The Maldives hardly need an introduction. No matter how many times you visit, that buzz of excitement never really fades. Each island has something different to offer, and this time, I was off to explore Baa Atoll — one of the best areas for diving and spotting majestic manta rays. It’s also conveniently close to Malé, with just a short 35-minute seaplane ride to reach Amilla Resort, located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Our adventure began on a private yacht ride from a nearby island — already a pretty dreamy start. From the moment we arrived, Amilla had this lovely mix of laid-back luxury and genuine connection to nature. We were welcomed by one of the friendliest faces, Liyaz, who showed us around and helped us get familiar with everything the island has to offer.

We kicked things off with a snorkel around the island’s vibrant house reef, gliding alongside colourful fish and corals. Afterwards, we unwound at the Javvu Spa, where we tried a sound healing session —think gentle vibrations from Tibetan singing bowls and gongs that relax you completely. It was a unique experience and set the tone for a few days of total bliss. The spa menu at Javvu was very impressive, offering everything from massages and body wraps to reflexology, using natural products.

What makes Amilla stand out is how closely it’s connected to its surroundings. Strolling through the Mystique Garden, we saw where much of the resort’s produce comes from — banana trees, sweet potatoes, hydroponic greens, and even mushrooms ! Amilla also has a brilliant Homemade@Amilla initiative. Almost everything is made on-site — nut milks, kombucha, yoghurt, jams, even natural Spa products. Coconuts from the island’s grove are turned into oil, cream, and vinegar at The Nut, and even the breakfast eggs come fresh from their own chickens.

Here, sustainability isn’t just a slogan — it’s a way of life. The UN(do) the Harm recycling hub ensures almost nothing goes to waste. Glass is crushed and reused, food waste is composted, and plastics are sent off for recycling through Parley for the Oceans. Water is made on the island using reverse osmosis and bottled in reusable glass — no plastic bottles in sight. Even toothpaste comes in tablets ! Pretty impressive, I must say - A growing portion of the resort’s energy also comes from solar panels, helping reduce its carbon footprint.

Amilla feels wonderfully wild and natural, more like a tropical jungle than a manicured resort. With 2,500 coconut trees and a few 400-year-old banyan trees, it’s full of life. Standing in the middle of the greenery, you almost forget you’re on a tiny island surrounded by the ocean. Unlike some resorts that pack in too many unused facilities, Amilla keeps things natural and peaceful while still offering plenty to keep even the most active guests entertained— and we loved that. There’s a fully equipped fitness centre — with an outdoor option for those who prefer not to lose that nature connection — as well as multiple sports courts, tennis, event spaces, and even glamping under the stars. The surrounding reef is in great condition ( one of the best in the Maldives ! ), offering some of the best snorkelling we’ve experienced straight off shore. We spotted turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and endless colourful fish. Even when the weather turned and cancelled our guided snorkelling trip, we still managed to enjoy the reef straight from our Water Villa.

Let’s not forget the dining — it’s on an entirely different level. We had the pleasure of dining at five different restaurants, and each was a blissful experience in its own way. From the vibrant Greek flavours and delicious meze at Tessera, to the perfectly grilled beef medallions, the rich golden masalas at East, and the freshest, most delicate sushi at Feeling Koi — every meal felt special. With so many dining options to explore, discovering your favourite becomes a delightful activity in itself.

As ocean lovers, we were impressed by Amilla’s coral regeneration project. Coral fragments are carefully attached to frames and replanted to help rebuild the reef. Guests can even “adopt” a coral frame and receive updates on how it’s growing — a lovely touch that keeps you connected to the Maldives long after you return home.

We stayed in a House Reef Villa, which meant we could go snorkelling right from our veranda — quite literally rolling out of bed, coffee in hand, and diving into crystal-clear water. The villa was spacious, beautifully designed, and full of thoughtful touches. Just picture-perfect paradise! Amilla offers a wide range of villas, from reef and sunset villas to Beach Pool Villas and even unique Treetop Villas — which are now firmly on our wish list for next time! They are by far one of the most spacious villas we have seen, which can easily accommodate the entire family.

