The New Zealand-born lawyer/turned chef/turned restaurateur, Chantelle Nicholson, currently group operations director at Marcus Wareing Restaurants, on recharging her batteries in Dubai, a surprise epicurean experience in Croatia and why American hospitality is the best

Why did you join the Executive Club?
I’m a relative newbie to the Club, joining at the end of last year when booking my first British Airways flight to Mauritius for a holiday. I wanted to start reaping the benefits of regular travel and build up my Avios collection.

What are you saving your Avios for?
This year has been busy with the opening of our latest restaurant, Tredwell’s, so I haven’t been able to travel as much as I’d like – but I’m hoping to book a trip to the Maldives for 2015. I love being by the sea – it reminds me of my childhood holidays.

Where do you travel to regularly for business?
I go to New York about once a year for inspiration. It’s a great city for restaurants – everyone’s doing their own thing instead of following trends. It’s very different to the UK: personality-wise, they’re willing to give a bit more of themselves to the dining experience. There’s a company called Union Square Hospitality Group (the group behind Union Square Café and Shake Shack) and their approach towards their staff and customers is amazing. I think American hospitality is the best in the world.

And leisure?
I go to Dubai every May – mainly for the guaranteed sunshine. I’m a creature of habit, so I go to the same place every year – the One&Only The Palm. I do nothing but relax there. Winter in general is such a crazy time for us as a restaurant group, so when spring arrives, it’s time to recharge my batteries.

Where have you been that’s inspired you professionally?
I was really surprised by a trip to Croatia. I was in Bol, on a small island called Brac, where the fresh produce was incredible. There was a little store that stocked amazing fruit and vegetables, cheese and meat. It was so simple, but because I wasn’t expecting it, it made the experience really special.

Where is next on your list?
I love the freshness and intensity of flavours in Asian cooking, so I’d like to visit Vietnam and Singapore. New Orleans is another place I’ve always wanted to visit to experience the food culture.

What are your recommendations for your hometown?
I’m from Hamilton in New Zealand, but have lived in London for 10 years. In London, I’d point visitors in the direction of the Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road in Shoreditch; and in New Zealand, there’s a fantastic winery on the South Island near Queenstown called Amisfield. It’s a beautiful setting and they produce both a lovely pinot noir and pinot gris.

Describe your Perfect Day…
I would spend it in Sardinia, on the quieter southern side of the island where there are beautiful beaches, and just enjoy the great food and local wine.

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips