Fall in Love at Laluna Resort & Spa in Grenada (Plus a Bonus Freebie!)

When my boyfriend, Neal and I decided to take a trip to Grenada earlier this season, everyone whom we told thought we were going to Spain.  Commonly confused with the Spanish coastal town Grenada (Gre-NAH-dah), the Grenada (Gre-NAY-dah) on our radar is a Caribbean island located at the southern tip of the Grenadines. 

Nicknamed the Spice Island, Grenada had me at hello with it’s lush landscape, unbelievably friendly locals and crystal clear waters.  But what really made our vacation so dreamy was where we staid: the luxurious Laluna Resort and Spa.  A favorite amongst the fashion set - Laluna is the stuff of dreams…

Greeted upon arrival with what would be the first of many rum cocktails, Neal and I perched at the thatched roof bar in our travel clothes – ready to relax.  It didn’t take long for a perma-grin to settle onto my face as I surveyed the surroundings that would be our home for the next 3 days…

Semi-private bungalows stagger themselves upward into the mountain from the main house, which sits directly on the ocean.  Each cottage suite features a spacious deck and personal plunge pool, perfect for stargazing or just listening to the waves lapping at the shore below.  Open-air bathrooms allow you to take in the breathtaking view - even while showering.  The entire compound feels rustic and tropical, while offering the finest of every creature comfort; including the hands-down BEST massage I have ever had from the Balinese spa located just down the footpath.   Still holding on to a few threads of tension from life back in the city – we signed up for an hour of yoga in the outdoor pagoda overlooking the endless turquoise sea.  The result?  Pure bliss.

After a couple of days of extreme relaxation, Neal and I were ready to explore.  Our taxi driver cum tour guide, Lennox, took us on a jungle hike - pointing out the islands unique plants and wildlife along levitra volume pills the way.  We met several precocious monkeys and played with “Donkey’s Eye” (a seed which heat up when rubbed on stone) before Lennox led us to the pièce de résistance: a secret waterfall dubbed “Honeymoon Falls” for it’s heart-shaped pool.

To unwind from our adventure, Neal and I headed back to Laluna for a private sunset dinner on the beach.  Bernardo, who owns the resort with his wife Wendy, is Italian – which explains the menu at the delicious waterfront restaurant. 

As a tense city girl, I cannot say enough about the peace of mind I discovered during my stay at Laluna.  My only complaint is that our stay was too short.  I’m dying to return for a dive at Grenada’s famous Underwater Sculpture Park, and more seafood feasts at Oprah’s (and now our) favorite, BB’s Crabback.  For fellow fashionphiles looking for an escape from skinny jeans and stilettos – Laluna is everything you could hope for and more.  In fact, they have a history of catering to the well heeled… Some of fashion’s biggest names, including KATE MOSS, MICHAEL KORS and HEIDI KLUM have each tanned their fit physiques at Laluna.  And that’s not all — Laluna’s  colorful backdrop has been used in numerous photo shoots for SAKS FIFTH AVE and NEIMAN MARCUS as well as SPORTS ILLUSTRATED who shot their notorious Swimsuit Issue at Laluna.

So if you’re still planning your summer getaway, or looking for a chic escape at any time of year; look no further than Laluna Resort and Spa in Grenada.  And if you just can’t get enough of Laluna – they’re currently building 7 luxury villas on the property, which are now available for purchase. 

*BONUS* 

Natty Style readers receive a FREE Balinese head massage per person with any reservation!!  Simply enter “NattyStyle” under the “Additional Comments” section upon booking.

 

Bon Voyage! 

xx

Natty

Fall in Love at Laluna Resort & Spa in Grenada (Plus a Bonus Freebie!)

When my boyfriend, Neal and I decided to take a trip to Grenada earlier this season, everyone whom we told thought we were going to Spain.  Commonly confused with the Spanish coastal town Grenada (Gre-NAH-dah), the Grenada (Gre-NAY-dah) on our radar is a Caribbean island located at the southern tip of the Grenadines. 

