Indonesia

Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

PhotographyBobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Drone PhotographyLook Down Bali

Model/StylingHelen Janneson Bense

LocationAzul Beach Club, Bali Mandira – Legian | Nusa Ceningan | Nusa Penida – Bali, Indonesia

Nusa Penida Boat tripSeaduction

Outfit Details

Dresses –  Chaouen Maxi | Silk Blue Gown | Brazen Blush Dress | Palma Australia LaceMaple Maxi

Tops/SkirtsStardust Sequin Cami | Tropez Embellished Tunic | Mini Skirt Galaxy

Swimwear –  Hush Hush One Piece | Handiras Hold One PieceAlena Luxe One Piece |  Inle One Piece | Singing Wells One PieceDip Dye Mandala One Piece | Gypset Bikini

KimonosSting Ray Cover | Safi Kaftan

Jewelry – Lakshmi Mala | Blue Quartz Drop NecklaceGypsyLovinLight Shop

HatsThe Beverly | Arizona

So excited to share with you our recent Bali adventures to the magnificent Azul Beach Club and Bali Mandira. We spent easter here with the whole family, enjoying many awesome events, including the ultra cool LushLand Sunset Sesh where we danced all night long under the stars to some amazing tunes and first class performances. It’s now become our Bali home away from home. Picture a 3 story bamboo treehouse overlooking the beautiful ocean with those perfect Bali waves rolling in. Envision a spiralling bamboo staircase taking you to the best sunset view, a tiki bar made of geodes in beautiful ocean blues, and a wall feature shimmering with the iridescence of abalone shells. Everything from the infinity pool, the spa, the lights, the music, the cool vibes, all the little details…. it’s candy for the eyes and soul…and I haven’t got to the best part! The food, the drinks, the service! Next level Bali! All the tiki cocktails are prepared with premium rum, served in custom made glassware. You’ll find yourself in culinary heaven eating only the yummiest cuisine created by one of Bali’s most celebrated chefs using the finest quality ingredients. So if you haven’t been to Azul Beach Club yet, seriously you must go! Book yourself a poolside cabana, order an Island Nectar (my favourite) and definitely indulge in all the food…everything is delicious and we seriously tried the entire menu! For the perfect sunset dinner experience, book a pod overlooking the ocean!

If you are visiting from afar, then check yourself in at Bali Mandira. You’ll have easy access to Azul and you’ll have everything you could need right there. Amazing pool, swim up pool bar, kids club, beach, water slides, club benefits and more. We really loved our stay in the Pool villa which had an adjoining room for the children. We indulged in a floating breakfast in our pool for something a little extra special and fun! We highly recommend the day spa, the rooms and massages are incredible! After our massages we headed back to our room and relaxed in our very own flower bath. It’s sure to transform you into a state of complete bliss. And after all, we all need a little pampering on holidays. Once you’re nurtured and feeling loved up and energised, try the SUP yoga in the beach pool. It’s a safe and easy environment to experience this and it’s just so much fun! I can’t wait to do it again!

You can probably see from my images that we had an incredible time here. We love Bali and we have visited and stayed in many different places. We are really particular with where we stay and only recommend the best. This is a really great affordable spot, perfect for families and couples. For adult free time, Azul offers a quiet space by their infinity pool. For family fun, the beautiful large beach style pool at Bali Mandira is your go to. We experienced everything from a romantic dinner on the beach to a traditional balinese cooking class with the family.

We were lucky enough to spend a day circumnavigating Nusa Penida on this trip aboard the Seaduction. We set sail from Sanur with a fun crew, equipped with the amazing drone skills of Look Down Bali and a sense of adventure. It surely was a wild experience as we journeyed by boat around the more remote parts of this island. The colour of the water was simply breathtaking. I think I said WOW only about a hundred times! It was like being in an entirely otherworldly land. I was secretly waiting for dinosaurs to appear haha!

