Tag: Travel

Bali Guide; Zin Canggu Resort & Villas

March 24, 2024

When booking our trip to Bali, we were spoilt for choice when it came to choosing where to stay in Canggu. Whilst we considered renting our own villa given how cheap it is out there, upon researching online there was a lot of advice recommending hotels are preferable as they have 24 hour security. Zin was somewhere which kept coming up in our searches and with its jungle vibe aesthetic, it looked like the perfect tropical oasis in the centre of Canggu.

We booked via Expedia, so together with return flights it came to just under £1,400 each for the flights and hotel with breakfast included, an absolute bargain for 10 nights at such a stunning resort.

Opting for an upgrade to one of their Deluxe Bamboo rooms, we had this beautiful terrace overlooking the central pool which we had to ourselves a lot of the time, our own private paradise.

The room itself was ultimate Bali vibes too with stone flooring and aesthetic decor like this rattan woven wall hanging.

The dreamy Queen size bed was like sleeping on a cloud and waking up in heaven with the white bed net to keep those mosquitoes away.

Another awesome detail was the double shower head in our massive en suite complete with rustic stone walls and flooring.

My favourite place to relax in the afternoons or before dinner with a cocktail in hand, was our private terrace nestled amongst the luscious greenery.

Zin Cafe offered an extensive variety of options for brekky every morning.

They had a number of smoothie bowls to choose from, my favourite being the dragon fruit bowl with it’s vibrant pink colour and tangy sweet taste.

My boyfriend made his way through the menu of savoury dishes before trying the sweet treats, his favourite being the classic French toast.

The fruit in Bali is always super fresh and even the fruit bowls from Zin Cafe were a piece of art.

We had a local Balinese curry at the hotel one evening which was incredible, and another afternoon enjoyed a late lunch on our terrace.

I could tell how fresh and healthy all the food was from Zin Cafe and every dish was so perfectly presented.

The staff were very welcoming, wonderfully friendly and made sure we had everything we needed during our stay at Zin.

We even had a complimentary hour long couples massage in the spa, a delightful treat and heavenly experience.

Poolside handstand practice was the ideal setting to find balance and channel my inner yogi.

Even at twilight the jungle of tropical trees and tree house style canopy looked magnificent.

Zin was ideal for our stay in Canggu being only a 10 minute walk from the main strip of restaurants and bars and just a 2 minute walk from Echo Beach. They also have a co-working space in the cafe which offers a peaceful area for working, something we would’ve used if we were staying longer and needed to work.

I would highly recommend Zin Canggu Resort & Villas to anyone travelling to Bali, particularly young couples who are looking for a bit of luxury. Prime location and safe with 24 hour security, clean and beautifully aesthetic, brilliant food and wonderful people, it was everything we hoped for and more.

The Deluxe Bamboo room and resort grounds felt like a home away from home by the end of the holiday.

To book your stay at Zin, you can find them on Expedia and Booking.com or visit their website – https://zin.world/zin-canggu/

Welcome to the World of Zin ❤

Bali Calling; Back Soon

March 15, 2024

Friday is here and after being back at work this week following a dreamy holiday in Bali, I’m very glad to be welcoming in the weekend. We landed back in London on Saturday evening and whilst our jet lag wasn’t bad out in Bali, coming back has been a challenge and the extreme fatigue set in. Thankfully after a few days back in routine, we’re feeling a lot more alive and I can’t wait to share all of the Bali content from our awesome trip back to my favourite island.

From chasing sunsets whilst beach bar hopping and sampling the best of Bali’s foodie scene, to exploring the rainforest and rice terraces in Ubud and surfing on Echo Beach, we certainly made the most of our 10 days in Bali.

Over the next month or so, I have an exciting schedule of posts about our trip including where we stayed, what we got up to, my favourite places for sundowners, the creme de la creme of restaurants in Canggu, how much things cost and my top tips for visiting Bali.

