LONGCHAMP - THE PERFECT TRAVEL TOTE

Let's get carried away with Longchamp. This French luxury house was founded in 1948 and to this day is still considered a favorite amongst chic travelers. Over thirty million of these Le Pliage universal nylon tote bags have been sold since the product’s launch in 1994. You can spot these effortless-chic bags on men and women, younger and older, and with prices ranging from $95 to $145. Longchamp says, ten Le Pliage bags are sold every minute across the globe and there are always new colors and styles to choose from.

Feel confident when you travel with Longchamp

Feel confident when you travel with Longchamp

One of my favorite pastimes when traveling is checking out carry-on luggage on busy worldly travelers.  There's always an abundance of travelers proudly toting around a Longchamp Pliage.

Bee- autiful Necklace by Tracy Smolin

Bee- autiful Necklace by Tracy Smolin

Longchamp has turned this basic nylon tote into a full-blown luxury icon. So much so, you'll find these on the chicest of chic French female travelers.  

Pick your color, pick your size and I usually pack them all. 

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I'm here in New York with Lyn Slater, The Accidental Icon.  Lyn's website was the first blog I subscribed to when I was googling stylish women forty-five and over. If you don't know who she is I highly recommend you check her out. Lyn is just that... a style icon and sooo much more. Here we are strolling the streets of New York and of course, she arrives with her Longchamp. By the way, after our meeting...off I went to the Longchamp store and purchased her exact bag. Once again I was inspired by Lyn..

 I bought my first Longchamp tote in Capri. I personally like adding to my Longchamp collection while traveling.

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 I use this smaller bag a lot, running to work out, on the plane if you need to freshen up, toss in your beach bag. After you check into your hotel room and you're not in the mood to carry your larger bag, you can turn it into a casual clutch. You can also add a fun touch by wrapping the handle with a twilly scarf.  Since it's made of nylon clean-up is simple. Just use a handy-wipe and you're good to go.

Culver Hotel - Culver City Los Angeles / Dress- Gratus

Culver Hotel - Culver City Los Angeles / Dress- Gratus

So if you're planning a trip soon or strutting around your own town, why not travel in style, while adding a little French elegance with Longchamp.

     “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

ANGUILLA - BELMOND CAP JULUCA

Welcome to Cap Juluca in Anguilla. This luxury beachfront retreat in the British West Indies is known as the best beach in the Caribbean. Cap Juluca was designed and developed by Linda and Charles Hickox almost thirty years ago and has recently sold to Belmond Ltd., a hotel, and leisure company that operates luxury hotels, train services and river cruises around the world. Renovations are underway and by the end of 2018, get ready, because Cap Juluca's pristine stretch of sand is about to transform into a tropical show-stopper.

The resort's crescent-shaped Maundays Beach is the main attraction, along with the clear, turquoise water and soft white sand.  Water sports are a must... enjoy sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, or just float in luxury.

Cap Juluca was originally named for the rainbow spirit of the Arawak whose energy can still be felt amongst the sway of the palms and the tropical rain that comes and goes. The Arawaks were farmers and fishermen, and much of what is known about them today comes from the petroglyphs and archeological remains discovered in two ceremonial cave sites on the island.

Several years ago we visited Cap Juluca for the day, and we always said, "this is a place we must return to"  So happy to have returned for more than one day, let the vacation begin. Next time I stroll down this hallway there will be a brand new Cap Juluca,.

Happy hideaway in paradise.  Expect 80°F monthly mean temperature, with water temperatures generally ranging between 70°F and 80°F. If you choose to travel by private boat charter or shared sea shuttle, you can take the ferry from St. Maarten Depending on immigration and selected transportation, the boat trip from St. Maarten takes approximately 25 – 40 minutes, arriving at Anguilla’s Blowing Point. Shuttle to the hotel is approximately fifteen minutes. Commercial airlines fly direct to St.Maarten with a short boat ride to Anguilla or by air via Seaborne Airlines or Tradewind Aviation. 

Anguilla's main gateways are:

  • St. Maarten/St. Martin (SXM), 7 minutes
  • Puerto Rico (SJU), 45 minutes
  • Antigua (ANU), 45 minutes
  • St. Thomas (STT), 45 minutes

Looks good, feels good...it's all good.

Cap Juluca takes pride in their fresh meals with a garden-to-table approach, along with resort-grown herbs, and spices. There are some exciting new dining concepts on the way!

Sweat Betty Top - Hermés Scarf 

Sweat Betty Top - Hermés Scarf 

My favorite activity was riding horses with the popular Zambezi  Enjoy a little history of the island while touring surrounding beaches and one of my favorite moments, taking a cool plunge in the Caribbean. Don't miss out on this tourist attraction! You can book through their facebook page or guest services at the front desk. Maybe you've never settled up... no worries these horses know the program, you do tnothng but sit back, take in the view and enjoy the experience.

And you'll need plenty of this!  ColorScience Sun Protection. You'll find yourself logging in a little more beach time here at Cap Juluca.  Shop the post below.

Why not begin your day at CapJuluca with a morning jog, a walk on the beach, or a swim in the Caribbean Sea. It's almost a mile long and from sun rise to sun set, this velvety beach never gets old.

Here's a peek at the rooms for not too much longer, every villa has an ocean view. Enjoy your open shower after your fun in the sun. New renovations are on the way.

 No filter needed at Cap Juluca. The evening is as stunning as the daytime. Follow Cap Juluca on Facebook to stay updated on renovations, and for the reopen.

From your room right to the beach. Nudz Beachwear designs the perfect vacation cover up for all occasions. Be sure to use my discount code GratefulGardenia30 for your perfect cover up.

From your room right to the beach. Nudz Beachwear designs the perfect vacation cover up for all occasions. Be sure to use my discount code GratefulGardenia30 for your perfect cover up.

Anguilla style is laid-back chic, barefoot elegance, and a place to rejuvenate the soul. There are no cruise ships, casinos, or traffic,  just breathtaking beaches, and that Caribbean vibe. 

Next time you're ready to plan your vacation be sure to look out for the grand opening of Cap Juluca. You can follow them on Instagram @belmondcapjuluca. Cap Juluca is one of those special places, along with the people who work there. Belmond Hotels create the most amazing escapes, and after this extensive renovation, you'll be ready to book your next hideaway.  Thank you, Cap Juluca for a beautiful experience to add to our family memories, and we look forward to a brand new you... with that same old welcoming spirit.

SHOP THE POST-

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta