Meet Agua by Agua Bendita, the Columbia-based resortwear label easily identifiable by its lush tropical prints, intricate embroidery, and feminine silhouettes.
Friends Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez met at university and shared an interest in channelling their rich culture into a fashion line: “Agua by Agua Bendita comes from our most treasured nature: our Latin American roots. Our dream was to create a sustainable and sumptuous brand that would dress elegant and unique women around the world.”
Here we gather Mariana and Catalina’s travel recommendations, from jetting off to Capri to clever packing tips.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
Mariana: Cartagena, Colombia, I have been going there ever since I was a little girl, it’s been a family tradition.
What’s your most memorable trip and why?
Catalina: The coast of Italy, mainly Capri.
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Where or what is your escape?
M: Tierra Bomba: a private island near Cartagena.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
C: Going to the beach, getting a massage, and enjoying a glass of red wine, always surrounded by my big and beautiful family.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…
M: The south of Italy.
What is your favourite ever hotel?
C: I have two: Zeavola Beachfront Villa in Phi Phi Island, Thailand and The Greenwich Hotel in New York.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
M: Recommendations from friends.
If you could be sat next to anyone on a plane it would be?
C: Mariana my business partner.
What is your ultimate bucket-list destination?
M: I have a big bucket list, but Japan is definitely on the top list.
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What is your number one packing tip?
C: I pack thinking about the requirements of each of the days I will spend travelling. However, during my trip, I end up re-planning all of my outfits!
What is your suitcase stalwart?
M: Jeans and a white T-shirt.
What’s on your travel playlist?
C: Our ‘A world to discover’ playlist on Spotify.
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Who is your favourite travel companion?
M: My husband, my sons, and Catalina, of course.
What is your most-treasured purchase from your travels?
C: My shoes and bags collection.
What is your jet-lag recovery tip?
M: It’s impossible to recover, you just have to ignore it!
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Where is home and what are your must-do’s for any tourists visiting?
C: Medellín is a beautiful city with the best people. I love to take visitors to the countryside where everything you see is amazingly special – the abundance of green and wildlife.
First thing that comes to your mind…
Hand-luggage essential?
C: Sweater
Packing: roll or fold?
M: Fold.
In-flight book or in-flight film?
C: Film.
Music or podcast?
M: Music.
Time filler on a long-haul flight?
C: Playing solitaire.
Holiday tipple of choice?
M: Red wine.
Holiday read of choice?
C: Vogue.
Ultimate holiday destination ?
M: Lisbon and Marrakech.
Any Questions or Tips to add?