Holiday Destination: Mauritius

The warm sun shines through the crisp palm trees as I try to lap up the last rays of the day. Golden hour. Mauritius is something else - total relaxation, exotic encounters and delicious treats are just some of the words that come to my mind as I try to put this holiday into words.

STAYING IN MAURITIUS

The hotel was just amazing. We're talking beautifully calm swimming pools, surrounded by lush, green gardens and right of the edge of a beach with a view. The food was incredible too, typically Mauritian (I mean, who doesn't love a curry?) and totally delicious. It was the perfect base for lazy beach days and being at the north tip of the island meant that those days were filled with sunshine. We also made the most out of the all-inclusive activities, which meant daily fitness classes, a glass bottomed boat ride to see the turtles and chilled pedalo rides across the tranquil, turquoise ocean.

EXPLORING THE ISLAND

We spent a lot of the 2 weeks visiting and exploring the African island via excursions and local transport. The buses in Mauritius are super cheap and allowed us to visit the local towns, as well as Port Louis, without spending more than £2 at one time!

Our first excursion was a tour of the south; visiting the Sacred Lake and Hindu temple for a traditional blessing, Chamarel coloured sands, the Black River waterfall and La Vanille - where we had the most incredible tortoise feeding experience. We were very lucky that the sun was shining all day (the south can be temperamental!), meaning that we got the most out of every location. We spent another morning exploring the Botanical Gardens, which were beautiful, even in the winter.

Our favourite day by far was when we visited Casela Nature Park - in the west of the island. If you are an animal lover, this is the place to go. When entering the park, it became clear that animal welfare was top priority and the space in the park was incredible; a proper safari experience. There are plenty of activities and experiences to do here so we planned our day tightly; lion interaction, safari truck, giraffe feeding experience and the Tulawaka rollercoaster - as well as observing the other animals and visiting the petting farm. The lion interaction was something we decided to do based on watching them and after talking to the lion keepers and what an experience it was! When else are we ever going to get the chance to be up and personal with such an incredible animal? Only in Africa! I would highly recommend this experience and the park to anyone visiting Mauritius.

Mauritius was the perfect place for us to get to know a different region and for anyone thinking of an Indian Ocean holiday where you can explore an island, get to know the locals, as well as enjoy a 5* hotel experience, well - this is it.

Until the next one x

Holiday Destination: Mexico

As I'm writing this post, the sun is just beginning to peek through the grey clouds. I'm back in the UK and the weather is awful! Take me back to non-stop sunshine, cool cocktails, a suite made for a queen and the white sand of the Caribbean coast.

We'd booked Riviera Maya, Mexico, back in 2016 and after months of paying it off, holiday shopping and anticipation, we left Birmingham airport on a dreary Monday morning at the end of June and headed on what can only be described as a holiday of a lifetime. 

The Hotel

Booking a Mexican holiday is something that, at the time, proved a little more difficult than we thought. There's so many options and you're spending a lot of money... what if it's not what you thought it would be?!

The Hideaway at Royalton Riviera was the best choice we could have made. What a hotel. It's difficult to put our experience into words but from the moment we walked into the resort, everything was even more incredible than what we could have ever imagined. Not only does every inch of the resort have the most amazing panoramic views of the clear blue ocean and white sandy beaches that lie alongside the hotel, but the service, atmosphere and attention to detail was unlike anywhere else I have ever stayed.

We never went hungry and the 11 restaurants on offer were of a quality I have never experienced at any hotel before. Our favourites had to be the French cuisine restaurant (we're talking 10/10 chateaubriand and crepe suzette), the Italian and Hunter's steakhouse. The pools and beach were gorgeous, whether you wanted to join in with drinking games, play table tennis or just sit and read your book... and the sunbeds were something else - resulting in maybe one too many midday naps.

Our suite was the cherry on top of an already 3-tiered, smooth frosting, fondant flower decorated cake! Full-to-the-brim fridges every evening for those midnight snacks, two jacuzzi's for ultimate relaxation and a beautiful view from our panoramic balcony was much appreciated during the warmest of sunsets. We were very lucky to be able to experience this resort in the way that we did and would recommend this hotel to anyone looking at staying in Riviera Maya!

Day Trips

I'm starting to think maybe I should have split this into two posts... I'll try not to blabber on!

One of the reasons Ollie and I decided to book Mexico wasn't just for the all-inclusive food and getting some Caribbean sun - it's somewhere that we've always wanted to explore and learn more about. We booked a Chichen Itza tour through Gray Line before we went away and honestly, it was one of the highlights of our trip. Although the transfer was just over two hours, the drive went really quickly and was completely worth it for the incredible views and surrealness you felt while stood underneath the famous Mayan antiquities. You can really take in your surroundings and appreciate why this ancient city is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. On your day out to Chichen Itza, you can also take time to explore famous cenotes, which is a must - because Mexico is one of the only countries in the world where you can see them.

