Superfoods with Claire Grieve

Superfoods are plant-based foods that are jam-packed with nutrients. Enhancing your meals with superfoods will help you find natural energy and vibrance. Celebrity yoga instructor and health coach Claire Grieve ran us through some of her favorite superfoods for daily use. Add these superfoods to your smoothies or salads for an extra boost of healthy vitamins, mineral, and antioxidants.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV helps to balance your pH level and is a remedy to many ailments. Take a tablespoon everyday and you might find that many digestive problems diminish and that your energy soars. 

Avocados

Avocados pack in more calcium than bananas. They’re loaded with good fats, vitamin C, K and B6, which boost your energy and keeps you feeling satisfied.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is considered an immune enhancer that also boosts vitality. Enjoy the energy and digestive benefits from this powerful superfood.

Blue Green Algae

Blue green algae provides a balanced and complete source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It aids in detoxification, reduces inflammation and improves energy and endurance.

Cacao

Not only does it taste delicious, but cacao also boosts energy and burns fat. It is also a rich source of  magnesium.

Chia Seeds

Loaded with essential amino acids, chia seeds can support your hair, skin and nail health, your heart, and so much more.

Cinnamon

More than just delicious flavoring, cinnamon may balance blood sugar, decrease inflammation and help PMS symptoms.

Cordyceps

The benefits of these mushrooms are profound. Most importantly, they work at the cellular level to help soothe your adrenals so that you can better manage your stress.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are a great source of antioxidants that can also improve mood and stamina. 

Turmeric

Aside from taking in supplemental form, turmeric can be made into a tea or thrown into the oils you cook with to spice up flavor. The potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of turmeric make it a must-add to any regimen.

Spirulina

Spirulina is especially beneficial for vegetarians because of its high iron content. Made up of protein and essential amino acids, spirulina can help lower blood pressure, detoxify your body and boost your overall energy.

Wheatgrass

Providing chlorophyll and a boost of nutrients, wheatgrass will give you a blast of energy. As a bonus, it’s packed with iron, calcium, and magnesium.

One of the most important components of eating for health is variety! Switch up your superfoods from time to time so that you’re getting healthy doses of a wide array of nutrients.

Superfood Salad by Claire Grieve

Adding a dose of greens and superfoods to your diet is arguably one of the best things you can do for your health. Plant foods are energizing, alkalizing, and immune boosting and support our overall health in many ways. Enjoy this superfood salad created by our partner Claire Grieve.

Makes 2 salads

INGREDIENTS

2 cups finely chopped kale leaves

2 cups spinach leaves

2 cups small broccoli florets

1 cups finely chopped red cabbage

1 cup roasted beets, diced

1 small cucumber, finely chopped

1 cup carrots, matchsticked

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup toasted almonds, slivered

Dressing

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 inch ginger, peeled and finely grated

Directions

1) In a bowl whisk together all the dressing ingredients until emulsified.

2) Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over greens and toss gently. Sprinkle with some crushed sea salt and red peppercorns and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, extra olive oil and lemon juice.

Claire Grieve's Nighttime Routine

Taking some time to wind down at the end of the day can work wonders on your overall health. Developing a nightly wellness ritual can help you get release the tension from the day, get better sleep, and can encourage personal growth and productivity. Routines like this can be especially helpful if you are in a really busy or stressful period of your life. Celebrity yoga instructor Claire Grieve shares her tips for relaxing at the end of the day.

Turn off your phone

Get to know the Do Not Disturb function on your phone, so you are not interrupted or tempted after a certain time. Discipline yourself to resist scrolling social media and googling while in bed. Disengage from technology at the same time every night and put your phone on the charger, so you can recharge your mind and body.

Restorative yoga

Indulging in a few very easy restorative yoga poses, like legs up the wall, before hitting the sack can relax your nervous system as you head towards sleepy-time mode. Keeping a yoga mat within arms- reach of your bed is a smart way to remind yourself to do this.

Savor a cup of tea

Drink a cup of warm chamomile tea. Looking forward to a nightly mug of tea is one of my favorite bedtime rituals. Chamomile or lavender teas will help promote relaxation and deep sleep.

