I’m back from my epic Asian adventure! Visiting three different countries, staying in six hotels, trying so many amazing restaurants and exploring new cultures, I’ve got so much to tell you about! With so many stories, I have around fifteen posts to put together which I will be publishing over the next couple of weeks with my usual London adventures interspersed in between so that you don’t get bored of reading about my trip. As May was totally dominated by my holiday, I decided to replace the usual monthly round up with an Instagram story summarising the whole trip so you know what kind of posts I have planned.
After a wonderful, but rather emotional flight (read all about why tomorrow) in the British Airways First Class cabin, we arrived in Tokyo. I honestly couldn’t believe that I was finally there, in a country I’d always dreamed of visiting.
First drinks in Tokyo with an incredible view from our hotel bar @mo_tokyo
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Checking into our first hotel, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, we enjoyed some drinks with a view and our first taste of authentic Japanese sushi at the hotel’s restaurant, Sushi SORA. Needless to say, I was totally blown away by the food and we also loved the hotel.
Our four days in Tokyo were spent exploring the many contrasts and different sides of the city from the ancient temples and beautiful parks, to the modern streets of Akihabara and the stylish shopping areas in Harajuku.
From Tokyo, we took the bullet train to Hakone and stayed in a beautiful ryokan called Gora Kadan.
Stunning architecture and beautiful views at our ryokan hotel, Gora Kadan
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Here were able to immerse ourselves in the ancient Japanese life, try Kaiseki cuisine and experience our own private onsen. Unfortunately bad weather meant we were unable to see much of Hakone outside of the ryokan so after our very special night at Gora Kadan we once again boarded the bullet train en route for Kyoto.
The Ritz Carlton, Kyoto was our home away from home whilst staying in the former capital of Japan. From our base here we enjoyed an inspiring day trip to Nara, an exploration of the beautiful sites of Kyoto, several incredible restaurants and we came face to face with Geisha and Maiko.
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Our final stop in Japan was Osaka, an hour’s drive from Kyoto. Staying at the St Regis gave us the ideal central hotel to explore the city which has been nicknamed Japan’s kitchen.
And to be honest, with only a very short amount of time in Osaka, all we did we eat! We loved Osaka and really regretted not dedicating more time to exploring and trying out the local food, but I’m determined to return one day.
I’ve never seen a sea so blue or a beach so white! Taken from the picnic grove at @amanpulo
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From Kansai Airport it was about a three and a half hour flight to Manila and then a private plane transfer to beautiful Pamalican Island and a very special resort called Amanpulo. I have never seen such powder white beaches as on this beautiful island in the The Philippines, and after our whistle stop tour of Japan, we were really looking forward to five days of relaxation and island bliss.
Our time at Amanpulo was pretty much comprised of lazy days sipping cocktails, enjoying delicious fresh fish and taking walks on our private beach… it really was a little piece of heaven!
We left the calm of the island via a short 1 hour and 45 minute flight to the bustling city of Hong Kong. Having been there four years, ago Mr S and I have fond memories of this fabulous city.
I think I might have found my favourite bathroom ever! @upperhouse_hkg
A photo posted by Angie Silver (@angiesilverspoon) on
We totally loved our hotel, The Upper House, and our gorgeous room featuring this bathroom with a view! Our time in Hong Kong was over all to quickly, and scuppered by bad weather, we still enjoyed some delicious Cantonese cuisine, rode a traditional junk ship and hopped our way through several different luxury hotels. As I write this, we landed back in London only a matter of only hours ago but my head is so bursting with stories to tell you I couldn’t wait to get back to writing! I hope you enjoy everything that I have to tell you about coming up!
Blog Love on Instagram: While I was away, I loved keeping up with my fellow blogger friends on Instagram. Inspiring me this month was Catherine’s beautiful photos of sunsets in Antigua, Monica’s epic adventure in Montana and Katie, Jess and Josie’s stunning Grecian scenes.
Travel link up: Don’t forget to join this month’s travel link up and this month the topic is Unexpected Places. Has somewhere ever surprised you by being not quite what you thought it would be? Add your post to the widget on Emma, Jessi, Carolann or my blog from the 1st of June.
