Sofia Sanchez de Betak
The founder and designer of Chufy – and street-style darling – talks to ZANETA CHENG about eschewing style for comfort and the most fascinating sights from her extensive travels
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
I always pack my SkinCeuticals sunscreen and comfortable shoes. It’s also important to have a good playlist and an equally good book. Of course, I can never forget to bring my baby with me!
HOLIDAY HOT SPOTS
I went to Peru this year with my family and have a few places to recommend. Definitely stay at the Palacio del Inka in Cusco. It was a 15th-century palace and [has been] restored as a hotel. In Urubamba’s Sacred Valley, I’d recommend the Tambo del Inka Resort. It has a private train station to Machu Picchu and a spa where you can relax after a day of hiking. Then in Lima, lunch in Astrid & Gaston is a must and dinner at Maido [see page 192] for Japanese is perfect.
FAVOURITE PLACE
I’ve never seen a place like Antarctica. The reason I love to travel is not only for the diverse cultures but also for the gorgeous landscapes, the difference of the skies and light around the world. Antarctica was incredibly fascinating.
PARISIAN PASTIMES
I love living in Paris. The city is perfect for getting lost in. Go walking along the river in the afternoons, get lost in Montmartre, take a stroll at the Clignancourt flea market – but pay attention to the times it’s open – and have lunch at Bistrot Paul Bert.
AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Kenya is an incredible country. Its people and its wildlife inspired me to create my latest Chufy collection (available on Matchesfashion. com and Chufy.com). Everybody should go on safari in Kenya. Laikipia has great lodges such as Ol Malo. I did a riding safari in the Maasai Mara with Offbeat Safaris.
WEEKEND ESCAPE
Mallorca. We love the mountains and the sea.
PERFECT DAY
Spend the whole morning in bed and have fresh fish for lunch. Around sunset, go for a dive in the sea and come up for drinks at the bar!
PACKING POINTER
Bring the minimum. There’s no need to pack for the unpredictable and again, always bring comfortable shoes.
TIME TO TELEPORT
I’d never sleep! First, I’d have lunch in Japan and then head to Vietnam, then Kenya, then Paris, then Lisbon, etc, etc.