Gratitude

If you struggle with bed time overthinking, tossing and turning, it’s time to hack your thoughts. You can do this by creating the habit of keeping a gratitude journal. Writing out 3 things that you are grateful for before bed can help ensure proper rest.

Take a bath

An Epsom salt bath is a surefire way to get the relaxing and soothing benefits of magnesium right into your system. A bath is also an easy way to calm your nervous system and allow your  mind to unwind. Add a few drops of essential oils to ease your tension.

Meditate

A short, gentle progressive relaxation meditation will encourage a deeper rest. Start at your feet and work up. Tense and relax each area of your body. This helps us to be aware of any strain we are holding and lets the muscles know it is time to let go and relax for

These are just a few tools that I use and recommend to my clients, but different people respond to different practices. Find exercises that help you feel calm and grounded and make your nightly ritual your own.

Tips for Staying Healthy While Dining Out with Celebrity Yoga Instructor Claire

When you travel it can be difficult to keep on track with your healthy eating habits. To keep you feeling great even while you’re traveling and eating at restaurants for every meal, celebrity yoga instructor and health coach Claire Grieve shared some of her favorite tips for staying healthy while eating out. Now you can enjoy convivial meals without having to sacrifice your hard work.

Start with a Salad

Before eating anything else, eat a salad that contains a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. This will fill you up with nutrient rich foods and fiber to help you avoid overindulging on inflammatory foods.

Switch to Water

Social time can still be enjoyable without alcohol (I promise). When you’re dining out, swap out alcohol for sparkling water or tea or drink a non-alcoholic beverage after each alcoholic beverage. Be careful with juices and mocktails as they may still contain a lot of sugar. If you do have a drink stick to clear spirits as they tend to be the cleanest alcohols.

Focus on your company

Connecting with your loved ones is the best part of eating out. Try to focus on the joy that your company brings you rather than thinking too much about the food.

Just Say No

Don't be afraid to ask the kitchen to omit unhealthy ingredients from your dish. The best way to fight a craving is to keep it off the table. If they bring a bread basket to the table, just say no.

Fill Your Plate with Veggies

Fill your plate with mostly veggies and if you eat it, a bit of fish or lean meat. You can even ask the chef to make you a veggie plate comprised of a few side dishes. Steamed or dressed with olive oil and lemon are the best options. Avoid heavy sides, sauces and anything fried.

Eat Slowly

Take time to really chew your food. It will help you savor the experience more and will also help you to monitor your hunger signals as it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize that you are full.

Share Dessert

Order dessert for the whole table and just take one bite. This will satisfy your craving, but help you avoid overdoing it with sugar and calories.

Incorporating even a few of these healthy eating tips from Claire can help you stay healthy while eating out frequently.

Traveling Tulum – An Inside Guide

Ninety minutes south of Cancun on Mexico’s Caribbean coast awaits the alluring destination of Tulum, an increasingly circulated name on the tongues of travel aficionados drawn to the simultaneously bohemian and luxury sensibility of this haven. Compelled to investigate the ascending hype firsthand, Paper & Diamond recently traveled to the town of Tulum in order to explore the merits of the area on behalf of anyone ready to pinpoint this locale as their next escape or milestone event setting. Journey with us through an inside guide of where to stay, what to eat and how to adventure during a trip to Tulum.

Our journey begins at the Mi Amor Tulum hotel, a Colibri Boutique Hotels property. If the name sounds familiar to you, that is perhaps because familiarity follows the fact that the hotel is a hot-spot for trendy travel bloggers, as well the fact that it has been positively hailed by Condé Nast. The overarching vibe is a romantic take on a 1950s Acapulco, the port city sitting on the opposite ocean surrounding Mexico. This is referenced in the way the hotel is integrated with nature throughout, as well as the decor and interior design.

Other notable properties include Casa Malca, a Design Hotels property that reads almost more like a contemporary art museum than a hotel with unique pieces expertly curated throughout, and breathtaking 360-degree view from the rooftop bar. Nomade Tulum is a slightly more organic experience, a self-proclaimed “human centered hotel,” creating “a temporary habitat for those ready to learn and share, ready to awake the soul, and free the mind.”

