My Life In Travel: Claire Rose Cliteur
I recently came back from a road trip to the south of France and Tuscany with my husband. We had two weddings one week apart and decided to make an adventure out of it, so took the car across France and Italy. It was wonderful to see all the beautiful coastal places. We stayed at Villa San Michele just outside Florence, which was magical, before checking into the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, and Les Roches Rouges – a wonderful hotel with a modern aesthetic. In Saint-Tropez we stayed at Lou Pinet, which was both cosy and calm.
The most memorable place I’ve ever been is hard to choose. Visiting Finnish Lapland was magical – sleeping under the Northern Lights was so special. Travelling along Na Pali Coast in Hawaii was also unforgettable.
Last year my husband and I toured America’s West Coast and were lucky enough to stay at Amangiri in Utah – that exceeded all expectations. We also stopped at California, Arizona, Vegas and most of the parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, Arches, Bryce and Zion.
My favourite countries are France and Italy. Exploring those two places is amazing as there’s nothing quite European architecture and culture. I love learning about the history, and both cuisines are great, too.
I love staying at Belmond hotels. I’ve been to a few around the world and love that each property is so unique and historical – they give me a warm feeling and remind me of home.
For a UK staycation Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire is one of my favourite spots. There are so many great hotels in the UK, and I’m excited to explore some of London’s hotspots – I only moved back to the city a couple of weeks ago, so you’ll have to ask for my recommendations in a couple of months!
@CLAIREROSE
@CLAIREROSE
The place I always go back to is my parents’ place in Llafranc, Spain. I grew up there so it’s very close to my heart. For me, it’s a place where I disconnect from the outside world and recharge.
One of my favourite cities in the world is New York. I love to explore the neighbourhoods on bike – when my dog Billie was small enough, I’d strap her into my backpack and take her along with us. Public Hotel has great rooftop views of uptown and downtown, while Via Carota is one of my favourite Italian restaurants in the city – the menu changes seasonally so there’s always something fresh. When I lived in West Village, I’d buy coffee every day from Elk, then hit Bar Pisellino in the evening. Bandits and Apotheke are the places to go for live music and great cocktails, while Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita is one hidden gem to know.
For a beach holiday I’d go to Puerto Viejo on the southwest coast of Costa Rica. That said, any beach that’s untouched and not touristy is great.
@CLAIREROSE
I’m a big fan of road trips. I have very adventurous parents, especially my dad, who always took my brother, sister and me to the most amazing places in Africa, Asia, and South and Central America. Now, my husband and I love to pack up the car and hit the road with the dog.
The most magical place I’ve been is Amangiri in Arizona. I feel extremely fortunate to have stayed there twice and both times were equally special. The sunsets, the energy – everything is so calming. I would happily live there if I could!
The most romantic places I’ve been are Positano and Capri in Italy. During one holiday, my husband and I stayed up to party and dance until dawn. It was an unforgettable evening.
@CLAIREROSE
@CLAIREROSE
If I had just two nights abroad I’d go to Paris. There’s no place in the world like it. Everything is near perfect, from the fashion and culture to the architecture and food.
My most memorable meal was at Nobu Malibu. I had the miso cod which was insane. When abroad, I always look for crispy tuna on every menu.
Some of my best holiday memories are with my family. One year, my parents took us to a toy shop at Christmas and said we could choose anything we wanted – the only rule was that we had to unpack it during our road trip to South Africa the following week. What we didn’t know was that we had to share it with all the kids who lived in one of the small towns we visited – I was so confused at first, but didn’t realise my parents were teaching me a valuable lesson that sharing is so much more fulfilling then receiving.
The one place I didn’t love was Moscow. That’s probably because it was freezing and I had the worst hangover of my life.
My favoruite holiday pictures were taken in Pairs. It’s where my husband and I have our funniest dates.
The two essentials I always pack are a bikini and a good book. For me, heading abroad is a time to truly disconnect and relax.
Looking ahead I’m lucky to be going to a few cities for work soon, as well as Alicante in Spain to check into SHA Clinic and relax afterwards. I’m so excited and grateful to be able to travel again post-Covid.
The places on my bucket list include Japan, Bora Bora and New Zealand. Hopefully I’ll make it to all three one day.
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