By Amira Hashish
Keeping on track of projects whilst communicating ideas or workflows with your collaborators is easier said than done. However, managing everything on a platform that feels intuitive and cohesive can be a real game-changer. Thankfully there are some nifty apps out there that will enable you to get projects off the ground and then manage them efficiently.
From virtual lists that can help achieve that work/life balance to smart apps that bring all your most-used tools into one perfectly organised space (ah, the satisfaction), these project management tools will change the way you work…
Basecamp: The one that does it all
How it works: This is a great platform for dropping everything into one place and clearly following trails as opposed to checking emails separately from schedules or documents. Work is broken up into separate projects. Each project contains everything related to the work involved including the people, discussions, documents, files, tasks and dates.
It is then easy to monitor it through message boards, to-dos, schedules, file storage, real-time group chat, and automatic check-in questions. If that sounds too distracting, not to worry. You can pause notifications or set your work hours so you are only contacted within this time frame.
Why we love it: Because it avoids having to sign up to too many programs and have countless tabs open.
Cost: Free for personal use; £82 for business use. Details here.
Trello: The one for list lovers
How it works: Trello can be used for teams or solo project managers and is a clear way of illustrating workflows and tracking progress in a visual and productive way. It is ideal for managing milestones and the day-to-day tasks of working together in list form.
Boards, lists and cards can be customised and expanded with extra detail as the team or workflow increases.
Why we love it: It is essentially a virtual list tracker…and we can’t resist a list.
Cost: Free, with pricing plans for extra features as outlined here. More here.
Monday.com: The one for team building
How it works: This one is a little more complicated but works well if you are managing a big team. Everything starts with a visual board that you tailor to manage anything from projects to departments.
It consists of modular building blocks from which software applications and work management tools can be created. These blocks include items, columns, views, automations, integrations and widgets. There are templates available to get you off the ground as well as a helpline.
Why we love it: It’s comprehensive and can feel super bespoke but is more tailored towards organisations than solo workers.
Cost: Free for individuals. From £21 per month for teams of three or more. More here.
Casual: The one for number crunching
How it works: Think of Casual as the cool younger sibling of Excel. It is essentially a spreadsheet designed for working with numbers and data. You can use it for performing calculations such as modelling, forecasting, scenario planning or visualising data including charts, tables and freeform texts. Then you can present these in interactive dashboards. You can also connect Causal to your data sources (accounting systems, ERPs, databases) to incorporate live historical data in your work.
Causal can be used for anything from simple calculations to fully-fledged financial models with millions of calculations.
Why we love it: It brings numbers to life in an engaging way.
Cost: Free for personal use. £207 per month for teams of 10-25. More here.
ClickUp: The one for goal-setting and monitoring
How it works: Another great option for doing it all in one place. ClickUp allows you to plan, track and time manage any type of work.
You can tag individuals or groups, assign comments for action items, and link tasks to get more done together. Then monitor progress by connecting tasks to goals and keeping your objectives organised with Goal Folders. If you can’t quite bear the thought of replacing all your tools – from Slack to Google Docs – ClickUp can integrate them. Sync your team calendars, messaging apps, cloud storage, and more to keep everything in one place. Extra helpful features include real-time team chat and 24/7 support.
Why we love it: It lets us bring all the work tools we know and love into one platform.
Cost: Free for personal use. From £4 per member per month for small teams. More here.
Asana: The one for doing it your way
How it works: Similarly to Clickup, this app helps you stay organised by bringing all your tools together. It has more than 200 integrations, so it can act as a base for everything you need to communicate and coordinate work, from emails to files.
We also like that you can choose the project view that works best for you including List Views, Timelines and Boards. We all like to do things our way after all.
Why we love it: It feels intuitive and adapts to the way you like to work.
Cost: Free for basic, £9.49 per month for Premium and £20 per month for Business. More here.
