Taste of the Tropical

The thing about Mexico is that it truly lives up to it's name, it really is the land of living a little ... or ALOT. From dancing in the streets, to the finest food, to waking up to a mimosa or two- if you are a looking for a different kind of sassy, city frolicking here is your treasure.

Maybe you are like me and love anything from the sea to the city. Maybe the idea of laying on a beach all day is your idea of boredom? This destination contains: the lease of life you never knew you needed- and an incredible culture you cannot wait to discover. 

Playa Del Carmen, like Puerto Vallarta, exceeded all my expectations. From the Frida Kahlo museum, to beachside cocktails, trinket shops and festivities on every corner, you will never be blind sighted to what this gorgeous city has to offer. The colours, the charisma and the character have all the substance to speak for themselves but they don't have to. This is Mexico at it's finest.

The iconic landscapes and divine horizon is complimented by the welcoming arms of its population, they really want you to be part of their city. We were mesmerised by the array of landmark retailers such a Victorias Secret & Sephora, to the handcrafted souvenirs shops ran from family homes. This is far from your classic postcard beach setting and curiosity is on everyones card.

If there is one lesson to be learnt we know that Mexico is the destination of dreams, bringing the city, a touch of history and culture alongside a different type of luxury altogether. You will never find yourself more grateful to be emerged in such an incredible setting and the best thing of all? Tequila, is at the start of every sentence.

 

Give a girl a break

wearing Pretty Little Thing

Happy Bank Holiday darlings! 

I find myself adjusting back to the colder climate and struggling ... the Autumn knits are already appearing and I am far from wishing Summer away. I've recently returned from my favourite of destinations, Mexico. I spent nine days laying poolside, sipping Margarita's and dancing the nights away without a worry in mind. The struggle of the ten hour flight is always fleeting after you land in paradise. To say this vacay was well and truly needed is an understatement. The heat, the beach and the carefree lifestyle remains my happy place. I love the city but this girl needed a break.

The seasonal blues are already simmering so I am doing everything possible to retain the killer Summer wardrobes, the sassiest trends and my not so real sun kissed glow. 

This is a not so gentle reminder that it's time to take time out and make it count. Sometime's you just can't do it all- Queen Bees or not.

 

Down to earth

February is alway the strangest month. Congratulations, you made it through the January blues however know that your Summer vacay is still five months away. The key to keeping yourself motivated over these next few months is keeping it real. Throw yourself into what you are passionate about, work hard and surround yourself by encouragement- trust me you will be thanking yourself before you know it. 

Keep it real: Set yourself realistic goals

Keep your head out the clouds and set the bar but make sure you can get there. Deadlines are everything, if you could do it you should do it.

Keep it real: Plan, but don't overplan

You can't do everything but you can do most things. Keep yourself busy, reconnect and throw yourself into all things that matter. A girl on the go is a girl who is motivated and ready to kill it.

Keep it real: Surround yourself by ambition

Focus on yourself. Be a little selfish. Don't let others put you down. Not everyone will strive for what you desire and thats ok, but don't let it demotivate you. It's easy to be blinded but keep your head down and priorities in check, no one strives to be a people pleaser.

Keep it real: Have a little fun

It's not all work and no play. PLAN your Summer, set yourself something to look forward to. Do not turn boring. Take a break, get scandalous, make a mistake and learn a lesson. Buy those shoes you can't afford, leave that party later than you should, say the things you shouldn't, experiment with your style, be outrageous but keep it real.

Stay down to earth darling, because once you've left no one likes a fall. 

ESCAPE X MEXICO

Mexico.

A land of amazing culture, history, tradition ... and a tequila or two.

If you desire a vacay that combines luxury, adventure and a party its time to jetset. Unlike many other destinations this entire country is filled with tourist hotspots that are home to some of the most incredible landscapes. You never have to stay in one place, it's a place that thrives on hustle. From sipping the best margaritas in the world (a life changer), to spending your night dancing the streets with local people Mexico makes a case for escape. Theres a reason so many people elope here. 

I'd always heard so many people mention Mexico and with so much fascination it was time I saw for myself.  You find yourself longing for venture beyond your own belief. 

With not a care in the world the possibilities are endless on this bucket list essential.  

Location

One of the hardest decisions you will have to make when going to Mexico is your location of choice. I took a twelve hour flight to the Pacific Coast and the travel was worth the while. With that being said the famous Caribbean Coast, home to Cancun,  a city I know you have heard of, is equally as tempting. Life couldn't be more different but with a carefree attitude and the aim to have a little fun you will be at ease from the second you step off the plane. Cabo and Tulum are favourite, 'it' places every Summer season. With so much choice how do you make one of the best decisions of a lifetime? 