There are those individuals who travel to take trips, with action filled days exploring the adventurous aspects a new place has to offer. As you consider your trip to Tulum, allow us to plan a visit to the limestone ruins of ancient civilization, a unique historical experience. Or, embark on an eco-tourism journey through the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, the largest ecologically protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Kayak through the canals, float in the cenotes or snorkel in the Mesoamerican Reef, second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef.

Other individuals seek travel not for a trip as much as for a vacation, filled with relaxing days spent focusing on health and wellness. Tulum has a long history of inhabitation by the Maya culture, which today lends to the mystical, spiritual sense of awakening that seems to perpetuate the overall ambiance of environment. Paper & Diamond can advise your traditional healing and wellness journey at the Yäan Wellness Energy Spa, where a rooftop herbal garden provides the medicinal elements incorporated into each individual session. For group wellness experiences, Sanará (translating quite literally as you will heal) comes highly recommended by our team. Tapping into a heightened sense of spirituality should come naturally here.

As travelers feel the magnetic pull to Tulum, so have a number of renowned chefs and culinary experts. When it comes to where to eat in Tulum, a number of chic jungle bars and trendy restaurants come to mind. Favorites from the Paper & Diamond exploration include Gitano, Casa Jaguar, and of course, Hartwood. Freshness and flavor perpetuate the drinks and dishes of these eateries, with smoky mezcal in its authentic environment, and sustainably sourced seafood topping our picks of what specifically to seek out.

Between the historical intrigue, fresh cuisine, cultural commitment to well-being and restoration, and the gorgeous panoramic views of azure waters, white sand and tropical palms, there is no reason Tulum should not top your list of upcoming destinations. Should you decide it is time to turn dreams into something more tangible, allow us to assist you in the implementation process. You can get in touch to inquire about Paper & Diamond’s luxury destination travel services here. Tulum is an experience that awaits; one that you will not want to miss.

Dutch Love

At Paper & Diamond, we are constantly scanning the globe for worthy destinations to send our clients to; destinations that offer a well-rounded tour through art, adventure, relaxation and sensorial surprise for a full immersion into the local culture.

We’ve recently been keeping an eye on the way Amsterdam seems to be rebranding itself, as if keen for the stereotypes of its nefarious neighborhoods to be abandoned in favor of a higher ranking among Europe’s reigning gems. Eager to explore for ourselves, we embarked on a journey to the Netherlands in order to affirm Amsterdam’s modern identity. What we found? A city that delighted us across the board with its ease and convenience, its sparkling cultural scene, and the overall manageability of experiencing the full scope of what it has to offer in just a couple of days.

WHERE TO STAY

There is no shortage of luxury five-star properties we recommend, depending on exactly what you are looking for. For the classicist, the Waldorf Astoria appeals to your tastes. The location has been restored from its original heritage as a set of half a dozen 17th century palaces, and the grandiose royalty still reigns within its essence. It feels like you've been transported back in time to the days of Europe's royalty, yet offers ever present day amenity you could imagine.

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, for example, is formerly a library converted into a hotel, right atop the canals and in the midst of the city's desirable shopping destinations. The decor is rooted in a bit of fantasy and surrealism, between the high back chairs and swirling lighting among other hip touches, making it perfect for the guest with a modern taste. 

From the Frette bathrobes to the James Heeley bath amenities, The Dylan offers is utterly luxurious, and relaxing stay from its vantage point right alongside the city's central canal. The trendy romance that is inherent throughout the property makes it nearly impossible to believe that The Dylan is an entirely renovated 1600s theater, that had once burned down before being transformed into the gem that it is today. 

You cannot go wrong with the comfort of the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. Between the Turkish baths and French cosmetology training of the spa professionals, it is truly the perfect destination to relax and unwind, particularly should you be stopping through. 

WHAT TO SEE

Between photo-ops along the iconic 200 year old canals and admiring the charming facades as you wander the city on foot (or bike --  it is a well known fact that Amsterdam plays host to a larger population of bikes than people), there is much to occupy your time during your stay. Whether your ideal way to connect with a city is through the coffee culture of its whimsical cafes, or if you prefer to glide through boutiques and art galleries, an abundance of new havens have cropped up to offer a sense of modernity. In contrast are the dozens of historical museums, also well worth engaging with. Between the two, this fusion of old and new offers a best of both worlds type scenario.