Nicknamed the Spice Island, Grenada had me at hello with it’s lush landscape, unbelievably friendly locals and crystal clear waters.  But what really made our vacation so dreamy was where we staid: the luxurious Laluna Resort and Spa.  A favorite amongst the fashion set - Laluna is the stuff of dreams…

Greeted upon arrival with what would be the first of many rum cocktails, Neal and I perched at the thatched roof bar in our travel clothes – ready to relax.  It didn’t take long for a perma-grin to settle onto my face as I surveyed the surroundings that would be our home for the next 3 days…

Semi-private bungalows stagger themselves upward into the mountain from the main house, which sits directly on the ocean.  Each cottage suite features a spacious deck and personal plunge pool, perfect for stargazing or just listening to the waves lapping at the shore below.  Open-air bathrooms allow you to take in the breathtaking view - even while showering.  The entire compound feels rustic and tropical, while offering the finest of every creature comfort; including the hands-down BEST massage I have ever had from the Balinese spa located just down the footpath.   Still holding on to a few threads of tension from life back in the city – we signed up for an hour of yoga in the outdoor pagoda overlooking the endless turquoise sea.  The result?  Pure bliss.

After a couple of days of extreme relaxation, Neal and I were ready to explore.  Our taxi driver cum tour guide, Lennox, took us on a jungle hike - pointing out the islands unique plants and wildlife along levitra volume pills the way.  We met several precocious monkeys and played with “Donkey’s Eye” (a seed which heat up when rubbed on stone) before Lennox led us to the pièce de résistance: a secret waterfall dubbed “Honeymoon Falls” for it’s heart-shaped pool.

To unwind from our adventure, Neal and I headed back to Laluna for a private sunset dinner on the beach.  Bernardo, who owns the resort with his wife Wendy, is Italian – which explains the menu at the delicious waterfront restaurant. 

As a tense city girl, I cannot say enough about the peace of mind I discovered during my stay at Laluna.  My only complaint is that our stay was too short.  I’m dying to return for a dive at Grenada’s famous Underwater Sculpture Park, and more seafood feasts at Oprah’s (and now our) favorite, BB’s Crabback.  For fellow fashionphiles looking for an escape from skinny jeans and stilettos – Laluna is everything you could hope for and more.  In fact, they have a history of catering to the well heeled… Some of fashion’s biggest names, including KATE MOSS, MICHAEL KORS and HEIDI KLUM have each tanned their fit physiques at Laluna.  And that’s not all — Laluna’s  colorful backdrop has been used in numerous photo shoots for SAKS FIFTH AVE and NEIMAN MARCUS as well as SPORTS ILLUSTRATED who shot their notorious Swimsuit Issue at Laluna.

So if you’re still planning your summer getaway, or looking for a chic escape at any time of year; look no further than Laluna Resort and Spa in Grenada.  And if you just can’t get enough of Laluna – they’re currently building 7 luxury villas on the property, which are now available for purchase. 

*BONUS* 

Natty Style readers receive a FREE Balinese head massage per person with any reservation!!  Simply enter “NattyStyle” under the “Additional Comments” section upon booking.

 

Bon Voyage! 

xx

Natty

[Natty News] 2011 SAG Awards Best Dressed

With the Screen Actors Guild Awards being granted to the winners by a jury of their peers; the superlative title of “Best Dressed” seems particularly appropriate.  Last night, the recurring trend on the red carpet was BELTS of all shapes and sizes, which showed up on the whittled waists of Mila Kunis, Jennifer Lawrence, Diana Agron, Claire Danes and Lea Michele among others.  Bold color also showed strong again, as did one of springs big trends - head to toe white.  

AMY ADAMS

HERVE LEROUX

A modern take on Grecian Glamour

LEA MICHELE

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

The loose curls in her hair continue this soft and feminine look 

NATALIE PORTMAN

AZZARO

Because sometimes it’s as clear as Generic Cialis black and white…

HILARY SWANK

VERSACE

I’m a sucker for nude, and this Versace number is pleated and cinched to perfection, highlighting Hilary’s  flawless figure

JANUARY JONES

CAROLINA HERRERA

A romantic departure from January’s bold Versace look at the Golden Globes, this dress feels rich and luxurious

JULIANNA MARGULIES

YVES SAINT LAURENT

Simple and elegant, the bold color of this YSL gown stand in perfect contrast with Julianna’s dark hair and minimal accessories

MILA KUNIS

ALEXANDER McQUEEN

Lee McQueen would have been proud…

SOFIA VERGARA

ROBERTO CAVALLI

While the excess of cleavage is a bit much for my taste, the uber saturated cobalt blue and expert tailoring earn this Cavalli creation a spot on the list.

