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Clothing by Melissa Odabash

Also wearing Birkenstock sandals and bag from The9thMuse

We’re home, and I’ve left my heart in Bali.  The blistering blue skies, candid sunsets, balmy nights, and slow-paced attitude won over my hippie tendencies and is already pulling me back for more.  Vacations are always enjoyable when it comes to relaxing poolside, or doing just about nothing with your favourite people, but I’m infinitely drawn when I step into an atmosphere that makes me act at home.  Within 24 hours I was enquiring about affordable long-term rentals and possibilities of raising my daughter amongst all the other barefooted children.  The distinct elements of slow friendly local life mixed with a nomadic expat surfer crowd is everything I crave.  We hopped from luxe restaurants, deserted beaches, villas perched in secluded jungles, to organic alternative cafes and trendy rooftop cocktailing.  What more could I ask for?

I’m so happy I had Melissa Odabash’s SS15 collection to accompany me on this enlightening journey.  Her loose and flattering dresses and cover-ups were ideal in the hot and humid weather and looked amazing billowing on the back of a moped or traipsing through the neighboring rice patties.  Her swimwear for children was also exceptionally cute and Ever was always comfy on beach and pool excursions.  A definite must pack on all our wanderlusting adventures.

xx

April 21, 2015 0 comment
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Throwback to that trip to Phuket a few months back.  Just before we set off on our next destination, I wanted to give you a little beach inspiration to get everyone excited.
Boathouse by Montara was located at the heart of Kata Beach and far busier than the other resorts we stayed at during our time in Phuket.  If you want a variety of restaurants, shops, bars, long tail boats for island hopping, and general people watching this is the must visit spot.  The beach was vast, with calm blue water, and was warm enough just to stand there and chill out.  I’m not joking, our baby fell asleep to the light lull of the waves when we took her for a dip.  I was pretty obsessed with their luxe dining venues that gave a distinct European feel and was an unbeatable spot to catch that ridiculous sunset.  We spent our days lounging at the trendy pool club, ordering fresh gigantic coconuts, grilled seafood, and dozing off in the pool that was practically sitting on the beach.  I even spent my birthday here, and was lucky enough to have it fall on their Lobster Sunday Brunch day.  Safe to say I indulged until it was time to go home.
More wanderlusting coming your way soon.
xx
April 7, 2015 0 comment
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Le Meridien Phuket, located on a beautiful secluded cove, was the ideal family resort during our stay.  We instantly fell in love with the vast and plentiful grounds, offering everything from shopping, gigantic swimming pools, delicious dining to an interactive kids club and daily visits from Valentine the cute baby elephant.  Each evening ended perfectly with an awe inspiring sunset, and our luxurious suite, complete with ocean facing balcony, gave us a relaxing sanctuary for long nights sleeps and romantic evening nightcaps. We couldn’t think of a better place to spend the week with our little ones soaking in sun, sand, and adventure.

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

29 Soi Karon Nui Tambon Karon Amphur Muang, Karon, Thailand

January 26, 2015 0 comment
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There’s something about floating above the ocean, underneath a blanket of blue skies that makes you believably closer to heaven.  Set at the tip top of Phuket, Sri Panwa is the ultimate escape bringing you 100% relaxation and luxury throughout your stay. You begin to take in every moment and realize it’s impossible to fully capture the image with anything but your memory. Gazing out on a serene morning with my family, letting our troubles slip away was probably the recharge we needed.  The air is so fresh it’s sweet, the beds are a haven you never want to leave, and that view will haunt you until you return.  A must try spot on everyone’s bucket list. 
January 5, 2015 1 comment
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After bouncing around from one resort to the next with only goals of soaking in Phuket’s love inducing sunshine and delicious fare, we were excited to stop for a few days at Royal Phuket Marina and feel a little more at home.  I’m pretty sure one of the definitions of luxury living is residing in a gigantic villa, complete with swimming pool and a yacht docked on your front step.  I couldn’t believe it was as easy as taking a few steps away from our room to climb aboard a Sunseeker and island hop with locals.  We had been so busy we forgot all the calm beauty Phuket has to offer.  The boy and I lounged on perfect blue sky filled days, explored the yummy offerings and shopping destinations on the boardwalk, and slept a contented dreamfilled slumber each evening.  The serene setting and beautiful marina view was almost enough for us to enquire about a long term rental and relocate to the far more leisurely lifestyle of Phuket.  Maybe one day.

