FOLLOW
Photography – Bobby Bense + Helen Janneson Bense
Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense
Location – The Majestic Kuala Lumpur | The Majestic Malacca – Malaysia
Outfit Details
Jewelry – Wanderlust and Co
Rings – Elea Crescent Gold | Lunar Gold | Luna Pave Silver | Constellation Gold + Silver | Knot Stack Gold + Silver | Star + Chain Silver | Nala Gold + Jet Chain
Necklaces – Milky Way Silver Lariat | Nova Gold | Supernova Gold | Nova Gold Lariat | Crescent Diamonte Silver Layered | Eclipse Silver Choker
Cuffs – Lola Silver | Luna Gold Set | Knot Gold Handchain | Crescent Silver Handchain | Moonchild Silver Bangle
Earrings – Cosmic Dust Silver | Nova Gold
WCO Holiday Essentials – Girl Gang One Piece | Cactus Pool Float | Girl Gang Straw | Girl Gang Sippy Cup
Clothing – 100 Degree (similar) | Close to my Heart Dress | Salvador Summer Playsuit | Salvador Summer High Low Skirt | Triton Beaded Short | Stingray Cover | Sign of Peace Dress | Jade wears Mochilla Chiller Dress
Swimwear – Salvador Summer Ball Bikini | Bianca Skyflower One Piece | Girl Gang One Piece | Hanging around one piece + scarf
Hats – Selene Boater | Athena Hat | Luna | Rhea
Our family was recently blessed with the most heart filled trip to Malaysia. Meeting the gorgeous creatives behind one of my favourite jewellery brands, Wanderlust + Co, was the absolute highlight of this entire trip. These women are beyond inspiring, creating, sharing and sprinkling beautiful messages of love and inspiration along the way, as they produce their stunning jewellery. The latest Falling Star collection was definitely one of my favourites, filled with light catching, celestial inspired jewels that make you want to reach for the stars and beyond.
Our journey began at the iconic Majestic hotel in Kuala Lumpur. I instantly fell in love with it’s colonial heritage and luxurious touches. From here we discovered the pulse of the city…so much culture, charm and oh my goodness the FOOD! There’s a little bit of everything in this multicultural country – Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese and if you’re vegan like me, then you’ll be happy to know there are so many options. From here you can easily walk to little India. We were lucky enough to witness the Deepavali festivities, also known as the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light triumphing over darkness. What a sensory experience of sparkling lights, vivid colours, joyful celebrations and heavenly aromas that filled the air! We toured the streets admiring the exquisite architecture, the national mosque, the glistening Petronas twin towers, finishing up a perfect day with a rooftop sunset sesh at Troika with our beautiful Wanderlust + Co family. The highlight of our stay at the Majestic KL was definitely the high tea at the Orchid Conservatory. What a delight it was to enjoy a beautiful selection of herbal teas surrounded by a hanging garden of orchids.
Our next stop was the UNESCO World Heritage port town of Malacca, a town filled with diverse architecture steeped in Malacca’s rich history. We stayed at the Majestic Malacca, a restored 1920’s settlement mansion, situated right across from the beautiful Malacca River. This river, long ago used for trade, is now filled with cruises running all day and night. It’s a really great way to see the town, though I’d still suggest walking too so you can admire the amazing street art. Come sunset time head to the Chan Boon Cheng Bridge and you’ll hear the call to prayer combined with the most beautiful view of pastel sunset skies. This was the kind of humbling experience that makes you simply stop, breathe it all in, and give thanks for being alive.
Everything about our stay at The Majestic Malacca was so unique and wonderful. We loved the signature cocktails made with their very own Tanqueray Malacca gin. Bob the bartender was our favourite and even made the kids the yummiest dairy free smoothies every day. The authentic Kristang dining experience (a blend of Malay-portugese) was just superb. They were ever so accommodating with our specific dietary requirements. Without compromising on flavour they brought the most colourful, delicious and aromatic food to the table. It was culinary heaven to say the least. The highlight for me was the signature spa experience. This was hands down the best I’ve ever had….seriously! Inspired by Traditional Chinese medicine the massage was based upon a person’s heating and cooling energies. Discovering that my body needed more heat, they used the nutmeg rice rolling technique, and I was completely amazed at how fantastic this was. I’m not sure anywhere else in the world does this so I’ll need to go back for sure! ;)
The natural beauty, the rich, diverse culture, the vivid colours of Malyasia will long live on in our hearts. So will our wonderful connections with our Wanderlust and Co family. I am forever grateful for this experience and to have shared this with my family.
With love and gratitude,
Helen xx
All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020
