Poolside posers may pull off cutouts and navel-grazing necklines, but we prefer a swimsuit that’s as sturdy as it is stylish.

What we love about Toronto-made swimwear line Destineau  is that suits (from $220) can be ordered in split sizes so you're sure to find the perfect one for your shape. And if that’s not enough to make you book a last-minute package deal, then wait till you see the gorgeous fabrics.

The prints are inspired by popular holiday destinations such as Capri and Los Cabos. Miami definitely makes the most of curves while flashy, bold Rio guarantees an audience.

At Vocado, 171 East Liberty St., Unit 121, Toronto, 647-347-7153, www.vocado.ca

Known for its traditional trulli homes, pristine beaches and olive groves, Ostini, in Italy's Puglia province, is a maze of pretty white streets and fortified with ancient walls.

getting there
Fly into Brindisi or Bari with BA, Alitalia or good old Ryanair. Or take the train into Ostuni station, minutes from the heart of the city.

sleep
Nestled in a hillside, the Villa Lalapanzi is about a 20-minute drive from Ostuni (toward Cisternino). Ultra-private, the luxurious villa sleeps 8 people comfortably, boasts fantastic views, traditional trulli construction, and a pristine swimming pool. Not to mention a modern kitchen, a barbecue and the loveliest outdoor table you will ever dine around. From €1,130/ week.

eat
Drive 25 minutes (or 10km) out of town to the agriturismo Masseria Lamiola Piccola for an unforgettable lunch in a breathtaking setting. Take a tour of the grounds where some rural architecture dates back to the 17th Century. Feast on food harvested from the hotel-restaurant’s farm, including extra virgin olive oil, and sample orecchiette, the local pasta, and burrata, a soft, milky and delicious alternative to mozzarella. Email lamiolapiccola@libero.it for reservations.

drink
Caffé Centrale by Ostuni’s town hall in the Piazza della Liberta works double overtime as a favourite spot for a morning coffee and a drink in the evening. From €3 glasses of Prosecco to Sidecar and Mimosa cocktails, its prime location is the best for people-watching and within a stone’s throw of lively pizzerias and artisanal gelaterias.

visit
Pack a picnic and hop a cab to Pilone Beach, a white sand oasis less than 20 minutes from Ostuni Centre. Be warned, the waves are rougher than they look. 

Ciao Bellas!

See photos from our Italian holiday, today on our Editors' Diary.

Christened Europe’s new Riviera, the former Communist Croatia’s central Dalmatian Coast is hopping. The spectacular island of Hvar, known for its lavender, is a sun-blessed oasis with Venetian architecture, a rich history and a bustling nightlife.

stay
Away from the bustle of the Old Town (but still less than a 10-minute walk), Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort is the ultimate escape. For a dip, hop between the hotel’s cascading pool or opt to float in the adjacent Adriatic (tip: the sea is usually warmer) and sunbathe at the Bonj les Bains with the likes of Ivanka Trump. From $280 a night, Hotel Amfora, Majerovica bb, 21450 Hvar, +385 (0)21 750 750
.

eat
The fresh seafood options are endless but Restaurant Bounty, near the entrance to the Old Town and along the harbour, is a must. Always packed, stay near and you’ll eventually snag a table outside. Try the selection of fresh white fish (tip: it’s priced by the kg so ask for smaller portions) and the seafood spaghetti is divine. Restaurant Bounty, 21450 Hvar, +385 21 742 565.

shop
The booths set up at the entrance to the Old Town are packed with souvenirs like lavender oils, honey and other trinkets, but a piece by jewellery designer Vanja Mijac is a striking souvenir. Find Mijac's pieces at Bijou Art near the cathedral, Trg Sv Stjepana, 21450 Hvar, +385 (0) 21717 740.