Culinary delights cannot be overlooked when it comes to considering travels to the Dutch capital of the world. While of course there are the obvious contenders such as Dutch cheeses, stroopwafel and frites, outside of the street food scene there are also an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants and culinary masters inhabiting this town. With over 180 different nationalities residing in Amsterdam (the most in the world), it is little wonder that the food scene is so rich and vibrant offering the ability to indulge cravings for any and all types of cuisine.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at this point by the abundance of opportunities at your fingertips, allow us to put you in touch with one of our local guides such as Tom van der Leij of Tom’s Travel Tours, who offers personalized and private experiences around The Netherlands for your enjoyment. Simply inform him of the type of experience you’re looking to prioritize and allow the agency to set up something catered just to you.

While Amsterdam is full of a plethora of possibility in terms of exploration, it almost functions best as a shorter stopover as part of a longer travel excursion. Schipol Airport is Europe’s fourth largest, meaning it offers excellent connections in terms of timing and flight patterns to the greater world. Temper the fatigue of long flights to an African safari with a few days in Amsterdam first, or pause here en route to Asia.

To learn more about how we can integrate Amsterdam into your upcoming trip, or to plan a trip specifically to Amsterdam, you can get in touch here.

Talking Beauty With Global Expert Elena Frickman

When you consider a global perspective on fashion, different geographic areas have their different connotations. Italy is renowned for quality leathers. From French women, we see an effortless elegance and chic way of combining pieces. Japan is a leader in gorgeous deconstructionism, and the stiletto originated with Manolo Blahnik in Spain.

The beauty sector exists in much the same way, whether we recognize it or not. Successful makeup artist Elena Frickman has spent her lifetime traveling to observe and catalog these discrepancies. There is the flashy commercialism of Los Angeles; the elegance of matte colors and advanced techniques from London; the fresh, rosy naturalness of the French.

In addition to this global perspective, Elena is a graduate of the Master Artistry Program from California’s Makeup Design School. Over the last seven years, she has honed her skills by leading makeup application for television, film, fashion, editorial and red carpet. From print publications to digital video, her work has spanned a variety of prestigious mediums.

Recently, Paper & Diamond fortunate enough to spend the day with the sought after Elena Frickman, witnessing the depths of her expertise and learning more about what makes her craft unique. Join us as we take you through some of her tips and tidbits.

P&D: Where does your inspiration come from? 
Elena: Born and raised in Ukraine, one of my favorite hobbies was watching runway shows on television to see the huge fashion influence of European designers such as Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada and John Galliano.

P&D: How did this translate into your desire to become a makeup artist? 
Elena: From an early age, I understood how important wardrobe, hair and makeup were in communicating something about that person. These elements convey more than just beauty – they convey personality and inner strength.

P&D: Paper & Diamond works extensively with brides, particularly those opting for destination weddings. What insight do you have for destination brides in terms of their beauty look for their special day? 
Elena: Be certain the makeup artist you choose uses tools that are completely clean and sanitized. A breakout is the last thing a bride wants on her wedding day. Personally I ensure all of my brushes are sanitized with a medical strength sterilization process. You also will want to be sure your makeup artist has a great team that can handle your bridal party if applicable. Ask plenty of questions, and bring pictures for reference in order to help the artist understand the look you are going for.

P&D: Can you take us through the process of preparing the skin to get dolled up for an event or occasion? 
Elena: First, it is important to remember that for camera purposes, whether wedding photos or a television appearance, makeup will need to be brighter than your everyday look may be. That being said, this does not mean you need heavy coverage. I try to use products that feel light as air, so a woman will not feel like she is wearing anything. With pigmented products, a little goes a long way.

Also, skin preparation is the most important part of makeup application, to keep makeup on throughout the entire day while controlling oils. I like to start with spraying rose water on a clean face, then using a piece of ice to moisturize the skin and close pores. My next step is to moisturize, which I cannot stress the importance of enough. A primer will seal in the moisture and allow foundation to glide on easily. From here, you have a great base for moving on to the rest of the face.

