Celebrity Concierge • December 2013
Olfactory expert Jo Malone founded one of Britain’s most famous fragrance brands in the 1990s, blending unusual ingredients to create unique, luxury scents. After selling her eponymous brand to Estée Lauder, she used that same ethos to launch her second line Jo Loves in 2011, and in October this year opened a new London boutique in Belgravia. The fragrance queen – and Silver Executive Club Member – shares her travel experiences with The Club
How much does travel inspire your fragrances?
Hugely. Recently it’s been the smell of cumin, coriander and jasmine oils in Dubai’s souks and the wild sage in the mountains of Montana. The ingredients in the Jo Loves range are all based on memories: the mango is inspired by sitting at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York’s cocktail bar; green orange and coriander is walking down the city’s Madison Avenue on a snowy Sunday morning; pomelo is from a beach in Turks and Caicos; and orange tulle is watching a ballerina’s tutu flutter up and down.
Where in the world do you like going back to?
Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos. It’s a tiny island with just one hotel, a beach and two restaurants. You don’t drive, you just walk everywhere. I go for a stroll every morning on the beach, usually accompanied by a stingray that follows me up and down in the water.
Best place you’ve ever stayed?
The Four Seasons Hotel in New York. I lived there for a year, so it’s my second home, and they know me really well. Everything just works: you order your breakfast for 8:01am and it arrives at 8:01am.
Favourite overseas restaurant?
I love the little brasserie in Grasse on the main square. You can have steak-frites and a glass of rosé overlooking the flower market. It’s beautiful.
And at home?
Café Colbert in Chelsea. I’ll go on my own, take a table in the corner and eat breakfast. I always get ideas when I’m there. It’s so rare to find a restaurant where you can sit on your own as a woman and not feel uncomfortable.
Where’s top of your bucket list?
India. I’d love to go and visit all the palaces. I’m so inspired by colour, and the thought of all those beautiful saris and fragrant spices gets me excited.
Top travel tip?
Always board a plane wearing very little make-up, so you can spritz your face with a moisturising mist. When you land, apply a really good facemask to hydrate your skin.
Find out how many Avios you need to get to all of these destinations by clicking here
This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips