Sep 23

Sep 23 EUROPE ~ WITH AIMEE OLIVER

For those lucky enough to be counting down to their upcoming European summer adventure, we have interviewed Aimee Oliver, gorgeous earth mama of three and designer of upcoming children's and ladies clothing label, House of Paloma, about her trip to Greece, Croatia, France, Italy's Amalfi Coast, Spain and Paris, with her hubby Ryan and bebes Sol, four, and three-year-old Zsa Zsa. Their baby Maasai is now eight months old. Here's what she had to share with us.

We were living vicariously through your feed during your European adventure. Can you tell us a little bit about where you went?

It was quite the adventure! Our trip started with a lot of 'pinch me is this place real moments' in Santorini Greece, we then flew - on some VERY small planes! - up to the unimaginably stunning Ionian Islands of Kefalonia and Paxos then off to Athens where we celebrated Sol's third birthday. Next was the beautiful Amalfi Coast for two weeks; we took boats between Positano, Sorrento and Capri (my fave of the three), we then had the honour of attending our dear friend's wedding on the amazing island of Hvar in Croatia which was held in an abandoned 14th century monastery, might I add! After a couple of days in Split we flew to one of my favourite cities in the world Paris where we celebrated Ryan's birthday - lucky him - and then took the kids on the train from Paris to Nice, my second favourite city in Fance. And finally, we drove along the French Riviera to Barcelona, Spain, and finished off our trip with us all eating our weight in tapas.

Can you share a special moment you shared with your tribe on the trip?

Our entire trip was magic, just the privilege alone of sharing two whole months in Europe with Ryan and the kids was incredibly special. To see Sol and Zsa Zsa having the time of their lives, making new friends, evolving, experiencing new places, new food, embracing cuddles and conversations with complete strangers, being totally fearless in this big world and all with so much excitement is something I will cherish forever.

We spent a few weeks in Croatia a few years ago but it was before kids. It is spectacular. How was it visiting with kids?

Croatia was incredible! A huge highlight was spending a week on the breathtakingly beautiful island of Hvar with all of our friends from LA for a wedding; the excitement of all getting together in such a glorious location made it so magical. Most of our days were spent perched up on rocks jumping in and out of the turquoise water - it was divine!!! Some would consider it "not kid friendly" but our little mountain goats thoroughly enjoyed the local terrain! The island certainly has a party vibe to it so I would recommend anyone visiting with young children to stay five minutes out of Hvar harbour itself. There was a resort called Amfora Grand Beach Resort that looked like a great place to stay on the island with kids. Just out of Split, KrKa waterfalls was nothing short of spectacular! We hired a car, packed a picnic and drove out to the waterfalls. I would absolutely recommend to all especially those traveling with kids; we took a trip on a beautiful big wooden boat up the river to the waterfalls and I can still remember Sol's little face when we jumped on. He was in little man heaven!

You also visited Italy. Describe an average day on the Amalfi Coast for your family?

Amalfi was so beautiful; all of it! In Positano, we would begin our day with a late breakfast out on the terrace adorned in hydrangeas and over flowing Bougainvilleas, then it was down 507 steps to Fornillo Beach, this is the smaller beach of Positano but by far our favourite one especially if you are not a fan of the crowds! It also has Pupettos Beach Club right on the beach which comes in handy when you are craving that Caprese Salad! Then up 507 steps to lunch, gelato and usually a rest for all. Our evenings were spent strolling around letting the kids play by the seaside maybe a late swim before dinner and always a gelato or two on the walk home.