Often times, due to my hectic work schedule, I find it hard to separate work-time and me-time. Sure, I’ll book a massage or a facial, but minutes after the treatment is complete, I’m hustling back to the locker room to change and get back to the daily grind. Sometimes I leave feeling more stressed than when I came in simply because I’ve missed an important email or phone call.

So, for my most recent self-indulgent experience, I decided to give myself a true day off—one of those mythical “mental-health days” that count as a sick day and NOT a vacation day.

And, the place for my mental health retreat: The Sanctuary in Covent Garden, London

This place is the definition of a Day Spa. I literally spent hours relaxing, napping (seriously, I passed out on a cozy day bed), enjoying small bites and indulging in luxurious treatments.

I even test-drove the iconic swing that hangs over the atrium pool.

And, because it’s an all-women, no boys allowed, spa — I’m definitely planning a stop here for my next girls weekend!

Ladies, clear your schedules (and leave your cell phones at home!)

The Sanctuary

12 Floral Street
London WC2E 9DH
0870 770 3350

http://www.thesanctuary.co.uk

Whether you’re heading out on a Girls Trip like myself, perhaps a family reunion, or even a romantic getaway, Riviera Maya is always Bohemian Chic no matter what the occasion.  This effortlessly fashionable, yet laid back, natural style makes it simple to mix and match, which is a huge plus for avoiding those Excessive Baggage fees.

Here’s how I rocked my inner Kate Hudson, The Queen of Bohemian Chic, while recently visiting Generations Maroma in Riviera Maya!

Top Collage:

1   Saha Swimwear, Morning Mist Halter Bikini, $110.25 http://www.kayokokoswimwear.com/morning-mist-fixed-halter-bikini-saha-swimwear.html
2.  Karen Walker, Orbit Sunglasses, $329 http://www.shopbop.com/orbit-sunglasses-karen-walker/vp/v=1/1583036561.htm?folderID=2534374302029451&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=52259
3.  Eugenia Kim, Honey Striped Sunhat, $165 http://www.forwardforward.com/fw/DisplayProduct.jsp?code=EKIM-WH8&d=Womens&utm_source=ShopstyleFBEW-en_US&utm_medium=affiliate&source=shopstyleFBEW-en_US&cvosrc=affiliate.shopstyle_en_US
4.  Marie-Helene de Taillac, 22-Karat Gold Diamond Clover Bracelet, $195 http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/409718
5.  Givenchy, Sparkling Magic Lip and Cheek Balm, $31 http://www.sephora.com/hydra-sparkling-magic-lip-cheek-balm-P255603?skuId=1231273
6.  Calypso St. Barth, Arlie Printed Crinkle Silk Tunic, $350 http://www.calypsostbarth.com/features/weekend-getaway/arlie-printed-crinkle-silk-tunic
7.  Natalie Martin, Beaded Kite Necklace- Gold, $95 http://www.calypsostbarth.com/features/weekend-getaway/beaded-kite-necklace-gold
8.  Bujibaja, Stripe Straw Tote, $150 http://www.intermixonline.com/product/bujibaja+woven+broad+stripe+straw+tote.do?sortby=ourPicks&CurrentCat=109570
9.  Lola Cruz, Flat Sandal, $189.99 http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50518&vid=1&pid=222717002

Bottom Collage:

1.  Nanette Lepore, Woven-Textured Leather Clutch, $78.84 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009IL1BMS/ref=asc_df_B009IL1BMS2634622?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B009IL1BMS&tag=wwwshopstylec-20&ascsubtag=749894867
2.  Blue Moon, Open Back Tube Dress, $132 http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=BLUM-WD93&d=&colorchng=&frmcolor=Pomegranate&tocolor=Sunset&defaultcolor=Sunset
3.  Kendra Scott, Pendant Necklace, $58 http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/kendra-scott-luna-pendant-necklace/3479176?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=IVORY+MOTHER+OF+PEARL%2F+GOLD&resultback=996&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-6_4_D
4.  Givenchy, Very Irresistible Spray, $69 http://www.sephora.com/very-irresistible-givenchy-P45600?skuId=692970
5.  Steven, Stellir Strap Sandals, $97.30 http://www.shopbop.com/stellir-strap-sandal-steven/vp/v=1/1596523738.htm?folderID=2534374302159499&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=13711
6.  Hatch, Beach Tie Dress, $244.80 http://www.shopbop.com/beach-tie-dress-hatch/vp/v=1/1524728797.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=11947

