Wanderlust 108

London-bound and looking for a feelgood weekend to finish off your festival season? Find your Zen in the city next weekend when the largest yoga lifestyle event in the world, Wanderlust, comes back into town. On September 15th, some of the biggest names in yoga and mindfulness will descend on London’s Battersea Park to put your mind and body to rights, with talks, music, good food and plenty of yoga.

The main event is the mindful triathlon – a 5k run (or walk, no judgment), 90-min DJ-powered yoga set led by yoga guru and Adidas ambassador Adriene Mischler, followed thankfully by a 30-minute zen-out meditation set from Micheal James Wong. They say that the power of a yoga class multiplies when you practice with others – so imagine how incredible it will standing like warriors and meditating together with 4,000 other yogis? 

Elsewhere expect everything from mandala painting, healthy cooking demos and mindful pottery, to talks ranging from how to bring yoga into your everyday to inspirational seminars with motivational monks. And of course there will be more different kinds of yoga classes than you can shake a downward dog at – think aerial yoga, yoga wheels, yogic sleep, yoga for runners – you get the picture. 

But don’t worry, even if a fitness isn’t your thing, you can chill out, order a picnic and enjoy the silent disco and speakeasy instead. All in all, a feelgood factor is guaranteed.

So what are you waiting for?!

Book your tickets here

The post Find your Zen in the city next weekend appeared first on Beach Tomato.

As a brand that champions the glory of salty days spent on coasts across the globe, we want to do our part to continue raising awareness of the devastating effect of plastic waste on our beautiful oceans. We’re boycotting straws, saying no to single-use cutlery, using our branded coffee cups and avoiding plastic bags wherever we can. Our office is passionate and committed to recycling anything we can, and we’re keeping an eye out for products with microbeads, which can be found in face-scrubs, toothpaste and body washes.

None of this is sexy, but it is part of the reality we’ve all created, and it matters. We want to spread the word and shine a light on the brands who are taking action to create change; the brands that you can favour to help make waves in this huge issue of our time.

Fashion | Adidas

One of the best known for its ongoing collaboration with environmental body Parley for the Oceans, Adidas aims to find ways to turn plastic waste from the ocean into high-tech sportswear.

Home | Method

Home cleaning products that not only smell really amazing (think Rhubarb or Lavender), but that also use smartclean technology® with naturally derived 98% biodegradable ingredients that are planet-friendly. The company also has an initiative to help clear plastic from beaches in Hawaii.

Tech | Dell

As one of the biggest tech companies on the globe, Dell are leading with innovation by processing plastics found on beaches and using them as a part of their new packaging system.

Beauty | Crème de la Mer

This cult product came from a love of the ocean, and Crème de la Mer continues to celebrate its heritage with its limited edition of Crème de la Mer Blue Heart each year, where all profits support ocean conservation projects..

Fashion | Stella McCartney

Renowned for her ethical approach to fashion, Stella McCartney has committed to swap woven or recycled polyester for ocean plastics in all of her product designs.

Lifestyle | Plastic Whale Furniture

An enduring use of recycled ocean plastics, we’re loving Plastic Whale Furniture. The Dutch company are taking plastic waste from the canals of Amsterdam to create tables and chairs. Plus, they vow to buy back used furniture once it’s been worn out.

World Oceans Day is on 8^th June, but there are 364 others where we can do our bit too…

“At least 8 millions tonnes of plastic leak into the ocean each year, which is equivalent to dumping the contents of one garbage truck into the ocean every minute. If no action is taken the ocean is expected to contain more plastics than fish by 2050.” Ellen Macarthur Foundation

The post For the love of the ocean appeared first on Beach Tomato.

Sporting ladies listen up, if you’re looking for an inspiring role model then look no further than Aruba’s windsurfing champ Sarah-Quita. She’s trailblazed her way through a male-dominated sport to become the Queen of Freestyle, winning the world championships no less than 14 times. The final in our ‘Interviews to Inspire’ series from Aruba, here’s how Sarah-Quita turned life on the beach into an inspiring journey and career.

How did you get into windsurfing journey?

I started windsurfing when I was about 9 years old. My parents just made my brother and I practice as many sports as possible. I was young and couldn’t lift the sail so I didn’t really take to windsurfing that well. Until a year later I saw my brother competing at the Aruba hi winds. The atmosphere at the beach with so many international people was amazing. After that I decided to give it another try. My mom entered me for the next contest in Bonaire. We travelled there with a big group of kids, and to this day that was still one of the best trips ever staying in a house together and sharing sessions on the water. I have been hooked on windsurfing ever since.

Did you ever think you’d become a world champion?

There wasn’t a moment where I said I wanted to become a world champion. What I do remember is, watching the professionals competing in Bonaire for the first time, and telling myself that I wanted to do the same. I just wanted to train hard so I could perform as well as they did. I was really young when I started the tour and I just loved the fact that I was travelling to far away places and sailing with the best in the world. And I think to this day, that’s still my motivation. Travelling with the best in the world and just improving as much as I can.

How has Aruba inspired you?

Aruba is windy practically all year long and the water is shallow which makes it easy to get on and off the board. It is the place to be to learn how to windsurf. Later on, when I started travelling I think that my upbringing in Aruba has helped me a lot to do well abroad. Aruba is a melting pot of cultures and growing up on the island we speak three languages, Dutch, English and Papiamento, then you also get Spanish and French in high school. We’re very used to visitors so we all grow up being quite open and welcoming to other people. I think this has helped me to enjoy travelling as I adapt quickly and can appreciate different cultures.

Any fond moments?

We’re all so connected and distracted lately. Windsurfing forces you to be in the moment. The moment you’re not concentrating and adapting to the conditions you’ll find yourself catapulting into the water. It’s a difficult sport, but the satisfaction of performing a new trick that you have been practicing for a while is like no other. It gives me an adrenaline rush that keeps me coming back for more.

How does it feel to represent Aruba and women in sport on the world stage?

Well like any other Aruban, I’m quite patriotic. I just love showing and proving that as an island we have a lot to offer even on the world stage.

We’re all so connected and distracted lately. Windsurfing forces you to be in the moment

Your career highlight?

There have been a couple of highlights. But I think winning my first wave contest in Maui back in 2016 was definitely a highlight. Besides that I’m pretty excited about the movie I made together with Julian Robinet. We travelled for 8 months and put together a nice movie showing my life as a female windsurfer travelling the world. Can you imagine a Caribbean girl paddling through icebergs in Iceland !? ( Hard to believe, but true!) Check it out on vimeo: Cabeibusha, the curly gem.

Your greatest challenge?

I’m working on it at the moment. I have been putting my focus on wave sailing. Aruba doesn’t provide too many waves during the year, so I didn’t grow up with it and am still intimidated by big waves. So that is quite challenging. But I have been dedicating my travels to places like Australia and cape town, and I hope to slowly get better and better at wave riding.

How does Aruba standout as a great destination for an active lifestyle?

Well it’s always summertime in Aruba so it encourages outdoor activities. We’re surrounded by gorgeous Caribbean water which makes it super appealing for watersports. But there’s a ton of other things you can do like, mountain biking (I know right!? I did a trail the other day which was too cool!) horseback riding, hiking on the east coast, cave exploring. You name it!

Any favourite windsurfing spots in Aruba?

Fishermen’s huts is a great spot to learn how to windsurf. Besides that, my favourite spot is called Barcadera. The wind is a bit stronger and the conditions are more challenging which allows you to go for bigger jumps.

Your favourite way to relax?

I think I really like getting lost on you tube searching for new music. Swimming, or just floating underwater is pretty relaxing. What? No Yoga? No. I don’t do yoga.

Any advice for women who want to become a world sporting champion too?

Well, I think it’s important to find the right people around you to help you reach your goals. You can go further together. And I think it’s important to enjoy the process and not only focus on the end goal.

You get to travel the world to compete, but what does it feel like when you finally come back to Aruba?

Yes travelling is great, but when I come back to Aruba I can finally completely unwind. My family is in Aruba and everything is so easy going on the island. I especially notice the moment you walk out of the airport and feel the breeze caressing your face. That’s Dushi Aruba welcoming you!

Follow Sarah-Quita on Insta @cabeibusha or check out her website sarah-quita.com for more.

The post Interviews to Inspire: Sarah-Quita Offringa appeared first on Beach Tomato.

