What MAIA packs for Summer

At MAIA, a luxury PR agency in Dubai, travel isn’t just a pastime, it’s part of the work we love and the world we move in. Whether it’s checking in to one of our luxury hospitality clients or chasing personal moments of restoration and culture, Team MAIA is always on the move with intention.

With summer around the corner, we asked three members of our team what they’re packing, prioritising, and dreaming about this season. Here’s what they had to say:

Where are you traveling this summer?

Elia Laurice, Creative Executive: If I could pick one place to escape to this summer, it’d be Mallorca! It’s this dreamy little island off the coast of Spain, and honestly, it just gives total European summer vibes. Think crystal-clear blue waters, stunning views from pretty much any hotel or Airbnb you stay in, and the kind of sunsets that make you want to pause everything.

Dilara Irmak, Creative Director: Italy, Spain and Turkey, chasing the beaches and serenity.

Darika Sharma, Junior Account Executive: Still figuring it out! It’s all kind of in the planning phase right now, but I’m hoping to pin something down soon.

What’s the one thing you never travel without?

Elia: A camera! I love taking pictures and videos of literally anything when travelling, it’s so much fun to look back to, it’s the few simple luxuries in life where you can capture something and have it forever.

Dilara: My camera. I love capturing the small, beautiful details that tell an aesthetic story.

Darika: My buds (headphones) – I need my music, especially to drown out the engine hum. And chewing gum, not glamorous, but it saves me when my ears pop mid-flight!

What’s always in your carry-on?

Elia: Always, always a good book. A friend once told me to bring a summer read on vacation, and it totally changed the game for me. Plus, when I’m back home, that book instantly brings back all the vacation feels. I love reading something light and summery – some favourites are The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, Three Summers by Margarita Liberaki, and Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Dilara: My supplements, an electrolyte sachet, protein powder and a tea bag.

Darika: Lots of wet wipes and small bites, always. I like to be prepared, whether it’s for mystery stains or sudden snack attacks. Gotta keep the germs at bay and the energy up, it’s a travel survival strategy at this point.

A MAIA client you’d love to visit this summer, or one you’re inspired by right now?

Elia: Hands down, Six Senses Fiji. I’ve always been more of an island girl when it comes to travel, so exploring Fiji is high on my list. And honestly, everything about Six Senses just speaks to me – it’s the kind of place that takes your vacation to a whole new level. From the views to the vibe, it feels like the perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and luxury. Definitely a dream destination!

Dilara: OKU Kos, so beautifully in tune with texture and colours.

Darika: The Maldives has been on our bucket list for a while now, so if I finally make it there this summer, I would love to visit Soneva, it just looks like the ultimate dream. On the flip side, if I find myself back in New York (which always feels like a second home), staying at The Mark would be such a treat.

Your go-to travel outfit.

Elia: My favourite pair of shorts and a trusty tank top. As much as I love dressing up while on vacation, these two are must-haves in my luggage. A little pro tip: buy those local scarves or sarongs from small shops when you’re in places like Thailand or Bali. You can turn them into a skirt, a beach cover-up, or even a cute top. Plus, they make really nice souvenirs to take home too.

Dilara: Layers on layers because I can go from freezing to overheating in minutes! Comfy, breezy, and never too tight.

Darika: It depends on where I’m heading. If it’s a winter destination, I’m definitely packing my trusty black coat, some boots, and switching between skirts and jeans to really enjoy the chill. But if it’s somewhere summery, then it’s all about comfy sets (shirt and shorts), plus lots of pastel shades, breezy dresses, and either wedges or sneakers, depending on my mood!

Favorite summer destination for wellness, culture, or pure escapism?

Elia: The Philippines! There are just so many breathtaking places to explore, each one with its own culture, dialect, and traditions. Plus, you’ve got over 7,000 islands to choose from so whether you’re into beach hopping, hiking, or just slowing down and soaking in nature. I feel incredibly lucky to call it home, and I’ll always tell people: if you ever get the chance, visit the Philippines. You won’t regret it.