Dr. Mir's 6 Tips on How Say Bye-Bye to Dry!

Dr. Mir's 6 Tips on How Say Bye-Bye to Dry!

Winter is great for many reasons: chunky sweaters and fur, cashmere and cuddling… But what it’s not great for, is skin.  Come January, if your face and scalp are starting to resemble the falling snow outside, it doesn’t matter how cute you look in your earmuffs - you’re not happy.  But cheer up because Natty Style teamed up with cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Tabasum Mir, to bring you some winter tips on face-ing the winter season.

[A Natty Nugget] Staying Healthy in the Heat

So it’s 103 degrees outside and you can barely bring yourself to lace up your gladiator sandals - let alone put on sneakers and go for a run. In the face of summer’s BBQs and burger cook-offs, what can a girl do to avoid a swimsuit spoiling pot belly and thunder thighs??  To find out, I consulted my friend and nutrition expert, Megan Zimak:

Megan’s Tips for staying slim yet social this summer:

-Always eat a light but filling snack before heading out to your event—this will help prevent any unnecessary bingeing at BBQ—it’s never cool to be the girl hanging out at the food table all day!

-Chips & salsa are a light and satisfying snack when consumed in moderation—just watch out for the guacamole & “taco dips” as they pack a serious caloric punch!

-If it’s a burger you’re craving, consider choosing it without the bun (& go easy on the ketchup—its loaded with refined sugar), or selecting a veggie burger or grilled chicken when available.  Hot dogs are never a good choice, as they are highly processed & chock-full of dangerous nitrates.

-If salads, crudite, grilled veggies or fresh fruit is available, don’t be afraid to load up!  These foods are rich in antioxidants, low in sugar/fat, high in fiber & especially cooling on hot summer days.  A general rule is to fill up ¾ of your plate with fruits/veggies—most likely you won’t be as hungry for that pasta & potato salad as you thought.

-Try to avoid any “salads” mixed with mayonnaise & always go easy on the dairy (watch out for cheese plates—-cheese is highly addictive & contains about 70% saturated fat).

-If a Mexican fiesta is the theme of evening, some simple suggestions include: choose tacos over fajitas or quesadillas (fajitas are cooked in tons of oil & quesadillas are packed with fatty cheese), opt for your burrito without rice, go easy on the sour cream & guac (choose fresh salsa instead) and always select the “seafood” or vegetarian option if available (ie/ shrimp tacos or veggie burrito).

-As for cocktails, the obvious choices are light beer, white wine spritzers or a glass of champagne (though that can go down a little too easy in some cases!).

Megan Zimak
Holistic Health & Lifestyle Consultant 
M: 917.476.3966

Thanks Megan!  Readers - if it’s a mixed drink or “specialty cocktail” that you’re craving, check back later this week for one of Megan’s signature summer recipes.

-NATTY

[Natty News] A Royal Loss

Fashion week is always full of shocking news, though it usually centers around groundbreaking collections or fashion faux-pas.  Yesterday however, the fashion world was rocked by news of a much more grave nature.  Lee McQueen, founder and designer of Alexander McQueen and secondary line, McQ, was found dead in his London home.  At age 40, Lee hanged himself: one week after his mothers death, 2 years after his best friends suicide, one month before his own birthday, days before London Fashion Week, and the night before his McQ gratis online blackjack presentation in New York Fashion Week.  Anna Wintour had this to say:

“He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing — from street style, to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.”

Needless to say, the fashion industry now mourns the loss of one of the most talented and innovative designers of our time.  But his unique creations will forever maintain his memory… -Natty