The author and wellness expert, who calls Mauritius home, is a seasoned traveller who knows how to pack efficiently …
You may have read Alicia Rountree’s book Fresh Island Living, Rizzoli, a refreshing guide to achieving health and harmony in your life. It’s the distillation of Alicia’s experience – as a model (for Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Victoria’s Secret) and her studies at the world’s largest nutrition school The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York. Quite possibly, you might have visited Nolita hotspot Tartinery, which Alicia founded and now has three locations around Manhattan, or perhaps you covet a swimwear piece from her vibrant brand Alicia Swim for which she designs the signature prints from watercolour sketches inspired by her home landscape in Mauritius. The multi-hypenate shares her packing tips in this GLOSS exclusive:
Cabin bag, £1,070; www.rimowa.com
For a weekend away do you prefer hand luggage or checked in baggage?
Hand luggage; I love my Rimowa suitcase. I plan outfits for each day I am away to cut down on packing with a couple of extra items, if space permits.
Leisure Rigel Jersey Sweatpants, £108, MaxMara, www.mytheresa.com
Do you have a travel wardrobe?
I travelled so much as a model and still do today, so I being comfortable and well organised are key. My go-to travel wardrobe is joggers, a comfy crew-neck sweater, thick socks and sneakers. I also bring a scarf – as the air conditioning on long haul flights can be ferocious. I accessorise with my Birkin bag and some gold jewellery. To zone out, I always pack earplugs and a mask.
Straw bucket hat, €45 at Cos
What’s in your suitcase for a trip to the sun?
As I grew up on an island, I know how important it is to protect yourself from the sun, especially around midday. So, an oversized shirt is a must – to throw over my bikini – and hats, from straw, to bucket hats and caps. I also love a chic sandal. I recently purchased a pair of Hermès Chypre sandals, they’re an investment, but will last throughout seasons.
Dr Barbara Sturm Sundrops, £45; www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What’s in your cosmetic bag?
I don’t go anywhere without my Dr Sturm Sun Drops or Soleil Toujours SPF 15 lip gloss. I also carry samples of my beauty brand which is launching later this year and is inspired by the meditative effects of rituals. I use the range daily and the samples are handy in case I want to show them to someone to try out.
Jodie Coco one-piece swimsuit in sunrise with coconut buckle, £205;www.aliciaswim.com
Bikini or swimsuit?
Both! I love to wear bikini to a beach, but I often wear a swimsuit as a body paired with my favourite denim shorts. This way I am always prepared to jump in the sea!
Pareo in Bird of Paradise, £205; www.aliciaswim.com
Pareo or kaftan?
Definitely a pareo – it’s an absolute summer must-have and is so versatile; you can style it short or long or even as a dress for a beach to city look. Our Alicia Swim SS23 collection is vibrant and colourful – just like my home island of Mauritius. I hand painted the designs for the prints in watercolour first and was inspired by the sea for Sunset Coral and Bird of Paradise, one of my favourite tropical plants.
Menorca
Where are you going this summer?
I have been spending a lot of time between Menorca, pictured, and St Tropez, my two favourite places during the European summer. Fortunately, I can work from anywhere in the world. This summer I am also going to Vietnam and Cambodia to visit my husband’s incredible resorts [Zannier Resorts]. We are also planning to visit Bodrum with friends.
Follow Alicia on @aliciarountree.
