The Suitcase Diaries with Cliona O'Brien
The Suitcase Diaries: Cliona O’Brien
Last but not least in our summer series is the brains behind Moon + Mellow – always the best-dressed in the beach resort, hot city bolthole or campsite.
Last but not least in our summer series is the brains behind Moon + Mellow – always the best-dressed in the beach resort, hot city bolthole or campsite.
What did childhood holidays typically involve?
My earliest memories are from the two years we lived in Cyprus, where my dad was stationed with the army. Our family– mum, dad, and five kids – moved to Nicosia just as I was starting school. It was my first experience of other cultures, and outside of school we spent our days at the beach or by the pool. For us kids it felt like an extended holiday. I remember learning to dive and swim, eating watermelon on the beach, and discovering Fanta!
My earliest memories are from the two years we lived in Cyprus, where my dad was stationed with the army. Our family– mum, dad, and five kids – moved to Nicosia just as I was starting school. It was my first experience of other cultures, and outside of school we spent our days at the beach or by the pool. For us kids it felt like an extended holiday. I remember learning to dive and swim, eating watermelon on the beach, and discovering Fanta!
While there we holidayed in Latchi on the northwest coast, rented a house near Dhekelia (close to Larnaca), and took short trips to Northern Cyprus, visiting Kyrenia and Famagusta. At the time, travel to the north was restricted, but since my dad was with the UN, we could go. It was paradise. When our tour ended, Dad bought a Peugeot 504 and we drove home through Europe. Standout memories include our matching family tracksuits for the final leg, seeing the Parthenon, and the promise of a toy when we reached London if we were good… I chose a My Little Pony and stable set.
As we got older, Dad would do his army stints alone. Back in Ireland, summers were spent with our cousins in Enniscorthy. Mum would send me and my sister to our aunt’s house, where we’d hang out with our cousins, pick strawberries for pocket money, enjoy the rides at the strawberry fair, and spend days at Curracloe Beach or Rosslare Strand.
What do you remember most about your first holiday abroad?
Our holidays abroad were usually camping trips to France, alternating with staycations in Wexford and Kilkee, Co Clare. Seven of us would squeeze into the Peugeot 504, with one of us usually on Mum’s knee in the front, and we’d drive up the ramps onto Irish Ferries. Once we arrived, out came the fold-out map, and off we’d go. We travelled as far as La Rochelle, stocking the fridge with cheese, fruit, French cereal, and Prince biscuits, and popping to the bakery every morning for fresh bread. I remember the freedom of campsites, the water slides, and days at the beach.
Where was your last holiday?
We’re currently on holiday in Vilamoura on the Algarve, Portugal. This was a very last-minute booking, after 39 days of working back-to-back in Moon + Mellow’s Kildare Village pop-up! We all needed it. We’ve camped most years between France and Italy, but this time the agenda was simply to rest by the pool or on the beach, with no cooking involved. It’s exactly what we needed, but it’s not entirely “me”… While I do love a good chill-out day but I also enjoy exploring local villages and discovering hidden gems.
We’re currently on holiday in Vilamoura on the Algarve, Portugal. This was a very last-minute booking, after 39 days of working back-to-back in Moon + Mellow’s Kildare Village pop-up! We all needed it. We’ve camped most years between France and Italy, but this time the agenda was simply to rest by the pool or on the beach, with no cooking involved. It’s exactly what we needed, but it’s not entirely “me”… While I do love a good chill-out day but I also enjoy exploring local villages and discovering hidden gems.
My favourite camping holiday was at Marina di Venezia, a resort near Venice in the Venetian Lagoon. It’s right by a beautiful beach and has everything you could need on-site. We rented bikes to get around, and it’s just a short ferry ride across to Venice, Murano, and Burano, so we had the best of both worlds – chilled-out days on the beach and then exploring the islands known for their lace and blown glass. We enjoyed gondola rides in Venice, Aperol spritzes, and Italian ice cream along the way.
We also stayed in Ravello, Italy, for my brother’s wedding, and I loved it there. The boys were really young – Mark was only six weeks old and content sleeping under a parasol. It was an idyllic trip, and the restaurants were so accommodating for families with babies. I’d love to go back and explore more of the Amalfi Coast.
Money no object, where would you travel to tomorrow?
Eden Rock in the South of France has been on my wish list for a long time. We’re currently planning Moon + Mellow’s Resort 25 campaign shoot in Antibes, so Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been on my mind lately. I travelled for a year with my sister in my early 20s and I always think of it as one of the best times of my life – I’d love that kind of adventure again. I recently chatted with a customer at our pop-up who sold me on Bosque del Cabo in Costa Rica. I’d love to do something like that with the boys when they’re a bit older.
Eden Rock in the South of France has been on my wish list for a long time. We’re currently planning Moon + Mellow’s Resort 25 campaign shoot in Antibes, so Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been on my mind lately. I travelled for a year with my sister in my early 20s and I always think of it as one of the best times of my life – I’d love that kind of adventure again. I recently chatted with a customer at our pop-up who sold me on Bosque del Cabo in Costa Rica. I’d love to do something like that with the boys when they’re a bit older.
Your Out of Office is on, but how long does it typically take you to switch off from work?
When I first started Moon + Mellow, it would take me a few days to switch off. But now, I insist on it. The day before leaving is always chaotic as I try to get everything squared away or covered before I go, usually working late. But once I’m on the flight, what’s done is done, and the rest will have to wait. Otherwise, what’s it all for?
When I first started Moon + Mellow, it would take me a few days to switch off. But now, I insist on it. The day before leaving is always chaotic as I try to get everything squared away or covered before I go, usually working late. But once I’m on the flight, what’s done is done, and the rest will have to wait. Otherwise, what’s it all for?
