Famous flyer: George Calombaris

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This was published 12 years ago

Famous flyer: George Calombaris

George Calombaris.

George Calombaris.

Which was your best holiday?

Mykonos - it was the first holiday my wife, Natalie, and I had together and we had so much fun. Lots of great food and lots of sunshine. I especially love the afternoon naps, late dinners and sleep-ins. I love going there to enjoy the company and people as well as to check my restaurant there, The Belvedere Club.

And the best hotel you've stayed in?

The Belvedere Hotel, not because I have a restaurant there but for its elegance, design, simplicity and its true Mykonian ambience. It's a boutique hotel, only open over the summer months of the year.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

Sun, energy, great food and great company. Great food is very important, Natalie and I choose destinations based on the food we can find there. Meals must leave us [with] great memories.

What do you always take with you?

My Blackberry. I need to stay in touch with all my restaurants back in Melbourne. It's not good.

What's your best piece of travel advice?

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Don't take your Blackberry! It's hard to be able to switch off sometimes so it can definitely be a distraction.

Where do you want to go next?

Spain, I really want to experience the culture and the food. Spain has both high-end dining experiences and also low-end yummy stuff. My dream is also to go and check out a real football match in a packed out stadium with the crowds going wild. I would like to see Real Madrid and Barcelona play.

Which was your worst holiday?

Well it wasn't really a holiday but I travelled to India for a promotion with a couple of my chefs from The Press Club to do a series of dinners and unfortunately we got very sick, so I wasn't well enough to really check out the sights.

And your worst experience on holiday?

I travelled to China to do some publicity and it was only for a couple of days but when we arrived, we were told our baggage was lost. I am a creature of comfort so I felt completely lost without my belongings.

What's the biggest packing mistake you've made?

I've never made a mistake. I am very organised when it comes to packing correctly. I like to travel light, and only take things I know I will need and will wear.

What do you avoid on holiday?

Tap water. You never know the quality of the water when you travel, so it's always safer to drink bottled water.

What do you hate about holidays?

Not having my own washing machine! And I hate it when they end as I can never get enough holidays.

George Calombaris is a judge on Channel Ten's Junior Masterchef; the series finale goes to air Wednesday at 7.30pm.

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