The next of our inspiring interviews from people who made the life changing decision to move to Aruba is chef Marc Giesbers who helms the kitchen of Elements, the first restaurant in Aruba to offer vegan and vegetarian menus. Marc started his career as a pot washer in the mid eighties, and worked his way up to Michelin star restaurants. He arrived in Aruba in 2000 for a life beside the beach and never looked back…

Did you always want to be a chef?

Yes. I always wanted to become a chef.  It’s maybe a cliché, but since I was a young kid I have liked very much to assist my grandmother in her kitchen. A young chef was in the making…

Do people in Aruba have a love for food?

Like Papiamento (our native language), the cuisine of Aruba is representative of diverse cultures. Locals for sure have a love for food. They like a real Aruban BBQ, preparing an Indonesian meal, or to eat the fresh catch served at several eateries. One of the challenges in healthy eating is that we are a little island, and we need to purchase a lot of fresh products abroad. But actually, the good thing about the high prices is that more and more locals are going back to their roots and growing or purchasing locally sourced products like cucumbers, pumpkins, peanuts.

How does Aruba inspire you in the kitchen?

The mix of cultures reflects back in the dishes. The zest and tangy flavours from Spain, Portugal and Latin America. The Dutch brought the exotica from Indonesia, as well as their hearty robust cooking. This cultural melting pot brings enough inspiration for me to create new dishes that combine the styles.

Does Aruba have any amazing superfoods?

Yes it does. Of course, there are quite a few ingredients that Arubans grown locally and which have great nutritional properties. The main ones are “concomber di mondi” (cucumis anguria), calbas largo (similar to zucchini) , bonchi largo (long green beans), peanuts, cashew fruit, among others.

more and more locals are going back to their roots and growing or purchasing locally sourced products

Any current foodie trends?

Currently vegan, gluten free and organic eating are the main foodie trends.

Can you eat well in Aruba?

Absolutely, Aruba locals and visitors are more and more aware of the impact their food choices have on the health and well-being of their bodies and the planet. Recently more restaurants are adding vegan options to their menu, which are not only fully plant-based, but also healthy and minimally processed. Our restaurant was one of the first to offer a Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free menu.

Does that mean sacrificing flavour?

No! I think there are enough alternatives using other ingredients to make a delicious “healthy dish”. If you focus on healthy cuisine you discover so many possibilities. The sky is the limit.

What are your plans for your menu at Elements?

Eating well and avoiding food waste! Guests often remarked in the past that our food portions were too large which generated significant food waste. Therefore, we introduced perfectly sized healthy portions with nutritious protein servings completed wholesome carbohydrates and fresh vegetables. Elements’ dining experience is now an extension of the resort’s commitment to a sense of total wellness for our guests and on reducing waste.

Do you have any favourite dishes you like to cook?

Recently I created an excellent lionfish ceviche. Lionfish are beautiful, elegant, vibrant, graceful and unique ….. but the lionfish which is native to the South Pacific are an invasive threat to the reefs of Aruba. Lionfish have no natural predators and have multiplied formidably. But once stripped of its venomous spines, cleaned, and filleted like any other fish, the lionfish becomes delectable seafood fare and rich in Omega 3.

If you focus on healthy cuisine you discover so many possibilities. The sky is the limit.

Any other must-try dishes in Aruba?

Most foodies are interested in visiting local restaurants where they can appreciate the authentic Aruban flavors. Elements restaurant at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is located on one of the “dream beaches” of the world. We have fresh ingredients including sustainable fish and seafood, organic harvest and locally grown produce. Also we have the largest Gluten Free & Vegan menu dishes on Aruba. And of course don’t miss my lion fish ceviche!

What is your favourite part about living and cooking in Aruba?

Living in the tropics all year round, what else could you wish for…..

When you’re not cooking, what do you like to do in Aruba to relax?

Family time. I like to spend time with my lovely wife and son, go for a swim, a nice BBQ or go out for dinner – like me, my son likes good food.

Don’t miss Marc’s sustainable and delicious Lionfish ceviche on your next trip to Aruba…

The post Interviews to Inspire: Chef Marc Giesbers appeared first on Beach Tomato.