P&D: What are some of your favorite products? 
Elena: In general, some of the best brands I always trust are Dior, Giorgio Armani, Hourglass, Chanel, Make Up Forever, Laura Mercier, RCMA and NARS. For a touch of blush, my go-to is Chanel Joues Contraste powder in Rose Petale and Malice, because when applied high on the cheekbone or near the eyes, it lifts and softens the face for a youthful look. Lipsticks need to be pigmented and long lasting; MAC and Make Up Forever are great choices here. Dior Airflash is one of my favorite primers. It leaves an incredibly beautiful healthy finish that will allow you to see how luminous your skin looks. Remember that for a wedding, it is important that your look is waterproof. Great waterproof mascaras that I love an trust are Make Up Forever Aqua Color and Tom Ford.

While Elena is a Los Angeles based makeup artist, dedicating her time to making Hollywood’s most glamorous and beautiful look their absolute best, she is no stranger to traveling to a wide variety of global locales depending on where her bookings take her. Should you find yourself approaching a destination wedding or other upcoming event, it may be time to experience firsthand the incredible talent delivered by Elena. As we assist you in coordinating every step of the way, this is just one of the many elements that can be contained in your custom occasion by Paper & Diamond. You can find out more here.

The Perfect Match: A Honeymoon Destination For Your Bridal Style

Vetting vendors for your wedding day can be an exhausting and confusing process. While each has their own set of lofty promises and rave reviews, how do you know which will best understand and execute your vision?

One of the benefits of working with Paper & Diamond is that we have put in the hours to build a network of trusted partners across all realms of your special day. For over a decade now, Bride & Blossom, led by Rachel Trimarco, have been serving the greater New York City area with a wedding floral boutique that delivers lush and exquisite results. We have yet to find a more trusted resource for uniquely customized wedding day florals to proudly collaborate with.

Recently our friends at Bride & Blossom reached out to us to get our take on the ultimate luxury honeymoon destinations. However, just as each and every bride’s taste and style varies, each couple finds a different interpretation of what the ideal way to embark upon a lifetime of wedded bliss involves. Thus, we have partnered together to define a few different bridal styles, and what honeymoon travels these styles are often drawn to, in order to help inspire the dream honeymoon you may not have even realized would be perfect for you and yours. After all, with peak engagement season upon us as the holidays approach, you just might find your daydreaming turning to a wonderful reality sooner than you anticipate.  

BRIDAL STYLE: CLASSIC

Madalyn & Jonathan by Joshua Zuckerman

Your style is simple, timeless, and elegant. When you sit down with your wedding photos years from now, that Carolina Herrera dress is going to look just as stunning as when you wore it down the aisle. Your special day was celebrated with floral décor in shades of white and ivory complemented by pale touches of pink with silver accents.

Honeymoon Destinations For The Classic Bride

1. Paris & French Riviera

Nouveau Jardin at Le Bristol Paris.

The grand entryway of the Le Bristol Paris hotel.

The magical gardens of Le Bristol Paris.

Undeniably, Paris suits the classical tastes, what with its wide boulevards lined in historical buildings where colorful flowers spill out the window boxes, or the world-class museums and petit boulangeries. The romance of this city seems to cast a spell on all who find themselves here – you’ll notice couples strolling hand-in-hand seem to be everywhere you go. Paris offers a complete destination in and of itself to explore the true meaning of romance, yet it also provides a great jumping off point to the Cote d’Azur, Provence or Normandy.

Where to Stay
Paris  - Le Bristol, Hôtel Plaza Athénée
French Riviera – Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Champagne lounge at Hotel du Cap–Eden-Roc, French Riviera.

A suite at Hotel du Cap–Eden-Roc, French Riviera.

Swimming at sunset at Hotel du Cap–Eden-Roc, French Riviera.

An aerial look at the front of Hotel du Cap–Eden-Roc, French Riviera.

2. Amalfi Coast of Italy

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa along the Amalfi Coast.

Belmond Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast.

Perhaps a side effect of the Italian renaissance, there is something about stepping off the plane in Italy that instantly infuses a higher sense of enlightenment and call to experience the flourishing culture, both past and present, the country has to offer. Seek out the spectacular ancient architecture in Rome before experiencing the simple sophistication of the Amalfi Coast. A personal favorite is Lake Como, one of those rare destinations where you are able to feel you have truly escaped from the real world.

Inside the Belmond Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast.

Inside the Belmond Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast.

