Get the look...tropical

Splashes of sunny bright colours create the tropical look where every day feels like summer.

http://www.escapetoparadise.com.au/

Tropical Fizz Cocktail

Serve this fruity and fizzy cocktail at your next party or BBQ.

Ingredients:
1 large mango, peeled, chopped
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup banana liqueur
750ml bottle sparkling white wine
1 cup ice cubes
Mint leaves, to decorate

Method:
1. Place mango flesh, juice and liqueur in a blender. Blend until pureed. Transfer to a large jug.

2. Just before serving, add ice cubes, mint and sparkling wine. Decorate with mint leaves.

Notes:
For a change, replace banana liqueur with apricot, peach or orange liqueur. For a non-alcoholic version, replace sparkling wine with lemonade, mineral water or soda water. Mango mixture can be made up to a day ahead. Store, covered, in the fridge.

The Pavilions Phuket, Thailand

The Pavilions, Phuket, is set on a hillside overlooking Bang Tao and Layan beaches. The resort have a brand new collection of 25 spacious, private, luxury ‘Plantation’ pool villas all with private spa room to complement the resort’s existing 21 ocean view pool villas. Exclusivity and romance are the key features of this chic boutique resort.

Salt Water

“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea.” - Isak Dinesen

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland

Whitehaven Beach is a definite "must-see" in the Whitsundays and Oprah thought so too! Oprah Winfrey and 92 of her ultimate audience members were lucky enough to experience a huge private beach picnic on Whitehaven Beach with celebrity chef Curtis Stone back in December 2010.

The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of Whitehaven stretch over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island , the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It defines nature at its best and provides the greatest sense of relaxation and escape.

As soon as you arrive it’s easy to see why it is the most photographed beach in Australia and has been named "Queensland's Most Beautiful Beach" by 'Keep Australia Beautiful' and Queensland’s Friendliest Beach in 2009

Get the look...coastal

Understated elegance meets a relaxed coastal feel inspired by colours of the sea.

http://www.escapetoparadise.com.au

Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort, Crete, Greek Islands

Designed in keeping with the grand palaces of the Minoan kings, Amirandes is an exclusive beachside resort that epitomises Crete’s most inspiring features: beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and stunning land and seascapes.

Themed around the lagoons that swirl through its centre, the Resort’s 70,000 square metre expanse comprises six restaurants, private beaches, Elixir Spa with indoor pool, outdoor Olympic-size seawater pool, over 60 private pools and extensive children’s facilities. The 212 guestrooms feature indulgent details such as private gyms, home cinema and state-of-the-art bathrooms with colour-therapy and aromatherapy Jacuzzi bathtubs. Refined and considerate service mirrors the Resort’s meticulous attention to detail and utmost respect for the privacy of its guests.

This is definitely up there with one of the most breathtaking resorts I have ever seen.....just amazing!

Tropical Flowers

Photo (c) www.Mikesjournal.com. Used with permission.

There is something about tropical flowers that takes you away to that special place, where the palm trees are swaying and the sand is between your toes.

Breakas Beach Resort and Villas, Vanuatu

Nestled amidst swaying palms fringed on a private beach, Breakas Beach Resort is an intimate tropical retreat for adults only. The natural beauty of a private cove on the Pango peninsular provides an unrivalled backdrop in Port Vila. 66 fares are scattered along the shoreline and throughout manicured tropical gardens ensuring privacy, intimacy and seclusion.

This resort is the ultimate holiday experience - relaxed, sophisticated, private. A stunning location..... it does not get much better than this.

Mussels with Shallots and White Wine

A beautiful recipe for mussels steamed in butter, shallots and white wine. Use only fresh mussels, which are tightly closed when you buy them. Serve with slices of fresh crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:
30g butter
4 shallots, finely chopped
200ml (3/4 cup) dry white wine
1.5kg mussels, cleaned and debearded
good handful chopped fresh parsley
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:
1. In a medium stockpot, heat butter over medium heat. Add shallots and fry until transparent.

2. Pour in wine and mussels. Raise heat to medium high and steam mussels until shells open, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour mussels and cooking liquid into a serving bowl, sprinkle with parsley and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Get the look...natural

Get back to nature with tropical leaf prints and palm trees in green tones.

http://www.escapetoparadise.com.au/

Our Favourite Beach Houses

Here is a selection of coastal looks from our favourite beach houses. Which one is your favourite?

Cocoa Island, The Maldives

Cocoa Island is a small, private island resort designed for those seeking an easygoing, foot-in-the-sand experience. The rich, warm waters and bountiful coral also promise some of the world's best beaches, snorkelling and diving.

Wake up to an empty horizon from your over-water bungalow. As evening approaches, watch a tiny fishing boat ply the cobalt ocean. Cocoa Island offers indulgent therapies,Yoga, diving, gourmet cuisine and exciting excursions.

Miami Coin Purse

Live the lifestyle everyday with this gorgeous Miami Coin Purse in Black Hawaii Fabric. It can be used as a make up purse, iPod carry bag, camera bag or as a mini clutch purse.

Available at our online store http://www.escapetoparadise.com.au ALOHA!