Rich Auntie Birthday Trip

As part of my 40 for 40, I wanted my birthday journey to be more than a vacation. I wanted it to feel like a collection of once-in-a-lifetime moments—adventure, culture, beauty, indulgence, and a little extravagance woven into every stop.

From the tropical allure of Phuket to the vibrant energy of Bangkok, and finally to the lush beauty of Ubud, Bali, I gave myself permission to experience it all.

I sipped champagne at a floating beach club, shared an unforgettable moment with elephants, indulged in an elegant tea party, and stepped in front of the camera for a fashion-inspired photoshoot at the Louis Vuitton exhibition. I honored my journey with a traditional Thai Sak Yant tattoo, then carried that spirit of adventure with me to Bali—swinging high above the iconic rice fields, climbing the breathtaking Lempuyang Temple, and slipping into a private pool covered in purple flowers.

Some moments were glamorous. Some were sacred. Some pushed me outside of my comfort zone. And some simply reminded me how beautiful life can be when you give yourself permission to truly live it.

Three destinations. One birthday journey. Countless unforgettable moments.

This was Phuket. Bangkok. Ubud.
This was luxury with a little adventure.
This was culture, celebration, and beautiful living with depth.

And most importantly, this was another chapter of my 40 for 40—lived exactly the way I imagined it.

Always with Style & Grace — Makeya