Most people will concur, it’s nice to get away from the ruckus of every-day life from time to time. Sometimes it is a necessity to tune out and take a digital detox. Recently, part of the Nomaterra team had a chance to visit Southwest Florida and the pristine white sandy beaches of
North Captiva Island, which provided a wonderful experience of true seclusion. Of course, to perfectly complement our seaside journey, we brought along a couple of our favorite Nomaterra scents:
Malibu Honeysuckle and
Miami Orange Blossom.
The tropical paradise, known as North Captiva Island, is located on the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida. Being that this remote and undiscovered private island community is only accessible by ferry, private boat or a small plane, it provided a nostalgic outlook of old Florida as it once was during a simpler time.
Part of the Lee Island Coast barrier island chain, the island is dispersed across an extensive state land preserve and is filled with million dollar homes that border seven miles of immaculate beaches. The stunning island was filled with gorgeous tropical Frangipani (Plumeria) trees, giving the island an amazing aroma of citrus, pineapple, and coconut. Interestingly, you will find no cars, crowds, or paved roads as you travel by golf cart or bicycle on sandy trails.
If isolation stirs up fears of boredom – do not fear. North Captiva Island offers some of the best shelling around, as visitors can find many rare and colorful shells. Additionally, the island provides a vast array of recreational activities such as tennis, swimming, golfing, biking, kayaking, boating, parasailing, scuba diving and fishing. Needless to say, boredom is not an issue. Guests can also bask in the grandeur of watching sunrise and sunset on striking beaches, or in viewing a pod of dolphins as they catch an early lunch of tarpon.
In addition to North Captiva Island, we took a half-day visit to the small community of Matlacha, which is located on Pine Island and part of the Cape Coral – Fort Myers metropolitan area. Matlacha is an “Old Florida” fishing village and is home to many brightly colored art galleries, island boutiques, seafood restaurants, and traditional Floridian cottages. We stopped in for lunch at Mulletville Waterside Seafood Restaurant where we shared a small plate of stone crab legs, a wedge salad with blue cheese crumbles and smoked bacon (to die for!), and a side of rice and bean. All dishes were delicious!
We also browsed Matlacha’s charming boutiques and art galleries, such as
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens which features an array of eccentric pieces from paintings to painted furniture.
Wildchild Art Gallery featured whimsical scenes of wildlife and sea life motifs, sculptures, garden furnishings, and other unique novelty items. Frills, a small gift boutique, was filled with cute casual skirts, dresses, swimsuit cover-ups, and handmade jewelry. The town of Matlacha most definitely proved to be an art-connoisseur’s utopia. Even the telephone poles were painted with murals!
The last journey on our trip was to historical downtown of Punta Gorda, which is situated along beautiful Charlotte Harbor and just 30 minutes north of Matlacha. Punta Gorda is an architecturally rich “True Florida” boating town that offers an old Florida atmosphere. Cobbled streets are lined with huge royal palms, historical period homes, and vintage street lights, as well as trendy restaurants, bistros, spas, and eclectic shopping. One could also partake in Punta Gorda’s art walk, which circuits the city’s ten outdoor murals, each depicting the city’s natural and cultural histories, or engage in a number of environmental and wildlife centers such as
Peace River Wildlife Center. Visitors can also tour the town’s varied museums such as the Museum of African-American History and Culture, or go for a jog along winding trails and pathways in Laishley Park on Peace River or Gilchrist Park along the harbor.
Short on time, we decided to skip out on the art walk and focus on taking Punta Gorda’s historical walking excursion, which takes a lovely stroll along the town’s History District. Many of the homes were built in the late 1800s. Unfortunately, 2004’s Hurricane Charley extensively damaged many of the homes, structures, and historical landmarks. However, a revitalization of the City took place in the immediate years after the storm and resulted in the restoration of buildings. Along our tour, we saw the most amazing and beautiful Banyan tree, which was located on a Historical Landmark, where the first home built in Punta Gorda once resided.
After our leisurely promenade and sightseeing the beautiful historic homes, we took a quick visit to Fisherman’s Village. The waterfront village is a brightly colored complex that comprises of several boutiques, candy and coffee shops, gift shops, restaurants, and a resort and marina, all under one roof.
To finalize the evening, we decided to have dinner alongside a gorgeous sunset. Our chosen restaurant (mostly for the view) was
Hurricane Charley’s Raw Bar & Grill. This dockside bar, part of
PG’s Waterfront Hotel and Suites, provided an amazing front-side view to one of nature’s most incredible shows – sunset. Not to mention, the restaurant featured great live music and our dishes were equally amazing and tasty. We shared the Blue Crab Tower which consisted of jumbo lump and back fin crab meat mixed with avocado, mango and arugula topped with a champagne vinaigrette (yum!), and the Shrimp Grits – gulf shrimp sautéed in Cajun spices and Tasso ham atop home style cheese grits and topped with sauce creole (double yum!). The meal was impressive and best of all, we got to watch an incredible sun down. Needless to say, the meal and sunset was a delightful cap off to the evening.
Tell us, where’s the most remote destination you've visited?
While we all love to travel, adventure, and explore the many wonders that this world has to offer, we also know just how stressful and exhausting traveling can be. From extra long layovers to flight delays to baggage fees and more, getting from point A to point B can be a complete logistical nightmare.
That's why we were so excited when we came across a new web site,
Calm. Also available on the iPhone as an
app, this site offers guided relaxation experiences. Users get to select their preferred background noises, choosing from options such as an ocean, river, soft rain, or sounds of the forest. You can also choose how long you'd like to relax, with 2, 10, and 20 minute options. No matter how much time you have, these exercises are fantastic ways to unwind, trust us! We tried all three lengths and are officially hooked. Try it today, and we're sure you will be too!
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Twitter and
Facebook!
[caption id="attachment_2639" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Alabaster Bay, Bonaire[/caption]
Summers in the city can be pretty brutal, and they always leave us dreaming about island getaways. We love the private look of this secluded beach on Alabaster Bay in Bonaire, a gorgeous little island in the Caribbean. Where is your dream getaway?
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Facebook!
[caption id="attachment_2569" align="aligncenter" width="275"]
El Matador State Park at sunset[/caption]
The beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway are generally amazing across the board, but the sunsets at the beaches in Malibu, CA, are some of the best we've seen. Be sure to check out El Matador State Park for some amazing beach shots of your own next time you're in the area!
photo c/o Extra Medium
With winter still in full swing we've got island vacations on the brain, and with that in mind we want to share what we bring in our carry-on when we're beach bound.
1.
Moisturizing Face Mask and Lip Balm - What better time to sit back and give your skin some r&r than when you're on the plane? We love bring sample packets of face masks to moisturize on the plane. Sheet masks are ideal for in-flight pampering without any messiness. We like
SK-II's Facial Treatment Mask. We also need lots of extra moisture for our lips when we fly, and for that we love
By Terry's Baume de Rose. It is super silky and moisturizing without being sticky. In other words, the perfect lip balm! Other moisturizing favorites are
Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water and
Korres Travel Sunscreen Face Cream Watermelon SPF 30.
2.
Make-Up Removing Towelettes - Before you let your mask get to work, be sure to take off any makeup. We love
Neutrogena's Night Calming Make-Up Removing Towelettes. They get all your make-up off, even tough mascara! And they have a soothing lavender and camomile scent, perfect for those of us with any airplane anxiety.
3.
Mini Toothbrush and Toothpaste - After hours on a plane it's always nice to brush your teeth before you land. That way your smile will be ready for photos when you arrive!
4.
Earplugs - A travel must for flights with screaming babies.
5.
Cashmere Sweater or Shawl - This will be sure to keep you warm on the plane, a must to make sure you don't get sick! Ours is from Club Monaco.
6.
Nomaterra Travel Spray or Travel Wipes: Miami or East Hampton are fantastic for island destinations, and both will be a breeze to get through security!
7.
Moleskine notebook and pen - The perfect travel companion; Write out your travel itinerary, do some journaling, or start the great American novel on your flight or on the beach!
8.
Sunglasses - an alternative to a sleep mask, and useful once you get to your sunny destination, too! Pick a pair with opaque lenses to keep out the glare from airplane windows and prevent other travelers from interrupting your beauty rest.
9.
Change of Clothes - In case the airline loses your bag. Be sure to toss a bikini and a pair of sandals in, too! We're big fans of Sam Edelman's sandals.
10.
Tablet - There used to be a time when we would pick up at least three of our favorite magazines before any flight, but now we make sure to get them all downloaded and ready to go on our tablets before any flight.
And leave your watch behind, you're on island time now! What are you must haves for you carry-on?
Spring time is the best time to get down to Miami. It isn't too hot yet, but the weather is definitely beach friendly. If you're making your way to Miami anytime soon, be sure to check out our weekend guide for suggestions about where to stay, what to eat, and more!
Where to Stay:
The W Hotel in Miami is the crème de la crème of places to stay in Miami. The hotel has a cool and almost understated vibe, yet totally chic at the same time. Rooms all have gorgeous beach views, spacious penthouse options for groups, and a number of additional amenities in the hotel. The W features a
Bliss Spa, a cute Wink boutique in the hotel,
and the hotel is pet friendly!
