W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense + Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – The Majestic Kuala Lumpur | The Majestic Malacca – Malaysia

Outfit Details

Cuffs – Lola Silver | Luna Gold Set | Knot Gold Handchain | Crescent Silver Handchain | Moonchild Silver Bangle

Earrings – Cosmic Dust Silver | Nova Gold

WCO Holiday Essentials – Girl Gang One Piece | Cactus Pool Float | Girl Gang Straw | Girl Gang Sippy Cup

Swimwear – Salvador Summer Ball Bikini | Bianca Skyflower One Piece | Girl Gang One Piece | Hanging around one piece + scarf

Hats – Selene Boater | Athena Hat | Luna | Rhea

Sunglasses

Our family was recently blessed with the most heart filled trip to Malaysia. Meeting the gorgeous creatives behind one of my favourite jewellery brands, Wanderlust + Co, was the absolute highlight of this entire trip. These women are beyond inspiring, creating, sharing and sprinkling beautiful messages of love and inspiration along the way, as they produce their stunning jewellery. The latest Falling Star collection was definitely one of my favourites, filled with light catching, celestial inspired jewels that make you want to reach for the stars and beyond.

Our journey began at the iconic Majestic hotel in Kuala Lumpur. I instantly fell in love with it’s colonial heritage and luxurious touches. From here we discovered the pulse of the city…so much culture, charm and oh my goodness the FOOD! There’s a little bit of everything in this multicultural country – Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese and if you’re vegan like me, then you’ll be happy to know there are so many options. From here you can easily walk to little India. We were lucky enough to witness the Deepavali festivities, also known as the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light triumphing over darkness. What a sensory experience of sparkling lights, vivid colours, joyful celebrations and heavenly aromas that filled the air! We toured the streets admiring the exquisite architecture, the national mosque, the glistening Petronas twin towers, finishing up a perfect day with a rooftop sunset sesh at Troika with our beautiful Wanderlust + Co family. The highlight of our stay at the Majestic KL was definitely the high tea at the Orchid Conservatory. What a delight it was to enjoy a beautiful selection of herbal teas surrounded by a hanging garden of orchids.

Our next stop was the UNESCO World Heritage port town of Malacca, a town filled with diverse architecture steeped in Malacca’s rich history. We stayed at the Majestic Malacca, a restored 1920’s settlement mansion, situated right across from the beautiful Malacca River. This river, long ago used for trade, is now filled with cruises running all day and night. It’s a really great way to see the town, though I’d still suggest walking too so you can admire the amazing street art. Come sunset time head to the Chan Boon Cheng Bridge and you’ll hear the call to prayer combined with the most beautiful view of pastel sunset skies. This was the kind of humbling experience that makes you simply stop, breathe it all in, and give thanks for being alive.

Everything about our stay at The Majestic Malacca was so unique and wonderful. We loved the signature cocktails made with their very own Tanqueray Malacca gin. Bob the bartender was our favourite and even made the kids the yummiest dairy free smoothies every day. The authentic Kristang dining experience (a blend of Malay-portugese) was just superb. They were ever so accommodating with our specific dietary requirements. Without compromising on flavour they brought the most colourful, delicious and aromatic food to the table. It was culinary heaven to say the least. The highlight for me was the signature spa experience. This was hands down the best I’ve ever had….seriously! Inspired by Traditional Chinese medicine the massage was based upon a person’s heating and cooling energies. Discovering that my body needed more heat, they used the nutmeg rice rolling technique, and I was completely amazed at how fantastic this was. I’m not sure anywhere else in the world does this so I’ll need to go back for sure! ;)

The natural beauty, the rich, diverse culture, the vivid colours of Malyasia will long live on in our hearts. So will our wonderful connections with our Wanderlust and Co family. I am forever grateful for this experience and to have shared this with my family.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Drone Photography – Courtesy of Grand Park Kodhipparu

Model/styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Grand Park Kodhipparu | Kanuhura – Maldives

Outfit Details

Swimwear – Gypset Lace up | Alena Luxe | Hush Hush | Ostuni Halterneck | Hartley Top + Bottoms

Jolie skirt

Strawberry fields forever skirt | Free Spirit crop

Hat

You can read my recent Interview on Indulge Maldives

Ok so we have officially found heaven on earth! The Maldives is honestly beyond breathtaking, it’s actually so unbelievably beautiful the views brought me to tears many times. From our seaplane arrival and parasailing over the atolls, to heart melting dolphin encounters and sunset cruises to castaway islands…these moments will live on in us forever.

