Monique Van Tulder

A Grown Up's Gap Year™ | Wellbeing. Travel. Chic Locals.

Wellbeing Travel Guides

A curated selection of the Guidebooks I use and trust for my favourite destinations for A Grown Up’s Gap Year. They work hard for a spot on my ‘recommended list’; off the beaten path gems, slow travel ideas, chic locals recommending hidden gems.

A Grown Up’s Gap Year Retreat – The Whitsundays 2026

Reinvigoration. Real-life escape. And a three-day/four-night circuit breaker for women ready to put themselves back in the picture.

Travel as a Prescription

It’s time to put yourself back in the picture.
To step away from the mental load – and step into the version of your life that still includes you.

Wellbeing at Six Senses Kyoto: Ancient Ritual Meets Urban Retreat

An urban sanctuary in Japan, set in the historic Higashiyama district, and it blends the omotenashi spirit of local hospitality with Six Senses’ signature sustainability, wellness and sensory immersion.

11 Ways to Experience a Solo Wellbeing Retreat Without Leaving Your Neighbourhood

Mid-life wellness travel can start in your own backyard—with a little imagination, intention, and agency.

3 of my favourite Japan Travel Guides for Solo Female Travel

There is much to explore in Japan and it is easy to dip into a wellbeing experience. Here are three guidebooks I’ve personally found invaluable:

Ski Nozawa Onsen Solo

Nozawa Onsen, a charming ski village nestled in the Japanese Alps, has become one of my favourite destinations over the years.

CHIC LOCAL: Airlie Beach

Connecting with Chic Local Florence Ilickovic, proprieter of the Oasis Boutique at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays.

Wellbeing at The Oberoi Bali: A Sanctuary for the Soul (and Sanity)

The Locale When the Sydney bustle becomes too much and the kidults at home seem to have forgotten the art of using a dishwasher, The

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone, adapted from favourite cookbook author, Claudia Roden. It is a version that my long-lived Grandma kept on the stovetop each winter. It is delicious and healthful.

Three Sublime Day Spa Facial Experiences in Tokyo

I try three Japanese spas ranging from traditional, to luxury, to a local spot tucked away in a quiet residential suburb.

‘Luxe’ Things to do with Kids in Tokyo

Tokyo is a fabulous place to visit, Here are a selection of things to do when visiting with kids.

9 Incredible Things To Do In Tokyo

A guide for visiting Tokyo, the wondrous city – ‘the most densely populated urban area in the world’

The Clinic

Waitlist re-opens for Wellbeing zoom sessions with Monique. Together we will design your mid-life.

COMO Uma Canggu

The COMO Uma Canggu Bali exudes coastal charm. Conveniently situated beachfront, within easy reach of Canggu town

Hotel Post Bezau

Secluded Wellbeing in the Austrian Alps. Using beautiful regional nature as the backdrop for award winning retreat programs. Guests flock for the tranquility and cocooning the property affords. A sanctuary from modern fast paced life.

Kate Kendall – Zen Zone

An interview with Kate Kendall, Zen Zone expert and co-founder of visionary fitness space Flow Athletic (with ex NRL star Ben Lucas).

Melanie Grant – Spa Space

Monique Van Tulder speaks with Melanie Grant, owner of an international chain of spa salons, skin expert, and Australia’s CHANEL facialist.

The Tropical House Whitsundays

Wondering where to stay in Whitsundays? Here’s a guide from Monique van Tulder to you.

The Guide to The Oberoi Bali

Top of the list is; peace and quiet, an environment that blends seamlessly with the local scene, attentive service, excellent coffee, a swimming pool with an aspect (preferably of a beach), and a cosy night’s sleep.

The Westin Tokyo

The Westin Tokyo Where are we staying. The Westin Tokyo a luxurious five star hotel; member of the Mariott behemoth. Yet the property feels, dare I say, cosy. We visit over Christmas and the buzz is palpable. Kids queue excitedly for photos with Father Christmas,