Tulum Travel Diaries; Exploring Town The Wild Way

Exploring Tulum the wild way meant trading taxis for a quad bike and letting the sunshine lead the way. With dusty roads ahead and the jungle on either side, we set off just outside town towards one of Tulum’s most unique cenotes.

I channeled my inner adventure girl and wore a bandanna tied around my head; a cool accessory which in fact turned out to be very helpful in keeping my hair out of my face whilst riding the quad.

Cenote Calavera is a partially enclosed cenote famous for the three circular openings in its rocky ceiling.

Sunlight streamed through the holes, casting glowing beams onto the deep turquoise pool below.

The water was cool and refreshing and the whole place had that wonderfully playful, carefree energy.

People were taking turns leaping through the openings, swimming through the cave pools, and laughing like kids on summer holidays.

As if the scene couldn’t get any more magical, we also made a new friend; a huge resident iguana lounging on a nearby rock, completely unbothered and soaking up the sun like he owned the place.

After a few hours of swimming, jumping and drifting around in the crystal clear waters, hunger started to call.

So we hopped back on the quad bike, still slightly damp but warm from the sun, and rode back into town in search of lunch.

I’d bookmarked a café called PANZA tucked inside a quiet residential apartment complex on the outskirts of Tulum centre. It turned out to be one of those understated places that instantly feels like a local favourite.

The café overlooks a peaceful swimming pool and there were plenty of locals working remotely while enjoying their coffee or brunch in the shade.

It was more of a brunch moment, so I ordered a colourful fruit bowl served with yogurt, granola and honey on the side.

Fresh, vibrant and deliciously sweet, exactly what I needed after a morning in the sun.

Meanwhile, my boyfriend went for a BLT sandwich that looked seriously impressive when it arrived, stacked high and generously sized for the price. Simple, classic food done well at PANZA, we love to see it.

There was also a really sweet moment when a young American girl walked past our table and said I look really cool. It was such a lovely thing to say and truly made me smile.

Eventually it was time to hop back on the quad one last time and make our way to our hotel to return it.

Riding through the warm afternoon breeze with palm trees swaying overhead felt like the perfect ending to a carefree day.

If you’re visiting Tulum, I can’t recommend hiring a quad bike enough. It’s such a fun way to explore whilst soaking up those laid-back island vibes along the way, and feels just the right amount of wild too ❤

Tulum Travel Diaries; An Adventure Day On Bikes

Exploring Tulum on push bikes is said to be one of the best ways to get around town and see the sites, so that’s exactly what we did one delightful Tuesday afternoon in late January.

Our morning began with a stop at the Insta-famous Azulik.

Its sculptural wooden forms, woven and curved as if grown rather than built, rise from the jungle floor in perfect harmony with nature.

Walking through the installation felt peaceful and meditative, the kind of place that invites you to slow your breath and soften your thoughts.

From there, we continued our 40 minute cycle along the straight stretch of Tulum’s beach road.

Hotels peeked through palms and every so often, the Caribbean sea flashed between the trees in impossible shades of blue.

The ride itself was a long flat road cutting through the jungle canopy, but those fleeting glimpses of tropical coastline made it feel almost dreamlike.

We made it just in time for the final 3pm entry at the Tulum Mayan Ruins.

After a short walk along a neatly cleared jungle path, the ancient structures revealed themselves against the bright afternoon sky.

Dating back to the 13th century, the ruins carry a quiet strength with their weathered stone walls standing firm against centuries of sea breeze.

Iguanas seemed to rule the grounds, lounging confidently on rocks and darting through the grass, completely unbothered by passing visitors.

The most beautiful view was standing before El Castillo, the old castle perched on the cliff’s edge.

Below it, powder white sand met the endless turquoise of the Caribbean; history and horizon blending into one unforgettable view.

On our cycle back we stopped in at a lovely beachfront hotel restaurant called Mezzanine.

Serving Thai cuisine, it was exactly what we’d been craving in contrast to all of the Mexican food, and of course those beachfront views from the terrace were absolutely dreamy.

I ordered a spicy margarita because when on holiday, an afternoon cocktail is an essential!

We shared a creamy Penang chicken curry with coconut rice, fragrant and comforting in all the right ways.

A hearty curry and my favourite cocktail overlooking that picturesque beachfront, made for the perfect closing chapter to a day that felt both adventurous and beautifully unhurried all at once ❤

NYC Diaries; An Afternoon Wandering The West Village

Our afternoon exploring the West Village started long before we ever set foot in its leafy streets.

On the way downtown, we made a quick stop at the iconic Grand Central Station to grab some shots.

