Indonesia

The Magic Within

June 1, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Wearing my favourite mermaid treasures from Anna Kosturova, Her Empire + Embella Jewellery

Luxe Nomad Crochet Throw Over

Dreamscape Kimono

Deep Sea Roundie

Halterkini

Necklaces – Falling Leaves | Passionflower | Lotus Love | Lotus pod

Bracelets/Cuffs – Aztec | Silver leaf | Ocean Girl | Girl of the Ocean

Anklets – Ananda | Om | Coral Reef

Sunglasses | Hat (similar)

“You are the artist of your life, you are the author of your own story”

Every day I feel very blessed to live the life that I do. I am thankful for my beautiful tribe and all the angels who have played their part in the course of my life, guiding me, supporting me, reflecting love to me, as I create the life I’ve always dreamed of. Every day the dream changes a little as I learn and grow. I follow my joy, never quite knowing where that will take me. It’s such an exciting and empowering feeling knowing you can choose at any moment what you want to create and how you want to feel. You are the artist of your life, you are the author of your own story. Write the book that sparks your joy. Paint whatever beautiful painting your heart desires. Create the life of your dreams.

Here in Bali, in this quiet space, where clarity prevails, I gained a glimpse of the expansive ability of my mind. I felt the infinite possibilities of my imagination and all that I could create. I felt limitless. I realised at the crux of it all was a need to fully embrace myself for all my unique ways…to know I was already enough. To see myself with eyes of love and compassion, and feel the magic within. To remember I was special. That we all are. We are all amazing, and somehow we forget our beauty, our shining light. Even in the depths of despair and tragedy, never forget who you are. You have the power to decide who you are, what you want to be, and what you want to create in this life.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Bali Luxe

February 9, 2015

Kimono | Sunglasses

Kimono

Rings – Labradorite | Moon + T bar|

Aloha Gaia Jewelry – Arrow midi + Kea ring | Moonstone Handpiece + Comet Moonstone Cuff – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout for Aloha Gaia Jewelry

Aloha Gaia Jewelry – Arrow midi + Kea ring | Moonstone Handpiece + Comet Moonstone Cuff – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout for Aloha Gaia Jewelry

Barefoot sandals

I’m so excited to share part 2 from my recent Bali adventures with the family. Our stay at Villa Rosita, on the magical Tegal Besar beach was beyond 5 star luxury. From the moment you enter this serene villa you are swept away by it’s pure magnificence. It’s beautifully designed with natural stone, bamboo, teak and rattan and well appointed, high end amenities, making this 5 bedroom residence the perfect place to host your special occasions with your loved ones. Villa Rosita is so ideal for an intimate wedding, engagement party, special birthday party, or for those wanting to escape to the most dreamy location possible, and have everything they need to completely unwind at their fingertips.

We spent our days perched on either the balcony, or outdoor couches under the gazebo, overlooking the ocean, feeling the mist of the ocean cool us down and the power of the waves crashing on the shore. It was both the most exhilarating and relaxing place I’ve ever stayed. Whilst sipping a cocktail or two, we listened to some amazing tunes streamed through their state of the art entertainment system. Such an awesome range of music :)

Just a stone’s throw away from the villa you’ll find Bali Safari, Komune beach club and world class surfing. Though we couldn’t bare to leave this paradise and it’s absolute serenity. We were lulled into a meditative trance by the beautiful rhythm of the waves, as we spent so many precious moments with our children enjoying the spa and infinity pool. Bobby and I shared some beautiful, romantic sunset walks along the beach entranced by it’s charm. Nature lovers will particularly love the volcanic black sand. It shines like diamonds in the sunshine and the contrast of white wash over the shimmering black sand was a sight that left me speechless. I’ve been a loyal lover of white sand and turquoise water for as long as I can remember, but I’ve now found myself a new love.

We were lucky enough to have our personal chef and wonderful housekeepers from our villa in Sanur join us again. And of course take care of every need imaginable with the highest standard of service. Each meal was spectacular and no request was too much. We felt like superstars, living the ultimate dream of pure luxurious indulgence, and it was seriously awesome! We are beyond grateful to Villa Seriska for such a beautiful stay and accommodating and anticipating our needs.

Here are some of our photos from our stay at this heavenly villa. We can’t wait to visit again :)

Click HERE to book Villa Seriska, Rosita

Follow Villa Seriska on Instagram and Facebook

Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor and see why Villa Seriska comes so highly recommended :)

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Solitude

October 4, 2014

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.” – Michel de Montaigne

As much as I love to be around people and their inspiring energies, I also deeply yearn for solitude….And perhaps it’s in part my Finnish heritage, though I think it’s more than that….it’s that time I get to refuel, to simply be and go deeper within, to reflect and create and imagine from a place of complete stillness.

