I just rediscovered all of these unpublished photos from my latest trip to St. Maarten and couldn’t help but share them during New York City’s coldest weekend to send a little sunshine your way. Boy, I can’t wait until the return of summer. It was June. Butterflies were zooming by everywhere we turned. The orange blossoms of the Flamboyant trees covered the sidewalks. The water was absolute heaven on earth. The French/Dutch culture gave this island a flare that just oozed chic. I had an incredible time shooting here, meeting it’s people, and becoming one with it’s surroundings. Since Hurricane Irma hit it’s shores, it’s hard to believe that so much of it has been blown away. It may be a while until the island can get back on it’s feet. Though the island has gone through a lot of disaster and sadness in these past few months, there is still so much hope. I believe St. Maarten will come back stronger and more beautiful than ever. For now, all I have are my memories and some of the most beautiful images to grace the blog. I can’t wait to visit again.

Karen Walker sunglasses

Bondi Born Australia one-piece

Bondi Born Australi two-piece

Lack of Color hat

Katya Dobryakova tiger top

Rebecca Taylor orange dress

Claudia Li white top

7 For All Mankind flare jeans

Magali Pascal nude slip dress

Jennifer Zeuner earrings

The post BEAUTY AND HOPE | ST. MAARTEN first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

It felt very Old Hollywood glam at the La Samanna Hotel in St. Maarten. It’s beautiful veranda and pool, perched perfectly on the side of the cliff. It’s a place I would only read about in novels. I whipped out my most ruffled and metallic dress for the afternoon…both it and my sweat glistening in the island sun, as I was lulled by the waves.

All I felt like doing was sit back and let the fans cool me down before a dip in the water. The hotel felt like out of an old Woody Allen movie. It sparkled. What I love about the summers in St. Maarten is that the island is a lot more relaxed and a lot less crowded. It feels secluded. It’s during the holidays and Christmas that the island is packed with returning visitors and new ones. La Samanna felt so classically elegant, a mix of old culture and new. The moment you drive into the exclusive driveway, through the luxurious rot iron gates, you’re immediately greeted by rows of St. Maarten’s national flower, the Lantana, blossoming from the trees with butterflies buzzing about in and out of your car windows. How is that for a grand entrance? This is an alternate universe I could certainly revisit again and again. I spent a little too much time by the pool and in the ocean and sipping on fresh strawberry banana smoothies in between. It’s what you come to an island to do…simply fall in love with mother nature’s wonders all over again. This summer has felt a lot like a mix of romance and understated glamour, two of my favorite things. I’m already planning my next summer, but how can you top this? Simple elegance on an island, not so far from home.

Rebecca Taylor blue dress

Lack of Color hat

X Nihilio handbag 

Humo Blanco sandals

Kore swim bikini

Zimmermann headband

Miu Miu sunglasses (similar on sale!) 

The post UNDERSTATED GLAMOUR | ST MAARTEN first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.