Todoist: The one for managing business and pleasure
How it works: The ‘to do list’ that you can actually keep track of. Super simple to use this is a smart app for bringing your work and personal worlds together so that you manage your time effectively. Adding tasks and reminders is very easy. Your to-do lists are automatically sorted into Today, Upcoming and custom filter views so you can focus on your most important things. There are also some great templates ready to download, from content calendars to business travel packing.
Why we love it: This one keeps it real and couldn’t be easier to get to grips with.
Cost: Free for starters, £3.30 per month for pro and £5 per month for business. More here.
OneNote: The one to replace your sticky notes
How it works: This is Microsoft’s solution for avid note-takers. Tasks are split into notebooks which you can divide into sections and pages. It is easy to navigate and search. You can share notebooks with coworkers, friends and family but this one works better if you are doing things on a solo basis.
Why we love it: Because those sticky notes always go astray.
Cost: From £59.99 per year. More here.
Airtable: The one that feels advanced
How it works: This is a good option if you are keen to build a custom app without having to splash out on a software guru or worry about code. Do everything from tracking job interviews to managing large-scale video production by creating a database that holds the information that matters for your work. It is pretty intuitive and there are lots of tools to help along the way but if you are willing to invest the initial time it could result in a much more streamlined workflow in the long run.
Why we love it: It feels tailor-made for your project or business.
Cost: Free for individuals with packages starting from £8.30 per month for businesses. More here.
Slack: The one for messaging
How it works: This is rather like the WhatsApp of the working world. First and foremost a messaging tool, it also has channels that can help with the organisational side of things. Open a different channel for everything that you’re working on and bring in the relevant people for discussion.
Why we love it: It is useful if you need to do a lot of back and forth with team members.
Cost: Free for the basic package with tiers the more pro you get. More here.
The Ultimate Privacy of Oceania
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
The very idea of getting away from it all, feeling soft white sand between your toes and the sound of wind amongst rustling palm leaves, is enough to ease anyone through a slow Wednesday at their desk. If you do find yourself planning a break, there is no better place to aim for than some of the most remote locations in Oceania for a complete disconnect from work and the more tedious elements of everyday life. It is this sense of remoteness that seems the most precious, revered and sought-after element of the typical Oceanian holiday. But the remoteness is purely a condition of geography, so what is it exactly that this remotely offers on an existentially alluring level? From where I’m standing, it’s privacy, and the 8,525,989 square kilometers of the countries that make up the region has a lot to offer in that department.
Privacy is one of life’s greatest luxuries, and booking a holiday somewhere that can offer this luxury is a balm to the incredibly public lives we lead. Be it on social media, in busy offices or with hectic social lives, life can start to feel like everyone wants a piece of you. So, if you’re burning the candle at both ends and would relish the opportunity to find a hit of delicious privacy, here is a round-up of some of the best, most private holiday spots in Oceania.
Australia
An untouched paradise of white sands and gently lapping blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the Cocos Keeling Islands, comprise 27 coral islands, of which only two are inhabited. Sadly, the islands declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, extending its travel restrictions until 30th September this year. However, of course, the Cocos Keeling Islands should remain on your radar, especially for winter sun. They are about as far away as you can get from mainland Australia within Australia itself and retain a rich cultural Malay-Muslim heritage. The islands are also brilliant for exploring weird and wonderful wildlife; the remoteness of the islands has preserved a uniquely biodiverse environment and they hold international significance for zoologists, especially when it comes to bird and marine life. Manta rays, dolphins, turtles and drongo cuckoos can be spotted by eagle-eyed visitors.
Fiji
Surely one of the most commonly cited dream holiday destinations, the Fiji archipelago is made up of 300 islands and 540 islets, each with their own distinct natural beauty. However, the Yasawa islands provide the ultimate opportunity to discover some of Fiji’s most unspoiled beaches, dramatic landscapes and beautiful coral gardens. The constellation of the six Yasawa islands offer visitors a glimpse of the platonic ideal of South Pacific perfection, so it’s unsurprising that their name is taken from one of the 15 words in Fijian meaning ‘heaven.’
