Women leaders in the travel industry divulge their dream vacations – if given a break from all work and family obligations
Top, from left Amanda Hyndman; Marnie Whipple-Tarsinos; Mint Leong; May Myat Mon Win
Above, from left Lisa Fitzell; Monette Iturralde-Hamlin; Sonja Vodusek; Ernie Kusmastuti Wasiat
“If given three days to spend by yourself, how would you spend it?”
Amanda Hyndman
General manager, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Goodness me, I cannot remember when I last had 24 hours alone since I first became a general manager 23 years ago, let alone three days! I am very fortunate though to have found my piece of heaven on earth whenever I need a change of scenery – our holiday home on the island of Menorca.
I usually walk 15km to 25km a day around the port, along the coastline and beaches. I also love to cook and after browsing through my cookbooks for hours, I head to the market with Nigella as my inspiration, stopping for far too many coffees while trawling through the British tabloids. My blissful solitude continues with even racier reading, Wild Mary: The Life of Mary Wesley, for the umpteenth time in the bath. But by early evening I would long for the company of my husband for champagne or friends who can always be persuaded to come over for big meals. I find it very cathartic to make big meals and at least three homemade desserts for them.
By day two, let alone day three, my mind would be drifting back to the other love of my life – my hotel.
Marnie Whipple-Tarsinos
Regional sales manager, Asia-Pacific, Crystal Cruises
With this gift of time I would be on a sailboat in a warm water destination like Greece, the Seychelles or Tonga and start each day with a swim right off the boat followed by meditation. I would nibble on in-season local fruits and soak up the rest of each day, enjoy the sea view, observe the sounds and dance of birds and fish, savour the smell of the salty air, and feel the sun and sand between my toes. With a pen in hand I would write, and when the sea calls I would jump back in for another swim before unfurling the main sail to connect with our awe-inspiring planet.
Mint Leong
Managing director, Sunflower Holidays
I would go to a five-star beach resort in Langkawi and spend three days pampering myself. I would wake up late, have a leisurely breakfast, laze by the beach or pool, enjoy a couple of spa treatments over the three days. I would also walk around town, sightsee and go window shopping. If I have friends who are free, I will also spend time with them.
May Myat Mon Win
General manager, Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon
If given three days, I would fly off to a different city to soak in the local culture and experience new things.
Like my previous trip last month to Hanoi, I sipped coffee in a shop that wasn’t found on TripAdvisor. I watched people strolling by and living life. I enjoyed myself tremendously, stayed offline and took it easy. Like any vacation, there will also be a sunset dinner and a daytime spa.
Lisa Fitzell
Group managing director, Diethelm Travel Group
Juggling work and a family is a challenge. I love it but time is precious. Although I travel a lot in my job, I still love exploring new places.
If I had three days, I would discover a new destination I haven’t been to before. I recently fell in love with the people of Myanmar on a visit to Yangon and I would return to visit the mountain town of Kalaw. There I would hike, cycle, take in the beautiful scenery, visit hill tribe villages and breathe in fresh mountain air. I would return refreshed ready to pick up life again!
Monette Iturralde-Hamlin
President and founder, TeamAsia
Three days just for me? That would be heaven on earth! I would travel somewhere that I have never been before and search for that elusive field of lavender flowers, bring along a book to read, my sketchbook and paints to capture what I see, my laptop to write my blog, and my iPhone plus charger/universal adapter to take photos and post on social media. It would be great to walk around, see the sights, visit museums and bookstores, sample local cuisine, drink wine or sip coffee at the plaza, and meet interesting people. And who knows, maybe fall in love again!
Sonja Vodusek
General manager, The Peninsula Manila
I love everything about Amanpulo, the Aman Resorts’ whisper-quiet island paradise in Palawan, the Philippines. This is where I go to recharge, think and create while snorkelling in the Tiffany-blue waters that’s rife with sea turtles, sitting back and enjoying the stunning sunsets, stargazing from my villa (you can also look at the moon and the constellations through a NASA-worthy telescope), reading a good book, walking along the powdery white sand beach, eating and – most importantly – sleeping. It’s my little private “happy place”, and a long weekend there is like two weeks off.
Ernie Kusmastuti Wasiat
General manager, Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel, Jogjakarta
If I have three days to myself, I would spend the time creating my own necklaces.
Necklaces for me are more than just accessories. They are a part of me. It boosts my confidence when appearing in public and meeting my VIP guests.
When I am in a bad mood, I will go into my room. When I clean my necklaces and rearrange them, it helps me to feel better.
I like necklaces with different gem stones. I have been meaning to create my own necklaces; I have all the tools but not the time.
This article was first published in TTG Asia, December 11, 2015 issue, on page 30. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
Additional reporting from S Puvaneswary, Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, Rosa Ocampo and Mimi Hudoyo
