JuJu Fisherman Jelly, High Vis Yellow, £20
Equipment Sleeveless Slim Signature, $178
Cutler and Gross, Aviator Metal Mirrored Sunglasses, £310
Smythson, Smile Wafer Notebook, £35
Maison F. Kurkdjian, Apom Pour Femme, £106
Fujifilm Instax Mini, Instant Camera, £79.99
The Christmas bonus is in the bank, the New Year festivities are over and it’s time to start that health kick and book a summer holiday… What better way to motivate you than the gorgeous, sexy, and terrifyingly skimpy heidi klein bikinis.
Last week my workmates complained as a smartly wrapped box was delivered to me at my desk. This immaculately presented present was from heidi klein, the stylish British designers who ensure you are holiday-ready all year round. The brand was launched in 2002 when Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein noticed how the British highstreet lacks holiday gear outside of the usual summer months. Their luxurious swim and beachwear offers women a fashionable, comfortable and flattering range all year round, so you can get the perfect holiday wardrobe whenever you choose to go away. And as the brand continues to flourish, the heidi klein collections continue to expand and soon menswear and children’s range will also be available.
Though every piece is beautiful, from flip flops to kaftans, it is the bikini sets which are perhaps the most desirable. Blissfully soft, stretchy and unusually comfortable, they are made from the finest fabrics to ensure the quality, shape and colour remains in top condition. Carefully and thoughtfully designed to flatter every curve and contour of the female body, I was amazed by the effects when I tried my lovely svelte black bikini on. With a girly bow at the front of the top and a folded over seam on the bottoms, I loved the detailing of the bikini. And though this design is no longer available the new 2014 collection is equally attractive, with some lovely bold bright designs to fall in love with.
So when January is good and done, reward yourself for all that exercise and lack of alcohol with a holiday abroad and a beautiful bikini from heidi klein that will last you a lifetime.
heidi klein can be purchased online at www.heidiklein.com and in store at 257 Pavilion Road, Sloan Square, SW1X 0BP and 174 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RW in London and at various boutiques and department stores globally.
For more information go to www.heidiklein.com and become a friend at Facebook/heidiklein
Many consider Baku to be a purely business destination but when the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Resort opened its doors in the summer of 2012, it brought something completely new and different to the Azeri capital.
Offering a family-friendly beach resort complete with aquapark, nightclub, bowling alley and a stretch of private beach by the Caspian Sea, the Jumeirah suddenly made Baku accessible to international tourism and locals wishing to holiday by the sea.
Just 25 minutes out of the city centre and a short taxi ride from the airport, the Jumeirah is ideally located. Those staying centrally for meetings can take a day trip while locals can easily and quickly escape for a short stay here.
I visited for the day to try the facilities and see the impressive property. After three days in central Baku, the towering architecture came as no surprise to me, the Jumeirah is a huge grey and white building with a red flame shaped centrepiece, another reminder of Azerbaijan’s fiery heritage.
There are several dining options available depending on the season. We ate at the Pier Grill restaurant for lunch… out in the sea, this eatery specialises in steak and seafood, with a good wine list and DJ entertainment in the evenings. For dinner we chose to experience the pavilion restaurant, selecting an array of traditional grilled meats, kebabs and meze with the help of the kind waiter. While we enjoyed the flavoursome food, a local jazz band provided lively music.
Our afternoon was spent soaking up the rays on the beach while sipping mojitos, and before lunch we had the opportunity to try the celebrated Talise spa for relaxing and cleansing facials. The staff were welcoming throughout the hotel and seem truly passionate about this unique hotel and special locale.
The highlight for many will be the adventurous aquapark (the biggest in Azerbaijan) where you can challenge yourself to be brave and slide down the thrilling water rides.
We saw several football teams enjoying the Jumeirah accommodation when we visited, and next summer I am sure this seaside hotel will be even more popular… you heard it here first.
More information here.