Category: Reviews

It’s been a while since I’ve visited one of LeLooUlf’s Second Life settings, so was intrigued to learn that at some time between my last visit to her half-region setting (back at the end of 2023) and now, she had established a new setting on the mainland continent of Heterocera LeLoo’s World Mainland.  However, in catching it via the Destination Guide, I decided I had to hop over and take a look.

LeLoo’s settings have always been themed affairs, mostly changing with the seasons, and this also the case with LeLoo’s World Mainland; the themes sat the time of my visit being those of outdoor theatre and gentle relaxation in a summertime setting.

This setting is a little deceptive when first arriving, seemingly quite small and self-contained garden with a roughly north-south orientation, the outdoor theatre mentioned above sitting at the southern end of the garden.

However, the location in fact straddles two regions, the gardens being in one, and a lake and gardens sitting below it in the neighbouring region. Signs close to the Landing Point indicate both and provide basic directions to help new arrivals to chose which way they want to go.

As one would expect, the garden is packed with detail, presenting a place to wander and relax within.  Immediately adjacent to the Landing Point is a glass-roofed cabin or shack offering something of a writer’s retreat, whilst the main paths are marked by hewn slices of a tree trunk forming “stepping stones” over the grass.

Of these paths, one runs back to one of two  roadside entrances to the garden, the second points the way to the path down to the lake and the third towards the theatre. As it does so, the latter runs past steps leading up to a trailer-mounted greenhouse forming another little retreat, whilst just off the path leading to the roadside there is a charming little setting for artists, complete with easel-mounted paintings and an arbour to sit within if on your own, or cushions on which to stretch out either on your own or with a friend.

The theatre carries the interesting name of the Grassy Knoll Theatre. This is not any form of historical reference, but is simply due to the fact the theatre sits on a grassy knoll, sharing the space with a semi-circle of assorted seating for the audience. A smaller knoll sits close by, crowned by umbrella trees which a group of little costumed devils have chosen as their playground – presumably their squeals and shouts of excitement don’t interrupt performances!

Bounded by brick walls to either side, and passing through a narrow neck of stubby plateaus before gently opening itself open to the waters of the region beyond, the lake at LeLoo’s World Mainland is something of a secluded setting without actually feeling closed-in.

Located in the neighbouring region of Laothoe, the lake is is reached via a switchback path and steps running down from the gardens, and it is an absolute charm. Koi swim along its length; a bridge suspended by balloons spans the narrow gap between the two little plateaus; dolphins and orcas frolic in the outer waters; floats and boats offer places to sit on the water and shaded chairs and benches offer drier setting on the land.

Swans patrol the outer extent of the lake as it joins with the region’s waters, and they are in turn watched by troop of cast frogs having a little fun on the rocks. Rich in plant growth and easy to wander, the lake and its banks make a worthwhile visit in its own right as much as a part of a visit to the setting as a whole.

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed with LeLoo’s settings is her attention to detail and the inclusion of touches that both add a further sense of place to a setting whilst also offering opportunities for photography and / or giving slight twist to things.

Take, for example, the little water trough and its three water spouts located alongside the path leading down to the lake. Overgrown with flowers, it can be so easily missed; however, its presence and state give the gardens life in the suggestion that things here need constant tending – as does any garden – and that if things are left unchecked, such as the free growth of flowers, then things can in places get out of hand.

Similarly, up in the garden, the smattering of Curious Shrooms, with their waving “heads” and willingness to jump and down give the setting a little twist of fantasy – as does the giant snail keeping an eye on the theatre.

All of which can be taken to mean that LeLoo’s World Mainland makes for a delight visit.

Slurl Details

• LeLoo’s World Mainland (Gunda, rated Moderate)
• The Lake at LeLoo’s World Mainland (Laothoe, rated Moderate)

I first visited Astoria, a Homestead region held by Eromara Vita and Dots (Dotties Stoop), in December 2024 (see: Astoria’s wintertime in Second Life), and had intended to make a return view a lot sooner. However, things have been what they were, so to speak, and so May 2026 marks my first opportunity to make good on that hope of a revisit; and it turns out that being able to do so now is rather serendipitous for me, as the region had, for spring 2026, been redressed as a most pleasant Zen environment – oriental themes for region designs being a favourite for me.

Step into a sanctuary of stillness, where nature and serenity meet. Whether you seek meditation, a yoga session, or a moment of silence away from the noise of daily life, this tranquil space offers the perfect escape. Come as you are. Leave renewed.

