First holiday memory?
I was 16 and my mother took me to Miami Beach where I met my first husband, Mark Karan.
Best holiday?
Bali and Africa. I’ve been to both many times. Bali is where the mind, body and spirit truly connect. And the countries of Africa are a never-ending discovery of land, people and cultures. Most people go to Africa for safari, and I did that for my first trip too. But then I started meeting tribal people and I quickly realised that my true calling was to help preserve these cultures and bring their artistry and traditions to the world.
Lessons from your travels?
How important it is to preserve cultures in the modern world. Visit an ancient culture and you experience wisdom and traditions handed down from generation to generation. We can’t let advancing technology and globalisation take that away.
For two years I have been involved with a multi-media creative collaboration called Nomad Two Worlds, founded by the fashion photographer Russell James. He has been working with aboriginal tribes in his native Australia. I travelled with him to the Outback last November. To experience the spirit of the people, to see and feel the craft and wisdom of their traditions, was to understand why we must bring their artistry to the world.
Ideal travelling companion?
Russell is a great companion, so is my good friend Calvin Klein. Calvin and I went to Ethiopia together, and more recently to Bali. Like me, Calvin is up for anything.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
All of the above and preferably in the same place because I don’t want to have to choose one. You can have all three in Bali, Africa and in Australia’s Outback.
Where has seduced you?
Bali, Burma, Israel, Ethiopia and India. In all these I had an almost spiritual connection to the people and their land. The colours, the tradition, the elders and the children… I always travel with a Polaroid so I can take photos and give them to the kids. Some have never seen a photo of themselves and are mesmerised by it.
Best hotel?
The Como Shambhala Estate in Bali, owned by my dear friend Christina Ong, who also owns Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos.
Everything is perfection – the décor, landscaping, the treatments. When I go there, I am like a child – all my senses are awakened.
Best walk/swim/ride/drive?
I love walking in the mountains in Arizona. There’s something at once invigorating and healing about walking in the mountains, especially early in the morning.
My favourite swim is in Parrot Cay. I love the clear turquoise waters that meld with the sky. My favourite ride was motorcycling with my late husband Stephan in the Hamptons.
Best meal abroad?
Anything at Como Shambhala; the raw food cuisine is divine.
Dream trip?
A boat trip starting in Indonesia and then travelling around the world. Ideally, I would have all the time in the world and be able to stop wherever and whenever I wanted and stay as long as I’d like.
Favourite city?
Paris, for the light.
Where next?
Tibet, Mongolia, China, Papua New Guinea – all the places I’ve yet to discover. They’re all on my list. – The Independent