"Riding around on bikes through the lush jungle, playing in the warm turquoise water with Bodhi, eating endless chocolate from the chocolate room and partying with other guests and kids on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean! It was truly the most magical holiday we have ever experienced. I'm still in disbelief at the beauty!" recalls Australian actor Teresa Palmer of her recent holiday to Soneva Fushi in the Maldives...
We caught up with the LA-based beauty to find out more about her unforgettable family adventure… Holding image: Julie Adams | Makeup: Elsa Morgan | Go to www.sonevafushi.com
What are your summer fashion essentials?
Flowy rompers and off-the-shoulder dresses. The more colourful the better! My favourite designers are Topshop, Zimmermann, H&M and Amuse. I’m also a fan of great vintage finds.
What are your holiday beauty essentials?
Artistry Signature Solutions (I use it for hydration, lifting and firming); and organic Jojoba Oil (any trusted brand) for moisturising, for my hair and for taking off makeup!
What kind of things did you do together as a family at Sonvea Fushi?
Isaac learnt how to ride his bike in the jungle, Bodhi overcame his fear of the ocean by swimming in the warm water with me all day. All of us took a trip to a small private island and went snorkelling, taking a bunch of underwater photos and the kids hung out at The Den for the best kinds of kids adventures available!
What are your tips for travelling with kids?
Water and tons of it, dehydrated kids make grumpy travellers! A fully stocked iPad with educational games, an activity book with crayons, a Pillow Pet for crashing out, spare change of clothes for each child, two books for each kid (we read Bodhi’s to him at “bedtime” on the plane) and lots of different kinds of snacks. I also suggest shifting bedtimes before travel to get a little closer to the destinations time zone. Oh and we also just bought a YoYo pram! It’s the best carry on stroller that folds up and fits into the overhead. We got the skateboard attachment for Bodhi too, which makes travelling through an airport a lot easier.
How do you tackle long-haul flights with kids?
PATIENCE ha! Also all rules surrounding TV and iPad go out the window! We limit the kids TV/iPad usage dramatically at home so that on the flight, it’s so exciting for them to be able to have as many shows/iPad time as they want. We always agree on a bedtime on the flight and the kids adhere to that. With the baby, we bring the carrier on board and he will sleep in that. Being super prepared is always the key (see what to bring list above!)
How would you sum up the last year of motherhood for you?
Adventure filled, life-changing, fulfilling and BUSY. I’m constantly learning from my experiences.