Have you ever dreamed of making a life-changing move to give up city life and live on a beautiful beach somewhere? Us too.

But it takes courage to jump onto a plane and into a new life. That’s why we’re catching up with the people who have already taken the plunge to make a life-altering change, to sunshine-filled Aruba – a place strewn with to-die-for beaches and azure seas that we all dream of spending out our days on.

First in our Aruba ‘Interviews to Inspire’ is yoga instructor Corinne Voermans. In 2013, she left her full on fitness-guru life in the Netherlands to start a makeshift yoga studio on Aruba’s gorgeous Palm Beach. When there wasn’t even a yoga scene in Aruba yet. But more than her spirituality and yogi lifestyle, at the heart of it, like in any big change, it’s Corinne’s courage and open mind that keep her life in Aruba flourishing. Read on to hear her story:

Why Aruba?

Aruba does something to you (in a positive sense)! In 2002 my husband and I decided to take an 8-month sabbatical and spend this time on Aruba with our 14-month-old daughter. After 8 months I felt more balanced, mentally, physically and spiritually…and I was crying in the airplane not wanting to go back to my hectic life in Holland. It took 4 more years and several holidays to Aruba to finally come to the decision to permanently settle down here. In 2006 we emigrated from Holland to Aruba. Personally, Aruba gives me a feeling of ‘freedom’ and ‘peace’ which I no longer experienced in my homeland.

Did you find it hard to make the move?

The first 3 months of our stay I had trouble adjusting to the island life because I felt there was little more to do then go to the beach. In the Netherlands I was always on the go, driving from one health club to another to teach classes (Aerobics, Step Reebok, Bootcamps, Yoga & Pilates) so after a while I offered to teach classes for some of the major resorts. This made a huge change because I felt that I could be productive and also enjoy the laid-back atmosphere when not working.

What makes Aruba a unique place in your eyes?

The tranquillity I experience here is beyond words. From my desk I see and hear the birds, feel the wind and my dogs (I have 4) can run around free. Every day I am grateful that I can work from my home, meet the locals and visitors from around the globe who sign up for yoga classes…. and if I want to go to the beach, it’s only a 10 min walk.

Aruba gives me a feeling of ‘freedom’ and ‘peace’ which I no longer experienced in my homeland.

What is the wellness scene like in Aruba?

The wellness scene has exploded over the last 12 years. In 2006 there were only a very few places where you could work on mental, physical & spiritual wellbeing, but now in 2018 it’s a booming business. Happy Buddha Aruba holds events and workshops, like our Vegan Nights, where we introduce people to yoga and the benefits of a plant-based diet by supplying vegan food samples and recipes. We make an effort to build a more conscious community based on the yoga principles.

How did it feel to open your own yoga studio?

When my husband (now ex-husband) and I got divorced and sold our business in Aruba people asked me what I was going to do. Someone suggested that I start teaching from my house which at first didn’t appeal to me. After many requests I decided to take a chance. In 2012 I opened the doors to Happy Buddha Aruba and decided to devote my life to teaching meditation and yoga. I also included the Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga) sequence. Since this was not taught on Aruba I took a chance to introduce it. Hot Yoga in an already hot climate … To my surprise, a lot of people were curious to partake and most of them also fell in love with it. I am proud that we can offer such a diverse class schedule.

What is the best thing about living in Aruba?

Working from my home makes it so much easier to be a mom. My daughter is now 17 years old, lives with me, and I am always available for her. Very different from how I was raised with two parents who came home at 7 PM in the evening. The quality time that I get to spend with my daughter is priceless.

Is Aruba a healing place?

Aruba is a wonderful destination for wellness retreats. For those who just want to destress…daily yoga and meditation classes, swimming in our turquoise sea, sunbathing on our white beaches, doing some SUP yoga or snorkeling, taking a Sun Set Sail cruise, riding a horse or taking a tour around the island will do the trick, ?

The island is breathtaking and makes you feel like you are the victor of one self.

Do you have a favourite meditation spot on the island?

My favourite meditation spot is the top of the Hooiberg. It requires a physical effort of 565 steps up but the panoramic view of the island is breathtaking and makes you feel like you are the victor of one self.

Any tips for a holistic experience in Aruba?