Amilla’s idea of sustainability goes beyond the environment. The resort supports nearby islands by donating palm trees, showcasing local crafts, and even hosting school visits to its football academy. We also loved how inclusive it is — several villas are adapted for wheelchair users, and staff are trained to support guests with hidden disabilities. Everyone is welcome to experience this little paradise.

Our stay at Amilla felt like so much more than just a beach holiday. It served as a reminder that luxury and responsibility can indeed go hand in hand. From snorkelling with marine life to sound healing at the spa, every experience was mindful and full of care. We left with beautiful memories — but also with inspiration from Amilla’s thoughtful approach to sustainability. And honestly, that’s the best souvenir you can take home.

Monika travelled to the Maldives in May 2025 with Saranta Associates – Travel Matter partners.

So, if you’re thinking about visiting the Maldives, don’t miss exploring its most breathtaking atolls and islands. Contact Travel Matters today, and we will advise you on the best island for your needs.

(This blog has been written by Monika, Travel Matters’ Senior Travel Advisor. She visited the Maldives in May 2025. For more information and details about your next holiday, please make an Enquiry today!)

Copenhagen Canal Quayside

What a privilege to visit Copenhagen. I hadn't discovered a new city since 2019 and when you are in my industry, that's quite a long time. The joy of packing the suitcase and heading off to investigate a new country filled me with such joy. A flight to Copenhagen is super quick with a very straight forward transfer from the Danish airport to the city centre. A civilized flight mid morning allowed us to be in the city mid afternoon with time to jump on some bikes and adventure around.  Our base for the next couple of days was the iconic hotel D’Angleterre - a beauty of a property if I have ever seen one. Central, grand, homely, not stuffy - its staff oozed welcome with friendly engaging smiles and caring attitudes - oh and I should add home to the Michelin star restaurant Marchal.  

Karen outside the Hotel D’Angleterre, Copenhagen

Photo by Febiyan

I had been curious to visit Copenhagen and Denmark overall - my knowledge of the country was somewhat limited - think Lego, Carlsberg lager and the Nordi series on Netflix The Bridge!! I love a Scandi thriller! Incidentally that bridge, over 8 kms long, links Denmark to Sweden allowing many Swedes and Danes easy access to live and work in both countries. Back to my curiosity of the country - I had heard good things about the Danes and their way of life, their attitude to community and happiness. You are probably well acquainted by the term Hygge - meaning connection, coziness and enjoying the simple pleasures of life with those you love.

The City of Happiness

Did you know that there is the Research Institute of Happiness headed up by Meik Wiking? The organization is an independent think tank exploring why some societies are happier than others. Their mission is to inform decision makers of the causes and effects of human happiness, making well-being part of the public policy debate, and improving quality of life for everyone on the planet. They partner with cities, governments and organisations to set the agenda to improve quality of life. With so much care in a society it’s obvious that its citizens would find suitable ways to look after their environment too, which is reflected in their living choices and behaviour - the Danes are leading in sustainability especially with building infrastructure and how it affects their environment. Another fun fact I learnt is the new cable, 760kms long - yes you read that correctly (the world's longest high voltage cable) is being laid under the sea between Denmark and the UK which is going to supply us with renewable energy from the Danes wind farms  - how cool is that? A great scheme that will help the environment and help us Brits come away from fossil fuels.

Karen in Christianhavn

Copenhagen really is a beautiful city -  full of eco-friendly buildings using renewable energy initiatives - green roofing, solar, rainwater harvesting systems, urban gardens and green space galore. I thought most novel is the waste plant which has a secondary function of offering a ski slope - a truly innovative and pioneering idea. On the subject of cleaner living - did you know that 9 out of 10 Danes own a bicycle? And 26% of families living with two children in the city of Copenhagen own a cargo bike. Londoner’s - we could do so much better than we do and take a leaf out of the Copenhagener’s book and come away from our dirty polluting cars.