Where To Stay
Rome - J.K Place Roma Hotel
Amalfi Coast -  Belmond Hotel Caruso, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
Lake Como - Grand Hotel Tremezzo

3. Turks and Caicos

Turks & Caicos – Amanyara

Turks & Caicos – Amanyara

Turks & Caicos – Amanyara

For a tropical island getaway, we recommend Turks and Caicos, one of the more discreet locales in the Caribbean portfolio. Preeminent beaches with turquoise waters stretch endlessly out into the horizon, offering ample opportunity for both relaxation and adventure. Fine dining spans a wide variety of cuisines, and an emphasis on wellness and spa treatments make this option a sensorial wholistic paradise.

Turks & Caicos – Turtle Tail Estate

Turks & Caicos – Turtle Tail Estate

Where To Stay
Amanyara 

BRIDAL STYLE: MODERN

Samara & Keshar by Alison Conklin Photography

Your style is best described as sleek, minimal, and unfussy. Your sophisticatedly chic Romona Keveza dress with silver belt made a bridal statement that had everyone talking long after the wedding. Stylish and clean, wedding flowers were mostly white with a surprising pop of color here and there.

Top Honeymoon Destinations For The Modern Bride 

1. Greek Islands, Santorini + Mykonos

Greece – Amanzoe

Greece – Amanzoe

Greece – Amanzoe

Greece – Amanzoe

When Greece comes to mind, one might picture the cerulean domed white-washed facades of Santorini. Yet the experienced explorer will clue you in that Greece offers a myriad of other experiences across the country and surrounding islands. From sampling wines made from grapes grown in the ancient volcanic soils of Milos, to island hopping in the Aegean Sea, your Grecian honeymoon spans a comprehensive blend from charming history to premium luxury.

Greece – Amanzoe

Canaves Oia Suites

Canaves Oia Suites

Where To Stay
Amanzoe, Canaves Oia Suites Santorini, Santa Maria Mykonos

2. Bali & Cambodia

Bali – Como Shambhala Estate

While Bali seems to be a trendy travel option these days, you may be surprised to know that what awaits is an unassuming and low-key getaway. This Indonesian province is surrounded by coral reefs, highlighting the most biodiverse marine life you can find anywhere in the world, with both black and white sand beaches. With tourism comprising the island’s main industry, the dedication to travel experience on behalf of the locals, as emphasized in the wellness industry in particular, is well-worth traversing oceans for.

Alila Villas Koh Russey - Cambodia

Alila Purnama

Where To Stay
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Alila Villas Koh Russey, Como Shambhala Estate 

3. Maldives

Maldives – Niyama Private Islands

Maldives – Niyama Private Islands

Maldives – Niyama Private Islands

A once in a lifetime occurrence such as a honeymoon should sacrifice nothing, hence the appeal of the Niyama Private islands as part of the Maldives. With two separate islands dubbed “Play” and “Chill,” you need not surrender one or the other when you can truly incorporate the best of both worlds. Endless outdoor adventures await, everything from yoga to jet-skiing, not to mention an underwater restaurant, tropical outdoor bathtubs and showers, and every lush amenity imaginable.

Maldives – Niyama Private Islands

Where To Stay
Niyama Private Islands, One & Only Reethi-Rah

Bridal Style: Bohemian

Kate & Chase by Sally Pinera

Your style is free, relaxed, and eclectic. Everyone couldn’t get over how effortlessly beautiful you looked in your stunning floral lace gown by Liz Martinez. When it came to wedding florals, you wanted to evoke a natural and romantic mood with lots of volume and texture.

Top Honeymoon Destinations For The Bohemian Bride

1. Morocco

Morocco – La Mamounia

Morocco – La Mamounia

Pattern, texture, taste – what is not to love about the stimulating experience Morocco has to offer? To begin married life bonding outside of your comfort zone in a culturally rich country such as Morocco can be such an exciting way to bring you and your beloved together like never before. The country is approximately the size of California, so it should come as no surprise that mountain getaways, desert escapes and seaside fishing villages can all combine to create a diverse geographic experience.

