Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1516204
ara Bernerd, known for glamorous, color-soaked interiors, founded her namesake interior architectural design studio in London over two decades ago. While Bernerd does have a private client list, it's her hospitality projects—including the just- reopened Belmond Maroma in Mexico—that we're particularly drawn to. She and her team are also working widely in South Florida right now, including•designing Six Fisher Island, the last plot of land on Fisher Island; The Perigon with OMA Architects, on Miami Beach; and the new MAASS restaurant at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale.•Here, we catch up with the seasoned and stylish globetrotter about her packing hacks, fondest memories, and who she turns to for planning her itineraries. What's your go-to travel outfit? I always make an effort when traveling—to this day, I'm usually in one of my many colored-leather jackets, whether old Céline, classic Gucci, or vintage Chloé. But as airports get busier and navigating them is more arduous, I've replaced my wedges and finally succumbed to some very cool trainers.•If I'm traveling long haul, I will have a change of clothes for the flight, but I'm more a fan of James Perse—cotton over cashmere— something cozy and soft. • Single best packing hack? I've learned the hard way that less is more. But for someone like me who loves my clothes, that's been a huge achievement. If I'm flying private, I tend to quickly revert to my old self. • How far have you made it with carry-on only? My longest trip to date without additional shopping has been ten days. It only becomes tricky if the trip involves different cities with very different climates—Miami and New York, for instance. PACKING LIGHT WITH A SOUGHT-AFTER LONDON DESIGN STUDIO, TARA BERNERD HAS A GLOBAL CLIENT ROSTER AND AN EQUALLY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SCHEDULE. BY MARK ELLWOOD T MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Recommend a connected travel agent. I've long used Stefan Ksiazek at Trailfinders in London. He has looked after me and my family for many years and knows our preferences and foibles. What is your on-plane ritual? On a long-haul flight, it's the down time and the chance to switch off that I value. I always make sure to download enough series to keep me occupied for a binge-watch. I open my iPad and watch whatever I'm currently addicted to. Right now, it's Shameless, and with 11 seasons to go, I have plenty. The best shopping find from your travels is… Over the years, when I have found something really unique and not indulged myself, I have really regretted it. So now, if I can fit it in my case, I make a point to take it home. This recently included some wonderful fabrics, sundresses, and colorful tableware I encountered in Riviera Maya, while finishing up Belmond's Maroma property there. • The most indulgent splurge you've made while traveling. My passion for antiques and mid-century pieces means that's what I can splurge on when I travel. Most recently that would have been in Milan, at Officina Antiquaria, where my good friend Luca Vitali has an incredible collection. I found two rare and unique chairs: wooden cruise ship recliners from the 1950s. • Who's the most stylish traveler you know? The jeweler Loree Rodkin. She is a very dear friend, and her style is unique: always layered brilliantly in an effortless way, wearing her collections, often in black or very silhouette- like clothes. She travels like a rock star. What hotel would you own if you could? The Splendido Hotel in Portofino is a magical property; it presides over that area and exudes the style of the past but still today encapsulates its surroundings. It holds so many memories for me; I remember as a little girl being enchanted by the cascading gardens and the abundance of color in the flowers. Every time I return there is nostalgic for me. Recommend a GM you'd trust to organize anything. I've been spending more time in Milan and have come to know the hotels and their GMs so well. So, I would recommend Luca Finardi, at the Mandarin Oriental, a dear friend of both my husband and mine, who's the most together and cool; I'd also give a nod to Andrea Obertello at the Four Seasons. Your first private plane ride? My first memory of going on a private plane was many years ago, traveling to a Greek Island as the guest of my great friends Alastair Cuddeford, Ben Elliot, and Piers Adam. I was in my early twenties; it was an incredible experience, and I won't forget the touchdown on a private airfield on this beautiful island. That sense of occasion and excitement has always stayed with me. - What destination would you recommend ahead of all others? Milan. It's a stylish, intriguing, bubbling melting pot of design. It's so well located that it's easy to get everywhere by plane, train, or car. The city is vibrant, and I adore the pace of it all. The architecture is a constant inspiration. I love running in the park, having a little lunch at Bacaro, or an evening at Il Baretto, to share but a few of my go-to's. "I'V E LEA RN ED THE H A RD WAY TH AT LESS IS MORE . BUT IF I'M FLY I NG PRI VATE , I TEN D TO REV ERT TO M Y OLD SELF." P O R T R A I T CO U R T E S Y O F B E L M O N D 116 BAL HARBOUR