Wednesday 20 July 2011

Poppy in Pearls

I'd like to do a shout out to my friend Sarah who is the genius and lovely lady behind Poppy in Pearls which has evolved from her original jewellery-making business. Poppy in Pearls is an online wedding boutique, selling British bridal buys, but it's not just for those peeps getting married (oh how I miss organising my own) it's for every stylish, creative gal (or guy) interested in scoping out and lusting after beautiful products and ideas online, much like myself. If you find yourself shrieking with delight "I want that! And that, and that and that, sigh." when browsing through wedding, design and fashion blogs, then check out Sarah's covetable finds and immerse yourself in the loveliness.


Oh, and not only is it shopping heaven, she also features 'real weddings' that have inspired her, which are great for nosing at other people's insights and ideas on their special day. In fact you might even spy a chloeimages wedding piece in the next week or so...

While I am at it, here are some examples of her own beautiful creations. 

Clever aint she!

My Travel Reviews, Mojitos in Mexico


I do like to dabble a bit and being freelance makes dabbling a little easier. One of my favourite on-the-side jobs is writing travel reviews for the lovely people at Tatler and Country and Townhouse magazines amongst others.

I am able to pursue my dalliance with travel and writing chiefly through my very old pal (not ancient herself but a longstanding family friend) Daisy Finer, who also happens to be the Spa Editor at Tatler and a Freelance writer extraordinaire.

Daisy and I in the early 80's


Here we are, not looking hugely different from when we were sharing a bubble bath around the ages of 5 and 6, and we giggle just as much.

So, below are some of my reviews of various hotels, villas, lodges and apartments. The photos I've added are mine and not associated with any of the places reviewed - they are basically my holiday snaps! The market, as you've probably guessed, is targeted at the rather loaded, but as well writing for the top-notch, high-end travellers, there are a few places that aren't breathtakingly expensive, and in all cases they are rather special. So go on treat yourself or someone you like a little bit....

Mexico

Esencia
A 50 acre beachfront private estate. Situated 45 miles south of Cancun, along the Mayan Riviera's best beach just 20 minutes south of Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen.
 
Situated at the end of a winding jungle pathway, the beautiful former beach-side retreat of an Italian Duchess sits in its 50 acre glory. Unwind like a royal house guest by the adult-only pool or under the wooden huts on your very own 2-mile secluded beach under the watchful eye of sun-worshipping iguanas.

Tucked away in a leafy corner of this peaceful hideaway, Esencia’s Aroma spa boasts a fully stocked herb kitchen, homegrown on the estate and used in the array of organic face and body treatments. Ask for the skilled hands of Lulu to cleanse and knead your stresses away. 

At the Sal Y Fuego restaurant, order the Ceviche which is to die for, whilst getting the coolest suggestions for a night out in Playa del Carmen from the clued-up and attentive waiters. If you don’t like sharing your paradise, this is the place to be.


 It was really dreamy here, this was the view from our room, and these birds popped over to our terrace each morning, to try and share (steal) any crumbs they might find, leftover from breakfast.




Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita
A large luxury beach-side boutique resort, situated along Cancun's famed Riviera Maya just 20 minutes from Cancun's International Airport.

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, an uber luxury all-inclusive resort boasting 90 oceanfront suites is a place for serious enjoyment.

Upon arrival, you are greeted with the friendly Mayan welcome and instantly seduced by the endless privileges of which there are way too many to mention here. If the unlimited access to four gourmet restaurants, and the deliriously intoxicating pool-side cocktails don’t do the trick then the welcoming bottle of tequila might just lead the way to the large Thalassotherapy spa and anti-ageing centre. Here you can opt for one of the many detoxifying treatments or a Temazcal Mexican steam-bath which will pummel away any over-indulgence.

It’s hard work but try tearing yourself away from lolling around in the hydrothalasso and saltwater pools and head, one sandy footprint away, to the beach and watch the immense pelicans soaring above you as you countdown the afternoon until your sunset catamaran sail.
  

Makita the Macaw




Makita, the Hotel's mascot took more than a liking to Scott, and saw me as a threat. Look at her beady eyes, watching my every move, making sure I didn't get too close. At one point he needed help in removing her from his shoulder. She loved him!

My camera lens would cloud up with condensation on leaving the air conditioned rooms, but it made quite nice 'rose-tinted' smeary exotic flower shots.