I’m baaaaaaack! And exhausted… it may be a couple days before I re-adjust to the 12 hour time difference and catch up on a very, very full google reader. In the meantime, here are a few photos from my island travels over the past couple weeks…
view from my hotel room in Makati
New World lounge and Greenbelt shopping across the street
with a party of 14, we had this private dining room for breakfast every morning
and at night indulged on churros and ice cream in the Peninsula lobby
driving through the city of Tagbilaran (after arriving in the smallest airport I’ve ever seen!) on the way to Panglao island
on the bridge between the main island of Bohol and Panglao… it was still being built as we drove across
arriving at Amorita
just one of the infinity pools – this one was overlooking Alona Beach
sadly it rained almost every day we were there… but it was sunny for a bit every day too!
ocean view villa with plunge pools
pretty flowers at Eskaya…
tarsiers… so cute, but creepy at the same time
17 hour flight followed by a quick stop at our place in Vegas (photo of the neighborhood not actually our house, that’s creepy)
and time to head back home…
Filed under: Destination Inspiration | Tags: bags, bed, Cebu, chair, dress, earrings, hotel, Kenneth Cobonpue, Philippines, Sandals
I mentioned in my last post I’d be sharing a preview of the next island we are heading too… but then I remembered I already showed a preview of Bohol in this post… so for the sake of not repeating myself (and not revealing where I’m actually staying until after the fact… the internet is creepy, yall) and because I’m completely smitten with the drooooool-worthy Abacá Boutique Resort - on we go to the next locale, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island in the province of Cebu:
I love how the stone steps take you right down into the ocean… the resort is very secluded and only consists of 6 suites and 3 villas. Leave the kids at home :)
Check out this view from the requisite infinity pool – one day I will have my own. One day. (hear that Z?!)
Tibi Caracas Printed Silk Maxi Dress, Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings, Lanvin Pochette Bag, Musa Crystal Embellished Sandals
What really sold me on the rooms was the woven rattan furniture – it’s sold at one of my favorite neighborhood boutiques Muleh and designed by Kenneth Cobonpue (a Cebuano local) He also designed Brad Pitt‘s bed… if its good enough for Brad, its good enough for me.
Brad’s Voyage Bed… for a few thousand dollars it can be yours too!
Bathrooms with modern, open designs are my fave – I like that you can see outdoors from the tub in the reflection without actually being so exposed…
A better view of the whole space – tranquil, full of earth tones and organic textures – but luxurious nonetheless.
Oh and the private plunge pools… only in paradise :) And again, I love the Kenneth Cobonpue chairs/ matching table…
It’s the Matilda Easy Chair – I want!
Filed under: Destination Inspiration | Tags: bracelet, clutch, dress, earrings, heels, rings, Sandals
Ya know how I know it’s “officially” summer (besides rooftop pool openings) – summer Fridays! Just the idea of getting out of work a little (hour) early on Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day makes me a little giddy. Also – vacation is so close I can almost taste it! I’m going to have little else on my mind for the next week so I thought I’d give yall a little preview of where I’m headed…
Part of the reason for my trip is a bit of a family reunion as we are celebrating my grandmother’s birthday. She lives in Manila, so we’ll be there for a few days first and though I’ve been a few times I’m looking forward to going back! I tried to find an interesting boutique hotel to feature but didn’t come up with anything particularly inspiring so I decided to just go with a hotel I’m actually familiar with – the Makati Shangri-La:
Conway’s lounge… yall know how I feel about dining al fresco and there’s live entertainment too!
With average highs in the 90s, a pool is definitely necessary…
Mendosa Dress by Calypso (perfect printed linen for tropical weather!), Quartz Crystal Stone Earrings, Turquoise Enamel and White Topaz Ring, DVF Kashmir Sandals
Room with city views – Makati is the commercial center in the midst of a vastly populated urban sprawl. I’m always amazed at how many people there are in Manila.
Simple modern interiors – the decor is understated but I’m intrigued by the interesting shape of the room…
Haute Hippie Beaded Strech Crepe Dress, Asha by ADM Classic Gold Python Clutch, Mariana Lopez Osornio Black Veined Horn Cuff, Nanette Lepore Sud Muffin Stilettos
Inagiku restaurant – why is it that most luxury hotels seem to have sushi restaurants? As a non-sushi eater it’s a bit of a let down… why aren’t there more places that serve gourmet grilled cheese?? ;)
Shang Palace – fitting for a modern Shangri-La, don’t you think?
After Manila we’re headed to another island in the Philippines so look for that preview next…
It’s usually fairly easy to resist Fall/Winter sales since the end of the year I’m focused on buying presents for others… but maaan Spring/Summer sales are a whole other story – plus I just like Spring/Summer clothes better! So you can imagine my absolute state of glee when the Net-A-Porter sale items popped up today… let’s take a look at a few things I’m eyeing:
pretty printed dresses: 3.1 Phillip Lim Printed Silk Dress, Catherine Malandrino Silk Jersey V-neck Dress
metallic bags: Donna Karan Eldridge 4-in-1 Bag, Michael Kors Skorpios New Ring Tote – I love that these both have shorter straps to carry and longer straps to wear over the shoulder. Plus they’re roomy and go with pretty much my entire summer wardrobe… and they’re on sale!
fun flats and strappy sandals: Pucci Rope Tie Ballerina Flats (how cute are the nautical knots!), Lanvin Pom Pom Thong Sandals (I’ve had me eye on these for months…), Tory Burch Wrap Up Leather Sandals, Pedro Garcia Crystal-heeled Sandals
Decisions, decisions… I need a money tree :)
