Gemma Chan: 'I was eaten alive by mosquitoes in Brazil'
Gemma Chan, the actress and star of Channel 4's Humans series, recalls the "gorgeous" pace of life in Kefalonia, eating fresh crab under a bridge in Goa and a "real oasis in the city"
How often do you travel?
Between five and eight times a year. I’ve recently filmed in Guadeloupe, Rome, Lecce, Shanghai and Paris, and have been on holiday to Miami,Cape Town, Kefalonia and Ibiza, where I go at least once a year. I love Ibiza; you can chill out and eat good food with friends, or be bit more lively and escapist. You can also fly there on Friday night and be back on set by Monday.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
Good company and good book; I’m quite low-maintenance. Although good food is incredibly important, too.
Kefalonia, Greece Photo: Fotolia/AP
Earliest memory of travelling abroad?
Holidaying in Majorca with my family. We didn’t have a lot of money, but I have such happy memories of playing in the sun with my little sister. We’d stay in a self-catering apartment, and buy a big bag of prawns at the seafood market that we’d boil and eat with our fingers. It was simple, good fun.
Your most adventurous travel experience?
Travelling in Brazil a few years ago with an ex. We flew into Rio, and then travelled south to Paraty, which is a gorgeous Portuguese colonial town, São Paulo, the beaches of Florianópolis, then inland to the Iguazu Falls, which are spectacular, with thousands of butterflies on the low, Brazilian side, and fantastic dramatic views on the Argentinian side.
"I love the late-night culture of Italy, with everyone catching up around the square at midnight"
The most remote place you’ve been?
"I love the late-night culture of Italy, with everyone catching up around the square at midnight"
The jungle in Brazil. It was so hot – about 40 degrees. And because you aren’t allowed to wear mosquito repellent, as it might pollute the rivers, I got eaten alive. But we saw wonderful wildlife, like these creatures called capybara, which look like big guinea pigs.
Your most relaxing destination?
Kefalonia. The people are warm, it’s unspoilt and the pace of life is gorgeous. I stayed in the simple but lovely Emelisse Hotel and at night got a boat to Ithica, where there’s an incredible restaurant run by a guy called Lazarus, who was once the head of the Greek Communist party. As well as a great chef, he’s quite a character.
Have you ever been on safari?
No. I would love to as I’m an animal lover.
Best holiday ever?
To Hong Kong with my mum, dad and sister. My dad’s family is spread all over the world, and we all had a huge family gathering there. We did things like take a boat out, and spend the day jumping off and swimming.
A street in Paraty, Brazil Photo: Fotolia/AP
Favourite holiday destination?
Italy: I love the late-night culture, hanging around the square at midnight with everyone catching up and having a drink.
Favourite hotel?
I stayed at the Gramercy Park in New York this year and loved their private park; it was a real oasis in the city.
Favourite city?
London; there’s so much to do. Coming home to Notting Hill and spending time here is a treat, shopping in the little independent shops, or having brunch in little coffee shops like the Wildflower Cafe.
Favourite restaurant?
The Westbourne Pub for Sunday lunch. Although Matsuhisa in LA is wonderful. It’s not glam or swanky, but the sushi is the food of your dreams.
Most memorable meal abroad?
I found a place under a bridge in Goa where you could have fresh crab and beer. It was nothing complicated, but delicious.
Hong Kong Photo: Fotolia/AP
Favourite place for a drink?
Restaurant Sa Caleta on a tiny beach in Ibiza. They make the best paella, which you have with local wine.
Favourite city for nightlife?
Barcelona for its late-night music and clubs. Or Ibiza; El Chiringuito is a great bar, right on Es Cavallet beach.
Worst travel experience?
Getting stuck in a plane for four hours on the Tarmac on the hottest day of summer in Italy. It was like being trapped in a boiling tin can.
Favourite airlines?
Virgin Atlantic and British Airways; the service is great and you’re comfortable. I avoid flying Ryanair if I can. I know that everyone gives them a hard time, but there’s a good reason for that.
Best piece of travel advice?
If it’s a long-haul flight, sleep rather than watch movies. And wear flight socks; they make a huge difference.
Barcelona at night Photo: Fotolia/AP
Best beauty tip for travelling?
Drink lots of water and take good lip balm and hand cream; I use an amazing cream by Aesop, which smells delicious.
Your one travel essential?
A first-aid kit with all the basics: paracetamol, plasters, eye drops, all the things you might suddenly need and won’t be able to find somewhere foreign, late at night.
Any clothes you always pack?
Paige denim shorts that go with everything and brown flat leather sandals from a little shop in Rome that are really comfy.
Your idea of a perfect night out in London?
Drinks at the Experimental Cocktail Club in Soho, where they do bespoke cocktails, then French food at the cosy Blanchette Soho, then the Ain’t Nothing But… blues bar on Kingly Street, which has an amazing house band.
Favourite thing to do in Britain?
The Edinburgh Festival. It’s got such a buzz, and it’s great to see four or five shows in a day. I’m never organised enough to book anywhere nice to stay, so am usually on someone’s couch. But you’re out most of the night anyway…
What do you hate about holidays?
That they have to end… My schedule is so full on, it’s hard to get more than few days off, and then you’ve only just started to relax when it’s time to go home.
Where next?
I’m staying in London doing a play, The Homecoming, until mid-February, then filming Humans in mid-April. Then I’ll probably go to LA. I’d love to visit Buenos Aires and Cuba one day. They both seem so different and romantic, and I love warm weather.
Gemma Chan is an American Express Shop Small Ambassador encouraging everyone to shop small, particularly today on Small Business Saturday (amexshopsmall.co.uk).
