When a place holds a piece of your heart…this is definitely what Scarborough is for us. Our summer staycation at Turquoise Waters Retreat had a full circle feel. It’s where we first lived when we arrived in Perth 17 years ago. It’s where our daughter Jade was born. At home. In our little Scarborough apartment by the beach. I spent most of my pregnancy at the beach bodysurfing and it’s no wonder now, 16 years later, that our surfer girl Jade is out there in her element riding the waves.
We thoroughly lucked out with the timing of our stay. As we arrived the mercury rose to unbearable temperatures and we hit multiple heat records that week. Having that divine pool to cool down in was a godsend, especially for night swims. It was such a beautiful vision as the sun set, the pool lights came on reminding me of bioluminescence.
The coastal decor instantly transported us into holiday mode. And so did those outdoor hammocks. It’s the most relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of tea in the morning and a sunset cocktail.
We enjoyed each morning at the local beach, which just so happens to be our old local beach, riding the waves and catching up with our friends. One of the reasons why I LOVE a good staycation. You get holiday vibes and your friends as well.
Turquoise Waters Retreat is perfectly positioned for summer fun, with local beach markets, boutique shopping, and the cutest cafes within walking distance. A must visit is Folk and Merchant for their inspiring outdoor space and delicious vegan croissants. I’m so in love with their mantra – Live, Breathe, Dream + Create.
We had everything we needed, but the most important thing of all, was time together. The most treasured part of my life will always be my family.
I still have to pinch myself that this paradise resides within a 30 minute ferry ride from our home in Fremantle. The contrast of azure and turquoise waters will have you mesmerised from the moment your ferry approaches the island shores.
We visit at least 3 times a year, and while I love it in every season, summertime is by far my favourite. The soaring Perth summer temperatures are always milder on the island, and the waters are perfect for snorkelling without a wetsuit.
We spent our day recently aboard Rottnest’s Rolls Royce of ferries Sealink, opting for a more environmentally friendly option of travel. Their state of the art ferries are designed to protect the marine environment and use less fuel per passenger than a small four cyclinder car. It’s become our family’s ferry of choice aligning with our values and has all the modern facilities, luxury and comfort for a smooth and fast ride to the island.
Rottnest is an amazing spot to hire a bike, or bring your own, and explore the islands beaches. You’ll be sure to spot some of the cute local quokkas along the way. There are some incredible snorkeling spots. Our favourites are Salmon bay and The Basin. For a day of beach lounging we love Little Parakeet bay. It’s usually a little quieter, and has the clearest and calmest water for swimming.
It’s always such a special family day for us enjoying the oceans healing magic and exploring the underwater world. I love watching the confidence in my teen kids grow as they challenge themselves with their ocean skills.
Have you been to Rottnest Island? If not then put it on the bucket list as it’s most definitely a bucket list worthy spot, along with so many other amazing places here in WA. If you ever need any assistance building up a dream WA trip, please reach out and I’ll let you know some of the best spots to visit and when.
When it rains it pours is how the saying goes and it couldn’t be more true for me right now with my current health issues. If you’ve been reading my Instagram lately, I’ve been sharing a little more about my health journey. It can be a lonely one at times. Connecting to others going through similar experiences has really helped me and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s reached out to me this past month.
I thought all my problems started with my broken toe in August, or the gastrointestinal virus I had in June, or the paddling injury that spurred on my frozen shoulder in March….what I’m realising is it’s a little of each, plus the stress of the last 2 years piling on. Plus the fact that I’m peri menopausal and going through new changes that are challenging me in many ways. I’ve had multiple breast scares over the past 8 years and I recently experienced another when I found a new lump. It really put me over the edge. I’ve been back and forth with tests over the past month. While I was given the green light at first, it wasn’t long before things escalated and I found myself talking to a breast cancer specialist facing more testing and more waiting yet again. The waiting anxiety feels like the hardest part of it all, but it is really just the tip of the iceberg considering the journey some take when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m feeling very lucky right now, and very grateful. I received the best news ever last Friday that my results are all clear. I have a healing journey ahead, most likely surgery, but there is a deep sense of relief that we’ve finally and completely ruled out the ‘C’ word.
With such an eventful year I’ve really needed a lot more time in self reflection. You may have noticed from Instagram I’ve taken numerous solo staycays this year. One aspect is for work, which feeds me creatively, but the other is my need to be alone with my thoughts, to get to know myself better, and understand my changing needs. I’m beyond grateful my amazing husband Bobby and our children are able to support me through all of this. It’s most definitely not a viable option for everyone. We’ve always faced certain challenges without extended family support, so we all really rely on the support we give to one another, especially through times like this.
