Balance is key for star when traveling
For “My Unorthodox Life” star Robert Brotherton — whose fashion stints included working with La Perla, Zac Posen and Escada, as well as the modeling agency Elite World Group — traveling is a way of life. “I usually book a hotel that I have seen on Instagram or have heard about from friends,” Brotherton said. “After that is booked, I start with lunch and dinner reservations. I think showing up to a city without looking into the food scene is a huge mistake. Then I look into activities, day-drinking hot spots and spas. I like a loose but structured itinerary that gives me a balance between relaxation and fun dress-up moments.”
Q: Where have you visited for work that you went back to later for vacation? A:
During my time at La Perla, I lived in Bologna, Italy, working as the global head of marketing. I was able to see a lot of the country, but I love going back to Milan and Lake Como whenever I have a chance. The food and scenery are stunning and Milan is a funky creative dream for all things design, interiors and fashion.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination? A:
I am obsessed with Greece. The food, the vibe, the people — it is a beautiful place to visit and I always come home feeling refreshed, even after a debaucherous August jaunt to Mykonos! I would recommend Santorini for first timers, but there
are so many islands to see you really can’t go wrong. Even the beach suburbs of Athens can be a fabulous retreat with all the sights, scenes and historical adventures of the ancient city a few miles away.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels? A:
To appreciate how small I am, how small my problems actually are, how lucky I am (and) how much I love Indian food.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A:
Fine dining all day. I love an experience — anything with a ceremony or with atmosphere or with drama. I also love a reason to dress up. Everything has become so casual, I relish an opportunity to fuss over an outfit.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A:
I think Christmas in Mexico is the best — Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. Or a luxe Caribbean cruise. I love a white Christmas, but sometimes white sands are just as nice.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A:
As you’d expect, I overpack clothing and shoes. Something special for travel (is that) I like to pack evening and bedtime looks. I never dress up for bedtime at home and sometimes I just want to be Blanche Devereaux (from “The Golden Girls”) in a flowy silk number and head down to the lobby bar for a nightcap.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A:
A glamping excursion in Iceland this spring. Something secluded, enveloped by nature, but with room service.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A:
Well I am firmly committed to my health, so naturally my guilty pleasure is a green juice and sample platter of 7-Eleven oven-fresh taquitos. And maybe a cinnamon roll from Whataburger, if I need a little extra pep in my step.