Indonesia - House Of Coco Magazine

Argentina November 9, 2023

Women Worldwide : Not Afraid to Stand out with Camille Defago

Camille Defago might only be 21 years old, but this girl is one to watch. Born and raised in Lima, Peru she is passionate about fashion. Her mission as a designer is to empower creativity in to everyone that wears her clothes and she offers something original, vivid, and extrovert with her designs. Think bold and bright, Camille Defago is the brand that will brighten up even the darkest of days.

Entrepreneurial from a young age, Camille was always destined for greatness. We spent some time with her to find out more about her, the brand and her plans for the future…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to Camille Defago the brand… Oh my god I’ve been through so much, hahaha. When I was 15 I started designing collages but didn’t have the confidence to publish them or show them. When I moved to Buenos Aires I decided to create a Instagram account with a fake name and started posting my collages. I started getting lots of engagement and reactions so I decided to change the name to By Camille Defago. Then I moved back to Lima and printed my collages on big frames, I sold every single one of them. This encouraged me to create my first brand called Viva la Vida, it was a brand of men’s swimwear that were printed with my colorful collages. I had such a terrible experience making my first summer campaign for Viva la Vida (because of the photography and video team) that when I sold every swim short I decided to leave the brand aside and not continue with it. I didn’t want people to know me as a random brand, I wanted people to know me by my name, Camille. This is when I decided to launch myself as a designer and started creating pieces under my name as a designer. You want your customers to feel empowered when wearing your designs, how do you achieve this? I achieve this by offering extrovert, colorful, joyful designs. Each collage has a story and great memories behind them. People highlight from the rest each time they use my clothing because of the color. I don’t want them to feel ashamed about standing out from the croud, from breaking boundaries, for being different and original, I want them to feel empowered, GREAT. Achieving this through strong and bold collages. Bright, colourful and bold, your designs make a statement. Who is your dream customer? My dream customer would definitely be top celebrities. I would love someday to dress Chiara Ferragni, Alexa Chung, Bella Hadid and other jet setters. But my actual dream customer is a girl who is confident of herself, who loves everything about her, LOVES to travel and spend her summer’s in Mykonos or on the beautiful beaches of France. She is confident, strong, bold, she is light and definitely stands from the crowd. She doesn’t care what people think about herself, she is true to herself and to her personal essence.

Only 21, you have achieved so much with the brand already. What has been your proudest moment?

I know I have achieved a lot of things by now but I have so much to go through. I have so many projects, visions and idea to take my brand to the next step. My proudest moment was my first fashion show which was this December 2019. We put on a great show: 20 international and national models, we did it at a huge house which was built 50 years ago so it had a renaissance twist to it, my collages were projected on the walls of the house, 150 guests, it was amazing.

Talk us through an average day at the business?

We have a weekly team meeting every Monday in which we talk about each months objectives and each team member’s tasks. Once a month in a week meeting we brainstorm about new ideas and visions that can be added to the brand. In this way I involve my team members and consider their ideas and opinions. I want them to feel as part of the family, part of The C Team. I want them to be as passionate to the brand as I am.

What are your plans for the future? I have changed my mind many times. I wanted to open physical stores in London, Dubai, Japan, New York and others. But learning about the new consumer now a days I have decided to invest 100% on e-commerce. Our consumers are changing into online consumers, not physical. So now my plans for the future is to focus on keep selling worldwide through fashion e-commerce platforms. I also have in my plans making pop up’s in beaches like Mykonos, Ibiza, Majorca, Sardinia, Santorini, Marbella, Corfu and other top destinations. I want to focus also on creating mind-blowing fashion editorials, amazing marketing campaigns, and taking my brand all around the world! My plans for the future and my main goal right now is to have the opportunity to showcase my collections at any fashion week: Paris, London, NYC, Milan. Anyone of them would be great and huge for the brand. Since launching the brand, what has been your highlight?

Definitely having the possibility of being featured on respected fashion magazines. Literally when I started my brand, my long term goal was to be showcased in Vogue. I had less than a year with the brand and I was featured on the most respected fashion magazines in the world: Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently? I believe everything I have been through has happened for a reason. I wouldn’t do anything different because it has made me who I am today as a designer, brand and person. I have learned so much in the business, without even studying Fashion Design. (I study communications hahaha). I know all of my experiences will take me somewhere big.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Definitely, The French Rivera, Mykonos, Amalfi, and Bali.

What quote do you like to read when you are lacking motivation? “You will never influence the world by trying to be like it” For anyone wanting to start their own fashion business, what advice would you offer?

Everything is about taking risks, you got to take risks in order to grow.

Don’t worry about stress, its just part of the process. That’s the beauty of it. Enjoy it.

JUST GO FOR IT.

What are your plans for the business in 2020?

My future for this year is to produce a swimwear collection for summer 2020 (Europe & USA), focus on creating mind-blowing editorials, and creating a beautiful campaign that involves my country, Peru. I will take and empower my collages into the three regions of Peru: Coast, Highlands & Jungle..

Find out more… www.camilledefago.comCamille has recently launched a blog on her website to talk about entrepreneurship, culture, fashion, art, and other factors that have made her and the brand what they are today..Instagram:Brand: @wearcamilledefagoPersonal: @camilledefago

Antigua and Barbuda November 9, 2023

Success Worldwide : Weathering The Storm to Come out on Top with RumJava

Mindy and Brian are the founders of RumJava, a brand that has a story to tell. With their love story being the inspiration to launching the business, its hard not to fall in love with them as much as you will with their product.

Here, we spent some time with Brian finding out more about how they overcame adversity, came out of a life threatening hurricane stronger than ever and what their plans are for the future…

Tell us about the journey that lead to you launching Rum Java?
Our story is a bit of a love story. Mindy and I love to travel, share experiences and make memories. Early in our relationship, in 2002, Mindy and I went on holiday together to the island of St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As we were falling in love with each other, we also started falling in love with St. John and its Caribbean culture. In 2003, we were engaged on a sailboat just off St. John and in 2004, we were married on St. John’s idyllic Turtle Bay Point.

St. John is a very special place to us. Two thirds of the island is reserved national park and, at that time, there weren’t any cell phone towers which made it a perfect place for us to truly escape from cell phones, laptops, and our very busy corporate lives. It became our special respite where we could completely relax and focus on one another.

Over the next nine years, our love affair with St John continued as we invested in property and found more and more reasons to spend time on the island. Ultimately, we decided to put down roots and we created a boutique gift and gourmet shop that also offered personalized concierge services and our very own Java’Mon coffee.Our goal was to help island visitors create memories and fall in love with St. John just as we had.

What inspired us to create our own coffee company?
During our many visits to St John, Mindy who loves her coffee, could never find a good cup of coffee on the island. To address this challenge, when we opened our store we decided to also open a coffee shop. It was a perfect opportunity to solve Mindy’s problem and we thought if she missed her coffee so much, other people would as well.

When we couldn’t find good beans to use in our coffee shop, we decided to learn how the coffee business works which resulted in us sourcing our own beans, creating our own unique coffee blends and creating our very own Java’Mon Coffee!

Java’Mon Coffee represents the combination of three passions, my love for Reggae music, our love for the Caribbean and Mindy’s love for coffee. On the island, Java’Mon Coffee was a run-away success, immediately.Given our goal to help people curate lifelong memories, we created and named coffee blends after our favourite places on the island. Soon, our coffee could be found in our shop, in hotel rooms, in local grocery stores, in local bars and restaurants and online.

So how did Java’Mon Coffee lead to RumJava?
Ironically, though Mindy has this amazing passion for coffee, I don’t drink coffee. I do however love rum. Mindy loves coffee but doesn’t drink rum.