So stay tuned as I soothe my Bali blues by reliving our holiday with lots of exciting Bali content to come! ❤

Bali Trip Planning; One Month To Go

February 4, 2024

Happy Sunday! We’ve made it into February and I’m so excited to be jetting off to Bali with my boyfriend at the end of this month. Having been before and fallen in love with this palm-fringed island, there are many places I want to go back to as well as lots of new areas I’d like to explore. We’ll be staying in the bustling beachside town of Canguu, Bali’s rapidly developing hedonistic paradise with it’s world-class waves, eclectic boutiques and markets, beautifully aesthetic beach bars and flourishing foodie scene.

Our hotel Zin in Canguu, is a stunning boutique hotel resort situated right by the beach and in the heart of Berawa with the best shops, restaurants and bars right on our doorstep.

We’ll have to visit my favourite beach club La Brisa on Echo Beach for sundowners, and not forgetting The Lawn and Finns which are both nearby too.

My inner foodie can’t wait to go back to Shady Shack for the incredible salad nourish bowls and also Crate Cafe for their stunning smoothie bowls.

Penny Lane is also a must for the wonderfully aesthetic interiors and extensive menu of vegan delights to enjoy whilst taking in those gorgeous surroundings.

Having read more recent blogs and watching YouTube vlogs from influencers in Canguu, I’ve got a whole bunch of new spots to try out in the area too. I particularly like the look of Mason restaurant for a date night and SKOOL Kitchen for some fine dining with a view.

Beyond Canguu, there are two other areas of the island I would like to visit during our time in Bali. A day trip to the central jungle terrine of Ubud is an absolute must. Here you will find the lush green rice paddies and ethereal waterfalls which will undoubtedly be picture perfect moments for the ‘gram.

Another day trip I have mapped out is to Uluwatu on the south coast, where the white sand beaches and cliff faced coastlines are breathtaking.

This is where the infamous beach club Savaya is located with its seemingly floating balcony dance floor and DJ deck. Sundowners with that magnificent view and live music will be the dream pinch me moment.

As always, I’m doing my research using Instagram, YouTube and blogs to save the very best places for us to visit and make the most of our time in Bali. A Pinterest board is another great way to get inspired and discover hidden gems – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/danielleaneka/bali/

Using Google maps I have also put together my own map for Bali, pinning the places to go in each region of the island we plan on visiting. I do this anytime I am travelling abroad as its a quick and easy way to save everything in one place and visually see where they are on the map. Checkout my Bali map here – https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1IAltwIQuNtqsH3oXXDRz0DVF2pi3w1s&usp=sharing

So the countdown to Bali ’24 is on and I’m absolutely thrilled to be going back to magical beach bum days in island paradise ❤

Cyprus Scenes; Dancing with the Flamingos

September 24, 2023

Last week I squeezed in my third holiday of the summer to Cyprus with my boyfriend. September is always a great time to get away as the kids have gone back to school so everywhere is much quieter.

We stayed at Mercure Beach Resort Larnaca as part of a collaboration project with All Accor Hotels.

We were treated to a deluxe double room with a lovely big bathroom and large balcony overlooking that dreamy deep blue ocean.

For this trip I decided to plan my outfits for each day and evening which made packing super easy and seamless. It was so satisfying to see my capsule wardrobe hung up in the spacious closet.

Friday morning we woke fresh and ready for a day of shooting around the hotel, and by midday it was time for a cocktail in my cabana.

I bought this big floppy hat in Mallorca last month and I’m obsessed, it’s so chic!

That afternoon we were given access by the General Manager of the hotel to film in one of the impressive villas they have on site.

Don’t mind me just living my private villa dream as I lounged in the hanging egg chair on the villa terrace.

Sundown drinks on the balcony were a picture perfect moment every evening on repeat.

Friday evening we went to a lovely seafood restaurant just a short walk from our hotel and right on the water called Mer Bleue.

We had classic Greek tatziki and pitta to start, followed by grilled octopus and fries for me and the fillet steak for my boyfriend.

