Jacqui McDonald Archives - Swain Destinations

Serenity On The French Riviera

Articles, Bloggers, Destinations, Europe, Jacqui McDonald, Travels

Flying into Nice, France allows for a bustling start to your trip around the exclusive French Riviera (commonly known as Côte-d’Azur) and Monaco. The bright colors of the landscape surround the busy street side restaurants and cafes, and people from multiple surrounding countries occupy this area. An environment surrounding you is one of vibrant live music in the streets as you are served impeccable French and Italian cuisines by friendly locals. Making Nice your first stop for a quick bite before you head to the serene and peaceful French Riviera is highly suggested.

As you transfer for approximately an hour by car from Nice to your accommodation in the French Riviera, there is not a moment you won’t be dazzled by the views of the mountains overlooking the seclusive bays and the Mediterranean Sea coastline. There are a number of 5-star accommodations within Cote-d’azur that offer the utmost service, delectable dining, and rooms with quite a view to ensure a relaxing experience.

Experiencing this area is completely up to you, your appetite, and your wine palette! It is highly recommended to rent a private boat for a few hours with a guide to take you traveling around the Mediterranean all while you sip champagne and marvel at the architecture of the coastline. Or you can take a private car with a guide to your choice of local vineyards for a day of wine tasting. There are no shortage of vineyards to choose from, therefore it is best to have a list of the varietals you prefer for your guide to accommodate seamlessly.

If that is not enough to completely immerse you into the local culture and scenery, head over to Monaco for the night! Taking a privately guided transfer from the French Riviera by car is approximately an hour each way and well worth the drive. Monaco is not only gorgeous and well taken care of, it is inhabited by only the world’s most elite individuals. Tour the Prince’s Palace (Palais du Prince), the Palatine Chapel and main courtyard, and if you happen to be around earlier in the day you can catch the Changing of the Guard in front of the palace. The Monte Carlo Casino cannot be missed during your trip. It is the focal point of Monaco and there is a very probable chance you will be cheering glasses with a celebrity or two. If you are traveling during the Formula 1 Grand Prix, you can drive on the ‘Circuit de Monaco’ to experience exactly what the drivers feel during their race, at a much slower pace of course!

Pairing the French Riviera with Monaco for an unforgettable trip will never disappoint. There is something for everyone in these closely located destinations and you will be planning your return before you even leave!

Zambia; Home to a Natural Wonder

Africa, Articles, Bloggers, Destinations, Jacqui McDonald, Travels

Visit one of the seven greatest natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. From sunset river cruises to helicopter flights over the falls, there is much to do in Zambia.

The most amazing way to view the entirety of the falls is by helicopter ride. You cannot help but hold your breath as you plunge through the gorges of this natural phenomenon while witnessing the incredible wildlife roaming the area freely. If helicopters aren’t for you, traveling by foot will afford you the opportunity to walk the edge of the falls on the side of either Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia.

**Jacqueline McDonald at Victoria Falls**

When walking there is much hustle and bustle on your way to witness ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, which translates to ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, and you instantly feel the excitement shared by all those who witness this beauty. If you are truly up for the challenge, and if you’re visiting during the months of August to January, you can take a guided walk to Devil’s Pool and swim to the edge of the falls if you dare!

While visiting Zambia, one of the most remote, peaceful, and utterly beautiful places to stay is Royal Chundu. If you are looking for ultimate luxury and relaxation you have found it on the Island Lodge as there are only four spacious villas well-situated throughout the island. The villas allow for enough privacy to feel comfortable and enough windows to witness the hilariously funny monkeys running around all throughout the island. The view from your villa is always the stillness of the Zambezi River with your own outdoor hot bath drawn each night to view the stars displayed prominently in the vast, clear sky. Make sure you take advantage of the sunset cruise offered each night while at Royal Chundu, you simply cannot pass up a sunset over the Zambezi River while gazing at a bloat of hippos!

A moving experience during a trip to Zambia is the local village tour provided by Royal Chundu. This tour is only a few short hours of your day, reached via a quick boat ride over the Zambezi. At the village, you are greeted by a local woman and her adorable son who lead an educational tour on the everyday life in the village. You are able to observe how the villagers cook their food, make their own clothes, and even make their own homes. Every person you encounter is gracious, kind, and happy for your visit. Stories are told about the origin of their crops, how specific colors are chosen and intertwined in their clothing, and how music and dance are incorporated into their lives. You will walk away from this experience feeling incredibly humbled, refreshed, and at ease with the rest of your beautifully planned trip!