You try both ... 

Where to stay?

Pacific Coast

RIU VALLARTA BOOK

4*+, Nuevo Vallarta

'golden sand beach of Playa de Flamingos, in a laid-back part of Nuevo Vallarta.'

GRAND SIRENIS MATALI HILLS RESORT AND SPA BOOK

5*, Puerto Vallarta 

'This hillside hotel delivers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.'

Caribbean Coast

EL DORADO MAROMA  BOOK

5*, Riviera Maya

'perfect blend of laid-back and luxury'

MOON PALACE BOOK

5*, Cancun 

'The hotel is tucked among 123 acres of gardens, and right on a white-sand beach.'

Where to explore? 

1/7 NEW WONDERS Take this one in a lifetime opportunity to explore the ancient Chichén Itzá and immerse yourself in one of the many pieces of history that Mexico has to offer. - Caribbean Coast

STREET PARTY Wherever you go every night is a party. When I say its time to dance with the locals you will soon realise that this is a natural instinct as you wander through some of the sassiest, music you ever did hear.

TEQUILA TOUR For a country that is renown for it's Tequila it's only right the you escape to the unknown and do it properly, do you dare?

HIDDEN MEXICO Take an organised Jeep tour into the hidden jungles of Puerto Vallarta. Besides encompassing everything that Mexico has to offer this subtropical jungle not only has the most beautiful nature and creatures, as expected, but is the location of many Mexican villages- many of which you are invited to come and explore for yourself. - Puerto Vallarta

WATER SPORTS With an endless ocean ahead of you water sports whilst in Mexico is a must. You have no excuse. It's time to paraglide your way over dream hotspots and scuba down to the depths of the many divine shades of ocean.

SUNSET DINNER Whilst this may sound obvious this an experience like no other. The weather is unpredictable and you must take each day as it comes as it can change in an instance, especially during the Summer months ... but this is where it gets fun. If you get a chance to experience one of the insane tropical storms that often pass you'll soon begin to realise nothing changes, you'll love this place when it's torrential weather as much as you do when it heats up.

You have to see it to believe it.

When booking a trip to Mexico an all inclusive package is recommended. With such packages you are housed in a luxury resort, by a beautiful beach and still have every opportunity to explore everything you desire ... and there is nothing stopping you spending a few days away from the hotel. Unlike many city breaks Mexico is a world away but trying to plan this strategically will take some serious organisation and therefore a package vacation is a must. However you must realise this does not in anyway draw your attention from the partying and the desire to wander, if anything it encourages it. Whilst most hotels will give you the chance to explore world cuisine take a night to go and immerse yourself in the city and experience Mexico in it's truest form. 

A Mexico vacay is one that captures everything and quite simply put is one of my favourite places in the entire world. When people speak in admiration, it's the truth. 

This maybe a costly experience but this is an escape you'll never want to arrive back from. 

 

ESCAPE X BARCELONA

Barcelona was never a city at the top of my wanderlust but instead a famously iconic one I had to tick off my list. I just couldn't understand the fascination ... until I arrived. If I had only known before how wonderful it was I know my visit there would have happened a long time ago as it firmly sits near the top of my list.

Barcelona is simply magical. Around every street your mind is blown by the incredible architecture, landscape and vivid bursts of colour. Like Paris, you arrive with a vision and your expectations are exceeded dramatically. Being surrounded by such beauty makes you feel nothing less than amazing. This city is one that combines tourism, adventure, culture and a Summer vacation all into one. 

Your return is inevitable. 

Location

This European city is renown as one of the worlds finest. In mainland Spain it remains one of the easiest European destinations to get to, and also one of the cheapest. The thing about Barcelona is that you can experience it in anyway you want. Perhaps you want to be in the heart of the city sampling boutique hotels in the Gothic quarter, or maybe chilling by the beach or better yet situated in Barcelona's financial district dividing your time between history and high tech. The possibilities are endless.

Where to stay?

HESPERIA TOWEL HOTEL

5*,  Hospitalet de Llobregat BOOK, +34 93 4135000

'it’s a real city landmark, complete with a fabulous glass-roof cupola'

W HOTEL

4.4*, Place de la Rosa dels Vents, +34 93 295 28 00 BOOK

'boasting panoramic views over the Mediterranean and city of Barcelona' 

H10 MONTCADA BOUTIQUE

3*, Gothic Neighbourhood BOOK

' a neoclassical building on Via Laietana which has been completely renovated with decor inspired by the voyages of yesteryear'

OHLA BARCELONA

via Laietana, info@ohlaboutiquehotels.com, BOOK

'the avant-garde interior design of the current building contrasts with a neoclassic façade classified as historical heritage'

Where to explore?

