Forget April showers. If you’re looking to elevate your next luxury tropical getaway, then why not get that beach bod, when you’re actually in the beach? Team Coco round up some of the best island fitness retreats under the sun — so you can up your holiday fitness routines in style. Your body will thank you later.
Pilates & Yoga Retreat with Grace Hurry at Niyama Private Islands Maldives
The Maldives along with its breathtaking white sand beaches and azure waters weren’t made for just lounging. If you want to fully lose yourself to the stunning landscapes of the Maldives, then why not try a Pilates & Yoga Retreat? Nothing says ‘ohm’ like yoga on the beach, and from the 7th to the 25th of April 2019, Niyama Private Islands Maldives will be hosting a Pilates & Yoga Retreat taught by no less than Grace Hurry. Trained at the Royal Ballet School and certified as a Body Arts and Science Instructor, Grace knows exactly how to sculpt your holiday bod, while in the tropical paradise that is Niyama Private Islands Maldives.
The ‘Easter Chill, Play and Recharge’ Package at Niyama Private Islands Maldives also features a range of IV therapy formulations at the Drift Spa in collaboration with Beverly Hills IV Therapy. These include Fat Burn, Hydration, Jet-Lag, Anti-Aging, and Detox IV Therapy. According to Deborah Alessi, CEO of Beverly Hills IV Therapy, IV Therapy “allows guests to receive all of the vitamins they need to strengthen the immune system, clear toxins and hydrate,” — where can we sign up?
Book: The “Easter Chill, Play and Recharge” Package starts from £1,526 for a seven night stay based on two sharing. IV Therapy Treatments begin at £196. A free consultation is carried out pre-therapy.
Fitness & Wellness Retreat with Adrienne LDN at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
We have personally experienced the lush island landscapes, and luxury tropical villas at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, (You can even check out our visual diary here) where we sailed with Spinner dolphins and tried out the farm to plate experience. However, if you’re looking for a bit more adrenaline on your next jaunt to paradise, then do check out Adrienne LDN’s new Fitness & Wellness Retreat at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa.Adrienne is the host of fitness podcast, ‘The Power Hour,’ so you can trust that she can take your fitness game to the next level; and motivate you to take your career to the next level too. Talk about GirlBoss. The workouts include a scenic 5k running trail, private training sessions, total body workouts, and morning mobility classes too. So there’s something for everyone.
Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies went on the most epic girls trip to Avani+ Fares Maldives, the newest luxury resort to grace these beautiful Atolls on the Indian Ocean.
Who said that the Maldives was only for honeymooners? Avani+ Fares foregoes the reverence of other honeymoon-focused resorts and instead opts for a vibe that is lowkey, fun, casual and perfect for a bucket list vacation with your best gal pals.
Set on the western Baa atoll and facing complete seclusion, Avani+ Fares Maldives makes an exclusive 5-star addition to the UNESCO Biosphere reserve. We were one of the first journalists to visit the beautiful Avani+ Fares Maldives, which was on soft opening during our visit, certainly exceeded all of our expectations.
Baa Atoll is a natural island set within a coconut plantation and in front of an untouched reef that is reachable from Male, the Maldivian capital, by seaplane in 35 minutes. The Avani+ experience begins as soon as you touch down in Male with a stylish private lounge at the airport.
Here, you will get your first taste of Avani+ Fares’ ‘Haharu’ hospitality (which means heart in Maldivian) as you wait for your sea plane while enjoying some free drinks, pastries and of course, gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean. Fitting too, seeing as Baa Atoll is shaped like a heart.
The staff at Avani+Fares really take this Haharu hospitality to heart and greet guests with a warm welcome, refreshing cocktail and welcome song as soon as they arrive to the resort. Guests are picked up by buggy and whisked away to their rooms – of which you have a choice between overwater villas or beach villas among other more premium accommodation types. We stayed in one of the beach villas, which was cleverly fitted with all the bells and whistles a modern luxury traveller could ask for.
Picture floor-to-ceiling windows opening up to a private plunge pool, indoor/outdoor shower, comfy super-king sized beds and even some tasty treats from the restaurant. The rooms are cosy, contemporary and guests are treated to some welcome gifts too.
The beach is home to a bevy of wildlife which include turtle nesting sites, colourful coral reefs and a cacophony of songbirds. In terms of sustainability, Avani+ Fares runs its own Muraka Coral Project which includes a regeneration lab and reef protection activities.
The Skip Jack Bar, which is located on one end of the resort, is situated next to the lagoon-like infinity pool overlooking the white sand beach beyond. This is the perfect spot for lunch, cocktails or simply catching the rays. In the evening, the deck at Skip Jack becomes a dance floor complete with DJ. Watch out for those Haharu Tequila cocktails which are as delicious as they are deadly – we certainly had our fair share during our stay at Avani+Fares.
The resort sometimes hosts romantic Adrift Beach Dinners in front of Skip Jack, where romantic sandcastles surround even more romantic candle lit dinner setups. Perfect for enjoying an elegant meal with your gang while watching the sun set.
Ocean Terrace, led by the lovely Chef Walter, is the go-to-place for all your food needs and is located on the other side of the island. Breakfast is served here and so is a buffet-style dinner. Avani+ Fares has an Honest Food promise and so makes use of gorgeous, locally sourced produce whenever possible. During our visit, we even learned how to make our own Kombucha and chocolate covered orange peels from Chef Walter himself.
The Maldives is known for its white sand beaches and azure waters, but there’s plenty to do at Avani+Fares for those who don’t fancy a fly n’ flop holiday. Aqufanatic Fares, the resort’s dive centre, offers a wealth of water activities for all kinds of adventurers. This includes glass-bottomed kayaks, banana boats, jet skis, kite surfing– and our personal favourite – a motorised surfboard. Thanks to the heart-shaped atoll – the waters in front of the resort are clear and still – perfect for all sorts of water sports no matter if you’re a novice or a pro.
