Everyday

My Turks And Caicos

Filed Under > Everyday

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A few weeks ago the Mr. and I jumped on a plane and headed to the island of Turks and Caicos.  Our destination, a private sanctuary resort, Amanyara, housed in the middle of the clearest, turquoise waters I have ever laid my eyes upon.

Set on the island of Providenciales, Amanyara is a secluded haven embracing the untrammeled elements of the Caribbean. Bordering the pristine reefs of Northwest Point Marine National Park, acclaimed for some of the world’s best wall and reef diving, the resort draws its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and yara, the word for ‘place’ in the language of the Arawak Amerindians. And I couldn’t think of two words, peaceful place, to better describe Amanyara, and the island of Turks and Caicos.
 
Being in complete seclusion getting to Amanyara is an adventure in itself.  Though the resort is only 25 minutes away from the airport, those minutes are spent on coastal un paved back roads that rise to hills then quickly fall away to flat plain covered in nothing but native, untouched landscape.  During our entire drive we passed only one other car and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to asking Anthony more than once if he was sure GPS was leading us in the right direction.  However, with only one wrong turn we arrived at the resort a short 27 minutes later, greeted by what seemed like a small army of staff members with cool drinks in hand.  From that moment we knew Amanyara’s description of being a refuge wouldn’t be far from the truth.

Immediately you’re struck by Amanyara’s carefully though out architecture.  Each airy space designed to allow complete views of the next is both modern, but completely one with it’s surroundings.  The large reception pavilion opens onto a breathtaking central reflection pond surrounded by mahogany trees, framed on one side by the Library and Gallery, and the other side by the Restaurant and circular Bar.  The bar, a natural gathering spot, leads out to the main pool set on the edge of Turks and Caico’s turquoise waters.  A short walk down a stone path to the right lies a private, white sand beach, and to the left all glass pavilions are perched just above the ocean’s edge.  Our pavilion stretched out over a tranquil pond and like the rest of the resort, was tucked away providing complete privacy.  In the mornings we would open every wall of windows and enjoy breakfast, and at night we’d lay on the deck, listen to the complete and utter silence and gaze up at the stars.  After living in a city for so long you forget just how many stars can fill a night sky.

Time on the island just seemed to move slower, and for the first time in I don’t know how long I found myself with four glorious un planned days.  Days we filled with long leisurely strolls on the beach and plenty of swims in Turks’ crystal clear turquoise waters.  We unplugged, re connected, and recharged and when it was time to say goodbye I whimpered as I got on the plane destined to take me back to reality.  As I type I find I’m already yearning to escape and smell that tropical air and find a little bit of Amanyara peace again.  Tell me Loves, where are you planning to escape to next?  Truly, MKR

This story is in collaboration with Amanyara Turks and Caicos, an Aman Resort, a breathtaking resort we love and adore.  All images and opinions are 100% our own.

Cinco de Drinko

Filed Under > Worth Noting

Planning a Cinco de Mayo fiesta? Or should we say Cinco de Drinko? Well we are, so check out the slideshow above for Cinco de Mayo party ideas, and a peek at the drinks (margaritas of course), the food (a good homemade guac is EVERYTHING), the decor (hello, color!) and the garb that’ll make an appearance at our fiesta. How will you be celebrating?  Cheers, Kat

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE

 

 

MARGARITA UNO

MARGARITA UNO

FIRST AND FOREMOST ON OUR FIESTA LIST: THE CLASSIC MARGARITA, NEED WE SAY MORE?

RECIPE VIA "THE CLASSIC MARGARITA", PHOTO BY RUSTIC WHITE
DIY TACO BAR

DIY TACO BAR

AS HUGE TACO FANS, WE KNOW THAT EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN MAGIC FORMULA FOR WHAT TASTES BEST. WE'LL BE CREATING A DIY TACO BAR WITH ALL OF THE FIXINGS FOR OUR GUESTS TO BUILD THEIR OWN AND ENJOY.

RECIPES VIA "DIY TACO BAR", PHOTO BY RUSTIC WHITE
MARGARITA NUMERO DOS

MARGARITA NUMERO DOS

THERE REALLY IS NO COCKTAIL WE LOVE BETTER THAN A MARGARITA, SO NATURALLY WE HAVE A FEW RECIPES UP OUR SLEEVES. MEET THE PEPPERED JALAPENO MARGARITA, BECAUSE #SOMELIKEITHOT.

RECIPE VIA "THE MARGARITA: TWO WAYS", PHOTO BY RUSTIC WHITE
COLORFUL DECOR

COLORFUL DECOR

YOU'LL FIND OUR COLORFUL BLOOMS, MISMATCHED DISHES AND A VIBRANT TABLECLOTH AT OUR TABLE, ALL OF WHICH CREATES A HIGH-ENERGY VIBE AND THE PERFECT SETTING FOR MAS FOOD AND DRINKS!

PHOTO VIA RUFFLED BLOG
THE PROPER GARB

THE PROPER GARB

DEPENDENT ON THE MOOD, WE MAY BE WRAPPED IN IT, HANGING IT OR SITTING ON IT; A MEXICAN SERAPE BLANKET IS OUR DEFINITION OF CINCO DE MAYO CHIC.