The Hotel D’Angleterre offers their guests bikes for free so it was a pleasure to pedal off and meander around the city on the generously wide bike lanes. One unique cycle super highway crosses the canal. We had to wait as the bridge closed for the cyclists and was raised in order to let a tall ship pass along the canal. It was an awesome sight! 

The bicycle super highways of Copenhagen, by Aurora Ferreira

What else are the Danes doing right, you may ask - well free education for students, free health care, low criminality and a general good work/life balance. It's that feeling of Hygge again. So with the backdrop of understanding why Denmark had drawn me in, let me highlight a few experiences I tried when in the capital of happiness. 

I biked to the picturesque district of Christianshavn. An idyllic place to immerse yourself in the pretty and colourful neighbourhood which is made up of small islands.

The beautiful canals of Copenhagen

I participated in a sea plane excursion, boarding close to the Little Mermaid - it was a 20 minute excursion over the harbour, allowing fantastic views of Copenhagen and beyond. The sea plane excursion with Nordic Seaplanes was followed by a boat ride with Hey Captain- a more intimate boat excursion where you can talk with the captain offering a very personal way to cruise the canals.

Photo by Rolands Varsbergs

100% take a  guided food tour. Danish food wasn't particularly known globally until a new wave of chefs brought restaurants like Noma into international attention. Joining a Food Tour Copenhagen you’ll meet the  locals and be given local insight. There is so much diversity in Copenhagen’s food scene.   In 2021 14 of Copenhagen's restaurants had 23 Micheln stars between them!  I was fortunate to visit La Glace - the oldest patisserie in Denmark, Aamanns 1921 a famous Danish restaurant and the food markets at Tovehallerne.

Time in Copenhagen would not be complete without a visit to Tivoil Gardens, the oldest theme park in the world. 

My last evening was spent at the Balthazar champagne bar where they are renowned for their signature champagne cocktails - I had a Downton Abbey - very in keeping with the release of the new Downton Abbey movie recently released!

Swimming at Islands Brugge, Copenhagen

Swimming at Islands Brugge, Copenhagen

I could have done with a few more hours in this glorious capital - my last morning I headed to the area called Islands Brygge - which translates as Iceland’s Quay - a gorgeous stretch of waterfront where outdoor bathing and swimmers gather all year round. It was a magical experience for me.

 Karen travelled in April 2022 to Copenhagen in the company of Flospitality and stayed at D'Angleterre Hotel.  

It’s a vital migration highway that follows the Cocos Ridge connecting the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador with Cocos island, Costa Rica. One of our Make Travel Matter charity partners, Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) has been supporting the creation of the proposed Galapagos-Cocos Swimway protected area since 2018, by helping their science partners gather important evidence needed to drive forward the creation of this 240,000 km2 route, which is critical for conserving endangered Galapagos marine species.

Photo credit to Migramar

This May saw the launch of the 2021 Galapagos-Cocos Swimway expedition. It has an expert team of scientists gathering evidence to support the protection of this vital Swimway. They started in Costa Rica, travelled down to Cocos Island National Park and down the Swimway to the Galapagos Islands. Alongside this, GCT are running a virtual Swimway Challenge which is encouraging people to walk, run, swim, cycle or wheelchair the length of the Swimway whilst raising awareness and funds. We are signed up! 700 miles of swimming, (mostly) and cycling + walking. You can give here if you feel inclined!

The Galapagos Islands offer an enriching, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see various animals and marine life in their natural habitats. We send clients to the Islands, which were studied by Charles Darwin and inspired him with his Theory of Evolution, as well as visiting Ecuador.  This image below though shows a different story, right?

Photo credit to Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999 in 2017 Galapagos National Park

The Galapagos Conservation Trust is one of our charity partners. As part of our Make Travel Matter campaign, we have supported them in various ways. Travel Matters have accepted the challenge and created a team for the Virtual Swimway. I am an avid fan of open water swimming and despite not being able to be in the Galapagos to support this project, I believe we can create more awareness about this crucial passage for the protection of the marine life. You can follow here on our fundraising page and support the team members who are swimming, walking and cycling the equivalent distance of 700 miles. I am making the most of my membership to the UK’s largest outdoor swimming pool - the Tooting Lido. Currently 13 degrees water temperature, you can’t stay in long but I’m totalling up the lengths with my team mates! My other team members are using Brockwell Lido and Charlton Lido - both in London. Please do support us if you can!

