I LOVE winter. To me it means tropical island and mid winter get- aways. It didn’t always mean get aways… it used to mean hard yards and freezing cold. But I decided to change things up a bit and make life a little more fun. Many years ago I decided I would travel every year. It was a promise I made to myself.  There are so many places in the world I want to see and it won’t happen if you leave for “one day”. I figured I would start where I was at and commit to one country a year.

There was a time when my Oma was unwell and I stopped travelling so I could be near her. I continued to save all the money I allocate to my yearly travels. When that life chapter was  complete  I used the money to take my family back to Holland where my ancestors come from. And from then I have picked up the promise I made to myself all those years ago.

I have travelled to a lot of countries and by far the most beautiful place I have ever been is Siargao Island.

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 196 kilometers southeast of Tacloban in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometres.  It is predominantly jungle and is characterised by waterfalls, rock pools, caves, underwater caves, dive sites and surf breaks

Surrounded by these majestic land formations and the powerful ocean, the islanders are in constant commune with the essence of life. You can feel it. It is expressed in their ways, the order of their days, and their language.  When you come to the island and initial experience coming in contact with this Nature— your mind silences and the ego dissolves into the infinity that her beauty suggests.

This way of being is constant for the people of Siargao and it is an experience they so willingly share with the world outside theirs. When you get to experience it for yourself there is an unwinding that happens that allows you truly relax and just be.  This being, invites a certain energy and glow to everyone that visits.  I loved it so much I am going back next year and I want to invite you again to come away with me… next July 5-14. Here’s the itinerary  – just click have a read – day dream – imagine what your next winter could look and feel like.  Send it on to a friend – travelling to exotic locations with besties ROCKS!!!

If you need any help convincing yourself or a significant other read my Top reasons to book a winter retreat, you will not regret it I promise!