On Saturday morning we explored the old town of Larnaca where we visited the Greek Orthodox Church of St Lazarus.

Later that day we captured some underwater shots poolside and enjoyed an iced coffee afternoon pick me up.

We’d certainly worked up an appetite for lunch, so we ordered a much needed pizza at the Mercure hotel where they have an authentic stone bake pizza oven.

Another evening rolled around and it was yet another stunning sunset complete with orange and pink hues on the horizon.

Before dinner we went to the smart hotel Lobby Bar for an aperativo and I was channeling my inner Flamingo in this cute colourful mini dress from Stradivarius.

Larnanca is known for the Flamingos which flock to the salt lake during Autumn, hence the Flamingo theme throughout the hotel.

A local taxi driver recommended a great Greek restaurant near our hotel called Vlachos Tavern, so we headed there for some dinner and of course I had my favourite Greek feta salad.

Sunday morning we were up bright and early for the breakfast buffet which I setup to shoot for aesthetic hotel content.

Following shooting we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast spread of sweet and savoury plates; the pancakes were the winning dish!

Fuelled and ready for the day, we headed to Ayia Napa for a beach day and day on the water.

I’ve wanted to do paddle boarding for so long and this was the ideal place to give it a go it for the first time.

Calm crystal clear waters and a gloriously sunny day, our first experience paddle boarding was perfect and a lot of fun.

Nissa Beach was buzzing on a Sunday arvo and it was time to hit the beach clubs.

I had a pretty pink Paloma followed by the Tropical State of Mind house special cocktail.

It was giving cool Bali vibes at Isola Beach Bar; I was in my element with these beach style interiors complete with delicious cocktails and salty sea air.

Back in Larnaca, we took a sundown stroll at golden hour along the seafront.

Soon enough it was dusk and the crescent moon was glowing against the deep blue sky.

Those short few moments between night and day are so beautiful and unique, the way the colours of the sky change so swiftly yet fluidly is nature’s art.

For our final night we ate back at the Kyma Restaurant within our hotel where the food was always top quality and delicious.

After dinner, we couldn’t resist a final night cap at the hotel Lobby Bar with their enticing spirit wall glowing as it lit up at night.

And just like that, it was our final day in Cyprus and I soaked up very last minute of sunshine on our balcony with that magnificent view.

Our time in Cyprus was short but superbly sweet, I can’t wait to visit again and explore more of everything it has to offer.

Ciao for now Cyprus ❤

Turkish Tales; Balmy Nights

June 26, 2023

Whilst Balmy Beach Resort is a tropical paradise by day, it also comes alive at night with live music every evening and cocktails served until the early hours.

I love getting dressed up for evening dinners on holiday and having fun with cute outfits I wouldn’t get a chance to wear out at home.

With our first proper evening at the resort being a Friday night, weekend vibes were in the air from noon and by dusk the live DJ was getting the atmosphere buzzing at the beach bar.

I wore this Stradivarius skort paired with my favourite floral wrap frill blouse, these ASOS woven sliders and my new Dune white crochet handbag with gold chain which I brought in duty free at the airport.

When we were at the airport on our journey over to Turkey, I also decided to really splash out and treat myself to these magnificent MuiMui sunglasses.

I wanted to debut them for our special romantic dinner for two on Saturday evening at the Balmy a la carte restaurant.

First up though, it was sundowners at the beach bar where I enjoyed a glass of bubbly in this beautiful champagne flute looking so elegant next to by cute new bag.

Having got a golden glow from the first few days of sun, I decided to wear this white body con middy dress I got in Australia years ago paired with my pear detail sliders, a pair of oversized white shell earrings and my By Alona gold chain pearl necklace which I wore almost every night, the perfect holiday jewellery piece.

I was feeling very St Tropez in all white complete with those killer sunnies and sipping my champagne at that beautiful boho beach bar.

There’s nothing like dining al fresco on holiday with that salty sea air and mellow pink and blue sky as the sunsets and dusk draws in.

