Summer Escapism With Yolo Journal

We look to Yolanda Edwards, founder of YOLO Journal & previous creative director at Condé Nast Traveler, for a slice of summer escapism. 
Yolanda Edwards Founder of YOLO Journal
 
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOLO JOURNAL?
We are all inundated with so many travel images, but we see them small, on our phones. I wanted to create a platform for photographers whose work I love—where their images could breathe and not be cluttered with too much copy or design. Having been a photo editor for many years, and then a creative director—I have been lucky to be surrounded by immensely talented people, and when I decided to start my own travel magazine, I reached out to them, and they were happy to be a part of it. On the other  side, I knew that so many people have become disappointed with the direction of many magazines (too many ads, too busy, too many cruises), and I wanted to create something that felt more timeless, like a book—where the images would take you somewhere and make you dream. 

 

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE LATEST ISSUE?

The cover of the latest issue was shot by my friend Dewey Nicks in the Mauritius. He was there for several weeks shooting a book project with Alicia Rountree who grew up there, so he had a lot of interesting access, and we get to see a real insider view of the island. One of my favourite stories came from the photographer Sophia Massarella, who went to Provence to meet with the founder of Domaine Tempier, and documented her bouillabaisse. All of the stories have a very personal connection—and locations range from the Dominican Republic to Bhutan to Sils Maria. 

Editorial cover for YOLO Journal

 

YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A SUMMER ESCAPE?

This is a very hard question! But I have to say that the Pellicano is probably my first stop…and then Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa in Ischia! The Pellicano is my absolute favorite place for a summer escape. It’s just far enough from everything that I don’t get tempted to leave the property, so I truly decompress. Days seem to last forever—from long leisurely breakfasts, to the seaside, which we never leave until sundown—ordering club sandwiches and spritzes to our loungers. The evenings are warm, filled with the scent of jasmine, the sound of laughter and the piano man, and dining al fresco.  

 

Beautiful view at Hotel Pellicano, Italy

(Image credit: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa.)

THE LAST PLACE YOU TRAVELLED TO ON VACATION?

In early March my husband and I went to the Grenadines, to a private island called Petit St Vincent, with the most glorious water and beaches you’ve ever seen. Then we headed to Barbados, where we stayed at Cobbler’s Cove, which is probably the chicest property I’ve been to outside of the Pellicano. In fact, I was calling it Pelli West. I feel so grateful to have had this trip, because a week later we went into our home and haven’t left since. 

 

A DESTINATION YOU'RE DREAMING OF GETTING BACK TO?

I can’t wait to get back to Greece—we go to Patmos every year with a group of friends—it’s our favourite tradition.  

 

TOP 3 BEACH READS?
Dirty secret about me…I am not a big reader. As a kid, I didn’t have a TV, so I read voraciously. I’m very guilty of spending all my time on Instagram. I know, I know, not good!  But I always do bring books with me, and occasionally, I finish them! Latest books I read that feel good for the beach: My Family and Other Animals by Gerard Durrell, Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands is great for beach conversation since it isn’t really a “read”, and The Fine Art of Italian Hand Gestures by Bruno Munari is another non-read book—which is perfect for lounger discussion, or aperitivo. 

Cliff view of a beautiful seaside town in Greece

(Image credit: Hotel Il Pellicano)