Style

Bawah Reserve

April 28, 2018

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Editing – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

Outfit Details

Swimwear – Adrianna Sandy Blanket Stitch bikini | Cloud Dancer One-piece | Hung up on you One-piece | Camilla One-piece (similar)

Tops – Dana Top

Hats – Je T’aime Hat | Riviera cap

Sunglasses – Classic Round ray bans

Jewelry – Orbit Gold necklace | Galaxy Charms Gold Bracelet | Rings

This was one of those moments when you stumble upon a piece of paradise so pristine and so perfect you are torn between keeping it secret or sharing it’s beauty with the world. Of course we have to share this magnificent place and we want everyone to experience it for themselves. This is barefoot, sustainable luxury and it’s truly heaven on earth.

Bawah is so much more than an island. It’s an archipelago consisting of 6 beautiful islands, a reserve filled with marine life and wild life, and an experience waiting to bring you back to your true nature. There are 3 gorgeous lagoons and 13 beaches, with the whitest sand and clearest, crystal clear water. You can explore the islands by catamaran, by kayak, by snorkel and by stand up paddle board. And you can hike to the top and explore the magical vista from above. It’s truly a sight to see and a great way to discover the beautiful native flora that grows on the island.

We traveled with our two children, Jade and Jacob (12 and 9), and it was the best family holiday we’ve had. It was so wonderful to watch their confidence build as they bravely dove deep into the lagoon and explored the beauty of the underwater world. I loved seeing their personalities blossom as they interacted with the staff and how eager they were to explore and experience.

We had such an easy and seamless travel experience getting to Bawah. We flew to Singapore from Perth via Singapore airlines and it was such a great flight. From here Bawah Reserve organised our VIP fast track travel experience via ferry to Batam, Indonesia and then a seaplane into Bawah. It took maybe around 3 hours total and it was so cruisy and comfortable with minimal waiting. Landing at Bawah was just the most beautiful view I have ever laid my eyes on. Seeing it from above on such a clear day was incredible! The welcome we received was so heart warming and we instantly fell in love with everyone and this island paradise.

We stayed in an overwater villa which gave us the option for easy snorkeling right from our deck. Our family loves to snorkel and we were lucky enough to see starfish, rays, baby sharks, and the most brightly coloured fish imaginable! When we weren’t snorkelling we enjoyed in villa dining while watching the beautiful turquoise views and sunsets. One evening we were even picked up by boat for an island sunset cruise right from our villa! It was the best! There is just so much to see and explore that your inner child will be shining ever so brightly and just bursting with excitement for the possibilities each day.

Ok let’s talk food because wow the chefs here really know what they are doing. I can not fault them in any way what so ever. The concept is everything is included when you book at Bawah. Your room rate covers all your meals, your water activities, your spa treatments, your sea plane transfers and your dedicated hosts who will take the very best care of you during your stay. The chef will meet with you and create your dream menu catering specifically to your every need. In our family, we have me who is vegan, Jade who is vegetarian and Bobby and Jacob who eat almost everything, except 3 of us are all gluten free! haha! It’s a lot and gets very confusing when we travel. Not here though. Not one bit. They not only ensured our dietary requirements were met, they went above and beyond to create some of the most gourmet culinary experiences I have enjoyed as a vegan. I felt so spoilt! I’m so ok eating fairly simply as it agrees well with my body and health, but it was so wonderful to have someone put so much effort and energy to create these meals for us each day. I never ate the same thing and I was always so pleasantly surprised and in awe of their creations.

We had two wonderful hosts take the best care of us too. Always ready to help us with anything. Big shout out and thank you to both Bayu and Mohra. It’s so helpful for us as travel bloggers to have understanding hosts who can help us out to manage our time so efficiently so we can make the most of our experience.

Bawah is the place you’ll make everlasting memories at, it’s where you’ll connect deeply with yourself, your family, your partner and nature. It naturally brings out your best self and I hope you all get the chance to visit this incredibly special place. If it’s not on your bucket list already, put it at the top! Seriously!

We are filled with gratitude for our dream trip to Bawah, and will cherish every moment of our experience.

Now we are gearing up for more adventures and we’re also talking about running a travel workshop! Let me know if you’re interested in learning how to become a travel blogger? We will be sharing everything from how to build your blog to creating and editing beautiful imagery. Email me if you’d like to hear more and want to travel with us.