You’ve a suitcase checked in but worry it might go astray. Underwear aside: what three daywear staples do you pack into hand luggage just in case your suitcase is delayed?
Bikini, kaftan, and a wide-brim sun hat.
Bikini, kaftan, and a wide-brim sun hat.
What are your holiday skincare travel staples?
I have acne-prone skin, and flying wreaks havoc on my face. I always pack CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser and a tube of Acnecide in case anything flares up (for me and the teenagers!). I also bring the Sea + Solu Moisture Melt mask to protect my hair from getting frazzled. I slather it on and tuck it all under my sun hat. And Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum is essential for keeping my skin hydrated. SPF is a given – La Roche-Posay is always my go-to.
I have acne-prone skin, and flying wreaks havoc on my face. I always pack CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser and a tube of Acnecide in case anything flares up (for me and the teenagers!). I also bring the Sea + Solu Moisture Melt mask to protect my hair from getting frazzled. I slather it on and tuck it all under my sun hat. And Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum is essential for keeping my skin hydrated. SPF is a given – La Roche-Posay is always my go-to.
How do you pass the time on trains, planes and automobiles?
I love to read on holidays. I’m almost finished Seaborne by Nuala O’Connor and I’m loving it. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is up next. I’m also listening to the People Who Knew Me podcast.
Best shopping city?
I’m not really into shopping holidays. While on vacation I love to wander through local villages, stop for a drink and do some people-watching. If I pick up pieces along the way, it’s usually something unique to that area, like the lace curtains I bought in Murano. I also love buying from local designers to have something unique that reminds me of the trip. I discovered Isabel Guarch Atelier on a recent visit to Palma. I don’t set out to shop, but if I find something special, I'll treat myself. I particularly like finding pieces for the house.
I’m not really into shopping holidays. While on vacation I love to wander through local villages, stop for a drink and do some people-watching. If I pick up pieces along the way, it’s usually something unique to that area, like the lace curtains I bought in Murano. I also love buying from local designers to have something unique that reminds me of the trip. I discovered Isabel Guarch Atelier on a recent visit to Palma. I don’t set out to shop, but if I find something special, I'll treat myself. I particularly like finding pieces for the house.
Have you ever had a holiday romance?
I had lots of holiday romances when I was in college and travelling, but they never lasted past the summer…
I had lots of holiday romances when I was in college and travelling, but they never lasted past the summer…
Beach bum or culture vulture?
A mix of both – one day on, one day off is the perfect balance.
A mix of both – one day on, one day off is the perfect balance.
Sunrise or sunset?
I’m an early bird, so I’ll go with sunrise. I love the feeling of being up before everyone else and having time to myself.
I’m an early bird, so I’ll go with sunrise. I love the feeling of being up before everyone else and having time to myself.
Most memorable meal you’ve had on holiday?
I love a great food market where they have your regular fruit and veg, fishmongers and butchers and scattered in between high stools, restaurant quality small bites and great wine. I love the ambience and the bustle of it. Most recent ones would be Marché de Enfants Rouges in Le Marais, Paris and Time Out Market Lisbon. I also had an amazing meal in El Camino in Mallorca’s Palma recently.
I love a great food market where they have your regular fruit and veg, fishmongers and butchers and scattered in between high stools, restaurant quality small bites and great wine. I love the ambience and the bustle of it. Most recent ones would be Marché de Enfants Rouges in Le Marais, Paris and Time Out Market Lisbon. I also had an amazing meal in El Camino in Mallorca’s Palma recently.
Have you ever missed a flight or gotten spectacularly lost?
No, but when I travelled with my sister, our flight from Dublin to London was delayed due to a storm. When we landed, we were running to catch our connecting flight to Bangkok – up and down escalators, elevators, and train links to other terminals. A good-looking guy seemed to be with us at every stage, just as out of breath as we were. It turned out he was going to Bangkok too, to meet up with his boyfriend. We all became friends and met up throughout our travels. We've lost touch over the years, but I bumped into him at Faro Airport when we arrived in Portugal last week. Maybe it’s a sign?
No, but when I travelled with my sister, our flight from Dublin to London was delayed due to a storm. When we landed, we were running to catch our connecting flight to Bangkok – up and down escalators, elevators, and train links to other terminals. A good-looking guy seemed to be with us at every stage, just as out of breath as we were. It turned out he was going to Bangkok too, to meet up with his boyfriend. We all became friends and met up throughout our travels. We've lost touch over the years, but I bumped into him at Faro Airport when we arrived in Portugal last week. Maybe it’s a sign?
Dead or alive, which three celebrity companions would you travel with?
Let’s go with Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, and Nicola Coughlan. We’d head to Oprah’s place – it’s bound to be incredible. We’d have a piano set up for Elton in the evenings and I’m sure he has great stories to tell too.
Let’s go with Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, and Nicola Coughlan. We’d head to Oprah’s place – it’s bound to be incredible. We’d have a piano set up for Elton in the evenings and I’m sure he has great stories to tell too.
Oprah’s got the best chefs on call, so we’d dine in style, and I hear she loves her tequila, so we’d sip on margaritas (my favourite) while we catch up. I’d love to soak up some of Oprah’s wisdom on perseverance and self-belief.
Nicola is flying it at the moment and I’d love to hear all about that. She seems like a really sound girl, and I think herself and Elton would hit it off. And of course, I’d bring along some Moon + Mellow treats. Who knows? Maybe by the end of it, we’d make it onto Oprah’s Favorite Things!
....gotta love the matching tracksuits. O'Briens on tour!