Featured blog posts
I’ll see you at the bookshop!
The Library Hotel Wellness Retreat in Cyprus - Review
Here’s my full review of the Library Hotel Wellness Retreat in Kalavasos, Cyprus.
When I was invited to attend a wedding in Cyprus, I knew that I wanted to spend some time exploring the island and venture outside of the usual tourist hotspots.
After a bit of research I stumbled upon the The Library Hotel Wellness Retreat, which is located in the village of Kalavasos, just a short distance from Limassol.
Queen’s Bay Hotel Paphos - Review
Here’s my full review of the gorgeous Queen’s Bay Hotel near Paphos in Cyprus.
The minute I returned from my stay at the Queen’s Bay Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, I couldn’t wait to sit down at my desk and write this review.
My partner and I booked our trip to Cyprus after being invited to attend the wedding of a close friend. We’d never visited the country before, and excitedly started planning a trip.
Tylney Hall Jane Austen Afternoon Tea & Hotel Review
Here’s my full review of the lovely Tylney Hall Hotel in Hook.
Set amongst 66 acres of land, Tylney Hall is a grade two listed building with more than 100 bedrooms. There’s so much to explore here - with sprawling gardens, multiple lakes and enchanting woodland walks, as well as stunning interiors and a dreamy outdoor pool.
Owned by Elite Hotels, I was excited to stay after being impressed another of their properties, the Ashdown Park Hotel earlier in the year.
Review: My Writing Retreat at Write Within, Machynlleth
For many writers, an essential part of the creative process involves filling up their own creative cup. This is certainly the case for me, so I was delighted when Julia from Write Within reached out to invite me for a retreat at her Writers’ Cabin.
Located in the small welsh town of Machynlleth, just a short drive away from the coast in mid-Wales, the cabin was custom built close to Julia’s own home.
Jurassic Properties Cobb House Full Tour & Review
Here’s my full review and tour of Cobb House in Lyme Regis, hosted by Jurassic Properties.
As a leading holiday accommodation company, Jurassic Properties host a number of beautifully renovated homes in the Dorset seaside town Lyme Regis. I was super excited when they reached out and invited me to stay in their gorgeous new cottage, Cobb House, which is located right by the seafront.
My very first visit to Lyme Regis, I was excited to be staying right in the heart of the town and just a few minutes walk away from the beach.
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club Review
Here’s my full and honest review of the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club - located in the home of Pooh Bear.
I knew that the Ashdown Park Hotel was going to be grand, but pulling into their long driveway and catching a glipmse of the beautiful manor house still caught me off guard.
One of a collection of period properties owned by Elite Hotels, my sister and I were excited to stay for the night after exploring the local area’s links to Winnie the Pooh.
Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel Review
Here’s my full room tour and review of the Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
I couldn’t quite believe my luck when Viking Cruises emailed to ask if I’d like to join them for a two-and-a-half week trip around Southeast Asia. I replied almost immediately - yes please!
We embarked the cruise in Bangkok, after a brief pre-extension at the stunning Shangri-La Bangkok hotel. After spending an additional few days docked in Laem Chabang, we departed for Cambodia, Vietnam, and finally, glittering Hong Kong.
My first ocean cruise with Viking, I found that I loved the Viking Venus and am manifesting another trip onboard one of their ships soon. Interested in seeing what it’s like? Here’s my full Viking Venus ship tour and review.
The Royal Garden Hotel Review, Hong Kong
Here’s my full review of the Royal Garden Hotel in Hong Kong.
Our ship docked in the Ocean Terminal, surrounded by glistening sky scrapers and the promise of a new city to explore.
After spending a night docked in the harbour, we disembarked and checked into the Royal Garden Hotel in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, which we used as a base before travelling to the airport that evening.
Limehouse Library Hotel London - Review
A literary landmark based in London’s east end, the Limehouse Library Hotel has long been on my list of places to stay in the capital. The stars aligned when I was invited to attend the bCreator Awards towards the end of 2024, and as the event was hosted nearby, I finally decided to book my stay.
As the name suggests, the Limehouse Library Hotel is based in an historic library which dates back more than a century. Its initial construction was completed in 1901, and the Limehouse Library then served the local area for more than 100 years before sadly closing in 2003.
Hotels Near Southampton Cruise Terminal
Southampton is a great place to start any cruise holiday, with plenty of amenities and a range of hotels to suit all budgets.
In this blog post I have selected the very best hotels in Southampton, broken down by price. While doing so, I only chose hotels that were within a 15 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal - with so many to choose from, you really don’t have to stay further away.
One main point of advice is to ensure that you book your hotel room early, as Southampton is a busy city and this will ensure that you get the best price possible.
Hotel Wedina Review - Hamburg’s Literary Hotel
When I planned to sail on Cunard’s newest cruise ship, Queen Anne, during her first voyage into Hamburg, I was delighted to discover that the city has its very own literary hotel.
Based in the St Georg district of central Hamburg, the hotel itself is very easy to find with its striking red exterior. We arrived after a short drive from the cruise port, which we booked on Uber, and were greeted by their friendly reception staff in their flawless English.
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Review
Located between two of central London’s iconic parks, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is a luxurious five star hotel just a short walk away from Buckingham Palace. Boasting stunning art deco interiors and in a premier location, this is one hotel that you won’t want to check out from.
I visited the Sheraton as part of their 2024 World Book Day Celebrations. Partnering with Reece’s Book Club, the Sheraton opened a pop up library in the lobby which played host to a number of book talks and book clubs. Stocked with titles from Reece’s Book Club, it was a fantastic way for the community to come together and celebrate literature in a unique location.
The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge - Review
The University Arms Hotel has been high on my bookish to-visit list for a very long time, and for good reason! This literary hotel has a long history, having been in service in a variety of forms since the 1800s. Now owned by Marriott Bonvoy aspart of their Autograph Collection, the property boasts stunning Edwardian interiors and offers a truly luxurious experience in the heart of Cambridge.
I stayed at the hotel for two nights in one of their stunning terrace suites, and also had the chance to dine in their onsite restaurant the Parkers Tavern. The hotel underwent a thorough renovation in 2016, and it’s clear that Marriott invested a significant amount of time and money in the refit. I particularly loved the little details, and loved the signs that were shaped like books.
B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa Review
Welcome to Zürich’s designated literary hotel, the B2 Boutique. This is somewhere that’s been on my literary travel bucket list for a very long time, and visiting was an absolute dream come true. I’m excited to show you around!
Upon entering the hotel lobby you’ll snatch your first glance of the B2 Boutique’s coveted library. The lobby area has lots of comfy seating options and doubles up as a large coworking space, making it a great place to grab an armchair and a coffee and get some work done, or just relax with a book.
The Academy Hotel Review, London
As someone who’s been a Londoner for nearly 3 years, this city has become my playground, workplace and above all, my home. Something that it hasn’t been for me yet is a holiday spot - so I jumped at the chance to stay at one of Bloomsbury’s gorgeous boutique hotels, The Academy, for a night away with my boyfriend Tom.
Sleeping in a library! | A Stay at Gladstone's Library, Wales
Arriving in the little Welsh village of Hawarden for the first time, my friend Christy and I stumbled upon a grand looking building while looking for our bookish B&B, Gladstone’s Library. I blinked, and looked down at the map on my phone: ‘that is the library!’
Nestled on the border between northern Wales and Cheshire, Hawarden houses the UK’s only residential library, filled with books collected by the former Prime Minister William Gladstone.
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.