That celestial ceiling and the constant ballet of travellers moving beneath it makes this place feel magical.

As another location where many films are shot, it almost felt like we were on set starring in our own movie.

From there, we hopped on the subway and made our way to the West Village in search of the Friends apartment building on Bedford Street.

As a longtime Friends show fan seeing it in person was surreal, like stepping straight into the TV screen I grew up watching on repeat.

It’s funny how a simple building can hold so much nostalgia.

Every corner of this neighbourhood looks like it has been pulled from a movie set; brownstones with perfectly worn stoops, tree-lined streets, tiny cafés with outdoor tables, and endless photo-worthy pockets of charm.

We didn’t manage to find Carrie Bradshaw’s actual apartment from Sex and the City, but we did stumble across a stoop that looked almost identical.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist getting a few fun outfit snaps.

I was even wearing a Carrie Bradshaw inspired fit: a chic shift dress, my favourite sand coloured long boot heels, my new Polène handbag, and classic YSL black sunnies to complete the look.

As the afternoon went on, we kept discovering more of the West Village’s character. Quiet pockets of calm, stylish locals walking their dogs, bookstores tucked into corners, and that unmistakable creative buzz that only New York seems to have.

There’s so much more to see and I can’t wait to wander those streets again on our next trip, latte in hand, camera at the ready, soaking in every inch of that West Village charm ❤

Wedding Guest Dress; A Butter Yellow Moment

A springtime wedding in the UK can be risky on the weather front, but thankfully this weekend we were treated to gorgeous sunshine in time for our friend’s wedding on Saturday.

Being hosted on the bride’s family’s land and therefore outside and in a marquee all day, finding the right outfit was a little challenging. I almost wore a short dress which I already had in my wardrobe, however after I saw this Oh Polly dress on ASOS I thought this was the perfect solution.

With it’s simple yet flattering cut and eye-catching butter yellow colour, this dress ticked all the boxes for me.

Shoe choice had to be carefully considered too given we were in a field, so I also ordered from ASOS this pair of gold strappy mules with a low block heel so I didn’t sink in the grass!

To compliment the dress I wore my ASOS oversized flower earrings with pearl detail, my Abbott Lyon gold bangle, Abbott Lyon anklet and my usual mix of vintage gold rings.

I opted for this cute yellow handbag which I bought in Bali and of course my MiuMiu sunnies to complete the look in the sunshine.

I was really happy with my fit for the day as I felt elegant and classy but still comfortable which is key for a long wedding day. Butter yellow is the colour of the season and I think it was the perfect statement for a sunny springtime wedding ❤

Summer Wedding Scenes; The Shack Revolution

Wedding season is well and truly underway and this weekend we had the pleasure of joining our very close friends to celebrate them tying the knot in style at The Shack Revolution.

Nestled in the heart of Hereford, The Shack Revolution is a contemporary wedding venue which prides itself on encouraging couples to have creativity and freedom in planning their dream wedding – https://www.theshackrevolution.co.uk

The day was truly one of a kind reflecting the couple’s fun loving hearts and beautiful personalities.

From the gorgeous pink bouquets of flowers and matching pink napkins, which we waved in the air as the couple entered their wedding breakfast as newlyweds; to the fun games including ping pong and the beer van where you could pour your own pint, every moment of the day was a joy and had guests entertained.

The three course dinner was a delicious feast, starting with seared Celtic king scallop on a bed of pea puree and chorizo.

To follow I had the vegetarian main of smoked oyster mushroom risotto with sage as well as a few of the sides including salad, roasted cherry vine tomatoes and the most decadent mac and cheese which me and my boyfriend couldn’t get enough of!

For dessert it was my favourite deconstructed Eton mess, the perfect little sweet treat to end the meal.

We certainly weren’t left hungry when more food came later in the evening too… a cheeseboard with mountains of caramelised onion chutney (we love to see it) and then stacks of fresh stone baked pizzas complete with garlic bread and truffle fries. Not forgetting also the snack table of crisps and giant sweetie jars for guests to help themselves, fuelling us with that extra energy as we danced the night away!

It’s always tricky finding the right wedding guest outfit, so me and my best friend were back and forth with lots of options in the run up to the date.

I finally settled on a sophisticated floral swing dress, something I actually already had in my wardrobe from when I worked for the vintage dress company Lady V London.

Whilst this isn’t my usual style of dress, I felt really feminine and lady like in this number and it matched the vibe of the venue super well.

