My Travel Notebook

How holiday destinations can offer creative inspiration as well as much needed?R&R..

Chupi Sweetman-Pell designs delicate gold jewellery in a manner as magical as her name suggests (chupi.ie).

What began as a hobby has become a burgeoning business – you can even pick up a piece onboard in Aer Lingus? inflight shopping magazine, Boutique. She tells Michelle O’Brien how destinations offer creative inspiration as well as some much-needed relaxation time.

Favourite place for a weekend break?

?Berlin. My husband surprised me with a trip to the German capital and I had no idea what to expect. The city has so many layers, with everything from cool clubs to hidden lakes surrounded by beautiful forest.?

If I could fly anywhere tomorrow it would be to …

?Morocco. My spring/summer 2015 collection is based on dreamy Eastern nights, and I have been longing to go Morocco since I was a little girl.?

Favourite restuarant?

?Ottolenghi in Islington (287 Upper Street, London, +44 20 7288 1454; ottolenghi.co.uk). I am utterly in love with everything they make, from divine meringues, to roast garlic and sheep’s cheese tart.

Best hotel in the world?

?Bellinter House (Navan, Co Meath, 046 903 0900; bellinterhouse.com). It’s like the perfect family home
in the country – but without the family! Think roaring fires, Eileen Gray furniture and sheepskin rugs. Best of all is the outdoor hot tub, the perfect spot to drink wine and watch the stars.?

Most daring travel experience?

?Trekking through the rainforest in Taman Negara, Malaysia. A group of us went for
a couple of days; it was an insanely intense experience, we’re talking no electricity, giant snakes and monkeys jumping on the roof of our shack. Unforgettable.?

Chupi’s Carry-On Essentials …

1. Taylor Rose Gold Headphones by?Frends, €215 at avenue32.com

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2.?Yogandha?Ground Rollerball, €19.95 at yogandha.com

3. Lily bag in Metallic Mushroom Goat, €860 at Mulberry.com

4.?Dragonfly Wrap by Heather Finn, €75 at heatherfinn.com

5.?The Entrepreneur Stowaway, €297 at steamlineluggage.com

Michelle O’Brien

This article originally appeared in the February/March issue of CARA.