PARC GUELL, entice yourself with the exquisite works of Antoni Guadi. Learn his history and experience his passion for creation as you step into a dream world where mosaics take over and pathways lead only to the most divine discoveries.

PORT AVENTURA, if you are feeling a little daring Barcelona is a main route to one of Europe's most famous theme parks and this is one thrill you really will love.

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA, this Basilica is the landmark that identifies Barcelona on the map, with it's Gothic design representing the foundations of what makes this city so phenomenal and furthermore iconic. If there is one thing I would recommend it's taking a trip to admire this beautiful architecture. It is unlikely you will see something quite as breathtaking in it's design.

BARCELONA CATHEDERAL, experience Barcelona in all it's glory, mingle with the local people and shop in some of the most chic boutiques whilst testing some of its favourite cuisine. 

MAGIC FOUNTAIN OF MONTJUÏC, picture perfect this is the location of all those dreamy Instagram snaps that created your desire to visit Barcelona in the first instance. Day or night magic really is the most perfect way to describe it.

OLYMPIC STADIUM, still in pristine condition explore the location of the 1992 Olympics and some of the worlds greatest sporting events.

CAMP NOU, whether you are a football lover or not ... when in Barcelona the experience is more than worthwhile.

Clubs and Restaurants 

I: Mixed cuisine, lounge and club @CDLCBARCELONA http://www.cdlcbarcelona.com

FB: Eclipse club, W Hotel @ECLIPSEBARCELONA http://www.eclipse-barcelona.com

FB: Salt beach club, W Hotel @WBARCELONA http://www.saltbeachclub.com

FB: @BARMARSELLABARCELONA

FB: Catalan cuisine @PETITECOMITEBARCELONA https://petitcomite.cat

FB: @BESTIALBEACHCLUBCN http://grupotragaluz.com/restaurante/bestial/

Barcelona is a city of the unexpected. Never had I imagined the endless opportunities and discovery this beautiful city had to offer. A beach holiday in itself is always enough, now pair that with the greatest city break you have ever seen and you've escaped into destination dreams.

 

ESCAPE X SANTORINI

Santorini, one of the most romantic isles in the world. This is an island that anyone can fall in love with not only for it's postcard landscape but for it's culture and dream like setting- a reminder that peace, relaxation and an open mind are a real thing. Iconic for it's gorgeous deep waters and white architecture, the hillside of this island means that waking up everyday falls nothing short of spectacular. For years now Mykonos has been the place to be but that is about to change this Summer as more and more wanderers are making a switch they will never regret. 

Location

Santorini is a dreamy Greek island a hop away from Crete. It's two major towns, Fira and Oia are essential tourist hot spots with Fira providing all the history you desire and Oia, the location of that famous white washed cliffside village that makes this island so easily identified. Santorini's landscape means its a popular location for laid back destination weddings and cruise layovers. Whilst most major airports fly directly, arriving by sea provides you with the ultimate experience as you trek up a hillside and begin to Santorini in a new limelight. 

Where to stay? 

Santorini is known for it's luxury. Whilst you will many find modernised resorts and complex's why not take a risk and go for a local, boutique hotel? Whilst costly, this experience is mostly definitely a tick off your bucket list and more often than not experiencing one of the worlds most treasured possessions can be life changing- and worth it. 

ASTRA SUITES - BOOK

5*, Imerovigli Santorini, info@astrasuites.com 

'The Most Romantic Hotel for 2017'- world travel awards

'breathtaking panoramic views of the mysterious caldera, a sleeping volcano and the endless blue Aegean Sea'

CHROMATA- BOOK

5*, Imerovigli Santorini, info@chromata-santorini.com 

'endless blends a sense of glamour, heritage, modern amenities and highly personalised services'

VILLA FABRICA- BOOK

4*, Pyrgos Kallistis Santorini, info@villafabrica.com

'unique. Set in an old factory, this villa breathes with history'

SANTORINI PALACE - BOOK

4*, Thira, info@santorinipalace.com

'combines the Cycladic surroundings with the breathtaking views of the east side of the island'

Where to explore? 

TAKE A WALK One of the greatest adventures you have ever been on will be by foot. Meet local people, dance in the street, sip Ouzo and buy trinket after trinket. From the phenomenal blue domed churches to a swim in the deep blue sea, Santorini was made to be discovered and do so as you please, just make sure you do it.