These photos were taken on a quiet still morning in Bali at the magical Kubu beach at Ayana Resort. There wasn’t a soul in sight as I walked along the beach allowing my connection to the earth to centre and rejuvenate my being. I feel so thankful to know myself, to understand with love and compassion the needs I have, and to take action to care for them. Every single act of self love builds my energy stores and sets my vibration soaring to a place where only complete wellness can exist. For those suffering from illness of any sort, I urge you to step out in nature, somewhere peaceful, somewhere still, where it’s just you and the elements. Allow this space and experience to refuel your being and bring healing to every cell in your body.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Kubu Beach, Ayana Resort, Bali

Outfit Details

Skirt + Top + Necklace + Handpiece + Hat – Free People

Bag – Lokoa

Rings + Cuff – Embella

Fraser Baye

September 19, 2014

Concho bracelet + Bandit bracelet | Rings – Embella + Sun Wrap Ring

Dress | Chyrosprase Necklace + Ring | Hat | Turquoise necklace + cuff

Dress | Chyrosprase Necklace + Ring | Cuffs | Hilltribe rings | Turquoise ring

Dress | Lokoa Bag | Cuff | Hilltribe ring | Turquoise ring

Sunglasses | Crochet top | Crochet bottoms | Anklet | Hat (similar)

Who’s planning a Bali getaway soon!! I’m already dreaming of another ;) haha! I’ve been to Bali quite a number of times now since it’s only a 3 + a bit hour flight from Perth, and we are always trying to find that perfect space and location that really resonates with our aesthetic and laid back holiday style. We were lucky enough to stay at the beautiful Fraser Baye villas on this recent trip of ours and it was just divine. A fabulous luxe villa layout with privacy and all the essentials that you could possibly need to help you bliss out by the pool in the sunshine. Need a coconut drink, cocktail, some delicious authentic Indonesian food, banana pancakes, a babysitter, a driver or any information at all, you’ll have the most attentive staff on hand at Chloe’s kitchen pod to cater to your every whim. Feel like an incredible massage by the ocean at an amazing price point, then stroll on down to Micks place. Want to add to your rejuvenating holiday experience and get in a yoga sesh, eat some delicious organic food, and drink the best smoothies and juices ever, then less than a minute walk is the lovely Cashew tree. We even stepped out for lush cocktails at El Kabron beach club and had some incredible tapas as we watched the sun setting over the Indian ocean. Everything we needed was within walking distance, which meant no need to drive anywhere, and this in itself was just so wonderfully relaxing for us :)

The villa itself boasts an incredible luxe teak 4 poster king size bed overlooking the infinity pool and gardens. Though the outdoor stone bathroom is probably the most incredible part of this place. You have to see it for yourself to really take in all of it’s beauty.

Overall the laid back pace of Bingin, and being a short walk to the magical Indian ocean, sealed the deal as our favourite little nook on this magical island paradise. Bobby was so happy to be within walking distance of some of the best surf breaks in Bali. It was really more than just a beautiful place to stay for us….it brought with it a communal, local vibe that we had not experienced in Bali before.

Here are some of our pics from our amazing stay at Fraser Baye and the local places/beaches we visited while we were there. I miss you already Bali!

To BOOK Fraser Baye for your next Bali holiday check out Bali Retreats HERE. They will take care of everything you need for your holiday and provide you with so much amazing information about Bali, like where and where not to eat, hot spots, restaurants (like CUCA!! culinary amazingness you must try), the best beach spots, and so much more.

FOLLOW Fraser Baye and Bali Retreats on Instagram

Photography – Bobby Bense, Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Fraser Baye, Bali

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Thalassotherapy

September 11, 2014

Nothing beats getting off the plane and landing in warm sunny paradise to a relaxing spa day. Having travelled so much in my life and especially after having children, I plan the little details of my travel a lot more these days. I always leave a lot of space for spontaneity, though I’m so grateful to myself for the little plans I make well ahead of time….like this. Stepping off the plane and into the renowned Ayana aquatonic spa was the perfect post flight remedy. And a great way to really fast track yourself into an instant holiday vibe. I highly recommend it to those coming off long flights to Bali and really needing something to help kick the jet lag.

The water in the aquatonic pool is fed by the Indian ocean seawater, bringing with it all the healing properties of the ocean. Thalassotherapy actually means ‘Sea Healing.’ The warmth of the water and the hydro massage stations and jet streams, provide so many therapeutic benefits by boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage. I suggest lots of water afterwards to maintain good hydration, and give yourself the best cleansing start to your holiday…. and definitely head straight to your room for the most blissful sleep of your life!

Here are some pictures we took of our time in this incredible spa, our arrival to Ayana Resort and our amazing cliff front villa. The rest of the time we simply melted into a heavenly meditative state of bliss, rejuvenating our bodies and souls.

Enjoy!

Lots of love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Aquatonic spa, Ayana Resort, Bali

Outfit Details

Kimono – Myee Carlyle