26th October 2010

So as you all know I love the beach. I basically started SunnyLIFE with the intention of getting to spend more time on the beach doing ‘research’ rather than spending hours in an office everyday.

I’m always looking for interesting holiday destinations that others have experienced. Where have you been on holidays lately that I don’t know about? Get back to me with any holiday guides you can think of. It’s time for me to get away and do some research for next year.

These are some of the interesting places people have been telling me about:

St Jean Cap Ferrat Villa Cote d’Azur France an exceptional property directly on the waters edge in one of the most sought after areas of the Cote d’Azur. The estate comprises the main villa, an apartment, a cottage and guest quarters. The stunning landscaped gardens include a small olive grove and orchard, manicured lawns, lavender beds, a 15 x 7 metre swimming pool, tennis court and private access directly onto the beach. Not bad!

Samaya Seminyak and Ubud Bali, the word “Samaya” is in Sanskrit, a word which refers to the inner sanctum of well being, a reflection of peace and tranquility where one finds refuge, a message conveying “I am with You”. Now with two amazing locations in Bali - Seminyak and Ubud: The Samaya Bali gives you the opportunity to enjoy a beach location and or tropical river location. And they are close to some fantastic night spots and beaches.

Closer to home the Byron at Byron is set within a stunning 45 acre rainforest, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa provides an atmosphere of lush tranquillity and the opportunity to completely relax and rejuvenate. Located only five minutes south of Byron Bay, the resort allows visitors to enjoy restaurants, shopping and vibrant atmosphere of this beachside township and then retire to a setting of peace and luxury.

Can’t wait to hear about some more.

Enjoy,

Joel

On a recent trip to Italy, I stayed at the Marè Resort/Hotel Benessere Ristorante Trani, as I think I have mentioned before the converted Palazzo has just 13 rooms all with  stylish detail. It was one of the unique places I have ever stayed, the people were charming and the Marè is the ideal place for your a holiday in one of the most trendy regions of the moment.

Some History about the Marè the Palzzo Telesio is it was built in 1761 by the Antonacci family. Palazzo Antonacci Telesio looks over the most magnificent white and bright Piazza Quercia and is very close to the sea. The entrance and first floor hosts the Dukes Telesio di Toritto and the second floor holds the 13 rooms and the Mare Resort Spa and terrace.

It’s a must see if you are holidaying in Italy. I hope to get back there as soon as I can.

Have a Sunny weekend!

Joel

October 1st 2010

Our retailer profile this week takes us up the coast to beautiful Byron Bay, where the people are relaxed, the weather is sensational and the beaches are covered in SunnyLIFE umbrellas, chairs and beach towels. As you know I was there earlier in the year and had a fantastic break.

The Byron Bay Greenhouse located on Fletcher street in the center of town has been evolving for over 10 years, and has since become one of the leading home wares and gift idea stores in Australia. Owner Melissa Graigner sources products from all over the world and stocks loads of beach ‘must haves’

We sat down with Melissa to talk about her summer ahead.

Describe to us what the Greenhouse is all about?

It’s really about a relaxed shopping experience, as a lot of our customers are on holidays they can spend hours wondering around the store taking in all the interesting products we display. We also have an online store so we can send your items home for you, saving you the stress of having to take them home yourself.

How long have you been stocking SunnyLIFE for?

Hmm I think around 5 years? Is that correct? We have been stocking SunnyLIFE for awhile now, and its a best seller at this time of year. Everyone walking past on their way to main beach will pick up some paddles, a beach sounds or an umbrella.

What is your favorite SunnyLIFE item this season?

I’d have to say the Noosa umbrella and beach towel- I just love the design, its so eye catching and would look fantastic on the beach with the pass (one of Byron’s famous beaches) as the backdrop.

Who is the Greenhouse Customer, what are they looking for?

The Greenhouse customer is everyone. Some people are looking to redecorate, some are looking for that perfect gift and others see something they just can’t live without. As we have a price point for everyone it’s accessible to most people.

We hear your opening a new store on the Gold Coast?

YES! We will be opening a new store on the Gold Coast on the 4th of October. We will now be located at the Ferry road markets in Southport. We are so excited!

What’s the best time of year to visit Byron Bay?

Anytime! It’s beautiful rain, hail or shine. Pop past when your in town and say hello.

I thought now would be a good time to share the SunnyLIFE story with you… I’m always interested in the origins of a brand – so hopefully some of you are interested in ours… Over a few posts, I’ll tell you about our humble origins.

It all started at a train station in Barcelona, Spain. I had headed there to meet my best friend (and the creator of the SunnyLIFE brand identity and this website design), Gina for 3 days at the height of summer. Instead of doing something cultural (Gaudi, Sagrada Familia – anyone?), we  chose to indulge in one of our favourite shared activities – a visit to the beach… It became apparent that many Catalans had the same idea as us and as we looked around at our fellow beach-goers, Gina asked “why are beach umbrellas so ugly?” As the day rolled on, I asked myself that question, not just about umbrellas but about all beach accessories.

Over the following days, as I continued to NYC & poolside in LA, the question continued to resonate and the seeds of SunnyLIFE were sown. As a keen-observer of human nature (aka people watcher) – I was struck by the realization that the sunshine is such a simple and effective unifier. Literally anyone can take pleasure from time spent in the sunshine – I believe commonality effects tolerance – and the sun is something that we all share.

I returned to Melbourne and found myself daydreaming about beaches and the way we spend time outdoors. Almost from the beginning, the word “sunny” had been on my mind. A simple word that has only positive connotations – my conceptualization centered around the mood and the word. A brand was conceived.