stylist

Six Senses

October 11, 2015

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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

Natural Bridges

August 8, 2015

I’m finally back in Australia after our amazing month long California Summer holiday. I’m so happy to be home, so happy to have created ever lasting memories with my family, and my heart is filled with gratitude for all the incredible adventures we experienced. Every travel experience deepens my soul, widens my eyes, expands my heart, and elevates my whole being, as my imagination gets lost in the wonderment of this breathtaking planet we live on.

There were so many highlights, so many photos which I’ll be sharing and reliving here on my blog over the next few weeks.

These photos were taken on a perfect summer’s day at Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz. For the folks who live here in Santa Cruz, they know it can be hit or miss with beach days. The ominous fog lingers along the coast most mornings, though naturally we took every opportunity to head to the beach, fog or no fog, to get our feet in the sand.

On this absolutely stunning beach day, I was lucky enough to reunite with one of my Melbournian besties and share my love of Santa Cruz with her. We watched the fog roll out to uncover these stunning natural bridge formations, home to a couple of seals and birds. We danced upon the shores as the waves rolled in, soaked up a bunch of glorious sunshine, and spent this magical day connecting as kindred sistars do.

Santa Cruz has always been my second home and holds a very large piece of my heart. It’s not only that my dearest sister Reija, lives here, but the landscape has captivated me since my very first trip here in 1996! I’ve been travelling back and forth for what feels like forever now and each time I discover even more about this amazing place. I love you Santa Cruz! Until next time :)

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/StylingHelen Janneson Bense

Location – Natural Bridges State Park, Santa Cruz, California

Outfit Details

Sea Goddess Dress – Billabong Australia

Cuffs – Snake | Vanessa Mooney Arrow | Don Biu

Rings – Don BiuSilver Moonstone | Crystal | Rainbow Moonstone | Rainbow Moonstone StatementMidi Stacking ring

Necklace – Luna pendant (back in stock soon, contact here for the wait list)

My {MUST HAVE} Holiday Hat

Tkees

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2020

Mommy & Me

June 24, 2015

PhotographyBobby Bense

Models – Jade (daughter) + Helen (mommy)

StylingHelen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

 

Outfit Details

Jade

Skirt | Flower Crown | BraceletKapri Couture

Luna Necklace + Luna Cuff

Rings – Air/Earth | Strong | Nani | Luna

Nails – Willow Byron Bay (Winter)

 

Helen

Kimono | Flower crown | BraceletKapri Couture

Luna Necklace + Ananda soul Cuff

Gypsy Belt

Rings – Ananda SoulSoul Dance | All is Love Aquamarine | Om | Aletheia & Phos Et Cure

Bikini 

Skirt

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

 

My beautiful daughter, Jade, and I were recently blessed to have shared a very special photoshoot together for the divine Kapri Couture. They designed and custom made matching pieces to specifically suit our aesthetic and the mermaid vibes we were after. It was so heart warming to share this journey with my sweet girl, to watch her be pampered in this way, and see her soul alight as she found her own creative expression. She is such a natural beauty, emanating love from deep within her soul. She is my teacher, my angel, and always brings me back to my heart when I need it most. My heart is filled with gratitude for the honour of being her mommy.

This was such a fun family shoot with Bobby (daddy) behind the lens and our dear son, Jacob, our little behind the scenes helper. He was such a sweetheart, taking care of his big sister.

I’m so grateful to Kapri Couture for organising all these pieces for us, so we could share this very special day together. These moments and captures will forever remind us of our bond and unconditional love for one another.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

 

All text and images copyright © GypsyLovinlight

Paradise Found

June 20, 2015

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PhotographyHelen Janneson Bense & Jasmin Howell from Friend in Fashion

Model/StylingHelen Janneson Bense

LocationSri Panwa, Phuket, Thailand

Details

Luxury Villa at Sri Panwa

VAMASTYLE

Trisara Palm Tree Bikini

Innika Blue One piece

Point Yamu Petrol bikini

El Kabron Kimono

Tamaramma Dress

Wategos Cami

Shek-O Palm Tree Shorts

Bronte Palm Clutch

Denim Shorts

ACCESSORIES

Sheebani Flash Tattoos

Jewelry  – Tipi Necklace | Luna Necklace

Silver Leg Chain

Rings – Aquila | Phobos Deimos | Strong midi | Adjustable Crossover | Om | Open moon

