Four creatives on how to travel well

Alex Eagle, Creative Director

Where in the world inspires your work?

My role as creative director is informed by all my travels – the things and experiences I find around the world, from Murano glass in Venice, to antiques from Les Puces in Paris that I bring back for Alex Eagle Studio projects and the new London hotel opening we’re working on, 180 Quarter.

Most memorable hotel experience?

Hotel Il Pellicano has the stardust – the backdrop to birthdays, parties, cosy weekends with friends and significant moments in my life. Marie-Louise Sciò [creative director and CEO] is a genius at creating the most special places and happenings.

What are your favourite specialist shops around the world?

In Paris, Debeauve & Gallais for chocolate; Charvet for shirts and slippers. In Italy, my Mecca is Aloe & Wolf Vintage in Siena – Alessandra [Aloe, the founder] has the best shop and archive – I clear my diary for a full day or two. And then there is Desert Vintage in New York, which is near where I love to stay – the Nine Orchard hotel.

Dream last supper... What would you order?

A Bellini at Harry’s Bar in Venice, then omakase in Tokyo sitting at the bar in front of the chef, followed by a chocolate mousse at Le Voltaire in Paris. And then a nightcap cocktail at the Hemingway bar at the Ritz. I would be so full, but so happy.

Travel essentials?

A beaten-up Rimowa filled with my Alex Eagle collection shirts that work equally well with denim or pencil skirts, or over swimsuits. My Leica camera, plus some gold jewellery to add pizzazz.

Where is your still point in a turning world?

Lake Constance and the Black Forest in Germany. I stay at Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic to properly recalibrate, relax, read, rest and walk. Back in London, we’ve brought together the best practitioners at 180 Health Club – I love the more spiritual practices that you cannot always explain, but feel life-changing.

Martin Kuczmarski, restauranteur behind The Dover and Martino's London

Where in the world continues to influence and inspire your work at your restaurants in London?

Professionally, places that inspire my work are still Paris, New York and Milan. At the moment, I feel Paris manages to push the boundaries whilst also maintaining the heritage and culture of its local hospitality.

Where is your still point in a turning world?

I spend all my time around lots of people within our restaurants, so when I need time to recharge, I need somewhere that I can properly switch off. And it must be close to the beach: eternal favourites remain Como hotel Cocoa Island in the Maldives and Amanyara in Turks and Caicos.

Most memorable hotel experience?

My honeymoon in 2010 was spent in four different Aman hotels across Asia. I love the architecture and Aman’s way of capturing a sense of place. But one thing that really stayed with me is how you will never bump into staff attending to your room – I believe they call it ‘invisible housekeeping’. It is the most annoying thing when you come back to your hotel room and you find it being serviced.

What is the key to creating an atmospheric restaurant worth travelling for?

There are many great places around the world, but as long as you are in great company, with good – and, most importantly, not overcomplicated – food, elegant design, soft lighting and genuine hospitality, you’ve found a great spot.

Travel essentials?

I wouldn’t go away without a pair of sunglasses, two good books and plenty of navy outfits! And, of course, No.88 Czech & Speake Cologne.

Fernando Jorge, Jewellery Designer

How would you describe your taste in travel?

I’m adventurous and adaptable yet always try to find the most comfortable set-up within the possibilities of each destination. My work takes me to wonderful and exuberant places all year long, so when it’s time to switch off I usually choose nature and introspection in Brazil.

Where in the world continues to inspire your work?

The movement between Brazil and London has been the biggest source of inspiration for me. Moving between contrasting realities accentuates their characters.

What are your prerequisites for a memorable hotel experience?

A strong personality and a sense of history, with attentive service that makes you feel at home when away from home. I especially like hotels that are integral to the social life of a city: some examples are Fasano in São Paulo, Albergo in Beirut, Sunset Tower in Los Angeles.

Where are you yet to travel that captivates you?

I checked a big one off my list this past year by going to Japan. I am still to discover India. I would love to explore Jaipur and its jewellery history.

Travel essentials and packing list?

I am generous with my toiletries and supplements, which I pack in Métier travel organisers. I always carry a sketchbook and pencil case and an iPad in case I find time to sketch.

Where do you go when you need to recalibrate?

In an ever-changing travel schedule, going back to a familiar place is a great way to recharge. For the past 10 years I have taken a couple of weeks in August to escape to Greece. I’ve been to many different islands and keep coming back to Amorgos and Patmos to close the summer.

Best spa experience you have ever had?

A recent and very memorable experience was Forestis in the Dolomites. It combines amazing architecture, beautiful surroundings with activities for any season, as well as wonderful cuisine with local produce. It’s the kind of spa where you can also have a wine pairing with your seven-course meal.

Amanda Charchian, Photographer

Where in the world inspires your work?

Travel really ignites my desire to take pictures, as it’s a way to discover and really look at a place. Although my book, A Very Bad Man, was not really about travel but rather the contemporary experience of living in LA, the hotel Chateau Marmont being the epicentre of social activity. Increasingly, I crave unspoilt nature, a strong wellness programme or spiritual places. I have just come back from Chiang Mai in Thailand and Luang Prabang in Laos, which had a great mix of all of these – it was a perfect reset.

What is the stardust that sets your favourite hotels apart?

I love hotels that are part of the wild landscape they inhabit, such as Adrère Amellal in Siwa, Egypt, Cuixmala in Mexico and Las Balsas in Patagonia. That feeling of isolation and luxury is heaven for me. There is also something special about family-owned hotels, such as Le Sirenuse in Positano or the Locarno in Rome. But as far as chain hotels go, Vana retreat in India, which is now run by the Six Senses, is unparalleled for a mix of Ayurveda and Tibetan healing. Also the Amans in Bhutan are pure magic.

For a cultural pilgrimage, what is the museum that never fails to inspire you?

I love the Noguchi museum in NYC: the serenity of his work complements the zen feeling of the environment. You almost have to whisper there. I love how meditative it is.

OK, last supper – most atmospheric or memorable restaurant you love?

Fu He Hui is a two-star Michelin restaurant in Shanghai. Their menu is completely vegetarian. I have only been once but to eat such exotic vegetables amongst the museum-worthy display of furniture and art pieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties is just so special.

Travel essentials?

I have a Champagne-colored Rimowa metal trunk and large carry-on that I am shocked are still with me after almost a decade of traversing the globe. I always bring a beautiful silk pouch I got from Bhutan with all my night-time essentials.