The piece de resistance, however, is taking the Avani+Fares boat on a dolphin quest or Manta Ray quest. The word Fares means ‘the land on reef’ in the Dhivehi Maldivian language, which is rightfully so as the resort is home to some of the most incredible aquatic life in the world.
During these excursions, expert guides will find schools of spinner or bottle nosed dolphins who are more than keen to play with boats and spin along the edges of the water. If you’re lucky, you can even go snorkelling with the famous Maldivian Manta Rays, which though take some effort to locate, are well worth the excurisons.
After a day out in the sea, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa. Here, you will be treated to a selection of relaxing oils as your therapist massages away all the worries of your everyday life back home. We also indulged in a gong bath, which was definitely as relaxing as it sounds.
The best thing about Avani+ Fares Maldives is the way that the staff go above and beyond to really make you feel their Haharu Hospitality. During our stay, the girls planned a karaoke night – and so of course the resort obliged and transformed Skip Jack into our very own stage. What ensued may have been a night of debauchery, enthusiastic dancing to the tunes of Celine Dion and some slightly off-key singing – but it was certainly a night to remember and a testament to the resort’s unique brand of hospitality.
Having made some incredible new friends and memories, it was almost too painful to say goodbye to the resort, because we certainly left our Haharu with Avani+Fares Maldives.
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Heritage meets architecture at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo which has been part of the Aitken Spence portfolio of luxury hotels in the Maldives since 2009, has some interesting history which we only learned about when we visited this island resort.
The resort houses 50 luxury water villas featuring classic Japanese interior design. It is this connection to Japanese culture that we found most fascinating.
Aerial view of main bar at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
The resort now known as Adaaran Prestige Vadoo was originally built by Japanese owners in the late 1980s. One of the original water bungalows from this time is said to be the oldest in the Maldives. This bungalow, with its Japanese architecture mostly preserved, now serves as the island’s Mandara spa where guests can book a range of holistic treatments including couples massages.
Perhaps to further preserve this Japanese heritage, one of the highlights of this resort is the upscale Kitajima restaurant, one of four main dining choices available.
The menu at Kitajima features standard Japanese cuisine favourites ranging from fresh sushi to flavourful tempura. It is, however, the decor and the intimate dining experience that it creates which made this restaurant stand out for us.
Intimate and luxurious overwater villas
When visiting Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, you can choose your preferred view from their range of Sunset and Sunrise Villas. Both types of villas are the same except (obviously) for the different views.
Four honeymoon villas are larger and offer more space and come with more amenities for that extra special and luxurious touch.
Sunrise villa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
Japanese design influence runs throughout the villa interiors. This influence creates a calming symmetry and harmony between the natural outdoor environment and the indoor space.
Matted curtains, bamboo window shades, and wooden floors were design highlights that stood out for us. In addition, high-quality materials and furniture add to the feeling of luxury. Another highlight for us was the pillow menu (available on request).
Sunrise Villa bathroom design at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
Each of the bungalows comes with its own sun deck, plunge pool and jacuzzi. A unique design feature we liked was the bathroom doubling as a separate lounge area, complete with a sofa, minibar, satellite TV and a glass bottom floor for observing random marine life below.
The spacious villas have decent sound insulation while bamboo and thatched fences surround each dwelling, further enhancing the feeling of privacy without obstructing the views of the ocean.
Breakfast-in-bed or a floating breakfast in the outdoor (and private) plunge pool are some of the in-villa dining options available in your hideaway. This can all be arranged through butlers assigned to each villa. These approachable and attentive individuals work day and night to help create a more intimate and personalised experience for guests on the premium all-inclusive package.
Floating breakfast in overwater villa with lagoon views
Guests on this package also enjoy an elevated level of service and other extras such as sparkling wine on arrival, a complimentary minibar replenished daily, fresh fruit bowls and evening canapés.
Dining options
We have mentioned Kitajama, the speciality Japanese restaurant earlier.
Varifalhu, the main restaurant, offers a mini buffet of Indian dishes. A four-course set menu features à la carte options that change daily. Kakuni is their dedicated seafood beach restaurant with a barefoot dining appeal.
There are two outdoor bars (Dhoni and Kandholi) that serve drinks and offer light refreshments throughout the day. However, it is the chance to relax and enjoy panoramic views that really makes them appealing spots to hang out on the island.
Main bar with wood and bamboo themed furniture
To capture the magical feeling of romance, private dinners on the beach can be curated by butlers (on request). Couples can watch the sunset and listen to the sounds of the ocean while enjoying a special menu featuring an amalgamation of chef-choice dishes.
During our visit, we noticed that the majority of guests were honeymooners and couples from the Middle East and East Asia. This informs the resort’s strong preference that guests dress in a manner that is respectful to other guests.
Activities at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
In our opinion, this is a resort where you want to really just relax and enjoy the feeling of disconnecting from the world for a few days.
View of lagoon from white sandy beach at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
For guests with a bit of curiosity though, excursions available at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo include walking tours of historical attractions and local markets in Malé, the capital city and tours to a local island where guests can experience non-resort life in the Maldives.
For an island of this size, we were surprised at the number of watersports available. For guests who prefer to take things easier, there is also a menu of water-based activities such as morning and sunset fishing, a dolphin safari, sunset dhoni cruises and a sandbank picnic and lunch. All of these are weather (and time of year) dependent and should be booked in advance.
A personal highlight of our stay was being able to step down from our water villa’s private stairway and straight into the lagoon for a relaxing swim in the clear water. Although not a snorkelling paradise, there was some marine life around to keep us entertained around the house reef.