Luna cuff – Labradorite | Crystal Arm Cuff

Sunglasses

Palm Tree Bracelet – By Jasmin | Ananda Soul Cuff

Hats – Arizona Black | Bounty Shake

Tkees

You’ve probably already seen from my social media that I was recently blessed with the most amazing adventure to Thailand. There really are no words to express how incredible this trip was for me. So much beauty and magic. I am beyond grateful for the experience. I’m especially thankful to Vamastyle and The Luxe Nomad for organising such a wonderful adventure. And meeting my dear soul sister, Jasmin, was simply the icing on the cake.

As a mother stepping away from my family, venturing overseas on my own can sometimes bring up certain fears. It’s so natural for this to happen, as the family bond and links between mother and child are so strong. Nevertheless moving through my fear and allowing myself time and space for adventure, and for some much needed nurturing, was the most empowering experience for me.

When we give ourselves permission to fully enjoy life, to tap into that spontaneous childlike joy, and completely let go, we awaken the heart. Passion, creativity, love and joy flow effortlessly from this point. Smiles light up your face and beam from deep within your soul. Sometimes all we need is a little reflective time, a little pampering, a little time out. Something just for us. Filling your love cup and maintaining it is quite possibly one of the most important tasks as a mother. It doesn’t always need to be a holiday, though it definitely helps. Sometimes it can be as simple as having a bath and filling it with flowers, lighting your favourite scented candle and sitting with a good book for an hour, or taking a nap even though you know you have a million things to do.

So now I’m back to the routine, though I’ve brought a little of that holiday magic with me. Every time I look at these images, I’m reminded of those moments of pure joy. Where there was not a worry in the world. It’s an anchor point for me to draw upon, and bring a little of that magical energy into my everyday life. I’ve arrived home stronger than ever, more determined, focused, and filled with more self love for taking that step into the unknown, and treating myself with love and respect. I have filled my love tank and I have so much more patience and presence with my family. I’ve realised how this time for myself has been a gift for all of us.

I hope this post inspires you to follow your heart, your dreams, your passions, and most of all love for yourself.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © GypsyLovinlight

Turquoise Dreamer

June 14, 2015

PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/StylingHelen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach

Outfit Details

Apache Handpiece + Gold Dust necklace + Amulet Bolo + Cairo Cuff + Rings – Pyramind RingSun ring  |Summer Moon ring | – Karen London Jewelry

Sheebani Flash Tattoos

Ace of Something Hat

Nail polish (Winter) – Willow Byron Bay – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout

There’s nothing quite like the combination of turquoise and gold for me…and Karen London Jewelry just knows exactly how to do it right! I’m so in love with all these exquisite pieces. And I’m beyond excited to be running an Instagram giveaway with this divine lady. We are gifting one lucky soul one of these incredible handpieces! Details to enter are all below :) Wishing you all the best of luck. I wish I had one for all you turquoise dreamers!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Golden

April 4, 2015

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PhotographyBobby Bense

Model/StylingHelen Janneson Bense

Location – North Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Custom Arrowhead (GypsyLovinLight) necklace | Sunrise Arm cuff | Arrow Bangle | Beach Bangle | Bangle Bracelet | Rings – Crystal | CuffsJames Michelle

Isabella Tattoos – Flash Tattoos

Bikini – I’m not your Type

Rings – Arrow | Mother of Pearl | SW Midi Rings

Belly Chain – Grace Bijoux

Hat – Ace of Something

Nails (Winter) – Willow Byron Bay – Use my special discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout

Hair – The Nest Hair Boutique

Feeling oh so summery and festival ready in all this inspiring flash….loving the new blue tones added to the already amazing metallics from the original creators of the metallic tattoos :) Paired with some divine James Michelle gold jewels and beautifully handcrafted bikini all the way from sunny California! I’m super excited to announce my family will be trekking back to Cali this summer. We can’t wait to see our families and even more of this beautiful place we call our second home. Thanks to all who suggested some amazing places to visit on instagram recently. Please feel free to leave comments here on my blog if you have some must see sights and adventures, and any must stay accommodations you’d like to recommend.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

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