2201 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 938-3000
photos c/o The W Hotel
photo c/o the traveler-online photo c/o belle vivir
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag without sacrificing luxury or style, be sure to try
The Standard Miami, located on Belle Isle. This place is bohemian
Brooklyn turned tropical. 20 to 30-something year old musicians, artists, models, and the like walk around barefoot, lounge on the secluded hammocks, enjoy traditional Turkish hamams and practice yoga on the sunset yoga dock. This is a spa haven, and the treatment list is
extensive. If you aren't feeling hip enough, stop into The Shop, carrying everything from retro shades to beauty products, and which features brands like DVF,
Haute Hippie, and Melissa Shoes. Grab some small bites at the Lido for lunch.
40 Island Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 673-1717
Where to Shop:
Baseworld: Blurring the line between art and commerce, Baseworld is a totally unique and innovative lifestyle store. Music, candles, and everything in between, this is a place to shop if you're looking for highly curated items that are different. Located on Lincoln Road and in the Delano.
BASE (Flagship), 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 531-4982; BASE Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 672-2000
photo c/o The Alchemist photo c/o Vogue.com
The Alchemist: Located in the fifth floor of a parking garage, this ultra-modern boutique features a fantastically curated collection, and has featured brands such as Rodarte,
Dries Van Noten, and
Isabel Marant, in addition to an evergrowing niche fragrance collection.
1109 Lincoln Rd Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 531-4653
Guy and Girl Boutique: Located in the Shelborne Resort, this store is small but they carry an eclectic collection of beach essentials and home gifts.
1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305)341-1392
What to Eat & Drink:
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink: Since opening in 2007, this place has been a hit for a reason. It's a bit far from central Collins Ave. in the Design District, about a 15-minute cab ride, but well worth it. Only the freshest local produce used at this cool and relaxing joint. Dishes are palette-raising, mouth-watering, and simply indulgent, without the pretentious attitude of many high-end restos. For dinner, we recommend the wood roasted double yolk farm egg, cobia ceviche, duck confit, stracciatella, pan-roasted 1/2 poulet rouge, and wood oven pizza. Desserts are created by award-winning pastry chef, Hedy Goldsmith, and are seriously out of this world. We recommend the strawberry shortcake and the famous lemon creamsicle pot de creme. It's a gastronomers heaven.
130 NE 40th St., Miami, FL 33137, (305) 573-5550
Daily Melt Miami: This new sandwich shop in midtown Miami is the perfect place to stop for a casual and delicious lunch. Gourmet grilled cheeses are the name of the game here; try the roasted turkey melt with provolone, spinach, and chipotle mayo; and a garden melt with portobello, Gouda, tomato, spinach, and basil pesto on whole wheat.
Open daily 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at 3401 N. Miami Ave., ste. 123 (305-573-0101).
photo c/o Trip Advisor
Hyde Beach: This ultra hip South Beach lounge should be your go to spot for a luxurious night out. Drinks are pricy but strong, and the vibe is both club-y indoors near the bar, and relaxing on the outside with plush wicker couches and lounge chairs by the pool. A great vibe overall, and kick-ass dj sets (our favorite was one by DJ Derek Walin)
SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305.674.1701
photo c/o The Kiwi Collection
Delano Beach Club: This elegant beach club is a fantastic place to grab drinks pre-dinner (we had freshly made French 75's).
1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Tel. 305 924 4071
Sights To See:
Swim: For an alternative to the traditional Miami beaches, be sure to visit the
Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Built in 1923 out of a coral rock quarry. The pool is fed by an underground natural spring aquifer, and features caves and two waterfalls. For more information, call 305-460-5306.
photo c/o Virtual Tourist
Snapshot: For the perfect photo location check out the McArthur Causeway, the bridge that links miami beach to mainland.
photo c/o Virtual Tourist
photo c/o Virtual Tourist
History Buff: If you're a fan of historical architecture, visit Coconut Grove, technically a suburb of Miami, to see the Plymouth Congregational. Built between 1916-1917, the gorgeous church is a fantastic example of Spanish Mission Architecture, with Spanish missions having been an important element of Florida's history.
Art: If you happen to come across bad weather or just need an escape from the heat, the
Miami Museum of Contemporary Art is a must see. The stunning structure which houses MOCA has over 12,000 square-feet of exhibition space consisting of a large main gallery with moveable walls, a separate art pavilion, a gift shop, an art storage and preparation area, and administrative offices. An outdoor courtyard is used for performances, evening film screenings and large art installations.
Most people will concur, it’s nice to get away from the ruckus of every-day life from time to time. Sometimes it is a necessity to tune out and take a digital detox. Recently, part of the Nomaterra team had a chance to visit Southwest Florida and the pristine white sandy beaches of North Captiva Island, which provided a wonderful experience of true seclusion. Of course, to perfectly complement our seaside journey, we brought along a couple of our favorite Nomaterra scents: Malibu Honeysuckle and Miami Orange Blossom.