My recent solo staycay was thankfully divinely timed so perfectly around the beginning of my breast scare. I stayed at the incredibly beautiful Turquoise Waters Retreat. A luxurious, coastal styled airbnb located in Scarborough that made me feel so at home. Every detail is considered and every space is both comfortable and photogenic. It’s definitely a fantastic space to take some epic photos and relax. And to set up a glorious picnic! Pretty Willow stopped by and set up the most creative, magnificent and relaxing picnic space to enjoy and unwind. Everything about this stay was exactly what my body, heart and soul needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time soaking up the sunshine by the stunning pool. Sun-smart sunbathing is known to improve mood and really helps me regulate my nervous system. It’s something I do in short regular bursts, particularly in the cooler months. I’ve also discovered many other hacks for activating my vagus nerve, which is the switch to the calming part of your nervous system. Music, singing, humming, massages and cold showers are all amazing vagus nerve activators. And so are digestive bitters. Particularly good taken right before meals to ensure proper digestion. Since the vagus nerve is intricately involved in controlling digestive function it’s no wonder we get tummy issues when we are stressed. We need rest to digest!
I’ve also got a new hack that I’m a bit obsessed with. It’s called Sensate. It’s a small device you place on your sternum area that emits infrasonic waves that are synchronised and in harmony with the specially composed hemispheric audio which can be found in the Sensate app. It’s so easy to use and it’s immediately relaxing. Sensate can help to calm the fight-flight-freeze response of your nervous system, activate your vagus nerve, induce relaxation, and over time helps to improve the tone of the vagus nerve….also known as stress resilience. This device is particularly good for those who have experienced trauma and suffer with post traumatic stress. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it’s helped me amp up my meditation time to be even more effective. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, use my code HELEN35 for $35 AUD off.
So while it’s been a year of health hurdles, it’s been a wonderful learning experience, and I find myself growing every day, creating a life that aligns more with my ethos. I’m spending a lot more time in nature, with friends, with family, I’m regularly tuning out of the news and social media, and I’m focused on what I can do, rather than what I can’t. These last fews day I’ve had some small wins with my shoulder which means my dream of getting back on my paddle board this summer is back on the cards. I honestly couldn’t be happier. Finding gratitude when the chips are down means that no matter what life throws your way, you can still thrive, and find ways to enjoy life even when there are immense challenges.
Right now I’m taking it one day at a time, knowing I will heal, and taking extra special care of myself as I navigate this bumpy part of my road.
In WA right now we’re enjoying Kambarang, the Noongar season, signalling the return of warmer weather. There’s an abundance of colour, vibrant wildflowers are popping everywhere, reptiles are emerging from hibernation, and Koolbardies (magpies) are singing and swooping, protecting their nests.
What a magical time of year it was to visit Smiths Beach. This makes our sixth visit to Smiths Beach Resort and it was by far one of the most unique and best family trips we’ve had. After months of hefty rainfall nature was exploding with colour, vibrancy, health and beauty. Situated right by a national park, with the most beautiful beach on it’s doorstep, we had front row seats to nature’s magnificence. We woke up to pastel sunrise skies, double rainbows, and watched the golden rays of sunset sparkle over the ocean.
While the weather was oscillating between sunny and stormy, we made the very best of our time. Our children are adventurers and wild at heart like their parents, so we had no trouble motivating them to brave the wild weather with us. From snorkelling to surfing to rock climbing we did it all, rain, hail or shine. Our children are enthusiastic indoor rock climbers and they absolutely love this place because there are so many perfectly formed boulders that are just the right kind of challenge to climb without the need for a harness. Jade is also a keen surfer and had a wonderful surfing lesson with Crystal from Yallingup Surf School, who was such a kind and skilled surf instructor. Yallingup lagoon is a beautiful and safe spot to learn to surf. The kids all had a blast and caught some great waves :)
We always make sure to pack wetsuits and snorkelling gear no matter the time of year and head to our favourite spot, ‘The Aquarium’, a natural, large mermaid pool just a 20 minute hike from Smiths beach resort. It’s great for a snorkel, and the walk itself is breathtaking. You’ll spot wildflowers and wildlife along the way, and have the best ocean views you could dream of. Another spot we love to hike along the cape to cape track is at Castle Rock. It’s also another great bouldering spots for the kids. There were loads of wildflowers on this walk and so many rainbows! It also happens to be a great place to whale watch too, as migrating humpbacks head back south this time of year.
We lucked out with some beautiful sunshine too and enjoyed a glorious picnic by the lake at Windows Estate. It’s a signature Smiths Beach Resort experience that I highly recommend. We were surrounded by nature, soaking up the the ambient sounds of wildlife, warmed by a toasty, crackling fire, indulging in the most delicious plant based feast. It was so cosy and a lovely balance to our adventure filled days. We all had such a fun afternoon. It turned out to be such a great family bonding experience.