Much love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Magical City of Lights

January 25, 2018

Photography/Videography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling/Editing – Helen Janneson Bense | Bobby Bense

Location – Dubai, United Arab Emirates – For all your Dubai travel needs head to Visit Dubai

Stay – Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach

Eat – Toko | Thiptara | Mercury Lounge

Outfit Details

Bag – Basket White Tassel | Ark bag

Swimwear – Ostuni Halterneck | Salvador Summer

Hats – Je T’aime | Scalloped Ivory Love

From the mountains to the city, from the desert to the sea, Dubai really has it all and has won our hearts once again. This was our second trip to this dreamy city, where everything feels like a fairytale. The glistening streets at night, the iconic Burj Khalifa standing so tall and bright, the buildings shimmering in gold, it makes you stop and admire just how innovative and creative Dubai truly is. The blend of traditional architecture with modern luxuries is outstanding. We experienced everything from the Hajar mountains and the historical town of Hatta, to the pure opulence of the Burj Al Arab. We kayaked the Hatta Dam, went stand up paddle boarding at Cove Beach, took a seaplane over the Palm Jumeirah, explored the souks of Madinat Jumeirah, and enjoyed some of the best food we’ve ever had. For a spectacular candlelit meal with the most incredible views of the dancing fountains head to Thiptara at The Palace. The viewing deck at The Palace is also a great vantage point to watch the fountain show and see Burj Khalifa transform into one of the most creative light shows I’ve ever seen. For a fun rooftop sunset sesh we loved Level 43 and the Mercury Lounge at the Four Seasons. One of my personal highlights, however so small, was discovering that the Four Seasons has a gluten free, vegan menu. I did the most joyful happy dance and maybe even squealed a little when I saw this ;) I love how progressive and multicultural Dubai is, and this is reflected in all the amazing dining experiences on offer. We were completely spoilt for choice everywhere we went! For a lovely casual night out with something for everyone try Toko. Feast on Chinese and Japanese street style food in their famous outdoor garden. It was culinary heaven, and set the scene for such a fun night out connecting with friends.

The finale to this beyond amazing trip was heading into the Arabian desert for a safari. We learnt about the Arabian Oryx, the national animal of UAE, and were lucky enough to see a herd of these majestic creatures in the conservation reserve. What a beautiful sight it was, the white Oryx set against the contrast of the vibrant desert sand. After an exhilarating ride in the cutest vintage jeep we arrived at our desert camp. We watched the sunset in the most divine bedouin setup, with arabic coffee, shisha and traditional drumming and dance. We shared a beautiful meal and heart felt stories around the fire, creating memories with our lovely group of desert travellers. These are the precious moments that will be with me forever.

If you want any more information on Dubai please comment or direct message me. I’m always happy to help and offer my assistance to plan your perfect adventure.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

This trip was sponsored by Visit Dubai and we are beyond grateful for this opportunity to create and share all this beauty and magic with you all.

My Happy Place

January 13, 2018

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – North Beach, Western Australia

“Recognise the beauty that you are by immersing yourself in it”

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone and thanks for following along and being part of our tribe! We love you!

If you follow my instagram you’ll probably see a crazy amount of sunset imagery. Not only are sunsets beyond beautiful and so fun to take photos of, they provide me with the most ideal space and time to go within to my happy place. This is probably the most important reason I spend my days chasing sunsets. This particular one was simply breathtaking. The mood was so still with very little wind, with this incredibly iridescent turquoise water set against a candy coloured sky. There was lightning on the horizon and you could feel the tingling vibrations of a pending storm. Every cell in my body was alive. I felt like crying it was just so beautiful.

Most days you’ll find me spending quality time connecting with my family, immersed in the beauty of nature. It might be snorkelling in a turquoise lagoon, hiking beach cliffs, supping on a mountain lake, though more than often I’m simply watching the setting sun. There is nothing more enriching for me in this life than connection to myself, to my tribe, and to nature. We are one and the same. We spend so much of our time searching externally for comfort, to ease our pain and inner conflicts; trying to control the uncertainty of life whilst projecting our fears onto others. The more I observe and allow my feelings and thoughts to be, the more at ease I become. I find a sense of peace that brings more happiness into my life than any external pleasures and addictive behaviours possibly could. Putting myself in the presence of nature’s beauty provides me with an easier path to move deeper into this inner space. The place where I’m able to sit in the stillness and observe, and give my thoughts and feelings the acceptance they need. This is my meditative space where my inner state of peace bubbles into pure joy. This is my happy place. It’s when I’m connected to nature and realise I am nature. I feel as though I am the setting sun and the rising moon, and each wave that rolls in is like my precious breath that gives me life.