Just come and experience the Bon Bini feeling yourself. Don’t just sit with a cocktail on the beach, take a walk or rent a bike….Get out there. Visit our National Park Arikok, go into the caves, rent a paddle board into the Spanish Lagoon, take a mountain bike tour! Continue to exercise while on holiday and feel good about yourself. The sun is here 365 days and it only takes 30-60 min daily to get a tan….so do something…Explore, Experience, Evolve!

Any favourite places to grab a bite?

We have, more and more restaurants including Vegetarian and Vegan options. But we also have specialised ones now like: Garden Fresch in front of Playa Linda, Eduardo’s Shack a short beach walk behind Playa Linda, Al Fresco in Bushiri and Green Food Service in Orange Plaza.

do something…Explore, Experience, Evolve!

Any advice for people looking to inspire a change in their own lives?

Come to Aruba, meet me and my teachers in the studio. We’re here to guide you on a mental, physical and spiritual level. This review I received yesterday says it all: “My solo trip to Aruba has been an unforgettable experience. I couldn’t think of a better way to begin my 30s than to tackle some difficulties I’ve held on to and have let hold me back. Only good can come from working on yourself”.

Do you think you’ll always live in Aruba?

Aruba will continue to be my home base…I still get goosebumps when I am on the airplane and see my island. So YES, for the years to come I’ll continue to live on Aruba until an offer is made which I can’t refuse. Time will tell… For now I feel my work is not done here yet.

The post Interviews to Inspire: Corinne Voermans appeared first on Beach Tomato.

Coastal chic has never gone out of fashion, but for 2018 experts are tipping a more ‘refined’ element to this feel-good, breezy aesthetic. Think trusty coastal stripes paired with novel textures, and rugged neutrals against crisp whites.

From bed linen to scented candles, recapture those beach chic vibes with our top interiors picks – millennial pink, it’s time to move over.

The Glass Lamp

Baba Glass Lamp, £120.00 | Nkuku.com

The Tassel Blanket

Super Tassel Blanket in Grey, £285.00 | BohemiaDesign.co.uk

The Unexpected Texture: Marble

Marble + Wood Chopping Board, £34.00 | WestElm.co.uk

The Beach Fragrance

Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Scented Candle, £44.00 | FeelUnique.com

The Classic Stripe

Coastal Stripe Navy Percale Bedding Set, £125 | SecretLinenStore.com

The post Interior Design Goals: Bring the Beach-Chic Home appeared first on Beach Tomato.

We live in a golden age of gym-hood. Gone are the days when gyms were just treadmills at your local leisure centre. London is just one of the cities where we’ve witnessed the rise of the designer fitness studio – gyms created to look good and make you feel good. Which is great news when you’re working on your keeping yourself fit and beach-ready.

So we were over the moon when we heard BLOK was opening around the corner from Beach HQ. Anyone who’s been to the first BLOK studio in Clapton (which doubles as an art gallery and workspace, naturally) knows that it’s worth its weight in terms of chic creds. It’s fitness-meets-art ethos and industrial-chic interiors meant you felt a little bit like a superstar. And now us city folk can rejoice and channel our inner Gigi as we box, stretch and sweat our way towards a perfectly sculpted beach bod. Hurrah!

This brand new studio, like its Clapton predecessor, makes you feel beautiful inside and out. It’s officially one of the best and chicest studios we’ve seen yet in the city. Think sleek concrete walls, hi-tech lockers, showers stocked with great products and a café dolling out power boosting smoothies and raw plant-based food in every shade and hue. There’s not a treadmill in sight – this is a classes-only temple of fitness.

Let’s talk the classes. There’s everything from barre to boxing, Animal Flow yoga and gruelling HIT, or a fusion of both. If you take your toning seriously then you’re truly spoilt for your choice of work out. This is one studio that actually makes you look forward to your work out. Go, now.

The post This London gym will actually make you want to workout appeared first on Beach Tomato.

Here at Beach Tomato, Spring stands for many things. We are suddenly within arm’s reach of longer, hotter days. Holiday season is on the horizon. Grey skies and naked tree branches begin to get some colour again. We finally see shops swapping out the last of the woollies for all things brighter and more beautiful. And in the spirit of our beautiful new website, it’s also time for that clichéd (but much-needed) “spring clean”.

