Elevate Your Beach Day
How to elevate a day at the beach with the right set up and snacks.
Nothing says summer like a day at the beach, but why settle for the ordinary when you can transform your seaside retreat into an elegant, luxurious experience? With the right essentials, you can bring a touch of sophistication to your beach day, making it a memorable escape. Here’s how to take your beach outing up a notch with some stylish and practical products.
1. Elegant Double-Layer Picnic Blanket
Start with the foundation of your beach setup: an elegant double-layer picnic blanket. Opt for one in a creamy white that exudes sophistication and comfort. The double layer provides extra cushioning and durability, ensuring you can lounge without your bum getting damp. Look for blankets that roll up neatly with leather straps, adding a touch of vintage charm and practicality for easy carrying.
2. Gatsby-Worthy Beach Chairs
Transport yourself to the Roaring Twenties with beach chairs that Jay Gatsby himself would envy. Chairs with a wood frame not only provide sturdy support but also bring a timeless, classic look to your beach setup. Choose designs that combine functionality with elegance, featuring comfortable fabric seats and backs that let you relax like a beachside mogul.
3. Beach Umbrella with Fringe
Stay cool and stylish under a beach umbrella with the cutest fringe on the top. These umbrellas not only provide much-needed shade but also add a whimsical, retro touch to your beach scene. The fringe detail sways gently in the ocean breeze, creating a picturesque setting perfect for both relaxation and Instagram-worthy photos.
4. Wood Beach Tray
A wood beach tray is a must-have for serving refreshments and snacks in style. This versatile accessory can hold everything from your favorite book to a delectable spread of treats. The natural wood finish complements the beach's sandy hues and adds a rustic elegance to your setup. It’s the perfect companion for a sophisticated beach picnic.
5. La Croix Beverages
In my opinion, nothing says fancy more than a La Croix. I’m addicted.No elegant beach day is complete without refreshing beverages. La Croix, with its variety of flavors and chic cans, is the perfect choice. These sparkling waters are not only delicious and hydrating but also add a pop of color to your beach setup. Arrange them in a cooler or on your beach tray for easy access and a touch of style.
6. Classic Picnic Basket
Bring along a cute, classic picnic basket to store your gourmet treats. Opt for a design with compartments and insulation to keep your food fresh and organized. The timeless look of a wicker basket enhances the charm of your beach day, making it feel like a scene straight out of a romantic movie.
Transforming your beach day into a luxurious and elegant escape is all about the details. With an elegant picnic blanket, Gatsby-worthy chairs, a fringed umbrella, a wood beach tray, refreshing La Croix beverages, a classic picnic basket, and a gourmet charcuterie board, you can create a sophisticated seaside experience that’s both relaxing and Instagram-worthy. So, pack your beach essentials and prepare for a day of elegance by the shore!
The Best Family-Friendly Luxury Resorts in Greece
When I got pregnant, I almost immediately regretted that I hadn’t done more traveling while I was single. But regret is a funny thing, right? It often holds us back from living our dreams and sharing these dreams and experiences with our children. Now, instead of living with regret of what could have been, I look forward to the adventures I can have with my daughter and how much richer these experiences will be.
Greece is at the top of my list for places to take her, right alongside the Maldives and Japan. But it seems like everytime I see an influencer post a stunning resort in some heavenly location in Greece, it is adults-only. So I took the liberty of rounding up some of the best resorts in Greece that are both luxurious and family friendly.
(And btw, did you know I can help you plan your next trip?)
Cretan Malia Park, Crete, Greece
Located on the idyllic island of Crete, this 5-start resort is my top recommendation for families wanting a beautiful, ultra-luxury experience that doesn’t feel fussy. Cretan Malia Park, a member of Design Hotels, has a robust childcare offering, including a Tiny Explorer’s Club for infants up to 3 years old. The host of accommodations - from suites to bungalows - is perfect for families of any size, and you can pick from your choice of views from pool to sea. There’s also an incredible range of onsite dining options and plenty of family-friendly activities, like outdoor movie nights, for some bonding time with your little(s).
As a wellness-loving, fitness-loving mommy, I’m always looking for vacations that let me balance downtime at the beach or pool with activities to get me moving. The resort has bikes available, tennis and basketball courts, and you can enjoy a treatment at their spa. They also provide yoga classes. Oh, and did I mention there’s a separate kid-friendly pool?
Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort, Crete, Greece
If you’re looking for a more traditional Greek vibe, then the Amirandes Grecotel is a great, family-friendly resort in the luxury space. Kids stay free at this resort, and as part of the Grecotel collection, it offers “Grecobaby,” a program where you can rent everything you need for your little from cribs to high chairs to bottle sterilizers.
They have a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including ones with private pools. Or, if you want to enjoy an even more lux experience, you can book a private villa for the whole family.
In the same vein as Cretan Malia Park, they offer a whole host of activities like watersports, horseback riding, yoga, and pilates. They also offer kids’ clubs, although they do not have a club offering for children under 4 years old.
The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection Hilton
Set against the northern side of Crete, this resort takes everything up a notch (or two) with its individually-decorated guest rooms. Kids also stay free at this resort, and they offer a kid-friendly aqua park with slides.
While they don’t offer a kids club, I included this on the list for families that like to stick together on their vacations. They have a fitness center for the parents and a gorgeous spa facility.