Our Team
Sophie Cullen | Editor-in-chief
For over 20 years and across multiple continents, Sophie has been writing about all things travel and culture for global print and digital publications. Obsessed with design-led hotels and exploring new places, she created The Hotel Journal to share these unique accommodations and hyper-local travel experiences with you.
Connect with Sophie on LinkedIn or follow her travel adventures on Instagram or TikTok.
James Wong | London Editor
Travel writer and guide book author James has lived in London, Tokyo, and NYC. He’s reviewed hotels across 75 countries and counting.
Connect with James on LinkedIn.
Gayatri Bhaumik | Contributing Writer
Always ready for her next adventure, Singapore-born Gayatri took her first flight at 10 days old and hasn’t looked back since.
Connect with Gayatri on LinkedIn or follow her adventures on Instagram.
Michael Cullen | Contributing Writer
Inspired by travel, Thailand-based Aussie Michael Cullen loves sharing his discoveries – locations, hotels, food, and beyond.
Connect with him on LinkedIn or follow his adventures on Instagram.
Raghav Modi | Contributing Writer
Currently based in New Delhi, seasoned writer Raghav has a special place in his heart for quirky hotels and unique travel experiences.
Follow his travels on Instagram.
India-Jayne Trainor | Contributing Writer
India-Jayne Trainor is a British-Australian travel writer currently based in London. She’s been flitting between both sides of the world since she could walk, via the likes of Vietnam, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. She has written for publications including Forbes, AFAR, and Fodor’s, and is a regular contributor to Time Out Travel. When not writing, you’ll find her taking photographs or scuba diving off remote islands.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her travels on Instagram.
Kayo Chang Black | Contributing Writer
Currently based in Taiwan, Kayo is a passionate lover of words, travel, and running, and her pets.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her travels on Instagram.
Shalbha Sarda | Contributing Writer
An architect-turned-design journalist, Shalbha Sarda has developed a deep obsession with hotel design. Based in Jaipur, India —a city teeming with design inspiration —she explores the intersection of architecture, aesthetics, and storytelling, sharing her insights through a uniquely informed lens.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her travels on Instagram.
Leticia Bishop | Contributing Beauty Writer
Originally from Australia, Leticia is an international makeup artist, social media influencer, and travel writer based full-time in Hong Kong.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram.
Stacey Marcelo | Contributing Writer
A global nomad through and through, writer Stacey Marcelo has lived in many countries and now calls Hong Kong home.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her travels on Instagram.
Aude Camus | Contributing Writer
Born and raised in Paris and based in Hong Kong since 2015, Aude is a luxury travel and lifestyle writer with a well-trained palate. Equal parts hotel snob and street food enthusiast (yes, you can be both), she writes for Ten Lifestyle Group – the world’s leading travel and lifestyle concierge – and runs Hong Kong Madame, a French-English insider’s guide to what’s hot, tasty, and worth your time in Hong Kong and beyond.
Follow her adventures on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Dawn Wong | Contributing Writer
Based in Singapore, Dawn’s love affair with words began at a young age. She’s a natural storyteller & avid traveller.
Jo Robinson | Contributing Writer
After years in Hong Kong, Jo is back in the UK living her best London life. Obsessed with sunshine, beautiful beaches, and fitness, Jo writes about wellness, travel, and lifestyle, and can often be found getting lost in a good book.
Natasha Tang | Contributing Writer
A flavour hunter and thrill seeker, Natasha’s passion for gastronomy, design, and culture stems from her French and Chinese heritage. When she’s not travelling, you can find her conquering the trails of Hong Kong or finding her balance through yoga.
Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn.
Kate Nicholson | Contributing Writer
Originally from NZ and currently based in Taiwan, Kate’s experience in publishing spans close to two decades. When she’s not writing, she’s busy creating pottery.
Andre Neveling | Contributing Writer
Andre is a South African-born editor who has lived and worked for leading media companies in the UAE, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Africa. Now based in Thailand, he is living the digital nomad dream – travelling while contributing to various international titles.
Follow his travels on Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Chris Bigland | Contributing Writer
Chris Bigland is a travel journalist and former hospitality professional who loves exploring how hotels reflect the cities around them. She writes about people, culture, and the small details that make travel feel personal.
Connect with her on LinkedIn and TikTok.