To accessorise it up I wore this statement neck corsage, oversized gold flower earrings from ASOS, satin baby pink heels to match the corsage and my new olive green Moncrief shoulder bag, subtly reflecting the floral tones of the dress.

I also took my boyfriend shopping to Next where we got him this smart, pinstriped, oatmeal suit which I styled for him with the light blue shirt and satin pocket handkerchief. I think the muted blue and green tones of our outfits complimented each other well. Couples dressing must be carefully considered for weddings so as to pair perfectly for photos ❤

Needless to say that as an Events Executive, I absolutely adore attending weddings, especially when it’s family or very close friends getting hitched. Tears of joy and pride were certainly flowing for the happiness of my beautiful friends.

Nothing matches the feeling of celebrating together with loved ones and letting your hair down in honour of the happy couple, I’m still on such a high.

What a truly magical day shared with the most fabulous friends who are like family.

Cheers to forever girls ❤

A Very Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! I was so happy to be reunited with my family this year and celebrations were in full swing for the occasion. Me and my boyfriend began the day with present opening by the tree for the first Christmas morning in our gorgeous new home.

I then got dressed up and ready for the festivities in my little green peter pan dress from Topshop, sheer tights, long boots and a cute new beret from Urban Outfitters.

Family celebrations were kicking off at midday over at my parent’s house. Champagne popped, Christmas songs playing and we were ready for the starter of marinated figs, rocket, mozzarella, parma ham and a honey mustard dressing – exquisite!

It was so great to be in the company of my brother and his wife on Christmas Day following last year’s scuppered plans due to Covid. Thankfully this year we all tested negative and could even have my wonderful Grandma join us for the day too.

Everyone was busy in the kitchen helping with preparations for the big roast dinner, whilst my Dad was mostly outside seeing to his pride and joy for the day, the BBQ turkey! An unconventional method of cooking the bird on a winter’s day in England, but I have to admit it does result in the most succulent meat.

Our late lunch/early dinner was served at 4:30pm and as usual my mum dished up an absolute feast. I just love all the delicious vegetable accompaniments with a roast, my favourite being the red cabbage, honey roasted carrots and not forgetting the brussel sprouts. My brother even did a homemade cauliflower cheese which was divine and stole the show this year!

With bellies full and very satisfied indeed, we sat around the table playing games before more present opening by the tree. I received some fantastic gifts and really enjoyed giving our presents this year too. My mum always pulls some little surprises out of the bag also, and this year she didn’t disappoint with a beautiful 60s style vintage handbag and coffee table book Fashion In Film which I’m obsessed with.

I do feel incredibly blessed and grateful our family could be altogether this year. It was the perfect day full of fun, laughter and love surrounded by the stars of my life.

Cheers to health, happiness and a very Merry Christmas ❤

Head High in the Sky; The Shard London

Happy Sunday Babes. I’ve just been chilling in the garden all afternoon today as the UK is finally greeted with some sunshine again. Yesterday we ventured into London for a lovely day strolling around town and exploring new places, before heading to the Shard for sunset.

First stop was Covent Garden and the Seven Dials area for a spot of shopping. I love the vintage stores and boutique shops around here as there is always something new to discover.

For a late lunch we went into the buzzing Seven Dials Market for vegan burritos from Club Mexicana. These were by far the best tasting burritos me and my boyfriend had ever tried – the BBQ jackfruit ‘ribs’ combo was incredible!

Before leaving we went via Neals Yard for that classic Insta worthy shot and a quick coffee to get our caffeine kick for the rest of the arvo.

Next stop was Tower Bridge where I was keen to try Coppa Club for an aperitif. Famous for its outdoor igloos intended for larger parties, we sat inside at the gorgeous bar where I sipped my champagne and felt very fancy indeed.

As sundown drew closer, we headed over to the Shard where we were transported up into the clouds on the 72nd floor…thank fully I’m not too afraid of heights.

The views were spectacular and so interesting to see London from above, all the buildings looked tiny from up there.

Unfortunately sunset was only short given that it was an overcast day, but then seeing the city light up at dusk was still beautiful regardless.

To complete our day out, we had reservations at Cote Brasserie on Southbank. I’m never disappointed at Cote as they deliver such delicious, authentic French food with brilliant service to match too. I had the Paillard Chicken Salad with Frites whilst my boyfriend had the Poulet Breton with Frites. Clean plates all around, it was an exquisite end to the perfect day.

Following our meal we were right by Waterloo station ready to hop onto the next train home. I had the most fabulous day being a tourist in my own city and trying out new places through my guiltiest of pleasures – shopping, eating and drinking ❤ ❤ ❤