{take me away : the caribbean islands}

By the time you read this, I'll probably be en-route to our romantic Caribbean break the boy and I have been planning for a little while - the product of what's kept me going through a particularly shit few weeks. I'll be mostly lying under the hot sun all loub-ed up with coconut oil drinking endless mojitos and gin & tonics. See you in a few weeks - and try not to miss me too much, rachelle xo

{take me away : bora bora, tahiti}

In the depths of January, its hard not to spend far too much time dreaming of the promise of warm sunshine, white beaches and getting away from it all...

...Like the island of Bora Bora, Tahiti; where the hardest decision to make in the morning is whether to rest and relax on the sandy beaches, rejuvenate at a local favorite, the Deep Ocean Spa By Algotherm, or take a helicopter ride above the waters, palms, thatched roofs, vibrant flowers, and sandy beaches below...

...Or, for those who prefer to fill their days with adventurous activities; discover ancient rituals by touring Bora Bora’s stone temples, or may go snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, or choose of one of the many lagoon excursions...

And for a real treat to catch a glimpse of the tropical animals and sights beneath the waters without entering, you may book a classic glass bottom boat ride. This unique boat allows visitors to glide gently over the waters, and view, up close, various multicolored and exotic coral and fish life. Far more my style than scuba-diving!

In the evenings, beneath shimmering stars, enjoy romantic sunset cocktails and walks along the deep blue waters, with golden lights flickering in the distance, and a whole new look to Bora Bora.

I've had this South Pacific gem on my to-do travel list for some time, and thought it about time to share with you all some of the most beautiful hotels, beaches, places to eat, drink and relax and of course - what to wear.

w h e r e  t o   s t a y . . .

01 | Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort

This incredibly deluxe resort and spa is located on a motu with a stunning view of the famous Mount Otemanu. There are 20 garden suites with a private pool, 10 beach suites with a private jacuzzi and 50 over-water bungalows to choose from. Each suite or bungalow is kitted in beautiful, traditional warm woods that line the interiors, with not a detail or single luxury amiss.While staying at the Pearl Beach Resort, one may enjoy impeccable service, delicious cuisine (there are four lovely restaurants in total) and indulgent spa treatments. 

Take Me Away: Bangkok

Bangkok, the cultural & commercial centre of Thailand, is a fascinating mix of the traditionally old and thoroughly modern. A mixture of ancient traditions and glorious temples are juxtaposed with heavy traffic, honking horns and the constant stream of people walking, talking and cooking on the pavements the city has a magical and highly charged atmosphere.

There's much more to the city than traffic and street-food, see the sights from a long-tailed boat on the Chao Phraya River or dine alfresco on the 60th floor of a five star hotel and admire the panorama from above.

 w h e r e  t o   s t a y . . .

In a country where attention to detail is everything, it pays to make the most of luxurious Thai design, the incredible hospitality and beautiful surroundings. Orchids, Oversized vases, Flickering tea lights and stylish 
exotic hardwood furniture are just a few of the little touches that make all the difference in Bangkok’s hotels. 
The Banyan Tree in Silom Sathorn is a luxe sanctuary of peace. All the rooms are beautifully decorated with sumptuous silks and teak wood, the service is immaculate and the rooftop pool has a jaw-dropping skyline view. Upgrade to a club-room and you get the benefit of plenty of great freebies and are treated like absolute royalty.
Right next door, you’ll find the slinky Sukhothai , where more luxury awaits. The hotel blends East and West, tradition and modernity perfectly – from its pristine interiors to the beautiful Jim Thompson silks and the calming water features of the gardens. 

Take Me Away: Cannes

Formerly a small fishing village, Cannes is now a glamorous and expensive seaside town. Each May, the Film Festival rolls into town and the A-List descend onto the French Riviera.

Cannes is located just half hour drive north east of Nice, 45 minutes from Monaco and around an hour and a half of Saint Tropez. The beautiful beaches, streets and architecture combined with the glamorous hotels, restaurants and nightlife make Cannes my favourite stop along the South coast of France.

Take Me Away: Boa Vista

 Although Spring has just arrived; hectic schedules, work and family committments have resulted the boy & I to take our first summer holiday of the year two months earlier than planned. In just three sleeps time we will be flying to the small sahara island of Boa Vista, which forms one of the twelve Cape Verde islands.

After four sixty hour working weeks I cannot wait to place myself on a sun lounger on one of the hotels white powder beaches with a cocktail in one hand, low factor tanning oil in the other, Ray Bans on and my boy next to me!

We are spending our first trip to any of the Cape Verde island at the Riu Touareg, the largest and newest hotel on the island, newly opened in 2011.

1 - Matthew Williamson Tropical Longline Kaftan £1,199 available at Harrods, 2 - Jimmy Choo Nude Suede Strappy Sandals £516, 3 - H&M Bikini Top £9.99 & H&M Bikini Bottoms £7.99, 4 - Willow Stretch Crepe-Jersey Swimsuit £595 available at Net a Porter, 5 - Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses £120 available at The Sunglass Hut, 6 - Zadig & Volitare Gold Plated Cuff £1,680 available at Net a Porter, 7 - Camilla Majaro Short Lace Up Kaftan £499, 8 - Herve Leger Cut Out Bandage Swimsuit £675 available at Harrods, 9 - Jimmy Choo Jelly Sandals £275, 10 - H&M Straw Hat £9.99

I'm off to spend the days snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, wind surfing, para-sailing or perhaps just with a cherry daiquiri on a glass bottomed boat ride.. See you bloggers once I'm back on English soil on the 25th April.

Rachel x