How to Take Your First Beach Vacation Like a Fashion Editor
First tip: Book a ticket to Maui.
You know how people go to Paris and come back wearing berets? I fear that Hawaii may be my new personality.
You see, I’d never been on a beach vacation. While I’ve travelled all over the world for my job, tropical destinations are rarely — if ever — in the itinerary (after all, it’s hard to write about clothes when beach goers are barely wearing any). And in my free time, my trips have always revolved around seeing specifics things, like the new costume exhibit at The Met or Mr. Darcy’s house in 1995’s Pride & Prejudice (IYKYK).
So when the opportunity to soak up the sun, swim in the Pacific ocean and discover the Fairmont Kea Lani came about, I enthusiastically said “Ae” (that’s Hawaiian for “yes”).
Meet Annika 2.0. She’s permanently on island time. She’s living in caftans. She’s letting her hair air dry and actually remembering to put on sunscreen in the mornings, even when it’s not sunny. And she’s spending more time outside. Because the one thing you’ll quickly learn about these beach vacations is that nothing can prepare you for how breathtaking the landscape truly is.
For any beach vacay beginners out there, or folks visiting Hawaii for the first time, here’s my guide on things to do in Maui and how to have the absolute best first time on a luxe island getaway. Because once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave.
Stay somewhere that will make all your exes jealous
From the moment you enter the lobby until the time you re-pack your suitcase, the Fairmont Kea Lani gives a whole new meaning to paradise. Three pools? Check. Unlimited access to the ocean? Of course. Gorgeous interiors and photo ops around every corner? You betcha. But the true pièce de résistance is the Signature Ocean View Suite, a spectacular 860-square-foot sanctuary with an 180º view of the water. Trust me, no sunset hits quite as hard as one seen from a penthouse.
Pack less than you think you’ll need
Repeat after me: Don’t bring complicated cover-ups! The weird tan lines are not worth it and honestly, it’s not even the look; everyone on the island is very chill, and that includes their fashion choices. As such, pack more swimsuits but less real clothes than you think you need. A matching linen set or dress can be your designated vacation outfit. Breezy separates can also work for walks around the resort, or venturing into the city. Just don’t wear black — colour is the only requirement.
Leave your makeup at home
Looking for things to do in Maui? If you’re not spending 60 per cent of your time in the water, then you’re not doing the beach vacay experience right. So leave your foundation and mascara at home and embrace a fresh-faced aesthetic while holding onto your sunscreen for dear life. Those rays are hot and pale people should be very afraid. Does SPF 200 exist?
Book a spa visit
After experiencing the Natural Hawaiian Journey spa package at the Fairmont Spa, I now firmly believe that everyone should be cocooned in ti leaves at least once in their lifetime. Besides feeling like the most luxurious burrito, the soothing and moisturizing properties of the aloe-like plant were extraordinary. Add in a full body scrub and massage and watch all your city stress melt away.
Scream from 4,100 feet above sea level
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We’ve all seen quotes about overcoming fear on Pinterest, but it’s an entirely different story when you’re at Skyline Eco Adventures, standing on a wooden platform, on a Maui mountain 4,100-ft above sea level, being asked to zip-line into the abyss. How did I get here? I’m not entirely sure. I blame my boyfriend, as with most things. Nevertheless, I’m so glad I did it (no, really!). Zip-lining was terrifying and exhilarating and amazing, all at the same time. The guides were highly entertaining and hilarious, and immediately put the entire group at ease.
Eat the unknown
What is an Opakapaka you may ask? I had the same question when I sat down for dinner at Nick’s Fishmarket at the Fairmont Kea Lani. But I took a chance on the flaky white fish and I’m happy I did. Smothered in lemon, butter and capers with farrotto and broccolini, the local dish was one of my favourite things to do (and eat) in Maui. That is to say, try the new food! Eat like a local! It’s the only way to get the full experience. And nine times out of 10, you won’t regret it.
Embrace your inner child
There’s just something about a pool that can turn even the most sophisticated of 20-somethings into 10-year-old children. Instead of denying your sudden urge to do handstands and somersaults in the water, lean into it. One of the most unexpected joys I had on the whole trip was renting a boogie board for an hour. Another was “hiking” (it was really walking) to the Iao Valley State Park and pretending to see Jurassic Park-esque dinosaurs. Regular Annika would never. But Hawaii Annika said, “yes please,” and my stomach hurt afterwards from laughing so hard.
All in all, Maui is a magical place that can bring out the most surprising sides of your personality. In one week, I got to embrace my inner mermaid, daredevil and kid, all while taking luxurious breaks at a hotel that looked as if it should be the setting for Sex and the City 3 (a girl can dream, can’t she?). So if you’re looking for a sign to finally book the fancy beach vacay you’ve always dreamed of, consider this it.