The quest to find a way to create a cocktail we could actually enjoy together began.

We started with a vanilla rum-based espresso martini we call Mahtini’Mon. We partnered with local St. John bars and restaurants who served our Java’Mon coffee and were all too happy to serve a cocktail recipe we crafted using our Java’Mon Coffee Espresso. We cross promoted our coffee shop with the local bars and restaurants and it was a huge success. As we enjoyed our cocktail however, we noticed how much inconsistency there was in terms of both ingredient supply and in some cases the ability of bars to execute the cocktail.

One day in August 2016, we were sitting on the beach discussing the success of Java’Mon Coffee, the popularity of our cocktail, and the supply chain issues faced on an island such as St. John. We really wanted a consistent, high quality spirit which we could enjoy together and knew if we created one, our partner bars and restaurants would serve it, we could sell it in our store and we could certainly enjoy drinking it ourselves.

We began the process of learning about how to create a spirit.

We knew it had to be rum, we knew it had to have coffee, and we knew, coming from an island that is two-thirds reserved National Park, it had to be as sustainable as possible and made with all-natural ingredients. We also knew it needed to be well balanced. We wanted our rum to taste like rum so I would enjoy drinking it neat or on the rocks, but it also couldn’t be too strong or Mindy wouldn’t enjoy it. We wanted the coffee flavour to come through for Mindy but couldn’t be too strong or I would not enjoy drinking it. We set off to create the perfect balance.

We started the process by filling mason jars with a base rum and infused Java’Mon Coffee beans. We experimented with the number of beans and the length of time they sat in the rum and then added other natural flavours to achieve just the right balance.

We use high quality molasses from sugarcane grown in the Florida Everglades. After fermentation, our rum is distilled twice in a pot still with a copper column. A reclaimed, ionized water is used to lower the proof and we add freshly roasted coffee beans for at least 30 days to extract both colour and flavour. We use a different blend of beans depending on the flavour profile of the rum we are producing. The beans once extracted are dried and used for other things like making dark chocolate bars. We add other natural flavours, filter, hand bottle and hand seal. The end result is an extremely quaffable spirit appealing to a very wide demographic. RumJava is enjoyed neat, on the rocks, shaken and stirred in amazing, unique cocktails.

Another way to look at our quest to create RumJava; we wanted to create a spirit we could enjoy together while extending the range of cocktails on island by creating a one or two ingredient cocktail with a consistent supply chain and the ability to execute consistently. While we helped bars and restaurant introduce Espresso Martini’s, we also made it possible for them to offer a two ingredient Espresso Martini shot at speed bars.

And we crafted the perfect balanced spirit Mindy and I can enjoy together.

Your Instagram account is really fun, how much does social media play a part in your success?
We are so happy you find it fun, rum is fun. We want our RumJava brand to convey a certain level of sophistication yet be playful.

Our social media is purposely managed to reflect who we are, where we are from, and most importantly, the people who enjoy our RumJava. We try to build our content around our customers’ experiences, reflecting the people, places, and feelings our brand emotes.

Social media is a very important component of our strategy not just for followership or eyeballs on the brand but to help us build a culture around our brand. Many of our followers not only follow us on social media but they come see us wherever we are. The relationships, the real friendships we have built while building our brand will be with us forever. We believe it is more important to be authentic and convey the customer experience than to have refined, over-edited pictures of our bottles – its rum, it’s supposed to be fun!

You’ve overcome a lot to be where you are, most recently the devastation that Hurricane Irma caused. Can you tell us more about this and how you overcame it?
It is often said the things that don’t kill you make you stronger. Mindy and I survived 5 ½ hours of 265 mile per hour (mph) winds and it didn’t kill us, it made us stronger. Hurricane Irma really was a life changing event.

In the days leading up to the storm, we kept a close eye on the forecast and up until about 36 hours before Hurricane Irma hit St. John, she had a northerly track with winds of 135 mph. The storm track then dropped in a more westerly direction and we learned she was headed for a direct hit to the Virgin Islands.By this time it was too late to leave island, the ports, both land and sea, were closed; we boarded up our business, collected hurricane supplies and hunkered down for the storm. In the few hours leading up to landfall, the winds quickly accelerated from 135 to over 185 mph and they went up in strength from there.

Mindy and I have matching necklaces engraved with our wedding date and the coordinates of St. John.Just before Irma made landfall we were watching the news while the reporters showed the projected path of the storm.They announced the current location of the storm and it was within less than 10 degrees of the coordinates on our necklaces. Irma was headed for a direct hit on St. John and was forecast to make a turn, heading straight up through Florida where our Fort Lauderdale home would be in the most dangerous part of the storm and more importantly, two of our four daughters were also in the path of the storm.

And then it all started. We lost power, the wind, the rain, the falling trees, the flying debris, the water coming through the lights and electric sockets, the water building on the first floor, then the cracking windows and a piece of the roof breaking away. We created a safe room but couldn’t use it. The pressure was too much, the room was too hot and the unforgettable smell of the shredded trees coming in through the exhaust vents was too much.We moved a sofa near the front door, re-recorded our will, and placed our passports, phones, and some cash in a plastic bag and waited.

When it was all over, it was sheer devastation as far as the eye could see. There was not a leaf left on a tree, no green grass, and hillsides once lined with homes and thick with foliage, were barren. We didn’t have cell service and without communication we didn’t know where the storm was, where it was headed, and we feared it was on a direct path to Florida. Incredibly, we discovered a neighbour’s working cell phone with a random (but rapidly disappearing) signal and were able to get a call out to one of our daughters to let them know we had survived Irma and make sure they had appropriate plans given the severity of the storm.

We then made our way outside and walked two “island miles” over downed powerlines, telephone poles, through the shell-shocked community to our store. We climbed under the telephone pole on our roof and opened our store. Looking around we could see doors in trees, the collapsed structures, the vegetation-less hillsides and the mounds and mounds of debris where structures once stood. It was 24 hours before we saw the first helicopter pass over the island and days before we could find a reliable cell phone signal to communicate. Over the five days following the storm, we kept our store open when curfew allowed – we were all in shock and the store offered a place for people to share their stories, share hugs, let others know they were okay and simply decompress. Because of power issues, we gave away a lot of our inventory that required refrigeration. We assisted tourists in efforts to evacuate the island and finally were evacuated ourselves to Puerto Rico.

While we felt guilty leaving the island, as the next hurricane, Hurricane Jose, turned north and passed St. John, we boarded a boat bound through rough seas to Puerto Rico. The people of Puerto Rico were amazing. They rescued countless people, delivered much needed supplies, and lent a shoulder to cry on for so very many people. We left Puerto Rico three days later and with an overnight stay in Antigua, we made our way back to Florida safely but emotionally drained and sorely bruised from the experience.

Though Florida was spared from the same kind of storm we saw in the US Virgin Islands, tornadoes from the storm damaged a ceiling and five walls in our home in Fort Lauderdale – they had to be gutted. Within days of returning home Mindy’s Aunt passed away and, shortly thereafter, Hurricane Maria destroyed most of what the previous storms had not in the Atlantic/Caribbean basin, including Puerto Rico.

It was a tough month, we were shattered and felt helpless as it related to the condition of our beloved island. We lost our business and our home on St. John, and there was little we could do to help repair the island and those in need.

We set out to find a way to heal and raise money for Hurricane relief.

We decided to create a blend of coffee and named it “Love City Strong” in honor of St. John (known as “Love City”).In short order, we sold 600 pounds of Love City Strong online with all proceeds sent back to St. John through two foundations established to provide disaster recovery and hurricane relief.