We had a wonderful evening together enjoying delicious food and being looked after so well by our lovely waiter; can you tell he was making me laugh here 😉

Sunday night I wore this tropical print maxi dress which is completely backless and features a flattering thigh split. Very little accessories needed with this number, the dress does all the talking.

That evening the live music was over at the garden bar, where we sat in the charming surroundings of the courtyard and could gaze up at the stars in the night sky.

Monday night I went a little more casual with these black crochet Zara shorts, my boho print bardot style croptop, those timeless ASOS plaited sliders and my usual gold jewellery to complete the look.

And once again we found ourselves down at the buzzing beach bar for post dinner drinks and another live band session.

For the final night we got dressed up and ready for dinner in time for golden hour down by the pool and beach bar.

I had to get out my favourite summer minidress from Abercrombie & Fitch, paired with this pastel pink shell detail ASOS clutch for a pop of colour, and of course my new MuiMui babies.

That golden hour glow was giving me all the fuzzy feels and I just wanted to bottle that magical moment forever.

Once the sun hid behind the mountains and the pastel pink sky set in, we went for pre-dinner cocktails at the beach bar.

We couldn’t have wished for a more exquisite setting for our final dinner at Balmy Beach.

Later in the evening the crescent moon came out to sit just above the mountains at dusk; how peaceful and spiritual this moment felt.

And so that marked the end of our stay at Balmy Beach Resort and we couldn’t be more grateful to the staff who were so kind and friendly in making our time there an absolute joy and pleasure.

Sunset views and moonlit hues; goodnight Balmy Beach ❤

Turkish Tales; Balmy Days Like These

June 26, 2023

Ahhh what I would give to be back in the paradise of Balmy Beach Resort Kemar. Following a week of sunshine, relaxing poolside, eating exquisite food and drinking all kinds of delicious cocktails, we returned from our wonderful week away in Turkey last Wednesday evening.

Set between the mountains and the beach on the coast of Kemar in Turkey, the views at Balmy Beach Resort make for the most picture perfect backdrop.

When you exit the reception, you are greeted with this spectacular walkway with the hotel rooms and palm trees framing that breathtaking view of the mountains.

We had a lovely spacious room overlooking the main walkway complete with a large balcony, a super comfy bed, double wardrobes, a large bathroom with walk in waterfall shower and complimentary mini bar stocked with all the flavoured sodas you could wish for.

The interiors and decor of Balmy Beach are very Grecian meets Bali vibes and I’m obsessed!

On Sunday I was having a pink moment in my Bond Eye Swim candy pink bikini and those cherry pink cocktails to match.

One of my favourite spots to sip my cocktail and read my book was at the beach bar where they had these cute egg chairs, which I now need to get at home for our garden too.

Alongside all the amazing cocktails, we ate like king and queen being on the all inclusive deal.

The buffet selection was always so fresh and superbly presented.

From whole grilled fish and chicken kebabs, to colourful salads with exotic dips and deliciously prepared vegetable dishes, there was something for everyone.

There was even a whole deli counter where you could plate yourself a cheese platter or charcuterie board, right up my street.

Our all inclusive deal even included dining at the a la carte restaurant.

We had dinner here on the Saturday night and were so impressed, we went again for dinner and a few lunches too.

Whilst the dinner was fine dining, the lunch menu included pastas, pizzas, burgers, salads and more traditional lunch options.

My boyfriend was obsessed with the chicken schnitzel and had it on two occasions, which being part German is saying something for sure!

There is even a Balmy Cafe with a wide selection of coffee options served hot or cold. Our daily afternoon poolside treat was an iced coffee with one of their sugar free syrups.

Of course we like to stay fit and active on holiday too, so we made an effort to use their excellent gym facilities as well as the tennis court for a few games.

Handstand practice with this backdrop was a dream, wish I could workout in front of the mountains everyday.

These massive beanbag chairs out on the pontoon were super comfy and another picturesque spot to relax and soak up the hot Turkish sun.