Visiting Isla Mujeres is probably the most fun I have ever had and would tell anyone visiting anywhere remotely near Cancun to take a day trip there. The island is particularly famous for one thing, Corona, and even has its own Corona drive thru but if you really want to feel like you're in a Corona commercial, head to Playa Norte. It's without a doubt the most beautiful beach I've ever visited and has one of the cheapest bars we came across - even better! For the rest of your day, we're talking feeding turtles, haggling shop owners, taking in the views from the southern part of the island and trying street food - all whilst exploring on a golf cart.

Playa Del Carmen was probably our closest town and we headed there towards the end of our trip to focus on one thing... shopping. 5th avenue runs parallel to the beach and is jam packed full of shops, stalls, bars and restaurants. From American high-street shops to traditional market style stalls, incredible street food (you have to try the churros!) to nightclubs, it's all there in one place. Once we had explored the buzzing street, we headed down to the beach to unwind and get some shade. From Playa Del Carmen you can also get the ferry over to Cozumel, a beautiful, large island, famous for scuba-diving, which we'd have done if we'd have stayed in Mexico longer but that's just another reason to return.

After two weeks of soaking up the sunshine, exploring Mexican wonders and sipping a little too much tequila, we headed home with some of the best holiday memories (and a few magnets!). I would recommend Riviera Maya to anyone, it really is a holiday of a lifetime. I can't wait to head back already but for now, it's time to start planning the next one...

Holiday destination: Lesbos

I've just returned from my annual family holiday and this year, we tried somewhere a bit different. I'd heard of Lesvos and absolutely love exploring Greece and the Greek islands, but still didn't know exactly what to expect.

It was one of the most relaxing holidays I have ever been on. The intense heat left me wanting to just sit by the pool, sip cocktails and enjoy walks along the calm beach, which was directly in front of the hotel. As holiday destinations go, this is also one of the quietest I have ever been to. The tiny village of Skala Kalloni was just a two minute walk from our hotel and had around 15 tavernas, a couple of shops and a small boating harbour. Perfect to get away from it all.

At night was when you could see the popularity of the small holiday spot. The tavernas bustling, a brilliant atmosphere crept upon the village square. A lot of Greek destinations find themselves swamped in British, German and French tourists but I didn't find that here. Greek families filled the restaurants, beach and bars, creating a friendly, traditional set-up.

My favourite restaurants were definitely Caprice and Ambrosia, where we were spoilt with food, drink and a LOT of watermelon! Ambrosia's was more traditional; serving the best moussaka and kleftiko I have ever had. Caprice was a more modern restaurant, with pasta and fish dishes to die for - along with their passion fruit martini's!

A fantastic place for a totally relaxed, traditional holiday.

Holiday essentials

Ahhhhh, it's nearly time! Tomorrow, I fly out to Greece, but before I do, I thought I'd share with you my holiday essentials:

Bag⎜Michael Kors

The perfect tote to keep those holiday essentials in.

Book⎜Waterstones

A good holiday-read is a must have.

Travel Wallet⎜Aspinal of London

To keep those travel documents and currency safe.

Sunglasses⎜Topshop

Get ready for that midday sun!

Lipstick⎜Smashbox

To keep you looking photo ready at all times.

Bikini⎜Jack Wills

Ready to put on as soon as you get to your destination.

Happy holidays!!! I'll see you in two weeks time.

DIY: Holiday nails

I love preparing for going on holiday. Gradual tan, eyebrow and eyelash tints, waxing, nails, shopping!! It builds up your excitement and definitely makes the lead up to your holiday a lot less boring!

This year, I wanted to try something a bit different.

At Christmas, I opted for a sparkly nail to get into the festive spirit. For just £2.49, I received just as many compliments as I would have with £30 acrylic nails. A couple of months ago, I spotted these flamingo print nails in Primark for just £1 and thought that they might work just as well.

Buying nail glue costs around £2 from any shop and lasts around 1-2 weeks before the nail comes off. My initial thoughts would be that maybe the nails would be too cheap and maybe too good to be true, but, so far, as I've applied them with a better nail glue, they have stayed on very well.

The overall look of the nail is summery and fun, without being too bold. I paired the pink-printed look with a baby pink nail varnish for my toes and the two match very well. The colour does go with everything and is subtle enough to wear with printed clothes but can add more detail to a plain outfit.

For a bargain price, I will definitely be purchasing these again!!

Best of bikinis

Girls, it's that time of year again! Hours of looking for swimwear, changing room tantrums, realising that takeaway food is your enemy... all to find that perfect beach look.