From sunset river cruises to helicopter flights over the falls, there is much to do in Zambia. To learn more about Zambia view our e-brochure, Swain’s Southern Africa Journeys.

Honeymoon on Safari

Africa, Jacqui McDonald, Travels

When it came time to plan a honeymoon, the choice was easy. Africa. Most honeymooners crave a respite after the madness of their wedding day, opting for a relaxing beach vacation. While a few days on the beach did seem appealing, we instead chose a safari-infused excursion into the African bush. Here is why we will never regret our honeymoon on safari.

Why a Honeymoon on Safari in Africa?

Honeymoon on Safari in South Africa | Photo Credit: Jacqui McDonald

My husband and I were drawn for many reasons. First, we have the good fortune of having friends who immigrated from Africa and, with the way they speak of their former home, it’s impossible to not want to visit. Second, my husband and I wanted a cultural experience. We wanted to learn about this stunning land and the its wonderful people. We’ve always preferred to be on the move during our travels which is why safaris and game drives appealed to us more than beach days. Undoubtedly, the wildlife was the biggest denominator in deciding to take a honeymoon on safari. We pined to see the iconic African wildlife. We grew up seeing elephants, lions, and, giraffes only in zoos, so when the opportunity to see them in the wild presented itself we jumped at the chance.

The Honeymoon Moments

What makes a honeymoon moment in Africa? Well for one, it is the lodges. We received incredibly warm welcomes wherever we stayed and the realtionships we developed with our hosts made leaving so very difficult. Bottles of champagne awaited us in our accommodations and we were treated like long lost friends. What’s more, at Singita we were surprised with a sundowner honeymoon meal. The manager of the property arranged for us to eat dinner alfresco while watching the sun set into the African plains. Having paid attention to our preferences during our stay, our favorite dishes and drinks were provided to us. Sharing a silent sunset with my husband made our honeymoon on safari unforgettable.

A Safari and a Cruise

On our first safari, we set out to find six-week-old lion cubs that had just been born from two lionesses of the main pride. However, our plans changed when we came upon a wandering elephant. Our guide stopped our safari vehicle and the elephant slowly approached. The elephant, a young male, turned and locked eyes with every person in the safari vehicle. This was the moment that changed me. There was something so overwhelming about being so close to these gentle creatures that I, along with the rest of the guests, teared up. It felt as though the elephant stared into the soul of each of us and touched us. It was a feeling that I still think about now and one that will never leave me.

In Africa, everything and everyone feels connected. Animals and peoples are integrated in a way that is remarkable. People are a part of the natural world instead of being apart from it and that is what made my honeymoon on safari special. To look out over the plains and simply be present along with my husband, away from wifi, emails, and stress. Africa is a different world and we cannot wait to return for another safari.

Singapore: The Lion City

Asia, Jacqui McDonald, Travels

Singapore offers night life, innovative cuisine, impeccable cleanliness and iconic Marina Bay Sands. I quickly realized there was so much more this country had to offer with hidden secrets nestled throughout.

Singapore Airlines

I began my solo traveling experience by flying with one of the world’s most luxurious leading carriers, Singapore Airlines. All the flight attendants and cabin crew treated the passengers with grace, ease and white glove service. If this was to be my first introduction to this region, I was more than excited to have this long-haul flight set such a positive tone. Twenty-three hours and a connection later, I arrived. The cleanliness and the hospitable nature of the people were immediately evident.

Touring the City

After settling in, I couldn’t wait to explore. The top of the observation wheel known as the Singapore Flyer offers 360-degree views of the city. To enhance the experience, I was able to indulge in a delicious dinner from a private premium sky dining cart. On a one-hour trip around the Flyer, I was able to capture the breathtaking views. The Botanic Gardens were next on my list as these are the first and only tropical botanic gardens on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. I was able to weave around incredible floral displays, a forest environment and even healing gardens before I realized I had spent hours in awe of the beauty.

Singapore Sling

Of course, no stop would be complete without indulging in a Singapore Sling drink! This beautiful pink gin-mixed beverage is famous all throughout the city and comes highly recommended. The drink is yet another way that Singapore distinguishes itself from other countries with its eclectic culture and hospitable people.

