So here we are on the island paradise of Koh Chang. And what a beautiful place it is!

I promise this isn’t a gloaty post!!! I’m fact despite being on a beautiful tropical island, I’m desperately missing our annual trip back to the UK! We should be frolicking with family and catching up with old friends about now…

As this simply wasn’t possible this year, we decided to embark on a road trip. Thailand is essentially Covid-free and with the borders still shut, there are no (well very few) overseas tourists.

The beaches we’ve stayed at on this trip are all but deserted. It’s an amazing experience and one we’re unlikely to experience again!

Obviously it’s not so great for business owners across the country so a shout out to all my readers in Thailand, go out and explore. Spend your money here this summer and enjoy the raw beauty the country has to offer!

Anyway, so here we are heading towards the end of our road trip and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been so chilled. Since having three kids, we’ve tended to opt for family-friendly resorts when we go away, so this time I wanted a raw, natural, deserted island type holiday and that is exactly what we’ve got!

It’s been an amazing experience – the kids have spent all day in the sea, crabbing, exploring, playing and just being kids. Water parks, slides and general man-made activities have been replaced this trip and what a difference!

We’ve visited the jungles of Khao Yai, the empty beaches of Hat Sai Noi and Talay Thai in Koh Chang and are about to head up to Ayutthaya and Kamphaeng Phet.

We’ve spent quality time as a family. We’ve played games, talked, laughed, (there have of course been tantrums and tears) and for 2 weeks we have focused on us, The Begleys. Despite being cocooned with each other for 2 months during lockdown, this uninterrupted relaxed time has recentred us all and slowed us all down a bit.

There is so much going on in daily life that sometimes to step away (if/when you can) and focus on your little unit is the best medicine.

I was even chilled enough to finally learn the art of meditation and for the briefest of moments, as I lay on my back in the sea, I was transported elsewhere. Until a wave came crashing over me and I found myself choking on all that inner peace!

Anyway despite not being the summer we had planned, we’re lucky enough to have tropical delights on our doorstep and we’re also lucky enough to be able to take full advantage of it.

Next week it’s back to school, activities, routine and craziness, the last two weeks of island paradise a distant memory. I’m intending to make the most of my new found calmness while I can!

For more posts on covid and lockdown, click here