So, you’re off to an island holiday, with the anticipation of days beside the swimming pool sipping cocktails, walks on the beach or exploring rock pools during the day.

It’s going to be hot, that’s a fact, so how to stay cool when the sun is beating down?

One of the best hacks is to take an ice-packed mini cooler box with you to the beach. Yes, we know it’s going to be full of cooldrinks and water, but also put in a thin cloth to wipe you down with. A towel is too bulky, but a cotton summer sarong is perfect for squeezing out and draping over hot shoulders. As the water evaporates, you’ll enjoy a wonderfully cooling experience. The upside is, that it’s reusable! 

Another upside of having a mini cooler box of ice on hand is that you can dab ice on your pulse points to cool the body down. A small bottle of frozen water serves well for this operation. Hold it against the areas of the body where blood vessels are closest to the skin, such as the insides of your wrists where you can see the veins, on the back of your neck and up into the nape, behind your knees, and on your temples. Remember those feet as well as there are plenty pulse points around the feet and ankles. Applied frequently this method will help to keep you cool.

And while we are on the feet, word on the street is that wearing socks keeps your feet cool as they absorb sweat… But I’m not too sure of that one.

Wearing light fabrics is a sure way of remaining cool. While cotton is often recommended, wear it rather in a loose-fitting garment as it soaks up sweat. Although, this could also work as a coolant as the wind dries the perspiration? Hmmm think about that one.

When at the seaside, swim! It’s the best option to bring down the body temperature. Sometimes though, while swimming off some coastlines where the water is tepid, emerging from the water acts as the cooling agent as it allows the breeze to cool you off! Make sure you submerge your head and let the sea wash the heat out of your scalp and hair.

Another option is to have frequent cold showers. A beach-side shower affords this option, but check the water first, as sometimes it’s been in the pipes for a while and can come out steaming hot, even though it’s the cold tap you’ve turned on!

Drinking plenty of cold water is highly recommend (about 2lts per day, but more if it’s really hot) and steering away from alcohol in the sun is a good idea as well!

Packing a rechargeable battery-operated fan is perfect for keeping the temperature down while cooling the perspiration off, and ideal for small children sitting under an umbrella.

While no one wants to emit an odour, make sure you don’t overdo the anti-perspirant, as perspiring is the body’s way of releasing heat and hampering this can cause the body to overheat! A spritzer with rosewater or lemongrass will also serve to keep you smelling and feeling fresh.

Put your moisturiser in the fridge, which not only lends it to a refreshing treat, but will prevent it from melting. And while you’re not in your room, during the day, keep the windows shut, the blinds down and the curtains closed to keep your room cooler, preventing the hot sun’s rays when you are not there.

By following a few of these hacks, you’ll remain cool, while still being ‘hot’ during your island break!