– Astoria’a About Land description

In this iteration, the region stands as a series of six small islands, each of which features Alex Bader’s excellent Zen Garden building kit (a personal favourite of mine) as the foundation for their overall look. Arranged in a rough circle, the islands are in turn surrounded by an off-region range of rugged, forested hills which enfold them in a gentle hold, cutting them off from the rest of the world somewhat and adding to their sense of tranquillity.

Separated by deep, clear waters, five of the six islands are connected one to another by a mix of bridges and stepping stones, allowing visitors to move between them without getting wet. However, the sixth is somewhat separated from the others in that no stepping stones or bridge runs across to it.

This separation appears to be by intent rather than any oversight in providing either a bridge or stepping stones, as it stands as a venue for music events (the next being May 15th and featuring Bsukmet – click the information board on the island for a direct Landmark). Given this use, the island is also a little different in appearance to the others, being formed as a stage, with a dancefloor of stones floating before it on the water for dancing.

The Landing Point for the region is located on the tallest of the six islands. This is topped by a small teahouse offering views out over the other islands. A short gravel path with seating links the teahouse with steps leading down to the water’s edge. Here, stepping stone branch out from the island to provide the means to get to two more of the islands.

One of these island is home to a shrine which has suffered some external damage. However, Buddha still sits serenely inside while a statue of Bishamonten (a Japanese form of the Indian god Vaisravana) outside, keeping his proper place and guarding Buddha. A short bridge connects the shine island with a small, flat island topped by a gravel circle with a place to sit and a bamboo fountain.

Buddha is also to be found on the other island which can be reached via the stepping stones from the Landing Point. Here, he resides outdoors in the lee of a tall rock. A pillow is placed before him for those wishing to meditate with him, while a yoga mat on the other side of the rock offers the opportunity for exercise. The entire island takes the form of a small Zen garden looped by gravel paths with water features and places to sit.

A long span of a bridge allows the Zen garden walk to continue on the last of the larger island in the group. This is again low-lying and offers places to sit and contemplate, the peace only broken by the slow clunk of another bamboo fountain as its arm fills with water before dropping to deposit the water into another little stream.

As well as the islands and their walks, the waters here also present points of interest for photographers: lanterns float on the water under a bridge and among lilies; a small dragon fountain sits on a rock rising from the waters, whilst a large water dragon appears to be keeping an eye on the Landing Point and teahouse. The gardens also have lots of little touches to bring them to life without every breaking from their sense of serenity.

In all, another engaging and pleasant design from Dots and Ero.

SLurl Details

• Astoria (Ironia, rated Moderate)

It’s been nigh-on three years since I last dropped into Missing Melody, the always eye-catching Full region held by Bambi (NorahBrent), with its regularly changing settings. As such, I felt it was high time for I reacquainted myself with the region to see what Spring and Summer 2026 have brought forth.

What is a Missing Melody? It’s that song in your head that you can’t get out but not sure how it really goes. It’s that temptation you want to have in your life so you can fight to resist. It’s that place in your heart that is always waiting.

– Missing Melody About Land / Destination Guide description

For this iteration, the region presents a small island lying to its eastern side and with an east-west orientation. In fact, such was the body of water within the region’s boundaries, I did wonder if Bambi had taken a dive underwater to present an aquatic garden or similar. But this is not the case; the island is presented on its own as a place ideal for photography and scene-setting.

On arrival, the Landing Point one is surrounded by the sound of bees going about their business among the flowers growing tall on either side of the footpath running through the Landing Point. Following the orientation of the island, this path is also lined on one side by a line of powerline poles, although these now seem to serve as a means of draping hanging plants along the side of the path to add a further touch of overhead colour.

The eastern end of the path provides access to a small teahouse formed from a converted greenhouse. Noticeboards at the gateway provide information on The Nature Collective and an opportunity to join the local Missing Melody group for rezzing rights which can be used for photography props. The teahouse itself is a cosy little setting, a small semi-wild garden growing outside and plenty of little treats to be found inside.

The teahouse and Landing Point lie on something of a grassy, shoulder on a hill which continues to rise to the south. Heavily wooded, the hill, together with the trees on the north side of the path, serves to give a sense of seclusion to the treehouse.

The ground on three sides of these uplands drops away sharply to the waters below. However, at the western end of the path, the land slopes away more gently, dropping down past white dry stone walls to where Sakura tress mark the path down to a coastal stretch of lowlands rich in flowers and where someone has established a little artistic retreat.

Close by this little retreat stands a small cabin on the edge of a little southern inlet.  It has the look and feel of a single-room accommodation – perhaps where the artist rests when not painting, and a couple of small rowing boats (one in somewhat better condition than the other!) sit on the waters of the little inlet, watched over by the local deer.

Overall, this is a very modest design when compared to past iterations of Missing Melody – but that is not to say it is without merit. It is as picturesque as past designs, and finished in a rich soundscape that is not overbearing. As noted, opportunities for photography await discovery and the tea house and cabin offer quiet retreats for those looking for somewhere to simply pass the time.

As always, Missing Melody makes for a gentle, unhurried and pleasing visit.

SLurl Details

• Missing Melody (Missing Melody, rated General)

As I continue to try to get back into the swing of blogging – health things are finally showing improvement on a more solid footing – I dived into the Destination Guide to see what was new and / or interesting. And thus I came across Varna in Bloom, a setting created by AmyElle Atheria.

Varna in Bloom is a blooming fantasy destination where flowers and stories grow side by side. Books are woven throughout the landscape alongside flowering paths, hidden portals, and details that reward the curious explorer. It sits at the edge of a story: beautiful, a little dreamlike, and worth getting lost in. Popular with photographers, couples, and anyone who has ever wanted to fall into a good book.

– Varna in Bloom Destination Guide entry

I’ve no idea if the setting has in some way been inspired by Bulgarian city of Varna and its locale as it sits on the Black Sea coast. On the one hand, there are references to Bulgaria and Varna in the setting’s About Land description and within AmyElle’s Profile; however, whether this is in reference to the actual place or the setting in SL, I’ve no idea. Certainly, the majority of the setting appears to be drawn more from the imagination than being offered as a direct homage to a physical world location, so I’ll put that thought to one side.

Covering slightly less than the full 65,000+ sq metres of a region, Varna in Bloom sits within a Full Mainland region towards the western end of Corsica, and at an altitude of 1466 metres. A Landing Point is enforced (so no TP hoping around!) and sits towards the northern edge of the setting.

As the Destination Guide indicates, this a setting designed for relaxation, photography, spending time with others (or someone special) – and which contains some secrets of its own. Given this, the setting is unsurprisingly largely rural in design, and while paths do lead away from the Landing Point, visitors are left to their own devices as to where they wander.

Sitting within the glades and meadows and along the coastline of the setting are numerous points of interest – vignettes, as I like to call them – where visitors might like to tarry. These carry within them various motifs or themes as it were – notably those of books and on reading – whilst remaining varied and independent of one another.

One of these vignettes sits a little to the south of the Landing Pont and emphasises Varna’s over-arching themes of restfulness, harmony and reading. Guarded by two large mushrooms, it presents a place to sit back and relax with the crescent Moon, pull out a book or cuddle with a loved one and simply be.

Further afield, visitors might also come across a little garden space offering a homage to Alice and her Adventures, complete with an Alice-like little figure dressed as the Queen of Hearts at the gate (an interesting combination!) and reference to that famous tea party within the garden together with other references to the stories, watched over by a more familiar take on Alice.

The setting is not entirely without buildings. To the south there is a large cloister-like structure built around three sides of a rain-soaked stone square – the rain falling as heavy inside the covered walkways as outside of them. Away to the north and sitting with its back to an off-shore island and lighthouse, sits an open-sided wood-built pavilion where couples might dance (touch the statue for dance poseballs).

The above are not the only structures to be found, but by virtue of their size, they are the most prominent. Elsewhere to be found are tree houses, a VW camper van and even half a subway train car tidily converted into a haven from the rest of the world. As well as these, there are plenty of other spots where visitors and couples can sit and pass the time, both on land and on the various waters within and around the setting.

As to the “secrets” contained within Varna, these take the form of Experienced-based teleport portals (labelled by hovertext to aide in their discovery) leading to further skybox-style locations or islands floating overhead. You will have to accept the Experience when encountering one of the portals for the very first time, thereafter all teleports are automatic. Each of these destinations offers a bookish theme (one carrying you from a garden featuring Alice et al, to a room focused in part on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel The Secret Garden (I’ll not mention the little Tolkien references also waiting to be found here and there!).

Whether you are seeking a place to explore, a place to spend time with a loved one, a place to photograph or simply somewhere you can wander and catch your breath, Varna in Bloom could well be the destination you’re looking for. So why not pay it a visit?

Slurl Details

• Varna in Bloom (Phersom, rated Moderate)