March 30, 2012

A Trip to Byron Bay

A few months ago I traveled to Byron Bay, Australia to visit our photographer for Anna Beck and good friend, Sybil Steele.  Byron has a magical healing quality, where the surf meets the rolling green hills and most people are quite content with a creative, simple, and active life. 

Bali parallels Byron in many ways, but there were striking differences. The spirit of the city, which is one of positivity, health and nature, truly captured me while I was there.  The highlights of my trip included an afternoon visit to the little town of Bangalow, and witnessing the breath-taking views of beaches and animal life from atop the lighthouses along the coast.

January 10, 2012

Exploring Bali -- Part 2 | Escaping the City

One of my favorite retreats is a friend’s organic farm in the mountains, The Organic Farm Bali. When needed, this beautiful farm provides me with an escape from the often hectic Bali traffic and city life. It is located in a rustic, secluded village surrounded by mountains and stunning rice fields.

Relaxing, gardening and bike riding with Marjan, the owner of the farm.

The days are full of adventure with bike riding through the village and rice fields, swimming in natural hot springs, and hiking to waterfalls. This is where I have seen some of the most truly amazing views in Bali. They grow all of their own vegetables, and they are absolutely delicious. After a weekend there I feel refreshed and cleansed; purifying myself with a regime of healthy food, clean air, and positive thoughts.

View from the farm

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: www.organicfarmbali.com

November 17, 2011

Exploring Bali, Part 1:
Places to Eat, Unwind and Meet Friends

About 4 years ago I moved from LA to Bali.  It’s been an experience and change in perspective and lifestyle I never could have envisioned.  I feel blessed to be here and create and design for Anna Beck as well as immerse myself in the beautiful Hindu culture that is Bali.  Here’s a little bit of insight into some of my favorite places and things to do, in case you happen to be coming by and will be a regular post on the blog, to share some amazing places on this beautiful island!

One of my favorite places to go and unwind is the otherworldly Desa Seni Resort.  It’s recreated from traditional Javanese houses and built into an Indonesia utopia of peace and organic gardening and lifestyle.  As soon as you set foot into their grounds, you are mesmerized.  I regularly do yoga here and the owners have paid attention to detail so fine that you wonder how you got so lucky to spend an afternoon here.  One of the things that highlights the Desa Seni experience is the staff—always paying attention to Balinese ritual and symbolism, and always smiling.  The beauty is not only aesthetic but meaningful.  Instantly you feel transported to a new time and place with a fresh perspective. They also grow all their nourishing food organically and on-site.                                                                                                  

Visit the resort's site to see more: www.desaseni.com

Another favorite place is a teahouse called Biku in Seminyak.  Filled with Indonesian antiques and furniture and lovingly made like your own living room, we often come here for meetings and pleasure, enjoying the menu from the kitchen for high tea.  Enjoy some reading in their library lounge.

Learn more by clicking here: www.bikubali.com

A favorite place to eat is the Green Ginger in Canggu about 20 minutes outside of Seminyak towards Tanah Lot.  It’s a tiny little artsy café that serves delicious Thai and Asian inspired vegetarian food.  Don’t forget to try their amazing Chai Tea.            

Find them on FB HERE!                                                                        

October 25, 2011

The Road Less Traveled

One of our favorite features on our blog will be about travel.  It’s not hard to see that the line is designed around the inspiration of foreign and exotic travels.  I love to be a part of places that are very different from where I am originally from but that also have a natural beauty and ancient traditions.  Some of my dream destinations are Africa, Morocco, India, Egypt, and Uruguay.

Europe and Portugal are also high on my list.  A place to get lost in amazing markets, eat good pastries and discover enough art to keep you inspired for a long time.  I can lose myself wandering in the streets of any foreign city.

For me, being thrown into a new environment is the biggest creative motivator.  It forces us to get outside of ourselves, see new perspectives first hand and explore aspects of life, otherwise untouched and unknown.

Where are your dream destinations and why do you think you are drawn to those  places in particular?

ANNA BECK TEAM DREAM DESTINATIONS:

Rachel Hosmer - Chief Operating Officer
Hawaii – I love Kona because I am an open water swimmer and swimming there is like swimming in an aquarium. As I swim, I can see the bottom of the ocean with all the beautiful fish and sea life.

Jennifer Mezo - Operations Manager
Bora Bora – It’s the home to stunningly beautiful beaches, soaring volcanic peaks, lush greenery, gorgeous aqua lagoons, fresh seafood cuisine, secluded huts located directly over the ocean, gorgeous sunset views, and most of all RELAXATION. 

Lauren Casady - Customer Service and Sales Team Manager
Thailand – Beautiful beaches, fresh air, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities

Sybil Steele - Online PR
South America-Argentina and Ecuador.  It’s the only continent left that is a complete unknown for me.  It seems so exotic and unexplored in my mind.

Michelle Mellinger - Customer Service Team
The south of France because I love the French language, culture and fashion. It is an absolutely gorgeous part of the world and since it’s located in the center of Western Europe, I could easily travel and explore the rest of the continent.

Photo Credits: Sybil Steele