By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
April 2, 2013
Author, Target™ Style expert and HGTV on-air personality, Sabrina Soto is known to viewers as the host and designer of such shows as “The High Low Project” and “Get It Sold.” Soto, who has a background in both real estate and design, says she has always been interested in decorating and interior design. To get paid to do it is literally a dream come true for her, she says. A resident of New York’s Upper West Side, Soto admits that it’s sometimes difficult to get her out of her beautiful apartment when she’s not working. Still, the allure of travel is something she can’t ignore. Fans may follow her on Twitter @SabrinaSoto.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Amalfi Coast, Italy. I just went this past August and I couldn’t get enough. Walking through the city streets, speaking to the locals, the food, the wine. … It was paradise.
Q. To someone who was going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?
A. Stay in Sorrento or Positano, but take a day trip to the Isle of Capri. Sorrento is more of a city than Positano, but Positano has so many wonderful art galleries and quaint restaurants. If you are going to the Amalfi Coast, make sure the weather is nice, eat as much as you can, walk around the city streets, visit the art galleries in Positano and end your trip with a few days in Rome.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. My parents took us to Morelia, Mexico for three weeks. I absolutely loved it. We would cook local cuisine all day and visit local outdoor markets. I cherish the memories of that trip. We also celebrated my eighth birthday during the vacation and I remember my pinata catching on fire during the celebration. I still, to this day, don’t know who was responsible. But it made us all laugh for days.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Maui. Every single time I land in Hawaii, I feel at peace. There is no other place in the world that I feel more tranquil. New York. The energy in this city is undeniable. Always something to see and do, no matter what time. Positano, Italy. I fell in love with Positano last year. It’s a place you need to visit to understand. A marvelous village that sits in an enclave on the hill. Remarkable. Havana, Cuba. I’m first generation American. Both of my parents were born and raised in Cuba. Visiting here in January was a dream come true. I was able to visit and experience my family’s history for the first time in my life. I’ll take those memories with me for the rest of my life. Paris. Romance, romance, romance. What more can I say?
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Havana. The food, music and people. It’s like being at a family get together every day. I was able to visit both my father and mother’s neighborhoods and childhood homes. My mother and I visited her elementary school and the small house where she grew up. Her neighbor still lived next door and remembered her after 47 years! It was an emotional trip back in time for her.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Tokyo, Milan and Barcelona.
Q. What would be your dream/fantasy trip?
A. Three weeks in Europe with my family and friends.
Q. Do you pack differently depending on who you’re traveling with?
A. Yes. For romantic trips, I bring more toiletries and black dresses. With friends, games and fashion magazines. For touring, comfortable shoes and a flexible portable tripod. On all trips, a camera!
Q. What are your must-have items?
A. Passport, sunblock, Kindle, small cross-body bag, Ziplocs, hand sanitizer and bug spray.
Q. What are your favorite hotels?
A. The Bowery Hotel or Sofitel in New York City. Four Seasons Wailea in Hawaii. Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento, Italy. The London Hotel in West Hollywood.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. ABC Kitchen and Gotham Bar and Grill in New York City. Dona Eutimia in Havana, Cuba. The Bazaar in Los Angeles.
© 2013 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