Big love and thanks to our hosts, Azul Beach Club and Bali Mandira, for one of the most wonderful family holidays we’ve had. We were so well taken care of, every need anticipated, and as we interacted with other guests, we could see everyone was feeling the same. It’s a truly special place. I hope you all get the opportunity some day to enjoy this island paradise.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Heart of Bali

November 5, 2016

1-15 1-17 1-24

PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/Creative DirectionHelen Janneson Bense

LocationKupu Kupu Barong | The Edge View Villa – Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Wild + Free Dress | Wrap around me Dress | Slice of Harmony DressDasha the Label

Indie + Harper JewelleryTurquoise Feather Navajo NecklaceNavajo Hand Carved Bracelets | Rings – Mandala Divine | Tibetan TurquoiseMermaid | Zuni | Opal Moon | Feather Turquoise 

Finally we had the opportunity to venture to Ubud on our recent Bali travels. The peaceful energy was palpable the moment we stepped out of the car. There was a zing in the air, a calming effect created by the mystical surrounds and gentle culture. It felt as though we had just entered the heart of this amazing island.  The flowing river and nearby waterfalls make it such a perfect area for water explorers. I instantly fell in love with our elevated spot and our river view villa at Kupu Kupu Barong. We would end our days of family adventures with flower baths taking in the river views with an incredible backdrop of the jungle and Mt. Agung.

We thoroughly enjoyed a little pampering at Kupu’s world renowned L’occitane Tree spa and it was simply amazing…picture open air massages, perched atop of mango trees, high above the jungle where you can hear birdsong and the flowing river, and feel the essence of this mystical land.

And there was so much more… dinner by candlelight in one of the most romantic settings imaginable. An entrance lined with aromatic flowers, a twilight dinner set up for two, floating on a private pool twinkling with sunset reflections and a majestic mountain vista. It really is all kinds of heaven at Kupu Kupu Barong.

All the while I was blessed to be dressed in the best resort clothing from the divine Dasha the Label and Indie + Harper Jewels. These flowing fabrics and styles were perfect for the Balinese climate and fun family holidays with my tribe.

If you get the chance to visit Bali, I highly recommend the trek to Ubud and definitely book a stay at Kupu Kupu Barong! We are already dreaming of going back :)

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

The Edge

October 28, 2016

1-2 1-10

PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/Creative DirectionHelen Janneson Bense

LocationThe Edge View Villa – Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Elke Romper | Frida Crop + Anya Wrap Skirt | Samsara Kimono Maxi – Minx + Pearl

Jewellery – Dahlia necklace | Dainty Drop Necklace |  Gold Rings | Goddess Lariat | Farrah Bodychain | Swarovski choker

Hats – Navy | Delano | Smith

As the sun rose I perched myself upon the precipice, as close to the edge as I could be. The ocean breeze gently awakening me from my dreamy state, my mind quiet, my body still, a creative spark was lit, energy flowed freely through my body and a stream of endless possibilities came into view. What a magnificent and magical way to start any day!

Every time I visit Bali it brings me so many gifts. I can’t express my gratitude for this healing island paradise that is just a hop, skip and shortest plane ride ever from my home base in Perth. This adventure took us to the beautiful Edge Resort. Our stay was nothing short of spectacular. I’m not sure I can find the words to describe how wonderful this resort was. The photos speak for them self, and for all those who were following along on insta stories you would have caught many glimpses of the beauty here at The Edge.

Every single detail was taken care of, with above and beyond hospitality. The food was delicious, the space was sublime and what a view!

Enjoying some much needed sunshine and holiday time with the family, I pranced around in my Minx + Pearl outfits, perfect for that villa life vibe we were feeling.

