We ALREADY have winter vacation on our minds, and what better place to escape than Hawaii!? My trip to Hawaii in 1995 inspired our creation of the Nomaterra Oahu Gardenia perfume oil. I still remember very vividly being able to smell the pungently sweet and balsamic aroma of the exotic nanu gardenia, found in gardens and random locations on the island of Oahu. I also received a leis upon arriving at the airport in Oahu, which was made of mostly plumeria (also found in our Oahu fragrance).
In Hawaii, the gardenia was often used for corsages or leis, particularly traditionally during weddings. It has a romantic meaning, “You are lovely,” and is also a symbol for secret love. The nanu was prized by ancient Hawaiians for its fruit, which was used to produce fade-resistant dyes for kapa (a traditional cloth made of pounded tree bark).
The natural, organic gardenia found in Nomaterra’s Oahu fragrance is extracted through the ancient process of enfleurage, using only organic palm oil and organic alcohol derived from organic sugar cane. This fragile flower exudes a sweet and succulent smell that encapsulates the energy, spirit, and beauty of Hawaii. The rare species of gardenia, Gardenia Manii, also known as “Nanu” in Hawaii, is native to the island of Oahu and can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
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.
