Paddle boarding in the Mediterranean, island hopping in Greece, and sandal shopping in Positano. Both the Dubai and International fashion set spill their holiday secrets, go to hideaways, and must-have travel tips.
Christian Louboutin
Designer
There is pleasure in planning a holiday, but realistically my life is very hectic and I often end up having to change plans, so it does tend to be last-minute. However, my last-minute go-to during the summer months is Greece, which I love in particular for its Islands, the people, and the food. Island hopping by boat suits me as I like to go with the flow, to be blown by destiny. For an authentic taste of the Islands, I would encourage people to look further than Santorini and Mykonos, the islands of Antiparos, Paros and Pano Koufonisi are quiet and unspoilt. The best, and most essential thing to pack for a holiday in Greece is the thong sandal, it is a beautiful shoe and often overlooked, its beauty is its simplicity.
Joelle Mardinian
CEO Joelle Group
I love to travel, and for me, travel is one of the most important parts of my life. One of my favourite holiday destinations is the South of France, at my house in Cote d’Azur in Cannes, near a small village where Picasso is said to have lived. I spend such a lovely time in this beautiful region with my children, just doing simple things like nature walks, baking goodies and eating ice cream on La Croisette Street, Cannes. My daughter Ella, just like me loves seafood, and because we are literally living on the French Riviera, we make sure that we eat a lot of fresh seafood in the small restaurants and cafes around.
We also pick fresh oranges from our garden and eat them for breakfast. Travel essentials that I always carry are the simple, more basic things that I need, such as a big handbag to carry things while on the go, a light cosy cardigan, comfortable shoes to walk around easily, and my Joelle Paris Good Day Cream and Love Eyes Serum.
Laura Bailey
Model
The Amalfi Coast is the place I return to again and again. Villa Tre Ville is one of my favourite hotels, and the perfect base for dolce vita-style adventures. I hike the ‘Walk of Gods’ over the hills to Praiano, and take in the magnificent coastal views, relishing lazy lunches at Lo Scoglio and Conca del Sogno, where pasta with zucchini is the local speciality. At night, my favourite place is Il Pirata, a restaurant cut into the cliffs with a fairy-lit cave for a bar. The late-night boat ride back to Positano is always a thrill.
Nicholas Kirkwood
Designer
I’m going to spend my summer holiday in South Africa, starting with a safari at the Tswalu Lodge in the Kalahari Desert. It’s supposed to be mind-blowing. I’ll follow that with a stint in Cape Town, where I want to visit the What If The World gallery, the Goodman Gallery, and Gallery MOMO. I’m hoping to find a piece to add to my own art collection.
Jelena Bin Drai
Designer
Every summer we spend 2 to 3 weeks in Ibiza and Formentera, and although people think that the Balearic Islands are a pure party place, they are actually an amazing place for families with children. We usually go swimming in the crystal-clear waters, hike, fish, play tennis and have dinners under the stars while listening to calm music. They have the best seafood, organic fruits, and vegetables, which we buy in Ibiza at the vegetable market in shops like St.Gertrudis and Can Furnet. However, when eating out, our favourite restaurant is Chuingirito and Formentera Macondo in Sant Ferran. After living in Italy in the past for a few years I am used to the best Italian food, but the pizza in Macondo is something else!
Abeer Al Otaiba
Founder and Creative Director of SemSem
Each summer we spend some time travelling around the Mediterranean. The sun, beach, and water sports are my only prerequisites for a vacation, with my all-time favourite location at Girolata in Corsica, the island of beauty. We spend a lot of time in the water doing all kinds of fun water activities, such as surfing, paddle boarding, and water skiing. We are also a family of foodies, and tend to seek out small, local restaurants, such as Conca del Sogno and Quattro Passi in Nerano with their beautiful scenery and amazing food, being two of our favourites. When it comes to packing for a trip away, I will always bring my Nike exercise clothes, as in the States kickboxing is a daily ritual for me, so I stick to my workouts while on vacation. I’ll also bring a couple of my SemSem Jamila kaftans, and Aida and Lotus dresses, blue Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, La Perla and Mikoh swimsuits, Soleil de La Mer lotion and Sisley sunscreen.
Lilian Afshar
Designer
My favourite places to stay are Marincanto hotel in Positano, or Casa Angelina in Praiano, both along the Amalfi Coast. When there, I love to Island hop and travel along the coast by boat, with a visit to the picturesque Emerald Grotto being unmissable. When it comes to dining out, my restaurant of choice is Buca di Bacco, where you can even take a cooking class to learn how to make their superb homemade pasta. Packing is kept simple for this trip, with just a Lisa Marie bikini twin set, La Mer SPF, and one of my own bag designs, the Leon crushed ice clutch, although I will always find time to get some handmade sandals from the local cobbler!
Arizona Muse
Model
I love the south of France, and a favourite area of mine is Anjuna Bay in a place called Eze. It’s a beautiful spot with an outdoor alcove restaurant that is decorated with plants and Balinese carved wooden pillars. After eating a freshly caught, beautifully grilled sea bass, and sipping on the world’s clearest rosé, I recommend jumping in the water for a swim. Divine!
Zayan Ghandour
Designer
One of my favourite holiday destinations is Japan, and it is by far a place that I would gladly visit over and over again, in a heartbeat. One of my favourite spots there is ‘Pass the Baton’ in Kyoto Gion, a mini eclectic store where you can find just about anything – from mini bonsai trees to artisanal necklaces and frilly socks! I also love visiting Shebuya 109 in Tokyo, home to a million little boutiques and brimming cult Korean and Japanese brands. For me, Japan is simply wonderful and I find myself inspired by every corner, every street and knick knack, and every person I meet there.
Roxie Nafousi
Wellness Ambassador
Last year I went to stay at the Mandarin Oriental resort in Bodrum and I absolutely adored it. The resort was beautiful, with an incredible gym and spa, and it is located right on the beach. Bodrum also has one of my favourite restaurants in the world, Nu’sret, the home of Salt Bae. Not only is the food out of this world, but each dish they bring out is filled with theatre, whether it’s an explosion of dry ice, or their waiters are hand feeding you sushi rolls! That was definitely a holiday to remember.
