Marmaris Bay Resort Hotel - what is it really like?

A lush peninsula in Turkey is the home to the stunning Marmaris Bay hotel (formerly Tui Blue Marmaris).

It's no secret they had their share of difficulties last year. But I am freshly back from there after speaking extensively to the new management who are stepping right into the front line, and taking people's wants and needs seriously.  This hotel is incredible. 

Yes, I have been many times, and there are dozens of videos edited on YouTube for you to see how it was. There have been many changes since then, but the heart and soul of the hotel remain. 

I left no stone unturned as I looked at this stunning place. The cutlery was shining with no trace of a watermark, the sheets were freshly pressed, brand new robes hung decoratively on the back of the bathroom door, and let me tell you about the food: It was fabulous. 

Hoping the hotel was as amazing as it was pre-lockdown, I promised you and myself that I would have no option but to be truly honest about my findings. But working in the world of F&B and nutrition for many years now, I can tell you, this is an excellent hotel. 

Are you looking for somewhere to relax and be taken care of? This is the perfect place for you. The rooms are built on the side of the mountain, full of jungle (which means there are some steps, but you can get taken by a golf buggy), and they are built in small blocks. This means peace and quiet. My room was silent, except for the moments I sat on the balcony in my robe, when I heard the gentle rush of the waves.

One of my favourite places was the brand new coffee shop area. You serve yourself. You can choose a book, and sit on a comfy sofa underneath this stunning thatched roof. 

I will post a selection of videos and blog posts here, which will give you the tiniest detail about various aspects of this hotel - like, making sure you take the water taxi over to the marina in Marmaris. It's a lovely little trip and the cost is only €15 (currently). You want to see what it looked like, and how it was? I will share those things with you. 

My videos and blogs tend to work in series, as I edit and upload them. There's a chance you wanted to know something which will already be there, so do feel free to have a look around. 

This video shows you everything I had to eat and drink while I was there. The menus were fabulous. 

This is how I felt one day..

This is a small taste of what's to come - I know you'll love these updates and stories. Come back for more. Meanwhile, you are now able to book via this affiliate link for 2026. 

See you next time - much love

Louise xoxo

A new travel story is flowing

I’ve been quietly working on something behind the scenes, and it’s finally time to share it with you. 

Some of you know I’ve always been passionate about writing, and today, I’m introducing a new project under a (working) pen name, Fara Day. It will still be me writing it, I will still show my face, and it's not a secret from now on. But, and here is the thing, I want to keep the persona of this next project very seperate from my other writing, under 'Louise' because, wow it is so different. This doesn't aim to help your health or mindset like my other books, although it may just help your heart beat a little faster. 

It’s a fictional modern day romance. It will be steamy, emotional, with a slow (ish) burn. I’ve always believed that dreams can come true, and this book is about that very idea.

The plot kicks off when a woman in her 40s, living in Bali, gets a surprise voice note from none other than Simon, the superstar singer she met years ago in Koh Samui. One thing leads to another, and she’s pulled into a whirlwind of creativity, connection, and perhaps… love?

I’m sharing this with you because, for the first time, I’m going all in on this writing dream. It’s a new chapter of my journey, and I want you to be a part of it. If you’ve ever loved a slow-burn romance or been fascinated by creative partnerships, this one’s for you.

Stay tuned for more updates, and I’d love to hear what you think when the first chapters are out!

Did I hear you asking 'why?'

I still have a long list of books TBW (to be written) and some are non-fiction, as usual. The last book I wrote, Look an Elephant in the Eye, had a very small piece of fiction within it and a couple of readers commented this is the part of the book which really brings my writing to life. And it got me thinking, let's make a spin off. I love playing with fiction anyhow and I definitely fancied writing something with a bit of spice. 

Are you ready for this? I am so ready. 

I would love you to share this post with someone who you know loves fiction, as I will be posting my updates as I go. I truly hope you will be as invested as I am excited.  

