As winter draws to a close, there are few things more appealing than the prospect of a lengthy luxury holiday in the sun. From the Seychelles to the Maldives, Aruba to Cuba, if pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are your bag, then you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to opulent and extravagant destinations in the world.
At LLM, we make it our business to dig out the best of the best so that all you have to do is book your tickets, and we’ve got more than a few suggestions up our sleeve for your fortnight of bliss. If you’re prepared to splurge, then you can secure yourself an exclusive stilted villa in Bora Bora, French Polynesia that promises you all of the seclusion and privacy you desire – or, go one better with the Lovers Deep submarine hotel, moored off the coast of St. Lucia, which offers complete solitude from the rest of the world in an unforgettably unique accommodation style.
If you’re more of a people person, then there are plenty of gorgeous five-star hotels that will allow you to meet, greet and relax with friends, old and new in chic and stylish surroundings, too. Try the Four Seasons Resort in the Bahamas or the COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos, for the utmost in sophistication.
Wherever you’re headed, one thing is for certain – you’ll want to look your best on the beach. So, to help you pack smart this summer, we’ve rounded up some of the must-have essentials to see you through 2020 in style.
Designer Rattan Beach Bag
Every trip to the beach should be accompanied by a designer rattan beach bag to house all of those hot weather essentials. From sun cream to summer reading, you’ll never go to the beach empty handed – so opt for a classy carrier that is both practical and chic.
We love this Dolce and Gabbana Kendra Tote, which boasts a striking teal handle to make a statement contrast and is available from Net-a-Porter for £487.50
A stylish bikini
Or seven – because why stop at just one? On holiday, you’ll be spending most of your time on the beach, so it pays to have a selection of attire to choose from – and what better excuse to treat yourself to a new bikini wardrobe than this?
With a range of different styles to choose from, try a few to work out what suits you, and stick to it. High-waisted bottoms can help to elongate the legs, while ruffled tops can create added volume in the bust area.
If you’ve been working hard to get that beach-ready body, then try a skimpy bikini brasileño. Brazilian style bottoms are higher cut and feature skimpier coverage at the back – so the perfect style to rock with confidence this summer.
A pair of designer sunglasses
Nothing completes the beach look quite like the perfect pair of designer sunglasses and whether you love the drama of an oversize shape or the nostalgia of a pair of 60s style frames, there is a style for you.
Fendi’s monochrome D-Frame Polka-Dot sunglasses will make the ultimate statement this summer. Lightweight and durable, with skinny, silver-tone arms, they are made to suit any face shape, and are guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. The Poppy Octagon Frames by Chloe are another brave choice.
For 60s glamour, opt for Prada’s 56mm Cat-Eye sunglasses – or Longchamp’s Heritage Retro sunglasses for a style that suits all.
Beach cover-up
From lunchtime beach strolls to sunset cocktails at the bar, a glamorous beach cover-up is a must to see you through any summer getaway. Opt for a versatile piece that can be pulled on over your bikini, anytime, anywhere.
The Solkissed Belle Crocheted Cover-Up Dress, available from Anthropologie, is a sheer, ankle-length piece that comes in white – the perfect piece to accentuate that tan you’ll be perfecting.
For something a little more casual, the L-Spaced Crocheted Cover-Up is a co-ord set comprising crocheted shorts and a long-sleeved top that can be worn separately or alone.
If you’re heading to the tropics this summer, invest in these key pieces and you’ll navigate your entire getaway in style. There’s no need to compromise on looking good just because you’re on the beach, and these four essentials promise the perfect balance of glamour and beachside chic.
