Destination: Sayultia, Mexico

Skip touristy Puerto Vallarta and instead kick back with the local expats who've traded city life in for the bohemian surfer enclave of Sayulita on Mexico's Pacific coast

STAY

The charming La Casona hotel. With only a handful of rooms its perfect for heading south of the border with a group of friends. Rent the entire place out for the weekend - very reasonable at less than $100 a night per room. Each room is unique and incredibly outfitted with the hues of Mexico -chartueuse, yellow and fuchsia -even more vivid when contrasted against the deep blue backdrop of the sparkling Pacific, viewable from almost every room.

images via http://lacasonasayulita.com 

image 1 via vallartaonline.com; image 2 via Examiner.com

PACK

A Matthew Williamson kaftan

*image via http://polyvore.com

SHOP

Gypsy Galleria is a boutique full of all the woven baskets, 

Otomi textiles, embroidered dresses and market bags you could dream of

*image 1: Otomi fabric via http://apartmenttherapy.com; 2: Otomi fabric via http://cocokelley.blogspot.com; 

3: Embroidered Mexican wedding dress via http://greatgreenapple.com; 4: image via http://stylecuratorblog.com

Dine & Wine

For the best fish tacos hit the street taco stands on the corner of Calle Jose Mariscol and Calle Manuel Rodregas for an authentic experience or head to Sayulita Fish Taco and Tequila bar http://sayulitafishtaco.com for over 180 kinds of Tequila.  

Looks I love

Jil Sander S/S 2011

*image via Style.com

The Gem Palace - Jaipur

Opulent doesn't even begin to describe The Gem Palace in Jaipur.
From maharajas to Princess Diana, royalty, celebrities and fashion insiders have been making the trek for years to The Pink City to choose from piles of the most exquisite uncut rubies and emeralds. The jewelry buyer from Bergdorf Goodman had dropped in for an appointment on my recent visit there. The owner, Mr. Kasliwal, will even let you try on the most incredibly lavish pieces when they are clearly not within your budget.

* image 1 and 4 from a Madame Figaro editorial (photographer unknown); image 2+3 product shots from  The Gem Palace

New York City treasure trove

Spending a day at ABC Carpet & Home transports you in an instance to the center of The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the souks of Marrakech or the night markets of Phnom Penh.  Brighten your room with these hand-stitched vintage summer bed covers from ABC Home - a must have!

images: Liam Goodman via Vogue.com

Colonial-era decor from the South Pacific

Inspirations

*images: image 1 via Architectural Digest August 2009; image 2-4 from At Home in Bali by Made Wijaya/photographs by Isabella Ginanneschi; image 5 author unknown

Colonial-era décor takes us back to the days of Somerset Maughm and memories of long summer nights and Gin & Tonics at sunset. 

I’ve become obsessed with finding the perfect Planter’s Chair, Kartini bench and Balinese daybed for my new place in Singapore.