Kalani and Oleema Miller’s Holiday Rules

Jetsetting sister duo and swimwear designers for Mikoh, Oleema and Kalani Miller share their travel musts, inspiration and what they’re packing this season. Follow them on Instagram at @mikoh @kalanimiller and @oleemamiller for some serious vacation inspiration!

YOUR MOST LOVED VACATION DESTINATION?

Kalani: It is so hard to choose a favourite place to go and visit for vacation. The best place in the world to me is a small heart-shaped island called Tavarua in Fiji. The people are amazing, the phone reception is spotty (which is a huge plus if you want to unplug), and it is equally loved by men and women. The beaches are hard to beat.

Oleema: Anywhere with sunshine, sand, and a clear blue ocean – Tahiti usually does the trick.

FAVOURITE ISLAND or BEACH HOTELS?

Kalani: I love Tavarua in Fiji, San Sebastian in Spain, and nothing quite beats having Pipeline in Hawaii as your backyard.

Oleema: Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa in French Polynesia is by far the most incredible resort I have ever been to. It is nestled away in the oceans of Polynesia and is surrounded by the most gorgeous water, whitest sand, and tallest coconut palms you could ever imagine. The food is beyond incredible, the staff are kind and welcoming, and the overwater bungalows are something out of a dream.

ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Kalani: I would really love to see the Northern Lights and stay in one of those glass open-air hotels beneath the lights. It is definitely at the top of my bucket list.

Oleema: Definitely would love to explore the Amalfi Coast and South of France. It’s such a popular travel destination, but I have yet to explore those European seas.

TOP SPA?

Kalani: When we do fashion week in Miami, a day at the spa to unplug after a crazy work week is essential. I love visiting the Faena Hotel for their spa. They have all these different rooms to try out before your treatment including a hammam, a steam room, a sauna, and an ice room. This spa is amazing! 

Oleema:  I love a spa day more than anyone I know and to me, it is the ultimate luxury. The Tierra Santa Healing House at the Faena Hotel also in Miami is beyond. The space has the most extravagant hammam, a cold ice room (literally with ice in the room!), a sauna, a steam room, and luxurious treatments. A definite must if you are ever in South Beach.

YOUR VACATION STYLE?

Kalani: I like to bring items that I can mix and match. I am constantly trying to make my checked bag underweight, which is always a challenge because there are so many goodies I love to bring. I like to pack great basics and then mix in more statement pieces like jewellery or a bright coloured jacket. I love effortless and flowy pieces and never leave home without my MIKOH suits and cover-ups. 

Oleema: Relaxed, easy, with a hint of fun, always.

HOW DO YOU GET READY FOR A BEACH HOLIDAY?   

Kalani: At the top of the list is making sure I have a good book. I always travel with my Kindle so that I have a book or two on hand. I also always bring my reusable water bottle, and it’s great that a lot of airports now have refill stations. A cute beach bag and multiple bikinis for outfit changes and I am good to go.

Oleema: I am lucky to always be travelling, usually to bikini-ready destinations. For me, I try to always be beach-ready and don’t really find myself slacking off throughout the year.

HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE ON A HOLIDAY? 

Kalani: If there’s a gym available on the island, or wherever the vacation destination, I love to work out and fit in a little cardio. The best way to exercise on vacation is to get out and do activities! See if the hotel or resort has bikes that you can borrow, get in the water and swim, snorkel or try to stand up paddle. The possibilities are endless when you’re visiting a tropical destination. 

Oleema: I find just being on a holiday is relaxing and allows me to stay in shape without even knowing it. I love being active and find myself constantly walking on the beach, going swimming, exploring the cities or towns, or participating in the local sport. I’m not one to sit still all day long so I end up getting exercise every day without even realizing it.

WHAT DO YOU PACK TO EXERCISE ON A VACATION? 

Kalani: I bring workout clothes no matter where I go because I always like to squeeze in a workout. I am a huge fan of Pilates, so if there’s Pilates equipment available I’m very happy. I love wearing workout gear from The Upside. I always travel with a therapy theraband as well. It is basically a very large rubber band that’s really lightweight and I can do several workouts with it.

