After every holiday or extended trip, Mr Silver is subjected to a questioning…
What was your favourite restaurant?
What the best thing that you think we ate?
What was your favourite hotel?
What was your number one experience?
‘Why do we have to have this conversation every time?’….he sighs…
I honestly don’t know why, I just like creating lists and ranking my experiences, is it my type-A personality or is it the blog addict in me? Either way I love the subject of this month’s travel link up; your favourite things and with that in mind I thought I’d write a top ten (I love a good top ten list) of my favourite things ever from my travels over the years.
1. The Best Hotel Ever!
When Mr Silver and I arrived at Singita Boulders in Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, we quickly agreed it was the best hotel we had ever stayed in. We were struck by our incredible room was with an indoor / outdoor rustic feel, beautiful African artwork and our own infinity pool. Service at Singita Boulders was second to none, food was incredible and I loved the design of the hotel with the views looking over the Sand River. Best of all were the twice-daily game drives with Singita’s expert guides…but more on that later.
2. My Favourite Hotel for a UK Staycation
My favourite hotel in the UK outside London is the gorgeous Coworth Park in Ascot…
It’s only 45 minutes from London and it is the most stunning country house with extensive grounds, two gorgeous restaurants and a luxurious spa. 
I particularly love the natural, organic theme that runs through the decor like this beautiful bed with posts designed to look like trees. As Coworth Park is part of Dorchester Collection, you know that the service will be top notch in a totally quintessentially English fashion.
3. All time top country that we visited
Mr S and I both agree that Australia wins the prize for our favourite country and the best trip that we’ve ever had. 
I don’t think that anything will ever beat this trip: we saw koalas on the Great Ocean Road, admired the Sydney Opera house, drank champagne at sunset at Ayers Rock, scuba dived in the Great Barrier Reef, stayed in a tree house in the Daintree Rainforest and best of all…
…took a seaplane to Whale Beach where we got engaged! I loved Australia for the diverse landscape, the friendly people, incredible accommodation and lovely food. Just why does it have to be so far away?
4. Most Brilliant City
As I was putting together this list, I did of course start to quiz Mr S on all his answers. This is one where we disagreed, Mr S chose New York for his favourite city. Now don’t get me wrong, I love NYC for the restaurants, glamorous bars, great shops and things to see but for me New York is kind of like an American version of London. I chose Cape Town for my favourite city. I fell in love with Cape Town for the beautiful landscape, stunning beaches, wildlife and incredible food and wine where ever we went. 
I don’t know what it was about Cape Town but when I was there I just had a feeling of belonging and I really hope to return soon.
5. The Best Journey
I know it’s weird but I actually really love flying, for me it’s the first exciting moment and the precursor to a trip that has the potential to be an amazing adventure. As dedicated collectors of British Airways Avios points Mr S and I nearly always fly Business Class but for our honeymoon we booked First Class tickets to New York. Flying First Class made the anticipated trip even more exciting; we swooped through check-in, had breakfast in the Concorde lounge and were soon in our comfortable seats that converted into 6 foot 6 inch flat beds. The good thing about flying to New York is that it’s a day flight for about 8 hours so we had plenty of time to enjoy the indulgent dining options, vintage champagne and vast film selection.
6. Most Out of this World Dinner
Mr S and I have visited some incredible restaurants but we’ve also had some amazing dining experiences which are memorable for their uniqueness. When we were on honeymoon staying at Le Taha’a Resort and Spa we booked a food experience that would take place on our own private island! We were transported to the island or Motu, the Polynesian word for a small islet, by canoe and we started with a crisp glass of champagne. 
As we were served our multiple course dinner we were entertained by our own private band, and as the night continued more dancers came out…
Culminating in a magnificent fire dance!
It was the most incredible experience and easily the most exciting dining adventure we’ve ever had.
7. Top Restaurant Experience
The restaurant at the top of my bucket list was The French Laundry in Napa Valley and when we were lucky enough to secure an elusive booking I was soooo excited…though Mr S was quite so over joyed by the prospect of a 5.30 dinner. But I told him if you get a booking at The French Laundry…you take it! 
Consistently featured in the World’s Best Restaurant list and the recipient of three Michelin stars, I probably don’t need to tell you that every dish on the ten course menu at Thomas Keller’s restaurant was totally superb and the service was probably the best I’ve ever experienced.
8. Most Amazing Pool
Ok, it may not be as mind-blowing to look at as the pools at The Marina Bay Sands, The Hanging Gardens Ubud or the Alila Uluwatu, but bigger isn’t always better right? I totally loved the pool at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. 1,200 feet above sea level and right at the edge of a cliff top, the views out to sea were simply incredible! Most importantly for me, the pool was heated so I could enjoy the panoramic vista feeling comfortable and serene.
9. Most Mind Blowing Experience
The best experience that I’ve ever had whilst travelling is going on safari in South Africa. I had to totally pinch myself that I was that close to leopards, giraffes, lions and elephants in the wild…
10. My Favorite Travel Companion…
….Mr S of course…
….we’ve built so many wonderful memories together and I can’t for what’s to come in the future…
The topic this month is simple; what are your favourite things? Are they raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens? Or brown paper packages tied up with string…It can be absolutely anything! In the first week of November just add your post to the link up widget on Kelly, Rebecca, Emma or Frankie’s blogs and share the blogging joy!
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