Name: Kristina Casolani
Age: 28
Occupation: Singer/songwriter
My best holiday ever...
That would have to be the road trip my boyfriend JK and I went on for our two-year anniversary last June. We took the ferry to Pozzallo then drove to Milazzo, where we caught the hydrofoil to Panarea, a place you can easily compare to ‘Fantasy Island’.
Every holiday is a new experience for me and I have loved every minute
This unique island really beats your expectations. Relaxing in the gorgeous sea, you are surrounded by the most beautiful scenery and architecture. It seemed more like a tropical island rather than a place you’d find in the Mediterranean.
Also, there are no cars on the island – you can either walk or travel around on those cute three-wheeled Piaggio Ape.
The hotel we stayed in was to die for. Let’s put it this way – Valentino normally books the suite above the one we had. Apart from the breathtaking views, the massive pool also had a volcanic mud pool since Panarea is surrounded by volcanoes and is actually an extinct crater itself.
Stromboli, which is just a few kilometres away, throws a spectacular eruption every half an hour. We had originally planned to stay there for one night and then carry on with our travelling, but we quickly changed plans to stay longer in Panarea.
We then drove to the Amalfi coast. Driving there was a dream for my boyfriend but a nightmare for me. The roads in Amalfi are very narrow and you feel as though every driver is about to crash into you. Let’s just say I was using my vocal chords but not in a melodic way…
Capri was the cherry on the cake. It is an island full of character, interesting people and gobsmacking views. We took the cable car up to the highest part of Capri, and the view from there cannot be described – you’ll just have to go there and experience it.
Positano was another lovely place. I was performing in a club called Music on the Rocks, which was in a stunning location you can only reach on foot. That was the night that secured my record deal.
Ravello was all about architecture and old buildings. One of the interesting places we visited here was an 11th century villa owned by an Englishman called Villa Cimbrone. On the way there I stopped to pat all the cats; wherever I visit I must take some cat photos. JK thinks I’m mad.
Amalfi is the centre where it’s all happening, with lots of wonderful restaurants, bars and so many shops. One thing JK and I have in common is we speak to everyone and don’t stop talking. We made a very good friend called Alberto who is actually visiting us in Malta next week. He showed us a side of Amalfi we would have never seen without him. He even took us on his gozzo (Amalfian boat) and showed us some of the nicest secluded beaches.
I would never return to…
There is no place I’d never return to. I have enjoyed every single holiday I have ever been on. Every holiday is a new experience for me and I have loved every minute.
The most dangerous place I’ve visited…
Well I can’t call it a dangerous place, but I had moved to London to do the music thing when I was 18. I didn’t feel safe at all, primarily because it was the time of the 7/7 bombings.
My favourite city...
It would have to be London. I feel much closer to my dream there.
I love the fast pace of the city and I love that around every corner there is a concert or a musical taking place. London is definitely not lacking the arts.
I also have many friends there and perform there often. The last performances I gave there were at Pacha and Movida.
My most memorable experience on an aircraft…
No stand-out moments. The one thing I recall each time I’m on an aircraft is the feeling of excitement at being about to explore a foreign country. I suppose that happens to all of us.
My most treasured holiday souvenir…
All the clothes and shoes I buy when on holiday are my souvenirs.
My biggest gaffe abroad…
Paying €55 for one glass of vodka and Red Bull in a high-end club called Les Caves du Roy in St Tropez a few weeks ago.
The friendliest people…
Definitely not the Greeks. I just felt as though they just weren't bothered to help tourists out. Maybe I went at the wrong time of the year; it was September, so maybe they were sick of tourists by then.
On the other hand, on my recent travels in Italy and the Côte d’Azur I met so many friendly, beautiful people that I could be making a bit of a prejudiced comparison!
The taxi ride I will never forget...
In Capri in a stretch limo with a very crazy driver, aptly called Benito. He drove this mad, topless limo around the tiny streets of Capri like a go-kart, with local Neapolitan music blaring all day (which I loved) while telling us the funniest stories about Capri and its celebrities. Very La Dolce Vita!
My all-time favourite holiday photo...
That would have to be a photo of JK, his sister Marie-Klaire, her boyfriend Duncan and me on a helicopter after a boat crossing from Antibes to St Tropez. It was an absolutely insane feeling.
An unforgettable hotel...
Thank God JK loves his holiday planning, and all the research pays off. Hotel Raya in Panarea is beautiful, a pearl perched on the side of a crater. It was voted Hip Hotel of the Year a few years ago.
The owner, Miriam Bertrami, this eccentric 80-year-old woman, fell in love with us and spent hours telling us all these romantic stories about Panarea and her life.
I return most often to...
London. Mostly for recordings, to perform, to watch concerts and musicals and to meet friends.
My ideal travel companion...
Either me, as I don’t mind travelling alone, or JK, family and close friends. If I could take my cat Stu with me, I would.
Country with the best cuisine...
I love the food in Italy, but was super impressed with the food in the south of France, especially Cannes and St Tropez. I’ll just give you a hint: ‘Fresh pan-seared tuna with foie gras’... yum!
My next holiday plans…
I think the next trip is going to be skiing. I’ve been before but this time we’re thinking of booking an exclusive chalet that sleeps eight or 10, including a private chef. The holiday after that will have to be to the US. I’d love to go to New Yorkand Miami.
My dream trip…
Bahamas, Hawaii, New York, Miami, Maldives, Thailand, Dubai, Australia... there are many destinations on my list. Let’s hope I live long enough to see them all.
I partied hardest in…
St Tropez and London. In St Tropez we went to this exclusive club called Les Caves. The atmosphere was absolutely mental. The money that is spent on an average night out in this club is phenomenal to say the least – bottles of champagne were selling for €60,000 and over. Yet the tables were full of champagne!
Clubbing in London is always great but no club night will ever be more satisfying than actually performing in two of London’s top clubs – Pacha and Movida.
In St Tropez bottles of champagne were selling for €60,000 and over. Yet the tables were full of champagne
My travel tip…
Always make friends with the locals at the beginning of your trip. It is the key to a holiday being a success.
To listen to Kristina Casolani’s music visit www.kristinacasolani.com. Her latest single is I Need You – (Dj Ruby and Mark U-Bahn Remix). One of her latest projects is ‘Jingles Malta’, which is responsible for several custom-made signature jingles for well-known brands on air. Join her Facebook group or e-mail info@kristinacasolani.com.