Oleema:  I’ll typically exercise outside the gym on a holiday, but I always bring a pair of trainers and at least one or two workout outfits if I do want to hit the gym. After a long flight, a good walk through the city or a quick gym session will always get my body more acclimated than it would just sitting still.

3 PACKING ESSENTIALS?

Kalani:

1.     A good sunscreen

2.     My MIKOH bikini and cover-up!

3.     A full-coverage hat

Oleema:

1.    A bikini, even when in a city – you never know!

2.     Toothbrush. I am obsessed with brushing my teeth with my electric toothbrush.

3.     Passport, even when travelling domestic – you might just end up popping outside of the country!

YOUR PACKING ADVICE? 

Kalani: I always like to pack somewhat accordingly to the destination. For example, if I’m going to the Bahamas, I love to wear brightly coloured dresses because the island is so full of life and colour. When vacationing in Europe, you want something a little more elevated and put-together. My best advice is to bring pieces you love, don’t forget your bikinis, and try something new! 

Oleema:  Bring it all. Ha! I am the worst packer ever and despite it being my New Year’s resolution for the past twenty years, I still can’t seem to practice the “less is more” attitude of packing. Oh well.

SKINCARE TIPS WHEN TRAVELING? 

Kalani: Depending on where you’re travelling, you may need extra moisture if the air is dry, or have to pay attention to humidity. Always account for how much time you will spend in the sun and bring the correct sunscreen. I have the same skin regimen no matter where I go, but will maybe add in a thicker cream if the air is dry or an extra layer of sunscreen.

Oleema: I do not slack off on skincare when I’m travelling. If the bottles or jars are too big, I will pack them into smaller glass jars (you can find these at Muji, Amazon, etc.) and will bring along my typical skincare routine. I absolutely love skincare and beauty, and going on a holiday doesn’t interrupt my love of face masks, scrubs, etc. However, it is so important to pack the right skincare based on where you are. For beach travel, I always make sure to pack extra face and body sunscreens as well as a more lightweight moisturizer or after-sun lotion. For colder places, I will bring heavier creams, body oils, and more nourishing face masks. It is key to pack for where you’re headed!

WHAT IS YOUR AIRPORT STYLE?

Kalani: I think it is important to be understated when travelling through airports. I normally wear something comfortable, like sleek sweats and a matching sweatshirt, as comfort is important to me on the flight.

Oleema: I really think it is key to fly under the radar when travelling. I usually opt for an all-black ensemble so that I still look pulled together.  No matter what, I pack a big hooded sweatshirt for while on the plane so I can pull it over my head and disappear.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BEAUTY TIPS FOR FLYING?

Kalani: On the plane, I tend to do a full mini spa session. Think face wipes, toner, under eye care, and mask and I am good to go.

Oleema: My beauty routine on the plane has become somewhat of a ritual. As soon as I board, I like to wipe down my area with an antibacterial wipe – EO makes lavender wipes that smell like a spa and kill germs without the harsh chemicals. Once situated, I put on my headphones to drown out what’s around me, use Ursa Major (they make the best mini face wipes) to wipe off any makeup or skin products from the day, mist with Caudalie grape water, layer in some hyaluronic serum, and then layer the True Botanicals moisturizing mask (it is the best – goes on clear and is super moisturizing). I’ll put on a lip balm (Ilia makes a great one) and then will mist again with the Caudalie mist. And voila, I’ve treated my skin with some love that’s definitely needed when flying in the cabin for hours on end!

WHAT SWIMWEAR TREND IS A MUST THIS SEASON?

Kalani: Confidence is key when wearing swimwear! I love all of the bright colours and geometric statement prints for this season.

Oleema: I am loving the mixture of minimal hardware paired with a sleeker and more modern cut. Our dainty metal rings hit all the marks with a more asymmetrical swimsuit. Also, bright colours are such a fun way to stand out on the beach.

WHAT ACTIVEWEAR TREND IS A MUST TO PACK THIS SEASON? 

Kalani: I love to mix it up with brightly coloured pants and top sets. It is so fun to try out new prints and looks for the gym.

Oleema: I love pairing cute crop workout tops with jeans – there are so many incredible activewear brands right now that can double as gym and everyday wear.