SUNSET IN OIA Taste some of the finest cuisine as you watch a magical sunset over this wonderful landscape. From first hand experience I can promise you this is something unlike any other.

WINE TASTING Can you name something more magical than wine tasting in one of the worlds dreamiest settings? This really is something out of the movies and may very well be one of the reasons why Angelina Jolie owns property here- BOOK

HELICOPTER RIDE Whilst costly this is a one in a life time experience. You've discovered the island by foot so now it's time to explore the skies and see this breathtaking isle in all it's glory. BOOK

HIRE A PRIVATE CATAMARAN Cruise around the luxurious island, taking in some of the most breathtaking sites and swimming in private waters. Nothing fall shorts of picture perfect and scuba diving and snorkelling are readily waiting.- BOOK

EXPLORING IN AKROTIRI Take a step back in time and explore the bronze age discovering tales of craftsmanship and architecture. After all you are in Greece, a country with a story and one that prides itself on such an amazing and vivid culture- BOOK

Bars, Clubs & Restaurants

FB: Local cuisine @SELENERESTUARANT- http://www.selene.gr/

FB: Fish tavern @DIMITRISRESTUARANTKAMARI www.dimitris-ammoudi-restaurant.com 

FB: European @AMBROSIA http://www.restaurant-ambrosia.com

I: @KOOCLUBSANTORINI - http://www.kooclub.gr

FB: @ENGIMACLUBSANTORINI- http://enigmaclub.gr/

Santorini is a hidden treasure. Many have heard of it, many of not. Whether you're honeymooning or not do not be put off by it's romantic entice. Santorini is a destinations for lovers of all. You instantly become infatuated with your surroundings meaning the desire to explore is overwhelming from the second you arrive. It's culture paired with its incredible horizon provides you with a place to relax and forget all that you wish. Whether you're a yoga guru or just someone in need of a break, it's time to escape to Santorini. 

   

Head in the clouds

Poolside favourites; a Summer reading list

If you need a little cry... (or a big one)

Me before you 

By JoJo Moyes

'Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick. 

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane. 

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.' Amazon SHOP

The sequel to Me Before You...

After you
By JoJo Moyes

'Lou Clark has lots of questions. Like how it is she's ended up working in an airport bar, spending every shift watching other people jet off to new places.Or why the flat she's owned for a year still doesn't feel like home.

Whether her close-knit family can forgive her for what she did eighteen months ago. And will she ever get over the love of her life.What Lou does know for certain is that something has to change.

Then, one night, it does.

But does the stranger on her doorstep hold the answers Lou is searching for - or just more questions?Close the door and life continues: simple, ordered, safe. Open it and she risks everything. But Lou once made a promise to live. And if she's going to keep it, she has to invite them in . . .' Amazon SHOP 

The thrill...

The Girl on the train

By Paula Hawkins

'Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. 

Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar.

Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train…' Amazon SHOP

A fan favourite ...

Harry Potter and the Cursed child

By J K Rowling

'It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.' Amazon SHOP

A world away... 

(The sequel to Billy and Me)

Always with Love

By Giovanna Fletcher

'Sophie's got used to being the girlfriend of Billy Buskin, the biggest movie star in the world. Sort of. 

But when she and Billy take a trip to visit his family in Los Angeles, she quickly discovers she's totally unprepared for the chaos of Hollywood, the paparazzi and Billy's controlling mother.

And when Billy extends his stay in LA, leaving Sophie to fly home to Rosefont Hill alone, it seems there's more than just miles between them. 

Now Sophie must decide if they can overcome their differences for good. Because not every love story lasts the distance . . .' Amazon SHOP

A thought provoking tale...   

A life without you

By Katie Marsh

'Can you ever outrun the past?

It's Zoe's wedding day. She's about to marry Jamie, the love of her life. Then a phone call comes out of the blue, with the news that her mum Gina has been arrested. Zoe must make an impossible decision: should she leave her own wedding to help?

Zoe hasn't seen Gina for years, blaming her for the secret that she's been running from ever since she was sixteen. Now, Gina is back in her life, but she's very different to the mum Zoe remembers. Slowly but surely, Gina is losing her memory.

As she struggles to cope with Gina's illness, can Zoe face up to the terrible events of years ago and find her way back to the people she loves?' Amazon SHOP

Fun, feisty, thrilling and outrageous...

