Summer is ahead of us, and the promise of long, bright days (and nights) are slowly becoming a reality. I love the month of April, not only because it’s my birthday month, but because it holds a unique and vibrant energy. Here are my favourite items this month.
Interior:
Kaia Lighting
Originally founded as a workshop in Vienna, Kaia has been producing exclusive lighting since 2003. The company combines art, construction technique and craftmanship to express their timeless and minimalistic design. I find all of their products extremely functional (just look at these beauties above), and could easily decorate my home with their design – although I’m not, per se, a minimalist. All lighting is produced by hand in Austria and Germany, and the company collaborate with European designers who share their values and vision.
Click here for more information.
Books:
Tender is the night, F. Scott Fitzgerald
The fourth and final novel by the legendary American writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald, this book also happens to be my personal favourite. The book was published in 1934 and tells the story of a young glamorous couple who rent a villa in Southern France to be close to their circle of friends. The main character is a psychiatrist and his wife, one of his patients. A twisted but brilliant story that is largely based on the Authors own life. The cover of the book (above) is probably one of my favourite covers of all time! It oozes vintage beauty and takes my mind straight back in time, to a glamorous world that doesn’t exist anymore.
Get the book here.
Beauty:
Rituals: Reve de Hanami, Eau de Parfum
Ever since I had my first encounter with Rituals beauty and skincare products about a decade ago, I’ve been a fan. A fan of their packaging, message and subtle scents. To me, Rituals is all about comfort and everyday luxury – without breaking the bank. And who wouldn’t want some of that?
So, naturally, when I got the chance to test some of their latest products, including this little beauty, I couldn’t resist. Rêve de Hanami is the name of this Eau de Parfum with top notes of lychee, pear and bergamot and heart notes of Japanese cherry blossom. The base notes include amber, dry wood, vanilla and patchouli, which overall makes this scent sweet and irresistible. This one’s gonna be fixed inventory in my beauty ritual all summer!
Get it here.
Hotels:
Le Saint-Remy, Provence
Where do I begin? Perhaps under the sunny skies and warm breeze of Provence in Southern France (yes, I have a thing with this destination!). That’s where you’ll find Le Saint-Remy – a five-star luxury eco hotel embracing the concept of slow living to the fullest. Need I say more?
I first got to know the property of Le Saint-Remy when including them in the April edition of my newsletter, AUBERGE – I haven’t been able to shake this hotel out of my head ever since. The design is labelled ‘Gypset’ (gypsey meets jetset) and carried out by a local female interior designer. Everything is local, white, natural and gorgeous. Except for a few splashes of colour and the glistening blue pool. Located in the heart of the quaint Provencal village of Saint-Remy, this HAS to be the base for your next French adventure.
Click here for more information.