As the Bohemian Chic and Denim trends began to wind down in the late Summer through early Fall across Europe, it was Black on Black that began popping up everywhere!  By early October, a dash of color or animal print perhaps on the shoe, a white graphic t-shirt here and there and gold metallic accessories were all that you could spot amongst a sea of black from Radio Rooftop Bar at the ME London to the underground, secret gem, Bar Mutis in Barcelona.

Crossing the pond and back Stateside, the Black trend is in full force and not just in the cities of the Northeast where this hue typically reigns in the colder months, but heading south to tropical Miami, where the bright colors usually sizzle no matter what the trend, these electric shades were borderline extinction.

So it’s official, Black is the New Black…EVERYWHERE!

I love it!  This will make packing so much easier for the upcoming months!  Simple, chic, black versatile pieces, unique leather textures to bring a little edge and glamming it up with gold accessories galore.  With this palette there could actually be hope for me to travel only with a carry on bag!

Supporting my never-ending quest to reduce the weight of my baggage without skimping on the style options contained inside, here are my “Black is the New Black” La Roca Village picks that….GASP….Yes, fit easily into my light as a feather Samsonite Cosmolite 20 inch suitcase!

Top Collage:

Leather Studded Jacket – MAJE – Contact Point of Sale

Leather Leggings – SANDRO – RRP €645 / Outlet Price  €387

Ankle Boots – GUESS – RRP €251 / Outlet Price €150.50

Spike Collar Necklace – BDBA – RRP €60 / Outlet Price €30

Tag Clutch – BDBA – RRP €315 / Outlet Price €189

Bottom Collage:

Leather & Elastic Studded Belt & Cuff – MAJE – Contact Point of Sale

Leather Dress with Studded Belt – MAJE – Contact Point of Sale

Punk & Gold Bag – BDBA – RRP €173 / Outlet Price €104

Gold Leather T-Shirt – MAJE – Contact Point of Sale

Lace Up Skinny Jeans  – SANDRO – RRP €165 / Outlet Price €99

Spiked Headband – BDBA – RRP €45 / Outlet Price €19

Having moved away from South Beach five years ago, yet returning multiple times a year makes me still feel like a local.  Looking at the Miami Beach address on my drivers license, which does not expire until, 2020 could even count as evidence to outsiders that I am a local, however, not being 100% on top of the ever-changing scene, and actually relying on my local friends for suggestions and guidance of where to go out at night, is enough proof in my mind that I am no longer a resident and far from the queen of this town.

Regardless, every time I return, I try to reclaim my thrown, even if only for a few days.  Always trying to fit every last hot spot and old favorite into the tightest of schedules, I make it work, revisiting those locales that, while away, I’ve been counting down the days until my return, aka “Survival of The Fittest” and the newbies, or as I refer to them as “Get Em While They’re Hot”!

Get Em While They’re Hot – Of course these come first, since they’re In today, but who know’s what tomorrow will bring.  My hopes are that you’ll find these three under “Survival Of The Fittest” in a couple of years.

Dinner & Drinks: Juvia – With a view like this, I don’t know if there will ever be a rightful competitor for Juvia.  Perched atop the Art Deco styled parking garage on Lincoln Road and overlooking this pedestrian paradise below as well as the whole of South Beach, straight out to the sea, I can’t even remember how my ceviche and sushi tasted, as I was mesmerized by the skyline enjoying the last minutes of sun reflecting off of the buildings as the city became a unique mix of twinkling lights and glowing pastel buildings, ok, ok, perhaps a little entranced by the few glasses of Whispering Angel rose that I was drinking.  On all accounts, Juvia is one of those places where you must go for dinner or drinks your last night out in Miami just to take in the town one last time before departure.

