Hugo Taylor’s Travel Tips & Suitcase Essentials

27 Aug 2018 | Updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | By Ellen Millard

As sunglasses brand Taylor Morris launches its first pop up at Mallorca’s Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, co-founder Hugo Taylor talks holidays, suitcase essentials and his travel bucket list

TV personality-turned-accessories designer Hugo Taylor is something of an anomaly in the world of reality star personas, as seen on programmes such as Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex. There is no fake tan, no falling out of cabs and, as yet, no glossy magazine scandal. But his television tenure followed a similar path. Starting out on Made in Chelsea, Taylor has also undergone stints on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Come Dine With Me and Dinner Date.

Away from the spotlight, he is an accessories designer – and a successful one at that. Having lost a pair of sunglasses while on holiday in Ibiza – the Amnesia club was to blame – Taylor and his friend and business partner Charlie Morris decided to create their own affordable range of shades. Now the label has its own pop-up shop at Mallorca’s Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, with sunglasses sold alongside handwoven baskets and espadrilles. In between visits, Taylor reveals his top travel tips, suitcase essentials and his favourite destinations.

What is the best place you’ve been to?Namibia is hands down the most incredible place I have ever visited. The landscape is truly extraordinary,as is the &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Which is your favourite hotel?The Eden Rock in St Barths because it’s in a league of its own. I also like Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai, because I’m always happy when I’m there.

What are your suitcase essentials?I always pack at least five pairs of Taylor Morris sunglasses and I take loads of swimming trunks, because I detest having lunch sitting in wet clothes. I also love Polo Ralph Lauren T-shirts.

What can you not travel without?I have an obsession with leather travel accessories from Aspinal of London. I always take noise cancelling headphones as well.

What is your top travel tip?Have a superb tour guide. There is nothing worse than doing the same thing as everybody else.

How do you relax on holiday?I like to read, sleep, eat well and drink a Martini at around 5pm.

What’s been your most adventurous trip to date?I did a one-day 180-mile bike ride in the French Alps. It was a magical mixture of torture and a sense of achievement.

What’s the best city for nightlife?It has to be London. I always have the best fun in town with my friends.

What’s the best meal you’ve had abroad?I had some pretty life- changing food in Mexico City. But my favourite restaurant is Plage Keller in Antibes.

What destination is next on your travel bucket list?Japan. I am picturing something similar to Tom Cruise’s experience in The Last Samurai.

The Taylor Morris pop-up is at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa until October, jumeirah.com/mallorca

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