We also enjoyed daily walks around the island including lush and beautifully landscaped gardens that are a theme at Aitken Spence properties.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo presents couples with an opportunity for a quick retreat and a chance to enjoy a taste of the Maldives.
Escape to paradise and soothe your soul in the Maldives with our latest travel feature. Discover breathtaking landscapes and luxurious retreats in our article on the House of Coco website.
How to get there
A 15-20 minute speedboat transfer can be arranged by the resort from Malé International Airport.
For more information about their half-board, all-inclusive and premium all-inclusive packages at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, visit adaaran.com/prestigevadoo.
Comparatively smaller in size to other resort islands in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is located in the North Malé Atoll.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is accessible through resort-operated speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport (Malé), a journey which takes around twenty minutes.
The size of the island appears to contribute to its tranquillity which wraps around you like a warm hug as soon as you step off the boat and onto the pristine white sandy beach.
This is a resort island where there is no pressure whatsoever to do anything except relax and dip into things at your own pace.
Beachfront Pool Villa – The best seat in the house
A typical morning for us at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru began with waking up in our circular Beachfront Pool Villa, throwing open the curtains and the retractable french doors and enjoying the 180-degree views of the sun rays breaking through the sky over the ocean.
Basically the ocean was our theatre and our four-poster king-sized bed was the best seat in the house.
Accommodation options at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru include Oceanview Pool Villas, Beachfront Pool Villas, or Spa Sanctuary Pool Villas.
On the ocean-side of our Beachfront Pool Villa, the architecture allowed us to step through the tall doors and onto a spacious wooden deck with sun loungers. Alternatively, we could walk from the deck along a connected wooden jetty that led to a private over-water cabana with sunbeds that was perfect for private massage treatments or simply lounging over the water with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Back inside the main room, in a seamless flow of movement between outdoor and indoor spaces, a design feature we especially loved was the high ceiling spiralling upwards in the shape of a snail shell creating a sense of unrestricted space.
Doors on the other side of the room open up to reveal a semi-outdoor open-plan bathroom area. Here, Banyan Tree’s signature design excellence combines lush landscaping with natural building materials to create a feeling of synergy with nature. A high bamboo fence enclosing each villa granted us total privacy.
For an elevated bathroom experience, our villa came with two showers – indoor and outdoor. There is no bathtub in the Beachfront Pool Villa. However, we did not need one as we had a temperature-controlled jet pool and a private swimming pool!
A highlight one morning was the chance to start our day with a colourful selection of breakfast items delivered to our villa for a delightful floating breakfast experience.
Wellness your way
Wellness means different things to different people. The Global Institute of Wellness, a nonprofit organisation which promotes knowledge about preventative health, defines it as: “The active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”
If exploring wellness is an important factor in your choice of holiday destination, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers you a chance to create your own version.
This Indian Ocean resort offers multiple elements – natural beauty, idyllic beaches, crystal clear lagoon, world-class gastronomy, and outdoor and indoor experiences – all of which combine to promote overall well being.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers a relatively standard programme of motorised and non-motorised activities, including snorkelling and diving at neighbouring island Angsana Ihuru. However, we opted for a decidedly slower pace during our visit. This was partly due to the fact that our visit was during the monsoon season.
To explore Vabbinfaru’s wellness ethos, we visited the Banyan Tree Spa to sample a range of treatments that leverage traditional Asian healing philosophies. For us, this was one place where Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s tagline as being ‘a sanctuary for the senses’ truly came alive.
Spa treatments we enjoyed included a restorative foot bath and scrub with the scent from jasmine flowers filling the air. We also participated in an exhilarating yoga session with resident wellness and lifestyle coach Dr. Shakeel Ambalth that stretched muscles and left us feeling lighter.
The daily stingray feeding gave us a chance to engage with the ocean in a different way and to explore the island’s biodiversity. Watching those majestic creatures glide through the waters provided a sense of calm and an opportunity to practise mindfulness.
A night under the stars at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
On Vabbinfaru, a typical night is whatever you decide you want it to look like. During our visit, a number of experiences stood out for us.
Meals at the casual and rustic Ilaafathi (Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has one main restaurant offering buffet and à la carte options) were a daily adventure in tastes, textures, aromas and flavours. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, we explored a surprising variety of international and local dishes on the menu that kept our curious taste buds entertained.
On one star-lit night with clear skies, we had a phenomenal ‘destination dinner’ (private dinner for two on the beach) arranged for us. We especially enjoyed a succulent fresh lobster and crab dish (straight off the grill) amidst many other gastronomical delights that evening.
Post-dinner entertainment featured memorable Bodu Beru dance nights showcasing drum rhythms, music and dance steps performed by an energetic cast of locals.
In our own version of wellness and to round up our day at Vabbinfaru, after dinner, we stepped outside and crawled into a wide hammock (fits two adults) attached to our villa. There, we rocked in sync with the gentle ocean breeze and fell asleep under the stars.
For more information about their all-inclusive packages and to design your own wellness experience at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, visit banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru
The Maldives: two words that have you daydreaming of paradise in an instant. A bucket-list destination that oozes luxury and relaxation. Vanessa Gainford explores the idyllic Cora Cora Maldives.
As someone who loves to be sunbathing on the beach with a book but only for a day or two before I find the need to explore, I was ecstatic to be going to the Maldives yet part of me was a little concerned about being ‘stuck’ on one small island for a whole week. However, Cora Cora Maldives proved in an instant that I had nothing to worry about.
