Lately: Via Instagram | Phuket

Its only been a matter of weeks since I returned from Phuket, and I'm finally uploading some (rather poor) instagram shots! I'm sure you know, I finally upgraded to the new iPhone, leaving these shots taken on the old mobile somewhat forgotten about... As you can see, the island truly is a paradise of clear unpolluted Andaman ocean, white powder beaches, more palm trees and stunning greenery and a true melting pot of traditional Thai culture - I cannot recommend the place enough.

As we were staying on the south west coast of the island, the sunsets were breathtaking. The small temple structure was the scene of a few weddings during our two week stay, positioned right above the beach the views over the island were stunning. I cannot praise our hotel, the staff and grounds at the Kata Beach Resort & Spa enough.

Lazing by the pool (within an excellent proximity to the swim-up bar), many hours were spent relaxing to this beautiful view. An afternoon stroll up the beach to our favourite beach club.

Places to Stay: The Feversham Arms, North Yorkshire

I adore a romantic (see term; dirty weekend...) break with the boy, and its often refreshing to opt not for a city break, but for a gorgeous rural hotel in the country with nothing but an amazing room, spa, restaurant and each other  In the pretty (up)market town of Helmsley, The Feversham Arms is made up of a cluster of rustic pale stone cottages arranged around a heated outdoor pool, this place has it all.

For me, the highlights of staying here include, but aren't limited to, the gorgeous champagne afternoon tea by the fire, Aroma Stone massage and Anti-Ageing Smoothie facial in the Verbena spa, our amazing suite - Room 22 – a galleried poolside suite with a wood-burning stove and the Poached white peach, vanilla shortbread and lemon verbena granite. As amazing as it sounds.

Michelin-starred chef Chris Staines (formerly of Marco Pierre White’s Oak Room) is now at the helm, alongside head chef Simon Kelly (ex The Waterside Inn, Bray and Nico at Ninety Park Lane). Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant between 6.45 and 9pm with a choice between a five-course tasting menu and a three-course a la carte. The restaurant has a modern take on fine dining and comes with a real sense of occasion, so pack heels and your favourite clutch. The five-course tasting menu is treat not to be missed. Dishes such as lemon-baked halibut with chervil hollandaise and asparagus keep the local foodie fraternity flocking here (and my chef beau happy!).

Places: Kata Beach, Phuket | Hello from the Poolside

A quick 'hello' from the decking of our infinity pool at our resort in Kata Beach via the social media app thats taken over the world, instagram. The last ten days couldn't have been better - and there's still four more days of paradise left... rachel xo

A Guide To: Faking it on the Beach

Bikini 101. We've all been there; two days prior to jetting to faraway shores, recoiling in fear at the thought of baring all at the watersedge... Keep these tips in mind when buying swimwear to flatter your best bits.

 t a n  u p  . . .

Changing rooms truly are the worst. The light is unflattering, and those sock-marks really can ruin the look. Give yourself the best possible chance and apply a self tanner a day in advance if you aren't already sporting the bronzed look, shave those legs and look your best - as you strive to on the beach. Otherwise, order online where you can try on at home, and send the rejects back.

 w h a t ' l l  s u i t  y o u  ? . . .

Look at what already suits you in your wardrobe. If you like the way a V-Neck fits, then chances are you'll like the way a halter neck fits too.

At Home With: Tory Burch's Southampton Home

New York based fashion designer Tory Burch has built up a multimillion dollar business in a relativley short space of time based mainly... on herself? Raised from a fashion background with a mother who favoured Parisian chic and a father who designed his own suits & hermes scarves Tory feels fashion and style are in her blood. She has transformed a Gatsby-era Southampton Manor into a convival enviromnemt for family living.

Following a flood, she was planning to drastically remodel her nearby home, a light-filled but architecturally undistinguished summer place on the water’s edge. But when a friend took her to see this majestic home, she immediatley fell in love with the similarity to the Anglophile houses on Philadelphia’s Main Line, where she had grown up among her parents collections of all things antique and intriguing.