Me and My Travels: Dervla Louli Musgrave on her favourite holidays and best things to do
Bervle Louli Musgrave: I always plan trips but the bucket list has changed slightly now I have two children
Egypt every Easter and Ireland every summer is something I never forget. It gave us roots to where we were from while living as expat children in Saudi Arabia. I bring my own children to Ireland every Christmas and summer, and we’ll begin an annual Easter trip to Egypt once they are a little bit older. Having tiny feet in my life — two kids under four — means I call them ‘trips’ now. The holidays come after the kids if I can plan a small getaway around them!
Visiting Royal Mansour in Marrakech left me speechless. I was there to review it for my wellness travel collection on Compare Retreats and was blown away by the craftsmanship, hidden details, and level of guest experience. I’m almost scared to return, as it feels like a dream. If you ever get a chance to go, do. Another was Egypt with my husband, Alister. Although I had been there several times, he asked me to create an itinerary for 10 days as if I had never been there before — as he hadn’t! We did extraordinary things, like riding in a hot air balloon over the most incredible scenery. It was unforgettable for us both and showed how you can visit a place many times and still find new things to love and discover. The experience was a reminder that I shouldn’t get complacent while travelling.
The Philippines is one of my favourite surprise destinations because there’s so much to see and do, and it’s not always on people’s lists! I recommend Belo for beauty in Manila, The Farm at San Benito for a detox, Club Paradise or El Nido resorts for a low-key family holiday on a secluded island, and Amanpulo for barefoot luxury. I prefer the snorkelling and sea life in the outlying islands to the Maldives.
There is something very special about Hong Kong, the city I call home. A perfect day begins with a Fine Print coffee and avocado on toast, a peak hike, and a ferry ride to The Peninsula Spa for a treatment using Irish Voya products. It ends with dinner at Yardbird, a drink at Bar Leone, and a dance at The Aubrey on a Friday night.
I go to London once a year and get my fill of food, culture, and friends for three days. We’re returning to see Oasis this summer, and I can’t wait. Between the parks, gorgeous neighbourhoods, private clubs, and wellness talent, there’s always something to see.
I always think of my old favourites in Dublin: The Merrion and The Shelbourne. Whether I opt for a celebratory drink at The Shelbourne or stay overnight at The Merrion, they are comfortable, beautiful hotels that make me feel right at home.
New Zealand, specifically Aro Ha in Glenorchy, created by Damian Chaparro. It’s a seven-day incredible wellness week incorporating some of the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted and award-winning walks in the beautiful countryside. Pre- or post-retreat, you can visit Kaikoura to watch whales and see the abundant wildlife, including seals. A helicopter visit to a glacier is also highly encouraged — it’s breathtaking.
Running! I used to be an avid long-distance runner and loved running marathons. New York, Berlin, and Tokyo were all incredible, but the Dublin marathon was by far my favourite. I remember staying at The Merrion Hotel, just a few steps from the start and finish line. The team prepared porridge for my breakfast and booked me in to the spa after the run.
I always plan trips but the bucket list has changed slightly now I have two children who are three years and eight months old. My family-friendly travel bucket list includes Australia, which we are doing at the end of the month. Sydney and Rae’s at Byron Bay are on the agenda so far. I’ve also just been to Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan, to ski, which has been on my bucket list, and I hope to visit Amanpulo in the Philippines this year, too.