Dilara: The Maldives.

Darika: Switzerland. The nature truly speaks for itself – crisp air, breathtaking views, and that sense of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere. For me, it’s the ultimate escape. Mount Titlis, the chocolate (of course!), the warm people… I could honestly go on forever. It’s one of those places where I instantly feel lighter, like I can just breathe and be.

What’s your definition of luxury when traveling?

Elia: Luxury for me is traveling with family. Life gets so busy, and we often plan trips with friends or partners, but sharing a new place with your parents or siblings is a different kind of special. Sometimes we forget our parents are also experiencing things for the first time, and with work and responsibilities, they rarely get the chance to just explore. Not everyone gets to travel with family, so whenever you can, it becomes something more than just a trip, it’s a memory that means everything.

Dilara: When every detail is thought of before you ask. That quiet, effortless kind of care.

Darika: Honestly, exploring dream destinations has never felt easier. It’s such a relief not having to stress over the little things, just book your ticket and go. I used to overthink every detail, but now I’ve learned to just trust the journey. There’s something freeing about that.

If you could only pack one pair of shoes, which would it be?

Elia: Easy, my black and white Havaianas. They’re the staple of my entire summer wardrobe. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Sicily or chilling by the beach in Phuket, they just work.

Dilara: Sneakers so I can get my steps in wherever I am.

Darika: I would love to pack a whole suitcase just for shoes! But if I had to pick just one pair, it’d be my Skechers. They’re my go-to for everything, super comfy for long travel days and still stylish enough to pull an outfit together. Can’t go wrong with them.

One thing you’re discovering, reading, listening to, or practicing differently while traveling this summer?

Elia: This summer, I’ll be diving into the works of Joan Didion. I’ve heard so many good things about her writing, how it’s thoughtful, sharp, and deeply personal. I feel like her perspective will be the perfect travel companion, something that makes you see things a little differently while you’re on the move.

Dilara: Slowing down, practising meditation, listening to podcasts.

Darika: Lately, I’ve been diving into social media content that focuses on local experiences. It’s amazing how much you can uncover about a place through the eyes of the locals, they really know where the hidden gems are. So now, when I’m planning, I’m all about checking out local markets and spots that give you a real sense of the city’s daily rhythm, while avoiding the typical tourist traps. It’s those kinds of places that spark the best moments of a trip for me.

What’s your dream destination to represent a MAIA client?

Elia: Definitely a resort somewhere in Thailand. I recently went to Phuket and completely fell in love, with the place, the food, the people, the culture… just everything! I’m so happy Thailand’s getting more attention lately (thank you, White Lotus Season 3) because it truly deserves the spotlight. The views are unreal, the beaches are next-level, and the food? Don’t even get me started.

Dilara: Ostuni, Puglia.

Darika: I would love to represent a MAIA client in Bali. There’s something about the people, culture, and warm hospitality that really resonates with MAIA’s values. Plus, I’ve always felt a pull toward that part of the world; it would be an incredible opportunity to explore the East Asian market while being immersed in a place that naturally aligns with what we stand for.

Share a favourite travel tip or ritual that helps you stay balanced on the move.

Elia: Travelling lets us hit pause on our daily routines, but for me these two things are non-negotiable: my journal and my full skincare routine. Even if I don’t write every day, I love jotting down thoughts or moments from the trip, it helps me reflect and really take it all in. And skincare? Absolutely not skipping that. We’re keeping that glass skin glow all summer long.

Dilara: I always try to move a little on long flights, some stretches or walking down the aisle (without being that person 😅). It helps me feel less puffy when I land.

Darika: One travel ritual I swear by is having a rough itinerary in place. Nothing too rigid, but just enough structure to help me balance my days and make the most of my time. I’ve learned that without it, I either over pack my day or end up doing nothing at all, so a bit of planning keeps me grounded and still leaves room for spontaneity.