travel diary

TRAVEL DIARY | AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIP WITH BMW


Last weekend I was treated by BMW Melbourne to the ultimate luxury weekend away in the beautiful, Victorian spa-town of Daylesford...










A short 45 minute drive from Melbourne, Daylesford is a gorgeous little country town, synonymous with pampering and luxury.

I had only been to Daylesford once before, on a very quick visit, and to be honest knew little more of this quaint destination.

My itinerary kicked off with a visit to the iconic Swiss-Italian farm, Lavandula. A stunning lavender farm a few minutes out of town. As you would imagine, the farm was stunning across all senses.

Next up, I checked into the très chic Hepburn at Hepburn luxury villas. Nestled in among the hills, this luxe accommodation was designed by award-winning architect David Edelman. A great place to stop and spend the night, the spa bath is truly extravagant and up there with one of the biggest I've ever seen.

Before not too long it was time for dinner, where I was treated to a beautiful degustation of local produce and wines from Daylesford culinary institution, Mercarto. The 'summer garden' starter of locally sourced garden treats was a highlight.

Sunday morning kicked off with a lazy long brunch, before shopping up a storm at the local antique market, where I walked away with some beautiful crystal goodies for the home.

To wrap up this exquisite weekend away, I was treated to a pamper session at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. The private pure mineral water bath, that the region is famous for, was just divine, which was followed by a one hour long massage for the perfect cherry on top.

As a traveller, it is easy to sometimes overlook experiences in your own backyard. I had an incredible time exploring Daylesford, and there is nothing better than jumping in a car for a short drive to experience what's on your own door-step.

The brand new BMW 318i M Sport, got me around town with ease and in style and was an absolute pleasure to drive.

A special thank you to BMW Melbourne for a truly luxurious and memorable escape.

POSTCARDS FROM PHUKET


A short while ago, I had the absolute pleasure of making my first trip to Thailand.











On location, in Phuket for The Luxe Nomad x Vamastyle, this trip certainly turned into one amazing adventure, that I will long cherish. 

Not only was I treated to magical sunsets, incredible food, and a magnificent backdrop, but I was also blessed to meet and travel with my gypsy soul sister, Helen Janneson Bense (Gypsy Lovin Light).

You know that feeling when you first meet someone, and it's like you've know each other forever…Kindred spirits. 

More from my Thailand adventure to come.


Photography - Jasmin Howell & Helen Janneson Bense from Gypsy Lovin Light

Model/Styling - Jasmin Howell

VIETNAM TRAVEL DIARY | PART II


Vietnam really is a magnificent country...







A few years ago, I had the opportunity to live and work in the North of Vietnam, in Hanoi, which was such a unique and eye opening experience.

At the end of last year, I had the opportunity to revisit Vietnam, with Contiki as a part of their Vietnam Highlights package.

SEE PART ONE OF MY VIETNAM TRAVEL DIARY HERE

On the second half of the tour I was able to explore more of the South of Vietnam, from Hoi An, to Hue.

An absolute highlight of the trip was my first visit to the beautiful and historic city of Hoi An. 

Hoi An was so different to other parts of Vietnam I had experienced. It felt untouched and I loved the history weaved through the town's architecture, food and shopping. Hoi An, truly is a melting pot of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese culture.

The best way to get around is definitely by cycle, and a stroll through the markets after dark is a must. You will be treated to the most beautifully overwhelming display of colourful lanterns.

If you get the chance, a visit to Vietnam is a must. A country so vast and diverse, there is definitely something for everyone.


VIETNAM TRAVEL DIARY | PART I


 Over the last week, I've had the incredible opportunity of touring Vietnam with Contiki.

A few years ago, I actually lived in the North of Vietnam, but never really had the chance to experience all of this beautiful and diverse country, so I was particularly looking forward to this trip.

The tour took us from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), through to Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi.

This is part I of my Vietnam highlights.

HO CHI MINH CITY MUST DOS

 A visit to the War Remnants Museum, a highly emotive, and insightful curation of photography and relics from the Vietnam (American) War.

 Get lost, exploring on foot the beautifully cosmopolitan city. French architecture features heavily throughout Saigon.

