Sarah Rowan
London Office
It wasn’t until I was 18 and worked four jobs to fund a round the world back-packing trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji that my passion for travel emerged. Looking closer to home, my love of Europe was instilled from a younger age, having holidayed in Greece and travelled through Italy as a child. More recently I got married in Italy and spend every opportunity exploring it further.
Since then I have taken every opportunity possible to jump on a plane and head on another adventure. These trips have included a ski season in the French Alps, trekking in the mountains of Argentina, sleeping in a hammock in the Amazon, exploring the Garden Route in South Africa, driving out to the former Yugoslavia on a humanitarian aid mission and a trip up the east coast of the USA, being transported via longtail boat on Inle Lake in Myanmar, cruising through the pinnacles of Halong Bay in Vietnam, helicopter riding over the Southern Alps and Wanaka Lake in South Island, New Zealand and so many more adventures. Each journey has only furthered my appetite to see more of the world and the move into working in travel has provided me with the perfect opportunity to continue this goal and pass on my experiences and passion to others. Asia is a part of the world that captured me instantly and is somewhere that the more I see, the more I fall in love with. It has the most varied landscapes and cultures; the food is the best in the world and the people are so engaging and passionate.
My blogsWhat my guests have said
Favourite places I've been
Travel nuggets
In Europe, always take the opportunity to sample true local food. Generally, if you avoid the touristy restaurants and follow the locals, you can't go wrong!
Make time to stop off at the local tailors in Hoi An. They are unbelievably quick and with incredible results given the price tag. While you are waiting for your clothes to be made try ‘Morning Glory’ and ‘Mango Mango’ for a delicious for a bite to eat.
New Zealand is famed for its lamb, but the fresh fish here is truly delicious, from crayfish in Kaikoura, to whitebait patties on the west coast of the South Island, there is so much to chose from.
If you are visiting Wanaka spoil yourself with a helicopter ride over the lakes and Southern Alps for a totally mind-blowing scenery. You can even stop on a glacier or at the top of a deserted mountain, and enjoy the panoramic views in total privacy.
Make an advance booking at Nahm Restaurant at the Metropolitan Bangkok and experience the sensational Thai cuisine (look out for the chilli in some dishes!). This is a destination in its self and has deservedly been awarded World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
My hot picks
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, Thailand
So effortlessly chic and sophisticated. Situated right in the heart of the old town of Chiang Mai, it is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the city. At night it glows with soft lighting and has an enchanting and relaxed atmosphere.
Minaret Station, Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, New Zealand
Only accessible via helicopter it provides the most spectacular arrival ever, and is totally remote and exclusive, situated in the heart of the Southern Alps with nothing but the mountains surrounding you.
Six Senses Yao Noi, Koh Yao Noi, West coast beaches and islands, Thailand
This is one of the few places in the world where photos do not do it justice. It is breathtakingly beautiful, unbelievably peaceful and a place so hard to drag yourself away from. The main swimming pool is my favourite pool in the world!
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
This superb, colonial hotel is the very best a city hotel can be. It is totally charming and despite its 364 rooms, has an intimate, friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It opened in 1901 and has a fascinating history, surviving so much conflict.
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