Going gaga for Yaiya

This has to be one of my most favourite places in Thailand! Yaiya Resort in Hua Hin. My friend, Kath and I, booked a one bedroom private villa, twin share.

AMAZING!

We had a beautiful roof top plunge pool and pavilion with day bed, bar, sun bed. A massive marble bath and walk in robe... It was incredible. The beds were comfy and had private netting (although it wasn't needed, ore for show) and the daily room service was spot on!

The owner of the hotel, personally greeted us, I even did some yoga classes with her. All the staff were amazing and friendly. They went out of their way to make sure our stay was amazing... I really mean that too. We may have had a small episode of too much sun ( OK we got fried when we went out on a day trip to an island...) the staff went out of their way to get us painkillers and after sun lotion as well as giving us a special aftersun day spa treatment. I couldn't fault the service - which is why Im heading back there next year with the rest of my family.

Hua Hin is a beautiful part of Thailand. Its not over populated with travellers and it has a really laid back vibe to it. I have been told it is where the Thai royals go to holiday - so there are a few upmarket hotels, just outside of town, but there are also cheaper options in town.

There is always a night market on with massive a mounts of food and trinkets to collect. The town is great to explore, I felt very safe and I found it very easy to get around!

Can't wait to go back next year!

 

Gnostic corners of Woy woy

Ah Woy Woy - Take if back a few notches to the free spirited organic communities of times gone by... or times moving forward. I was lucky on this day, while I was visiting Woy Woy there was a local community market with a great drumming session taking place.

There a an energy that bonces around the southern tip of the NSW Central Coast. It is so incredibly laid back and 'easy going'.

It only a 45 min drive from Northern Sydney and sits along the lovely coast line, with little surf towns spotting the shores.

Check out the Gnostic Corner, its a fantastic mix of all things 'hippy' and a haven for someone like me! Comprising of...

Gnostic Forrest - Spiritual 'New-age' shop
Gnostic Bunch - Flower shop
Gnostic Mana - Yummy Cafe
Gnostic Healing - Natural healing centre
Gnostic Organics - Organic food and products
Gnostic Hemporium - hemp, bamboo and organic cotton products

Nan Tien Temple

Take a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney and you will hit the old working beach-side town of Wollongong. If you are heading south down the freeway you may notice a very large temple popping out from the side of the mountain on your left. Most people will gaze in awe as they continue to drive past it. STOP! Its well worth it!

Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere and is a hub for the Buddhist community. It welcomes everyone from all backgrounds to come and experience the majestic practices of this sacred way of life.

The temple is free to visit! There are donation boxes through the complex and if you have spare change  - throw it in! You are allowed to enter the prayer rooms and halls (just remember to remove your shoes) and there is an amazing vegetarian cafe that serves home style veggie food.

Downstairs there is an amazing tea house with a large variety of yummy green and herbal teas and fine vegetarian food (try the Jasmine Flower Jelly dessert - its softly scented with jasmine and tickles your taste buds!)

The temple offers retreats (daily, weekend and longer) and for those interested in practicing Buddhism, they even have their own university.

Check out their web site for upcoming events and information!