We spent 10 days in this turquoise haven with our family, split between two amazing resorts – Grand Park Kodhipparu and Kanuhura. We somehow brought the sunshine with us and lucked out with an almost all clear, sunny time for our entire trip, which we didn’t expect considering we traveled in the rainy season. Honestly when it did rain we didn’t even care! It was still so warm, so beautiful, and our level of relaxation and family fun reached all new heights on this trip. For anyone on the fence about traveling during the rainy months, my tip is absolutely do it! It’s less crowded, less expensive, and you’ll have the best time guaranteed.

We spent our days soaking up the sunshine playing paddle ball on the beach, snorkelling, supping, jet skiing and island hopping in these crystal clear waters. We pretty much ticked off a whole lot of bucket list items, including simply being there!

Though many people think of the Maldives as the honeymoon destination, I felt like it was actually one of the best places we’ve ever traveled with our children. There was just so much to do and even when we were just relaxing on the beach I was so inspired watching their imaginative play. It’s so refreshing to see what children will come up with when immersed in a natural environment away from all the usual technological distractions. They were hundred percent happy exploring, and it felt so safe for them with no cars and so much beach to run and express their little hearts out.

One of our highlights was filming a wedding with Grand Park Kodhipparu. Bobby and I felt like we were getting married all over again. We set sail to a nearby sandbank, dressed in flowing chiffon, with an island style wedding awaiting us. We danced, we kissed, we strolled down the aisle and into the sunset together in one of the most romantic moments of our entire trip. Another stand out moment was our arrival to Kanuhura. We took a seaplane and we had no idea how incredible it was going to be. The turquoise view over the atolls were unforgettable. After our sea plane we hopped on a short boat ride and found a pod of dolphins that put on a show for us. We hadn’t even arrived yet and we were completely overcome with emotion from the natural beauty surrounding us.

I hope you all enjoy our photos and honestly if you have the opportunity to travel here, we all highly recommend it!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Drone imagery © copyright Grand Park Kodhipparu

Island Style

September 22, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Grand Park Kodhipparu | Kanuhura – Maldives

Outfit Details

Jewelry – Indie and Harper

Necklaces – Gold Half moon | Gold White Pebble

Prairie skirt | Lace Top (similar)

Basket | Raffia sandals

Gypset One Piece

Alena One Piece

Caletta Bikini Top + Bottoms

Hope Ruffle Bikini

Lucinda Dress

Iris Dress (similar)

Lace Dress (similar lace dresses)

Let our light and truth be seen, let us celebrate our differences, and recognise we are all one. One heartbeat. One tribe. One Love.

Reflecting on the trip of a lifetime to the magical islands known as the Maldives. It’s total bucket list stuff and I’ll be sharing so much more of this journey with you in the coming weeks right here on the blog. For now here are some of my favourite island styles and golden sparkling jewels from the one and only Indie and Harper. Jewels for the gypset at heart, always seeking, exploring, adventuring and celebrating life and the beauty that is all around us. Let’s open our eyes and our hearts, and feel the joy and peace that is our birthright, as we step into this magical space. This space where it’s the simple view of a sunset, the warm ocean breeze, the sound of birds singing or our barefeet against the sand, that so effortlessly take us there.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Darwin, North Territory, Australia

Outfit Details

All jewelry, clothing and accessories available from EMBELLA | Follow them on Instagram + Facebook

SHOP Rings | Earthgirl Necklaces, Bracelets, Anklets, Toe rings

Bikinis – X Back | Isla Baru Top + Bottoms

This was our first trip to Darwin, NT and hopefully won’t be our last. What an absolutely beautiful and vibrant place. The candy sunset skies, the turquoise beaches, the abundant wildlife, flowing waterfalls, the sense of adventure and excitement, perfect balmy summer nights and the best hosts anyone could wish for. Big thanks to Sally and Ross from Embella for this experience. We have made memories for life with our gorgeous new friends.

