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Frequent Flyer: Christopher Kilaniotis, Cartier MD

What do you always pack in your hand luggage?
Well, for business travel, I always make sure I have a suit carrier on the plane with me with extra business shirts. Arriving in Paris for an important meeting and finding that your luggage took an accidental holiday in Brazil can be a little annoying.

Biggest travel inspiration?
The poem Ithaka, by Constantine Cavafy. It’s a beautiful, graphic poem that refers to the notion that it’s the journey through life that counts, and the experiences accompanying it, rather than just our destination.

Tell us about your best trip.
The recent launch of Cartier’s Inde Mysterieuse collection at Lancaster House, a historic mansion in London, was simply amazing and a trip to remember. A personal trip I definitely will not forget is when my wife, Ja’naed, and I went travelling through Morocco and Spain by car. In eight days, we drove from Casablanca to Marrakech then to Rabat, Fez, Tangier, crossed over the Algeciras near Gibraltar and continued to Seville, Cordoba, visited the wonderful Alhambra and ended up in Marbella. A road trip filled with interesting Moroccan roads (and adventurous driving), night markets in Marrakech and an unbelievable historic citadel.

Favourite destinations?
Australia because it's home. As for favourites outside Australia, I have many. I am in Paris three to four times a year for work... working in such a beautiful city is a bonus.

I also like Italy for the totality of experiences it has to offer. From the business capital of Milan you can head to romantic Venice, down to cultural Florence, experience ancient Rome, have the best pizza in the world in Naples and enjoy the dolce vita in Positano and Amalfi. My favourite Greek island is Santorini; the volcanic cliff combined with white houses and the striking blue sea make it an unforgettable destination.

Favourite hotels?
The Ritz Paris is a great hotel due to its location and grandeur. It's also very convenient as it is walking distance to the Cartier office and our historic boutique at 13 Rue de la Paix.

In Athens, the King George Palace's top floor suite is special due to its private rooftop swimming pool with Acropolis views. A definite favourite holiday hotel is the Grecotel Cape Sounio near the Temple of Poseidon outside Athens. The villas and bungalows with private swimming pools and views of the Aegean are amazing. Also the Imaret hotel in Kavala in north Greece is one of a kind in the world. Asian favourites include the Shangri-La in Singapore and the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong.

Favourite restaurant?
This is a difficult one... I have great memories of Tetsuya's in Sydney, my wife took me there for my first birthday celebration with her. I can name a few great places in Paris, London and New York, but Australian food and produce are probably of the highest quality. I must say, though, that I am more inclined towards restaurants with an Asian influence.

Your one travel-related regret?
I can’t sit still, whether travelling for work or pleasure. I need to plan a relaxing holiday, somewhere remote without phone access or other distractions.

Trip you’d most like to take?
I’m now based in Singapore after six years in Europe, so it’s time to get the Asia map out. China, Vietnam and India are high on the priority list.

In-flight distractions?
I sometimes take a good book with me but, in recent times, I am satisfied with the in-flight entertainment system, especially on Singapore Airlines.

On two recent trips I caught up with two Australian movies, one of them being Romulus, My Father and the other The Home Song Stories.

Next destination?
Vietnam is coming up soon and I am heading to France for the Biennale des Antiquaires in September. The biennale is definitely worth a visit for those interested in great works of art, magnificent jewellery or unique antiques. For just a few days, the Grand Palais in Paris is transformed into a wonderful world of rare antiques. Cartier presents some unique antique jewellery and watches that have been restored especially for the occasion of the biennale.

This interview is an extended version of an article that appeared in the June 2008 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller.