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 

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.

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.

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

I FOUND MY TRIBE - JADEtribe - SPRING BREAK -BOHO-CHIC

Are you looking for your next clutch or tote bag? Last Summer I was on a mission for a clutch bag that would give me that "island feeling" I wanted something fun, lightweight, easy to pack and that went with everything.  When I came across JADEtribe, I was thrilled, I loved the mix of colors and fabrics and when I held it, I literally felt happy...you know, like I'd found "my tribe" 

Meet Kimberly Hartman, the designer and CEO of JADEtribe, and a fellow Texas gal. Kimberly has an impressive fashion background under her belt — having worked in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Paris, and New York. In 2008, she left the Big Apple and embarked on a solo trip to India and South East Asia that ended up transforming her life. While in Laos, she was so captivated by the craftsmanship of the women weavers in this tiny village, she literally employed the village!  They say "it takes a village." These bags have a great energy about them; you feel it when you carry them. Kimberly shares not only her collection with us but her passion for giving back.  Exclusive colors and patterns have become the foundation of the JADEtribe handbag collection.

These travel bags are lined so no need to worry if anything leaks.

 JADEtribe clutch bags and totes are so colorful, you really don't need much else. 

Tropical Inspiration

Toss this tote over your shoulder and feel tribal.

If you are looking for a chic, yet bohemian bag to tote around this summer, look no further than JADEtribe. A few weeks ago, my beautiful "fashionista partner"  Mellisa Meyers and I ventured to downtown Los Angeles for the Brand Assembly trade show and we chatted with founder Kimberly Hartman on our Glow and Grateful Facebook Live show about the inspiration behind this colorful ethically made accessories line. You can see our video below of our interview with Kimberly. 

Thank you, Kimberly, for creating an authentically beautiful collection that empowers the female artisans who contribute to JADEtribe. I'm sending loving vibes to the women & their families in Laos. Women like you make a difference for all women. 

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