As an internationally-acclaimed author of ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’, Marie Kondo has an idea or two about how to do a good spring clean. Although she would almost certainly argue that it is not limited to springtime. Clothes are the first category on her list when you begin the process, so we’ve diligently swept through our wardrobes and given them the KonMari treatment.

Here are 5 simple steps to help you do the same.

• Dedicate some time to the task: It’s not a quick job, and it requires some effort, but once we’d immersed ourselves in it we found it rather therapeutic. And rather fun.
• Imagine the ideal: picture how your life (and wardrobe) would ideally look and you’ll find the impetus to create it.
• Don’t squirrel things away: It might feel easier to store things away instead of committing them to the bin or charity shop pile, but by doing that you will never truly reap the rewards of the clear out.
• Sort by category: This applies to the full life tidy, but let’s apply it more specifically to the wardrobe. Start with underwear, then move onto tops, coats etc.
• Does it bring you joy? The famous question Marie Kondo prompts you to ask. This is a clear out system that is less about what you want to chuck out, and more about what you want to keep. Imagine the joy of a wardrobe full of things you actually LOVE.

Good luck.

The post How to Spring Clean: Marie Kondo style appeared first on Beach Tomato.

The post An Escape to Wellness appeared first on Beach Tomato.

Image – Scrumpdillyicious

A beach, a cocktail, and a stunning vista overlooking the ocean, when you’ve found the perfect beach avec bar, you’ll never want to leave. That is just fact. Luckily the BVI has a myriad of alluring watering holes peppered along its sugar-dusted shoreline. From rustic shacks bursting with charm to floating bars out in the open azure, there’s plenty to choose from for that ‘grab the sarong, I need a drink’ moment. Here’s our pick of the top beach bars in the BVI.

Bomba’s surfside shack
This beach bar is world renowned for its raucous entertainment and legendary landlord Bomba. Donned the king of the original full moon party, Bomba certainly knows a thing or two on how to get a party started. Set on a stretch of beautiful white sand located in Capoons Bay on the north shore of Tortola, this ramshackle bar was built in 1976 by Bomba’s own fair hands. The results; an eclectic, ever-changing spot perfect for swigging Bomba’s punch concoction while getting down to those Caribbean vibes.

Foxy’s Bar
At Foxy’s, on the island of Jost Van Dyke, every day is a party. Let the man himself (Foxy that is) entertain you with his calypso rhythms and tales of the BVI, as locals let you in on the islands best beaches and secret spots. Known as the barefoot island, Jost Van Dyke is home to endless stretches of beautiful white sands and crystal waters, such as great harbour beach where you can find Foxy’s friendly drinking-hole. While away the evenings sipping on sweet concoctions made with Foxy’s homemade rum or a freshly brewed beer from the bars own micro-brewery. It doesn’t get more Caribbean then this.

Soggy Dollar Bar
A legendary haunt for sailors and seafarers, to get this Jost Van Dyke institution located in the secluded White Bay, you need to jump ship and wade your way through the warm waters before traversing a cliff path that winds its way to the bar, (now you know why your dollars might get soggy). The delicious cocktails however are worth it. Make sure you try The Painkiller: a mouth-watering concoction of dark Rum, Cream of Coconut, Pineapple and Orange Juice topped off with grated Grenadian Nutmeg. We’ll raise our glasses to that

William Thornton
Floating in the Bight of Norman Island is where you’ll find the Willy T. Surrounded by the endless azure waters with awe-inspiring views of Norman Island; the bar is modelled on the trading ship from the early 20th century. So park up your yacht and hop aboard for conch fritters and spicy chicken wings as the glowing sun sets beyond the horizon.

The Sand Box
This aptly named bar is perched on the beautiful Vixen Point beach on the northern side of Virgin Gorda island. A bar that encapsulates the barefoot beach vibe, all you would want to do here is flop on the gorgeous white sands surrounded by the calm crystal clear waters. Work up an appetite snorkelling in the secluded bay then dine on locally sourced seafood and honey dip chicken washed down with delectable rum cocktails, sounds like paradise? Well, it just might be.

The post Top 5 Beach Bars in the British Virgin Islands appeared first on Beach Tomato.