My Life In Travel: Idalia Salsamendi
My most recent trip was to Copenhagen for Fashion Week. It was more of a work trip than a holiday, although I really do enjoy exploring the city while I’m working. I always stay at the Skt Petri hotel. The location is ideal, the service is impeccable and the overall look and atmosphere is so chic. Highlights from this particular trip were the incredible shows I saw at Stine Goya, Rotate, Munthe and Gestuz. There is such an ease and playfulness when it comes to the fashion scene in Copenhagen – people feel a lot more liberated to experiment with different colours, textures and styling. This time I was able to try a new restaurant, Olive, which was superb. We started with a warm goat’s cheese salad, followed by salmon tartare and duck confit. I also ordered a passionfruit martini and it was one of the best I've ever had.
I’ve been very fortunate to travel to some incredible places. But if I had to choose just one, I would say the most memorable was getting to dive and swim in the cenotes in Mexico. I love nature and exploring, so swimming in these underground pools was right up my street. Another memorable trip was when I was a child – as a family, we went to Disney World. We would go once a year for Thanksgiving, and I can only recall the most wonderful and magical memories.
I love going off the beaten track. In July, I went all the way to the north of Norway via the fjords – you can’t get much more remote than that. The sun never set, and the scenery was out of this world. We were able to get off the boat to visit small towns like Geiranger, Alesund and Stavanger, which are surrounded by gorgeous greenery and mountains. Although I probably wouldn't do a cruise again in this part of the world, I do want to continue exploring Norway and other Scandinavian countries.
I will always have love for my hometown. There’s no other city in the world like Miami. As a Cuban-American, I love seeing my mother's culture embraced throughout the city in such a vibrant way. Whether it's having Cuban food in Versailles or going dancing in Calle Ocho, a trip there never disappoints. Don’t forget to visit South Beach with its soft white sand and Caribbean-like sea – the art-deco buildings lining Ocean Drive look like they’re straight out of a movie. I like to go to The Edition hotel for a cocktail at Matador, or indulge in a slushy drink from Wet Willy's.
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If you’re looking for a week away with friends and their families, the beaches in the south of Portugal are a solid choice. The Algarve has some incredible resorts for families. I stayed at the Pine Cliffs Resort two years ago, which was phenomenal. If it’s a trip with my girlfriends, we’ll always go to Paris. I tend to stay at Amastan Hotel, a chic boutique hotel just a hop and a skip away from Rue Saint Honoré. If we really want to indulge, then Caviar Kaspia is the way to go – make sure to order its potatoes with caviar and vodka shots. One of my favourite ‘secret’ restaurants is Robert et Louise, a quaint steak house right in the middle of Le Marais. It was originally run by a husband and wife, but even without them, the restaurant has maintained its charm. For a cocktail, you can always find me at Hotel Costes. It's one of the most iconic hotels in the world for a reason.
The best work trip I’ve ever been on is a tie between a trip to London (before I moved here) with Clé de Peau Beauté and a stay in Rome with Bulgari. Both offered cultural experiences alongside the work that opened my eyes to each city. I remember being taken to an old apothecary in Rome and thought it was incredible. Later that night, Bulgari closed off the Spanish Steps to celebrate the launch of a new fragrance – Bella Hadid was strutting down the steps, while the onlookers went wild.
I’m a bit of a foodie, so I always love exploring new cuisines. Choosing one memorable meal is difficult, but I would probably pick Alouette in Copenhagen. Head chef Nick Curtin is so warm and welcoming, and walks you through each dish. The team’s Michelin star is very well deserved, and it’s the restaurant I recommend to friends more than any other.
If I had to live in a hotel, I would probably move into Le Meurice in Paris. The suites are absolutely stunning – each ones has the most breathtaking view of Le Jardin des Tuileries. That said, you can’t go wrong with the Savoy either. It’s such a classic. When it comes to London hotels, any of Kit Kemp’s Firmdale properties are a safe bet – I love how quirky and fun they are. I also recommend staying close to Hyde Park. I make a point of going two or three times a week to enjoy a mini escape from city life.
Staying in a fabulous hotel during low season is the way to go. You’ll get the best rooms at the best rate, and really enjoy what the hotel is all about. For this reason, you probably won’t see me traveling too much in August – everything is so overbooked.
My summer holiday packing essentials are a good SPF and a sun hat. Considering I’m in the fashion industry, I’m not actually too particular with what clothes I pack when I’m on a proper holiday, as I like to do a digital detox. I do pay attention to swimwear though – I’m really into SAME Swim and WeWoreWhat. Both Shea (from SAME) and Danielle (WeWoreWhat) are friends of mine, so I love supporting them. The fact that the quality and fit are spot on is the cherry on top.
I don’t tend to bring back too many souvenirs. The exception is Barcelona where there’s the best designer vintage shop called Le Swing – I’ve bought so many of my favourite pieces from Dior to Lanvin. Owners Renier and Roberto can give you a proper education about each piece. I bought my first pair of Manolo Blahniks there, a pair of camel leather kitten-heel pumps, plus my Dior monogrammed clutch bag from the 1960s. It’s a treasure trove of timeless pieces.
@IDALIASALSAMENDI
@IDALIASALSAMENDI
My honeymoon was supposed to be a week-long trip to the Maldives. We were going to stay in some amazing bungalows by the sea, but 48 hours before boarding the plane my husband tested positive for Covid, so the whole trip went out the window. We haven’t rebooked anything yet, but when the time comes, it’s going to be insane.
Some of my favourite holiday pictures were taken at Lake Como. But when it comes to overall trips, any fashion week in New York, London, Milan or Paris wins. Being dressed by my favorite designers and being photographed at the shows is so much fun, and I’ve got some of my coolest photos during these experiences.
There are far too many places on my bucket list. They include Bora Bora, Croatia, Greece (I can’t believe I haven’t been yet), Wyoming and Kyoto… the list could go on and on.
I’m excited for New York Fashion Week this September. I’ll be working with Chopard on a special project there. I used to live there, so every time I go back I feel a bit nostalgic. This time, I'll be staying at The Bowery Hotel, which is one of my favourite places in the city. I'm not one for ultra-modern hotels, as I prefer dim, sexy lighting and classic décor. Another must-do in New York is RubiRosa. I'm not kidding when I say that I will go alone, sit up at the old-school Italian bar and order the supreme pizza and the cavatelli pasta just for me. If you're in the mood for a romantic French dinner, book into La Mercerie and order the beef bourguignon, which rivals any dish from Paris. Also, pop by its home store right next door, where you can find the chicest home and dining accessories.
For more travel and fashion ideas, follow Idalia on Instagram at @IdaliaSalsamendi. You can find out more about her digital strategy business, Idalia Inc, here.
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