Morocco – La Mamounia’s Majorelle Suite

Morocco – La Mamounia’s Koutoubia Suite

Morocco – La Mamounia

Where To Stay
La Mamounia, Royal Mansour

2. Tulum

Tulum – Sanarå

Tulum – Sanarå

Tulum – Sanarå

There is something special and indescribable about the spirit of Tulum, like a oneness with everything around you; an ideal energy to tap into as you start your life as husband and wife. Wellness and healing are at the forefront of the culture, with respect always afforded foremost to nature and organic craft. Should this not all be enough of a selling point, the jungles and infamous cenotes are insanely picaresque in their lushness, providing the all the adventurous romance a honeymoon should contain.

Tulum – Casa Malca

Tulum – Casa Malca

Tulum – Casa Malca

Where To Stay
Casa Malca, Sanarå

3. Africa

Singita’s Faru Faru Lodge

Singita’s Serengeti House Game Drive

Singita’s Serengeti House Game Drive

When considering honeymoon travel, it almost seems that Africa should surface as a plausible frontrunner more than it does. In sheer statistical speaking, the continent accounts for 20% of the earth to be explored, although, the rationale reaches much further. Unparalleled service comes to mind, particularly for honeymooning couples as all the stops will be pulled out to showcase every imaginable detail. A safari experience in the African bush puts you up close and personal in nature like you’ve never before experienced, and surrounding island holidays or coastal road trips can satiate the desire for beachside holiday.

Singita Lebombo Lodge Pool

Where To Stay
Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Singita Boulders Lodge Sabi Sands, Singita Tanzania, Four Seasons Seychelles

A big thanks to Bride & Blossom for allowing us to explore some of our favorite corners of the world alongside them. Which of these destinations seems to pique your curiosity? Do you relate strongest to a particular one of these three styles? We would absolutely love to hear more. You can get in touch with Paper & Diamond here.

Escape With Virgin Limited Edition

These days, the notion of privacy seems more often like it is more found in fleeting moments rather than it is found to be a consistent staple. With the way our moods and behaviors are able to be instantaneously and publicly broadcast, and the way our personal lives are neverendingly exposed, examined and shared, the desire for retreat and escape become much more relevant.

If the inclination to withdraw slightly from the hustle and bustle — whether simply for relaxation, or to experience an event more exclusive than modern society often allows for — appeals to you, allow us to introduce to you the potential of two different locales in the British Virgin Islands. At both Necker Island and Moskito Island, an individualized experience off the map from mainstream society can be actualized.

Necker Island

Think utmost intimacy when you think of Necker Island. This 74-acre property is one of several of the British Virgin Islands that are included under owner Sir Richard Branson’s collection of luxury locales, known comprehensively as the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. With a maximum occupancy of just 34 individuals, you can be sure that a getaway to Necker Island will remain highly confidential and personal.

Necker is most frequently booked for elite destination weddings. Beginning with the wedding of Richard Branson himself, a number of well-to-do couples have since celebrated nuptials here. Guests enjoy the ability to customize every aspect of the ceremony. Some prefer to tie the knot with toes in the sand on Turtle Beach, whereas others overlook an unbeatable view from The Grand House Southern Terrace.

When it comes to the reception, options are just as unique and individualized. Tiki themed beach celebrations and Great House gala dinner parties are just a couple of the numerous possibilities. While the island only sleeps 34, for weddings with a larger guest list, the potential to rent out neighboring islands within the Virgin Limited Edition network is a way to ensure that everyone special to the couple is able to experience this joyous occasion.

Once the wedding festivities have ended, guests will be able to delight in the fact that Necker Island offers a multitude of other draws. Spa services are enjoyed by those who find relaxation to be the top priority. For those unable to simply be still, a myriad of adventurous activities are possible. Kite surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tennis, zip-lining and volleyball are all able to be accommodated during a stay at Necker Island.

Moskito Island

Moskito Island is another property included in the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, surrounded by the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Whereas Necker Island highly emphasizes destination weddings, Moskito is more built to support recreational vacations for parties of up to 22. What better way to elude life’s everyday pressures than to experience a balance of relaxation and adventure with those who mean most to you.

Each morning, visitors can connect with an island specialist to coordinate dozens of different activities. For the outdoor enthusiasts seeking land activities, hiking, mountain biking, golf and tennis are all available. For those more inclined towards water based pursuits, think kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and more.

