AN INTRODUCTION
Welcome to my website. I’m Keyta Hawkins, I was born and raised in a tiny Cornish village by the seaside. Having parents from opposite sides of the world instilled in me a great love for travel and a global outlook.
ABOUT THIS WEBSITE
Formerly titled ‘The Wayfarer’, I launched this website back in 2014. The decade between then and now has in itself been an adventure and has taken me to many new destinations. I have been lucky enough to collaborate with brands such as KLM, Air France, Skype, Lebua Hotels and Resorts, along with tourism boards for a range of countries. On this website I write about travel, exciting new openings, events, everyday musings and causes that are important to me.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO ME
Education & learning. What I would define broadly as ‘adventure’ is an incredibly powerful vehicle for education, learning and growth. New experiences can spark creativity, open minds and broaden horizons. As important as formal education also is, not all learning takes place in the classroom. One’s interpretation of ‘adventure’ is subjective but I’d define it as anything from travelling to a new destination near or far; reading a book that takes you on an adventure of the imagination; vicariously sharing in someone else’s adventures by simply listening to their story; or visiting a museum or gallery for an adventure into history or creativity. You name it. Though I consider learning to be a life long pursuit, I feel that young people especially can benefit immeasurably from access to such adventures and experiences.
Uplifting women. There are ever-mounting societal expectations and pressures placed on modern women, deteriorating mental health amongst young girls and global injustices that women are subjected to. With this backdrop, I feel as though community, collaboration and the sharing of stories and experiences amongst modern women are crucial for affecting positive change. I’m proud to be a part of the UN Women UK community.
Countryside & heritage. I was fortunate to grow up in and have since returned to the British countryside and I feel that shaped a large part of who I am. Statistics show that access to green space is directly correlated to physical and mental health: “44% of people said being close to nature makes them less anxious or worried.” Encourage people to get out in nature, along with protect and preserve what we are lucky enough to have is something that is dear to me.
MY WORK
My professional background in media, comms and public affairs spans the UK to the UAE.
Broadcast and media work. My journalistic work has appeared on an array of platforms including Manchester Evening News, Time Out Dubai, Time Out Abu Dhabi, Flight Centre UK, West Briton, Nottingham Post and many more. I’ve also formerly produced and presented a weekly news slot for Radio Cardiff FM.
Celebrity & public figure interview series. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of interviewing a range of A-list celebrities and high-profile public figures. These include Sting, Robbie Williams, Jack Dee and Jo Koy. I also covered Paris Hillton’s exclusive launch of ‘Gold Rush’ in Dubai. As part of the Expert Traveller series I produced for this website, I interviewed the likes of Rajan Datar who is a Broadcast Journalist for the BBC Travel Show and Lufthansa pilot and aviation influencer, Felix Gottwald.
Politics and public affairs. In addition to my work in public affairs engaging with Parliamentarians and policymakers I have previously worked on the South East Asia and Middle East Political Forum hosted quarterly in the House of Commons.
Please get in touch if you wish to collaborate.
READ ME ELSEWHERE
Watch my live interview with Sting at The Last Ship premiere – Manchester Evening News
My interview with Robbie Williams – Time Out Dubai
My interview with comedian, Jack Dee – Time Out Dubai
My interview with comedian, Jo Koy – Time Out Dubai
A bloggers guide to packing for Thailand – Flight Centre
Best spots for an amazing view of Dubai – Flight Centre
Dazzling Gilt bar opens at Burj Al Arab – Time Out Dubai
5 blow the budget Valentine’s Day celebrations – Time Out Dubai
Exclusive first look: EL&N Dubai now open in DIFC – Time Out Dubai
Ibiza’s popular Sublimotion dining experience pop-up extended at Mandarin Oriental – Time Out Dubai
Where to see celebrities in Dubai: where A-listers are Instagramming – Time Out Dubai
Dresden Opera Ball to come to Dubai for a dazzling gala dinner – Time Out Dubai
UN Women Awards 2024 – Meta London
Last week, it was a pleasure to attend in a personal capacity a truly inspiring evening with UN Women at Meta headquarters in London. The event brought together delegates from across the country to come together and celebrate and recognise UN Women’s good work, both...
Behind the scenes at United Nations Headquarters – New York
During my recent trip to New York, it was wonderful to be welcomed by a friend to the United Nations headquarters for a behind-the-scenes insight and to learn more about some of the key UN initiatives and important work currently underway. I couldn't think of a better...