Being out by the sea is my favourite place to be and so peaceful just listening to the waves lapping by the shore.

I’m such a water baby and had to take a dip in the ocean whilst we were out on the pontoon.

Sunset was a little earlier given the sun dipped behind the mountains by about 7pm every evening.

So sundown poolside when most people had left to get ready for dinner was the best way to make the most of my favourite time of day; tranquil bliss for golden hour.

Now these are my kinda Monday blues sitting poolside after a long lunch, sipping an iced coffee and reading my book.

We even treated ourselves to a much needed couples massage at their stunning spa with the most tranquil setting overlooking this pebbled pool and luscious palm trees.

I loved every minute of our time at the beautiful Balmy Beach Beach Resort and left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, not to mention wanting to redecorate our own house balmy beach style.

Balmy Beach June23, what a dream ❤

NYE; Reset & Resolutions 2023

January 1, 2023

Happy New Year! It’s the first day of 2023 and I’m ready for a reset following a few weeks of fabulous festivities and celebrations this Christmas. Whilst I’ve enjoyed a wonderful holiday season spending lots of cherished time with friends and family, I always crave routine and look forward to getting back into the flow of daily life.

So having seen in the New Year last night with close friends and my boyfriend, I took a quiet few moments on this first day of January to write my resolutions for the year ahead. I always try to make goals on my resolutions list realistic and attainable to avoid feeling disappointed in myself if I don’t achieve them by the end of the year, but equally I want to hold myself accountable for those things I say I am going to do but may have pushed aside in the past.

My list also contains a mixture of specific goals such as starting my PT course and getting a second tattoo, as well as more general actions I would like to take forward into the new year like nurturing relationships and simply just staying sane!

A few days before NYE I also put together my yearly Pinterest vision board for 2023. I love using photos of art, fashion, food, travel and quotes to envision my aspirations and goals as well as gaining inspiration for the kind of aesthetic I picture my life embodying.

Cheers to another year ahead full of achieving more great goals, travelling exciting new places, being grateful for the everyday small things and being present whilst living in the moment with loved ones ❤

Mallorca Diaries; Love from the Golden Cost

September 18, 2022

Last week we finally got away on our late summer holiday to Spain. Visiting the stunning island of Mallorca, we stayed in the Southern town of Cala D’or which literally translates to the coast of gold, and you can see why…

Our adult only hotel Alua Soul Mallorca Resort located in the cove of Cala Egos, had it’s very own little beach meaning dreamy ocean dips on the daily.

We explored the local town of Cala D’or by day and of course did a spot of shopping in the boutique shops lining those gorgeous Spanish streets.

Everyday we were treated to the incredible all inclusive buffet at our hotel including all the veggies and salad you could imagine, as well as live cooking stations and plenty of fresh fruits and desserts; we really were spoilt for choice!

Not to mention the numerous cocktails we had on repeat all day long, because that’s what holidays all about right?

My boyfriend took a liking to a Tequila Sunrise and needless to say, the Spanish measures certainly are generous.

We also experienced the local nightlife on Friday evening and visited some awesome spots I’d found using the location on Instagram. My favourite was this fun bar called Lola giving major Bali island life vibes, I’m obsessed.

On Saturday we were feeling a little delicate following a night on the town til the early hours, so we grabbed a floaty and snorkel and just spent the day soaking up the sun in that blue blue ocean.

That evening, we went for a quiet stroll around the picturesque streets with those pretty pink flower vine walls and typical Spanish style villas; dream holiday home goals right there.

A golden hour twilight twinkle, palms and a sick Jeep, I was in heaven.

Brekky with a view everyday and I was in my element with all of the fresh fruits and different yoghurt flavours the hotel had to offer. Equally my boyfriend was pleased with the full english breakfast options.

The weather in early September is still scorching in Mallorca, so there was plenty of salty beach bum days basking in that balmy Spanish sun.