A Chill Drink or Two:  The Broken Shaker – Genius mixology in a poolside garden setting, where yes, the herbs used in your drinks are the same ones growing right next to you.  The Broken Shaker defines the absolute perfect mix of cool and relaxed to enjoy one of the most refined and handcrafted cocktails in town, my recommendation, The Bitter Sweet, a pineapple infused tequila and mescal creation to die for!  The trendsetting Freehand Hostel has created a new legend on The Beach!

Absolute Party:  Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel – Forget Ocean Drive when you come to Miami Beach, it’s Collins avenue between Lincoln Road and 23^rd Street that has always ruled the nightlife, or shall we say, the nightspots where you’ll actually want to go once you’re beyond your college Spring Break years.  Hyde Beach currently reigns as the top spot on the strip, partially due to the SLS Hotel being the new kid on the block and also with a clever group of promoters who keep the party going day and night, sometimes even crazier while the sun is shining.  For all of those day drinkers out there, skip the sports bars or the Vegas pool party scene, Hyde Beach is where it’s at right now!

Survival Of The Fittest – They came onto the scene with a bang but are still explosive years later.

Dinner & Drinks:  Hakkasan at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort – This was the only reason I used to leave South Beach and drive 20 blocks north to Mid Beach.  Always one of my London favorites, their Miami locale, being the first in the US, I knew the classics that could be found here as well as the ever creative cocktail menu, including my all around favorite their Elderflower Aviation.  My cravings however, always have me going back for the Short Rib starter, and the mains of Shrimp with Green Curry sauce or the Caramelized Chilean Sea Bass, each equally dreamy!

Dinner & Drinks:  Doraku – Slightly less of a scene, but the Lincoln Road location of Doraku, combined with it being one of my favorite sushi restaurants in the country guarantee that it is always packed!  Reservations are a must, but if you forget, or have a last minute sushi craving, typically you can be squeezed in at the sushi bar in the back and if you’re lucky perhaps you’ll have the opportunity to chat up Executive Chef, Todd Dae Kulper, while he creates his masterpieces.  Paired with enjoying the best selection of sake in the area, a spur of the moment dinner at Doraku can easily turn into a full evening.

A Chill Drink or Two:  Segafredo L’originale – Fourteen years and counting, reigning as Lincoln Road’s chicest place to hang out, have a drink and people watch day or night.  Segafredo rocked the “Bohemian Chic” retro look before there was even a name for the eclectic décor style, and their inventive champagne cocktails and variety of mojitos keep them on the map in this era of mixology.  You’ll know you’re there when you see the largest crowd of people gathering outside of one Lincoln Road establishment and the best dj mix is in wafting through the air.

Absolute Party: Wall Lounge at the W South Beach Hotel – This boutique sized club / lounge is where I turn to for the best international DJs visiting South Beach on a regular basis as well as the edgiest crowd of beautiful people to surround me in the mix.  My recent Tuesday night plan to stop off at the Favela Beach party, my favorite night at Wall, and have a few drinks, dance a bit, turned into a 5:00 am bender, with the amazing music of DJ Falcon and the fashion forward party goers who inspired my Excessive Baggage Miami layout.  Of course, Wall would make it onto my Survival of the Fittest list for South Beach, after all, it’s the brain child of Navin Chatani, the beach’s top promoter turned nightlife entrepreneur over the past 2 decades…yup, that’s right, he must have started in this industry as an infant!

Don’t waste your time debating where to go on your next trip to Miami, just visit these “Get Em While They’re Hot” locales before they’re gone in a blink of an eye *fingers crossed they’ll prove us wrong!  And be sure to stop by to each of my Survival Of The Fittest and have a drink and a laugh with my old friends.