 

 

What happens when a 46-year-old woman living in Bali gets a voice note from a superstar singer she met once in Koh Samui?

Until the next update, love always

Louisexoxo

Being a Travel Writer – What Does That Really Mean?

If you've landed here after the recent Facebook group saga or tuned in after hearing my radio interview: hello, it's so lovely to have you here.

I’m grateful you’ve taken a moment to stop by while I try to answer a very fair question: 

What exactly is a travel writer?

The truth is, it can mean all sorts of things. Some travel writers create practical guides or maps. Others, like me, write blogs, essays, and books that capture what it feels like to be somewhere new.

Personally, I’m most drawn to storytelling. The kind that weaves together travel and real life. The kind that notices the barista’s tattoo or the way someone glances at their phone like it holds the answer to everything. I write about those tiny moments that reveal something bigger about the human experience. Philosophical chats about life? That’s my sweet spot. If you're someone who loves to people-watch, I’ll bet those kinds of stories speak to you too.

Maybe it’s no surprise that I’ve found my peace in writing. Somehow I've ended up running a travel business by accident. My books are rooted in experience, and luckily, I’ve had plenty of them. Enough to keep me writing for years. In fact, there are 19 more books on my list. Yes, it's a lot, but I don't mind at all because it's also my dream job. I'm so thankful for the chance to be grounded (just for now), so I can write more, share more, and spotlight some of my favourite places and hotels. It’s the perfect balance.

If you loved Eat Pray Love or Mamma Mia, I think you’ll really enjoy Look An Elephant in the Eye. These stories follow strong, independent women who are trying to find their way even when they feel a little lost.

And if you’d like a free copy, I’d love to send one your way. Head to Made In Kent Radio or message me on Instagram to enter the giveaway. I hope my words keep you company while you sip your coffee, soak up the sun, and watch the world go by.

So, you want to save some money on travel?

 

Save yourself some moneyAs you might know, I'm always on the hunt for a bargain, to help you travel and spend less, so here is something you may just love:

https://tui-uk.7cnq.net/EEAxmW - reasons to use this link to save money:

For those of you who might be booking soon: this may be helpful. 

Save up to £150 on selected holidays with TUI.* Choose everything from close-to-home getaways to faraway escapes.

📣 Why You Should Book Through My Links (And How It Helps Us Both)

Hey  👋

I wanted to explain something that might not be obvious: when you book your holidays using my affiliate links, you’re not just getting a trip. You’re also helping me keep creating content that helps you travel smarter, safer, and with way more fun.

🔗 Here’s the deal:
When you click my links to book hotels, resorts, or experiences, it doesn’t cost you anything extra. But I earn a small commission for referring you — straight from the brand, not your pocket.

💡 What’s in it for you?
✔️ The same great price — sometimes even better with exclusive offers
✔️ Trusted recommendations from someone who's actually stayed there
✔️ You’re supporting an independent creator instead of a giant ad agency
✔️ It keeps my content free for everyone — no paywalls, no nonsense

Your clicks literally help keep this free to use and still enjoy the vlogs, tips, hotel tours, and gluten-free finds I share. So next time you're booking a trip, consider using my link. It’s a small action with a big impact 💛

Thank you for being part of this little travel-loving community. You make all of this possible 🌍✈️

🤓

 

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Bali content is starting - please keep reading

 Jas and me, as we were packing up to leave Bali and come home.

Honestly, I wept at times as it was such an emotional journey.

I've been blessed by the people at the Eat Pray Love place.

I've prayed in holy water.

I've seen the famous rocks in all Bali photos.

I've been loved. Yes, you heard that right. That was the huge part for me.

I know many of you come to this channel for the All Inclusive content and I totally endorse that (it's much more relaxing for a start, so I get why you love it) but I do hope some of you will enjoy these videos, posts and photos I am about to share here.

I feel as if there is such a transformation which comes from travel. And I would love to see you experience that too. Have you ever been somewhere which moved you to a level?