My Top Ten Once in a Lifetime Moments Whilst Travelling

Isn’t the most wonderful thing about travel? Those once-in-lifetime pinch me moments? Big thank you to Polly for suggesting the topic for this month’s travel link up as this post has evoked some incredible memories.

1. First Time on Safari

I’m fortunate enough to done two safari holidays, the first time in South Africa and the second time in Kenya. But there’s nothing quite like your first ever game drive. When we arrived a Singita Lembombo we were tired and in need of a shower after two flights and a dusty drive but we only had half an hour to sort our selves out before it was off exploring Kruger Park.

I could’t quite believe my eyes but the very first thing we saw we elephants bathing and drinking from the river. With elephants being one of my favourite animals I was absolutely pinching my self with excitement. I’ve been fortunate enough to see all of the big five on safari as well as other rare animals such as wild dogs and cheetahs but nothing will ever beat that first moment.

Of all the incredible moments I’ve had while travelling many of them have been on safari and it’s a trip I’d recommend over all others.

2. Taking a Seaplane Over Sydney

Many of my once-in-a-lifetime moments have been as a result of over coming a fear. For those of you who have read my posts about my phobias, you’ll know my biggest fear is my fear of heights. I can’t tell you how scared I was getting in a little plane (I’ve been in plenty since but this was the first) from Rose Bay in Sydney to Whale Beach. 
I look fairly calm in this photo but my legs were actually shaking!
But it was well worth it for view like this over Sydney! And for my other once in a lifetime experience… getting engaged at Jonah’s hotel on Whale Beach!

3. Staying Giraffe Manor

Perhaps the most original hotel that I’ve ever stayed in is Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya. 
At this incredible hotel managed by The Safari Collection, actual real life giraffes join you for breakfast and afternoon tea. There’s a few friendly wart hogs too…

4. Driving A Ferrari Through the Hills of Lake Como 

Ok, so I wasn’t the one doing the driving but Mr S and I felt like movie stars as we zoomed through the Italian countryside in a shiny red Ferrari. 
We stopped for lunch at Villa D’Este, a hotel that has an amazing location right by Lake Como and a place that is very special to Mr S’s parents.
We returned to Villa D’Este four years later for lunch on our 3rd wedding anniversary – it will always hold a very special place in my heart. 

5. Dinner at the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Did you know there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Run by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse, dinner at Le Jules Verne is a once in a lifetime opportunity to eat dinner at one of the world’s most famous landmarks with the glittering lights of Paris beneath you. 
We actually had dinner there in our first year of dating seven years ago so here we are looking super young. We’ve also had dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Vegas which is also pretty cool!

6. Bathing in Geothermal Pools in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon was fantastic but even better was taken a dip in a geothermal pool in the middle of no where! Ok, putting on your swimwear outside with no changing rooms is awkward and cold but once you’re in the pool itself, there’s nothing quite like it!

7. Dinner on a Private Island in French Polynesia

We’ve experienced some incredible private beach dinners together but nothing tops dinner on our own private island in French Polynesia whilst staying at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa on our honeymoon.

An outrigger canoe transferred us to a private islet or motu where we enjoyed a multi-course meal, a serenade by a private band and a performance by fire dancers!

8. An Out of Africa Picnic

Some of the most pinch-me moments can really be the simplest, and climbing up the hill to a private kopje with a view of Maasai Mara in Kenya was one of the my all time favourite experiences. We drank sparking wine and ate a fantastic picnic in that incredible setting.

9. The Most Perfect Sunset on a Dhow Cruise in Zanzibar

Staying at Mnemba Island in Zanzibar was only of my most memorable holidays of all time. I’ll never forget that once in a lifetime moment when we took a cruise in an original Dhow boat before returning to our room to enjoy homemade sushi on the sand with the most incredible sunset. 

10. Meeting Chef Yoshihiro Murata

I think that once in a lifetime occasions are those major coincidences that you just don’t expect. And for me one of those was being invited to review at Tokimeitē in London and meeting world renowned Chef Yoshihiro Murata. And then meeting him again the following week whilst dining at his three-Michelin starred restaurant Kikunoi in Kyoto. 

Those are my top once in a lifetime moments, I’d love to know yours!

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