My Best Places In The World - 21 Questions Condé Nast Traveller
ONE THING I’VE NEVER TOLD ANYONE ABOUT MY TRAVELS?
Not many people know but I’m an integrative quantum medicine (IQM) practitioner.
I work with energy on a daily basis when I shoot and especially when I travel.
IQM enables me to quickly ease and release any physical pain, emotional imbalance, stress and allows me to disconnect from any negative energy. It creates the perfect universal flow.
I always clear my karma with the airport staff, clients and pretty much anyone I’m dealing with, I can clear any emotions that aren’t serving me. Anger, worry, tiredness etc.
It’s a great skill!
MY FAVOURITE SMALL AND SECRET HOTEL IN THE WHOLE WORLD?
I absolutely adore the Fontsanta Thermal Spa hotel in Mallorca.
Situated next to the Mallorquin salt flats, Fontsanta is the place to hide from the outside world. I try to visit minimum once a year.
With its gorgeous sandstone colour palette, fabulous spa treatments, natural thermal waters and of course their locally inspired restaurant menu. Even breakfast is a delight!
From Mallorca’s salt, olive oil, KM0 organic wines to local produce (almonds, cheese, charcuterie, fruit and organic veggies) the whole experience is simply wonderful.
MY FAVOURITE CLASSIC HOTEL IN THE WHOLE WORLD?
Originally opened on the 1st of January 1857 in Warsaw, Hotel Europejski, now managed by the Raffles Hotel group, feels like coming home. Not only because I’m originally from Warsaw and I have a very romantic relationship with my home town but this beautifully restored 19th century building has so much character, charm and so many stories to tell.
From the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where Europejski sits, local Polish delicacies and vegan bistros, heavy but uplifting history to discovering contemporary artists and indie fashion designers Warsaw definitely is Europe’s still undiscovered gem.
A GREAT LITTLE PLACE AWAY FROM THE CROWDS?
Having lived in Ibiza for 13 years I have discovered the most peaceful places to hide from the crowds even during the busiest months of July and August. Ca Na Xica hotel is my personal favourite located near Sant Miguel village, far away from the buzz of the big town, clubs and busy beaches. Surrounded by the lushest Ibizenco campo / countryside, olive tree and almond tree groves, sheep slowly munching weed, Ca Na Xica feels secluded yet at the same time quite abundant. I love doing morning yoga class followed by a fresh orange juice and midday dip in their long pool followed by the sunset countryside walk.
IF I COULD HAVE ONE FEAST IN ONE RESTAURANT RIGHT NOW WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Has to be Tel Aviv’s “ROMANO” created by the Teder crew and Eyal Shani.
Based in a historic building in south Tel Aviv totally invisible from the street view Romano creates an amazing vibe connecting music, insanely tasty food and beautiful creative people. Their menu is based on seasonal, local vegetables, fish and seafood and it changes daily. I don’t think I could ever get board of it!
Also if you are ever in Ibiza and you’ve got pizza on your mind the best pizza, in my opinion, is made by the talented chef at the Can Domingo restaurant!
THE BOOK I READ THAT INSPIRED ME TO TRAVEL?
I must have read all Alain de Botton books but “The Art Of Travel” is one of a few books that I keep reaching back for almost every year. Apart from Alain’s incredible writing skills and words he chooses to express himself The Art Of Travel talks about the beauty and the poetry of the in between places such as service stations, train stations, airports and diners.
The book mixes Alain’s personal thought and fun stories from some of the great figures of the past. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for poetry in the roadside motel, train carriage and anyone who is brave enough to visit a place with minimal knowledge about it and zero expectations, trying to discover each place with fresh senses and a note of poetry.
THE FILM I WATCHED ABOUT TRAVEL THAT JUST BLEW ME AWAY?
I remember watching The Big Blue (1988) directed by Luc Besson over and over when I was a teenager.
I was obsessed with the turquoise blue waters of Greece and the gorgeous Sicilian landscapes. The fact that the entire movie was shot on 35mm scope, including all the underwater scenes, simply adds the value to this cinematic masterpiece. Dreamy grain, beautiful strong contrast and sun-drenched colours make me want to travel to Sicily immediately.
A PLACE I FELL IN LOVE IN?
Ibiza. It was during my University summer break when I was partying in Ibiza when I met my amazing husband to be. It was 14 years ago and we are still growing strong together. I still remember spending every single minute together driving an old convertible VW around the island, swimming naked on Benirras beach and dancing in Pacha’s old global room all night long.
WHAT AIRLINE OR HUB GIVES ME A SPRING IN MY STEP?
Miami to Eleuthera flight has the best views and the sweetest air hostesses in the world.
The 37 seater with two turbofan engines operated by American Airlines / American Eagle cruises right above the Bahamas and Nassau before gently landing on Eleuthera.
MY FAVOURITE SHOP IN IBIZA
I actually love Galeria Elefante in Ibiza. This concept store created by Victoria Durrer-Gasse has all the wonderful Ibiza artwork, gorgeous scented candles, unique pieces of furniture, crystals, postcards and antique pieces. It also has a room full of Victoria’s beautiful handcrafted designs and dresses. It’s the place to go if you are looking for an extraordinary gift. I always happen to find the perfect presents at the Galeria.
