Have you ever seen a sunset and a moonrise at the same time?! I never know which way to look as both views are so beautiful! I still find it absolutely phenomenal that nature produces this kind of magic! How lucky are we!
We were so humbled by nature’s beauty on our recent trip to Bawah; the golden sun flares shimmering over the iridescent turquoise lagoon and the majesty of the moon as it rose against the pastel glow of the sky.
What a night it was, decked out in my absolute favourite dainty moonstone jewels from Midsummer Star, in the most perfect setting. As we were getting ready for an island style dinner I felt called by the full moon. The next thing I know I’m back in a bikini and in the ocean for an evening swim! haha! ;)
As the biggest jewelry lover ever, my dresser is filled with Midsummer Star pieces from every one of their gorgeous collections. The intricate designs and shimmery moonstones speak to my soul and are some of my favourite sterling silver pieces. I get so excited for their new collection drops! And how well do they all pair with each other. It’s always so easy to style and stack them up.
And seriously Bawah is the most dreamiest place on this planet! We are gearing up for more island adventures tomorrow so keep your eye on my instagram and stories for all the behind the scenes! Until then lovers have an awesome week and hope you can feel all the good vibes I’m sending out. And make sure you check out Midsummer Star’s latest release! It’s insanely good!
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.
My trip to Finland last year was a coming home experience for me. It had been 36 years since I had visited my home and reconnected with my roots. My earliest memories are of Finland, the smell of the forest, the taste of the wild berries, the quiet, stillness of the land, the centred, strong people, who stand tall like the birch. I remember the midsummer bonfire burning so bright and swimming in the lakes after a sauna. I remember running around my grandmother’s house waiting for it to get dark, yelling out I would never sleep until the sun went down. In this magical land of the midnight sun, I eventually tired from all my time spent exploring nature. I would help my grandfather with the garden, collecting apples, potatoes and we’d pick wild berries from the forest land that was their backyard. We would bake all kinds of deliciousness. My favourite was and always will be Karjalanpirakka. A must try when you visit Finland. And a little tip, we had some of the best ever for breakfast at Hotel F6 – still not as good as yours mum, but close ;) haha!
It amazed me how at home I felt when I arrived. The immigration officer asked me about the origins of my name and then welcomed me home. This feeling of home brought me to tears many times on this trip. All that familiarity came flooding back to me. I started dreaming in Finnish again. I think if I spent just a few more months there I would be speaking fluently once again. Reconnecting with my family was above all the best part; my 50 or so cousins, my aunties, uncles and all of their families. My beautiful sister, Reija, flew in from her home in Santa Cruz, so we could journey through Finland together. We began in Helsinki, staying at the well appointed and beautifully designed Hotel F6. The location was beyond perfect, close to everything we wanted to explore. Helsinki is one of the most beautiful seaside cities, filled with culture, history and inspirational design and architecture. We walked for miles along cobblestone streets, exploring the waterfront, the markets, the parks, and cafe terrace lined streets. We soaked up the sun at Esplanade park, watched the longest sunset over Allas Sea Pool at 10pm whilst listening to live music, and enjoyed the amazing rooftop views of Helsinki at Ateljee bar.
From Helsinki we drove north to Jarvisydan with a couple of stops to pick wildflowers and visit our precious family along the way. This area of Finland is very close to where our family roots began. Our father is from Karelia and mother from Hankasalmi. It was so special to spend time here and experience the beautiful Jarvisydan lake spa. Järvisydän, which translates to Lake Heart, is built into the natural terrain around Lake Saimaa. This is Finland’s largest lake and home to the cutest Saimaa Ringed Seal, an endangered species found only in this lake. You can take a boat trip through Linnansaari national park and hope to catch a glimpse of these beautiful animals. We spent our days exploring the forest for wild blueberries, supping on Lake Saimaa, relaxing in the lake spa with some aerial yoga and a multitude of sauna experiences. With so many types of Finnish Saunas you are totally spoilt for choice. My favourite is the kivi sauna, also known as stone sauna. Refresh in the indoor pool or head into the infinity pool overlooking the lake! And if you’re game, there’s nothing better than running straight into the refreshing lake after a hot sauna.
Next we journeyed to beautiful Tampere to attend a family wedding and connect with all our relatives. Here we found a traditional mokki (cottage) deep in the forest by the most beautiful, glistening lake. Cottage life in Finland is very popular in summer and how most people spend their holidays. It’s a wonderful time to connect with family and nature no matter what you are doing. And still there is so much to do! I built my first wood sauna (with the guidance of my family) and enjoyed a traditional sauna experience. It was the perfect evening of burning hot sauna, naked lake swims, delicious food, wonderful company and a sunset over the lake in the quiet magic of the forest. And when you feel like emerging from this divine forest cocoon, Tampere is full of adventures. Check out the Frantsila Organic herb farm and make your own herbal concoctions, and then get yourself out onto the lakes for some water sports – supping, wake boarding, river floating, kayaking or try flying on a flyboard! Head into the national park for some amazing hiking and views. There were so many highlights of this journey though Finland. The very best part for me was attending a family wedding and witnessing so much love. We had such a fun night, dancing and laughing until all hours, our bellies full of delicious food, our hearts full with connections and memories that will last a lifetime.
I journeyed deep into the heart of Finland and myself on this trip. I’ve always believed that our landscape helps to shape our collective psyche. As I sat amongst the trees, I felt the stillness and calm of the forest. I felt the sacred gift of silence, of listening, of observing. I felt the strength of the trees, collectively centred and standing tall. It was in this moment I realised I was home. This is who I am. I have always longed for quiet, for stillness, this space to observe and listen. I feel so very grateful for the magical gifts the forest and lake have shared with me. I retrieved a piece of myself that was long forgotten. I found myself in the landscape, in the culture, and in my family. I was reminded of who I truly am and I’ve come back to my home in Australia understanding myself so much more.
I’m so grateful to Visit Helsinki , Visit Tampere and Visit Finland for assisting me in organising this trip. They have valuable resources to help you plan your own adventures to this incredible part of our world. And as always please feel free to ask me anything. I’m always here to help :)
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.
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.
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!
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