Where is your favourite destination and why?
Sydney, Australia. It’s my home, but now that I’ve lived in New York City for 25 years, I also visit it like something of a tourist. Life is just easier there. More beautiful, more natural. I know why I moved to NYC and I have no plans to leave, but I miss and appreciate Sydney’s ease and kindness more every time I visit.
When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?
My husband (comedian and writer Brandon Borror-Chappell) and I were in Sydney for a month over Christmas and into January. We rented an apartment in Elizabeth Bay (a few bays around from the Opera House) and really felt like we lived there.
Where do you like to stay?
I toggle between two options: The Park Hyatt (which is ideally located, right under the Harbour Bridge) if I want to be fancy and have a soft landing from NYC. But I have really started appreciating Airbnb for apartments: it’s so liveable there and it’s a fast track to feeling like a local. It really depends what you’re into.
What has been your favourite meal there?
It’s also a toss-up between fancy and local. I will eat anything at Neil Perry’s incredible restaurant, Margaret, in Double Bay. Tuna tartare in a lettuce leaf, the freshest fish you’ll ever eat, and insane Korean-style ribs. I also love to go to a Malaysian takeaway and inhale a laksa. We don’t really have them in New York, so I generally run there!
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
I would stay at The Park Hyatt, get up early and walk around the Opera House through the Botanic Gardens and over to Rushcutters Bay. I would play tennis on courts in the park, and then get a coffee and Turkish toast at “Rushy Bay Cafe” as the locals call it [Cafe C&M] and play with people’s dogs. Around lunchtime, I would get the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for lunch at the Boathouse at Shelly beach, which is a beautiful walk around the esplanade. Then, after a nap, I’d go for dinner at Margaret or Sean’s Panorama (a low key but famed Bondi institution).
Three favourite restaurants?
Margaret, Sean’s, OTTO in Woolloomooloo and, gimme a fourth: Jane in Surry Hills. Some of the best oysters I’ve ever had. Oh and a fifth! The Lord Nelson in The Rocks. A historic Aussie pub which serves up a great Sunday roast.
What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?
The Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, a 5km route between two of our most famous beaches. It takes just over an hour, then I’d suggest flopping on the beach at either end.
Is there a hidden gem you are willing to share?
Featherdale Wildlife Park. It’s run by our dear friend Chad Staples, or “Zookeeper Chad”. All the key marsupials are there, and they take such good care of them. You really have to see a quokka: they look like they’re always smiling.
Where do you like to let your hair down?
Anywhere with animals, especially if they grab my hair — ha.
Who do you call to have a good time there?
My old best friends from college.
Favourite shops?
Dinosaur Designs (which is run by friends of mine who have had an iconic design brand for more than 30 years), Koskela for homewares, Art Leven for indigenous art, Lucy Folk for boho fashion or any of the Aussie fashion brands with stores at Bondi beach.
The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?
Well, I can’t bring an animal, but I love dried Aussie flowers. A bit of home to keep with me always. Also a full carry-on suitcase packed with Australian biscuits, chocolates and chips: Mint Slices, Caramello Koalas, Twisties, BBQ Shapes, Smith’s salt and vinegar chips.
Your favourite beauty spot?
Mecca Cosmetica. It’s pioneering, huge, inventive and Aussie-founded.
Your packing essential?
Dr Barbara Sturm’s facial sunscreen (Sun Drops SPF50, 30ml, £125). The sun is brutal in Sydney so going without sunscreen is not an option. This is pricey but it goes a long way.
Song that reminds you of the place?
This is a bit on the nose, but Down Under by Men at Work. My husband actually sang that at our wedding.
Your dress code for the destination?
My collab with French designer Vanessa Sposi. We have designed the perfect olive linen set that you can wear anywhere, and also a leopard shirt and kaftan you can wear out for dinner or to a party by the beach. The kaftan falls perfectly off the shoulder and is so chic.
Have you ever had an emergency incident there?
No, but Australia has socialised healthcare so everyone is taken care of. Nobody wants an emergency, but it’s the most reassuring place in the world for care.
Which building would you like to live in?
One of the beautiful art deco apartments over Elizabeth Bay where you can see the harbour and all the way to Manly. There is no bad view.
Favourite memory from there?
Can’t choose. I make a new one every time I go home.
