Ciao Bella
Whilst researching the Gift Registry article on overnight bags for our current issue I found the fab Ciao Bella online shop which is a travel accessories shop dedicated to women. There are so many gorgeous products there you hardly know what to choose. Its the perfect place to start when looking for all your travel needs for your honeymoon. I have already purchased the silver travel wallet for an upcoming overseas holiday which I love, below are some more of my faves.









Posted by Emma Henderson

First Class all the Way
Last week I took a little trip away to stay at Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, Victoria. The restaurant there has received great reviews, won prestigious awards and weekend bookings are filled until next year so I was looking forward to visiting. Travelling from Adelaide, it was a 6 hour drive, which is a jolly long way to go for dinner, but believe me when I say the journey was as good as the destination. With the recent rains, and spring burgeoning, the scenery was absolutely spectacular. Sweeping plains and gum-studded paddocks - it was green and lush, just breathtaking.


The wattles were in full bloom right across the countryside



We dined at the bistro on our first night which was relaxed and casual, but it was on our second night where we dined at the fine dining restaurant, we truly understood what all the fuss was about. We choose a 10 course degustation menu which, despite sounding overwhelming, was just right. The serves were small allowing each one to be savoured. The combination of flavours was inspiring. My favourite course was Spring Vegetables - a delicate salad of shoots, leaves and flowers. No, I lie, my favourite was one (of the 3!) dessert courses - pistachio, hazelnut and honeycomb that actually tasted of honey. The wine list (read BOOK) was enormous with something to satisfy even the most knowledgeable wine buff. It really was a fabulous night.


The view from atop Mount Sturgeon

Although Dunkeld is a very small town, there is plenty to do in the way of nature walks, history walks and general relaxation - we saw lots of kangaroos, kookaburras and other interesting birds not to mention the stunning native flora. Three hours drive from Melbourne it is an idyllic spot to be married, and a perfect way to make a weekend of it for guests who haven't seen the glorious Grampians or Australian countryside.


A beautiful native flower arrangement at the restaurant

The Royal Mail Hotel offers many different accommodation options to suit varying budgets, just be sure to make your plans well in advance for this popular destination. Definitely worth a visit.

Posted by Jane Cameron.

Girls Guide
I have just found out about Girls' Guide to the World which is a bit like trip advisor but for stylish women who want to know where to shop, eat, drink, sleep, pamper, and play. Girls’ Guide has done all the research for you and provides unbiased and insightful tips for women, by women with high expectations and a craving for fashionably experiencing the world. It features over 3,000 venues in over 100 hand-picked cities around the globe. Girls’ Guide to the World was thought up by 28 year old Carey Schuster, an American interior designer living and working in Sydney. Schuster has a craving for outstanding design, cuisine, service, entertainment, fashion, and architecture, especially when she’s travelling. “When I choose to spend the money and time to travel, I don’t want to be disappointed. I want to eat at the tasty restaurant off of Main Street that the locals are trying to keep secret. I want to stay at the hippest hotels, which doesn’t always mean the most publicized or most expensive. And when I hit the shops, I want to know about up and coming local designers and where to find their labels. That’s where Girls’ Guide delivers. There is no better advice than a discerning woman’s first hand account.”



Posted by Emma Henderson

In the Bag
I'm a traveller - love it. Nothing satisfies me more than an orderly, beautifully organised suitcase with compartments and vessels for every little thing. These divine linen bags from Plane Tree Farm's new online shop are just the thing I need to complement my travelling ensemble. How thoroughly fabulous would you feel embarking on your honeymoon knowing these gorgeous bags were onboard too!


Italian Linen Bags from $40.00 each.

Posted by Jane Cameron.

Island Dreaming

As the year comes to an end I always find myself daydreaming about holidays and places I would love to visit. One of those places is Santorini - especially if I could stay somewhere like this! Perivolas is a world-class small luxury inn perched on the cliffs high above the Aegean Sea. It is only a short walk from Oia, one of the most charming villages on the island, and offers a tranquil oasis far removed from the stresses of everyday life. Sounds perfect for the ultimate honeymoon! The accomodation, pool, location and view are all amazing - but I think the best bit is the breakfast which includes apple pie, cookies, pastires, fruit and greek yogurt - wouldn't it be lovely to start every day with apple pie!!









For more information visit their website here.

Posted by Emma Henderson

Apple of my eye
Whilst on the look out for a new cosmetic bag for my upcoming trip to London in December I found these gorgeous Apple & Bee bags. Their website is just beautiful and you can buy some of their range from Ciao Bella Travel. I picked up the fold out bath bag in blue!


fold out bath bag


bowling bag


small make-up bag

Posted by Emma Henderson