Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Chef Jose Andres was no novice to helping people who suffered catastrophes. After Hurricanes Sandy and Harvey, he worked with local chefs to help feed the survivors. But those events didn’t prepare him for the devastation he saw when he landed in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit. Working with his nonprofit World Central Kitchen and local chefs, the Michelin-starred Andres set up shop in the parking lot of a stadium to feed anyone who needed a hot meal.
When George Kourounis decided to get married, he and his wife had their ceremony on top of an erupting volcano. The Canadian adventurer and documentarian (“Angry Planet,” “Volcanic Planet,” “What On Earth?”) counts that as one of his most memorable experiences.
“I admit I really only travel to places that have strong culinary cultures,” says chef Judy Joo. ? Word!
Born in Wales, Tom Ellis made a name for himself in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders.” The actor, 35, now stars as Dr. William Rush in the USA Network’s new medical drama, “Rush.” He calls London home, but is currently based out of Vancouver shooting his series. “Vancouver is such a beautiful city,” says Ellis. “It’s unreal. I love how it’s a city thoughtfully nestled within nature.”
“I had a stunning visit to Essaouira, Morocco,” actress Wendy Hoopes recalls. “The ocean crashes onto gorgeous beaches and rocks and it is truly awe-inspiring. Jimmy Hendrix and the Rolling Stones used to visit this spot back in the day and you can see why. It was Ramadan when I was there and there was a full moon. I swear it filled the entire sky and it had this enormous ring around it. I never would have believed such a sight could exist if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. (It) took my breath away. Despite the amoebas I carried home with me from that trip, it was something special.”
Often referred to as the shiest member of Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams defied that description with her solo album “Unexpected.” The singer, who has a penchant for gospel tunes, had no problem belting out dance-friendly pop songs on the high-energy CD. “I had boxed myself in as a gospel singer and didn’t think anyone would be interested in hearing me sing a different way,” says Williams, 29. “It was either Destiny’s Child or gospel.”
His background as a New York Times rock music critic and Rolling Stone contributing editor made Neil Strauss the perfect candidate to co-write books with Marilyn Manson, Motley Crue and Dave Navarro. But few people expected that the intellectual, slightly built journalist would earn fame writing about his real-life experience as a pick-up artist in the bestselling book The Game.
British entrepreneur Richard Branson has been knighted, has assets worth several billion dollars and owns Necker Island in the Caribbean. The founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways also made an impact on pop culture by guest starring on such shows as “Friends” and “Baywatch.” So where does the man who has everything travel to when he wants to take an amazing vacation? South Africa. Branson, 59, loves everything about the country and looks forward to heading back there next year to watch the soccer championship.
With their telegenic good looks and lush music videos, which were filmed in such exotic locations as Sri Lanka, Antigua and France, Duran Duran helped put MTV on the map in the ’80s. More than two decades after the success of “Hungry Like the Wolf,” the British quartet is back with its new album “Red Carpet Massacre.”
“Celebrities migrate toward the Caribbean because it’s one of the few places they can go where they’re left alone,” says Keija Minor, editor in chief of Travel Savvy magazine. “It’s the perfect place for them to get some relaxation, quiet time and seclusion.” What’s not to love? The fruit and fish are always fresh, and the weather usually cooperates. Besides the laid-back tranquility of the islands, celebs also enjoy a bit of welcome anonymity from fans and paparazzi when they’re tucked away in their own pockets of paradise.