The Singles Game

By Laura Weisberger

'Sweeping from Wimbledon to the Caribbean, from LA to mega yachts in the Med, The Singles Game is a brilliantly entertaining romp through a world where the stakes are high – and no-one plays by the rules.

When Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Silver makes a pact with the devil, infamously brutal tennis coach Todd Feltner, she finds herself catapulted into a world of stylists, private parties and secret dates with Hollywood royalty.

Under Todd it’s no more good-girl attitude: he wants warrior princess Charlie all the way. After all, no-one ever won by being nice. Celebrity mags and gossip blogs go wild for Charlie, chasing scandal as she jets around the globe. But as the warrior princess’s star rises, both on and off the court, it comes at a high price. Is the real Charlie Silver still inside?' Amazon SHOP

A little scandalous... 

(The 5th book in the Crossfire series)

One with You

By Sylvia Day

'Gideon Cross. Falling in love with him was the easiest thing I've ever done. It happened instantly. Completely. Irrevocably. 

Marrying him was a dream come true. Staying married to him is the fight of my life. Love transforms. Ours is both a refuge from the storm and the most violent of tempests. Two damaged souls entwined as one.

We have bared our deepest, ugliest secrets to one another. Gideon is the mirror that reflects all my flaws . . . and all the beauty I couldn't see. He has given me everything. Now, I must prove I can be the rock, the shelter for him that he is for me. Together, we could stand against those who work so viciously to come between us. 

But our greatest battle may lie within the very vows that give us strength. Committing to love was only the beginning. Fighting for it will either set us free . . . or break us apart.' Amazon SHOP

Relatable...

Beautiful broken things

By Sara Barnard

'I was brave

She was reckless

We were trouble

Best friends Caddy and Rosie are inseparable. Their differences have brought them closer, but as she turns sixteen Caddy begins to wish she could be a bit more like Rosie - confident, funny and interesting. Then Suzanne comes into their lives: beautiful, damaged, exciting and mysterious, and things get a whole lot more complicated. As Suzanne's past is revealed and her present begins to unravel, Caddy begins to see how much fun a little trouble can be. But the course of both friendship and recovery is rougher than either girl realizes, and Caddy is about to learn that downward spirals have a momentum of their own.' Amazon SHOP 

Life on the Pacific Coast, Mexico

 

wearing

Dress: H&M

Shoes: River Island

Sunglasses: River Island

Life on the Pacific Coast is a little different.

A little more fulfilling and a little more pleasing.

Imagine a Sunday night spent dancing the streets with your neighbours, watching circus acts or wondering around endless markets filled with local handmade goods and specialities. Whilst I have been on many vacations, primarily in Europe, life on the other side of the globe is a contrast.

Maybe it's the forgetting your everyday life and spending your time as you please, or perhaps its exploring the history and culture of a population who are the most welcoming I have ever seen. Mexico mesmerises you.

With every step you take there is someone ready to take your hand and dance with you, someone who is intrigued by your story and someone who is carefree and already enjoying the moment. It's easy to forget that your 11 hour flight is a world away from those who have forever remained in their hometown. 

Puerto Vallarta lies on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. 

This wonderful city brings together town, ocean and the jungle. Whilst the golden beaches of the Banderas Bay may appeal to some, trekking through the jungle and up into the mountains remain just as appealing, I wish I had all the time in the world. If your a city lover like me it's hard to break away but in a town that has kept tightly hold of its iconic culture you'll still walk around the corner to find your favourites such as Starbucks. This place has transgressed into a new era whilst continuing to bring every treasured aspect of the old on its journey.

It's what you would call paradise.

From the cobbled streets, insanely bright colours, dancing and the desire to entertain, to most of all the people. This really is one of the most magical places I had ever visited. Whilst of course many jetsetters are driven to Cancun and Tulum, I am pleased and feel lucky enough that I have had the opportunity to experience Mexico in all it's glory, the real Mexico (as described by local people).

 

Jetlag kind of blue

Hi my darlings!

If you're up reading at this time on a Sunday night like me i'm guessing you're 

one: procrastinating two: can't sleep

Who knew jet lag was even a real thing? For someone who survives on four hours of sleep a night I thought I would brush it off in an instance but after an 11 hour flight, in which I couldn't sleep, and multiple naps throughout my day I now well and truly understand.

When I arrived in the gorgeous city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico it was afternoon which with a 3am GMT call time and a six hour time difference left me struggling to stay awake. 

Waking up at 5am the next morning left me with an overwhelming desire to do a little exploring. A stroll along a deserted beach would be first thing on anyones mind, right?

If only every AM was as desirable as the Pacific Coast.