When the sunshine came out we headed poolside for some relaxation at Smiths Beach Resort. It’s the most comfortable, luxurious place to return after a day of forest and ocean adventures. Everything is so easy, effortless, the rooms are so well designed, and the beds feel like you’re floating on a cloud. My favourite moment is at sunrise, making tea, popping the fire on, opening the blinds and soaking up that calm sunrise stillness from the balcony, my excitement for the possibilities of the day brewing.
In every season Smiths Beach has something magical to offer. It’s full of experiences for all; wild adventure, relaxation, nature, food and wine, history, culture. Every time I visit I fall more in love with this region of WA and look forward to the next trip!
This ancient, wild land calls to me, it draws me in like the changing tides. My heart sings with joy as it heals my woes, soothes my soul, and connects me to nature, bringing me home deeper into my heart.
Is there a place for you that feels like this?
I recently took a solo trip to Broome, a sunshine filled, wild land in the north west of Australia. I didn’t realise it until I was there, but I needed this trip for my mental health. It was on my first day it hit me out of nowhere. After a slow morning soaking in the sun, I was enjoying an outdoor bath, and I found myself in a flood of tears. The overwhelm I was feeling, yet somehow holding onto so tightly, had all the space and safety for release. It was a little bit of everything really. The pain and trauma in the world felt heavy in my heart. The intensity of motherhood and the juggle of running a business and feeling constantly behind the eight ball. The mother’s guilt of feeling like you just can’t do it all. The exhaustion of living this busy life where we strive to accomplish so much, yet damage our mental health, and our planet in the process. The trauma that lives in my cells, that can be triggered by unknown stimuli, sometimes a look, a tone, a smell, a song, a feeling. It was here in this bath I started to deeply breathe through every little bit of grief. I allowed it in, to wash over me, and to diminish in it’s own time. Like the tides of the north west, it came in fast and strong, and without my resistance, it shifted just as quickly.
I felt such a wonderful release after this cry. It was just what I needed. And joy quickly moved into it’s place. I spent the day hiking to the Coconut Well rock pools. Imagine a place where you can have your very own rock pool. Well this is it! While I do recommend a 4WD for this adventure in the hot sun, it’s possible to walk. You’ll need appropriate footwear as the limestone is super sharp. And ensure you check the tides before going. If you have a 9+metre high tide the lagoon at the beginning of the walk will be full. It’s a beautiful spot to float and swim. It’s rare over the dry season (May – Oct) to see crocodiles here, but there is a very small possibility. You want to head to the rock pools as the tide is receding. They’ll be exposed and full of beautiful turquoise water. On the day I visited there was no-one else around. I couldn’t believe I had the entire beach to myself. It was incredible! And during a time when Broome was beyond capacity too.
I chose an eco tent at Coconutz BNB for my first stay of this trip. It’s walking distance to the Coconut Well lagoon, so it made an ideal spot to stay. I had no idea how much I would fall in love with this place. The whole glamping situation is so well set up. Everything was easy and comfortable. There’s a kitchen, a bathroom, a dining space, and its really simple to prepare your own food here. I felt so close to nature as I listened to the bird song and watched the sunset over the ocean from my hammock. Lisa is the most generous and helpful host, and I would gladly visit this place again. You’ll have access to the main pool too, which is beyond luxurious.
My next stop was to Bali Hai resort and spa. This was my second stay here and it won’t be my last. It’s one of my favourite places to stay in Cable beach. I love the tropical Bali vibes, the smell of incense, the lush gardens, the villa design, the glistening pool, and the beautiful spa. It has a wonderful restaurant with delicious vegan food (the curry is the best!)
From here I adventured to Gantheaume point, less than a 10 minute drive away. I visited multiple times to hunt for rock pools as there were big tides happening while I was in town. The first day I missed it by just 30 minutes and it was emptying. On my second visit I broke my toe right as I was turning the corner to see it! Talk about timing! It was so full and it was beautiful. I didn’t know my toe was broken and chose to ignore it for awhile and enjoy the pool and views. It didn’t take long before I realised it was turning black and blue and swelling. I spent the rest of my trip poolside, foot elevated, on ice. It was probably just what I needed too. I get a bit crazy when adventuring solo, always pushing my limits. I feel like a little kid searching for treasure. The joy completely overtook the pain.