Straight off the plane our first stop was to the beach of course, which was only a 10 minute drive from the airport. Perfect recharge after a flight! We arrived to witness thousands of dragonflies fluttering about casting rainbows with their wings in the light. From here we spent the evening perched upon a cliff overlooking the ocean, inhaling the sunset beauty and cliff jumping into the turquoise waters.

We had some seriously amazing note worthy food experiences during our stay. Peewees on the point is a definite must visit. The service and food are of the highest standard and the views from here are spectacular. For the best breakfast in town head to Sweet Brew & Co and for something decadently indulgent and a little naughty, but oh so good, try the gluten free pancake!

For some shopping and community fun definitely check out Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Beautiful Embella have an awesome stall here too, and there is just so much to eat, experience and see! Stop by Croc, Stock and Barra and hear some fascinating stories about life in the tropics with crocodiles. When you’re in town, definitely check out the very special Embella store. The entire shop has been created with so much love, and there is a beautiful story behind every piece of hand made furniture and jewels. You’ll feel it all the moment you step inside this divine space.

My highlights were definitely sunset dinner sailing with the most jaw dropping candy coloured sky backdrop, and our visit to Litchfield National Park. Beautiful Sally and Ross took us on a hiking adventure to one of their favourite waterfalls. It was so worth every step once we arrived to this secluded lagoon, with waterfall upon waterfall, and wildlife buzzing all around us. I even faced one of my biggest fears as I came face to face with about 10 giant spiders in the most gigantic web I think I’ve ever seen. This place was filled with energy and so alive…butterflies were fluttering all around, ants scurrying, and the goannas were having a lovely sunbathing sesh on the rocks. I was in pure heaven with the loveliest people ever and never wanted to leave this healing space.

I’m so grateful for this experience of a lifetime, and to see more of this beautiful country I call home. The very best part was meeting some of the most genuine, kind hearted people ever, making kindred friendships for life. We love you Sally, Ross and gorgeous little Nalu!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Chasing the Light

June 13, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, WA

Outfit Details

Necklaces – Divine Drop | Risen

Drifter Wallet

Shimmer Please Playsuit

Shoes

Hat

Sunglasses

Hair | Extensions | Tan

I am forever chasing sunsets and mesmerised by the changing light and colour of every sun kissed sky. I love watching the gradient of colour shift from golden to pastel hues, reflected in the water and the sand in the most beautiful patterns, always different and unique. I like my outfits and accessories the same; unique and inspiring, alchemical, like wearing a piece of magical art. So I’m always on the look out for something a little sparkly and spectacular to reflect how I’m feeling about this amazing world we live in. How lucky are we?! And how stunning are these Midsummer Star jewels! I absolutely loved co-creating these images with my love Bobby Bense. We are both so passionate about capturing the beauty of natural light and breathtaking sunsets together with our sweet children by our side, always joyfully playing and watching us create.

These sunset moments are so fleeting at times, though when I slow my breath and focus, each moment feels infinite and timeless. Everything feels possible. Every moment is an opportunity to create something new, to pursue our dreams, to open up to connection and to love. Every moment we shift our focus away from past and future and discover presence, we open up a portal to an abundance of joy, love and connection that is our birthright.