Harpers Bazaar breakfast at Four Seasons Park Lane London
I was lucky enough to attend (in a personal capacity) a beautiful breakfast with Harpers Bazaar UK at the Four Seasons Park Lane, London. The intimate breakfast gathering brought together a group of likeminded and inspiring women to connect and share stories. We...
International Women’s Day at Rosewood London
International Women's Day 2024 has just been and gone and this year I marked the occasion at Rosewood London for a beautifully befitting gathering hosted by female-led creative agency, Female Narratives. The gathering was hosted at Rosewood London's Scarfes Bar (which...
First glance at Raffles London at the OWO
Raffles has finally launched in London with the much-anticipated Raffles London at the OWO finally opening its doors. This is an opening that I have been particularly looking forward to, especially as Raffles at the Palm was one of my favourite hangouts in Dubai. Of...
A weekend at Thornbury Castle
I had the privilege of spending the weekend at Thornbury Castle in Bristol during the summer months. Staying in a castle was definitely something to cross off the bucket list, especially as I am someone who adores historic architecture. Dating back to the 1500s,...
Bulgari Resort Dubai
When it comes to high-end hangouts where you can get your dose of sun, fun and indulgence then it’s no surprise that you are spoilt for choice in Dubai. If there's one place that really stands out amongst the pack, for me it’s an easy choice. Enter: Bulgari Resort...
Aura Skypool Dubai – The world’s highest infinity pool
One of my all-time favourite things to do in Dubai has got to be Aura Skypool. This sky-high hangout opened relatively recently and happens to be the world’s highest infinity pool, located at the top of the Palm Tower. As you would expect, the views are nothing short...
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Since it opened late last year, Raffles The Palm Dubai has become one of my favourite destinations in Dubai. From the grand, palatial architecture to the choice beachside location and the welcoming and attentive staff, there is much that I love about...
An evening with Paris Hilton at Waldorf Astoria Dubai
Paris Hilton jetted into Dubai with her new husband, Carter Reum, to promote her new fragrance Gold Rush. I was lucky enough to be invited to her intimate event at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.
Moët & Chandon at The Atlantis Dubai
Moët & Chandon successfully broke a world record of the largest glass pyramid, during its exclusive event at The Atlantis Dubai. The impressive pyramid featured 54,740 champagne glasses and was over 8.23 metres (27 ft) tall. It was incredible to see history being...
My interview with comedian, Jack Dee
I had the pleasure of interviewing British comedian, Jack Dee. In our interview, he talks to me about his 2022 Off The Telly tour at Dubai Opera and reveals why the absurdities of everyday life are so funny. You can read the full interview here.
My interview with Sting at the Last Ship Premiere
I interviewed Sting at The Lowry in Manchester for the premiere of his musical, The Last Ship, on behalf of the Manchester Evening News' What's On Guide. It was great to get the opportunity to chat to Sting who was incredibly lovely and the musical itself was...
SAME Forum – House Of Commons
I had the pleasure of attending another SAME Forum session, hosted at the House of Commons by friend and chairman Khalid Nadeem, who kindly invited me. As you enter the House of Commons, you come through St Stephen’s Hall, which is incredibly impressive and has some...
KLM headquarters – Netherlands
Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to Amsterdam by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Joined by some tech journos, we were given unprecedented access to KLM's headquarters at Schiphol Airport to get a behind the scenes insight. As a bit of a closeted aviation geek, I...
Lebua launches at Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel
Luxury hospitality brand, Lebua, has made its European debut with its new restaurant, Breeze, located in Frankfurt at the Steigenberger Hotel. Lebua’s portfolio of venues comprises a lineup of luxury hotels and restaurants across the globe, including the world-famous...
Chivas Regal – Park Tower Hotel London
In celebration of the 550th anniversary of the first-ever known batch of whiskey, Chivas Regal hosted a pop-up Gentleman’s Lounge at the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge. The Gentleman’s Lounge offered exclusive experiences associated with British gentlemen,...
Interview: BBC travel reporter
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional jet-setter? To travel the world and get paid for it? All will be revealed in my Expert Traveller interview series, which will be lifting the lid on some of the most exciting travel-related professions...
Chablis wine pairing dinner
I was lucky enough to be invited to a Chablis wine-pairing dinner at The Chancery. The wine-filled evening was an education on the beautiful flavours of Chablis wine and the geology of the Chablis vineyard region, for which it’s attributed. The event was hosted by one...
Air France – Legacy and Future Fashion Show
Air France recently put on a rather special soirée for its partners, in celebration of the airline’s legacy and future. The event featured a runway showcase of Air France’s flight crew uniforms, dating back to the 1930s and its first commercial flights. I was lucky...