Me wearing a Mint Velvet feather jumpsuit on the Maspalomas sand dunes.

Where? We stayed at The Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf and Spa Resort

When? April 2015

Why? I was invited out to Gran Canaria to do a review of the island’s best spas

With? I invited my gorgeous sister, Tuhina along with me to enjoy a much needed relaxing spa weekend

I must admit, Gran Canaria isn’t the first destination that springs to mind when talking about spas. Which is why, when Gran Canaria Wellness invited me to visit the top spa’s on the island, I decided to investigate.

Gran Canaria is the third largest of the seven Canary Islands, situated off the north western coast of Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s sunny and warm all year round and a great place to visit for a quick weekend sojourn (it’s only a 4 hour flight from London).

The landscape is volcanic with vast desert areas, filled with the most spectacular sand dune backdrops. Interspersed amidst this arid environment, are small chic, beachside towns and resorts, such as quaint Puerto de Mogan (below) and Meloneras.

My sister, Tuhina and I stayed at the luxury 5 star hotel, the Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf and Spa Resort, situated on top of a deep valley, with breath taking vistas. It’s a design hotel in every sense, from the modern, geometric architecture and huge art works, to walkways and communal areas, positioned specifically so that the most spectacular views are framed by the building. The interiors throughout the hotel are stone, wood and metal, which gives a natural, homely feel, in spite of the minimal aesthetic. It’s a large resort but feels intimate and relaxed due to the intelligent design. The hotel is a modernist dream and beautiful from every vantage point. I loved it.

There are several swimming pools at the hotel, my favourite was the infinity pool at the summit of the resort (above). It was a fantastic sun trap, as well a perfect backdrop for a photo shoot, which is why I decided to take advantage of it. Click here to see my ‘What to wear when you’re there’ sportswear and spa shoot.

My sister catching some rays at the Sheraton

It was a four-day trip with a visit to a different spa every day. Here’s a run down of my favourite spas on the island.

Minimal, modern spa with spectacular infinity pool and breath taking views. Using one of the islands most famous natural resources, the spa at the Sheraton Salobre is named after the plant extract, Aloe Vera. Gran Canaria Aloe is said to be the world’s purest form of Aloe. The treatments incorporate and harness the plants special healing and analgesic properties. I had the signature, Aloe Massage, before using the fantastic spa circuit and going for a dip in the stunning infinity pool. Sheer indulgence and a blissful afternoon.

The open air spa pool at the Sheraton Salobre

Colourful Spanish style garden retreat and spa. Set amidst idyllic, flower scented gardens with a stunning mountain back drop, The Inagua Spa is the perfect setting in which to completely relax and unwind. The hotels design and décor inspired by traditional Spanish bodega style, coupled with the outdoor jacuzzi and pools, helps to set the scene for a nurturing and calming wellness experience. My sister and I tried the Cordial anti-stress massage, it was a wonderful hour long massage, the perfect way to forget about the stress of day to day life.

 Above and below: The Inagua Spa at the Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa

The traditional hamam style spa. Explore the Finnish sauna, steam hamams, salt caves or Thalasso pool, at this wonderfully luxurious spa, beautifully decorated in a traditional Moorish style. As well as all the facilities already on offer in the spa take advantage of  the open-air fitness suite, with views over the pool and a personal trainer on hand, should you need a little extra encouragement. The treatments on offer are sheer indulgence, from Cleopatra caviar wraps to Rasul baths, all using Natura Bisse products. I highly recommend the Pantai Luar massage using herb filled, heated poultices to give you the ultimate, indulgent experience!

The retro, rain forrest inspired spa. Taking influence from artists Miro, Picasso and other Spanish masters, the whole of the resort has a 60’s, retro theme in its décor and design. The spa treatment rooms look out onto individual flower and cactus filled gardens, you’d be excused for thinking you were in the middle of the Amazon. I loved the outdoor sauna and relaxation areas. Getting ready after my treatment in the beautiful outdoors (private area) was a wonderfully calming experience. We had the hot stone therapy using volcanic rocks from the island, the heat really adds to the sensation of warmth and the feeling of being utterly pampered. It was a fantastic experience.

The serene infinity pool at the Sheraton Salobre

Me at Disco!

Having travelled back to back for the last four years, I’ve come to find that are are some styles which are timeless and work from season to season regardless of destination.

Even though I shot this on location in Bermuda, these AW17 beach packing rules apply to any winter sun locations.

Here are some of the key pieces, colours, prints and styles which will instantly update your winter sun wardrobe.

Bold, nautical, Breton or candy, there’s just something about stripes which looks so right in the sun. Perhaps it’s the association with the golden age of travel, sailors from a bygone era or just that they do wonders for the figure. Keep in line with this trend and you can’t go wrong.

Floral prints are so on point for a sunny destination wardrobe, add that to the universally versatile wrap dress shape and you have a multi functioning outfit which works well for day trips, when worn with trainers and thongs, then simply add some heels and a splash of jewellery and you’re ready for a night out. Go for bold tropical prints if you really want to be on trend this season.

One of the biggest print trends this autumn winter are stars, planets and galaxies. Go for micro polka-dot style stars as above or oversized prints like on the bikini below. One thing’s for sure, you’ll look stellar in these outfits!

Playsuit, jumpsuit, romper, call it what you will, if there was ever an item of clothing made for holidays it’s this. The simple one piece that’s so cool and on trend right now.

Shorts and trouser legs (as lovely as it sounds) stop chaffing between thighs in hot weather (you’ve got to be practical ladies!) They also allow you to jump on that horse, moped, go for a impromptu run (when you’re late for the train), whatever the activity, they are just so much more versatile and flexible than a mini or maxi skirt, yet still look chic. Go for a one coloured piece for a chic look or go all out in this seasons fun, tropical prints like my play suit above. You’re bound to have fun when you’re wearing this, how could you not!

The key piece to look out for this season on the beach is a one-piece swimsuit, the higher cut you dare to go with the leg, the better. What’s great about a one piece is that it hides unwanted tummy curves and accentuates sexy thighs instead. They are super flattering on most body shapes. Opt for classic black suit like I’m wearing above or cut out styles if you want some attention on la plage.

Two piece –  My particular favourite bikini top shape this season is the ruffle, off-the-shoulder top style, it’s so flattering on the upper arms and shows off your collar bone perfectly. For those with a pear shape figure opt for a bright coloured top half and a darker bikini bottom to detract the eye from a heavier bottom half.

Huge thanks to Bermuda Tourism Authority for inviting me to this wonderful part of the world and providing such a beautiful backdrop for the shoot.

Next stop Seville…

Vienna
Shopping and Sightseeing

Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss at The Belvedere Palace

Schonbrunn Palace

NFive

The famous Viennese Manner Waifers

Gustav Klimts ‘The Virgin’

The Grand State Opera at Night

Al fresco dining at Kornat

The summer pool at Pratersauna