My Travelling Life

'Sound of Music' star Carmen Pretorius's travel adventures

The musical actor recalls the things that set her heart aflutter while travelling, from beaches to a hot host 'brother'

08 April 2018 - 00:00 By Carmen Pretorius

How often do you travel?
Let's put it this way … in the past six months, I have been home for no more than 10 days at a time, and no more than four weeks in total.
Your earliest memory of travelling abroad?
Visiting Japan when I was 16. We stayed with local families in each city (Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Hiroshima to name a few), and I slept on a pillow of beans. I developed a massive crush on one of my "homestay brothers", communicated with my "family" via charades, and soaked my feet in the Motoyasu River on the day of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
A crisp and tranquil sea, a clandestine beach, animals, a yoga mat, good books, 30 Seconds, great company and some buttery chardonnay.
What's your favourite holiday destination?
Railay in Krabi, Thailand. I loved that Railay was less touristy than other parts of Thailand. It is also only accessible by longtail boat so that makes for an exciting adventure. We had mango sticky rice, made fresh from a longtail boat for breakfast. I had my hair braided by three local women under a palm tree. We spent our days exploring the exquisite beaches or historical caves, wrinkled in the warm Andaman Sea and met people from all around the world.Your best holiday ever?
As above! After Railay Beach, we went to Phi Phi Island and it was here that I learnt how to scuba dive with a sexy Australian.
Most relaxing destination?
Seychelles. I love its gorgeous shores and I adore the small island lifestyle. Don't stay in the sterile, commercial hotels. Find somewhere with more personality. One has to take a walk to the nearest spaza shop to buy anything and the selection is limited. I felt as if I was really away from the world there.
Your favourite restaurant?
Locally, I adore The Cube Tasting Kitchen (Johannesburg), Manga (Cape Town) and Roots (at the Forum Homini Hotel in Kromdraai). The flavours that are explored in these "food laboratories" are sensational and thought-provoking.Your favourite city?
Istanbul, Turkey. What a historic city, filled with taste, sound, colour and life. This is a place where stray animals are cared for by the community, so they lounge around the city looking healthy and happy. Taking a stroll through The Grand Bazaar, drinking in the prayers emanating from the Blue Mosque at sunset, savouring fresh pistachios and pomegranates ... I could go on forever.Most adventurous travel experience?
I was on the hunt for some watches in China and a friend suggested we go to the Silk Market. After walking around a bit, my friend signalled to a man standing near a stairwell. Before I knew it, we were whisked up three flights of stairs and into a room filled with Piaget, Rolex, Armani and the like. I was shaking in my boots. I could not believe how easy it was to find oneself in a precarious position, or how big the black market for luxury goods is. ( No, I didn't buy anything).Your favourite hotel?
The Cinnamon Grand in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It has an airy, old-school design that is welcoming and friendly. When one checks in, a waiter brings chilled pineapple juice and there is always a pianist at the grand in the foyer restaurant. These small details have set it apart from other hotels, worldwide.
Best piece of travel advice?
Buy yourself the Face Cradle travel pillow. You'll look like a weirdo and feel like a hero!
What's another travel essential?
Hand sanitiser.
Where next?
New Zealand. This is in my top five favourite places in the world. I can't wait to see the friendly Kiwis and to soak up the breathtaking beauty of the country.
• Carmen Pretorius stars as Maria in 'The Sound of Music', on at Montecasino Teatro now until April 29...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.