Home and Away: Tara Bernerd

I have a deep love of Italy, from Portofino to Panarea.  There is a part of me that is able to switch off yet also recharge everything creative within me.

Tara Bernerd

Since 2002, doyenne of design Tara Bernerd has worked on some of the world’s most impressive hotels and residences. Her impressive portfolio of international clients includes Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons, Fort Capital, Starwood Capital, Thompson Hotels, SIXTY Hotels and the Berkeley Group.

This summer, she completes the Thompson Hollywood; LA’s most anticipated new city hotel which aims to unite west coast modernism with old school Hollywood glamour. She took some time out to reflect on her passion for travel and style.

Talk us through your home...

So much of my life is living in hotels, my homes from home.  Currently I am based in Switzerland, the most precious part of being there is the change from my city lifestyle to an Alpine village, with a garden that overlooks the mountains and the sounds of the river at night.  This connection to the outdoors represents for me a real hideaway and balance with my time in London to the Alpine countryside and having a real wood fire is an incredible escape. 

What is your most coveted item?

I think amongst a few precious and coveted items, there is no doubt I take great care of a vintage pair of Gucci glasses, which are not only essential for reading and vision, but also are irreplaceable. 

What is the most precious piece in your wardrobe?

Without a doubt my jeans. I can’t be specific to which ones, from Chloe flares to essential cropped jeans, which are often dressed up with various other precious jackets and tops as well as a curated selection of my daily go to beads, or dressed down accordingly. 

Do you have a go to supper dish?

It depends who is cooking!  If it’s me, I have perfected a Salad Niçoise, which I never tire of. Otherwise it would be a classic Italian Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino which my husband Tommy has mastered after years in Italy. Without doubt that is my preference over my salad.

Who would be the ultimate neighbour?

No one, would be the most honest answer. Otherwise I think it would be pretty to cool to be next door to Robert Redford. 

Which place is worth getting out of bed for?

London, every day of the week.  I can never tire of the people, my office, the team and friends and the layers and edge that London always brings. 

Where is next on your travel list?

Next on my travel list is Milan. Travelling has always been a big part of my life and I have a deep love of Italy, from Portofino to Panarea.  There is a part of me that is able to switch off yet also recharge everything creative within me.  The food, the nature, the style. 

Tell us about the hotel of dreams...

Some of our projects right now are without doubt the hotel of dreams, from building a resort in Mexico to starting a hotel in the mountains of Marbella to diving in to the elegance of Vienna. The work we have today has pushed us creatively as a studio and allowed us to absorb so many cultures and aesthetics from our travels and experiences. 

Finish this sentence: The world's most glorious restaurant is...

Chuflay, a restaurant tucked into the mesmerising port of Portofino in the Splendido Mare and run by my dear friend and chef, Roberto Villa. 

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