Travel Light, Stay Stylish: My Island Packing List

Hi, I’m Michelle, Marketing Director at Helene Clarkson—and I’ve just returned from one of my favourite places in the world: Isla Holbox.

Every year, I come back to this tiny island to reset, recharge, and soak in its magic. And every year, I challenge myself to pack lighter (and smarter). This time, I brought a curated edit from our latest collection—and it might be my best packing list yet.

Wearing the Orly Tank Top in green and white print + Andorra Crop Pant in white

Getting There (and Why It’s Worth It)

Getting to Holbox is part of the adventure. You fly into Cancún, take a two-hour drive to the port, and then hop on a 30-minute ferry. It’s not the easiest journey—but that’s part of what keeps Holbox so special.

Car-free, surrounded by shallow turquoise water, and filled with wildlife and charm—it still feels like a hidden escape.

Where I Stayed: Jungle Meets Sea

This year, I stayed at Villas Ser Casasandra—a dreamy spot where the jungle meets the beach.

Mornings started with coffee by the ocean, afternoons were spent floating in warm, shallow water, and evenings… well, they’re pure magic here.

Wearing the Albi Cotton T-Shirt in white + Andorra Crop Pant in powder blue

What I Packed: The Perfect Warm Weather Edit

This trip, I focused on pieces that could do more with less—lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and endlessly versatile.

Here’s what made the cut:

• Andorra Crop Pants
  I packed 2 pairs, white and powder blue. These pants are effortless, breathable, and polished enough for dinner but comfortable enough for travel days.
• Albi Cotton T-Shirt 
  The ultimate base layer in white. Clean, simple, breathable and works with everything.
• Orly Tank Top 
  My go-to for daytime exploring—easy, flattering, and perfect in the heat. I brought two, classic black and the green and white print which was fresh and fun!
  
  

  Wearing the Orly Dress in black

• Orly Dress
  This little black dress was my go-to!! Throw-on-and-go perfection. From beach to dinner in seconds. 
• Madeleine Button Down Dress
  A little more elevated—ideal for evenings when you want to feel pulled together with zero effort.

Why This Packing List Worked

I fit everything into my travel backpack — and honestly, I could have gone longer.

These pieces:

• Didn’t wrinkle (even after long travel days)
• Were easy to wash and dry overnight
• Mixed and matched seamlessly
• Took me from beach walks → lunch → dinner without overthinking

It’s exactly how I want to travel now: fewer pieces, more versatility.

The Food: Beachside to Wood-Fired Magic

Holbox is all about eating outdoors—with the ocean breeze and sound of the waves.

Some highlights:

• Mawimbi for fresh ceviche and a passionfruit daiquiri
• Santos Fuegos—a new wood-fired spot I loved so much, I went twice

Everything is cooked over open flame—smoky, bold, unforgettable.

Wearing the Madeleine Button Down Dress

The Rhythm of Holbox

Days here are simple:

• Walking endless beaches
• Spotting birds and wildlife
• Swimming in warm, shallow water
• Watching fishermen bring in their catch

And nights?

Sunset stops everything. The whole island gathers to watch. Some beach bars even blow a conch shell as the sun disappears.

Later, you’ll find bonfires, taco carts, and little spots like La Anémona—perfect for a tequila and a long conversation.

Why I Keep Coming Back

There’s something about Holbox—it slows you down in the best way.

And when your wardrobe works with you (not against you), travel becomes even easier.

This trip reminded me that you don’t need much—just the right pieces.

Wearing the Orly Tank Top in black + Andorra Crop Pant in white

Your Turn 

Planning a warm-weather escape?

Start with pieces that:

• Travel well
• Do more than one job
• Make you feel like yourself—wherever you are

And if you take them somewhere special… we’d love to see.

📩 Share your travels with us at michelle@heleneclarkson.com
📸 Tag us @heleneclarksondesign

Happy travels,
xx Michelle