One of my most treasured childhood travel memories is visiting Paris. My parents would take us there during the summers. It was my first true encounter with couture, romance and artistry – moments that profoundly shaped my love for design. The city made me feel that beauty wasn’t just something you looked at; it was something you lived in.
These days, my favourite destination to visit is Malibu. It’s truly our home away from home. My family and I escape there whenever we can. While it’s only a short drive from Los Angeles, it feels like an entirely different world. The rhythm of life slows, the ocean is just steps away, and the sunsets are unlike anywhere else. Malibu is where I recharge and restore balance. It’s where we gather with friends and family, cooking simple meals and spending uninterrupted quality time together. I also really cherish London. It’s a city that endlessly inspires me with its energy, architecture and seamless blend of heritage and modernity. It’s where I connect with dear friends, visit some of my favourite shops and often find myself creatively rejuvenated. Malibu restores my spirit. London sparks my imagination.
Italy has also always inspired my work – particularly Venice and Lake Como. I once designed an entire collection after being moved by Venetian palazzos with their faded frescoes and gilded chandeliers. The interplay of romance, history and decadence is endlessly inspiring. Each season, I aim to capture a touch of old-world grandeur infused with modern femininity in my gowns.
I also think Lake Como is the dreamiest wedding destination. The stillness of the water, the villas framed by cascading gardens and the way the light shimmers across the lake. Lake Como creates a setting that is pure magic. A wedding there feels regal and ethereal, like a scene from a classic film. Italy as a whole, though, is a country made for love stories. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and the timeless grandeur of Rome or Venice, every region offers its own version of romance.
My favourite hotel in the world is Villa Treville in Positano. It’s one of those rare places that feels more like a dream than a hotel. Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, it was formerly film director Franco Zeffirelli’s private estate, and you can still feel the creative spirit woven into every corner. Each suite is uniquely designed, filled with art, antiques and personal touches that make it feel like a home rather than a resort. What I love most is the intimacy. You’re surrounded by lush gardens, dramatic cliffside views and the sound of the sea, yet everything is incredibly private and serene. The service is warm, and the food celebrates the best of Italian cuisine.
I adore Italian food, and one dish I often dream about is the pasta vongole at Conca del Sogno on the Amalfi Coast. There’s nothing more memorable than arriving by boat, dining by the water and savouring the freshest flavours of the sea in every bite. It’s not just a meal – it’s an experience. I love being by the water.
One of my favourite beaches is Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island, The Bahamas. It’s one of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever experienced. The three-mile stretch is pristine and rarely crowded, so you get that combination of beauty and serenity that’s so hard to find.
When it comes to shopping, Paris will always be my number one hotspot. The history of couture lives on every corner, from Avenue Montaigne to Rue Saint-Honoré. Paris is where heritage houses showcase artistry at its finest, and where I find endless inspiration just walking past the windows. I also love Milan for its sophistication. The craftsmanship, the tailoring and the bold-yet-effortless Italian style – it’s unparalleled. Shopping in Milan feels both modern and timeless, with an energy that is chic and fashion-forward.
When I travel, my vacation wardrobe staples are non-negotiable. I always pack a tailored blazer for layering, a flowing dress that transitions effortlessly from day to evening, heels and chic espadrilles, oversized sunglasses and a few necklaces to layer. A cocktail ring finishes any look.
As for beauty essentials, I always pack Goop Beauty Exosome Hydration Therapy Serum. In-flight, hydration is everything. I apply a nourishing moisturiser or hydrating serum, and I love the Evolve Together lip balm. I also always ensure I drink lots of water.
Next on my travel wish list is Mexico City. I’ve always been fascinated by its rich layers of history, the architecture that blends old and new and the vibrant energy of its art and design scene. I hear the culinary culture is extraordinary, and I would love to experience it first-hand with my family – walking through local markets, exploring museums and discovering the city’s creative pulse. I know it will be both inspiring for my work and nourishing for the soul.
Of course, I also love my hometown in Los Angeles. A perfect day would begin with an early morning walk followed by a little time in my atelier with my team, working on my latest collections. I’d then visit the Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel for lunch, followed by a visit to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Later on, we’d stroll down Melrose Place followed by dinner at Sunset Tower Hotel.
My mantra when it comes to travelling is travel with curiosity! The most beautiful moments are often the unexpected ones.
Images courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
