The reality TV star also seemed to be enjoying the peace and quiet of the island, well away from Los Angeles, where she is habitually surrounded by hordes of paparazzi.

However, just in case the pleasures of a day at the beach began to pall, both she and Madden had stocked up on gadgets to keep them amused. Richie brought along her iPod, while Madden brought a laptop and mobile phone.

Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden is on towel duty for his girlfriend

In her skinniest days, Richie was associated with the 'Zoebot' look - a name given to the dress sense of several starlets advised by super-stylist Rachel Zoe, including Keira Knightley and Lindsay Lohan, who accessorised their slender limbs with oversized bags and other accessories.