The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Travelling life
Bruno Tonioli Judge on Strictly Come Dancing
Do you travel a lot?
I fly to Los Angeles every week, staying there from Sunday to Wednesday while I’m filming the television series Dancing with the Stars. Then I’m back here in London the rest of the week to do Strictly Come Dancing. The eight-hour time difference is brutal, but you learn to manage it. I grin and bear it to do the two shows that I love. Good moisturiser helps.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
I like both “fly-and-flop” non-active beach holidays and historical, cultural breaks. But when I’m very tired, around Christmas time when I’ve finished filming both series, I go to the tropics because I can lie in the sun under coconut trees while reading a book, swim in turquoise seas, eat good food and generally do absolutely nothing.
Your earliest memory of travelling?
I remember going with my grandmother and my cousin to the coastal resort of Cervia in Emilia-Romagna, and renting a little hut to stay in during August. My gran took us to the beach and would spend hours cooking for us – I learnt a lot by watching her. Everything was freshly cooked every day – it was simple Italian cooking at its best.
Ever been on safari?
Yes. It’s something that everyone should do at least once. I first tried it over the Christmas period 15 years ago. Since then, I’ve been all over Kenya, including the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, near Kilimanjaro. To me, it’s like seeing the hand of God and witnessing creation. Even just talking about it gives me goose bumps.
Your most relaxing destination?
The Maldives because of the quality of the water, which is a hypnotic azure blue. You don’t have to go on a special excursion to see the flora and fauna either; they’re right there on your doorstep. I remember feeding shoals of colourful fish at breakfast from my hut when I visited.
Best holiday ever?
I’ve been to so many places around the globe, but the place that really stands out for me is Taormina in Sicily. It’s on a hilltop near Mount Etna and is a popular place to visit, but without being too touristy. There’s an authentic Sixties feel to it and a sense of romance.
Favourite hotel?
I love the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, a five-star 18th-century palazzo at the base of Mount Etna. Beyond it is a Greco-Roman amphitheatre and it’s an easy trek from the volcano. My other favourites from Belmond are the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, where you feel like you’re on a filmset; and the Mount Nelson in Cape Town, which feels like it’s straight out of the British colonial period.
Favourite city?
For history and romance, Rome; for art and culture, definitely London; for bars and excitement, New York; and for quality of life, LA.
Favourite restaurant?
I love the River Café in London because it serves fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine. In LA, I always go to a family-run restaurant called Angelini Osteria.
Favourite bar?
In New York the hotspots change every six months, but the best areas for nightlife are Chelsea, SoHo and the Village.
Worst travel experience?
A long time ago I went to Thailand, and when I checked into my hotel they eyed me suspiciously and chucked me in an awful room. I think they assumed I was a sex tourist.
Best travel advice?
Don’t try to cut corners and go with a faceless, nameless website when booking travel. I always make arrangements with a reputable tour operator because I like to have somebody at the end of a phone to deal with issues if they crop up.
Travel essential?
A big soft pillow from my bed at home.
Best health tip?
On cruises, don’t quaff the wine or champagne on board like the world is ending – it’s not very classy.
What do you hate about travelling?
When there aren’t enough customs officials available at passport control. It’s not exactly the best welcome to a new country.
Where next?
India. I’d love to visit Kerala and Rajasthan. Bruno Tonioli’s new collection of Italian-inspired music, An Italian Romance, on Decca, is out now