SARONG It doesn’t take Paul Daniels to see the magic in one whisp of fabric that can be draped around the body to hide the after effects of a pizza by the pool, an all-you-can-eat-buffet and copious Woo Woos.

SUNGLASSES There is a giant yellow ball in the sky. You haven’t seen it for ages. Without sunglasses you know there will be surprised squinting. When there is squinting there are frown lines. When there are frown lines you start contemplating Botox. Thoughts of Botox have no place on a relaxed summer holiday. Sunglasses do.

SUNHAT There will be sun, sea and sand. There will also be frizz, frying and flyaway. Sherlock Holmes would deduce a sassy hat not only looks good but keeps your hair hidden from the elements. May we suggest a straw or canvas number? On this occasion a deerstalker would be entirely wrong.

SWIMSUITS, BIKINIS, TRIKINIS, MANKINIS, ANY-KINDA-KINIS A girl can never have too much swimwear. While one set is drying on the balcony you’re going to need a fresh one because there are few things in life worse than stepping into soggy swimwear.

AFTER-SUN LOTION Chances are you’ve unveiled your ghost of a body on day one and in your haste to achieve skin the colour of golden syrup you’ve ended up getting burnt and now resemble the crackling on pink pork. This is when you’re glad you’ve packed that after-sun lotion. Yes, it’s torture when you first slick that icy cold Aloe Vera-based liquid on the inferno you’re calling skin but soon your body will no longer feel like you’ve pulled it tight with a bulldog clip.

Lara Williamson is a former Beauty Editor and Guest Author for the SUNLOUNGER Anthology. Her story is set in Lindos, Greece.