Wraps up recording a set of MasterChef programs and takes a flight to spend the weekend at her retreat in Menorca. Enjoys searching for destinations to surprise herself and discover new adventures. Samantha has been fortunate to travel the world since childhood, but she still dreams of African sunsets, an upcoming trip to Vietnam, and waking up on a beach in the Philippines.
What was the most special trip you remember from your childhood?
A trip to Disney in the 70s with my father and my siblings. I was only about nine years old, and it felt incredible. We rented an American car in Orlando, one of those long ones, and spent a week enjoying those wonderful pools and slides, drinking Coca-Colas and going to a circus school. The great trip of my childhood is called Disney.
And what is the great trip of your life called?
It's called India. It's a country that has me captivated, and I want to return soon. There's poverty, but I love their outlook on life. Peru also surprised me a lot. I liked it much more than I expected. Now I want to travel to Bolivia and Ecuador. I'm going to explore Latin America to the fullest. I've been to Mexico several times, but I feel like going back for a grand journey through Mexican tradition, craftsmanship, and customs.
Are adventure and organized tourism compatible?
I do more adventure than tourism. I hate going with a set plan. I prefer to investigate the social reality and culture of the towns. I enjoy markets, fairs, gastronomy... I lean more towards the modest than the sophisticated. I recently visited Japan, and I felt everything was too overdone.
If you have to choose between visiting a monument or a market, which one do you prefer?
I prefer markets over museums, even if it may sound crazy to say that. In Tokyo, I would wake up at four in the morning to see the tuna auction. Just like I went to the central market in Lima to see the unloading of goods. I can spend six hours watching the sellers' faces and the food they're preparing. I live for that.
Do Spaniards travel with purpose?
I believe we travel compulsively. I remember when people didn't go to New York, and now everyone has been there... Travel has become popular, and that's great.
However, it would be good to know Spain first.
I think it's essential to alternate. This year in Spain, I went to the Corpus Christi festival in Lagartera (Toledo) and cried from emotion. What a wonderful tradition! We have to travel; we have to be curious. I'm much more about exploring than lounging on a sunbed. I like destinations with palm trees, but with a touch of adventure.
Did you imagine you would get to know better the corners of Spain thanks to the 'MasterChef' tours?
Ha, ha. When I saw Juan Echanove and Imanol Arias in 'Un país para comérselo,' I felt very envious. Now I feel like I've won the lottery. It's wonderful to be received with so much love.
Does that popularity hinder your movements?
In Spain, people stop you, but abroad, you can travel quietly. It's also nice to be recognized in Peru or Tokyo.
Could you remind us of some of your most recent trips?
This year I've traveled to Japan, the Maldives, Riviera Maya, Latvia... And the year before I was in Peru.
Which of the mentioned places would you not mind returning to?
I want to return to India, and I go back to New York from time to time because I love it. In November, I will be traveling across Africa, which I'm very excited about. There are a thousand places to discover.
Tell us a story from your travels.
In India, we rented a car in Goa with the idea of reaching Kerala, but we didn't make it. We kept stopping every five minutes somewhere. We would see a river or a sign and head over there. We got sidetracked, and when we realized it, we had to turn back to Spain. I love going with the flow of the destination. It's a delight to travel that way.
Do you like to acquire souvenirs from the places you visit?
My house is a museum of travel memories. I even have a little altar where I place the religious figures from each country. I also have a large collection of hats and bags. The room in my house where I work has turned into a museum.
Which country has the best cuisine?
I love Thai cuisine. And Indian cuisine too. Almost more than Japanese. But when I'm in the United States, I say: I want to go back and eat at my house. The secret lies in continuing to cook at home.
To what extent does knowing how to choose your company influence the success of a trip?
It's fundamental. I once traveled to Cuba, not accompanied by the right person, and I came back with a bad memory of the Caribbean island. I want to return because I know it will delight me. Things happen on a trip; not everything is always positive.
What can't you leave out of your suitcase?
Comfortable clothes. I always carry an empty suitcase to bring back things.
Which city abroad would you like to live in?
It would be between Bangkok, Bombay, and New York. Paris drives me crazy, I like Rome a lot, I'm in love with Tel Aviv, and I find Istanbul another marvel...
A landscape that left an impression on you?
The desert, when I saw it for the first time, struck me as spectacular. But every place has its charm. I love Tuscany and could give you a list of a hundred more places.