dream travel – Stylishly Zen

Dream Destination – Casa Aviv by CO-LAB

Published on June 28, 2021June 27, 2021 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

It has been a really interesting almost year and a half since the world first shut down due to the pandemic. Here in Montreal, we have spent the better part of it in lockdown and with a curfew – a completely new way of life for most of us. While there have obviously been challenges there has also been opportunities for self discovery. I learned to enjoy the peacefulness of parts of my life and to lean into the slow down. The idea of rushing back into large and rowdy crowds hold little appeal to me at the moment. One thing that I am looking forward to is travelling and once I am able to do so, I plan to take a trip where I can breath, relax and enjoy my surroundings without feeling rushed or anxious…my current idea of heaven.

Until then though, I am dreaming about destinations that would fit the bill and today’s Dream Destination feature has been at the top of my list for months. Images of Casa Aviv by Co-Lab have made it’s way around social media these past few months. Surrounded by lush greenery, this minimalistic structure that leans towards austere simplicity offers both calm and privacy.

The 330 square metre home is located on the Yucatan Peninsula along the Caribbean coastline. Oriented east to west to take advantage of the prevailing winds and cross ventilation, this rental home was built with low maintanence durability in mind. I love the simple design choices such as hand polish cement covering the concrete walls and the double height ceiling in the living and dining area along with the black terrazzo flooring. My absolute favourite part of this home are the pivoting glass doors that open to create flow from the living area to small but gorgeous swimming pool and garden.

The home also has a rooftop terrace that can be enjoyed by guests. Many of the furniture and light fixtures throughout Casa Aviv were also designed and fabricated by Co-Lab. Both the styling and the colours used throughout the home help it to further connect with its natural surroundings. Love it!

What do you think of this vacation home? Would you like to experience it for yourself? Let me know in the comments below. All images via http://www.dezeen.com

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today and I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Vacation Dreaming – Kalesma

Published on September 28, 2020September 28, 2020 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Today’s Vacation Dreaming feature exemplifies the care and understanding with which K-Studio designs their projects. Located in Mykonos, Greece Kalesma is built as a village rather than a typical hotel. It is meant to grow and expand over the years while still providing an intimate hospitality to its guests.

There is something about every project that K-Studio designs that hooks me. Every project that I have seen of theirs has left me swooning and dreaming of visiting the project in person and experiencing it for myself. The time and care that they take to design projects that work within its environment really comes thru, resulting in projects that seamlessly integrate within its surroundings.

Whitewashed buildings set against the rugged landscape and inky blue sea sets the communal image. Intelligently positioned for visitors to enjoy both the sunrise views to the east along with the sunsets views to the west. These views can be enjoyed from the many wellness and social areas by guests as they relax and enjoy amenities that the hotel has to offer.

The hotel has 25 suites and 2 villas. I love that the entry offers a outride shower for guests to “de-sand” before entering their private quarters. Natural tones and textures along with an abundance of natural light gives the indoor spaces an elegant and calming vibe. The colour palette also allows the stunning views to the centre stage even while indoors.

The beautiful pergola covered bar, infinity pools and cushiony sun loungers are just some of the amenities to enjoy while visiting this gorgeous hotel. The hotel even has a traditional stone “Aloni” which historically was a circular structure used for grinding wheat into flour. It has been modified to be a relaxing platform from which guests can socialize and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine.

This hotel is a dream and demonstrates perfectly K-Studios incredible design talents. It is yet another project that I am dreaming of visiting.

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images from http://www.k-studio.gr

Vacation Dreaming – Masseria Moroseta

Published on August 24, 2020August 23, 2020 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

It’s hard to believe that we are already into August and the reality of not travelling this summer has finally sunk in. I had every intention of making the best of the situation and had planned to explore Montreal with the fresh eyes of a tourist. Unfortunately I allowed myself to be distracted and I have not had a lot of time to just relax. Lock down and quarantine have really put a few things into perspective though, and highlighted things that were previously taken for granted including the freedom to travel and explore other countries. To help to combat my sadness over the lack of travel in my life at the moment, I have started to dream about and plan trips that I would LOVE to take in the future.
Today’s Vacation Dreaming post is very special to me as it is a destination that I have been dreaming about for many years. Masseria Moroseta is a modern farmhouse in Puglia. Set on five hectares of organic olive fields, it boasts gorgeous views of the sea and the city of Ostuni.

Designed by one of my favourite designers Andrew Trotter, Masseria Moroseta design is both modern with traditional elements incorporated throughout. It seems like the perfect refuge for the weary to relax, rejuvenate and rebalance.

The rooms are minimal and clean but have a modern twist to the decor. They encourage rest and relaxation while not being overly stimulating.

The outdoor spaces throughout the property are incredible. From the chic but cozy pergola, to the gorgeous outdoor dining spaces, there is even an olive grove on the property. The olive oil from the grove is organic and is offered to guests and clients of the property and helps them to learn more about the flavours of the land, the history or the property and it’s traditional work. My absolute favourite space is the swimming pool. With the olive groove in the background the pool area looks incredible. Masseria Moroseta even offers yoga classes around the pool. I have have spent many hours dreaming of visiting Masseria Moroseta and in my dreams most of those hours have been spent at this pool.

The icing on this proverbial dream vacation is the food. The chef at Masseria Moroseta is the supremely talented Giorgia Eugenia Goggi. One glance at her Instagram (@giorgiaeugeniagoggi) showcases her great eye for gorgeous foods shots, her talent for cooking with seasonal foods and her creativity with always creating new twists on classic foods. Cooking classes are offered on site using exclusively organic and raw materials.

Masseria Moroseta is a dream destination for me, one that I hope to experience for myself in the future. From the design to the food to the many amenities it has to offer, it’s easy to see why Masseria Moroseta is the perfect place to escape to.

I hope that you have a beautiful day and stay safe! XXS

Photo credit: http://www.masseriamoroseta.it, @giorgiaeugeniagoggi, @masseriamoroseta