On Sunday we booked a boat trip for only £25 each which turned out to be fantastic value for 4 hours out on the water.

Getting picked up from the bay of our hotel, we visited another town along the coast (where I proceeded to jump a 10 meter cliff!), stopped off in the middle of the ocean for a swim and slides off the boat, and got dropped back to our hotel by sundown. A top day out at sea!

Sunday evening we treated ourselves to dinner out at the Marina where we had a wonderful meal complete with a scenic view of the bay too.

I had a delicious traditional seafood Paella which has to be done when in Spain, whilst my boyfriend enjoyed an exquisite cut of fillet steak.

I really do love island life, I’m thinking my next tattoo might just have to be a palm tree or a wave.

Our final day we spent making the most of the beach and hotel pools.

Not forgetting a final few cocktails of course…

And savouring our last meals from that tremendous array of food for our all inclusive package.

Freshly cooked fish, beautifully presented charcuterie boards at lunch, and a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit every night were my personal highlights from the buffet.

And just like that, it was sundown over our final day in Mallorca.

We had the most fabulous holiday together experiencing the best of Cala D’or and the lovely hospitality of Alua Soul Mallorca Resort.

These are our magical moments made in Mallorca, love from the golden coast xx

We’ll be back soon ❤

Late Summer on Film

September 4, 2022

Happy Sunday babes! I can’t believe it’s September already but we’re still enjoying those late summer days here in the UK. With the bank holiday last weekend, me and my boyfriend went on a picturesque countryside walk and shot some outfit pics along the way too.

As we transition into Autumn, the weather remains warm enough to continue wearing cute summer dresses but with boots and a jacket for the cooler evenings.

I’m obsessed with my Stradivarius cowboy boots, they were definitely my favourite purchase this summer and the best thing is, I’ll be able to wear them into the winter season too!

I channelled my inner country girl roots by pairing this daisy print tea dress from H&M with my cowboy boots and Lack of Colour Rancher hat. We even found some horses to complete that countryside chic aesthetic.

Throughout the month of September we will begin to see signs of Autumn looming and those endless summer days getting shorter. However my summer isn’t over yet as me and my boyfriend finally jet off to Mallorca this week for our late summer holiday. I can’t wait to jump in the ocean and top up my golden glow whilst sipping cocktails by the pool – summer isn’t over yet!

Euro Summer Vibes; Mallorca

August 7, 2022

There are so many options when it comes to a summer holiday over in Europe and whilst I’m lucky enough to have visited many of them before, there are still plenty of destinations I am yet to discover. This September we will be taking a late summer break to the beautiful island of Mallorca, Spain.

I went to Mallorca about 5 years ago on a family holiday and stayed in the gorgeous town of Pollenca located in the north. This time we are going south of the island to visit Cala D’or which translated to English literally means ‘Golden Bay’.

The crystal blue water really is breathtaking on that southern coastline and from our hotel we will have direct access to a secluded beach cove with undisrupted views out to the ocean.

We chose to treat ourselves to an all inclusive deal at the highly acclaimed Alua Soul adults only resort hotel. I can’t wait to be sat by the pool bar with an ice-cold colourful cocktail in hand, soaking up that scorching Spanish sun.

With Cala D’or and the marina just a short walk from our hotel, I’ll be keen to take a wonder around and explore the local town. I’ve already got my eye on a few fun looking bars and clubs around the area, one of which is this awesome spot called Lola with its aesthetic decor giving me Bali meets Morocco vibes.

Whilst I always do my research before travelling somewhere new, I find the best way to discover local gems is by strolling around or even asking a local, they’ll always have a good recommendation.

We might have a day in Palma at the end of our stay, but most of all we are looking for this holiday to be time to relax, bathe in the sun, swim in the ocean, indulge in delicious food and drink and just have fun together. We are in need of a chill holiday after all the action packed adventures we’ve had abroad so far this year.

Bring on those salty skin sandy beach bum days on the golden coast of Mallorca with my love ❤