This story originally appeared in the Elite Traveler Luxury Escapes Edition 2017/2018.
Swimwear is heavily influenced by travel, and for good reason. Designers pull inspiration from the stripes of a beach house, the colors of the sand and the sun setting over the ocean.
MOROCCO
Jade Swim
In her minimalist but never boring collection, former fashion editor Brittany Kozerski employs her trained eye to design swimwear with on-trend colors, perfect proportions and just the right amount of raciness.
Inspiration Marrakech – “I was deeply inspired by the shapes and colors of Marrakech for this collection. There is so much architectural beauty with the perfect balance of colors. For the Collision one-piece, I wanted to mix the unique shapes and details of those architectural gems and duplicate that rich rust, terra-cotta color seen throughout the city.” Collision one-piece, $245, jadeswim.com
Favorite Hotel La Mamounia
Must-Do Activity “My favorite recommendation while visiting Marrakech is to visit the souks to buy some of the best natural beauty products (argan oil, prickly pear oil, rose and orange-blossom water). I also took a private hot-air-balloon ride out in the desert one morning to see the sunrise, which was unforgettable.”
Travel Beauty Essential Le Labo discovery set, $30, net-a-porter.com
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Always Brings… a Balenciaga clutch, $495, net-a-porter.com
AUSTRALIA
Bondi Born
Whether it’s the incredible weather, oceans or culture, the beach scene in Australia simply can’t be beat. Dale McCarthy, founder and creative director of Bondi Born, brings the country’s cool vibe to her oh-so-chic swimwear line.
Inspiration The Great Barrier Reef – “The Great Barrier Reef is truly a natural wonder of the world. It’s a visual paradise of unique marine life, wildlife and tropical landscapes. I find it incredibly inspirational yet very grounding and humbling at the same time. Australia and the Great Barrier Reef are home to some of the most exotic creatures in the world, including spectacular butterflies. The Butterfly Tribe print was inspired by the incredible colors and geometric patterns on the butterflies i saw on my last visit.” Butterfly Tribe balconette one-piece, $250, bondiborn.com
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Favorite Hotel Qualia
Must-Do Activity “Taking a helicopter or luxury cruiser to Whitehaven Beach, a remote haven with the whitest sand in the world.”
Travel Beauty Essential La Mer The Reparative Skin Tint SPF 30, $95, saksfifthavenue.com
Always Brings… Dior So Real sunglasses, $395, bloomingdales.com
THE BAHAMAS
Marysia
Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves’s scallop-edge swimwear is instantly recognizable and can be seen at elegant resorts around the globe. We love the rich, hand-cut Italian fabrics and unexpected colors used in the collection.
Inspiration Harbour Island – “The most inspiring part of Harbour Island is the crystal-blue water and contours of the beach. The pastel cottages and light-pink sand translate into a beautiful color story. The Dunmore Hotel is our Bahamian home away from home. The people are warm and welcoming and leave no detail overlooked. The interior of the hotel is filled with vintage photography and bright pops of color. It’s a place I can go to clear my head 
and feel inspired.” Antibes bikini, $242, marysia.com
Favorite Hotel The Dunmore
Must-Do Activity “Swimming and surfing with my two daughters and husband.”
Travel Beauty Essential May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon beauty balm, $180, maylindstrom.com
Always Brings… Rimowa Topas cabin multiwheel suitcase, $995, nordstrom.com
FLORIDA
Flagpole
Megan Balch and Jamie Barker’s architectural collection celebrates the American woman and her iconic beach style. Color blocking and cutouts are signature design elements, which perhaps drew one of America’s most beloved brands, Oscar de la Renta, to create a capsule collection with them.
Inspiration Palm Beach – “Palm Beach has been a constant source of inspiration for our collection. Being active is actually one of the ways we like to relax, so when we go to the beach we are usually swimming or practicing yoga. With the long sleeves, scoop back and boat neck, the Lela suit is an interpretation of a favorite ballet leotard, perfect for the waves and a sun salutation. Feel like a true Palm Beach local by adding your favorite jean and heel for seaside cocktails.” Lela one-piece, $400, flagpolenyc.com
Favorite Hotel The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Must-Do Activity “Eating dinner at the pan-Asian restaurant Echo is a must. Start off with a lychee martini and a Palm Beach roll. You will not regret it.”
Megan’s Travel Beauty Essential Supergoop Sunscreen SPF 40, $28, supergoop.com
Jamie Always Brings… Illesteva sunglasses, $230, illesteva.com