A SONG THAT ALWAYS REMINDS ME OF HOLIDAYS
Let Me Live by Rudimental. We have found a playlist on Spotify called Sunshine Reggae while driving from Death Valley to Joshua Tree with my other half. And every time Rudimental “Let me Live” came on we just jumped up and down in our seats for the entire song. It reminds me of our awesome Nevada and LA road trip.
MY FAVOURITE PLACE
It has to be Harbour Island in the Bahamas, maybe because I have such wonderful memories from the island and each time we visit it always feels like we have never left. We fit right into the islands daily commotion. Driving the golf cart to get fresh bread from Arthur’s bakery each morning, waving to every single person we pass by, lunching at Queens Conch adding chilli sauce to our conch ceviche. We wait for the sunset at Romora Bay waiting to say hi to Ben and Charlie (The Ocean View owners) and their beautiful kids and fur babies.
And finishing the day at the Landing with the Gullywash (gin and coconut water) or the most amazing punch in the world!
A PLACE I AM MOST FIXATED ON VISITING NEXT
French Polynesia, Japan, Hawaii and New York! There are so many places that I’ve never been and yes, it’s insane, I have never been to New York. It’s my absolute dream to lose myself to this city and to discover its hidden local gems.
MY FAVOURITE VIEW
When Conde Nast Traveller sent me to photograph Lanzarote back in 2016 I had no idea how beautiful this island would be. It totally blew me away. Its volcanic dark beaches, black lava landscape and the Timanfaya National Park. The parkland is entirely made up of volcanic soil and the vibrational energy of the place makes you feel like you are on a different planet.
MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY LOOK
SLUIZ Ibiza has some amazing summer pieces. They have these pop colour “macaroni” dresses that are so simple and comfortable. They also have awesome kimonos and silk wrap dresses. I love them with a pair canvas linen sandals or the Ipanema Philippe Starck sandals made with 100% recyclable materials, they sometimes rub your toes but they look so cool.
THREE ITEMS I ALWAYS HAVE IN MY HOLIDAY WARDROBE
Jumpsuits. All shapes, all colours all textures. There is always a perfect jumpsuit for every occasion. Beach rompers, lazy day oversized heavy knit cotton rompers, disco dancing jumpsuits, sleek and puffy shoulder elegant jumpsuits… LOVE THEM ALL.
I also always have a pair of espadrilles locally made in Menorca and my Patagonia ethically made yoga gear.
THREE ITEMS I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IN MY TRAVEL WASHBAG
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender organic hand sanitiser. I use it for everything especially when I travel. My sound cancelling headphones which saved me so many times on a long-haul flight. And of course, my essential oil kit, I don’t leave my house without the oils. I use a mix of Young Living and DoTerra blends as I love both brands. They produce a medical grade oils so you can take them internally. I use them every day for the last 5 years and I never get sick.
MY TRUSTED SUITCASE BRAND
As a photographer I have to prioritise fitting all my equipment first before filling the suitcase with shoes or cosmetics. I have two beautiful Antler suitcases that are always so easy to find in a sea of black and navy luggage. As a hand luggage I use my camera bag, it weighs a ton but I have everything I need close to me at all times.
A PERSON, PROPERTY OR PLACE I KNOW THAT'S DOING AMAZING THINGS TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?
Cleanwave organisation created by Line Hadsbjerg and her husband Phillip in Mallorca that works towards providing sustainable alternatives to single use disposable plastic bottles on the Balearic Islands and beyond. The turning point for Line and Phillip was back in 2016 when they worked as event organisers and one of the event they have worked on needed 25.000 plastic bottles. Because the water on the islands isn’t drinkable Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera and Menorca rely on watered bottles. And with more than 7 million tourists visiting ONLY Ibiza each summer the island is struggling with the amount of plastic waste.
Cleanwave sets out to make drinking water available to everyone thanks to their filtered water refill stations. I hope their stations will be available in every hotel, club, restaurant and busy street corners for the visitors and residents to refill their bottles free of charge.
MY FAVOURITE STAYCATION?
I love Tacos and mezcal margaritas at my favourite place, Aquanauta, in Mallorca. The owner of Aquanauta just opened his second restaurant with excellent tacos called ChulaVista where they do Taco Tuesdays and life Mexican music. It’s my closest and most wonderful Mexican fix eve time I feel like I have missed Mexico. I also love chilling on the beach at the Assaona Beach club in Palma de Mallorca. Their straw parasols and earthy interiors remind me of tropical travels.
WHICH OF THE HOTELS, TRIPS, TOURS, VILLAS OR DESTINATIONS IS MY FAVOURITE?
The Greek islands! A mix of what I love about so many destinations, Greek islands has it all.
The history, the turquoise sea, kindest people, freshest food, the climate, cute little hotels, fantastic restaurants, the local laid back beach bars – my dream is to be sailing around the Greek islands forever!