This is Around the World With, a series in which we ask very well-traveled people about the destinations they like best. Happy jetsetting.
In addition to serving as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, Nigel Barker is an acclaimed fashion photographer, writer (see this New York Times bestseller) and travel ambassador (he’s currently AC Hotels’ global brand ambassador).
Given the nature of his work, Barker has traveled the globe more than Carmen Sandiego, and he’s learned a few tips and tricks along the way.
From his mouth to your ears, here’s the best place in the world to …
Buy a camera: “Adorama. First place I bought a camera from in New York City 20 years ago, and I am still buying equipment from them today. “
Go people watching: “New York Fashion Week. Nothing like a good runway show to not only catch the fashion on the catwalk but check out the fashionistas [in the crowd] trying to out do one another.”
Sip a G&T: “Rooftop lounge of the AC Hotel in Denver at dusk. Not only do you have the cityscape at sunset, but it’s framed by the Rocky Mountains.”
Take a photograph: “Cape Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The light is extraordinary and it’s one of the few places left in the world where you can still find perfect beaches and ocean without anyone else around getting in your background.”
Get street food: “Marrakech, Morocco, in the souk. Not just is it a culinary wonderland, it’s visually breathtaking, too.”
Go for a bike ride: “The Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York in the fall. Remember your camera.”
Get fitted for a suit: “Duncan Quinn is my tailor. These are not your father’s suits — unless your Dad was OO7.”
Meet a model: “The Dogpound. I know it’s a gym, but they work out almost every supermodel … or are they angels?”
Not be recognized by anyone: “Alabama. My wife is from Fairhope and we spend Christmas in Point Clear every year.”
Learn something new: “Asia — or perhaps it’s better to describe it as learning something old.”
Go for some spicy food: “Well being part Sri Lankan, I would be remiss if I didn’t say Sri Lanka itself. Unlike Indian food, Sri Lankan cuisine is coconut-based, but different from Thai food, as it more savory and less sweet.”
Get a beer: “The Brass Monkey in the Meatpacking District in NYC. Why? Just because.”
Take a group of friends for the first time: “SPiN. Ping-Pong and high heels!”
Summer vacation: “Our favorite place to go every summer is Bay Harbor and Harbor Springs in Michigan. Nothing like true Americana to set the stage for a perfect getaway.”
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