As part of our plan for RumJava, we wanted to get to the UK to participate in UK RumFest and see if the market would respond positively to our range of rums. We had our stand booked before Hurricane Irma and were well past the point of cancelling our participation in the event. Mindy suggested she would support the event, but I had to figure out how to make it happen, she was simply spent. It felt like this event was the only thing we had left, the only thing connecting us to our beloved St. John. We were preparing for a Caribbean festival in the UK and we needed it to heal, we needed it to help us move on, and we needed to see if anyone in the UK loved our rum as we did. We airfreighted our rum to the UK via Rotterdam, flew to London, and hosted a launch party at the rooftop Bar Elba with Caribbean Carnival Dancers and about 75 guests. It was just what we needed. Given supply chain challenges, our rum arrived at the venue an hour before the party started and had to be carried up five flights of stairs. We were so grateful for the opportunity to be there, we picked up the rum and started up the stairs! We brought our own brand of Caribbean Culture, Rum, and Coffee to London and had an amazing kickoff event thanks to the team at Bar Elba.

We are not afraid of hard work and Hurricane Irma made us realize how strong we truly are.

We had airfreighted our rum as well as marketing banners, merchandise and everything we could muster to pull together a stand at UK RumFest to our hotel.We carried rum, banners, coffee, chocolate, t-shirts etc. back and forth from our hotel to the RumFest location. We were the first ones to arrive onsite and the last to leave. Throughout the UK RumFest weekend, we poured everything we had into interacting with consumers, telling our story, and introducing them to our version of a Virgin Islands party in the UK. As it turned out, the UK loved us as much as we loved them. We made some lifelong friends and became the highest selling brand in the history of UK RumFest (a record we continue to hold.)

When we launched RumJava in April 2017 at Miami RumFest, we won three gold medals and became the highest selling rum in the history of Miami RumFest. In July 2017, we had our first distribution order which went to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Within two months, our entire world came crashing down. Pressing on and having the experience we did at UK RumFest not only gave us confidence and energy related to the UK Market, it gave us the confidence and energy to continue the pursue our dream.

RumJava is now in 8 states within the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and broadly across the UK. We are the highest selling rum in the history of the Miami RumFest, UK RumFest, and Poland’s Rum Love Festival by an order of magnitude.

Hurricane Irma changed our lives. She reminded us how important we are to each other, how important our family, friends, and pets are, how important our health is, how big our responsibility is to our environment and future generations, and how to crystalize our thoughts, muster all our energy to press on, and fight for our dreams together. She made us more appreciative and more resilient because she showed us how easily she could take it all away.The UK RumFest will always have a special place in our hearts and minds. The friendships, the mentorship from people like Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell, the guidance, the well wishes, and the cultural revolution that has joined RumJava has given us the confidence and energy to pursue this passion; we will be forever grateful.

Who is behind the company and what roles do you all play?
Mindy and I (Brian) are RumJava’s co-founders. While we make all our investment and implementation decisions together, I am the company’s Chief Executive Officer and focused on production, operations, and market strategy. I also spend a lot of time in market working with bars, restaurants, and retailers to help position RumJava, create cocktails, menus and conduct training. Mindy is our Chief Creative Officer and is focused on design, styling, and brand imagery. Niki and Dustin Skartved lead our distillation, Nick Krasniqi is our UK market manager and Corey Siegel is our graphic designer. Mindy and I collaborate and make all decisions together from brand to flavour profile, design, aesthetic, market strategy, and investments.

What sets Rum Java apart from other rum brands on the market?
RumJava Artisan Crafted Rums are premium, coffee infused, and 100% all-natural. We have an authentic story and created a very quaffable and versatile spirit unlike anything on the market. Consumers and experts alike respect our authenticity, our packaging, and the quality and taste of our rum.

RumJava is sophisticated yet playful. And we passionately celebrate the experience of Caribbean culture, rum and coffee in every sip.

Talk us through a day in your life?
Hold hands, watch the sunrise (preferably while walking the dogs), go to the gym and at least get in some cardio and stretching and/or some hot yoga. The work day usually starts with a review of social media, primarily Instagram. We typically look at social media in the first hour of the day and this continues throughout the day, periodically, until we go to sleep. Mornings are then spent reviewing and responding to email, mostly those coming in late night from a different time zone, then it’s off into the market at around 10am. When in the UK, Nick and I make full use of the tube but walk at least 12 miles a day when we are in market. We meet with bars, restaurants, and retail partners, working to position RumJava with new clients. Typically, we are interested in how business and consumer culture meet. We spend time determining if and how RumJava fits in the environment. We also support clients who have already made a commitment to RumJava by working on drinks, menus and business metrics while conducting consumer tastings to ensure the brand is activated properly and will be successful for everyone. There are a lot of cocktails to try, photos to take and little time to eat. We are back in the hotel at the end of our day in market, most nights after 10 or 11 in the evening, and then it’s time to catch up on email related to the operation of the business…then we get ready to start all over in the morning.

What advice would you offer for anyone that is considering launching a business in your arena?
It is a tough business, do your research, and make sure you understand why you want to be in the business, your tolerance for risk, and how your product will get in the hands of the consumers. Is there something innovative about your idea or different than potential competitors? If you choose to go forward and don’t have any experience in the industry (like us), ask a lot of questions, be humble, listen to everyone wiling to give you advice but, in the end, follow sound business principles and listen to your gut.

The last piece of advice we would offer is that it is hard work and the real secret to success is a willingness to work hard.It all looks glamourous and we love every minute but it’s hard work and if you aren’t prepared, physically and mentally, it will be difficult to be successful and to develop a real understanding of the business, your consumer, and the industry.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
We love to travel and have been around the world three times. We enjoy fitness, especially hot yoga, we love to clear our minds, walk our dogs, play backgammon, and do a little limin’ anywhere there is a beach, especially on St. John or Fort Lauderdale Beach. We also enjoy getting out on the water in the US and British Virgin Islands. There is always time for a spin on the Ducati or a Chelsea Football match.

What does 2020 look like for you?
2020 is an extremely exciting year for RumJava! We have learned a great deal in the past 24 months, and you will see us very focused in 2020. We are currently sold broadly across the UK, in 8 states within the US, and the Virgin Islands. While we will continue to look opportunistically for great partners in Europe, the US, and Asia, we will be strategically focused on activation in three key markets; the UK, Florida, and the Virgin Islands. We will continue to build on relationships we have built with UK RumFest, Coca-Cola, our on and off-trade partners and wholesalers while bringing Caribbean Culture, Rum, and Coffee to some exciting new activations in London for 2020.

What does self care mean to you?
For us, self-care is about being thankful and nurturing what is most important to us – our four daughters, two dogs, and each other. It all has to start with how we take care of ourselves, what we put in our bodies, how we stay fit physically and mentally. Cutting carbs, hitting the gym at least 6 days a week, hot yoga, walking the dogs, watching the sunrise every morning we are home, and while difficult, having the courage to say no are all important to keeping us centered and the energy positive so we prepared to support each other, our family, and our businesses. We have learned the hard way not to take anything for granted and we hold each other accountable for self-care.

For our UK readers, where can they get their hands on a bottle of Rum Java?
We are in relatively broad distribution in the UK. You can find RumJava in retail both online and in some of the finest shops from Edinburgh to Cornwall as well as on-trade throughout the country. If you are shopping for a bottle online or in a shop, you can pick up RumJava at Harvey Nichols, Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, 23 Wine & Whisky, Twisted Cellar, Gerry’s Soho, Great Western Wine in Bath, Harper Wells in Norwich, Virgin Wines, Slurp Wine in Banbury, and Amazon to mention a few outlets carrying RumJava.