The tropical paradise, known as North Captiva Island, is located on the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida. Being that this remote and undiscovered private island community is only accessible by ferry, private boat or a small plane, it provided a nostalgic outlook of old Florida as it once was during a simpler time.
Part of the Lee Island Coast barrier island chain, the island is dispersed across an extensive state land preserve and is filled with million dollar homes that border seven miles of immaculate beaches. The stunning island was filled with gorgeous tropical Frangipani (Plumeria) trees, giving the island an amazing aroma of citrus, pineapple, and coconut. Interestingly, you will find no cars, crowds, or paved roads as you travel by golf cart or bicycle on sandy trails.
If isolation stirs up fears of boredom – do not fear. North Captiva Island offers some of the best shelling around, as visitors can find many rare and colorful shells. Additionally, the island provides a vast array of recreational activities such as tennis, swimming, golfing, biking, kayaking, boating, parasailing, scuba diving and fishing. Needless to say, boredom is not an issue. Guests can also bask in the grandeur of watching sunrise and sunset on striking beaches, or in viewing a pod of dolphins as they catch an early lunch of tarpon.
In addition to North Captiva Island, we took a half-day visit to the small community of Matlacha, which is located on Pine Island and part of the Cape Coral – Fort Myers metropolitan area. Matlacha is an “Old Florida” fishing village and is home to many brightly colored art galleries, island boutiques, seafood restaurants, and traditional Floridian cottages. We stopped in for lunch at Mulletville Waterside Seafood Restaurant where we shared a small plate of stone crab legs, a wedge salad with blue cheese crumbles and smoked bacon (to die for!), and a side of rice and bean. All dishes were delicious!
We also browsed Matlacha’s charming boutiques and art galleries, such as Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens which features an array of eccentric pieces from paintings to painted furniture. Wildchild Art Gallery featured whimsical scenes of wildlife and sea life motifs, sculptures, garden furnishings, and other unique novelty items. Frills, a small gift boutique, was filled with cute casual skirts, dresses, swimsuit cover-ups, and handmade jewelry. The town of Matlacha most definitely proved to be an art-connoisseur’s utopia. Even the telephone poles were painted with murals!
The last journey on our trip was to historical downtown of Punta Gorda, which is situated along beautiful Charlotte Harbor and just 30 minutes north of Matlacha. Punta Gorda is an architecturally rich “True Florida” boating town that offers an old Florida atmosphere. Cobbled streets are lined with huge royal palms, historical period homes, and vintage street lights, as well as trendy restaurants, bistros, spas, and eclectic shopping. One could also partake in Punta Gorda’s art walk, which circuits the city’s ten outdoor murals, each depicting the city’s natural and cultural histories, or engage in a number of environmental and wildlife centers such as Peace River Wildlife Center. Visitors can also tour the town’s varied museums such as the Museum of African-American History and Culture, or go for a jog along winding trails and pathways in Laishley Park on Peace River or Gilchrist Park along the harbor.
Short on time, we decided to skip out on the art walk and focus on taking Punta Gorda’s historical walking excursion, which takes a lovely stroll along the town’s History District. Many of the homes were built in the late 1800s. Unfortunately, 2004’s Hurricane Charley extensively damaged many of the homes, structures, and historical landmarks. However, a revitalization of the City took place in the immediate years after the storm and resulted in the restoration of buildings. Along our tour, we saw the most amazing and beautiful Banyan tree, which was located on a Historical Landmark, where the first home built in Punta Gorda once resided.
After our leisurely promenade and sightseeing the beautiful historic homes, we took a quick visit to Fisherman’s Village. The waterfront village is a brightly colored complex that comprises of several boutiques, candy and coffee shops, gift shops, restaurants, and a resort and marina, all under one roof.
To finalize the evening, we decided to have dinner alongside a gorgeous sunset. Our chosen restaurant (mostly for the view) was Hurricane Charley’s Raw Bar & Grill. This dockside bar, part of PG’s Waterfront Hotel and Suites, provided an amazing front-side view to one of nature’s most incredible shows – sunset. Not to mention, the restaurant featured great live music and our dishes were equally amazing and tasty. We shared the Blue Crab Tower which consisted of jumbo lump and back fin crab meat mixed with avocado, mango and arugula topped with a champagne vinaigrette (yum!), and the Shrimp Grits – gulf shrimp sautéed in Cajun spices and Tasso ham atop home style cheese grits and topped with sauce creole (double yum!). The meal was impressive and best of all, we got to watch an incredible sun down. Needless to say, the meal and sunset was a delightful cap off to the evening.
