What do Chia Seeds, Condensed Milk and Soufflés Have in Common?

What do Chia Seeds, Condensed Milk and Soufflés Have in Common?

Isn’t it funny how the smallest things from your travels are the ones that linger?

Not the business-class seat....though this is important.
Not even the five-star suite.

But the unexpected, slightly random, completely unplanned moments.

Let me explain…

Chia Seeds, Lions… and a Life Lesson in Luxury

This all started in Kenya, hosting a beautiful group of ladies on safari — the kind of trip people dream about for decades.

We were deep in private conservancies with the highest density of big cats in Africa.

Think: sundowners in an open-air LandCruiser… surrounded by 24 lions. Cubs tumbling, lionesses watching, two very unimpressed males keeping an eye on us.

The next day? A breakfast picnic by a river — hippos grunting, crocs lurking, and a journey of giraffes nervously crossing in single file.

Rachel’s Pearl: Yes, I love collective nouns. And “a journey of giraffes” might be my favourite.

Now… what does this have to do with chia seeds?

One of my lovely guests had a slightly less glamorous safari experience. Let’s just say… things hadn’t been moving. At all. For days.

After some gentle (and then not-so-gentle) questioning — and eventually a hospital visit in Nairobi — she was, thankfully, relieved.

The doctor’s advice?

Chia pudding. Every morning. No exceptions.

Fast forward to today — chia pudding is now my daily breakfast… and here’s where it gets serious: If a luxury hotel doesn’t have chia pudding on the breakfast buffet…

A Journey of Giraffes, captured by Rachel, Kenya. 2019

Africa on your mind? The right safari isn’t just about sightings —

it’s about how it all comes together.
Let’s design one that gets every detail right..

Condensed Milk and the Coffee That Ruined All Others

Also known as: the moment my coffee standards became completely unreasonable.

This one started in Vietnam, at the utterly spectacular InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort.

Designed by Bill Bensley, it’s not just a resort — it’s a visual experience. Bold contrasts, whimsical touches, French and Vietnamese influences layered into every corner.

It’s also home to La Maison 1888 — the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Vietnam.

But interestingly… it wasn’t the architecture or the fine dining that stayed with me. It was coffee.

Our lovely waitress — the kind who just gets it — introduced me to Vietnamese iced coffee done properly.

Fresh espresso. Blended with condensed milk. Poured over ice.

That’s it. Game over.

And then — as I was leaving — she ran out to reception with a small bag.

Inside?
A can of condensed milk.
A bag of their house blend coffee.

No script. No grand gesture. Just thoughtful, personal, and completely unexpected.

That’s the kind of detail that stays with you.

Intercontinental Sun Peninsular, Da Nang, Vietnam

Thinking about Vietnam? Done properly, it’s not rushed — it’s curated.
I’ll show you how to experience it beyond the usual.

Soufflés, Expeditions… and Setting New Standards

Because apparently, I now measure expedition cruises… by dessert.

My love affair started back in the 90s — thanks to Lisa Cross of Noosa’s Touche. (those who know, know). A benchmark was set early.

Fast forward to 2024.

I’m in Greenland and the Northwest Passage aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine.

Icebergs. Polar bears. Remote Inuit communities.

And then… a Grand Marnier soufflé.

Reignited.

Then 2025 — Seabourn Venture, sailing Guam to Honiara via Papua New Guinea.

We were the first guests invited to witness the Baining tribe’s fire dance — one of the most mesmerising cultural experiences I’ve ever seen.

And yet…

Every night. A different soufflé.

Every. Single. Night.

Now that is a benchmark.

Then last week — Swan Hellenic’s Minerva in Raja Ampat.

World-class diving. The most biodiverse marine ecosystem on the planet.

And then… the lemon soufflé arrived.

Light. Airy. Like a cloud on my tongue.

Quark. Seabourn. I love you.

But Swan Hellenic… you’ve taken the lead.

So yes — it’s official:

Small luxury expedition ships will now be judged on three things:

Itinerary.
Experience.
And soufflé consistency.

SH Minerva - Swan Hellenic sailing in Indonesia's marine national park, Raja Ampat. Captured by Rachel, April 2026.

Thinking about expedition cruising? The ship you choose is just as

important as the itinerary.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to be updated about latest news and blog posts and to follow what is happening in a magical land of Bali.