TRAVEL DIARY | NIHIWATU, SUMBA ISLAND

An hours flight out of Bali, followed by an adventurous 1.5 hour drive, you will reach an amazingly beautiful slice of paradise, also known as Nihiwatu resort, Sumba Island...

I have a theory when it comes to travel. All the best places to visit are the ones that take that extra effort to get to. Such is true of Sumba Island.

I've enjoyed many visits to Bali (you can see my Bali Travel Guide HERE), but this trip was my first visit truly outside of the hustle and bustle and I absolutely LOVED it.

Sumba Island remains relatively uninfluenced by modernisation, with a beautiful and rich culture. Nihiwatu Resort, where I was fortunate enough to stay on my visit, embraces and promotes the local culture, while providing visitors with a luxurious five-star escape.

Nihiwatu is a calm and peaceful retreat, which feels like it is literally in the middle of no where (in the best possible way). From its beautiful modern interiors, to a vast array of activities on offer (hiking, to surfing to the must-try spa safari), no stone is left un-touched.

If you're looking for a rejuvenating escape from the traditional 'Bali' holiday, I highly recommend a visit to Nihiwatu, Sumba Island.

Trust me, you won't leave disappointed.

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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.

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THE PERFECT PARTY DRESS

Look no further,  I may have found THE perfect party dress...

I'm wearing: Aje dress

Over the festive season, I had the opportunity to holiday in beautiful Bali.

As always, a trip to Bali isn't complete without a visit to one of my favourite boutique hotels, The Bale, which is where I felt it fitting to dress up and run-around in this gorgeous dress.

The Bale, is tucked away in gorgeous Nusa Dua - just a short drive from Denpasar airport, and is my favourite place to stay when in this part of Bali. An absolutely stunning backdrop, to showcase, what is now my second favourite dress (second only to my wedding dress!)

Delicate sequinned bodice, layer upon layer of ombre skirting, and all topped off with the perfect bow. What's not to love.

This dress was my final outfit choice to ring in the New Year.

Thinking of heading to Bali? Do check out my Bali Travel Guide [HERE]

- Jasmin, your Friend in Fashion

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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


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FRIEND IN FASHION'S GUIDE TO MELBOURNE

Melbourne is hands down one of my favourite cities in the world. 

The perfect blend of cosmopolitan hotspots, European architecture, some of the best restaurants and cafes and naturally of particular interest to me, world class fashion and shopping. 

 The thing I love most about Melbourne is that it is a city rich in layers. A city you’ll love wandering around and getting lost in. I love it’s laneways, rooftops and underground secrets spots known only by locals. There is always much more than meets the eye in Melbourne. 

 Recently, I was invited by American Express to develop a hit-list of my favourite Melbourne must-sees for their Shop Small Walks Map. From my favourite high-end fashion boutiques – Marais and Green With Envy, to a Melbourne sweet-lovers institution, La Belle Miette, and everything in between.

I’ve hand-picked my favourite fashion boutiques, cafes, restaurants and night spots, that I think any visitor to Melbourne will enjoy. Even if you’re a local, there may be a few new spots to uncover. You can view all of my city favourites HERE. 

Join me on my Shop Small Walk of Melbourne

This content has been created as part of my involvement in the American Express Shop Small program.

TRAVEL VIDEO | BALI SUNRISE - NUSA DUA & TASTING DURIAN

Single White Female dress / Flynn Skye dress / Triangl swimwear

In my latest YouTube video, I take you on a tour of Nusa Dua in Bali, share my first experience of tasting the infamous 'durian' fruit and well as beautiful Bali sunrises.

This trip I was based out of the beautiful Bale resort - a must for your next visit to Nusa Dua.

More videos from Bali to come - be sure to subscribe to Friend in Fashion on YouTube for your first look.


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LOS ANGELES TRAVEL DIARY

Back from LA - I thought I would share a handful of my must sees and dos for a visit to the City of Angels.

MUST DO
Hire a car! LA is such a big city, so to make the most of your time and see the best of the city, I highly recommend hiring a rental car to get around during your stay.

Catch an amazing LA sunset perched high on the Shangri-LA rooftop (Santa Monica)

Drive down the coast, exploring parts of Orange County, Newport Beach & Malibu


MUST SHOP
Rodeo Drive - all your high end shopping covered. Chanel to Celine - also amazing department stores including Barneys & Saks Fifth Avenue

Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills

Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica - Santa Monica Place is my favourite one-stop-shop

Fashion Island in Newport Beach


MUST SEE
The Getty Centre (one of my absolute LA favourites)

Hike Beachwood Canyon for a great view of the Hollywood sign

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Santa Monica Pier


MUST EAT
Lunch at Lemonade, AXE or Gjelina on Abbot Kinney (Venice Beach)

Tender Greens (Santa Monica & West Hollywood) - the perfect nutritious break to burgers & fries

Fro-Yo from Pink Berry (my favourite of many options in LA)

In-N-Out Burger - an LA institution


MUST PLAY
Chateau Marmont

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Roosevelt Hotel (don't forget to check out the bowling alley)

Viper Room


MUST STAY
I love to stay close to the beach (especially in Summer) - so I look to Santa Monica or Venice Beach. You have a great range of accommodation options from up scale hotels, to more budget-friendly options. My favourites are the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica or renting a gorgeous Californian beach-shack in the heart of Venice.

If the beach isn't for you, I love to stay at the Beverly Hils Hotel. It's luxe, private, perfect service and all things LA


This is just a taste of LA favourites - I'd love to hear yours!


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