PHOTO VIA HAPPILY GREY
MARGARITA NUMERO TRES

MARGARITA NUMERO TRES

OKAY WE'LL HAVE MORE LIKE THREE MARGARITAS ON DECK FOR THE PARTY, SO LET'S CHEERS TO THIS SWEET RENDITION: THE PINEAPPLE MARGARITA.

PHOTO, RECIPE VIA "JOSE CUERVO HISTORY IN A BOTTLE: THE PINEAPPLE MARGARITA"
FESTIVE WEAR

FESTIVE WEAR

CINCO DE MAYO IS THE PERFECT TIME TO BRING OUT THE ROMANTIC SUN DRESSES, AND WE'LL DO JUST THAT. WHETHER IT'S AN OFF THE SHOULDER NUMBER OR AN EMBROIDERED KAFTAN, WE'RE EMBRACING THE PARTY'S PLAYFUL VIBES AND TAKING A TWIRL.

PHOTO VIA PINTEREST
HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE AND TORTILLA CHIPS

HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE AND TORTILLA CHIPS

WE LOVE US SOME HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE, AND WE'VE BEEN PERFECTING THE RECIPE FOR YEARS. DEFINITELY SERVING THIS GOODNESS IN A MOLCAJETE STONE WITH HOMEMADE TORTILLA CHIPS TO IMPRESS OUR GUESTS, TOO.

PHOTO, RECIPE VIA "BEST EVER GUACAMOLE" by RUSTIC WHITE
THE SOMBRERO

THE SOMBRERO

WE'RE GOING TO CHANNEL THE WHOLE VICKY-CHRISTINA-BARCELONA LOOK (OKAY THAT'S SET IN SPAIN BUT WE LOVE THE LOOK), SO YOU'LL FIND US IN THIS KIND OF SOMBRERO AT THE FIESTA.

PHOTO VIA TUMBLR
THE GREENERY

THE GREENERY

WE'LL GIVE A NOD TO MEXICO'S DRYER CLIMATE AND DECORATE THE PLACE WITH CHARMING TINS OF CACTI AND SUCCULENTS. P.S. CHECK OUT OUR POPULAR (AND REALLY EASY) TUTORIAL FOR CREATING YOUR OWN SUCCULENTS ARRANGEMENTS.

PHOTO VIA FENTON AND FENTON
MARGARITA NUMERO QUATRO

MARGARITA NUMERO QUATRO

HERE'S OUR FOURTH (AND FINAL, WE PROMISE) MARGARITA RECIPE, JUST IN CASE ANYONE AT THE PARTY IS FANCYING MORE OPTIONS FOR THE TASTE BUDS. WE KNOW THAT THESE MINT WATERMELON MARGARITAS ARE BEYOND DELICIOUS, AND REALLY ALMOST TOO EASY TO DRINK.

RECIPE VIA "MINT WATERMELON MARGARITAS", PHOTO BY RUSTIC WHITE
ROASTED CORN SKILLET QUESO FUNDIDO

ROASTED CORN SKILLET QUESO FUNDIDO

ODDS ARE, WE'LL NEED ANOTHER DELICIOUS DIP AT OUR SPREAD, SO WE'LL SERVE THIS CORN QUESO, WHILE TRYING NOT TO EAT IT ALL OURSELVES.

PHOTO, RECIPE VIA "ROASTED CORN SKILLET QUESO FUNDIDO"
A SWEET TREAT

A SWEET TREAT

WE DON'T REALLY NEED ANY CONVINCING ABOUT HOW DELICIOUS THESE CHURRO BITES WILL BE; THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT AT THE END OF OUR PARTY. THOUGH THE CHOCOLATE SAUCE IS OPTIONAL, WE'RE GOING TO SAY "MAS, POR FAVOR!"

PHOTO, RECIPE VIA COOKING CLASSY

Featured image, Rustic White

My Kiawah Island

Filed Under > Everyday

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When we lived in Chicago and found ourselves needing to escape all the noise we’d run away to Kohler Wisconsin, a tiny little town in between Milwaukee and Green Bay set on the edge of Lake Michigan, Kohler was my calm in the crazy.  So when we moved to Atlanta two plus years ago I knew I’d need to find a refugee again to replace my beloved Kohler.  Enter Kiawah Island.  A barrier island on the Atlantic coast, 20 miles south of Charleston, and an easy five hour drive from Atlanta, lies Kiawah a sanctuary along the shores.

Kiawah, a private island community is home to a mix of year round residents, luxurious second homes, the quaintest downtown, a top ten golf course, and a five star resort appropriately called The Sanctuary.  Awaiting at the end of winding moss filled streets  The Sanctuary is the epitome of grandeur.  With its sweeping architecture, specifically their two main staircases, and immaculate grounds this seaside mansion envelops you in Southern hospitality from the moment you walk through the front doors.  And by the time I had made myself cozy in front of the fire with a pinot in hand any stress that was lingering from the week was all but non existent.  

Our weekend was filled with lazy mornings, plush white robes, room service, and magazines.  Hours spent in the spa.  A few rounds of golf at the Ocean Course.  Lingering dinners and fireside discussions about everything and nothing at all.  And plenty of oceanside play with Addison as she braved the waters to fetch her neon yellow tennis ball.  All in all, it was exactly the recharge and refuge I needed and I have a feeling we’ll be back the next time things get too noisy.  Do you have any place you escape to?  Truly, MKR

This story is in collaboration with The Sanctuary Kiawah Island, a resort I absolutely love and adore.  Opinions and images are 100% my own.  

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