Three Michelin stars, four Falstaff forks, and a spot at number 47 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list—Swiss star chef Andreas Caminada has secured his place in the culinary hall of fame with Schloss Schauenstein. He also has a keen sense of taste when it comes to travel. In our interview, he shares the delicious destinations that top his list.
What is your favorite travel destination?Thanks to my own magazine, I get to travel to exciting countries and explore new cities several times a year. While filming Dinner Club, I also discovered amazing destinations and their culinary heritage—such as Scotland, Portugal, and Cyprus. Privately, I enjoy warm destinations by the sea, but I don’t have one particular favorite place.
Which other countries or cities inspire you?I’m fascinated by major cities in Asia—Seoul, in particular, is a great source of inspiration. Other than that, I love the North, from Scandinavia to Canada and Alaska.
What was an unforgettable sight for you?The north of New Zealand has left a lasting impression on me—mountains, cliffs, endless greenery, and its rugged beauty. The coastline north of Cape Town was also absolutely breathtaking.
Do you choose your travel destinations based on cuisine?For business, absolutely. Privately, though, my culinary-driven opinion is just one of four, so we often find a compromise when choosing where to go. One thing that’s always important: there has to be a golf course nearby.
And what's your next trip?For our fall vacation, I’m heading to the Lower Engadine with my wife and children.
Your favorite classic hotel?That’s hard to say. I’m fascinated by classic grand hotels with history and tradition and love visiting them. But I don’t have a particular favorite—at least not yet.
What is a must-have in your suitcase?I usually pack way too much. A charging cable should never be missing—but I always forget it anyway. What I do always bring, though, are swim trunks, my golf glove, and sunscreen.
Speaking of hotel restaurants: Where can we find Andreas Caminada?I have the best memories of Hotel Costes in Paris, Hotel Bulgari in Milan, and Hotel Bareiss in the Black Forest. But now that I think about it, it’s been quite a while since I last visited!
What do you look for when choosing a hotel?
The location is definitely important for city breaks. Otherwise, I look for proximity to the sea and, as I said, make sure there's a golf course nearby.
A movie setting that made you want to travel?Gravina in Puglia, near Bari, which served as a filming location for the James Bond movie No Time to Die.
A song that reminds you of vacation?
Texas Sun by Khruangbin & Leon Bridges.
Your favorite dish?
The desserts and bread selection at Alain Ducasse.
Which watch do you wear?The Hublot Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein, which I co-created with my esteemed watch partner Hublot to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Schloss Schauenstein—my three-star restaurant in Fürstenau, Switzerland.
Read more: Shortcuts: Gwyneth Paltrow