Where can people find out more?
Come see and follow us at www.rumjava.com, on Instagram @Rum_Java, on Twitter @rumjava, on Facebook @rumjava on Channel 4 Sunday Brunch from time to time and on the pages of some of your favourite online and print media such as The House of Coco.

Germany November 9, 2023

Meat Puns Aside, Leeds Newest Steakhouse is set to cause a sizzle

It would be a missed steak not to have Leeds newest eatery on your radar. Chophaus, a stylish steakhouse heading to Oakwood and launching this weekend is excited to meat you. Ok, our meat puns might be bad but their offering is very exciting!

The leafy North Leeds suburb of Oakwood continues its transformation into one of the city’s most essential districts as it prepares for the arrival of Chophaus. Perched on the edge of Roundhay Park just behind the historic Oakwood Clock, the contemporary steakhouse and grill is shaping up to be a major player in the thriving Leeds food scene.

Offering an enticing mix of premium steaks, chops and seafood, Chophaus will also offer a range of signature dishes designed to keep the city’s most discerning of foodies coming back for more. Housed in the striking wooden building formerly occupied by Café Sylva, the two-floor venue has undergone an impressive facelift created by award-winning interior designers Nanu Soda that will include a lively cocktail bar and private dining area.

Innovative modern flourishes

The mixture of deep colours, sleek finishes, brushed brass accents and vine wrapped beams has resulted in a dark and seductive interior design that perfectly sets the mood. By day, the floor to ceiling windows will help create a brighter space that takes full advantage of the natural light and park views.

The talented team of chef’s tasked with bringing the Chophaus menu to life have a long-list of globe-spanning credentials including the Batu Karang Resort on the island of Nusa Lembongan, Odysseia in Pacific Palace Jakarta and Aiden Byrne’s Church Green in Cheshire.

The menu has been carefully crafted to include a diverse range of both small and large plates that blends beloved traditional dishes with Innovative modern flourishes. Standout small plates include Seared King Scallops with wild mushroom ragout and winter truffle, Mussels in Beer Broth with grilled cheese croissant and Game Terrine with beetroot ketchup and shallot rings.

And, if the prime cuts of steak cooked over a charcoal grill don’t pique your interest with their distinctively smoky flavour, the signature large plates will. Highlights on offer include the Texel Lamb Rump with shepherd’s pie, Braised Duck Leg with smoked foie gras, and Old Spot Belly Pork with tiger prawns.

Sumptuous starters

The small yet well edited selection of seafood dishes range from Whole Baked Dover Sole with celeriac, grapes and walnuts to Wild Bass with braised leaks and potato salad. Chophaus have also gone all out on their Sunday menu, with traditional beef, chicken and pork roasts complemented with a range of sumptuous starters and sides, including Rarebit Profiteroles.

The divine dessert menu is also full of temptation and includes the showstopping Black Forest Cheesecake with cherries and tuille and the palate-cleansing Citrus Tart with fennel and basil salad. The upmarket downstairs bar is also destined to become a destination in its own right, with flawlessly made cocktails spanning stone-cold classics to more unfamiliar and exotic concoctions.

The Rosemary Paloma blends Patron Silver Tequila shaken with fresh lime and grapefruit juice, and is finished with a sweet, homemade rosemary syrup. Life’s a Peach is a balanced mix of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Briotett peach liqueur, cinnamon syrup, Angostura and peach bitters.

A trio of Chophaus Espresso Martinis will make for the perfect post-meal pick me up and include crème brulee or honeycomb syrup mixed with Belvedere vodka, Kahlua and fresh pulled espresso. A classic version will also be available for traditionalists.

A vibrant suburb

General Manager Matt Kerrywood, previously of Iberica, Rare and Malmaison, had this to say ahead of the opening:

‘’Oakwood is one of the most vibrant suburbs in the city and we couldn’t think of a better place to make Chophaus a reality. The area has really come into its own in recent years, with some of the city’s best bars and independents thriving of late. We’re confident that our restaurant will be a go-to destination for both locals and those from wider Leeds and beyond looking for exceptional steak in a lively, modern venue.’’

Chophaus will create 15 new jobs and is pencilled in for an early December launch. The 70-cover restaurant will be sourcing its steaks and other prime cuts from Ripon’s coveted R&J Meats, who have been supplying Yorkshire’s best restaurants since 1978.

www.chophaus.co.uk

Indonesia November 9, 2023

Shop and travel – How to get the best bargains and style abroad

There are so many benefits to visiting an exotic location. Savouring authentic local cuisine to lounging on beaches to soaking up the cultural nightlife, are all parts that make a fantastic trip. Especially for Western tourists in places like South America or East Asia, the dollar exchange means a person can get 4 times as much for 4 times less than would normally cost. In gorgeous locations such as Thailand or Bali, for instance, a tourist can stay in a fancy 5 star hotel for as little as £15 a night. A lavish dinner, a spa treatment, and classy cocktails on the beach, cost even less. In these places, it is easy to feel like Royalty. One major highlight of any trip is shopping. While the popular spots and areas near the hotels can be tourist traps, a journey to the local market is well worth the finds and bargains. However, this can appear daunting, especially for a foreign traveler unfamiliar with the currency and overwhelmed by the multitude of goods on offer.

The first step to finding the best shopping spots is to speak with a local or someone familiar. This can be asking the attendant at the hotel reception, chatting with your restaurant waiter, or by speaking with other tourists. This way you can get great recommendations often unmentioned in travel brochures. From here, you can identify what type of market you are looking for as there can be many. There are broad markets that cater to virtually every odd and end to those with vendors selling specific goods like clothing, jewelry, or food and spices. Always make sure that you double check on a map where the market is, to determine whether it is worth it and whether you are comfortable travelling a longer distance from your hotel. Also exercise safety when travelling and do a quick search on whether the market is in a dangerous area. Pickpockets and thieves can sometimes circle the stalls like sharks looking for easy prey and markets attract them because tourists arrive with full wallets ready to spend.

Upon arriving at the market it is a great idea to do a full sweep to get a sense of what each vendor offers and try to take note of any sellers of interest. Some markets even have a vendor map or layout that visitors can highlight, yet even what seems like the most chaotic places may have aisle and/or stall numbers to find the vendor again. Another valuable reason to make a brief sweep of a place is that, especially in East Asia, shop owners really want to make the sale and so they often promise better prices. With this in mind you can return with that amount in mind and negotiate from a much better point. Whether simply browsing or with a specific item in mind to purchase, it is important to note the vendors that seem to offer reasonable prices and also good quality. Places such as Thailand or Bali are notorious for their comical rip offs, such as Adidogs for Adidas and Balibong for Billabongs. There are also other items that may be cheaply made, however, for every bad quality find there is a gem. It is useful to highlight those vendors that advertise handmade, as often factories try to cost cut with inexpensive materials. Therefore, look at the quality of the cloth, the stitching, metal over plastic, so that you do not get fooled into paying a high price for a cheap item with a short life.

In regard to not being duped, negotiating or bartering is part of the process and is expected. Do not fall for the naive tourist trap of paying the first offered amount or what is listed on the actual item as, depending on the vendor, this can be astronomical. Depending on the merchandise, many times the vendor hikes up the price anywhere from £5 to £500 to catch unsuspecting foreigners. For example, a foreigner could be offered a ‘deal’ for 2 Ray Ban sunglasses and think they are getting a bargain because it is much more expensive in their home country, when in reality these items are not authentic at all and in reality are worth only £4 when the vendor charges £50. Being unfamiliar with local currency is another pitfall and/or not understanding the exchange amount. Places like Thailand or Bali are notorious for the amount of zeros in their money and misreading an extra zero or more can easily have you spending more.

