Helen Janneson Bense: Travel

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

Outfit Details

Beacon Dress | Halliday Hat | Necklace
SW Field of Gold Anklets
Yoko Combi | HG Sequoia Necklace | Smith Hat | Torchlight Rings
Rusty Cruise Halter Bikini | Coastline Kimono | Smith Hat
Aloha dress | Arizona Black Hat | Gala Pendant | Aviators
Burning Sun Tunic | Halliday Hat
Beacon Dress | Halliday Hat
Hendrix & Harlow Kimono | Smith Hat
Kiss the Sky Kimono | Arizona Black Hat
San Sebastian bikini | Kiss the Sky Kimono | Arizona Black Hat
Sea Dreamer Monaco Bikini | Smith Hat | Vivian Belly Chain | Gala Pendant | OOAK Turquoise Ring | Tipi Ring | Vibe Ring | Crossover Ring

Six Senses Yao Noi was by far one of the very best resorts we have ever stayed at. Bobby and I have done our fair share of travel to luxury resorts, though after our stay here, we have been catapulted to a new level of standard. The attention to detail is definitely their most astounding quality. And for someone like me, who is so into details, nothing was missed.

As you step off the boat and onto this island paradise the landscape will instantly awe you. Breathtaking panoramic views of limestone karsts sit on the horizon in Phang Nga bay that can be seen from your villa or the main pool at the Hilltop Reserve. The entire design of the resort flows so seamlessly with the natural mangrove surrounds, with all structures built around the trees and into the landscape. The interior spaces particularly appealed to my Scandinavian roots and my love of neutral and natural decor. They have created such a clear and easy space that evokes relaxation right away.

Their focus on sustainability, and commitment to social and environmentally responsible practices is commendable. They are so genuine at Six Senses and you can feel how much they really care. The passion in all the staff is not only evident in their smiles, but in the positive energy they all radiant. We felt instantly taken care of the moment we arrived. I can really see why people come here for months at a time for retreat. The whole resort is abuzz with such a high vibrational energy. It ticks all the boxes and then some.

As a couple of foodies, Bobby and I were thoroughly impressed with the quality, variety and divine flavour of absolutely everything. The standard the chefs adhere to is in a league of their own. They only accept the freshest and best produce in their kitchen. They grow so much of their food in beautiful organic gardens spread across the property. They have their own mushroom shed, and an organic egg farm, where you can choose your own eggs for breakfast. But by far the biggest culinary treat they have is the Ice cream shop where they create yummy flavours and bake all kinds of assorted deliciouness. But wait….seriously it gets better….. you can actually go and eat ice cream for free all day long at the ice cream shop right by mai tai beach! Yes, this place is heaven!

A few other highlights of our stay that all added up to one beyond amazing adventure – being surprised with my very own specially made gluten free desserts by the pool. Dinner with management that was more like dinner with old friends…and they served gemstone water {an amazing water containing high vibrational crystals to amplify and vitalise your energy}. Finding an awesome old school wooden rope swing on the beach and no one on it! Swimming in the warm, tropical rain showers without a care in the world. Waking up at sunrise to a magical purple haze sky that lasted all of a few minutes but was so worth waking up for. Day spa pampering and discovering they use Tibetan Singing bowls. And of course lazing by the pool with a cocktail in hand (with lemongrass for a straw) …basically we were in heaven for a few days and I’m still dreaming of going back.

I can’t recommend this place enough to my fellow wanderlust travellers out there. I know that every experience in life is a matter of perspective based on each individual’s view of themselves and their world. I always try to find the good in everything. This was like finding gold at the end of the rainbow. The jackpot!

I hope you guys go visit Six Senses Yao Noi and please share with me your experiences of this utterly magical sanctuary.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Travel Tips –

Definitely take a long tail boat out and go island hopping….the limestone karsts are so beautiful in the bay and a must see close up!
The rooms are all absolutely incredible. If you are a beach lover like me opt for the beachfront villa so you can have direct access to the beach. It’s perfect for swimming and so private and pristine.
Check out the day spa and the wonderful healing massages.
Their take on a margarita is the bomb! Must have!
Everything is actually so amazing so you won’t be disappointed ;)
I’d suggest arriving during the daylight hours as you will need to transfer from car to boat to get to Yao Noi Island. It’s a smooth ride though and nice to enjoy the view of the turquoise sea and snap pics :) Aim to arrive before 6pm and you should be all good.

Bikini | Dainty Drop Layer Necklace | Cuffs + rings

Photography – Bobby Bense & Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Yosemite National Park, California

Outfit Details

Sun Warrior Romper

Wanderlust tee + Woodstock Shorts

London Slip Dress

San Sebastian Bikini

Vegas beaded top + Tribal Chevron Wash Shorts

Ophelia Lace Blouse | Shorts | Crochet Halter

Zanzibar bikini + Love Denim Child Shorts

White Sands Halter + Memory Lane Trashed Shorts

Jewelry + Accessories

Custom Generator necklace

Gold/Blue Mirror Aviators

Hydrus Arm Cuff

{MUST HAVE} Travel Hat

Some places are just too spectacular for words. This is one of those places. A space so out of this world, so grand, so majestic, sacred. I can see why people say god lives there. You can literally feel the energy and heartbeat of the land. These breathtaking views kept me in a continual state of awe and reverence, which is a beautiful way to be.

This was my second visit to Yosemite and I must say I’m itching to go back again. There is so much more to explore and I feel like each time I only scratch the surface. The first time I camped within the park at Curry Village. This time we stayed just outside the park at Tenaya lodge. Even though this is close to the park’s entrance, I’d totally suggest staying somewhere more central within the valley. The park is so vast, and it takes over an hour to drive from the entrance into the valley. Spending hours driving each day, even with spectacular views, is not as fun as being out amongst it all.

The highlight of this adventure was definitely Glacier Point. It’s a bit of a winding drive up to the 7000+ft elevation but well worth it. The panoramic views of half dome and the waterfalls are out of this world. It was pretty crowded in the main turn offs, but we found ourselves a quiet little nook to camp out in for the day. We watched deer prance upon by as we admired the amazing scene and took in the gravity of this place. Of course I dressed completely appropriately for a little light hiking ;) flips flops, bikini, lace romper, kimono and a tonne of jewels.

One of the amazing hikes we did whilst at Yosemite was up to Vernal Falls. I hiked this back in 2003 and was so excited to feel the invigorating energy of these falls again. The altitude, the cooling mists, and surround sound of all that falling water makes for a heady combination that is like being inside a dream. Beyond magnificent.

So till next time Yosemite, thanks for fulfilling my wanderlust.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Helen Janneson Bense

Travel

Six Senses

October 11, 2015

Yosemite

August 31, 2015