WORDS & PICTURES: Bejal Gosai
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Bejal has worked in clinical research for over 15 years but her real passion is travelling, and scoping out new cultures, views, hidden gems, coffee spots, and the best global Espresso Martinis Her jaunts with her award-winning blog, Be-Lavie, have taken her to remote locations all over the world. She is Leicester-born and -bred, and regularly chronicles what Leicestershire has to offer. At weekends, you’ll find her sipping coffee at one of the local coffee haunts or checking out the city’s street art scene.
The Ultimate Travel Checklist is an interview series which allows our guests to reminisce upon their favourite destinations in the world. Whether you long for luxury travel or crave the adventurous nature of backpacking, the Ultimate Sustainable Travel Checklist will have you adding to your bucket list.
STAY HERE
Jeeva Santai Villas, Lombok, Indonesia
Nestled on a cove on the western coast of the Indonesian island of Lombok lies the 14-abode boutique hotel Jeeva Santai Villas. They have placed sustainability and conservation of their ocean at the forefront of their prioritie, as well as offering sublime hospitality, which is at the core of their native people, the Sasak. This is reflected in every way through this privately-run hideaway.
Eco-friendly efforts at Jeeva Santai include: recycled water from the salt-water pools for the pool villas; a strict no-plastic water policy replaced by glass; all toiletries composed of in-house blends used in their spa. Linens and towels are changed at guests’ request, all plastic straws are replaced with paper alternatives, and most ingredients are sourced locally by the chef or grown on-site in the garden. The employees of the hotel are all local, having been given the opportunity to study hospitality. The staff employed at Jeeva Santai have a commitment to the ocean by taking part in regular scuba dives to retrieve plastic from the surrounding sea. Truly a gem of a hotel, and the perfect destination for sustainable travel!
EAT HERE
Noa Chef’s Hall, Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn was a city of many surprises for me, including its world-class dining scene! Noa Chef’s Hall (one of the 50 best restaurants in the world) completely stole my stomach with its culinary finesse, exceptional location, and the small detail that I was asked to sit at the chef’s table and watch head chef Orm and his team cook every course.
They also transformed their regular non-vegetarian taster menu to a completely vegetarian version with paired wines based on my dietry requirements. The food here is ideal for lovers of sustainable travel and cuisine: it is sourced locally, even foraged, the creativity in putting the menu together unique and the team exceptional. They place a huge focus on minimal food wastage, too. A must-visit spot for a special night of dining in Tallinn – and it has a stunning waterfront location.
Discover Tallinn through imagery | Tallinn & Haapsalu, Estonia: A Photo Journal
DRINK HERE
Saratoga Boutique Hotel, Old Havana, Cuba
There is no place better to enjoy a cold, sweet, tangy Mojito than at the home of Havana Club rum, surrounded by Latin vibes. One of my favourite places in Havana for a Mojito, aside from the more touristy Hemmingway haunts, would be at the swanky Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana. Grab a pre-dinner Mojito on their roof terrace with a view of the famous Gran Teatro de la Habana and El Capitolio buildings. The best part? The bar staff use no measures to create their cocktails, guaranteeing a pretty mean Mojito! A tad more expensive than other bars, but so worth it – and you’ll be treated to a cool breeze and fewer crowds.
EXPLORE THIS CITY
Florence, Italy
The city of Florence stole my heart at 18, when I studied Renaissance art. Now I visit almost every year. Not only is it an open-air museum, but also has a fine mix of great dining, amazing rooftops, and beautiful frescoed boutique hotels. Florence is also a wonderful base from which to explore the rest of Tuscany – especially the wine region of Chianti, coastal spots, and small towns like Lucca. I adore the Oltrarno district, where there are many hidden gems to hang out in and discover, as well as being the epicentre of the country’s artisanal industry trades.
Explore central Italy | A Journey Around Maremma, Tuscany
LOUNGE ON THIS BEACH
Motu Tane Island, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
During our around-the-world trip, we incorporated a week’s Christmas break on the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora. We stayed in an over-water villa on private island Motu Tane, which was full of traditional Polynesian hospitality, breakfast delivered on canoes, and a beach that can only be described as utter paradise on Earth. Aside from food being bought onto the island, the resort employed many Polynesian natives who were being simulataneously educated, and who worked hard to preserve the beauty of their surroundings by implementing strict no-waste and sustainable travel policies.
Think long balmy days, cocktails in hand, 360 degrees of blue, and lush green palms set against an endless horizon!
TAKE IN THIS VIEW
Machu Picchu, Peru
Ever since my school days, I’ve been fascinated by the Inca culture and traditions, and couldn’t quite believe it when I finally laid my eyes on the great Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. For a really special Machu Picchu experience, I would recommend staying at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge: the only hotel at the gates of Machu Picchu. It also is very keen to be as eco-friendly as possible with its practices and guest experiences. With multiple entries into the citadel, whilst staying here for the night, I was able to walk with llamas at 6am, surrounded by morning dew as the sun rose over Huyana Picchu. Truly spectacular.
More from our interview series | Saar Patyn’s Ultimate Travel Checklist
