Guest Editor

Kim Hersov, Harper's Bazaar's Editor-at-Large, takes us through her favourite holiday destinations and what to pack for a sunshine escape…

If I could click my fingers and be anywhere in the world....

I’d be on a summer holiday at our house at Lake Tahoe. But right now I am fortunate enough to be at Chiva Som in Thailand, so what better place than now! I had never been to a health spa and I am now hooked!

What are your top tips for beach ready make up?

I use Benefit Benetint as a lasting cheek stain, and I also put it on my lips.  I also use Lancome waterproof mascara and a bit of St Tropez. Regular exfoliation and moisturising is key. I use an Elemis oil and the heidi klein whipped moisturiser!  There is nothing worse than dull flakey skin in a bikini, or dried out overly tanned skin.

What are your essential items when packing for a beach holiday?

I love both heidi klein one pieces and string bikini's. One pieces are great for prolonged swimming, but I really alternate between both styles.

I love wearing white on holiday, it always looks chic. I love the kaftan and day dress in the Bali collection.  The black bandeau tunic in the Mustique collection is another personal favourite worn over a bathing suit for the beach, and with a silver belt/earrings /cuffs for an evening out. It can be styled in so many different ways and a great wardrobe essential.

I always pack my Panama hat, denim shorts, Alaia flat sandals, crisp white t-shirts, ethnic jewellery, kaftan tops and cover ups, a playsuit, a maxi dress, and one of your great straw bags!

To shop Kims' choices follow the links below:
Montenegro coin kaftan | Bailey roll up panama hat | Mustique padded bikini | heidi klein ring sandals | St Barth vanilla body lotion | Biscayne Bay combi shorts

TV personality and actress, Donna Air, gives us her insider tips on where to go and what to pack for your holiday in the sun.

What are your top three in-flight essentials?

My top three in-flight essentials are facial wipes, a cashmere shawl and a good all over moisturiser. I like to unwind with a glass of wine, a gorgeous supper and an early night.

What do you always pack when your getting ready to go on holiday?

When packing for a beach holiday I make sure I am covered for bikinis that I can wear under dresses, a couple of great beach dresses that can be worn day or night and a good sunscreen of course. One pieces are stylish but bikinis are more practical and versatile. My favourite things to pack are a heidi klein bandeau bikini, a wide brim hat and simple flip flops. The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht is a great holiday read.

Where is you favourite place to visit?

I love to visit the gorgeous beaches in Africa. One of my favourites is Nordhoek Beach. Horse riding on that beach is a great memory of mine.

What is your most memorable holiday?

Sailing around the Andaman Islands. The cook on the boat was incredible and I used to visit the spice markets with him to get fresh ingredients. I loved fishing with my daughter. We've been doing holidays like that since she was very young - we both are happy when we're on the water.

Donna Air wears the heidi klein Lille padded triangle bikini. Click here to get yours.

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Bikini or one piece?

Bikini to tan and read in – there’s nothing lovelier on a cold winter’s day back in Blighty than having a brown tummy to admire. But a one piece for activities. You don’t want to be concentrating on where your bikini top is when you’re trying to water ski, do you?

“My favourite beaches I love to visit are Rocktail Bay on the KwaZulu-Natal coast in South Africa, where turtles come to lay their eggs, and where whales swim past between September and December and the white islets off Bazaruto island in Mozambique that vanish during high tide and the next day are covered in fresh white shells.”

What are your essential items to pack?

I always pack a pretty pair of flat sandals that allow you to show off your pedicure, and walk comfortably at night on the beach after dinner. A couple of tiny silk tops – somehow silk always feels sexier on skin that’s just been tanned. And bottles and bottles of body lotion, to give a glimmering glow.

What is on your wish list?

On my wish list this season is the Reethi maxi dress in chilli, Petrelli bag to chuck everything into on the beach, a Nupa hat from Helen Kaminski, a Karla Colletto one piece, and a Vix Capri lace tunic that would look good in the evening, with a simple necklace.