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.
Location: London, England/Hong Kong
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Film & Theatre
Alumni: Victoria University of Wellington – Te Herenga Waka, New Zealand
Expertise: Digital publishing, print publishing, video production, content creation, journalism, social media content creation
Connect with Sophie on LinkedIn or follow her travel adventures on Instagram or TikTok.
James Wong | London Editor
Travel writer and guidebook author James has lived in London, Tokyo, and NYC. He’s reviewed hotels across 75 countries and counting.
Location: London, England
Education: MA in Marketing and Communications and BSc Multimedia Technology and Design
Alumni: University of Westminster and Brunel University of London, England
Expertise: Content creation, journalism, social media content creation, marketing strategy
Connect with James on LinkedIn or follow his travel adventures on Instagram.
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.
Location: Singapore
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications, Master of International Relations, and MSc Global History
Alumni: University of Melbourne, Australia and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), England
Expertise: Content creation, journalism, social media content creation, copywriting
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.
Location: Thailand
Education: Travel Writing Certification and Advanced Certificate in Adult Education
Alumni: Australian Writers’ Centre and University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Expertise: Travel writing, journalism, content creation
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.
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.
Location: London
Education: BA in German
Alumni: University of Nottingham, England
Expertise: Content creation, journalism, social media content creation, marketing strategy
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.
Location: Jaipur, India
Education: Bachelor of Architecture
Alumni: Aayojan School of Architecture, India
Expertise: Architecture writing, architecture, content creation, journalism, social media content creation, marketing strategy
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her travels 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.
Location: Hong Kong
Education: Bachelor of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations
Alumni: Bond University, Australia
Expertise: Content creation, journalism, social media content creation, marketing strategy
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.
Location: Hong Kong
Education: Master’s Degree in Finance and Master’s Degree in Business, Management and Entrepreneurship
Alumni: Göteborgs Universitet, Sweden and Audencia Business School, France
Expertise: Digital publishing, content creation, journalism, social media content creation, copywriting
Follow her adventures on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn.
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.
Location: Hong Kong
Education: BSc Public Relations and Business Administration
Alumni: Boston University, USA
Expertise: Digital publishing, content creation, journalism, social media content creation, copywriting
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.
Location: Singapore
Education: BA English Literature and Communications
Alumni: National University of Singapore, Singapore
Expertise: Journalism, travel writing, social media content creation, copywriting
Leticia Bishop | Contributing Writer
Originally from Australia, Leticia is an international makeup artist, social media influencer, and travel writer based full-time in Hong Kong.
Location: Hong Kong
Expertise: Makeup artist, lifestyle content creator, travel writing, social media content creation
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.
Location: London, England
Education: BA in English Literature and Spanish, and Certified Personal Trainer
Alumni: University of Hertfordshire and National Academy of Sports Medicine, England
Expertise: Journalism, partnerships, business development, fitness writing, travel writing, social media content creation
Kayo Chang Black | Contributing Writer
Currently based in Taiwan, Kayo is a passionate lover of words, travel, and running, and her pets.
Location: Taiwan
Education: Master of Fine Arts: Writing and Master of Arts: Creative Media Practice
Alumni: SCAD, USA and Bournemouth University, England
Expertise: Creative writing, travel writing, social media content creation
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her travels on Instagram.
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.
Location: Taiwan
Education: Bachelor of Arts: Media, Film, and TV Studies
Alumni: University of Auckland, New Zealand
Expertise: Editing, travel writing, freelance writing
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.
Location: Thailand
Education: BA in Communication and Media Studies
Alumni: University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Expertise: Journalism, travel writing, social media content creation
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.
Location: England
Education: Bachelor’s Degree: Creative Advertising
Alumni: Falmouth University, England
Expertise: Journalism, travel writing, social media content creation, partnerships, marketing,
Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Caitlin Brown | Contributing Writer
Currently based in New Zealand, Caitlin writes about travel, food, and all things lifestyle.
Location: New Zealand
Education: Bachelor’s Degree: Communications and Public Relations
Alumni: University of Cincinnati, USA
Expertise: Journalism, travel writing, social media content creation, public relations
Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her adventures on Instagram.
Joanna Matlub | Contributing Writer
Bahrain-born, Joanna has lived in London and the UAE before calling Thailand home for the past decade. A cross-cultural upbringing shaped her love of food, discovery and storytelling, reflected in her writing across Southeast Asia.
Location: Thailand
Education: Master’s in Marketing and Communications
Alumni: University of Westminster, England
Expertise: Travel writing, journalism, luxury hospitality, Southeast Asia expertise
Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn.
Lord Acuña | Contributing Writer
Lord is a web developer and digital content creator from the Philippines. With nearly 40 countries explored and counting, he is all about uncovering new destinations, experiencing diverse cultures, and creating engaging lifestyle and travel content.
Location: The Philippines
Education: BS in Computer Science
Alumni: Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Expertise: Web development, social media content creation, travel writing
Follow his travels on his website, Instagram and YouTube, or connect with him on LinkedIn.