Go Away With … Jonathan and Drew Scott

Jonathan and Drew Scott add a new twist to the home remodeling genre. The “Property Brothers” are identical 36-year-old twins, who both are licensed real estate agents. They also have acting roles on their resume. And in the case of Jonathan, he’s also an illusionist. “Vegas is currently home for us and has been for a while,” says Jonathan. “Not only does it offer great shows and restaurants, but I occasionally take to the stage to perform.” The Scotts return for a new season of HGTV’s “Brother Vs. Brother.” For more information on the twins, check out their website.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

Drew: Mykonos (Greece) is one of my favorite travel spots. I used to actually have a place there and would go every summer. The weather is great, the beaches are amazing and the food is phenomenal. Don’t plan on sleeping. The locals and the tourists dance and laugh and stay up all night. From the beach parties to the night spots, it’s nonstop.

Jonathan: It’s hard for me to narrow it down because I loved Bora Bora for the pure beauty and peaceful atmosphere. I didn’t want to leave Florence — the history and architecture is incredible. But as I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic, I have to give my heart to Paris. It is an amazing city that excited the soul. Stroll the softly lit streets at night and find an endless amount of lively bistros packed full of friendly folks from around the globe, who are more than willing to meet a stranger.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

Jonathan: Belize had some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling I have ever done. The locals were friendly and the Belize beer was refreshingly delicious.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

Drew: We traveled to Scotland to visit our family. We toured the castles, cathedrals and brushed up on all our Scottish history.

Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

Jonathan: I don’t think you can truly appreciate where you came from unless you have experienced how other cultures live. Travel has made me a more humble person with a better perspective on life.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

Jonathan: It’s hard to beat New York for a quick weekend getaway. There’s always something happening and somewhere to go.

Drew: I always have fun in San Francisco. There is a lot of sightseeing and great restaurants that you can easily pack into a weekend.

Q. Where is the most romantic destination?

Drew: Laying on a white sand beach in the Caribbean is the perfect backdrop for a romantic setting. I may even mix up the drinks.

Jonathan: Going back to Paris, there’s just romance in the air. You can feel it and whether you’re with somebody you love or you meet somebody new, sparks are going to fly!

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

Drew: We were born in Vancouver, which is lush and green and seems carved out of the forest. When traveling through Scotland, I am constantly reminded of the beauty back home.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

Jonathan: I would love to travel through Asia and experience the Japanese and Chinese cultures firsthand. I studied karate for years and can speak a little Japanese. Maybe I can put it to use.

Drew: I’ve always thought an African safari would be amazing. Open plans, wild animals — it would be a freeing experience.

Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

Jonathan: I can pack light. There are always hair products, some denim and a camera. The rest? Meh. It doesn’t really matter.

Drew: I’m an organizational freak. I have every plug and charger head known to man. I have organizers built into my suitcases and have a selection of rings, watches and accessories to match any outfit. A guy’s gotta look good.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants?

Both: Sushi … enough said! Haha. Everywhere we go, we find sushi joints to enjoy.

Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?

Jonathan: I love haunted houses. The cheesier the better. They tend to be in obscure, touristy destinations, but I can’t get enough of them.

Drew: I am always down for a spa day. Even on the road, if I can sneak in a massage, I will.

Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

Jonathan: I’ll research the basics, such as hotel and transportation, then I like to be spontaneous and see where the adventure takes me.

Drew: I like to know everything about everything. I download apps and research online to ensure I’m making the most efficient use of my time. I like to pack A LOT into a trip.

Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?

Jonathan: My best vacation memory was waking up on the beach in Cuba naked (laughs) with the tide rolling in, the sun on my skin and absolute peace in my surroundings. I have never felt so relaxed. My worst was when I stepped on a sea urchin in Mexico and had three spokes through my foot. No, I didn’t pee on it.

Drew: My best memory is when we were in Italy and we toured the Medici palace. I was surrounded by eight friends, unbelievable architecture, gorgeous gardens and a level of luxury not often found today. My worst is when I was coming back from a cruise in Mexico and I was detained, because the customs officials thought the protein powder in my bags for my health shakes was actually something else. Note to self: Don’t travel with white powder of any kind in your bag. (Laughs)

Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?

Drew: Last year we traveled to New Dehli, India, for a charity mission on behalf of World Vision. We were raising awareness for Child Labor and Child Trafficking. It was a shocking and humbling experience and really solidified how we need to do our part both domestically and globally. I enjoyed the experience, but moreso I’m glad we could make a difference in the lives of so many children.

Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

Drew: Our family always gets together over the holidays and it’s usually at our home in Vegas. There’s great food, lots of laughs and even caroling to the neighbors. Scott family Christmases are the best.

Q. What are your favorite hotels?

Jonathan: St. Regis hotels are among my favorites. Classy, elegant and has a lot of character.

Drew: I’m a big fan of the W hotel. Modern amenities and great style. They usually have an in house sushi joint too!

Q. What would be your dream/fantasy trip?

Drew: Heading to Africa for a safari just feels like it would bring out my inner wild child. There’s so much I haven’t seen but the experience would be mind blowing.

Jonathan: I would love to go treasure hunting on the ocean and on islands and taste the thrill of the search.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

Both: Vancouver, London, Florence, Mykonos, New York.

Q. Who’s the older twin?

Jonathan: I’m 4 minutes older and more mature.

Q. What is your Twitter account?

Drew: My handle is @MrDrewScott and Jonathan is @MrSilverScott. Silver is his middle name. We’re very engaged with our fans and answer a lot of questions every day. We also hold contests from time to time to give out cool Brothers swag!

 

© 2014 JAE-HA KIM
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