Hi there Heather-  Tell us a bit about yourself and what’s it like being a buzzhopper? 

I’m a journalist by trade and adore the beach. I’ve had the travel bug ever since I ran away from home at 16 to go on a Lion’s scholarship to Western Samoa. From that time onwards I’ve been looking for any excuse to get on a plane. Now I’ve got at least 800 more excuses – and thankfully I no longer need to forge my parents’ signature for approval to leave the country. Being a Buzzhopper combines my favourite things in one package (or website). Fabulous destinations, curated insider tips on where to travel, eat, shop and drink from people (who are similar to myself) who treat these things with the reverence they deserve.

Your favourite vibes include rooftop drinks and pamper me, relax me… what do these mean for you?

I’m a sucker for water views and a laid-back beachy vibe, preferably after I’ve been pampered for several hours. My essentials for a great day would start with a beach walk or swim in the morning, yoga, an afternoon of ‘pamper me, relax me’ then meeting lots of good friends for Bellini’s at sunset overlooking a beach, followed by a fabulous meal, drinks at a rooftop bar, dancing if it’s on offer, and hot chips on the way home.

I love planning a trip almost as much as taking it. The hotel is as important as the destination for me and has to be just right. I can spend months searching and choosing the right hotel/s for my holiday. Often I’ll change hotels every three to four days simply because I can’t decide and must try them all out! My favourite hotels are The Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, which is so good that you need to make a great effort to actually leave it and explore Hanoi; and Playa Escondida in Sayulita, Mexico where we had our honeymoon. It’s right on the beach, is walking distance to the shabby-chic surfing village of Sayulita, has yoga, massages, great food and the rooms look like little hobbit houses.

Er, what does your husband think about this hotel-hopping habit of yours? 

Oh. Well, he grumbles a bit when he has to pack but then he has a beer and forgets all about the move.

I almost always end up having to buy an extra suitcase at the airport to fit all my shopping as I tend to underestimate how many things I’ve picked up along the way. 

And I guess your husband heads to the airport bar for a few beers while you continue your packing at check-in?

Of course. He loves travelling and hates flying so he has to be bribed with beers every step of the way.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far?

Sydney buzzhopper Anouska’s tip for Playa Takeria in Darlinghurst. What a find! The food is amazing and the décor is really fun. I liked it so much that I went back two nights in a row after I discovered it. I got married in Mexico (although we never got around to making it legal … but that’s another story) so all things Mexican have a special place in my heart. This place captures a certain vibe that’s missing in so many Mexican restaurants in Sydney – I even asked the owner Ricardo if I could have my upcoming Mexican-themed wedding fiesta there (yes, we’re definitely going to make it  legal this time; just hold the tequila). He was happy to oblige but sadly the venue is a little too small for a wedding reception.

What would you say to someone about using buzzhopper for the first time?

Choose your city and pick your favourite interests, vibes and tags in the Buzzhopper search tool and see who, and what tips come up.  That’s your starting point to find exactly what you’re looking for.

What’s the best discovery you’ve made in the past year you can share with Buzzhopper?

Catalina’s in Rose Bay is my all time favourite Sydney restaurant and it’s conveniently located within walking distance of my home. (Editor’s note – I think Heather might have moved to Rose Bay simply to be within reach of Catalina’s). I’ve recently signed up to their  Locals’ Deal – their loyalty program – which now entices and enables me to go there a lot more often. These local ‘special offers’ range from $20 mains on weeknights in winter, a free cocktail or dessert and a free birthday meal! But I must add that I go for the ‘special offer’ but we always splurge on the wine so it never turns out to be budget night out after all! Nevertheless, it’s always a lovely evening. Start with the Sydney rock oysters; move on to the lobster pasta; and then finish with Pavlova for desert. Heaven!