The Luxury of Stripes

We've got stripes on the mind over the last few weeks as we've had an influx of requests from clients for just that. Stripes, stripes and stripes! We're delighted - stripes are so versatile, and depending on the style they work perfectly in very traditional settings through to uber contemporary!

Over the summer, Katie had a chance to stay at Paradise Road The Villa Bentota in Sri Lanka.

'...Mangrove-scattered sands cloak Paradise Road The Villa Bentota in a rusticity that’s fabulously at odds with its orderly garden surrounds. Dating back to the 19th-century, this gorgeous Bentota boutique hotel was renovated first by iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, and more recently by design guru Shanth Fernando, who transformed it into the south-west coast’s most sensational seaside retreat...'

This place features contemporary stripes to the max, balancing perfectly with the hotel's traditional exterior and architectural features - looks like luxury with a capital 'L' to me!

All images via

An Asian Excursion

Well I am back from an amazing holiday with my family to Sri lanka and Singapore. Sri Lanka is unbelievably rich in culture – ancient civilizations, wildlife, temples, monuments, carvings, textiles, gem stones – just to mention a few.  If you ever get the chance to visit – do – you will not be disappointed. The food is fantastic and the people warm, kind and welcoming.

Here is a taste of our trip......

Templeberg Villa. Fabulous colonial home in beautiful plantation surroundings owned and run by the lovely Karin, Swedish born kiwi.  http://templeberg.com/

 Breakfast – the traditional egg hoppers and buffalo curd – yum!

 Jungle Beach – the warmest sea I have ever bathed in.

Elephants cooling down.

Buddhist Temples and Statues.

Hindu Temple by moonlight in Singapore

.... and back to glorious Wellington with a bump!

- Eleanor

Wrap It Up

If you're starting to think about your Christmas shopping, finish your gifts off with some of this gorgeous wrapping paper that Eleanor brought back from her travels!