Once arriving in Male the Maldives’ experience began, greeted by the only Maldivian all-female airport team, and escorted via a five-minute minibus to the seaplane terminal. A 45-minute seaplane journey with an aerial view of the Indian Ocean and different Atolls is a sight to behold. From the moment you step foot on the island Cora Cora Maldives promises to be unlike any other Maldivian resort. With the tagline, it’s freedom time, this idyllic escape offers a new form of luxury to guests. Compared to our usual level of luxury, Cora Cora Maldives isn’t what we’re used to. However, the resort offers a different type of luxury, freedom. After a global pandemic, freedom is what we are all yearning for. The resort’s main concept of freedom makes it the most luxurious place of all. As our view on luxury has shifted, yes, we still want luxurious places, but we also want to escape, and after being restricted for so long we want to live life on our own accord. Unlike many Maldivian getaways, Cora Cora Maldives has a relaxed yet fun vibe and the resort embraces island life, so much so that at the end of our trip having to wear shoes was a reality shock.
Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean in the Raa Atoll on a natural lagoon just 750 metres long and 500 metres wide is Maamigili Island – home to Cora Cora Maldives. The décor and colour palette alone showcase the vibe of the resort; a vibrant and colourful dose of escapism, in idyllic contrast to the blue skies, white sand, and turquoise waters. Upon arrival, you are designated a ‘Freedom Coach’ and asked to download the Cora Cora App. The App is ideal for those who like to control their own time, to make an excursion, water sports, spa, salon, and restaurant bookings along with looking at activity schedules. If you’re happy for someone to take over then decide what you would like to do and leave it to your Freedom Coach to create a bespoke itinerary. The idea of a Freedom Coach is to take all stress away from you and in my case, everything from reservations to PCR tests and broken suitcases were handled on my behalf without me even having to think about it. This was just the start of experiencing true freedom.
THE FOOD AT CORA CORA MALDIVES
The premium all-inclusive concept means you can enjoy all the food and drink you like at any time of the day. The food is most definitely a highlight, as Head Chef Muath Abu Diab oversaw the five restaurants. Acquapazza®, the resort’s Italian, is home to an Italian chef who has only cooked pizza for the last 15 years – and it’s the best pizza you will ever have. Acquapazza® is also the place to go for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner entertainment with the resort’s in-house violinists and DJ. Tazaa® has an expansive menu and has its very own ‘curry master’ who specialises in creating 50 curries ranging from Indian to Maldivian. Two restaurants that require reservations are, Teien®, a Japanese restaurant that offers an array of dishes and even vegan sushi, and Ginger Moon®, where the cuisine is inspired by Asian street food.
The culinary team make every dish unforgettable, as they cater to a range of dietary requirements; opt for vegan meals, refined sugar-free treats, or teetotal drinks. For a more secluded and romantic dinner setting, book dinner in a cabana on the beach or even ‘in’ the beach, where a table is carved into the sand. With a menu curated especially for the occasion, a private dinner makes the perfect experience for a special occasion, or even to just enjoy each other’s company, the sea breeze, and the night sky lit by candles alone. One thing to note is that room service to your villa is non-existent unless you opt for a romantic floating breakfast. Why isn’t room service an option? After being isolated for so long, Cora Cora Maldives believes interaction is essential, and eating out is what dreams are made of. However, if you fancy eating in your robe and slippers as you watch the sunset, or having lunch as you lounge by your pool, then you can pop to My Coffee®, the resort’s 24-hour coffee shop. Place your order from the ‘food to go’ menu and stroll barefoot back to your villa with your food in hand.
VILLAS AT CORA CORA MALDIVES
Accommodation on the island comes in the form of villas – 100 of them ranging from beach villas and overwater villas to a two-storey family villa complete with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private pool, and a slide for easy-yet-fun access to the ocean. All villas are equipped with open-air bathrooms, complete with hammocks hanging over the ocean, his and hers vanities, eco-friendly locally made toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, Cora Cora Maldives branded flip-flop, beach bags, a fully stocked minibar, a king-sized bed, most also have a private pool and overwater villas have steps down to the ocean. The artwork on the outside and on the inside of the villas is also all local and, if you’re lucky, a wander down the beach by the main reception can lead you to an art class with the very artist!
EXPLORING THE ISLAND
With a private pool and ocean access, the idea of leaving your villa may seem futile, yet this tiny island has a lot to offer. If you’re searching for bliss then head to the Moshka Spa, where a tranquil reception greets you with open doors leading to the beach and overwater huts where you can indulge in an array of treatments; massages, facials, and beauty treatments to bespoke packages tailored to focus on your area of concern. The resort proudly celebrates the culture and heritage of the Maldives with an on-site museum and heritage site. The island is home to two extremely rare ritual baths from pre-Islamic times, along with an array of artefacts from throughout the ages – a haven for history lovers. On-site archaeologist Umair Badheeu is happy to talk through any item of interest and even hosts fun excavation sessions for children. There are other ways to explore paradise further. A private jet-ski tour around the Atoll, or a sunset cruise around the island onboard a traditional Maldivian Dhoni allows you to marvel at the resort and its surroundings from every angle.
A day trip to ‘Ghost Island’ means you can sail the ocean in the hopes of spotting a dolphin before disembarking on Kandholhudhoo, an island that was devastated by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and is worth visiting to understand the life of Maldivians and their emphasis on using every bit of their resources. A short 15-minute speedboat trip can take you to a private sandbank where the team leave you to while away the hours in the sunshine in your private slice of paradise, before coming back to take you deep-sea snorkelling. Fun on the island itself is easy to find – just head to the beach hut and opt for a variety of watersports, from paddle boarding and glass-bottom canoes to flyboard lessons, or even just a relaxed snorkel in the home coral reef just metres from the beach. You’ll never be bored.
However you choose to spend your time at Cora Cora Maldives, you’ll leave with lasting memories, feeling rejuvenated, upset about the return of reality and with food cravings that won’t be satisfied until you return.