Tooting Lido, London - where most of my swimming is taking place.

Tourism is the largest employer on the Galapagos Islands making up over 80% of the economy. In 2019, over 270,000 people visited Galapagos. In 2020, this dropped to 72,000 – a massive 73% decline. Vital scientific research will be severely impacted because of the decline. The Galapagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It's considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. The incredible diversity of wildlife found in Galapagos is what makes this volcanic archipelago so very special.

We hope when international travel resumes safely from the UK and when people consider travelling to this breathtaking natural region of the world, that they will enquire about possible ways to support this vital work for generations to come.

And just to remind you, we are supporters of the Future of Tourism coalition, who’s Guiding Principles provide a clear moral and business imperative for building a healthier tourism industry while protecting the places and people on which it depends. Our participation of the Swimway Challenge is one clear demonstration of these principles.

Future of Tourism supporter

Dr. Bremley Lyngdoh, founder and CEO of Worldview Impact Foundation (WIF), is leading the way in the reforestation on our planet.

Travel Matters has been supporting tree planting projects around the world through our partnership with Trees for Cities and we realise how tremendously important it is to measure and try to off-set our carbon footprint or may be even journey to net zero.

We consider Dr Lyngdoh such an inspiration and we are very honoured to partner with his work.

Over the last 27 years since Bremley left his hometown in northeast India, he worked in 75 countries developing a range of innovative projects in Asia, Africa and South America aimed at producing ecologically sound and economically viable activities that contribute directly to reducing rural poverty, and generating productive sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable local communities and young people. 

As the warrior son of mother Earth he has planted 27 million trees with different partners over the years in Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, China, USA, UK and many other countries to help restore the balance on our planet. 

Dr Lyngdoh's goal is to plant an incredible1 billion trees by 2030 to drawdown many tons of CO2 from the Earth’s atmosphere to slow down climate change and secure the future of generations to come. 

His work in southwest Myanmar and northeast India is particularly impressive. The mangrove trees he has been planting will play a big part in restoring the climate around coastal regions of Myanmar. And Dr. Lyngdoh does not hesitate to use the best technology to achieve his goals! WIF has partnered with Biocarbon Engineering to plant mangrove seeds through drones. A small fleet of these drones can plant up to 400,000 seeds in a day along with mapping out best places to plant the trees by collecting data about soil health, topography and growth of already existing plants. How brilliant is that!

Here at Travel Matters we share Dr. Lyngdoh's values and believe that the absence of travel due to the pandemic will result in people re-evaluating their relationships with others and with the environment. We all must stand up for key issues such as diversity, inclusion, human rights, improvement of livelihoods, elimination of food poverty and better mental and physical health and contribute to positive social and economic change.

We’re dedicated to showing how travel, when done right, can impact the world in a positive manner using tourism as a force for good. With this in mind, we are launching our Unique Retreats and journeys with purpose - sustainable holidays designed with you and the environment in mind and that bring you closer to the countries you visit. 

Photos by Joel Vodell and Timothy K on Unsplash

As a person who has visited numerous exotic destinations, I understand the importance of nature and authenticity preservation. And the hidden gem of a country we will talk about today has both in heaps.

Located off the coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest country of the continent after Seychelles and its beauty will impress even the most intrepid traveller. This island nation is part of a volcano chain boasting of striking rock and coral formations, rainforests and beaches, not to mention its fascinating history! This unspoilt destination is safe and friendly and ecotourists in particular will find it appealing due to its Jurassic park feel.

Did you know that São Tomé and Príncipe have more endemic species per square kilometre than the Galapagos? In 2012 Príncipe became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve so it’s development, including tourism, is carefully regulated under the Man and Biosphere Programme. The Principeans are proud of their biosphere status and it is something that unites islanders and visitors.

