Life in the time of COVID-19 with Lizard Island’s Leon Pink

Life in the time of COVID-19 with Lizard Island’s Leon Pink

This week, Travel Weekly caught up with Lizard Island’s newly appointed general manager, Leon Pink, to find out how he’s been faring since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

What are you reading?

Sparked by Jonathan Fields.

What are you watching?

A mixed bag. I enjoyed watching the Wallabies and the footy finals recently, and there are a couple of great new series on Netflix that I’m getting into.

What are you listening to?

A podcast called Making Sense with Sam Harris – I rarely miss an episode. I’m enjoying Jose Gonzalez and Imagine Dragons’ new albums.

What are you cooking?

Grilled fish.

How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?

Running the island trails, mediation and journaling.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?

More time with family.

What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?

A deeper appreciation of nature and stronger resilience.

What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?

Don’t watch the news in the evening and create a solid daily mind and body reboot.

Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?

The Kimberley, Noosa and, of course, Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef!

What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?

Not one specific memory – the buzz of living and breathing a different culture, place, food and sharing this feeling with the family.

My family and I have been very lucky to live amongst different cultures and create some incredible memories around the world. I loved going to local rugby matches in Fiji, attending the Sandbank parties in the Maldives and kayaking the picturesque islands around La Digue island in the Seychelles.

Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?

Having just returned from overseas, I’m very happy to holiday in Australia and maybe New Zealand for the next couple of years. I’m really loving exploring the Great Barrier Reef at the moment. Honestly, nothing really compares.

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