InterContinental Circuit: Bora Bora

Jacqui McDonald, Property Highlights, South Pacific Islands, Travels

Bora Bora Le Moana

The only way to reach the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana from the small airport is via sea boat. This only added to the mystique of the hotel. The moment I arrived on the dock there was a palpable electricity in the air. Surrounded by crystal clear water, eager guests and more friendly faces, the Maruuru phrase rang clear throughout and my arrival felt like an event unto itself. They provided us with cold towels as a respite from the heat coupled with an indigenous mocktail. A friendly staff member gave a thorough walk through of my room and explained the resort’s layout and facilities.

Le Moana Bungalow | Photo Credit: Jacqui McDonald

The next morning, I ordered breakfast and a staff member rowed it out to my private patio in a canoe. I ate breakfast in my bathrobe while watching stingrays swim in clear waters and considered the rest of my day. Snorkeling or canoeing? A dinner set to live music while the sun set in the background? That was what every day was like here.

Bora Bora Thalasso

A 20-minute boat ride is all that separates Le Moana from InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso. It is definitely worth the trip. Set in the shape of a horseshoe, the over-water bungalows at Thalasso are different shapes and sizes. The layout allowed me ample privacy, quiet and never-ending views of open water. Certainly, views like these are why this island means “The Pearl of the Pacific.”

Over Water Bungalow | Photo Credit: Jacqui McDonald

The bungalow itself was spacious and modern. I removed the glass top of my dining room table to get a better look at the fish swimming beneath the bungalow. For years a family of sting rays has made the journey to the shore of the property every afternoon at 2:00pm. As a result, guests always gathered to watch the creatures. Then, I joined an expert stingray master who taught guests about the feeding process. Moments like that made it easy to get lost in the beauty, colors and spirit of the InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso.

InterContinental Circuit – Tahiti & Moorea

Jacqui McDonald, South Pacific Islands, Travels

Tahiti

I stepped out of the plane to the sound of live music and an unmistakable feeling of warmth. The Tahitians greeted me with “Maruuru,” a phrase that means hello, thank you and welcome to Tahiti. I accepted a flowered lei as a gift and then rode to the InterContinental Tahiti. Once there, the heartfelt welcome continued in an open-air lobby. The breathtaking views of the neighboring islands and the hospitable staff led me to believe that the property was special. I was not wrong.

The InterContinental stretched out over the edge of the island. Spanning the property was a main hotel corridor, a private section for over-water bungalows and multiple swimming pools. They also had water sport cabins and a snorkeling pond. As versatile as it is beautiful, the resort can accommodate all travelers. Trips to the neighboring town are an event. Its streets serve as an open-air market featuring vendors with local food, handmade clothing, and jewelry. But perhaps most memorable about my visit to Tahiti were the sunsets. Every night pastel colors of orange, yellow and red shot through clouds and glazed across the tops of mountains on the islands. Everyone gathered together to watch the sun set into the water and soak in the beauty of the moment.

Island of Tahiti | Photo Credit: Jacqui McDonald

Moorea

A 25-minute flight and 45-minute car ride brought me from Tahiti to the island of Moorea. The drive itself was special. The one lane highway tracked along the coast of the island with the South Pacific Ocean ever-present. Upon arrival at the InterContinental Moorea, I noted the layout of the hotel. The property was spacious and spread out, placing the guest’s privacy at a premium.

Dinners serve as a communal event at the resort. Every night I watched a team of fire dancers put on a show as I dined on fresh, local seafood. The unquestioned highlight of the InterContinental Moorea, though, is the rehabilitation center for dolphins and sea turtles located at the edge of the resort. The resort invited me to swim with dolphins that they cared for and also allowed me the opportunity to learn more about the rehabilitation process.

Turtle Clinic | Photo Credit: Intercontinental Moorea — Turtle Clinic | Photo Credit: InterContinental Moorea

Dolphin Center | Photo Credit: Intercontinental Moorea — Dolphin Center | Photo Credit: InterContinental Moorea

Also offered is a variety of land activities. Guided ATV tours teach riders about the history of the island. Visits to pineapple plantations are also popular. This, coupled with Moorea’s land activities, ensure that memorable experiences came in bunches on the island.