Victoria Curling Eriksson is the brainchild behind the brand of the same name. An artist by trade, she proves that it is never too late to follow your passions and answer to your true calling.
If you don’t want to be inspired to follow your dreams, stop reading now…
Tell us the journey that lead you to launching your brand as a full time artist…
I started my career rather late in life, at the age of 30 yrs old.
I originally studied Biotechnology at university and immediately upon graduating started working in Clinical development for a Clinical Research Company. This gave me a possibility to travel internationally, which I loved. However, after some years I really found that I wanted to work with something more creative. By this time I had moved to Sweden and worked for a Swedish company. I decided to apply to Art school in Sweden, not actually thinking that I would get accepted, but I received a place and stayed there for 2 years.
I wasn’t sure at this stage if I would be able to work with Art full time, so during the 2 year gap between having my daughters, I studied to be a certified life coach.
Once I started back to work I found it rather hard to juggle starting a company with coaching and also painting, so gradually I started to work more and more with my painting until today, I work only as an artist.
I still love reading coaching and personal development books, but this is more for my own interest.
How do you want people to feel when they look at your work?
When people look at my paintings, I really want them to be able to have a moment of reflection. To find a moment of calm where they have a moment to feel whatever emotion the painting brings up for them personally.
Sometimes, I even wish I didn’t need to name the paintings, so that people can really make up their own mind about what it means to them or what they see in an artwork.
One of the best compliments ever was from a young lady who had been looking at one of my paintings in an exhibition for quite some time, when I approached her to talk to her she got really tearful and explained that it had brought up such a strong emotion in her. It was a painting of a dark storm with the light of the sky breaking through and the painting was named Hope.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist so far?
I think the biggest challenge for me as an artist so far was actually believing in myself as an artist as it wasn’t my first career. It took me a while to really believe in myself and actively market myself as an “Artist”. It’s always hard in the beginning to know when you feel “ ready” to call yourself an artist.
Another challenge was that I found it rather lonely not having any colleagues or other artists to brainstorm and share feedback. So together with another artist friend, we started a small collective (today there are 7 of us) that meet regularly and share feedback, sometimes we exhibit together as a larger group or in smaller groups. Even though most of our work is purely individual it is such an energy boost when we have our meetings and share experiences and ideas.
This is something that I really recommend to other artists to try and find a group nearby and if there isn’t one, then maybe try and create one!
In your opinion, what sets you apart from other artists?
I paint very intuitively, and start with a colour palette that I want to paint with, so carefully choose the tones and colours and then I start. I always start on a canvas that is painted black or dark grey as I often paint large expanses of white skies and this gives a different depth. So once I start painting, I never know how it will look until it is finished.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
Looking back I think that I would try to worry less about what people might think and just do it! I think that “over-thinking” held me back quite a bit in the past but today I have a very different attitude and if a pathway is tricky, I just try and find new paths.
The artists way isn’t always a very straight forward way so I actually try not to be hard on myself and accept that its always evolving.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
I think social media has been a really wonderful help for marketing my artwork. Personally, I love Instagram as a mode to show my artwork. It’s a wonderful tool for reaching so many interested people from all over the world. There really is no limit to how many you can reach.
Instagram has both brought me in contact with magazines and also direct sales to customers.
I also think having a clear and “up to date” website is really important, rather like a reference library so people can see clear examples of your artwork.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
If you can dream it, you can do do it.
What advice would you offer to aspiring artists that want to launch their own brand?
Don’t give up !
Starting out as an Artist can be really challenging, it takes confidence and at times you can feel rather vulnerable showing your work to strangers or trying to reach out to galleries and exhibitions but if you are passionate about wanting to be an artist, then just follow your own path. Give yourself time to find your own style and your own way of working and trust the process!
If you feel good about it then confidence will shine through for others to see.
Don’t be put off if you get rejected from galleries or exhibitions. Keep trying but at the same time make sure that you have some good photos to post online via instagram and make sure that you are “ out there” with your work.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is your all time favourite and why?
Oh it’s really hard picking one place as I love traveling and visiting different countries and experiencing different cultures, each place having its own different charm but if I had to choose one place I have been to, I think it might have to be the Maldives.
The amazing tranquility and beautiful beaches and being able to snorkel, dive and experience a whole new world underwater. A magical world of colours and different creatures and fish, it’s just amazing.
We visitied many years ago for our honeymoon but we are planning to return this year to celebrate our 20 year anniversary.
What’s next for the business?
My next goal and plan is to have a connection with a gallery in England (most probably London), I still feel so British even though I have lived abroad for over 20 years now and there is always something so special about sending my sold artworks to customers in England. A lot of my inspiration comes from the English countryside, so it would be really special to have that professional link in England
What does self care mean to you?
Self care to me personally means taking time do what I love and look after myself as best I can. This includes making sure that I get enough regular sleep and not going to bed too late.
Taking time for a daily walk out in the nature where I consciously try and remember to be present and breathe.Playing tennis regularly is also self care for me!
I love spending time with family and friends and my friendships are of great value to me. I still have wonderful friendships with friends that live in Bath where I grew up and a familiarity and laughter that’s worth gold.
Allowing myself a 20 minute relaxation / afternoon nap if I am tired and not feeling guilty about it is also on my self care list!
Where can people find out more?
People can find out more about me by looking at my website:
We interviewed the founder of AcARRE, a natural prestige brand of multi-use bioactive beauty products. Tracey Kearse talks to us about how she started her business, what struggles and breakthroughs she has gone through, and where AcARRE is today. We even found out where she’d like to go on holiday and which of her products she would take on the trip! Read on to find out more.
Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your skin care and scalp care brand AcARRE™…
As the Founder, CEO, and Chief Chemist, I am an esteemed chemical engineer who has worked in product development and marketing for over eighteen years. While working for a skin and hair care company, I was approached by a friend looking for a product that she could use on her scalp. At this time, my sister also came forward requesting a high-quality multi-use product for her face and scalp. These inquiries planted the seed for me to develop a product with multiple uses for skin and hair. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, the decision to begin my own company was a natural one, and soon AcARRE™️ was formed.
Shortly after starting AcARRE™️, I discovered I was expecting my first child. Becoming a mother, working full-time, and being a business owner, inspired me to develop multi-use bioactive products made from natural ingredients for balance to the skin, for the beauty minimalist.
Creatively, I enjoy brainstorming on innovative ideas that have a direct impact on consumers and the influence that drives those changes. Taking my aspiration to another level allows me to pursue my passion every day.
In this current turbulent climate what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge faced is packaging for my main SKU, Beauty Edit multi-use bioactive dry oil. I was low on inventory and the primary packaging supplier was out of stock and did not know when they would have inventory again. I had to start over and find packaging that was not only similar but also compatible with the formula. I went through a few options that were not suitable as they leaked during transportation. It was a struggle but I was able to find another supplier with low order quantities and short lead times, which I am thankful for.
If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
Multi-use, minimalism, microbiome
What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of skincare?
Do your research of the market and find your niche to solve a particular problem well. This way you stand out in the crowd.
Talk us through an average business day in your life…
My day varies from meetings with potential raw material supplier for new products, collaborating with other brands to grow awareness, speaking on a panel to future entrepreneurs, and traveling to trade shows to promote AcARRE.
Also, a typical day could consist of creating ads or video for social media, applying for grants, and putting together the marketing strategy to achieve growth for AcARRE.
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
I speak with other founders to stay positive. There is nothing greater than speaking with other founders about their brand, and their stories, and just catching up on all they are doing helps keep me positive and instils the confidence I need to keep going. I also, talk to my parents about what I am working on for their feedback and words of encouragement.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Keep it simple and keep going!
Tracey Kearse
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has played a role in reaching more potential consumers but when I first started out, word of mouth has been and continues to be a success for AcARRE.
How do you want people to feel when they first try your Bioactive Dry Oil?
When they smell it like they are at spa and when they use it, they feel silky smooth skin.
What do you personally use your dry oil for?
I use the dry oil as the last step in my skincare routine before SPF in the morning, as the last step in my skincare routine at night, and on my scalp to hydrate before styling.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and would you take your oil and gua sha beauty tool on your travels?
The destination on my bucket list is Maldives and I would definitely take my oil and gua sha to use during my travels as I always do.
What’s next for you and your brand?
A new product launch for Q1 2022 and getting into prestige retailers is next for AcARRE.
Luxury travel is one of the fastest-growing travel trends these days. And when people think of luxury, it often conjures images of lavish resorts and exclusive spas. But luxury travel is much more than that. It could be about relaxing at a luxurious 5-star tent in Canada, cruising around Mexican waters on a lavish yacht, or taking a scenic helicopter ride over the Scottish Highlands. Luxury travel can include lots of activities or simply doing nothing at all. Regardless, you can expect a high level of service and exquisite experiences that are way beyond the average.
Here’s your guide to the top luxury getaways in the world.
Canada
Canada’s diversity of scenic landscapes makes it an excellent destination for extraordinary travel opportunities. You will have plenty of options for luxury travel experiences in Canada, but one of the most luxurious ways to soak up the country’s rugged beauty of nature is to go heli-hiking and luxury glamping above sea level!
Just a short flight from the bustling city of Vancouver, Vancouver Island feels like it is several miles away from the mainland with its quirky villages and vast wilderness. From Vancouver, take a private plane over the Pacific Ocean to get to the island. Here, relax in an exquisite and remote wilderness retreat with 5-star tents fitted with luxurious modern amenities.
On the following day, board a helicopter to get to a secluded peak overlooking the quiet waters off the coast of Vancouver Island. At a staggering height of 4,500 ft, this will be your home for a few nights surrounded, and you will sleep surrounded by the vast wilderness. Take note – this is not any ordinary glamping setup. You will have your own chef who will prepare al fresco dinners served with the most exquisite wines.
Greece
Greece is not like any other place in the world. It’s a land of mythology and legends, where art, culture, and humanity converge. While most visitors would come to explore its historical sites and learn about its fascinating culture, a few travellers would visit to get a taste of the country’s luxury offerings.
The best way to get started with your luxury travel in Greece is to book a private villa in Mykonos overlooking the gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea. Choose a villa fitted with luxury amenities, such as an outdoor Jacuzzi and infinity pool that flows right into the Aegean horizon.
For a luxury dining experience, book a reservation at one of Greece’s many Michelin Star restaurants. Spondi, located right in the heart of Athens, has been given two Michelin Stars for its creative mixture of traditional and international cuisines. Opt for the Discover tasting menu, which comes with three starters, ten courses, and an option to include up to six glasses of exquisite wine!
The Maldives
Nothing original about suggesting one of the most sought after destinations in the world but the fact is, it delivers a high quality holiday experience. The Maldives is home to luxury clear blue waterside resorts that have everything you could possibly want regardless of if you’re on your honeymoon, travelling with the family or looking for a solo getaway. The immense sunsets are just right for honeymooners after pampering whilst sitting back with a cocktail. The Gili Lankanfushi has private beach houses with stunning views making this overwater villa resort worth checking out. The Indian Ocean has crystal clear, warm waters that make for relaxation that could only be matched by the sort of luxury you can achieve in the Maldives. Every island hotel has something for everyone, but if luxury be the aim then it’s difficult to argue a Maldives holiday of luxury isn’t worth considering.
