If you follow me or any sort of similar blogger/influencer on Instagram (pssst follow me here) you'll already know about Obonjan. In fact you probably got a bit sick of it last month as we all pranced around the island looking all relaxed and boho. Problem is, I don't think this is an issue that'll go away in years to come. Forget Ibiza, forget Mykonos, this place is going to be the next "it" destination.

Other reviews have had a mixed opinion, and in truth mine will be no different. This year was Obonjan's opening launch after five years redevelopment and planning. There were some issues, mainly around service and food supplies - but if that was year 1, the years to come really are going to be quite special...

We arrived in Obonjan after a flight to Split, a taxi transfer over to Sibernik (which I've just learned has a super cool new boutique hotel called The Admiral Zaton in which I'm so annoyed I didn't know about as I'd love to have spent more time there) where we waited for about an hour for our boat to the island.  We had read Monica's post here and got the sense it might be an idea to take a few supplies over, so the time in town was perfect to stock up on snacks, water and a few beers. 

Our boat transfer was only about 30 minutes and very exciting, perhaps a little too much as it was so windy and therefore pretty bumpy. I first visited Croatia last year and fell in love with it, Gus had been before too on Yacht Week carnage a sailing holiday and we both itching to get out to sea. 

To give you an idea of a day there, we'd wake up and make our way over to one of the two breakfast places; either a buffet style - not my favourite - place by the pool, or a slightly more avo-and-eggs spot by the port. Food was really good, when they had it. Delivery of supplies was clearly an issue and I'm sure will be fine next year... We'd then sit by the pool and have a swim for a few hours, most likely with an Aperol.

Afternoons were for napping, more sunbathing by the beach and once the temperature came down, a little yoga. We'd then pop over to one of the bars and have some drinks with new found friends, or swim whilst the sun goes down. After dinner (really good grub, same supply issue, but very good all the same) we'd head over to either the amphitheatre or the forest bar to set into some music, or go back to our tents and muck around playing Cards Against Humanity or watch back to back Narcos episodes... You really can choose how much you want to do, we had lazy day and crazy days...

Overall what an incredible experience. I'll be back next year for sure. We loved going as a couple as we're pretty sociable and as much as we love each other's company by about day 3 we kind of want some time to ourselves, so this was perfect. For that reason it would be great to go with a bunch of people too, or even stop off there whilst doing a sailing trip (you'd have to check you can moor up, but I can't see that being an issue). See you there.

If you follow me on Instagram (here) you'll know I've been lucky enough to travel quite a bit this year, in fact we're currently exploring a festival island off the coast of Croatia, Obonjan. This post goes back to our Amalfi Coast road trip earlier in the summer and to a rather special hotel, Monastero Santa Rosa.

I've been saving up this post as our visit really was a bit special. We'd planned to head straight to Capri after Atrani, but having heard rumours of a 17th century monastery with an infinity pool to rival any other in the world we thought we couldn't not give it a go. That said, driving there takes some guts. We had planned to get a classic car to do the trip in but my God am I pleased we didn't - for this part of the world you want a standard, small rental car and pay the extra insurance premium. The twists, turns and mental state of some of the Italian drivers is quite something...

So we arrived, comically bedraggled after several sharp turns, wrong turns and inevitable domestic disputes along the way. As the hotel is built into the rock face, from the entrance way you don't really get that much of a sense of the wonder that lies beyond the wall. And then you see it... The view.

The inside to the hotel consists or amazing low ceilinged tunnels between rooms which were really cool to walk around, but outside really is where it's at. For a start the view above is what you get from the pool. You just don't get that anywhere else in the world, do you? The infinity pool is what dreams are made of - I didn't think I could out do one I went to in Colombia, but in comparison that one was a B&Q paddling pool... The little dot in the pool in this picture is the boy. Amazing.

Even the gym is tempting, coming from the worlds most prolific gym avoider that's quite a statement. It's outside too and overlooks the same view. I spent a good hour going around gardens too which are very special. The sun beds are all positioned to be very private, hidden behind branches and bushes in the gardens. You really do feel like you've got the place all to yourself, even though the hotel is pretty much booked out a year in advance...

Before I forget, my outfit. I was wearing a steal of a Topshop buy. Every summer when the sales start I zoom into the store and clean up with their boho style vests. I've just bought this one and this one too - so cheap it would be rude not to. My shorts are also from Topshop - the mom jean shorts. I get the "Tall" ones as they've got a bit more length in the leg (the regular ones are very short, shorts). I live in them all summer, I'm actually in them right now as I type and have just bought the black pair, here.

My shoes are from Tods. One of the best investments I've ever made. When I got them I was half ecstatic, half worried I looked like a toff. But to be honest if there is one thing posh people get right it's driving shoes. They're brilliant on holidays and nothing looks better with skinny jeans and a white shirt, or a fitted sweater at the weekend (although the pearls can go f*ck themselves, never happening). Get your own here, and check out The OutNet as they often have past season reduced ones here.

I don't know how I can best stress to you to get yourselves to this hotel. Yes it's expensive, but to be fair so it bl**dy well should be. It's one of the most impressive places I've ever been to in my entire life. Aside from the view and the venue itself, the staff were exceptional (we realised we were very close to missing our ferry to Capri and they could not have helped us more) and the food was really good. Go on, treat yourself and book it, here. You won't regret it.

It's amazing when you find the perfect little white dress, it's even better when your friend made it. In summer things like this form the basis of every single one of my outfits. You can throw it on, put some flats with it for daytime or some heels for evening and you're done. You can also keep it handy in your beach bag for putting on during lunch, or to pop to get ice cream, or for post-beach drinks. 

It's from Pampelone which you've more than likely already seen on Instagram as lots of us bloggers have been making any excuse to wear it. My lovely friend Holly set up the brand having seem a gap for premium quality, reasonably priced beachwear. She's completely nailed it and less than two years on she's stocked all over the world, included Very Exclusive.

Sizing wise, I'm a pretty standard 10 (with a bum, so sometimes a 12 in places like Topshop were they almost fine you for not being a model) and I take a size small in all things Pampelone. Considering they're all quite oversize I always feel really slim in my dresses, Holly has got the fit completely bang on. I can't recommend them enough, check out the whole range here.

After the picture we drove up to Palermo, took the overnight ferry and headed to Amalfi for the best holiday of my life. I'm itching to get away again now, it seems like too long ago...