A Travel Guru Shares Her Favourite Destinations, Hotels & More

Which destinations are you excited about this year?

Latin America is the new frontier of travel – especially Peru and Chile. I'm also keen to spend more time in Brazil. One of my best friends lives there and I want to go on an adventure with him to Awasi Santa Catarina or Casana in Prea. I’m also obsessed with Malta. The new Casa Bonavita is a marvel.

And I’m excited about what is happening with the hotel scene in Scotland. It’s unparalleled in Europe when it comes to space and raw nature.

Where's your favourite place in Europe?

This is a tough one... Without doubt my favourite hotels are Passalacqua on Lake Como, Finca Cortesin in Spain and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. But my favourite destination is in the Luberon in northern Provence, specifically the tiny villages around Menerbes. It’s far from the crowds and where the French go on holiday. I rent a house there most years. Oh – and Norfolk, which is where my own little bolthole is. It’s humble, joyful and has epic beaches and charming hospitality.

How about the US?

I love Miami and Palm Beach. I've been to the latter a lot recently to open The Vineta. It's deeply glamorous of course, but also has an interesting history. We are featuring The Breakers on the latest season of our Hotels with History podcast, which I present with Richard E. Grant. The story about how this transformed the destination is fascinating.

Have you been on any staycations this year?

Yes, to The Newt in Somerset – I've already been four times this year! It's my son's favourite place. We go from swimming pool to swimming pool on a golf buggy.

Where's a good place to book a week away with friends?

It's got to be a villa. I've used The Thinking Traveller for years and they are the best. This year I'm trialling one in Corsica.

How about as a family?

Gleneagles – it’s my favourite. We go every year for Christmas. For multi-gen families, there is no better place.

What are your favourite hotels in London?

I really like The Beaumont’s brilliant bar and spacious suites. And I'm very excited about St Clement which is the new hotel from Nick Jones opening at 180 The Strand in September. He's a genius.

Where's your favourite place for a city break?

Nice. I am obsessed with the antique markets there. The great thing about it is it's also so easy. I stay at the Hotel du Couvent which is right in the centre of the old town and is absolutely stunning. I also went to Antwerp last year and loved it. Such a fascinating history and the Botanic Sanctuary hotel there is made up of several Medieval buildings – incredible.

What’s the best work trip you've ever been on?

Islas Secas Panama. We chartered a plane and took a group there earlier in the year. Islas Secas is like being in Jurassic Park. Completely wild, raw and so remote. Next stop is the Galapagos. Whales, marine safaris, hiking, deep sea fishing… and not another building in sight.

What's the most memorable meal you've had abroad?

The green bean and artichoke salad at Café Antonia at Le Bristol Paris. It’s hands-down the greatest dish of all time, especially when accompanied by a glass of Gevrey Chambertin. I have been known to order it for my starter and then my main course before getting the Eurostar back to London...

What's your go-to room service order?

I love to order room service on arrival at a hotel after a long trip when I'm feeling deeply anti-social. I often just order a plate of steamed vegetables. It's remarkable how few hotels can actually deliver such a simple request. At The Lowell in New York, I love an egg white omelette with feta for breakfast.

If you had to live in a hotel, where would you pick?

The Lowell. Something crazy like 30% of the guests are actually long-term residents. It's like being in the chicest club. You cannot believe the celeb spotting – I've been in a lift before with Tom Hanks and Martin Scorsese. Chatting away like old friends… 

What are your holiday packing essentials?

A few things I never travel without are my large, monogrammed Dior tote and Aromatherapy Associates bath oil. I enjoy having a bath every evening and very few hotels ever have oils in the bathrooms. Barbara Sturm SPF is always in my bag and I have an Anya Hindmarch inflight travel bag for all my much-needed products like contact lenses. It’s also good for taking liquids through security.