One of the primary attractions of the Yasawa islands is the Blue Lagoon (or Sawa-i-Lau) caves. The somehow ecclesiastical rock formations channel light into the turquoise waters from above, inspiring absolute awe in all those lucky enough to visit. However, for the ultimate in remote holiday-making, the furthest-flung island in the Yasawa archipelago is Nalova Bay, which is said to have the very best of the Fijian beaches.
French Polynesia
The French Polynesian island of Nuku Hiva is one of the world’s most remote locations, giving visitors the very best shot at avoiding any crowds at all. It is the capital of the Marquesas Islands, which remains one of the most untouched archipelagos in the world. There is just one hotel on the island, Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts, giving guests the rare opportunity to bask in the unabated, volcanic natural beauty of the island, characterised by its dramatic valleys and scenic bays. And this natural beauty is not taken lightly by the local communities. The island is also home to the Tohua Koueva Archaeological Site, a stretch of land that has been restored to its native appearance before the arrival of Europeans.
Both an alluring and perhaps hindering travel factor to bear in mind is the journey time required to get to Nuku Hiva. It can take up to 30 hours to get from London to Tahiti Faa’a Airport, and another four hours to connect to fly to Nuku Hiva airport itself. This doesn’t take into account the hour-or-so drive from the airport into the main town, Taiohae. Although the effort to visit may be offputting to some, Nuku Hiva will certainly deliver on all other fronts.
New Zealand
Finally, it would be impossible to omit the enchanting islands of New Zealand from this list. As one of the world’s least populated countries, it earns its spot in the mix of places to escape to. The diverse landscape offers tropical scenes in the north and rugged, rolling terrain in the south. It has become known, especially in the UK, as a site of special interest for those looking for a quiet, jaw-droppingly beautiful break from the hubbub of metropolitan life, and it’s absolutely jam-packed with secluded spots. Central Otago on the South Island is home to some of the most exquisite mountainscapes in the world, which are doubly as beautiful when reflected in the clear waters of the many lakes. To the west is Fiordland, a national park inhabited by just a few dozen people who live off the grid. Places to stay are few and far between (unless you’re happy to carry a tent…), but day trips to this corner of the country from some of the small towns further inland like Manapouri are perfectly doable.
Unique Experiences in the Maldives
By Amira Hashish
The Maldives is known for its picture-perfect coral islands, glistening waters and idyllic beaches but there is so much more to this dazzling destination than its romantic retreats. Whether you are seeking an action-packed adventure or a cultural getaway, this escape to paradise is brimming with special activities.
From a marine expedition with an OBE-awarded investigative journalist to getting up close and personal with the stars or a kickabout with Peter Crouch, here are some of the experiences you never expected to have in the Maldives…
See the Galaxy With a Sky Guru
Where better to expand your view of the galaxy than in an over-water observatory? Stargazing at Anantara Kihavah is a truly magical experience. The hotel’s Sky Guru Ali Shameem is a native Maldivian who spent his childhood mapping the constellations. He went on to become the protégé of Italian astronomer Dr. Massimo Tarenghi and has spent more than a decade working as a professional astronomer. He shares his passion and expertise of the constellations in weekly stargazing sessions. The proximity to the equator and its non-polluted skies means both hemispheres’ stars are clearly visible. Spot the pale yellow rings of Saturn or the counter-rotating zones and belts of Jupiter. Then peek through the telescope at the Milky Way’s Omega Centauri or Messier 13, a globular cluster of over 300,000 stars in the constellation of Hercules.
Book: anantara.com
Dine on Michelin-Star Cuisine in a Pop-up Residency
Eco-friendly luxury resort Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is welcoming Cambridge-born culinary mastermind Luke French to its shores for an exclusive pop-up residency this October. Chef director of Kelham Island eatery and Michelin-recognised restaurant, JÖRO, French combines sustainability led, locally sourced ingredients with a forward-thinking approach to bring high impact international flavours. From 13-23 October, he will host a series of special gastronomic events, as well as leading one of the private island resort’s celebrations to mark 50 years of tourism in Maldives. What a backdrop for this foodie feast.