For those desiring a pure and holistic wellness experience, one can fly in a trusted team of wellness experts, or simply utilize the spa services provided by Moskito Island. Refueling is no doubt necessary as well. Enjoy culinary creations custom crafted by the team of chefs at Moskito Island. You can decide your own menu or allow them to surprise you. Menus can even be customized to fit in with an overall theme. If you have always dreamed of living in a Great Gatsby reality, a James Bond scenario or love the idea of a white party, all of these are options and more can be tailored into your event.

Branson, noted for his philanthropic tendencies among other accomplishments, is highly attentive to the effects of unsustainable practice. Therefore, the Branson Estate on Moskito Island has been designed with careful consideration of the island’s environment. The Great Room, on the upper level of Headland House is illuminated with insulated sky lights, minimizing the use of energy throughout the day. To conserve and protect the existing trees, mangroves, the dwarf gecko habitat and the three villas are set on piers, connected via elevated bridges.  The bridges connect the villas amongst the existing canopies so that one walks amongst the tree branches.

If you are feeling as though you have been bitten by the travel bug, and either Necker Island or Moskito Island lend themselves to the vision you have for your next milestone celebration, contact Paper & Diamond to learn more about how we can turn your event into reality.

Superyacht Life

We exist in an age where everything around us has been monetized in some way. Like never before, there is a constant barrage of messaging, which at every turn attempts to persuade us to buy into consumer culture, aiming to convince us that our next material purchase will deliver happiness.

Yet, if we look into the research behind happiness, we find that it is not our possessions which unlock the keys to satisfaction and fulfillment, but rather, our experiences. This is why, at Paper & Diamond, we believe that life's milestones necessitate occasion for celebrations revolving around a once in a lifetime experience, as we service our clientele with luxurious events of all types.

Societally, we seem to be wising up to this research behind happiness, which can help explain the definite upsurge in the popularity of destination milestone events, as more and more individuals are choosing to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, retirements or other momentous occasions with an extravagant travel experience. Rather than a one-night party that is over before you really have a chance to fully absorb it, these experiences provide optimum time for party attendees to make memories, bond and spend quality time together. When you add in highest levels of exclusivity and customization, all against the backdrop of a gorgeous destination of your choosing, expertly planned from start to finish...well, we do not know what else we can say to help entice you. The perfect vehicle, both literally and figuratively for this to occur? That would be a superyacht.

Superyachts are defined as over 100 feet long, of which there are only somewhere around a thousand of which available for charter. Yacht travel provides utmost privacy for voyagers seeking to feel like they have left all else behind. No detail is too small, and no request implausible. From the exact brand of champagne stocked in the fridge, to the perfectly hued linens, to a custom menu developed by a chef of your choosing, we accommodate all. While jet skis and other water toys may seem synonymous with yachts, superyachts are built to keep up with today's lifestyles. Therefore, it is little wonder that a host of further amenities are the norm, from media rooms and cinemas, to extensive wine cellars, to a variety of different fitness equipment accommodations, steam rooms and saunas. Personal trainers and spa therapist personnel aboard are sensible and frequent additions to superyacht charter travels.

Paper & Diamond recently had the chance to service a group of corporate executives on a customized wellness retreat that cruised through the Western Mediterranean, along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the picaresque Isle of Capri. The feeling of utter escape was enhanced by the vast open waters and calm ocean air, all while experiencing the gems of Sardinia and The Balearics. Additionally, our honeymoon clients have also relished the feeling of being completely removed from the world around them; for example, a recent pair of lovers recently enjoyed a customized sailing tour through Anguilla, St. Martin and St. Bart's.

This wellness retreats and honeymoons are just a couple of examples of the caliber of luxury travel excursions which Paper & Diamond specializes in for our network of discerning global clientele. Our niche philosophy is based on curating sensorial travel experiences that preserve themselves in memory due to their ability to incorporate all five of the senses, for a comprehensive experience. Conceptually, the idea of setting sail into unchartered waters provides a perfect metaphor for embarking on an exciting new chapter of life - be it a new decade, a new marriage or other such occasion. And while the suntans may soon fade, the sensorial memories made and sights seen will remain through the seasons of life. If you are ready for your unforgettable excursion, let's get in touch.

Images provided by: Jeff Brown of Breed Media