I’m beyond excited about visiting this very special space once again, and I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone heading to Bali. And if you are considering a destination wedding, then definitely start and end your search right here.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Be Brave…Be Love…Be You ♥

August 23, 2016

PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/Creative DirectionHelen Janneson Bense

LocationUngasan Clifftop Resort, Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Bras N Things Bodysuits

First look – Ivory Ordella bodysuit  | Custom Silk Skirt | Farrah Bodychain | Goddess Lariat | Swarovski Choker| Rings/CuffsWhite on White Hat

Second lookKendra bodysuit | Shorts | Shirt | BeltBodychain | Carmen Watch | Smith Straw Hat

Rings – Moonstone | Rainbow Dream | Mandala | Midi rings

Third look – Mesh Long Sleeve Bodysuit

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring” Marilyn Monroe

I’m loving the resurgence of lacy, sheer bodysuits and bralettes, and I’m so happy that it has finally become more acceptable to wear underwear as outerwear. I’ve always been a fan of delicate lacy negligee and accessorising it to be part of my wardrobe, even when I would get the ‘You can’t wear that out!” comments. I think I spent the better part of the 90’s op shopping for silky, lacy nighties and then tie dying them. Almost 2 decades have passed and I’m still rocking the under garment look and loving it!

These Bras n Things bodysuits are pretty much a dream come true for my wardrobe. They totally work with so many different styles; from cocktail wear, bohemian chic, festival, to rock chick. On my recent Bali trip, the Ivory Ordella bodysuit was perfect for a relaxing sunset dinner at the resort. I accessorised it with layers of delicate gold jewels + a flowing silk maxi skirt…I truly felt like a bohemian goddess.

I’m always down for a little festival style and a good sunday sesh. Beach club bound, I paired this perfect plunging Kendra bodysuit with some distressed denim, silver hardware and an old school classic, the black faux leather choker, to finish of this look. I also love how easily I could layer the sheer long sleeve bodysuit for evening.

For all you lace lovers and wild hearts, always stay true to your inner style, wear what you love, forget about what other people say, let your unique style be seen, and share, share, share your magnificent spark of light with the world.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Dreaming in Turquoise

July 28, 2016

PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/StylingHelen Janneson Bense

LocationRose Villa at Pandawa Cliff Estate, Bali

Handmade Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise Silver Wave Necklace

Navajo Hand Carved Turquoise Bracelets

Rings – Navajo TurquoiseMermaid Turquoise | Navajo Turquoise and Feather | Hand carved Turquoise Navajo | Turquoise Raindrop | Tribal Turquoise | Mandala 

Sasha Ivory Tunic Dress

Lace Romper

‘Summer is Here’ Panama Hat

Spray tan

Sienna Nails

My turquoise obsession continues, not only with the sea, but with these amazing Indie + Harper Jewels. I love these stunning designs that stack so beautifully together. Perfect for the bohemian nomad wandering the globe, discovering her own inner magic as she chases those turquoise dreams. Happy Travels beauties!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Sunset Spells

July 9, 2016

PhotographyBobby Bense

Creative Director/ModelHelen Janneson Bense

LocationPandawa Cliff Estate | Uluwatu, Bali | North Beach | Sorrento Beach, Perth, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Superstar Romper | Bindi Wrap Choker | Hayden Belt | Portofino Faux Fur Jacket

Upper Eastside Playsuit | Portofino Faux Fur Jacket | Bindi Wrap Choker | Didi Boots (Stone) | Hat (similar)

Rings – All the Phases | Delicate Crown | Drop in the Ocean | Andromeda | Beaded Crest | Beaded Chevron | Phobos Deimos

Romance Lace Crop | Starlight Bodychain | Bikini‘Summer is Here’ hat 

In my Dreams Romper | Crossover Bodychain | Mesh Necklace‘Summer is Here’ hat 

Nails | Tan

‘The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” Jacques Cousteau

Mesmerised by these dreamy landscapes and the mystical energy swirling amongst the pastel sunset sky, forever spelled by the wonder and beauty of it all.

So grateful for this gift of life, to experience the simple things like watching a sunset, the smiles on my children’s faces, the warm embrace of my beloved.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Up to 30% off tours, activities & things to do | Backpacker DealsThe-Nest-700px

All rights reserved © Helen Janneson Bense · Theme by Blogmilk + Coded by Brandi Bernoskie