Mexico
There are so many things to discover in Mexico, from dense jungles to sandy beaches, modern cities, and ancient ruins, not to mention delicious Mexican dishes and fresh seafood. The country is massive, and there are fascinating destinations to discover on both the west and east coasts and the tip of Baja, home to the famous Los Cabos, where you will find the country’s most luxurious resorts.
The best way to explore Mexico is to go cruising on a lavish yacht. With a luxury cruise, you can visit various ports and enjoy onboard amenities and different excursions and activities every day. When you sign-up for organised excursions, you can choose from exciting adventures or just spending lazy days at the beach. The biggest benefit to cruising is being able to experience several destinations without the hassles of transferring from one hotel to another. These luxury ships are fitted with fitness centres, spas, pools, and world-class dining amenities.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island country in the Indian Ocean located off Africa’s Eastern Coast. The island is volcanic in origin and is almost surrounded by stunning coral reefs. Mauritius is home to some of the most luxurious resorts worldwide, so it’s not a surprise why it’s one of the top destinations for those who want to travel in luxury.
When it comes to luxury accommodations in Mauritius, St. Regis is highly recommended. This five-star luxury hotel boasts 172 suites that open to the stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Located on the south-eastern side of Mauritius, guests staying at St. Regis will have exclusive access to Le Morne Beach. Offering five distinct fine dining experiences, St. Regis offers guests the opportunity to experience traditional Mauritian cuisine as well as international options ranging from Japanese to French cuisines.
Another luxury resort to check out in Mauritius is the Royal Palm Beachcomber. This 5-star tranquil tropical haven lies along the gorgeous Mauritian beaches. The resort’s cabins are connected through shaded pathways surrounded by lush greenery. Each cabin has oversized windows that open to the panoramic views of the island. The resort’s highlight is its wine cellar, which has hundreds of exquisite wines on display, including vintages and those made by up-and-coming winemakers.
Scotland
Scotland is a land of fascinating history and stunning scenery. With so many beautiful things to explore, planning a trip to Scotland can be daunting. If you want to see everything in one go, why don’t you book a scenic helicopter ride? Treat yourself to an extraordinary journey into the skies and admire Scotland’s rugged beauty from above. A helicopter ride over the beautiful highlands is an experience you will definitely treasure for the rest of your life!
Aside from the scenic helicopter rides, Scotland offers several other activities for those who prefer to travel in luxury and style as well as luxury group accommodation near the Open. If you are a fan of golf, time your visit to see the 150th Open Championship in St Andrews. Happening in the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, where golf was first played 600 years ago, attending the Open is an experience you should not miss in Scotland, whether you are a fan of golf or not.
We’ve been speaking to Emma Harvey of Emika Collective recently, she treated us to the inside info about her new business venture. Emma is one of those people that you want to be friends with because her drive and determination is infectious, and we think she’s capable of turning her small wellness brand into a world famous go-to brand for all things health and wellbeing.
You own an Australian health and wellness brand Emika Collective, tell us about your journey to launch your business…
I’ve always wanted to have my own business, somewhere where I had the freedom to create and work on my own terms.
I love working in a team, helping and encouraging people, and building a place where people want to come every day, so I knew this was the path I needed to take. Like many out there, the pandemic gave me the time I needed to slow down and really think about what I wanted to do with my time and future. Only money drove me to my job, and I had always lived under the impression that I was supposed to choose a career that would provide for my life rather than following my passion. I decided to feed my newfound entrepreneurial drive.. Weekends full of movies and late nights turned into study and blasting music, while driving to work turned into listening to inspirational podcasts and how to’s. Going down this road of personal development opened up a creative side that I never knew I had.
Throughout the years, I’ve suffered from gut issues and was always looking to advance my health and wellness. I undertook the journey of my research, working with a Health Coach and Personal trainers. I turned to protein powders and supplements to assist me with the transition to a plant-based diet. I honed my love of nutrition, wellness, fashion and lifestyle and after many years of searching for the perfect supplements, suddenly it sparked in me that there was a gap in the market for a gorgeous brand of supplements that would give you not only the nutritional benefits that you need but also one that looks good, so you don’t want to hide it away and forget about them!
I set out to create an all-natural, vegan, gluten free, dairy free with organic ingredients where possible that are sustainable, stylish, thoughtfully formulated and suitable for home and busy lifestyles. With my knowledge and experience, I started developing the formula. I then entrusted some of the finest experts in nutrition to expertly create our range that focuses not only on nutrition but also beauty, gut health and overall wellbeing.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
One of our non-negotiables was to have our product manufactured in our home country – Australia. As a start-up business, it was very hard to find the perfect Australian based manufacturer that 1, had the capacity to allow for a new business and 2, was happy to accept a small Minimum Order Quantity. After months of communication and emails back and forth we finally found the right fit that aligned with our values of sustainable, all-natural, vegan supplements with an innovative design.
Emika Collective
If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
Empower, Connect, Inspire!
What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of natural supplements?
Make sure to do your research and surround yourself with experts who want to help you strive to continually improve and formulate a truly innovative product.
Speaking of natural supplements, do you recommend taking one single supplement for overall health and wellbeing or would you suggest taking a number of supplements for different reasons?
It depends on your circumstances as everyone is unique and should speak with their health care professional. It is also so important to do your research on what the supplements can do for your body and the effects they might have. I think it’s really important to know why and how you can take supplements too. In particular, we want you to forget the misconception that only bodybuilders can have all-natural protein powder supplements. I would recommend looking for supplements that help you with more than one thing. For example, if you are someone like myself, who struggles with digestive issues you might like to look for an all-natural supplement that will give you not only the benefit of added “protein” but may also contain ingredients that assist with gut health and wellbeing too.