With summer sales slowly taking over our wardrobes (and lives), searching for that statement bikini really is the last of your worries. They are simple everywhere! From printed to plain, one-piece's to teeny tiny bandeau's, whether you think it or not, there is really something for everyone.

I originally wanted to get a Triangl bikini. The bright colours and simple design seem effortless and they are bang on trend. However, having a look around, I found more that I have fallen in love with! I could easily spend hundreds of pounds but thankfully, for the sales, you can get what you're after for a cut of the price.

These are just some of my favourites:

Blue twisted bikini⎜Boux Avenue
Back detail one-piece⎜Victoria's Secret
Pink print bikini⎜Motel Rocks
Pink floral bikini⎜Accessorize
Wrap effect one-piece⎜French Connection

Jewellery in July

This summer, jewellery is everywhere. Chains over bikinis, statement pieces to glam up for a night out, anklets for those summer strolls... when you're wearing simple, loose clothes to keep the heat away, the easiest way to make your outfit brighter and more interesting is to add loads of the latest jewellery!

Jewellery has always been a big thing; from hoop earrings to head chains, we've seen it all. Here's just a few of my favourite pieces, perfect for that summer getaway.

Body chain⎜River Island

A simple way to glam up that beach party bikini.

Anklet⎜Orelia at Topshop

A statement piece for a simple summer's day outfit.

Midi ring⎜Accessorize

Bang on trend for an understated but unique look.

Bracelet⎜Michael Kors

This will glam up any outfit; from high-street shopping to high-end bars.

Collar necklace⎜Topshop

Beaded necklace to add a splash of colour.

Holiday destination: Hisaronu

Hisaronu is a beautiful resort village in the Fethiye district of the Mugla Province of Turkey. With mountains surrounding the whole area, the village has some of the best views of any holiday resort. The temperature in Hisaronu is very high, both times I have visited it has easily reached around 45 degrees. 

With a large choice of shops, bars and restaurants, the village is very popular with both tourists and locals. In the day time, Hisaronu is a lovely town to look around, do some shopping and grab a light lunch or drink. However, as the sun sets, the night definitely comes alive. The bars have great deals on drinks and no matter what your age, there is something fun for everyone. From fire dancers to late-night restaurants, rooftop clubs to shisha lounges, all of the family will enjoy the evening entertainment in Fethiye. And for those who don't enjoy partying or drinking, the shops stay open late so you can still enjoy the great atmosphere.

One great thing about the location of Hisaronu is the access to other places and the excursions that are available to you. The first time I visited Hisaronu, we went on a jeep safari which included visiting mud baths, Patara beach, Saklikent Gorge and Yakapark Trout Farm. It was a brilliant day out, in tranquil surroundings. 

Last year, we decided to go on the 12 island boat trip, which I wasn't particularly looking forward to. However, it was one of my favourite days of the holiday. A relaxing and peaceful day, with a great opportunity to top up my tan! When we stopped at each island, we could get off the boat and have a swim around; even jump off the top deck if we were brave enough. We also spend a day at the local aqua park, with slides and pools to relax in and have a bit of fun. 

All excursions have their own photographer too; at the end of the day you take a look at all of the photos and can buy the set. We did this both times, we didn't have any time to take photos and he documented both trips for us, the photos turned out great.

I would highly recommend all excursions as they were so much fun and didn't cost much at all!

Hisaronu is also only a 20 minute dolmus ride away from Fethiye, the closest city. Tuesday is the day to pick if you want to take a trip there as it's market day; you'll be right amongst the hustle and bustle of local traders and customers. It's a brilliant time to grab a few bargains and to take a look at the 'genuine fake' goods, as well as the locally made and sourced products.

As well as this, Fethiye itself is a beautiful city, with many different parts to it. Get lost in the side streets and find yourself a hidden cafe, or take a look in some of Turkey's high-street stores, where clothes and leather goods are at some of their best prices.

If you're after another way to top up your tan and visiting another village, then take a trip to Oludeniz. A 5 minute dolmus ride away lies the picturesque lagoon that is one of the most photographed regions  in the Mediterranean. The village itself is pretty, with bars and cafes running alongside the beach front; perfect for a lunchtime snack or a quick refreshment from that midday sun. If you go to Oludeniz, make sure you take the opportunity to try a watersport; whether it be jet-skiing or a banana boat ride; the lagoon is definitely the place to do it!

I would definitely recommend Hisaronu for a beautiful summer holiday. The excursions, location, temperature and beaches are just some of the reasons that make me want to go back; there is always something to do and whether you're looking to relax or get involved; there is something for everyone and you are sure to enjoy it.