del maar latin swimwear

Six Senses

October 11, 2015

  IMG_3669 

PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/Styling/PhotographyHelen Janneson Bense

LocationSix Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

Outfit Details 

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.

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

NorCal

September 13, 2015

Blouse | Hat

Necklace | TopCuff | Rings – Reality of Dreams | Bohemian BardotAzure set | Imaginary Air set | Black Sands set | 7 Ring stack set

Cuff | Rings – Reality of Dreams | Bohemian Bardot | Azure set | Imaginary Air set | Black Sands set | 7 Ring stack set

Bikini | Bodychain | Necklace | Rings – Poetry | Om | Twin Triangle

Flash Tattoos | Rings – Elephant | All seeing Eye | Arrow | Tipi | Stackable Turquoise | Double Vibe Turquoise | Phobos Deimos

Nishka Leg Chain | Bikini | Self Tan + Bronzer

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Benbow Historic Inn, Richardson Grove State Park – California

There’s just something in the air, the earth, the energy…I’m forever drawn back to Northern California. It somehow feels more like home to me. Perhaps being in the northern hemisphere I feel somehow closer to my Finnish origins. I also wonder whether it has something to do with the energy flow, and the impact each hemisphere has on the way our chakras spin…. Regardless of the why and my inner musings, I love this place like home. The ancient redwoods, the crystal clear rivers, the diverse landscape, so full of vivid colour and beautiful wildlife. As much as I yearn for the ocean and beach now, my heart still sings with joy when I’m amongst the trees. I feel at peace as I recall early childhood memories of Finland, sitting in the forest picking berries.

On our recent Norcal adventures, we were lucky enough to spend a glorious week in Humboldt county. Bobby’s family have a multi-generation long annual tradition of summer camping amongst the redwood grove, along the beautiful eel river. It’s always so much fun when we get the chance to go back to the states and join in on this family adventure. Hot summer days were spent rafting on the river, rock jumping and exploring the redwoods. The kids were always so happy connecting with their cousins, chasing lizards and catching tadpoles. We stayed just 5 minutes from the park at the absolutely divine and elegant Benbow historical Inn. Originally built by the Benbow family in the 1920’s, this majestic hotel was once a secluded getaway for many hollywood stars. What once was over a 14 hour journey from San Francisco is now around a 5 hour beautiful scenic drive.

We spent many a balmy night at Benbow eating dinner amongst the ancient trees, overlooking the river, serenaded by local musicians. We indulged in the most impeccable food, so much of which was organically grown right there in their immaculate gardens. As dusk would set in the stone bridge would light up and the whole inn turned into this magical twinkling fairyland.

Hopefully we’ll be back again next year to keep the family tradition going and create new and wonderful memories.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Endless Summer

June 18, 2015


PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/StylingHelen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

First Look

Masai Bikini  – Del Maar Latin Swimwear

Amethyst Zen necklace | Pear cut Amethyst ring + Amethyst Karma ringOcean Mantra

Luna cuff (Fluorite) | Arrow Bracelets (small + large)

Rings – Wanderlust + Co – X Double ring | Orbit/crystal midi | Kasané Jewellery – Eye midi | Stacked ring

Second Look

Sol De Morocco Bikini  – Del Maar Latin Swimwear

Grace Bijoux Vivian Belly Chain – Gold

Necklace – Nicole Fendel

Rings – Nicole Fendel – Zara Lace | Skye Double | Arrow | Anna Beck – Turquoise | Triple Bar

Ace of Something Hat

Tan – Tans by Chels

Nails (Aura) – Willow Byron Bay – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout

I’m still in amazement at how gorgeous the days are here in Perth. It’s now officially winter and though the mornings and nights are icy cold the days have been so beautiful, sunny and warm. Being a Melbourne girl and living through years of freezing cold weather, I seriously soak up every little bit of sunshine I can get over here. It still blows my mind 9 years later.

Since I’ve been dreaming of chasing the endless summer my entire life, I’m actually ridiculously excited to share with you all that I am headed to California in just a weeks time! My heart is singing with joy! I’m so excited to reconnect with my US family, relive summer all over again, and simply be amongst those giant redwoods and majestic ocean coastline. So many amazing adventures await! For now though I’m loving every minute of the here and now and so grateful for all that I have in my life.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Up to 30% off tours, activities & things to do | Backpacker DealsThe-Nest-700px

All rights reserved © Helen Janneson Bense · Theme by Blogmilk + Coded by Brandi Bernoskie