Book: amilla.com
Indulge in a Literary Festival
No other literary festival can offer the setting of JLF Soneva Fushi. Known as The ‘Greatest Literary Show on Earth’, it returns to the Maldives in 2023 and will no doubt feature another high profile line-up. Held across 10 days and two weekends, the programme combines literature with stimulating debates, dialogue and free speech. Each weekend comprises keynote addresses, gala dinners on the sand, live music performances, and film screenings at Cinema Paradiso.
Book: soneva.com
Play Football With Peter Crouch
Budding footballers have the chance to hone their skills with famous faces at Anantara Dhigu. The resort regularly hosts Football Escapes where the little ones can play the beautiful game with their heroes. Peter Crouch is the instructor from December 19 – 23. Little wonder tickets got snapped up in minutes but join the waiting list or check back for more big name announcements.
Book: footballescapes.com/anantara
Go Dancing With Manta Rays
The Nautilus is a beautifully-designed luxury retreat which prides itself on bespoke experiences. Take a trip to Hanifaru Bay, one of the largest manta feeding hotspots in the world, and witness the manta rays perform their mesmerising whirling dance. The Nautilus’s resident marine biologist will tell all about the magic of these beautiful creatures before your private guided manta experience, just 30 minutes from the super private resort via luxury speed boat. This visit to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve will transport you to another world.
Book: thenautilusmaldives.com
Embark on a Marine Voyage With a Ground-Breaking Investigative Journalist
Vakkaru takes a deeper dive into ocean conservation with a week-long residency by Oliver Steeds OBE. Steeds is a former investigative journalist and the founder and mission director of Nekton, a science-based organisation that works with ocean nations to protect the seas and increase humanity’s knowledge of marine life. During the week, guests of all ages can participate in a variety of activities to learn more about ocean life and its conservation in the Maldives, with workshops, cinema screenings and two expeditions, as well as sustainably sourced dinners and cocktail evenings. From August 27 to September 2, A Deep Sea Odyssey will include two Young Ambassadors of the Ocean workshops designed for budding coral reef scientists and aquanauts aged between 7-11 and 12-15. Hosted by Steeds, budding aquanauts will also learn how submersible pilots operate, and how to protect healthy coral reefs.
Book: vakkarumaldives.com
Save the Turtles
From its Fab Lab, where kids can turn marine plastic into 3D-printed models, to free children’s diving lessons, Patina Maldives has rapidly become a standard-bearer for marine conservation in the area. It is also the first resort in the Maldives with a 100 percent solar-powered kids’ club, recreation and dive centres.
A sea turtle biologist is stationed on-island, acting as a guest educator and overseeing rescue efforts for any sea turtles that become entangled in so-called ghost gear. The resort is also facilitating a pioneering genetic research expedition to study the local Maldivian hawksbill sea turtle population. Conducted by registered turtle conservation charity the Olive Ridley Project, the pilot expedition will depart from Patina Maldives later this year on a mission to gather tissue samples that will unravel the genetic makeup of Maldivian hawksbill sea turtles.
Book: patinahotels.com
Stay in the World’s Most Private Hotel Room
According to Velaa Private Island, the resort has the most private hotel room in the world. Aptly named The Romantic Residence, it has uninterrupted oceanic views, its own personal gym, fully-equipped kitchen, personal butler and optional private chef. Meals are served over the water in a secluded dining gazebo, and sunsets come with luxurious daybeds on a sprawling terrace. Not forgetting the outdoor jacuzzi, infinity pool, secluded sundeck and sunken bath.
Book: velaaprivateisland.com
Swim to an Underwater Art Gallery
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Resort, on the northern Shaviyani Atoll, has the longest infinity pool and biggest jacuzzi in the Maldives. Sirru Fen Fushi, which means ‘secret water island’ in the local Dhivehi language, is also home to one of the country’s largest resort lagoons and 112 luxury villas each with their own private pool. Stretching from one side of the tropical island to the other, the 200m pool is framed by swaying palms and leads guests to the Coralarium, the Maldives’ first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art gallery.
Book: fairmont.com