Hair | HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Hahei Steven and Mimi Kelly
SUMMER IS A TIME TO KICK BACK AND RELAX. WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? When summer arrives here in New Zealand… why would you go anywhere else? Our family has a bach in Hahei, Coromandel, and with Cathedral Cove just around the corner, I honestly doubt that you could find a more beautiful spot.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THAT SUMMER BREAK? The salon is closed for two weeks; that means we all get to be with our family. Steven and I have two young girls. We will go away for a few days together, and then it’s Hahei with my dad, brother, our two nephews - and the dogs. A holiday is all about being together.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Our favourite holiday so far was a month in New York City. It was ages ago now but was incredible.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT HOLIDAY? When you can be present and 100 percent in the moment. Tie up as many loose ends as possible before you go away so you have a clear headspace and enjoy yourself.
BEST READ ON HOLIDAY? Steven reads the Liverpool football blogs as it's the middle of the season for his beloved team. And I read the books I have requested from Santa that year. We don’t have gossip magazines in the salon but I love a good NW or People to read at the beach, and then I get everyone involved in solving the crossword.
We plan every getaway with Nico in mind; he is our boy and family member, it's not the same without him. If were going off shore and just can’t take him with us, we ask a good friend to house-sit, and then we can relax and not miss him so much.
WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS PACK?
FAVOURITE WAY TO RELAX?
Togs, hat, jandals, loose and comfy clothes. No belts and no high heels.
Morning beach walks on Hahei beach with our Shiba Inu Nico and dad's chocolate Labrador, Daisy, and meeting all the other owners and dogs. I see my favourite pooches that show up every year. Steven and I try to steal a couple of hours away together when the girls are busy with their cousins. We head to the beach and relax as a couple, and that's amazing.
Dads BBQ breakfasts, which sets us up for the day. Lunch at Colenso Cafe in Whenuakite; we order chicken liver pate and summer berry pavlova and eat under the orange trees. And then feed and pat their two donkeys. Then I always have to buy a little something from the giftware shop.
TRAVELLING CAN BE FRAUGHT, ANY STRESSFUL MOMENTS? Flying to Dunedin to visit Stevens parents, pregnant with Sadie, and Nina our first daughter was 18-months-old, and we took the dog Nico too. We arrive at the airport laden down with suitcases, presents, porta cot, car seat, buggy and a stressed-out dog in a crate. We had laughed before we cried, stating this is what Brad and Angelina's life must be like. Never again.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST INSIDER TIP WHEN HOLIDAYING WITH PETS? If you're not flying, then take them with you.
WHAT ‘S ALWAYS ON THE MENU?
FAVOURITE SUMMER TIPPLE? Hendricks gin and tonic with cucumber slices. It's so refreshing, and Steven likes the Craft Beer from the Coromandel Brewing Company.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE DESTINATION? A long time ago as an engagement present to ourselves (we have now been married for 14 years), we took a road trip, with a tent around the South Island. The trip was incredible and an exceptional sunset in Hokitika is one of my most beautiful memories.
PHOTOGRAPHY Shutterstock and supplied
from Killer Hair in Auckland For the Killer hair team, heading to the Coromandel for summer is both relaxing and time to catch up with special family members. Mimi Kelly shares the best-kept secret on New Zeland's east coast.
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10/12/16 12:28 PM