Daily yacht charters are available at Royal Phuket Marina.  

xx




December 29, 2014 0 comment
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Bikinis by Vamastyle
Also wearing C. by Christing C., Laguna Moon and H&M kimonos, Celine and Karen Walker sunnies, and Birkenstocks.
This November has been dominated by beach holidays.  I have to say, nothing beats Winter sun, so we are finding it impossible to not return back to Phuket as much as possible.  The Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa provided the perfect little getaway for the boy, baby Ever, and I.  We lounged in our incredibly luxe pool villa most of the day, unless we were out enjoying their sand adjacent infinity pool or the nearly deserted private beach.  The entire resort feels like a little slice of heaven with delicious fare, friendly staff, and seriously comfortable beds.  Highlights definitely included swimming in our private pool with Ever, feasting on Pad Thai and other indulgent treats while enjoying the sunshine, afternoon cocktails at their cool beach eatery Sand Box, an picturesque romantic private sunset dinner, and the decadent aromatherapy massage at Quan Spa.  For any mommies out there, they are probably one of the most baby friendly resorts we’ve ever visited.  From being accommodating with food and high chairs, to providing baby sitting service and a secluded kids pool, Ever had the time of her life.  We hope we can return again for another perfect family holiday.
xx
December 4, 2014 0 comment
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It has definitely been a beach filled Autumn for the boy and I. Less than 24 hours after returning from Bali we jetted off to sunny Phuket for another dose of sand and sea.  I was blown away when we set foot at Anantara Layan Phuket, and was immediately engulfed into the sanctuary that is their refreshing resort.  Relaxation hit my bones instantaneously and their warm welcome to my family and I made the experience that much better.  Exaggeration is not in play when I state there was not a single grass or tree out of place.  Each corner, seat, and space in the resort is optimised to make you feel zen and free.  Instead of overly decadent, I felt the place was very natural yet luxurious which lets be honest is much more my style.  We spent our days enjoying the private plunge pool in our pool villa, sampling mouthwatering and fiery Thai cuisine at Dee Plee, indulgent breakfasts on the terrace, dips in the ocean view infinity pool, and walks during sunset along their deserted beach.   We had an abundance of privacy and left recharged and content.  I will definitely be returning next time I need a little break from reality.  

xx

Thanks to Chic Collection and Anantara Layan Phuket for the lovely stay.





November 26, 2014 0 comment
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 All rested up and happy after four days away in Bali.  We meandered along the surf ready beach, lounged by our clear blue pool, dined at sunset adjacent eateries, dominated Double Six’s two floor penthouse suite, drunkenly laughed while toppled over on colourful sandy bean bags, and didn’t miss a second of wonderful sleep on the most comfortable beds.  There have been few stays which were as luxurious and it was pretty impossible not to fall in love with the ultra cool and insanely beautiful Double Six Resort.  Highlights were definitely cocktails as we watched the sky melt from Double Six Rooftop Bar, dining at ultra chic and tasty Chez Gado Gado and Barbacoa, late night musings from the starlit wraparound penthouse terrace, and a coma inducing massage I am currently still craving.  Can we go back for more? Pretty please?  A must hit spot if you are in Bali and looking to party, feast, relax, or any of the above.  
xx
November 17, 2014 0 comment
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We are back after 10 days in paradise.  A first family vacation when all I wanted to do was nap with the baby and sip wine with the boy.  Pretty successful overall considering it was the first time were were sans nanny and all.  Cannes is one of those places we will always return. The boy introduced me to the luxe bohemian beach town just after we were married and we’ve been finding ourselves traipsing back to the same family owned beaches, indulgent restaurants, and seaside cocktail spots year after year.  It was perfect to witness sunsets in a new light while walking our little girl up and down the rivera and splurging on a little place with a big view.  Some tweaks need to be done but next year will be round 100 and even better than the last.
xx
September 12, 2014 0 comment
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Been lazily spending the holiday hours stuffing ourselves with satisfying roast dinners and catching up beside sleep inducing open fires and duvet abundant beds.  The weather is just frightening enough to keep us happily snuggled indoors enjoying good company paired with a million cups of English Breakfast tea.  I often forget how fast paced cities can make you forget little pleasures, like chilly walks, silent corners in deserted pubs, afternoons which aren’t littered with phone calls and messages, and just simple fresh air.   The boy and I are on full on break mode before we head up to London to ring in 2014.  

xx
December 29, 2013 0 comment
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