TV AND radio presenter Jen Su recently jetted back from the 70th Cannes Film Festival in France. She is an avid, frequent flyer who is on a plane about 35 times a year.
Su is South Africa’s go-to girl on what’s hot and happening in the international fashion and celebrity arena. She’s also the author of From Z to A-Lister: How To Build Your Personal Brand.
First holiday memory?
Travelling with my mom and dad to Aspen, Colorado, where I spent my first birthday. I was there again skiing in December.
Favourite place in South Africa?
Cape Town! The combination of Table Mountain, beach, wineries, fresh air, blue skies and fabulous people is heaven on earth.
Best holiday?
Thailand. I spent an incredible week at the Banyan Tree Phuket doublepool villas in January. The private Thai-style villa was massive, with an infinity pool, spa, sauna, and a personal butler.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Pack light, check in online and allow enough time at the airport for long queues.
Ideal travelling companion?
Charmaine Taylor, founder and designer of the Legacy Collection in Cape Town - she creates jewellery from the Robben Island prison fence that once held Nelson Mandela. We recently met in London for the Commonwealth Lifestyle Breakfast series with UK celebrity Patsy Palmer, which brings inspirational women together to support each other and do business.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Bit of all three! I’ve been to the Santa Monica beach, walked the red carpet at the BET Awards in Los Angeles, and driven a Ferrari as a guest on a TV show - all in the same day.
Greatest travel luxury?
Flying first class on British Airways and experiencing The First Wing! It’s an exclusive, new check-in area at London’s Heathrow Terminal 5, with a dedicated two-lane security channel and direct access to BA’s Concorde Room and Galleries First lounge. The First Wing, with its 3m-high curved wall made up of hundreds of gold steel scallop formations, is an awesome experience!
Holiday reading?
Expert Mavericks - Journeys to Success. It’s a compilation of incredible South Africans, such as Cassper Nyovest, Ridwan Mia, Rowan Swartz and Pam Green, inter- viewed by Shareen Richter. It’s an inspiration to read about those who’ve achieved the impossible.
It helps me to grow and achieve.
Which place has seduced you?
Milan, Italy. I was there for the Milan Fashion Week and was honoured to be seated in the front row at the Prada collection. Loved the style and sophistication.
Worst travel experience?
Getting caught in one of the biggest snowstorms in US history, dubbed Snowmaggedon in January last year. I was stuck at JFK Airport and couldn’t fly out for four days.
Best hotels?
African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel - my home away from home in Cape Town. In London, the fabulous boutique hotel, One Aldwych. In Hong Kong, the ultra-chic Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
My favourite walk was through the ice forests and festivals of Harbin, China. It was freezing, -25ºC, but the ice sculptures and buildings made of pure ice with colourful lights were breathtaking.
Best meal abroad?
L’Atelier de Joë* Robuchon in Shanghai, China. We had an exquisite dinner in the private room for eight, overlooking The Bund.
Favourite city?
Bangkok. It’s a mixture of traditional Thai, modern and upscale, with warm and gentle people, excellent nightlife - and affordable!
Where to next?
New York and Washington DC. I applied for a special tour of the White House a year ago, through a US senator contact. Let’s see if Trump will let me come through!