Those with the travel bug love interesting and exotic finds in these marketplaces as it is part of the experience of a new culture. To get in the travel mood, a jetsetter often watching travel movies or reads books or even plays online games. For instance, there are many online casino sites that have travel or adventure themed slot games to explore. Online slots like Microgaming’s ‘Jungle Jim: El Dorado’ with Aztec Ruins, Yggdrasil’s ‘Penguin City’ for the energy of a bustling Asian food market, or Pragmatic Play’s ‘Chilli Heat’ for a Mexican fiesta. These online games are also great as mobile slots and have a simple grid of 5 reels, often 3 to 4 rows, a set number of payways, and many different features and bonuses that offer exciting rewards. A similar thrill can be felt when getting the best deal at the market.

Here is a fantastic trick to get the best price. Approach the item you want, but look uncertain, like you are sitting on the fence to buy or not. The vendor will approach and either offers a better price or you say “Is this the best price?”. When they give their offer, look shocked and say “that is still too much for me, sorry.” They will often counter with another offer. Then you can really negotiate by asking for less or a deal with another item. If you really want to check if that is the ultimate best price, because you are not sure if the vendor can go lower, say politely “Thanks, but I’ll have to think about it” and then turn to walk away. More often than not the vendor will call out to you with their best, just so they can make the sale. If you want to be a skilled bargainer, you can turn and offer back even a couple dollars less, but this may be pushing it. However, if you do not ask you will never know.

Finland November 9, 2023

Bali: An Island Itinerary

With beautiful beaches, bustling night-life and food fit for the Queen, Bali really does have it all. Moving around the island will allow you to experience the perfect mix of culture and let-your-hair-down fun, so you’d be blind to stay in one stop for the entirety of your stay.

Millions of tourists land on the shores every year, and they have been doing since long before the island was popularised by the film adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. Blink and you might just miss out on Bali as we know and love it, so now is the only time to follow House of Coco’s Indonesian Island Itinerary appreciate it for all it is.

Day 1-3: Canggu

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You’ll most likely be flying into Denpasar, so take a taxi to your home away from home in Canggu, just under an hour’s drive away. It is the perfect place to spend a few days getting over your (likely) jet lag: a bohemian hideaway nestled just up the coast from splashy Seminyak.

Great gift shops, quirky bars and health food eateries are popping up around every corner, but the surrounding farmland remains quintessentially Indonesian and beaches are a stone’s throw away. There’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Where to Stay in Canggu

Aston Canggu for your yearly dose of luxury, or a trusty Airbnb if you really want to play like a local.

Where to Eat in Canggu

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Shady Shack, Nude and Crate for bloomin’ brilliant all-day brunches.

Where to Visit in Canggu

Weave between each of Canggu’s three main beaches via scooter: Echo Beach, Berawa Beach and Batu Bolong. Echo is great at sunset.

Where to Play in Canggu

Finns Beach Club for the perfect way to let the day melt away. You’ll be greeted by spotlight-adorned Finns lettering and the friendliest of staff. Swim in the many pools, enjoy cocktails at the many bars and watch the sunset to a backdrop of great DJs. Divine. The Lawn and La Laguna are also well worth your time.

Days 4-7: Seminyak

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Canggu’s chilled out vibes might last long into the night, but no trip is complete without a couple of days soaking in the sights of splashy Seminyak. It sits just North along the coast from the Aussie hangout of Kuta.

Both resorts are tourist traps, but with Seminyak being less so than the latter, you’ve got a better chance of escaping (some of) the crowds. Grab is the best way to get around in Bali. It is basically Asian Uber and the prices are disgustingly cheap, so you’ll get from Canggu to your slice of Seminyak for under £2.

Where to Stay in Seminyak

Akasha Villas would get House of Coco’s stamp of approval over and over again. If you like attentive staff, private pools and alfresco showering then this will be the place for you.

Where to Eat in Seminyak

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Cafe Organic goes unrivalled when it comes to brunch spots. The Breakfast Criminal is a #TeamCoco favourite where the sea salted cherry tomatoes have got to be the star of the show. If you’re looking for a vegan fix (and especially if you didn’t realise you were), then Kynd Community is a pink and palm leaf dream come true. For dinner, head to Sea Circus and try their tasty tacos, or Strawberry Fields for cocktails aplenty.

Where to Visit in Seminyak

It isn’t strictly in Seminyak, but WaterBom Bali is a stone’s throw away and one of those guilty-pleasure days of fun. Watch the sunset from underneath a rainbow parasole at La Plancha and make sure explore the many boutiques lining the streets.

Where to Play in Seminyak

Potato Head Beach Club is a no brainer, really. Get there early to secure a day bed then sit back, drink and relax.

READ MORE: Our Trip to Maya Sanur, Bali

Days 8-11: Gili Trawagan

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From Seminyak, head to Padang Bai port nice and early to catch a ferry to Gili Trawagan. The ferry port is a sensual overload to say the least: local men loudly trying to sell you the “cheapest crossing tickets” and local women suggesting you sample some of their fresh fruit (don’t, FYI). Try and get the crossing booked by your Seminyak accommodation in advance, to make the experience as smooth as it can be.

The quick ferry will get you across to the tropical playground of Trawagan in just under two hours; stepping foot on the white sands of the South Beach on arrival will make the hectic crossing well worth it. The island is a total escape from reality. You can cycle around the entire diameter (which is littered with more beach-front bars than you could ever dream of needing) in around an hour… depending on how many cocktails you stop for, of course.

One of the biggest things to do on the island is snorkelling, and for good reason. Hire snorkelling gear for next to nothing from one of the beach vendors, then head about three-quarters of the way up the beach on the North East coast of the island. You’ll want to be there early afternoon or when the tide is out to swim right along the ridge (about 100 meters out). This is how you’ll get the best chance of swimming among sea turtles. When you’re not snorkelling you’ll spend your time relaxing, island hopping to Gili Meno and Gili Air, paddle boarding and watching the spectacular sunsets. It’s as much of a dream come true as it sounds.

Where to Stay on Gili T

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The Gili Khumba Villas are totally divine. They’re pretty inland, so when you arrive on the island, get there by horse and cart. It’ll take about 15 minutes.

Where to Visit on Gili T

The beach bars along the Western side of the island are the perfect spots for sunset. Most have swings out at sea too, for those all important Instagram snaps.

Where to Eat on Gili T

Egoiste for a beach side BBQ and The Banyan Tree for a beautiful brunch.

Where to Play on Gili T

Head to the South Eastern side of the island after dark, where clubs spill out onto the beach and party-goers dance all night.

Days 12-16: Ubud

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On day 12, say a fond farewell to Gili T before hopping on a ferry back to Bali. Fom Padang Bai, hunt down a taxi and embark on an hour’s journey up to Ubud. Ubud is one of those places where a holiday of a few days could easily turn into a stay of a few weeks.

In the heart of the jungle, it is flooded with Balinese culture and boasts sustainable design, culinary excellence and colourful offerings on every corner. It is Team Coco’s favourite spot on the island.

Where to Stay in Ubud

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If you really want to push the boat out, then the Hanging Gardens of Bali are nothing but luxurious. If an AirBnb is more your jam, Villa D’Carik sits just outside of Ubud on a working farm, and complete with outdoor jungle showers and a private pool is a total dream.

