the Garden of Eden, fruit is plentiful at Gaia. When Leanne walks me to my room, we pass the Amala Spa and turn right at a mulberry tree laden with berries. My room is luxurious and monastic at the same time. It has everything I need – an essential oil burner, lemon verbena oil and a packet of matches – and nothing I don’t – no phone or TV. The fridge has a selection of fruit teas and a small bowl of organic fruit on top and contains a couple of bottles of mineral water. I get the feeling that eating healthily will be a breeze and I’m not far wrong…. [more]
Full story is 1,200 words and includes review of accommodation, food, spa treatments, resort location and facilities. |
Holy history (story about the UK’s Salisbury Cathedral)
| “There are as many pillars as there are hours in the year and as many windows as there are days," according to an old saying about Salisbury Cathedral. I’m in no mind to do the maths but even an armchair architect can see that building this cathedral in just 38 years was a superhuman feat. |
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The cathedral was first conceived and created out at Old Sarum in the 11th century but was damaged by a storm only five days after completion. It was repaired and extended but 150 years later it was decided that the building was a constant danger to the congregation’ and that the site was so windy that ‘those celebrating the divine offices can hardly hear each other speak.’
So the old cathedral was demolished but many of its original stones were taken to New Sarum (Salisbury) and used in the building of the new cathedral where some of the most important Old Sarum bishops were laid to rest… [more]
Full story is 1,600 words and includes history of the cathedral and interior, review of café facilities plus brief details of other historical attractions in the area.
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