Carla Bruni

We talk travel with the former top model, singer and first lady of France

Interview: Tom Kruger

“I TRAVEL A LOT ESPECIALLY IN Europe and there are some lovely hotels in Paris and London, two cities I adore. If you come to Paris, well, the Ritz is the obvious choice, very dark with an ambiance of luxury. It’s full of stories that I like thinking about and it’s located in Place Vendôme – beautiful and close to everything.

“In London, I recommend Claridges, as it retains this classic British style while being equally luxurious. Until just a few years ago you could meet the late Queen Mum there having her tea. The restaurant is fantastic, but you must dress up – you won’t get in without a tie. Generally, staying in Claridges you feel as if you are in a London that is long gone.

“I also love New York, and when I am there I stay at the Carlyle. There are no walls on the 34th floor, only windows and you can’t put the view into words. Although the rooms are not particularly big, with the beds right close to the window, at night you look out and the lights of the city make you feel like you’re in a box full of diamonds.

“The best resorts I have ever been to (in the Far East), are called the Aman Resorts. These places are what I am sure paradise must look like. You’ll find the most beautiful rooms, the best food and the greatest massages there, and they are located in the most beautiful places in the world.

“If I was to go on a short city break from here in Paris, my destination of choice would be Berlin, because it seems as if there are only young people there and there’s such an atmosphere. Every time I’m there, I feel like something big is about to happen. But also I’d go to Rome. Rome for me is a city like a beautiful old woman always lying in the sun.

“The one piece of clothing I’d never forget to pack when I go on holiday is my jeans, definitely. I know you can buy jeans everywhere but I can’t live without my own pairs – these ones I can be sure I’ll be 100% comfortable in.”