Where to Visit in Ubud

The list of places to visit in Ubud is almost never-ending. Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance at the open-air Pura Dalem, climb Mount Batu at sunrise (if you can brave the 1am wake-up call), shop the extensive markets and be at one with nature at the town’s Monkey Forest. The Tegalalang rice terraces are also not to be missed.

Where to Eat in Ubud

Almost every corner has somewhere spectacular to take a seat and enjoy a delicious meal, but if you only ate in one place for the entirety of your stay.

Where to Play in Ubud

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This is a no-brainer. A day spent at Jungle Fish has got to be at the top of your list of priorities, a jungle club complete with infinity pool, DJs and the best beverage offerings around. Check out the Instagram geo-tag if you don’t believe us.

Days 17-21: Uluwatu or Lovina

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This bit is up to you. Fancy a bit more beach and beer-fuelled fun? Uluwatu, sitting pretty on the Southern most part of the Bukit peninsula might be for you.

You’ll find the famous Single Fin cliff-side bar for sunset food and drinks, Uluwatu temple for a touch of culture and the stunning Padang Padang beach. Oh, and don’t miss a trip to Jimbaran beach for seafood restaurants on the sand.

If you loved Gili and want even more peace and quiet, then head North to Lovinia, the island’s most famous fishing town.

Have you visited Bali before? What are your favourite spots? Share them in the comments section below!

Fashion November 9, 2023

Women Worldwide : Focusing on her Why and Sustainability with Jackie Lutze

Jackie Lutze is the brainchild behind the brand of the same name and she believes in wearing your heart on your sleeve, your organic cotton sleeve that is. That’s why they choose to keep animals out of their fabrics. With all of their pieces being 100% cruelty free using sustainably sourced fabrics, Jackie is doing her bit for the future of our planet.

Whether you’re walking into an investor meeting for your start up or holding a fund raiser for a non-profit, she wants women to look their best while they are out changing the world. Here, she tells us more about her mission, plans for the future and so much more…

What do you think the future of fashion is? We’ve already started to see a shift in consumers demanding better from the fashion industry & I truly hope it continues down this road. The fashion industry is extremely harmful to the planet and consumers are finally starting to see that. Like anything consumers have the power and I think they will continue to push for better products. For any aspiring designers, what advice would you offer? Focus on why. Starting a business is hard, but if you are obsessed with the problem you are looking to solve it gives you a different drive to keep going when things come up. I am just absolutely obsessed with figuring out how to create a more compassionate fashion industry. It allows me keep things in perspective & focus on how to solve this problem, versus how to grow a bigger business. I make better decisions because I am answering “how do we do this better”, versus allowing the emotional business owner side of me take hold. How often do you release new designs? We just released our first collection for Fall 2019, but are hoping to expand for a Spring Line next year and already have things in the works for next fall. Did you take any specialist courses before launching your brand? I took as many courses & read as many blogs/ books as I could get my hands on. My background is in digital media, (social media, photography) so had some knowledge there, but didn’t know the ins & outs of running a business so wanted to learn as much as I could. Being sustainable is also a main focus for us so I spent a lot of time researching sustainability in fashion & in business to ensure that our ethics were in every part of our business. Do you have a piece that is your favourite go to piece? The whole business started out of a need for a wool free, sustainable blazer & not being able to find one, so I am definitely biased to our blazers. They are what started this whole venture. Looking back, is there anything you would do differently? I want to say, Oh heck yes, but I am so grateful for everything I have learned. There are a ton of bumps, road blocks, learning curves when starting a business but each time you figure it out you learn, become a better business owner & it gives you a confidence boost of, “Hey, I can do this!” Being sustainable is a massive factor in your biz, tell us more about this? It is everything to me. I didn’t start out with just this dream of being a fashion designer, I dreamed of creating a more compassionate fashion industry. I wanted to prove that vegan & sustainable clothing could be chic. I know that if I prove that it could be done & that consumers want better clothing that it would inspire others in the industry to do the same. I want to start a ripple effect. We also looked sustainability in every aspect of our brand. This includes using plastic free packaging & shipping, corozo nut buttons & recycled clothing labels. Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list? My husband & I love to travel. It is currently snowing in Colorado, so looking up flights to Bali happen at least once a week. I love your mix on social media between quotes and designs, does social media play a big role in your success? Thank you! Social media is huge for us. As a somewhat niche business it is so essential for us to be able to connect with people who share our ethics & therefore are looking for products that they can wear with pride. We also want to educate people about issues in the fashion industry & inspire them to learn more about the businesses they support. Social media allows us to do that unlike any other platform. Have you ever followed any bad business advice and later wished you hadn’t? Honestly, no. I just kept my head down for two years while working on the building blocks of everything & honestly didn’t tell many people until we were months from launching. So, by the time I announced what I was up to I was so far along, so committed that there wasn’t much anyone could say to deter me. You often use hemp, what other things set your business apart? I think the biggest thing that sets us apart is the combination of being ethically made, using sustainable materials & our dedication to being cruelty free. There are brands flooding the market that are hitting on one, maybe two of these areas, but we feel to truly be an ethical brand all three areas are equally as important. We want to create beautiful fashion that doesn’t harm animals, the planet or the people who make them. What does 2020 look like for you? We are hopeful for an amazing 2020. We are working on Spring items now, the biggest addition to hopefully include a men’s blazer. I am constantly looking at what items can you not currently get that are vegan or sustainable. So, we want to focus on tackling these areas first.

Brazil November 9, 2023

#CocoFitness : How to Stay Healthy Whilst Travelling

Whilst donning a rucksack and waving goodbye to the UK for a few months might be one of the best decisions you ever make, the bikini bod which took months of pre-flight work to achieve is likely to suffer.

Carrying your life in one heavy bag is a bit of a workout in itself, and in blazing 30 degree heat that can be all you feel like doing. But, after a little while of eating out of sorts and not doing all that much, you’re likely to feel the effects.

For the fitness fanatics amongst us, maintaining a certain regime is super important, so we racked our brains for our top five fitness tips that’ll keep you healthy wherever you are.

Pack a Helping Hand

Of course, packing weights is not advised: airport check in is unlikely to go as smoothly as planned, and there’s plenty of other essentials which should be prioritised over a kettle bell. That’s not to say other fitness equipment can’t be packed away for a rainy day, though. Just be savvy with what you do take.

We’d recommend a skipping rope: reminiscent of your playground days, but seriously good for you. Find a quiet spot before the heat hits in the morning and skip for as long as you can. Even as little as 5 minutes a day is a cardio blast that’ll work wonders, especially if you get the hang of double unders (passing the skipping rope under your feet twice whilst you’re in the air).

Get Appy

Granted, common holiday consensus is that your phone should take a little bit of a back seat (much can be said from disconnecting yourself from the real world, dontcha know). That said, your little Apple bestie can be great for one thing: fitness apps. If you’re not a big user back at home then you definitely will be from overseas. They remind you to work out regularly and often provide routines which don’t require much space or equipment. Hostel room and suitcase friendly.

Our favourites include Seconds Interval Timer HIIT for freedom to tailor your workout, and Cody to maintain your structural health through Pilates and yoga workouts.

Find a Local Class

If you’re in one place for a longer period of time, then finding a fitness class is a great way to meet people and burn off some of those delicious local meals you’ve been indulging in. One of our favourites is Bali Fitness in Seminyak, Bali. A spacious gym just outside the main centre famed for their Les Mills body pump, body combat and core strengthening classes. They also have a variety of spin classes, like one in the dark to rock and roll. Perfect post beach refresher? We think so. You’ll be whipped back into shape in no time.

