Johannesburg - George Argyropoulos is chief executive of Cruises International, a company which represents a number of international cruise lines. Here he chats about his holiday experiences around the globe.
First holiday memory?
I grew up in Greece. One of my earliest holiday experiences I can remember is driving with my brother and parents through the mountains one Easter holiday and the children at the various villages we drove past would come out chasing our car, because a car in the late ’60s was such a rare sight in the remote mountain villages. I realised then how things I took for granted were a rare luxury for others. When my brother and I took our toys out the car to play, we were the village celebrities. Needless to say, most of our toys got “donated” by our parents to the local children.
Favourite place in South Africa?
I enjoy the vibrancy and natural beauty of Cape Town. The artistic, cultural, social and gastronomic indulgences are endless. But, when I want to get away from it all, nothing compares with the stillness, aromas, sounds and heavily-starred skies of the Drakensberg, the bush and the Karoo.
Best holiday?
I love any activity that involves water and the sea in particular. Therefore my best holidays are either cruising, yachting, or at a seaside resort, which I use as a base for all forms of watersports as well as drives to the nearby villages.
What have you learnt from your travels?
How kind, friendly and hospitable people are around the globe. How ultimately we all share the same values, dreams and anxieties. And what a pity it is that borders, governments and religions manage to divide us. I have also learnt how beautiful and healing art and culture is in each local form and expression. How interesting history is and how beautiful and fragile our planet and nature are, of which we should be custodians and not exploiters.
Ideal travelling companion?
My wife and four daughters.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
A bit of everything. Depending on the type of holiday, what the destination has to offer and what my mood is. In general I like to keep active and have a full programme for the day and night. I enjoy trying new experiences; from cooking to rafting and from scuba diving to the theatre and the museums.
Greatest travel luxury?
Business or first-class flights. And some time to do nothing at all.
Holiday reading?
I have no time to read on holidays.
Which place has seduced you?
Manhattan, Buenos Aires and Alaska. And a miniature island in Greece, called Monemvasia.
Worst travel experience?
Unfortunately, I had a few bad experiences but I take it as part of the risks of travelling. One of the worst was when I arrived, at what was advertised as a five-star resort, at 11pm after a long journey. I had to carry six people’s suitcases to our rooms as well as pay upfront for the stay. In that instant I knew the holiday would not be what I had expected.
Best hotel?
I have two favourites. The Belmond Mount Nelson in Cape Town and the Oyster Box in Durban. I have not found hotels anywhere in the world that combine so perfectly ambience and luxury with extremely efficient, warm and friendly service. I always feel welcome and at home.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
One of my favourite pastimes is to drive. I like to take a new route and discover what’s around the next corner. A beautiful village, an amazing natural wonder, a small museum or a gallery. I like drives along the coast – from Cape Town to Cape Point, from Gordon’s Bay to Hermanus, from Nice to Monte Carlo and from Athens to Cape Sounion.
Best meal abroad?
If I have to mention only one, it has to be a wonderful dinner I had with my wife, in the village of Eze, high on the hills above Monte Carlo at a Michelin 2-star restaurant, La Chèvre d’Or. We had a table on the terrace overlooking the magnificent Cote d’Azur and the Mediterranean Sea. The service, delectable meal and the breathtaking views made it a most memorable dining experience.
Favourite city?
Definitely New York. The ultimate in everything. Culture, architecture, entertainment, dining, transportation, views, walks, you name it.
Where to next?
The rest of the planet and hopefully a ride on Virgin Galactic.
l George Argyropoulos is chief executive of Cruises International, a company which represents a number of international cruise lines.
He has been involved in the travel business for 30 years and is an ardent traveller.
Saturday Star