I’m an over-packer when it comes to traveling but I’m one just of those people who like to have options for outfits because I dress according to my mood. Are you like me too when it comes to travel packing? Here’s a look into what I packed for my trip to the Excellence Oyster resort in Jamaica. I’ve never been to an all-inclusive resort prior and we had the best experience there.
Swim & Cover-Ups
Zaful Crochet Beach Cover-Up (one size, currently half off!) – I love this crochet cover-up, it’s so versatile to throw over a bikini or you can tuck it into high waisted shorts or a skirt. I’m 5’3 and even for me, it’s quite short when you wear it as a dress so I just mainly used it as a cover-up around the beach or pool areas.
Zaful Striped Smocked Bandeau Bikini Set (size S) – This smocked bandeau is so comfortable when lounging around or even worn under your outfits going from the poolside to a restaurant for lunch. It was a teeny bit loose for me so I didn’t wear it in the ocean, just in case, the waves were too strong (haha). If you’re looking for a patterned one, they have a cute sunflower style in black and yellow.
Zaful Tiny Floral Low Waisted Knot Bikini Set (size S) – This bikini has a lot more support compared to the bandeau and is great for swimming around in the pool or when I was by the beach. The ties come undone so it can be tightened. I could have done an XS if it came in a smaller size but this still fit comfortably. Not into the flower pattern? They have a lot of different colours in a solid style.
Aerie Swimwear (size S, currently 50% off) – I love Aerie swimwear, they’re such great quality and always have amazing sales. The rust coloured bikini with fringe ties has underwire cups that give it structure, providing a lot of support. This Lightly Lined Underwire bikini top is similar and a great one to add to your swimwear collection. I also brought the below red one-piece swimsuit. It has a Baywatch vibe to it! Aerie right now has 2 cute red ones with a strappy back detailing, one that’s a solid and the other with a pretty jacquard pattern. I always like bringing a one-piece swimsuit for the activities that involve a lot of movement.
Printed Sarong – I got this turquoise & pink Paisley sarong when I went to Bali a few years ago along one of the beaches in Seminyak. I love bringing a square scarf/sarong because it’s easy to tie it around your waist or throw it over your shoulders whenever you need a little extra coverage. It’s both stylish and practical.
Mismatched Bikini – Sometimes I like to mix my solid and patterned bikinis for a different look. This H&M Balconette bikini top is so comfortable and the straps can be removed when you want to go with a bandeau style so you don’t get those tan lines. They have a lot of cute new colours. I would pair the yellow one with this H&M Flounce-Trimmed bikini bottom. So cute!
Canvas Beach Bag – H&M has some really great bags. This canvas bag was easy for me to take around to the beach and pool areas as it fits quite a lot. with a wide base As much as I love straw totes for a beach vacation, they’re not as easy to pack so I prefer something that can be flattened and folded up. I love these options from H&M right now, this woven cotton Tasseled Shopper is super cute or this Oversized Canvas Shopper for a more chic look.
Flowy Fringe Jacket – I got this H&M fringe jacket a few years ago and it’s light, flowy, and easy to pack without wrinkles. It’s perfect for the hot weather as the sheer polyester material keeps you cool. Here’s a similar one, H&M Jacket with Fringe in Black.
Oversized White Dress Shirt: I love supporting Canadian brands and local businesses. This Frank and Oak white dress shirt is so versatile. I purposely got a medium so that it would have a loose, oversized fit. The shirt is made of 100% cotton so it’s breathable and has this crisp, slightly wrinkling look which gives it a relaxed feel.
Linen Embroidered Wrap Top: Linen and embroidery just have such a resort wear look. I always like throwing in one of these when packing. This wrap is also easy to go from the pool to a restaurant when thrown over a bikini. Love this one from Zara
Loose Drawstring Pants + Off the Shoulder Crop Top
Loose, Flowy Pants It’s always good to have a pair of loose fitted pants for the days you don’t feel like wearing shorts or a dress. Even when it was hot, these pants were comfortable. I got these striped ones from Zara and they usually restock them during the summer. These are some cute options from Zara: Wrap Style pants, Printed Culotte Pants, Flowy Tie Pants.
Off the Shoulder Crop Top: Pairs nicely with loose flowy pants. I like ones where you can throw it over a bandeau bikini top and still get to show off those shoulders.
From Day to Night
Lace Cami: I’ve recently been reconnected with Abercrombie & Fitch and this cami was one of the first items that got me shopping there again. I talk about how it happened in this post. I have so many variations of this cami, here are a few from them (some on sale) – Lace Trim Double Strap Cami, Lace Cami, and the Lace Trim Clipdot Cami which is the one I brought to the trip. I have some in xs and some in small and I actually prefer that it’s in size small so there’s a loose fit. It’s good to throw one of these staples in your suitcase. They can be easily paired with any bottom from day to evening and have a romantic look.
Slip Dress: I brought this dress to the resort for the more formal restaurants. I love this one from Forever 21 because of the strappy back detailing but sadly they’re no longer in Canada. As mentioned, I’ve been shopping a lot more at Abercrombie & Fitch, I bought a few dresses from them and will share that in an upcoming post. These two dresses are also super cute with the tie straps – Blushing Tiered Mini Dress and Tie-Strap Mini Dress.
Here are some pictures from the trip – they don’t even do it justice!
I share more about my experience at the Excellence Oyster Bay resort in this post. You can also check out my YouTube video below (like & subscribe)! I did so much filming when I was there. At that point, I just got my DJI Osmo Mobile 2 gimbal for my birthday from my fiancé and wanted to break it in during the trip. We had such an amazing time, can’t wait to go back again. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort was just paradise.
Thank you for reading! Hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during these uncertain times.
My Blanc Canvas 
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