 If you're a coffee drinker, pull up a stool at one of the many local street-stide cafe's and order a 'ca phe da'

NHA TRANG MUST DO

 Nha Trang is all about the beach - walk along the esplanade and stop along one of the many beach-side eateries to enjoy great fresh seafood, or a tasty cocktail at sun-down.

Take the short boat ride out to Hon Mun Island, and experience the most amazing crystal blue waters - great for snorkelling.

The Sailing Club is a fun spot if you want to dance the night away.

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I've never been much of a group traveller, but I must say I was surprised at just how fun, travelling as a Contiki group was.

Not only do you get to experience some incredible cities, thanks to incredibly insightful guides, but you also make great friends (from all different parts of the world) along the way.

More from my trip to Vietnam coming up soon. In the meantime, follow the adventure on INSTAGRAM @friendinfashion


 NEXT STOP - MALDIVES
SHOP | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

BEHIND THE SCENES | FRIEND IN FASHION x WE ARE HANDSOME





Here is a first behind the scenes glimpse of We Are Handsome's new swimwear collection, The Catalyst, launching later this week.

If you missed it, you can also check out my entire Hamilton Island/Whitsundays travel video diary, which includes one of my all time favourite travel experiences.

Watch the video below.

LONDON TRAVEL DIARY

















Westminster Abbey / Checking in to Citizen M Hotel / view of London Eye / Selfridges, Mary Katrantzou window / streets of Soho wearing Lucette coat & Esther dress / ASOS Fashion Finder Behind the Scenes / Shopping Oxford Circus  

Generally not more than a stop-over (and always lusting for more time), my brief visits to London are always a highlight of my travels and this week was no different.

After a quick visit in Dubai, I caught the red-eye to London, checking in to what has to be noted as one of my favourite hotels, Citizen M.

Jet-lagged and tired, I went to check in, only to realise that I had mistakenly booked my room a month earlier than my arrival - rookie mistake. Thankfully the team at Citizen M were so helpful and understanding, they were able to assist me and before I knew it I was changed an bound for my favourite shopping spot Oxford Circus. What is travel without adventure, the unknown and the unplanned.

A few hours into my visit, and early credit card damage done thanks to Selfridges, Cos, Urban Outfitters and Topshop, It was time for a bite in Soho (Vitao is my favourite vegetarian cafe in Soho - worth a visit). I always love a visit to Soho, an amazing creative/grungy vibe, unique only to London. Visits to Covent Gardens and Camden made sure that my short London visit was packed with great sights, shopping and tastes.

For those following @friendinfashion on Instagram, would have also noticed during my London visit, I was lucky enough to collaborate with ASOS and ASOS Fashion Finder, shooting some of my key holiday looks for the season. The team was amazing, as was the ASOS operation, with over 1000 staff.

Such an extraordinary experience - I can't wait to share the end results with you soon.
 
I've now landed in the Cote d'Azur, where I plan on spending as much time in the crystal blue Mediterranean as possible, as well as checking out the Festival de Cannes. My favourite time of year in the South of France.

Follow my journey on instagram @friendinfashion, twitter and facebook.

TRAVEL DIARY | SEASIDE

neon dress summer fashion on Friend in Fashion neon dress summer fashion on Friend in Fashion neon dress summer fashion on Friend in Fashion neon dress summer fashion on Friend in Fashion neon dress summer fashion on Friend in Fashion neon dress summer fashion on Friend in Fashion neon dress summer fashion on Friend in Fashion
Naven dress / Peachy sandals


It isn't every day you get the opportunity to play tourist in your own backyard. 

 Most chances I get to travel, I pack my bags and head abroad, but this summer, I decided to explore more of my own country. 

 Followers of Friend in Fashion on  instagram (@friendinfashion), facebook and twitter, for the last few weeks would have followed my road-trip adventure from Melbourne, all the way up north to Australia's Sunshine Coast. A total of around 3,000 kms (close to 2,000 miles). 

 I had an amazing time exploring beautiful beaches, and hidden local gems, like Hyams Beach on NSW's Central Coast and The Bridge Seafood in Mooloolaba.

 The first instalment of my travel pictures, were snapped at one of my favourite stops along the way, Merimbula on the South Coast of NSW. 

 Sun, surf and sand. Nothing quite like a summer road-trip. 

 Photos / TF