If you’re after something a little less strenuous, Asian countries are big on their yoga, so find a class like Sunset Beach Yoga on Gili Trawagan, Indonesia, to work out and strengthen with a view. How about tying a retreat into your travels? We love Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui and Brazil’s Butterfly House for a longer stay and complete experience.

Go Trekking

A bit of a no brainier, really: the activities you choose to do when you’re away can really make or break your level of fitness. Going on hikes and treks is a great way to see the sights of your chosen country whilst also being uber healthy, so sack off the beach a couple of days a week and head up into the hills.

Off to Indonesia? Ubud’s Mount Batur and Mount Agung treks are well worth the sweat, especially if you make it to the summit for sunrise. Vietnam’s Sapa has some great walks through rice paddies, whilst New Zealand is a backpacker destination adorned with beaten tracks (work your way up to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – it’s a tough one).

Avoid Too Much Sugar

Last but not least is a diet based one. Travelling is tough on the wallet, and when you’re watching your pennies the cheapest things to eat midday are often crisps and biscuits: especially in Asia where supermarkets with fresh produce are few and far between. The problem with this is it’ll leave you feeling lethargic: try embracing the Asian specialities of saffron rice or noodles and egg for breakfast. You’ll be set up for the day and a lunch of fresh fruit will be all you’ll need.

Adventures November 9, 2023

Destination Inspiration: Discovering Bali, Indonesia

Floating to the north-west of Australia, surrounded by the Javanese, Sunda and Gili Islands, is the island of Bali. Made pop-culturally famous by the book and subsequent moving Eat, Pray, Love and the Instagram feeds of thousands of influencers, Bali is known as one of the quintessential South East Asian backpacker stops, offering everything from vibrant nightlife, to world class surf and exclusive yoga retreats.

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, particularly for Aussie travellers who are only a short flight away. Overtourism is real, but, as with most popular tourist destinations, it’s focused mostly on a few areas. For those looking for a good time, Kuta and Canggu are what you’re looking for. For those looking to unwind, relax and recharge, Ubud in the central mountain area is calling your name. And for those looking to catch a wave, the south-west coast serves up some of the best surf around.

Despite being a relatively small island, Bali can be divided into 6 main regions; South, Central, West, North, East and the Southeastern Islands, each with its own style, culture and personality. And whilst there’s nothing wrong with lying on a beautiful Balinese beach, cocktail in hand – get off the beaten track in Bali and you’re likely to have an experience unlike anyone else. As usual, here at House of Coco, we’ve got your back. Read on for some of our favourite lesser known Bali hotspots.

South

South Bali is the most heavily touristed part of the island, and not entirely without reason. Coastal towns Kuta and Canggu offer some of the best waves for beginner to intermediate surfers, the most vibrant nightlife, and the biggest range of dining and shopping opportunities. The up style Seminyak is also found in the South, and whilst it doesn’t get as rowdy as it’s younger neighbour Kuta, or as bohemian as Canggu, Seminyak is still one of the most popular spots on the island for those among us who like a bit of luxury.

Central

The mountainous central region of Bali is often described as the cultural heart of the island. Far from the pumping beaches of the south, the central region of Bali is home to Ubud, Gianyar, Bedugul and Tabanan, as well as some of the most reputable yoga retreats on the island. It’s a place to relax, unwind, and get in touch with the beautiful Balinese jungle that surrounds you. Here you can explore the world heritage listed Tegallalang rice terraces; an ancient method of rice farming still practiced today. Central Bali is also home to the temple of Goa Gajah, where legends say that the pools are considered to be the fountain of youth, bathing in which would keep you young forever. Legends aside, hidden away in the thick foliage that surrounds the site is the ruins of a Buddhist temple, one of the only examples of which can be found on the predominately Hindu island. For the more adventurous among us, the Ayung River that flows through the central region makes for great white water rafting.

East

East Bali offers a bit of a different atmosphere from the coastal towns in the south, here, a little more laid-back, a little slower moving. East Bali includes towns such as Amed, Besakih and Candidasa that enjoy some pretty great swell in the wet season from October to March, as well as the only occasionally eruptive Mt Agung. In the foothills of Mt Agung you will find the village of Sidemen, dotted with cheerful locals, rice fields and countless coffee and cocoa plantations. Hire a bicycle and ride along the Unda river and through the mountains to explore this place where time stands still.

The east is also where you can find enough space to spread your towel and then some. With most beaches on the east relatively secluded and a bit of challenge to get to, with a little bit of effort you’ll be able to have them all to yourself. Located about 15 minutes east of Candidasa is Pasir Putih, sometimes called Bugbug beach, is one of the most spectacular. The road down is a little rough, but the journey is definitely worth it.

East Bali is also home to the Lempuyang Luhur, or the Gateway to Heaven. Located at the top of a 1,700 stair climb, make it to the top before the sun and watch the sunrise light up the island. Your Instagram feed will thank me.

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North

North Bali is usually considered the family friendly option on the island. Less crowds, calmer waters and regular dolphin visitors makes it the perfect place for small children and the parents that want to keep an eye on them. But it’s also where you’ll find some of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. Jembong, Sekumpul and Git Git are the most popular, all of which can be reached through treks of around three hours or less through lush Balinese jungle. Git Git has the easiest road access, but swimming in the calm natural pools that collect at the base of all three of these falls will feel so much more satisfying after a lengthy trek.

North Bali is also home to the secret gardens of Sambangan. A chain of natural pools and a total of seven waterfalls are hidden within dense Balinese rainforest that can be reached through a three hour trek that will again take you deep into the heart of the jungle. The gardens are remote and unspoiled and well worth the journey.

Here in north Bali you can also find Mt Batur. Smaller than it’s occasionally disruptive neighbour Mt Agung, Mt Batur is a relatively easy climb and will reward you with some of the best views of the island. Hikes usually start as early as 2am to catch the sunrise at the top, but don’t panic just yet, there are a slew of mountaintop cafes waiting to serve you possibly the most picturesque morning cup of coffee in your life.

West

West Bali is the least popular part of the island with very little tourist infrastructure or activities. However, its a great stop for nature lovers; home to the West Bali National Park, and Menjangan Island. Here you can find the rare Javan Rusa deer, calm waters and coral gardens vibrant with marine life and excellent visibility the whole year round. You can also catch a ferry to Java from this side of Bali if you want to explore Indonesia a little further afield.

Southeastern Islands

Around a 30 minute boat ride from the mainland, the last region of Bali is the three Nusa Islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan. Relatively undertouristed for what they are, the Nusa Islands are a beautiful insight into the Bali of 20 years ago, before the island became a tourist hotspot. Each of the islands have something different to offer travellers, but as with most good things in life, you have to put in just a little effort to get a big reward.

Nusa Lembongan

The most popular of the Nusa Islands, Lembongan is gaining popularity for its fairly consistent year round swell and for its proliferation of both high energy as well as relaxing water sports. It’s a good place to base yourself if you want to spend some time exploring the Nusa Islands; it has the biggest range of hotels, restaurants and the easiest connection to both the mainland and the other two Nusa Islands.

Nusa Penida

Penida is the biggest of the three Nusa Islands and offers the biggest range of activities for travellers. With sights like the Peguyangan Waterfall and its iconic, if not heart pumping staircase, the Broken Beach and mesmerising Angel’s Billabong, Penida has plenty of hidden little gems to explore. Don’t miss the Kelingking Point Lookout and Secret Beach for that iconic Bali snap. It’s a bit of a rough journey, and the safety leaves a little to be desired so be careful and know your limits before seeking this little one out.

