The idea of travelling to Southern Africa usually conjures up romantic notions of wildlife safaris and exotic adventure. But if you are looking for a less traditional route to explore this vast and exciting continent there’s an alternative kind of safari for you – via stunning spas, Buddhist retreats and meditation wells. I discovered a ‘Big Five*’ for the body and soul … with a distinctly African twist.

The Metropolitan offers an oasis of calm and cool (both in terms of temperature and hip factor), from the hot hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Located near the CBD and embassy district, it is close to the city’s major attractions and is home to a COMO Shambhala Spa and acclaimed Australian chef, David Thompson’s Nahm restaurant.

Located in the northwest corner of Western Australia, Broome is one of the most remote towns in Australia. Even more remote is Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, located 119 kilometres and just over an hour’s drive south of Broome, or 27 nautical miles by boat across Roebuck Bay.
I recently checked out Eco Beach on behalf of Australian Yoga Journal – and I loved what I saw. It’s a special place that on first and lasting impressions is both awesomely authentic and in keeping with the vision for an eco-friendly, sustainable tourism project. It feels like a personal invitation to explore a very loved part of this rugged and beautiful coastline from a place that knows what it is.

I recently travelled to beautiful Uma Paro in Bhutan to write a story for Australian Yoga Journal. I was there to do a five-night “Yoga, Culture and Camp Retreat” hosted by Uma Paro’s resident yoga teacher, Marie Baker. On top of five hours of amazing yoga, Pranayama and meditation every day, I also had the opportunity to visit monasteries built in the 17th Century, be blessed by monks in a long life puja (blessing), have lunch at a local farmer’s house and do a two-day trek to the famous cliffhanging monastery, Tiger’s Nest (pictured).

Admittedly, I’m not much of a camper and have always been slightly intimidated by the notion of outdoor music festivals, but when a ticket to The Dreaming Festival came my way I took it with a surprising burst of enthusiasm. I was in the mood to escape the city, rest in the arms of Mother Nature, get a little dirty and explore cultural expression outside my safe inner-city Sydney world of theatre, Indie-rock and art galleries.