With overflowing love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Drone Photography – Look Down Bali

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Azul Beach Club, Bali Mandira – Legian | Nusa Ceningan | Nusa Penida – Bali, Indonesia

Nusa Penida Boat trip – Seaduction

Outfit Details

Dresses – Chaouen Maxi | Silk Blue Gown | Brazen Blush Dress | Palma Australia Lace | Maple Maxi

Tops/Skirts – Stardust Sequin Cami | Tropez Embellished Tunic | Mini Skirt Galaxy

Kimonos – Sting Ray Cover | Safi Kaftan

Jewelry – Lakshmi Mala | Blue Quartz Drop Necklace | GypsyLovinLight Shop

Hats – The Beverly | Arizona

So excited to share with you our recent Bali adventures to the magnificent Azul Beach Club and Bali Mandira. We spent easter here with the whole family, enjoying many awesome events, including the ultra cool LushLand Sunset Sesh where we danced all night long under the stars to some amazing tunes and first class performances. It’s now become our Bali home away from home. Picture a 3 story bamboo treehouse overlooking the beautiful ocean with those perfect Bali waves rolling in. Envision a spiralling bamboo staircase taking you to the best sunset view, a tiki bar made of geodes in beautiful ocean blues, and a wall feature shimmering with the iridescence of abalone shells. Everything from the infinity pool, the spa, the lights, the music, the cool vibes, all the little details…. it’s candy for the eyes and soul…and I haven’t got to the best part! The food, the drinks, the service! Next level Bali! All the tiki cocktails are prepared with premium rum, served in custom made glassware. You’ll find yourself in culinary heaven eating only the yummiest cuisine created by one of Bali’s most celebrated chefs using the finest quality ingredients. So if you haven’t been to Azul Beach Club yet, seriously you must go! Book yourself a poolside cabana, order an Island Nectar (my favourite) and definitely indulge in all the food…everything is delicious and we seriously tried the entire menu! For the perfect sunset dinner experience, book a pod overlooking the ocean!

If you are visiting from afar, then check yourself in at Bali Mandira. You’ll have easy access to Azul and you’ll have everything you could need right there. Amazing pool, swim up pool bar, kids club, beach, water slides, club benefits and more. We really loved our stay in the Pool villa which had an adjoining room for the children. We indulged in a floating breakfast in our pool for something a little extra special and fun! We highly recommend the day spa, the rooms and massages are incredible! After our massages we headed back to our room and relaxed in our very own flower bath. It’s sure to transform you into a state of complete bliss. And after all, we all need a little pampering on holidays. Once you’re nurtured and feeling loved up and energised, try the SUP yoga in the beach pool. It’s a safe and easy environment to experience this and it’s just so much fun! I can’t wait to do it again!

You can probably see from my images that we had an incredible time here. We love Bali and we have visited and stayed in many different places. We are really particular with where we stay and only recommend the best. This is a really great affordable spot, perfect for families and couples. For adult free time, Azul offers a quiet space by their infinity pool. For family fun, the beautiful large beach style pool at Bali Mandira is your go to. We experienced everything from a romantic dinner on the beach to a traditional balinese cooking class with the family.

We were lucky enough to spend a day circumnavigating Nusa Penida on this trip aboard the Seaduction. We set sail from Sanur with a fun crew, equipped with the amazing drone skills of Look Down Bali and a sense of adventure. It surely was a wild experience as we journeyed by boat around the more remote parts of this island. The colour of the water was simply breathtaking. I think I said WOW only about a hundred times! It was like being in an entirely otherworldly land. I was secretly waiting for dinosaurs to appear haha!

Big love and thanks to our hosts, Azul Beach Club and Bali Mandira, for one of the most wonderful family holidays we’ve had. We were so well taken care of, every need anticipated, and as we interacted with other guests, we could see everyone was feeling the same. It’s a truly special place. I hope you all get the opportunity some day to enjoy this island paradise.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Helen Janneson Bense

W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

Island Style

September 22, 2017

Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

Chasing the Light

June 13, 2017

Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

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Helen Janneson Bense

W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

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Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

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Island Style

September 22, 2017

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Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

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Chasing the Light

June 13, 2017

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Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

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