Nusa Ceningan

Smallest of the three, you can get around Ceningan mostly on foot. The island is accessed by the iconic yellow suspension bridge and has a reputation for being the haunt of the adventurous and thrill seeking. Ceningan has the biggest range of safe cliff jumping points, including Mahana Point and the Blue Lagoon. For those of you who don’t consider hurling yourselves off cliffs to be the epitome of a good time, the Blue Lagoon is also a great place to swim or just soak in the beauty.

Fashion November 9, 2023

5 Sustainable Swimwear Brands to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe

Is it me or is February onwards when I start thinking of new swimwear to add to my wardrobe? January was a trial month so it’s now game on for getting fit and healthy – but the fun part that comes with that is choosing a whole new bikini attire. This year I’m trying to be super sustainable; realistically all my old bikinis and swimsuits will do just fine. But I am a girl who is into fashion and, if I’m honest, I do want a new bikini for holiday. My way of doing this slightly more ethically? Buying from sustainable brands and sellers. I’m not talking buying second-hand (although there is nothing wrong with this AT ALL) but through upcycled swimwear. How are these recycled pieces made? ECONYL is a high-quality, eco-friendly material created from recycled nylon found in discarded fishing nets and marine waste. There are so many brands designing sustainable swimwear nowadays that we’re definitely all spoiled for choice.

Tucca Swim

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Sibling duo and all round girl bosses Helaina and Chloe Thomas founded Tucca Swim, aiming to bring unique designs that were sustainable to the swimwear market. The bright prints and clashing colours are made more wearable by the multiway designs of the swimwear, making it easier to make your pieces last.

After realising how much plastic and polyester particles are released into the water, the sisters wanted to fix this and came up with their designs. With their collection being made from eco-friendly fabrics (78 per cent recycled polyamide and 22 per cent elastane), the recycled nylon lasts on average three months longer than normal swimwear fabrics. It also is better protected from sun cream and chlorine – how cool is that? Even the brand’s packaging is biodegradable and plastic-free!

Tide + Seek

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All Tide + Seek swimwear is sustainable; made from Repreve which is a polyester fibre completely made out of recycled plastic. The ocean racks up so many discarded bottles and with each piece of swimwear meaning there are five less plastic bottles in landfill – that’s a huge success by our books. Tide + Seek also cuts out the use of new petroleum in the process of swimwear-making so there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions too. The pieces are handmade in Bali and come in pretty, mermaid-esque shades and patterns. The all-in-ones are our favourites!

Finisterre

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More so known for its outdoor gear, British brand Finisterre has pledged to only using ECONYL in its swimwear (and jackets). You won’t find any single-use plastic in the packaging either. Finisterre uses Neoseed (a durable water repellent) instead of fluorine, which breaks down naturally without affecting the environment. Sustainability is at the heard of this brand; turning plastic problems caused by discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste into high-performance fabrics.

Perhaps a less ‘instagrammable’ brand, this one is where fashion meets function – and is perfect for those of you who are more into surfing, sailing and serious swimming (as opposed to the ten minutes we tend to spend in the sea).

Pursuit The Label

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You might recognise this standout ‘sports luxe’ style from last season’s Love Island but these swimsuits are here to stay – even outside the villa. Pursuit the Label promises a solution to the problem swimwear production causes the environment; the London-born brand uses the highest quality recycled fabrics to create every piece in the collection. Not only is the entire range designed and manufactured in London, but it is all created from ECONYL (that recycled nylon fabric that we’ve been banging on about throughout this article!)

Not only are the actual swimwear garments sustainable but the production side of things is ethical too. All packaging is made from 100 per cent recycled cardboard and is fully recyclable and production is done in small batches, to limit any clothing going to waste. The founders, Annabel and Hannah, are even involved in the entire production process, meaning that they’re there to observe and ensure ethical the work force.

Marble Swimwear

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Ethically-made swimwear could not get cuter. Marble Swimwear offer their customers these adorable printed, candy coloured pieces – most of which are reversible, meaning it is also incredibly useful come a week-long holiday. Both flattering and supportive for both the sun loungers and the more active ones among ourselves, the brand uses 78 per cent ECONYL so you can have your conscience clear, knowing you’re supporting the recycling of ocean plastic. What makes us at ease a little more is knowing that the brand has individually chosen and vetted every single element of their production to ensure that it’s environmentally conscious – we’re impressed.

Indonesia November 9, 2023

4 Secrets to Getting the Most of Your Vacation in Flores

Your vacation time is the only time you have to relax, be free and enjoy the good life. Well, at least that’s the gist behind it. It’s therefore disappointing when you can’t maximize and achieve the satisfaction you desire on your holiday.

A vacation in Flores Island, Indonesia is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The island has got everything you dream of for a vacation.

Numerous beautiful sceneries, a ton of activities to take part in, an exquisite underwater experience, and an amazing cultural heritage.

Whenever you have the chance to visit this place, your troubles will quickly fade away. That’s a promise.

But how can you make the best of your vacation in Flores?

Below are a few secrets you should try.

Stay at a Five-star Hotel

Of the many features in this island, one that you can’t miss is the number of world-class 5 -star hotels. The island has lots of them.

Although they may be quite costly, you only have a vacation once in a while. Why not live a little?

Living in such a hotel will complement the experience you expect for the vacation; Entertainment, comfort and relaxing.

These hotels have fantastic facilities to provide you with the lifestyle you want. Ayana Komodo Resort is an example of such a hotel. Here, you’ll get amazing villas for your stay, a personal waiter at your beck and call and amazing cuisine, both local and international.

Furthermore, after a long day of touring the island, the spa treatment services in the hotel will be your best friend.

Enticing, right?

Book a cruise trip at least once

Being an Island, you’ll never avoid water. Therefore, why not embrace it?

Even if you have a cruise phobia, getting on a day or liveaboard trip is the best way to cover most of the island. Cruise trips are not only exciting and fun, but you’ll also get fantastic package prices for the service.

Ayana hotels have an amazing cruise boat, the Ayana Lako Sae, which offers daily trips around the island for tourists. From Labuan Bajo to Komodo island, to Padar Island and even the pink beach. This boat will take you there.

The stylish three-deck boat is the perfect embodiment of fun, comfort and luxury on your vacation. Being a party boat, your experience on this boat is one you’ll never forget.

You can even hire a private boat with your friends or family and explore the island together. Either way, you have to try cruising when in Flores.

Try the Komodo National Park Package

It’s no secret that Komodo National Park gives life to this Island. Tourists hardly leave this island without visiting this famous park. You shouldn’t either.

The park offers so many activities and breathtaking views to see. You’ll get the chance to see the great Komodo dragons, and even take part in a speed boat ride all-round the park.

Enjoy a deep dive in the blue waters of the ocean, meet the manta rays, and swim with the fish. Snorkeling, scuba diving and even stand up paddling are available in this package.

Moreover, you’ll also get to hike on the Padar hills, and capture a few jaw-dropping images for Instagram.

Take Pictures, Not too many

Flores Island is a beautiful place. It’s every photographer’s dream. The features, facilities and activities offered in the Island are all Instagram-worthy.

Therefore, while you’re there take pictures of everywhere you go. This will create good memories, especially if you are with friends or family.

Nonetheless, don’t take too many pictures. Focusing on your photography will limit your ability to have fun.So, fewer pictures, more experiences, more happiness.

Conclusion

When taking a vacation, ensure that you have the time of your life, whether you are in the Caribbean, or at the beach with your family.

In Flores, ensure that that you try out these secrets. Get a good hotel, take a cruise, visit Komodo national park, and avoid too many pictures.

With these, you’re bound to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Most of all, have fun!