Dreaming of the Greek Islands
It's been a long time since I've had a holiday to the Greek Islands and I think it's well overdue! I love the simple, relaxed pace of life on the islands where life is in 'go slow mode'. The villages are full of rustic charm and character - everywhere you look presents another photo opportunity! The white painted architecture with it's organic curves and cobalt blue trim promises a unique holiday experience!
A holiday to the Greek Islands calls for lots of crisp, cool cottons and linens in white - a perfect compliment to the local architecture. Heels are a not a practical option with the narrow cobbled lanes so opt for designer flats. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must and a big, stylish bag is essential for carting around cameras, beach towels, sunscreen and the local tourist guide. Pack plenty of bold summer accessories to add a bright touch to your holiday wardrobe!
A trip to the Greek Islands promises an array of mouth watering seafood straight off the local fisherman's boat. Rustic restaurants lap at the water's edge serving up pan fried calamari and the catch of the day. I have fond memories of lunches at little cafes built right on the jetty - just perched there waiting for the day's fresh catch! Weathered locals mix happily with relaxed tourists as they tuck into local dishes all washed down with a glass of ouzo!
Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-7, fashion story Coastal Style via Polyvore, food images via Donna Hay
Now here is a boutique hotel with a difference! Perivolas, on the Greek Island of Santorini is the ultimate in laid back luxury. Poised on the cliff high above the Aegean, this intimate escape is designed as a place where you can let the rest of the world slip away. Originally designed as a family home, Perivolas still feels like a private residence. Interiors embrace Cycladic in style, with its organic forms and smooth surfaces. Breezy rooms feature sculpted stone walls, vaulted ceilings pierced by skylights and beds built into snug alcoves, adorned with a posy of hand-picked flowers. Niches and archways are scooped out of whitewashed walls, low-slung sofas offset by hand-woven rugs and cushions in vivid fuschia and lilac. Timeless and quietly glamorous, interiors are pared down so that nothing distracts from the show-stopping views.
Here's a chic, little 'Missoni' style jersey dress that would fit very snugly into any suitcase! A versatile little number perfect for poolside lounging, going out for a bite of lunch or doing an afternoon's sightseeing. Change into some wedge heels, throw some Chanel shimmer lipstick in a bright pink clutch and you're ready for an alfresco dinner overlooking the water on a balmy, Mediterranean evening!
A holiday to Greece is a food lover's paradise. A mecca of traditional, tasty dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, pan friend haloumi cheese and dolmades. Not to mention all the fresh local fish - it doesn't get better (and healthier) than grilled fish that literally melts in your mouth, a tangy Greek salad and a glass of local, chilled wine!
Viva Espagna!
This amazing house belongs to a Spanish fashion model and her fiance. Tucked away on the tiny Spanish Island of 'Formentera' it's only a short ferry ride from the party island of Ibiza. Much quieter than Ibizia it attracts a smart and stylish crowd. This lovely rustic beach house embodies the very essence of beach side living : cosy, comfortable and simple. Just the right ingredients to chill out and escape from busy city life! The textured finishes with a splash of colour are perfect for a relaxed weekend with friends. All one needs is a big floppy hat to ward of the sun, a bikini and a sundress!
House Images via French By Design edited by Coastal Style, Swimwear via Seafolly, Fashion story by Coastal Style
Cocoon Beach Club
Bali is a hot spot for Aussie holiday makers - it's cheap, relatively close and suitably exotic. It has a slightly tainted reputation for attracting the wrong crowds though. Having said that, they are some very stylish, upmarket resorts in the quieter, more remote parts of Bali. I'm in love with the Cocoon Beach Club. It looks very groovy and happening and those daybeds look very comfortable for an afternoon of lounging by the pool! I can see myself under one of those funky sun umbrellas with an exotic cocktail in hand! I like the all white theme with a splash of blue and beige to give it some pop!
Images via Cocoon, Coastal Style fashion story created in fashion
Escape To Mykonos
Images via French By Design edited by Coastal Style, Fashion Story Turquoise Holiday by Coastal Style
Thailand Dreaming
House Images via French By Design edited by Coastal Style, Swimwear via Seafolly, Fashion story by Coastal Style
Cocoon Beach Club
Images via Cocoon, Coastal Style fashion story created in fashion
Escape To Mykonos
The Greek Islands always make for a perfect holiday and Mykonos is one of personal favourites - surrounded by Islands, deep blue sea, gorgeous architecture and pretty white windmills ... it is simple breathtaking! A photographer's paradise. Stylish boutique accommodation is popping up all over the place and this one is no exception. It promises a perfectly relaxing holiday in ultimate style!
Images via French By Design edited by Coastal Style, Fashion Story Turquoise Holiday by Coastal Style
Thailand Dreaming
Thailand is a perfect destination for sunny Australians - it's not too far away, it's exotic, the weather is warm and balmy and it's good value for money. Along the coast five star resorts are plentiful and for those of us who are more adventurous there are rustic beach huts right on the sand that cost next to nothing. Personally, these days, I'm more of a five star kinda girl! Thai food is one of my favourites - hot, spicy and full of flavour. The Thai peope are gentle and friendly and the scenery is simply stunning. Lushly vegetated, jagged rock formations pop out of emerald coloured waters that simply take your breath away!
Fashion via Haute Design, food via Gourmet Traveller, travel via Boho Paradise
Ibiza Getaway
Bali Karma
Images via Karma Kandara, fashion
Ibiza Getaway
This fabulous coastal hideaway caught my eye when flicking through Vogue Living. This idyllic getaway is located in a secluded spot on the famous Spanish island of Ibiza. Here, the air is heavy with the fruity scent of fig and carob trees that surround what was once a rustic peasant home left in ruins, deep in the countryside. It was love at first sight for this interior designer and her photographer husband. They have lovingly restored it blending traditional Ibizan style and architecture with a modern sensibility. I love the rustic, honest feel to the place with it's white washed walls, hand crafted timber ceiling and cane pendant lights. I also like the quirky touch of the brightly coloured, hand woven, folksy fabric on the armchairs and scatter cushions. A simple, relaxed wardrobe is all that's needed in this remote, rugged location!
Images via 1, fashion (all images have been edited by Coastal Style) Bali Karma
Karma Kandara Resort is a Bali holiday resort positioned high on a spectacular cliff top overloking the Indian Ocean. The luxury Balinese style villas redefine first class – bridges, stone walkways and little paths meander through vivid tropical gardens. Karma Kandara is blessed with the most exhilarating views imaginable - a seemingly limitless vista of ocean and sky, 180 degrees of blue on blue brilliance. Each villa comprises of two or three pavilions, an infinity pool, a spa and a private courtyard garden complete with timber deck. It promises a perfect holiday in the most idyllic setting ... where do I sign up?
Images via Karma Kandara, fashion

































































