I was lucky to have visited lots of destinations over the course of 2016, both for pleasure and for Style Camp. Here are some of my favourite spots and recommendations if you're heading to any of these places in 2017!
1. FEB 2016 - JARDIN DE CACTUS, LANZAROTE
Lanzarote is a real gem of a place full of the most amazing sights to visit, but this cactus garden was truly unique. Conceived by local modernist artist César Manrique, the garden features over 1100 varieties of cactus sunken into the eerily beautiful volcanic landscape.
Stylecamp's Grace two piece set at the Jardín de Cactus in Lanzarote
I love how Stylecamp's vibrant pink Grace two piece is set off perfectly by the shades of green, almost like a cactus flower itself.
The island of Lanzarote has so much to offer and even in February, the temperatures were just warm enough to break out the Stylecamp sets!
2. MAY 2016 - CAFE SAVOY, PRAGUE
We ate SO well during our brief stay in Prague and I can't wait to go back for more. We were recommended the Café Savoy restaurant and coffee bar.
The ceiling at Cafe Savoy, Prague May 2016
Hearty, yet elegant, cuisine set in beautiful surroundings under an original Neo-Renaissance painted ceiling. All at more than reasonable prices and without the feeling of being in a tourist trap.
Dinner at Cafe Savoy, Prague May 2016
If you find yourself in Prague make a beeline for this place, the locals recommended it for its great coffee alone!
3. OCTOBER 2016 - JARDIM BOTANICO TROPICAL, LISBON
We were blown away by the beauty of these seemingly abandoned tropical gardens found in the outskirts of Lisbon, Belém. It holds one of the largest collections of subtropical plants and trees collected from Portuguese colonial times.
Despite it being overgrown and falling into disrepair , it was eerie and beautiful all in one measure, the silence only adding to the mystery of the place.
Style Camp's red Nanette Dress at the Jardim Botânico
The deserted mansion that overlooked the gardens provided the perfect backdrop for a Stylecamp photoshoot, grabbing us some great shots of Stylecamp's Nanette skater dress.
With only a clan of ducks for company, we really felt like we'd discovered something secret and special.
4. APRIL 2016 - VINTAGE SHOPPING IN COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen was great for grabbing some vintage inspiration, it has a wealth of quirky indie boutiques, vintage and second-hand shops that I just can't resist nosing in.
A Touch of Vintage shop in Copenhagen, Denmark
I love a bargain hunt, and I particularly favoured the charity shops found in Frederiksberg and Nørrebro, close to the trendy Jægersborggade - a street filled with quirky bars, cafes and independent shops that came highly recommended to us.
I bagged some vintage beauties in the stunning A Touch of Vintage boutique in the main part of town. Plenty of Stylecamp inspiration to be had in here, and the owner was lovely too!
5. MAY 2016 - PALACE GARDENS UNDER PRAGUE CASTLE, PRAGUE
You have to visit this walled garden below Prague Castle. There's a small fee to go in, which seemed to put a lot of people off, but it was definitely worth it.
Clinging to the side of the hill and boasting amazing views over the city, we found a myriad of gardens on different levels, with tunnels and walkways leading to secluded areas.
Ginger dress at the gardens under Prague Castle
We were able to get some great shots of the Ginger dress here in the spring sunshine. A music academy lay at the bottom where we were treated to some atmospheric classical clarinet practice.
A real hidden gem, one that you won't have to share with many others.
Palace gardens under Prague Castle
6. AUGUST 2016 - SALTDEAN UK
On a particularly sunny day in August we drove to the coast with the intention of snapping some product shots for Stylecamp.
As we got over the South Downs the most mysterious fog rolled in off the sea and hung in a thick bank for the entire day. It made for some really atmospheric photos!
A misty day at Saltdean beach - navy Grace two piece set
We ventured into Saltdean, passing the famous art deco lido (which I'm pleased to say will be reopening!), where we discovered a roadside bric-a-brac. I picked up an amazing shipping trunk, complete with travel stickers, and a vintage vanity case for an absolute steal.
Stylecamp Coco Two Piece Set
It will look right at home on my market stall pitches in 2017 - I can't wait to bring it back to its former glory!
7. JUNE 2016 - COTE D'AZUR, FRANCE
I consider the south of France one of the main inspirations for Stylecamp, and with my business going from strength to strength, this year really felt like coming 'home'.
Towering palm trees in Antibes
This stretch of beautiful coastline, with its powder paint buildings, has the spirit of Stylecamp at its heart.
Old style glamour exudes from the hotels and casinos that line the shore, I love the feeling of strolling down the sunny boulevard wearing a Stylecamp dress or two-piece set, picturing those iconic travel posters along the way.
Stylecamp in Monaco
If you find yourself in Nice, absolutely make a stop at the famous Negres'co hotel, a wonderful mix of modern art and old-style glamour where you can freely wander the stunning foyer. Go in for a nose, stay for a cocktail!
Hotel Negresco, Nice
What's more, the surrounding hillsides of Nice, with their unchanged medieval villages and vertigo-inducing vistas, are picture perfect with their cobbled streets and dozy, traditional French lifestyle.
Gattières is perched on the hilltop, offering perfect views of the surrounding Alps
We got some great shots of the Stylecamp bodysuits against the pastel façades in Gattières, a village local to where we were staying.
So there was my round up of 2016. I hope you were able to take some inspiration from my travels! I have a few trips booked in for 2017 and so looking forward to another good year of travel and adventure with Stylecamp.
Next stop, the romantic city of Venice!