On our recent adventure to Sri Lanka, we were lucky enough to spend a few nights + host a golden workshop at boho luxe hideaway The Kip. Owner Phoebe has created a true tropical home away from home for travellers seeking a laid-back atmosphere, lush surroundings and balmy nights. She shares her favourite ways to stay cool, calm + collected in the tropical temperatures.
Hi Phoebe, we would love you to tell us little about the story behind The Kip:
Seddy and I decided to start The Kip after falling in love with Sri Lanka and it’s slow rhythm of life. We came on an extended holiday here a few years back and during this time were reminded how we missed the simple things in life. On top of this, during our travels around Sri Lanka, we really noticed a gap in the accommodation market. You either had luxury accommodation or backpacker accommodation, not many options in between. So we decided to try and start something that mixed all these elements plus brought together like-minded, creative and socially conscious travellers by offering workshops and pop-ups in line with our 'slow life' ethos.
How do you find your daily source of golden balance?
Living on a beautiful tropical island such as Sri Lanka means that I am lucky enough to have access to an endless supply of Thambili's (aka King Coconuts), banana’s and sunshine - the ultimate golden gifts from mother nature (along with turmeric of course)! It also helps that all these things are available in our jungle garden too, so I have no excuses.
How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
Self care is super important to me.
Essentially, moving to Sri Lanka and starting The Kip was all about self care. The modern, corporate life was just not working for me. I was stressed out constantly and total sick of the rat race. So, Seddy and I decided to pack up and move to the most magical island we could find to follow our dream of a slower life….and we haven’t looked back! Best self-care decision we ever made.
Share with us a quote that gives you daily inspiration.
Um, one quote! This is hard as I love all quotes by Alan Watts (a British philosopher, writer, and speaker) but the below one is probably my all-time favourite; purely because when I heard it for the first time I was in Sri Lanka and it was an absolute penny drop moment. Everything became so simple and clear. It was the catalyst for me to quit my job and start living my life in line with what makes me happy at a core level (physically, mentally, ethically and emotionally)
"What do you want to do?... forget the money, because, if you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time. You’ll be doing things you don’t like doing in order to go on living, that is to go on doing things you don’t like doing, which is stupid. Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way” ~ Alan Watts ~
PS - If you haven’t listened to his speeches. You must. Check them out on youtube. Life-changing!
We know nourishment from the inside out is fundamental to you. How do you practice this every day?
I don't have a naturally strong constitute so making sure I get enough sleep is paramount. I love nothing more than a little afternoon “kip” (hence the name of our business)! Hahaha.
Also, meditation. Although I am am not practising every day at this point in time (it is a work in progress), I truly believe that when I do it gives me the ultimate nourishment from the inside out. It makes me feel clear, grounded and at peace. This, in turn, most definitely radiates outwards in both my actions and appearance.
What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
Reading, yoga, beach time but most of all playing with my dogs, Rubie & Delilah. Nothing helps me wind down more or bring a smile to my face quite like watching these two scallywags running around. They make me laugh constantly which to me is one of the best forms of relaxation.
Ingredients-wise, what are your three non-negotiables in the kitchen?
Firstly, I must preface the below by saying I am not the chef/cook in the relationship. Seddy is…BUT, I do love to eat and of course, love to give him lots of pointers in the kitchen (from afar and much to his annoyance).
- Cinnamon ~ the best natural sweetener. We are also lucky enough to have a cinnamon tree in our garden which makes things super easy!
- All things coconut ~ we love and use everything and anything derived from coconut; From coconut milk to coconut oil to coconut flakes to coconut water.
- No meat ~ Seddy and I are vegetarian for both ethical and environmental reasons so we have a strict meat-free policy in our kitchen.
Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
Absolutely. Hot chips! Seriously, you can’t keep me away from them. Seddy’s nickname for me is even ‘Chippy’! Pathetic really. I just love them soooo much.
What is your favourite way to use turmeric, be it in your beauty regime or recipes?
To be honest, before stumbling across the Wunder Workshop my use of turmeric was very ‘traditional’, in curry’s, dhal, etc.. but NOW I am totally inspired. I am having turmeric lattes, turmeric porridge and using it as an antiseptic when I get a nick or scratch on my skin! The best healing agent yet!
Coffee or turmeric latte?
Both! Up until recently, I have been a strong coffee drinker but as already mentioned I am now loving a turmeric latte of a morning. Alternating between the two is working for me perfectly! It’s all about balance right?