Features

Josie Cruz Natori

31 Oct 2009 by intern11

JOSIE CRUZ NATORI


travelsThe former investment banker-turned designer tells Ma. Esther Salcedo-Posadas that she remains Filipino at heart even though home is in New York


SHARE WITH US AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.

One trip that I’ll never forget is Tibet. There was something magical about Tibet or I’d heard and I was always fascinated. But I had no idea that it was a difficult place; the altitude was so high and the smell was awful. I must say I wasn’t prepared for the experience of it. It was like I visited another civilisation.


WHERE IS HOME?

New York, just because my husband Ken and I spend (much of) our time there. It’s our base, and we travel between that and Paris and Florida among others. We’re constantly on the road. But I consider myself a Filipino still, even though I’m a US citizen. So Manila will always be home.


WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASIAN DESTINATION?

Returning to Manila is always a treat. Some years ago, I took some journalists on a tour of the Philippines and I got to see Amanpulo, Pearl Farm in Davao, Cebu and Baguio. As a Filipino, it was wonderful for me to see parts of the country I’d never seen.


IS THERE ANY PROVINCE YOU LIKE?

I’m fascinated with Mindanao (in southern Philippines). I love the Muslim culture, the way of life, the colours, the textiles – to me, it’s very exotic.


IF YOU HAVE ONE LAST OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

I’m fortunate to have a home in Paris – this is one city I could never have enough of. Our favourite vacation places are Hotel Du Cap in Cap d’Antibes and Villa Feltrinelli in Lake Garda, Italy. I’m also an Aman fan. I’ve stayed at the Amanpuri Phuket, Amanpulo in Palawan, Aman in Marrakech and Amanyara in Turks and Caicos.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS?

From cleanser to moisturiser, I’m a Guerlain fan. But I also use cream from a doctor in Paris, Dr. Sebagh. And you always need a highlighter. Perfume, of course, has to be my new Natori perfume. I now have a line of ready-to-wear called Natorious, which are perfect for travelling because they’re so comfortable. But I also use a lot of Alaia, Balenciaga and Gaultier.


WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A HOTEL?

This is one thing I don’t skimp on. I don’t like them too big. I enjoy great service and a restful and luxurious ambience, where everything in the room has been thought out, including room service. The Oriental Hotel in Bangkok is fabulous. When you travel as much as I do, you don’t want to compromise on comfort. They’re expensive but it’s like a treat somebody should give themselves once in their life.


YOUR FAVOURITE AIRPORT?

I think the Hongkong airport is pretty good because I love that place they have there where you eat noodles. They have a great (executive) lounge. Airports are always a hassle and I like to spend as little time as possible.


HOW DO YOU SPEND THAT WAIT AT THE AIRPORT?

I’m always working – this is my BlackBerry (shows it). Airports are necessary, but a lot is being done to make life easier for travellers. I don’t remember which city it was, but I found a massage waiting for me when I landed – that was really nice.


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