We’ve asked our friends at Bird and Knoll, makers of beautiful cashmere-blend scarves inspired by travel, to share their favourite i-escape destinations, along with some stylish tips on what to pack. Plus, we’re giving you the chance to WIN one of their luxurious scarves – a fail-safe accessory for any trip.

Bali

Macayla: Bali is one of my favourite destinations and the inspiration behind our Bali | Festival Fever scarf. It holds a special place in my heart and no trip is the same. I find the culture so intriguing, the people so warm and welcoming, the food so delicious, and the beaches so beautiful and relaxing…

Bambu Indah

I like to think of myself as a savvy traveller with an environmental bent, so extraordinary eco-chic retreat Bambu Indah is top of my wishlist of places to stay on the island. It’s made up of 13 beautifully restored Javanese houses with muslin-draped four-posters and unique touches – a glass floor suspended over a fish-filled pond in one (Undang), a handmade copper bathtub in another (Afrika). They’re set in a rice-field garden on the edge of the Ayung river and once belonged to a Javanese nobleman before being rebuilt by Canadian jewellery designer John Hardy and his wife Cynthia.

All in all, Bambu Indah sounds utterly magical – an awakening to all the senses in a setting that truly embraces the scenery, fresh produce and cultural insights that Bali has to offer.

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Packing essentials for a Bali escape…

– A Bird and Knoll scarf to use as a kimono or sarong – and great for wrapping over your shoulders when visiting temples or in the cool of the evening.
– A floaty dress for romantic dinners; something from Zimmerman would fit the bill.
– A versatile tote. My favourite is the State of Escape ‘Escape’ bag – perfect for day trips and the beach.

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4Provence

Natalie: Provence seems to bring out the best in poets, painters and photographers alike, and its patchwork of lavender, poppy and sunflower fields inspired the vivid images of Van Gogh and Cézanne. We also found inspiration there, and the idea for our Provence | La Poste scarf came from the simplest of things – a beautifully antiqued marble letterbox in a Provençal village that had a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’!

Hotel Particulier

One of our favourite places to stay is Hotel Particulier. It’s on the doorstep of Arles’ myriad attractions, but you may not want to leave the grounds: it’s easy to while away the day soaking up the effortlessly glamourous décor, strolling through the garden, swimming in the sun-soaked pool, or reading a book in the Moroccan-accented courtyard whilst scooping fresh raspberry jam onto delicate little pastries.

Hotel Particulier

 Packing essentials for Provence include…

– A Bird and Knoll Provence | La Poste scarf – the final edit to any outfit.
– A Bassike cotton jersey dress that can take you from day to night with a simple change from strappy sandals to heels.
– A good book!

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Thailand

Macayla: The sublime aqua waters of Thailand’s bays provide relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Lie back in a long-tail boat as it ferries you out to secret beaches where softly lapping waves will tickle your toes and ease your worries away. It’s somewhere I could visit a million times over without ever getting bored.

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I would love to stay at The Sarojin when I’m next in Thailand. Situated on a secluded beach on Khao Lak and surrounded by rainforest, it’s the kind of place you would visit to celebrate a special occasion. With spacious 5-star rooms, drool-worthy food and an ‘imagineer’ to make your dreams come true, it really does sound like somewhere a wanderlust traveller should experience at least once in their lifetime. You even get little luxuries such as bath rims the perfect size for champagne glasses and a deli-bar in each room!

The Sarojin  

Packing essentials for Thailand…

– A good hat. I adore my Red Lippy Panama hat in classic navy or apricot.
– A Bird and Knoll Thailand | Long Tail Lounging scarf to use as a cover-up for the beach or pool, a wrap over your shoulders, or a headscarf for long-tail adventures (watch how to style your Bird and Knoll here).
– Your favourite pair of denim shorts – great with a white singlet and sandals for the daytime, or heels and a shirt for the evening.

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The meeting of a fashion mind and a creative eye, Bird and Knoll was founded by Macayla Chapman and Natalie Knoll in 2013. Each of their luxurious oversized cashmere-blend scarves is printed with their artistic photographic vignettes of an iconic and exotic destination – a narrative of the modern woman’s contemporary lifestyle and travel aspirations.

 

Competition time!

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We are giving away the 3 beautiful Bird and Knoll oversized cashmere blend scarves featured in this blog, valued at £152 each. For your chance to win one simply follow the steps below:

– Follow @birdandknoll and @iescape on Twitter OR
– Follow @birdandknoll and @iescapehotels on Instagram
– Tell us where you would travel with your scarf using the hashtag #iescapewithbirdandknoll

The 3 lucky winners will be announced on 22 May, 29 May and 5 June on Twitter or Instagram.

Congratulations to:

Katie Smith who won the Bali scarf (22 May) and will be taking it on her Thai honeymoon.
Lynne Headley who’d love to wear the Provence scarf (29 May) on a relaxing break to the Maldives
Sangeeta who will take her Thailand scarf (5 June) on a tour of the ancient ruins and beaches of Greece.

Terms and conditions:
• To enter the competition, follow @birdandknoll and @iescape on Twitter or @birdandknoll and @iescapehotels on Instagram and tell us where you would travel with your scarf using the hashtag #iescapewithbirdandknoll
• Opening and closing dates of the competition are 15 May – 4 June 2015.
• Three separate winners will each win one Bird and Knoll luxury scarf.
• The winners will be notified on Twitter/Instagram on 22 May, 29 May and 5 June 2015.
• Competition is not open to i-escape or Bird and Knoll employees.
• Competition is open only to those aged 18 and over.
• No purchase is necessary to enter.
• There will be no cash or alternative prize available.
• i-escape and Bird and Knoll reserve the right to amend or withdraw the competition without notice due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control.