When the routine of everyday life puts us into a rut, we often fantasise about adventure and journeys to faraway places to discover new cultures and exotic destinations. But, for Australian Digital Content Creator Sarah Royall, also known as  Salty Luxe,  this is her everyday life. An exhilarating life she shares via stunning photography and videography on social media, taking thousands of people on virtual vacations. Her bucket list adventures include secluded beaches in Bora Bora and thrilling hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, to name a few.

Digital Content Creator, Sarah and her partner and co-photographer Chesh have traversed the globe together, visiting over 50 countries so far. The couple document their coveted experiences primarily on Sarah’s Instagram @saltyluxe and blog about travel here.

Though Sarah knew from early on that she desired a career in travel, the 9-5 cycle was an obstacle in her path. But then, four years ago, a grave health scare turned her world upside down, fuelling her decision to pursue her dreams. ‘Travel for me is a way of life and something that brings huge joy to myself and partner’, she says, so what happened next was almost a no-brainer.

Despite having no previous training in the industry, Sarah and Chesh soon left their 9-5 lifestyle behind in pursuit of new horizons. They became self-educated in travel photography and film production whilst sharing that renewed love of life as full-time digital content creators through the brand name of Salty Luxe.

Now, Salty Luxe is a global platform of photos and videos sparking travel inspiration and a joie de vivre amongst its viewers. And, in line with Sarah’s love of the sea, the content mainly features paradisiacal island beaches and other nature scenes from around the world, such as the golden deserts of Morocco and the glorious mountains of Machu Picchu. An additional niche lies in their sustainable travel content, where they advocate for environmentally friendly travel without compromising that lavish lifestyle. This message rings clear in Sarah’s Instagram posts, one being of her participating in a training session to help release a three-flippered sea turtle back into the wild with the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. And, of course, the Four Seasons are no strangers to luxury.

Sarah’s 416k following on Instagram is certainly telling of her success as a digital content creator, and, in order to maintain it, she shares that ‘you need to tell a story and have a unique viewing point for your audience’.

Speaking of telling a story, Salty Luxe’s own presets and prints showcase Sarah and Chesh’s adventures whilst staying true to their nature-centred image. Salty Luxe’s distinctive aesthetic incorporates bright filters to accentuate the brand’s mostly tropical, beachy theme. The presets are available for those wishing to edit their own photos in the same style on desktop and mobile. Their most popular is Tahiti Blues, a preset of turquoise hues ideal for ocean photographs.

Their sustainable prints also feature various beach, nature, and architectural snapshots of locations the pair have visited. The beauty of each destination is highlighted even more by Salty Luxe’s vibrant filters, used in each of the prints. Once hung up on one’s wall, they are sure to give one’s interior a beach house vibe and a wish to jump inside the scene!

Sarah’s work as a digital content creator also involves collaborating with different brands to produce content in line with her niche, as well as tourism boards to share her travels around the globe. And often, working with these brands comes with one-of-a-kind experiences. For example, Sarah’s collaboration with Sydney Seaplanes in 2018 allowed her to go on a breath-taking aviation tour of Sydney admiring the views from above, and these kinds of adventures are part of her day-to-day.

Like their photos, Salty Luxe’s videos provide great insight into the pair’s exciting life. As well as Sarah’s mini clips on Instagram, her YouTube videosare ones to look out for when searching for one’s next escape. For the keen sailor, the couple vlogged their experience sailing and dipping in the pristine waters of Ibiza and Formentera from their own private boat in late 2019.

Undoubtedly, the perks of being a digital content creator and full-time wanderer are abundant, especially when it comes to accommodation.

Within the impressive list of countries Sarah has explored with Chesh, the Maldives is a hot spot. Earlier this year, the pair sojourned in the eco resort of Gili Lankanfushi, one of the hotels in the Maldives boasting unparalleled beauty and exclusivity. Located over the crystalline waters of the Gili lagoon, Gili Lankanfushi is home to 45 thatch-roofed villas encircling a sandbar thick with lush palm trees.

If anything should be at the forefront of things to do in the Maldives, let it be staying at The Private Reserve. It is South Asia’s largest villa at 1,700m², cut off away from the rest of the resort and promising serenity. Its construction and design embody an eco-chic style, decorated with cool and warm tones and made with sustainable materials such as palm wood and bamboo. Its amenities are spectacular, some of which include a large waterslide leading to a private swimming area, over-water catamaran nets and an exclusive yacht for transport to and from the villa.

Visiting their Meera Spa is also a must. With six outdoor over-water treatment rooms, the spa’s diverse menu includes the Organic Seaweed Leaf Wrap. During the treatment, the body is wrapped up with Irish seaweed to eliminate impurities and the scalp is massaged for ultimate relaxation. One is sure to leave feeling recharged and rejuvenated afterwards.

The Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll, is another of the select hotels in the Maldives Sarah highly recommends after visiting with Chesh in early 2020. Idyllic retreats are at the forefront here, with seven villas sprinkled around the island available for up to only 20 people. Their open-air villas of varying beach house décor all come with a private outdoor pool for extra intimate moments with loved ones. The intimacy extends to their fine dining experiences, ranging from sampling Maldivian to Moroccan cuisines at The Beach House restaurant on the sand to enjoying a remote sunset dinner of sashimi and cocktails on a private yacht.

In terms of sustainability, the property is the first UNESCO Hideaway in a Biosphere Reserve in use in the world, meaning that guests can stay in a location actively practicing ecosystem maintenance and still experience a luxury visit.

When it comes to things to do in the Maldives, staying at the Gili Lankanfushi and The Four Seasons guarantees a fantastic experience in ‘exceptional properties’, says Sarah, who plans on returning to both as soon as possible.

But, behind the lavish hotel stays and unlimited freedom, even a career in travel can be ‘fast-paced and unforgiving at times’, Sarah says. But, her dedication to Salty Luxe has risen far above the challenges, reflected in her labelling Salty Luxe as a ‘life-long pursuit’.

As the world recovers, there is no better time to post, Tweet and blog about travel. For those seeking travel inspiration whilst witnessing infectious enthusiasm, Salty Luxe’s outstanding photography and videography provide both. Sarah’s blending of luxury and sustainable travel is paving the way for the future of the industry, and we look to vanguards such as her to reshape it. More of Salty Luxe’s adventures can also be found on their Facebook page.