Ben Pundole, founder of A Hotel Life
The editions of Condé Nast Traveler in China, India, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain , with the support of the editors who work on the international edition from New York, have come together to launch a global message of traveling optimism: #UnderOneSky. This inspiring initiative brings together interviews with personalities such as Francis Ford Coppola, Cara Delevingne, Susie Cave or Ben Pundole, protagonist of this conversation.
The founder of A Hotel Life -an online platform that brings together and evaluates some of the best hotels in the world- and VP Brand Experience of EDITION Hotels , confesses to us, among other curiosities, which are his favorite accommodations -we take note-, his (unexpected) trusted means of transport, the place where he fell in love and in which restaurant he would give himself a gastronomic whim.
Conde Nast Traveler: Your favorite secret hotel (besides yours, of course!)?
Ben Pundole: The Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus, in the south of France, in Arles. In his day he was owned by a cabaret dancer and a clown , is full of magic.
Q: Your favorite classic hotel?
A: The Posta Vecchia, in Rome.
Q: If you could feast on one restaurant in the world right now, what would it be?
A: Berner's Tavern, located in The London EDITION. I usually eat a very strict vegetarian diet, but what wouldn't I do for Jason Atherton's Sunday roast.
Q: **The book you read that inspired you to travel or at least dream of a place? **
A: Picasso, my grandfather , which led me to Arles/Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus , where Picasso and the famous bullfighter Luis Miguel Dominguin they used to drink
Q: The movie that surprised you with its location?
A: Mad Max: Fury Road , shot in Namibia. Incredible.
Q: A place where you fell in love?
A: Miami: I met my fiancee on the dance floor of a nightclub Art Basel contemporary art fair in 2016.
Q: What is your trusted airline, lounge or train and why?
A: I never thought I'd say this but right now New York's L subway line . I wish I could take it every day from Brooklyn to my office in the West Village!
Q: What is the best store you have discovered while traveling and what did you buy there?
A: Chez Dede in Rome. Pajamas for my girl and illustrations for the house.
Q: What song always reminds you of the holidays?
A: 'Libertadango' by Grace Jones.
Q: Your favorite place in the world?
A: There are many, but my favorite right now is tokyo for manners and refinement, the delicious and delicate gastronomy , eccentricity and emotion behind closed doors.
Q: Next destination in mind?
A: London to see my family , but apart from that I need a good dose of activity and socialization. Il Pellicano in Tuscany would be perfect.
Q: The postcard that has surprised you the most?
A: the sight of the Tilkikik Bay from The Bodrum EDITION.
Q: Your trusted brand for suitcases?
A: Filson, the Carry-On model.
Beach Club by The Bodrum EDITION
Q: A person, property, or place that you know is doing amazing things to make the world a better place?
A: Tansy Kaschak, journalist, artist and activist. She hosted an amazing panel during the New York Fashion Week. She also gave a compelling talk ('Responsibility in Fashion') during Frieze LA with Julia Watson , who just posted a book called Lo Tek on indigenous design. another amazing person is Kat Lo, founder of Eaton Hotels , a hybrid model of accommodation, coworking and wellness center.
Q: Your favorite destination for a stay?
A: I long for a wellness weekend in New York. We'll all need it after this! I'd stay at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, go to Modo for a yoga class and to the Bathhouse for a soak (and a glass of wine).
In Manhattan I would stop at The Well for a session of acupuncture , Inscape for a Guided Meditation and one plant-based dinner in Nix . Then it would be back to Williamsburg for a boogie on the lighted dance floor of Night Moves . The next morning **a run at Prospect Park and lunch at Carthage Must Be Destroyed. **