Quite unusually the country enjoys two dry seasons! The first one is between December and February and the second is June through September. Although the best time to bird watch is October to March - don' forget your binoculars - there is a lot to watch! The two primary islands of São Tomé and Príncipe together with several rocky islets are home to just over 215,000 inhabitants. 

So how do you travel to this little piece of paradise? The only way to get there is by flying to Sao Tome where the international airport is located. The airport on Principe is only serviced by domestic flights connecting the two islands sitting 140 km apart with the flight time taking only 35 minutes.

If you come from Europe, you can choose between STR Airways or TAP Portugal both flying from Lisbon. Travelling from Africa, the options are Ghana, Gabon and Angola.

 The official language is Portuguese and the long history of the country goes back to the same time as that of the Americas - the colony of São Tomé was founded in 1493, just a year after Christopher Columbus officially set foot on the continent. Sugar cane was the main commodity at the time and the remnants of historic Portuguese architecture can still be found around the islands in the form of charming colonial buildings, churches and old plantations. Presently Sao Tome is also the place where they produce some of the most exclusive chocolate in the world as well as excellent coffee! Yum!

When it comes to accommodation there is a property that really stands out - we love Sundy Praia, one of the National Geographic unique lodges of the world that is a sustainable tourism project providing unforgettable experiences through interaction with the local community.

 Merging seamlessly with their forest surrounds, their 15 tented villas lie hidden among a scattering of tropical almond and banana trees, each gazing down to the sea and recreating the lifestyle of local people. 

Surrounded by the songs of birds and sounds of clashing waves you will feel free with stress just melting away. 

Activities at the lodge include scenic boat trips, biosphere trails, 4X4 island tours, local fishing village and plantation visits and so much more. Female sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Principe island between September and April and families in particular will be interested to learn about the conservation of this threatened species.

But not everything is about ecotourism here - special events such as weddings and honeymoons will become a treat that you will never forget.

I am getting itchy feet simply from writing about this stunning destination and hope you will too. Get in touch for your tailormade proposal.

Images by @HBD Principe

South Korea, in the heart of East Asia, is one the continent’s economic and cultural leaders. It is visited by millions of Asian tourists yearly, although it is still not as developed for international tourism compared to popular Asians destinations for Westerners such as Thailand or Japan.

Buddhist Temple

I visited South Korea in April 2019. It was my first trip to an Asian country! Why did I choose this destination? That’s easy - Think ancient temples, spotlessly clean streets, cherry blossom, modern skyscrapers, Korean cuisine and a country enriched with history (and let’s not forget premium skincare).

The incredible Gyeongbokgung Palace

One of the first things I noticed in the capital city Seoul, where I spent my hotel stay, was the Koreans’ sense of community. As an English & French native and speaking fluent Spanish, I was quite surprised to find out most Koreans do not speak any European languages! It was a challenge to speak with them but so rewarding, as it was the first time I went to a country where I could not properly communicate with a local community. It is important here to respect Koreans, to be patient in understanding each other and using body language.  

However, the locals are so welcoming and will help you if you get lost in the City. They are not used to seeing Westerners, so they feel privileged to see responsible visitors come to their small, traditional restaurants and are eager to share their culture.  

(Travel Matters Tip: Koreans love their spicy food, so if they tell you that Ramen is not very spicy, watch out, you may need a few glasses of water on the side!)

Seoul Suburbs

A contentious topic that I was determined to understand a little more about was regarding the use of the Hanbok (or Chosŏn-ot - a traditional clothing worn during formal occasions) by tourists -

Do you think international tourists should be given a choice to wear this traditional clothing?

Is it considered as cultural appropriation?

The Hanbok (pictured below) is an ancient traditional attire consisting of the dress, headgear and accessories. I asked locals regarding this subject, and whilst everyone can have their own opinion, Koreans mostly do not mind it. In fact, they encourage travellers to try on the dress as they feel proud it is part of their national culture and they love to share this with foreigners. Indeed, it is very common to pass by small shops that offer a day Hanbok rental!

Hanbok, or Chosŏn-ot

So, is South Korea on your bucket list of responsible travels?

(Sophie travelled to South Korea in April 2019)