Personally, as someone who primarily follows a plant-based lifestyle combined with a busy schedule, I use a protein powder almost every day on top of my whole foods. I love to whip up a delicious morning smoothie – my go-to is banana, almond milk, protein powder and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Are there any specific supplements that you wish you had started taking in your teens or early twenties?
A probiotic with antioxidants. For a long time, I suffered from digestive health challenges, such as bloating, irritable bowel and skin conditions to name a few. Had I discovered this information sooner, I truly believe it would have helped my overall wellbeing. In this busy modern world we live in, there’s never been a more important time to look after our health and wellbeing, and a good place to start is looking at our gut health.
Talk us through an average business day in your life…
Currently, I am still working my day job and starting Emika Collective, so it is quite the juggling act at the moment. During the week, I’m awake at 5 am to work on average an 11hr day. So on my way to and from work, I listen to podcasts, then after work, I go to the gym, work 1-2hrs on Emika Collective and repeat. I’ve recently dedicated one day on the weekend purely to Emika Collective. On these days before I start work, I like getting out in nature for a walk or training in the gym then enjoying breakfast with a morning coffee. Having this time for myself before starting work really sets my intentions for the day. Once I’m in the office, I always check my to-do list and prioritise important items for the day. I like to check socials, engage with my audience and community, communicate with manufacturers, research, create content, and so much more that is involved with being a new business owner. I like to end my day with a warm cup of tea and 5 minutes of stretching to wind down.
Emika Collective
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
I find a lot of my inspiration to stay positive by listening to podcasts – listening to other business owners who are also going through the same journey and what they have done to overcome hurdles and stay consistent. Or for a full reset, I’ll completely log off, get outside and go for a long walk to refresh my mind and remind myself Just keep going, no matter how hard or impossible it may seem right now!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
It is so important to embrace what you have now, never forget who you are or where you came from because that’s how you got to where you are now and why you have this opportunity to build the life you want. Growth is uncomfortable, but that’s how we grow – “Get comfortable being uncomfortable”.
“Be thankful for what you have and fearless for what you want”
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media has played a huge role so far. In only 3 months here we are, having an interview with a beautiful magazine halfway around the world. You can reach so many beautiful people on social media, and I would never have imagined reaching other countries around the world so soon without it.
How do you want people to feel when they first take your supplements?
Their first taste will not be the last. We want you to feel the same love we do for our supplements. With our innovative formula that has been thoughtfully created we have achieved an outstanding first premium product to launch with. Being an all-natural supplement in such a competitive industry it can be extremely difficult, however with endless hard work, we are so proud of what we have achieved and can’t wait to get this out to the world!
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Of course, with COVID at the moment unfortunately I don’t see us jumping over to the Maldives anytime soon – however that’s definitely at the top of my bucket list. But for now, I’d love to head up to beautiful North Queensland and enjoy our beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs with a margarita or two.
What’s next for Emika Collective?
Right now we’re working towards launching our very first product – Emika’s Premium Plant Protein Powder available in Vanilla and Cocoa. We have so much instore for Emika Collective and there will definitely be more flavours, new products, guides and accessories. We’re always asking our community what they would like to see, so keep an eye on our socials and let us know what you want to see next!
Where can people find out about everything to do with Emika Collective?
You can find us through our socials for daily motivation, recipes and a supportive community.
House of Coco have been lucky enough to experience many wonderful launches, places, and products. Most recently #TeamCoco were some of the first guests and UK press to experience a new resort in the Maldives: Cora Cora.
So, here is a whistle-stop summary of the new resort. Be sure to keep an eye out for the full feature in our next print issue to find out why your next booking should be Cora Cora.
Compared to our usual level of luxury, Cora Cora isn’t up there. Yet the resort offers a different type of luxury, freedom. After multiple lockdowns and what feels like a never-ending global pandemic, freedom is what we are all yearning for. So, the fact Cora Cora’s main concept is freedom, makes it the most luxurious place of all.
The resort is situated on Maamigili Island in Raa Atoll, a natural lagoon in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Cora Cora is the vibrant and colourful dose of escapism in a place full of blue skies and turqoise waters. The resort offers 100 villas ranging from beach villas to a family villa complete with pool and slide into the ocean.
Cora Cora has a premium all-inclusive concept meaning you can enjoy all the food you like. The package also includes a few complimentary resort experiences.
The food at Cora Cora is most definitely a highlight as Head Chef, Muath Abu Diab oversees the four restaurants. From Acquapazza, an Italian restaurant, who’s chef has only cooked pizza for 15 years. To Tazaa a restaurant that has a ‘curry master’ that specialises in 50 curries from Indian to Maldivian. The curated culinary team is set to make every dish unforgettable. They also cater for a range of dietary requirements; opt for vegan meals, refined sugar free treats, or tee-total drinks.
For a small island there is a lot to do at Cora Cora. Have a massage at the Moshka Spa, snorkel in the home coral reef just meters from the beach, have a fly board lesson or simply while away the hours by the pool.
The resort celebrates the culture and heritage of the Maldives with an on-site museum and heritage site. The island is home to two extremely rare ritual baths from the pre-Islamic times. Along with an array of artefacts from throughout the ages; a haven for history lovers.
If guests wish to venture off the island there are excursions ranging from jet-ski tours to other islands and sandbank picnics. There is also the option of a boat trip to Ghost Island, an island left abandoned by the 2004 tsunami.
In the evenings relax after dinner with a few drinks and live music or opt for a romantic evening with beach cabana dinner. There is even the option to watch a film of your choice with a private ‘cinema on the sand’.
However you choose to spend your time at Cora Cora, the team will ensure you enjoy your freedom time and leave feeling rejuvenated.
