I’m still on cloud nine after an amazing midweek trip to Sydney, where I was lucky enough to meet a few of my all time favourite designers and inspirational women – Samantha Wills + Elizabeth and Isabella from Spell Designs. It really was a dream come true for me to connect with these lovely ladies and thank them in person for their endless inspiration. I’ve felt incredibly blessed throughout my blogging journey to work with authentic and genuine people, who also happen to design such beautiful jewellery, clothing and accessories.
I’m also incredibly thankful to my husband, Bobby Bense, for supporting me and taking care of our gorgeous children, while I galavant across country. It was a much needed time out for me, a moment of pause to enjoy all that I’ve created and celebrate with like hearted kindred souls.
Here is a little collection of pictures from the events I attended – Samantha Wills Pania Showcase and Spell Designs book launch, and hanging out at QT hotels with the lovely Suzie + Jenna from Turquoise Lane. I also managed to squeeze in a very last minute trip to Bondi just so I could get my feet in the sand ;)
Now I’m back and gearing up for the next adventure to one of my favourite holiday destinations ;)
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.
With festival season heating up I’ve been tuning into the vibe and so has my wardrobe. Here are a few of my favourite festival inspired looks. Hope this post gives you guys some inspiration and gets those creative juices flowing!
This was such a fun outfit to create and wear on this free loving afternoon at the beach. Wind in my hair, jewels jingling with each step as I danced my little dance across the beach. This festival inspired look paired some of my all time favourites together – silk road tribal jewellery, spell lace via turquoise lane + the fifth element life mandala rings. This lace top is by far one of my most treasured wardrobe pieces right now. I can’t get enough if it, and such a versatile piece to style in so many different ways. Perfect with denim cut offs, maxi skirt or wear it open as a lovely light layer for those cooler summer evenings. Ahhhh summer nights…making the most of them while they are still here and drinking it all in.
I’m so pleased to share with you all my feature on Happiness + Well Being magazine. A digital magazine dedicated to bringing holistic wisdom, nourishment and love to their readers. The magazine is filled with priceless and practical tools to remind you each and every day of just how amazing and beautiful you are. It has 100 pages filled with loving intentions, devoted to inspiring you to cultivate a life of love.
Here’s a little snipper from my interview with H + W.
H+W: What advice would you have for anyone struggling to love and accept themselves?
Helen: Be easy on yourself. We are all perfectly imperfect and our unique qualities are what make us all so beautiful. Embrace the beauty that you are. Please know you are enough just as you are. You have always been enough. You are more than enough. You can let go, trust and enjoy who you are and your life.
I am beyond honoured and grateful to the lovely Happiness + Well Being mag for taking the time to interview me. It’s been an absolute pleasure from beginning to end, and the process of answering their heart provoking questions has been an opportunity for me to reflect on my life, and how grateful I am for all that I’ve experienced.
For the very small price of $2.99 (cost of a cup of coffee), you will gain an abundance of positive information and reinforcement, that will lead you on a path overflowing with joy, peace and love.
Nails (Winter) – Willow Byron Bay – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout
“When we maintain a conscious connection with Gratitude, our presence will naturally radiate a certain beauty and undisturbed, inner tranquillity”. Donna Goddard
This post is dedicated to all those amazing light workers out there shining, loving and sharing their gifts. Thank you for your loving hearts that illuminate the path to love for us all. To my sistars, brothers, my tribe, you all know who you are, I love you all so much. Thank you for all your ongoing support and unconditional love that brings out the best in me.
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