So while I navigate these changing tides of my life, I’m picking up a lot of great tools along the way. A little solo time is essential. So is exposing myself to sporadic bursts of sunshine during winter. Breathing through everything helps me regulate my nervous system. Barefoot nature walks always ground me, as long as the terrain is flat! haha! I’m a huge fan of cold showers/baths and singing/chanting/humming to activate my vagus nerve and calm my nervous system. I’m creating safe space for loving compassion to allow myself to feel and release. And while I do this and become the best version of myself, I’m sending a whole lot of love, healing and prayers out to all those in need right now. While I experienced some hiccups on this trip, and face my own personal challenges, I am so grateful for all I have, for my privilege in this life, and that I have a safe and loving home.
While it may still be a long while for Australians to get back to their favourite paradise locations, for me the memories still hold a special place in my heart and will not be forgotten when the time comes to safely venture once again.
It’s been awhile since this trip to Indonesia, but I finally have the time now to reflect upon this incredible experience. One rich with colour, culture and connection. And a whole lot of beauty and relaxation.
It was September 2018 and we journeyed from Seminyak, the bustling heart of Bali, to the majestic cliff-sides of Uluwatu, one of my favourite parts of Bali. Our holiday began at the wonderful Villa Saba 10. A quiet, private luxurious 5 bed villa, equipped with our own chef and team of staff to help with any of our needs. It was such a fun, laid back family vibe; floating in the pool, listening to music, soaking up that glorious Balinese sun, sitting by the fire at night and chatting all day long.
From here we were ready for a more lively Balinese vibe at W Hotels in Seminyak. Situated right on the beach we had the privilege of watching many of those magical Indonesian sunsets that seem to go on forever in every shade of pink, peach and purple. We absolutely loved our 2 bed pool villa with everything we could ever need for the most comfortable and luxurious stay.
We always leave Uluwatu as the last leg of our trips to Bali. It has all the quiet nature vibes we crave.
We stayed at the immaculate Six Senses Resort, a luxury hotel perched upon the cliff, overlooking the ocean. It feels as though you are at the end of the earth with these breathtaking ocean and sunset views. It’s truly a place to unwind and decompress with ease. There were seated massages awaiting us at reception, an all you can eat ice cream parlour (with vegan options), and the most dreamy infinity pool!
The resort was only just opened when we stayed, so more work was still needed finishing off more villas and gardening. Even still, we found it to be a seamless stay. Such a great sign for a resort. Our plant based needs were catered for with ease, which is so often the way staying at Six Senses resorts. We have now stayed at 3 Six Senses resorts through south east Asia and I’m certain it won’t be our last. They are above and beyond some of the best quality resorts we have had the privilege of experiencing.
While this trip was utter bliss, I did sadly pick up a really serious flu on the plane on the the way home. It’s been difficult to remember these paradise days prior, as the following experience was one of the scariest of my life. It came hard and fast once I returned home. I was in bed for 5 days with a raging 40 degree fever and the worst body aches of my life. I kept thinking I’ll ride it out, I’ll be better tomorrow. By day 5 I honestly felt like I was going to die. My worried husband, Bobby, managed to get me to my doctor, who immediately sent me to hospital. She looked at me, wondering why I wasn’t already there. I had no idea the flu could be this bad. I was hospitalised for a further 5 days, and unwell for weeks. They did loads of blood tests thinking I had picked something up in Bali, to finally discover I just had the flu. My white blood cell count and my blood pressure both fell dangerously low while in hospital. I had never felt so ill, so helpless, I couldn’t even go to the toilet, and I finally understood how people die from the flu. I was out of action for a solid month recovering. The doctors left me with a strong warning that I needed to be especially careful with all viruses in future given my severe reaction and my history. I realised that almost every other time I had been in hospital it was always due to a virus. While all of this was scary, I started to piece together a better health picture which has helped me ever since. My immune system has been vulnerable since I was a child. I was frequently ill, on antibiotics more times per year than I could count. Coupled with trauma which also impacts the immune system, I have lived most of my life at the mercy of viral infections. This is one of the reasons why I’m so careful with my health now, and also partly why I was drawn to Naturopathy for work. When you have vulnerabilities and challenges in life you are able to tap into compassion to those suffering and in need. It’s also why I take Covid so seriously, and have so much compassion and empathy for anyone affected, and families who have lost loved ones. My heart goes out to you.
So while it was an aftermath and half, I am still so grateful for the paradise I was lucky enough to experience before this. Since this trip I have taken numerous precautions to protect myself and maintain top notch health on all my travels. I have an arsenal of natural anti-virals, immune modulating herbs/nutrients, stress management techniques and ongoing trauma work, long term positive health impacts of a plant based diet, and hindsight to help me in future. Now I’m looking forward to visiting paradise once again, when it’s safe to do so.
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