With summer in full bloom, we couldn’t resist a perfect straw cloche for picnic days at Cherry Beach.

You'll recall Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby? Well, that’s how we feel every time we wear our Liliput gem (from $145).

Like Jay and Daisy’s wardrobe (Ralph Lauren did the costume design), the colours are soft and pale. We chose an ivory grosgrain ribbon on sand-coloured straw.

Now, are pearls too much for la plage?

Liliput, 462 College St., Toronto, 416-536-5933, www.lilliputhats.com

With some fab finds, one just isn’t enough.

That’s how we feel about this luxurious alternative to terry beach towels—the linen Deck Towel. Lightweight and large, each throw measures nearly 2m by 1.5m and can absorb nearly twenty times its weight in water, plus sand doesn't stick. Putting practicalities aside, the main draw is the incredible fabric. Fall in love with the bright hues of ico, the bold stipes of boudewijn, or the more subtle shades of enzo. 

If, like us, you can’t decide, order two. Keep one for the beach and picnics, and another for your bedspread or kitchen table, as an off-registry wedding gift or just wrapping up with your man on a chilly night of gazing at the stars.

From US$50 at www.decktowel.com or order by phone from Old Faithful Shop in Vancouver, 778-327-9376.

If it’s good enough for Jennifer Aniston, it’s good enough for us. Mexico’s pristine and serene San Jose Del Cabo on the Sea of Cortes (think Cabo’s sophisticated sister) had us at “Ola.”    

stay
At the Mexican-owned Marquis Los Cabos resort, they’re so serious about relaxation, they’ll bury your BlackBerry for you. While pondering the hotel’s impressive collection of art and sculpture, enjoying spacious private casitas and eavesdropping on the international clientele, you won’t miss it a bit.

swim
The resort’s pool is a good metaphor for the pleasures you’ll have: absolutely infinite. If the soft, sandy beaches, crashing surf and grey whale sightings don’t get you, how about baby sea turtles?

spa
Sunrise yoga on the breezy spa deck will get those limbs limber for beach walks. Follow with an all-organic Holistic Breakfast of egg white omelets and celery smoothies and you’ve now earned those margaritas.

do
Take a trip onto the charming village of San Jose, where the boutique hotel Casa Natalia tucked off the main square offers sublime cocktails in a romantic courtyard, perfect for a marriage proposal. www.casanatalia.com

I Do
The stunning arch of the open-air lobby of Marquis Los Cabos mimics the shape of the Baja Peninsula. Could there be a more memorable setting for a sunset wedding?

To view rates and packages, visit www.marquisloscabos.com

Bikini shopping is a pursuit best done alone, away from meddling salesgirls and bright fluorescent lights. Enter Clickini.com, an easy-to-use website devoted to the almighty maillot.

Founder Jonathan McKeever has great taste in swimwear and has handpicked gorgeous swimmers from big name designers such as Flamingo Sands, Bronzette, Tara Matthews, and Laura Urbinati. 

Shrinking violets can cover up in an Anya Hindmarch caftan or a chic one-piece from Laura Urbinati while poolside posers can flaunt their assets in a teenie-tiny Tomas Maier bikini.

Either way, this is one site you’ll want to dive into.

www.clickini.com