I hope you all have a happy place that brings you health, joy and connection. Wishing you all a wonderful, magic filled 2018!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

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

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

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

Sunglasses

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

Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Drone Photography – Courtesy of Grand Park Kodhipparu

Model/styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Grand Park Kodhipparu | Kanuhura – Maldives

Outfit Details

Swimwear – Gypset Lace up | Alena Luxe | Hush Hush | Ostuni Halterneck | Hartley Top + Bottoms

Jolie skirt

Strawberry fields forever skirt | Free Spirit crop

Hat

You can read my recent Interview on Indulge Maldives

Ok so we have officially found heaven on earth! The Maldives is honestly beyond breathtaking, it’s actually so unbelievably beautiful the views brought me to tears many times. From our seaplane arrival and parasailing over the atolls, to heart melting dolphin encounters and sunset cruises to castaway islands…these moments will live on in us forever.

We spent 10 days in this turquoise haven with our family, split between two amazing resorts – Grand Park Kodhipparu and Kanuhura. We somehow brought the sunshine with us and lucked out with an almost all clear, sunny time for our entire trip, which we didn’t expect considering we traveled in the rainy season. Honestly when it did rain we didn’t even care! It was still so warm, so beautiful, and our level of relaxation and family fun reached all new heights on this trip. For anyone on the fence about traveling during the rainy months, my tip is absolutely do it! It’s less crowded, less expensive, and you’ll have the best time guaranteed.

We spent our days soaking up the sunshine playing paddle ball on the beach, snorkelling, supping, jet skiing and island hopping in these crystal clear waters. We pretty much ticked off a whole lot of bucket list items, including simply being there!

Though many people think of the Maldives as the honeymoon destination, I felt like it was actually one of the best places we’ve ever traveled with our children. There was just so much to do and even when we were just relaxing on the beach I was so inspired watching their imaginative play. It’s so refreshing to see what children will come up with when immersed in a natural environment away from all the usual technological distractions. They were hundred percent happy exploring, and it felt so safe for them with no cars and so much beach to run and express their little hearts out.

One of our highlights was filming a wedding with Grand Park Kodhipparu. Bobby and I felt like we were getting married all over again. We set sail to a nearby sandbank, dressed in flowing chiffon, with an island style wedding awaiting us. We danced, we kissed, we strolled down the aisle and into the sunset together in one of the most romantic moments of our entire trip. Another stand out moment was our arrival to Kanuhura. We took a seaplane and we had no idea how incredible it was going to be. The turquoise view over the atolls were unforgettable. After our sea plane we hopped on a short boat ride and found a pod of dolphins that put on a show for us. We hadn’t even arrived yet and we were completely overcome with emotion from the natural beauty surrounding us.

I hope you all enjoy our photos and honestly if you have the opportunity to travel here, we all highly recommend it!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Island Style

September 22, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Grand Park Kodhipparu | Kanuhura – Maldives

Outfit Details

Jewelry – Indie and Harper

Necklaces – Gold Half moon | Gold White Pebble

Prairie skirt | Lace Top (similar)

Basket | Raffia sandals

Gypset One Piece

Alena One Piece

Caletta Bikini Top + Bottoms

Hope Ruffle Bikini

Lucinda Dress

Iris Dress (similar)

Lace Dress (similar lace dresses)

Let our light and truth be seen, let us celebrate our differences, and recognise we are all one. One heartbeat. One tribe. One Love.

Reflecting on the trip of a lifetime to the magical islands known as the Maldives. It’s total bucket list stuff and I’ll be sharing so much more of this journey with you in the coming weeks right here on the blog. For now here are some of my favourite island styles and golden sparkling jewels from the one and only Indie and Harper. Jewels for the gypset at heart, always seeking, exploring, adventuring and celebrating life and the beauty that is all around us. Let’s open our eyes and our hearts, and feel the joy and peace that is our birthright, as we step into this magical space. This space where it’s the simple view of a sunset, the warm ocean breeze, the sound of birds singing or our barefeet against the sand, that so effortlessly take us there.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Helen Janneson Bense

Style

Bawah Reserve

April 28, 2018

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Magical City of Lights

January 25, 2018

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My Happy Place

January 13, 2018

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W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

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Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

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Island Style

September 22, 2017

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