My Travel CV: Miguel Maestre wants to grow old in the village he holidayed in as a boy

The Spanish-born chef may have travelled the world, but his homeland still holds a special place in his heart.

Spanish-born chef Miguel Maestre embraces the highs and lows of constant world travel. This is his Travel CV: 

I got my first passport when...

I was 18, before I moved to the UK to look for work and discover life.

My first holiday memory is...

Growing up we always holidayed. In Spain you don’t really travel to another country; instead you drive 20-30 minutes to the nearest beach and stay there for months at a time. My family had a cute little beach house in Santiago de la Ribera and we would go there when school finished in June. It was so close but we’d pack up the whole house – so many suitcases – and drive to the beach house. They’re the best memories I have. We would spend the days fishing, swimming, sailing, and eating on the beach. I’m thinking of buying a house there now, so that when I’m old, I can finish my life where it started.

I’ve been to more than 30 countries...

It feels like I’ve been to hundreds of countries, but between The Living Room, Luxury Escapes, work trips and family trips, it’s definitely over 30.

My family had a cute little beach house in Santiago de la Ribera and we would go there when school finished in June.

The place I’d rather be right now is...

Madrid with my father, eating suckling pig in one of the oldest restaurants in Europe.

My favourite place in Australia...

Depends on the day, year, and season. The good thing about this country is that every region is like a different country with something different to offer. Melbourne is cosmopolitan like Europe, Tasmania’s like Scotland, the Margaret River is like South Africa, the Northern Territory is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Ultimately, I’d have to say the Northern Beaches in Sydney is my favourite place, since it’s where we’ve chosen to live.

I’d have to say the Northern Beaches in Sydney is my favourite place in Australia, since it’s where we’ve chosen to live.

The place I’ve visited most often is...

Hamilton Island because my father-in-law lives there, and Orange where my sister lives. They’re both like our second homes.

The place that most surprised me was...

I went on a family holiday to Finland and was blown away by the storm of the Northern Lights. It was like something I’d never seen before, and will likely never see again. It went on for about 20 minutes and was incredible to see green and purple light up the skies.

I went on a family holiday to Finland and was blown away by the storm of the Northern Lights.

The place that didn’t live up to expectations...

Disneyland Paris. The build-up was massive, but going as an adult was strange. I almost got into trouble for cuddling Mickey Mouse. The kids loved it, though, which is all that matters, really.

The advice I’d give to young travellers is...

Do your research before you go, and just go for it – do the bungee jump, do the diving. They’re the memories you will never forget. I took the kids swimming with sharks earlier this year, and although we were all scared at the time, it’s what the kids talk about now as an amazing experience. There are Margaritas and beaches everywhere – dive into the crazy experiences instead.

My holidays are mostly devoted to watching my kids experience new things and seeing their reactions. Picture: Supplied.

My holidays are mostly devoted to...

Watching my kids experience new things and seeing their reactions. That’s what makes it worth it.

What I’ve noticed has changed in travel...

Travellers are definitely more mindful and cautious these days.

The place that didn’t live up to expectations was Disneyland Paris. The build-up was massive, but going as an adult was strange.

The sickest I’ve been on holiday...

I like to think I’ve got a pretty strong stomach but while we were in Hobart filming for The Living Room, they took us on an army jet fighter. I don’t spew often but we were upside down in the plane for nearly 30 minutes and I had lost all my bearings. When we were back on the ground to our horror they told us they forgot to shoot a few frames, so we had to get back in the plane and shoot it again. It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life.

The souvenir I always buy...

As a chef, I always bring back a little chef’s knife. I’ve bought one from everywhere I’ve travelled. I have one from Finland made of reindeer antlers, and one from the Northern Territory made from the nails of a train. I keep them in a drawer in the kitchen and use them all the time.

I missed a flight from Spain back to Australia as I was filming Luxury Escapes.

How many flights have you missed?

I missed a flight from Spain back to Australia as I was filming Luxury Escapes. I had to move two different flights, and landed just one hour before the Logies red carpet started. After 30 hours of flights, we didn’t win, but we did party.

Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?

I was filming for The Living Room and was interrogated about my visa by the federal police. I wasn’t an Australian citizen at the time, so all the TV production crew went straight through, and I was the only one in the “other passports” queue. It was like an episode of Border Security. It was only when a lady recognised me from the show that I was free.

The advice I’d give to young travellers is to do your research before you go, and just go for it. Picture: Supplied.

Who is your favourite travel companion?

Gringo (Dr Chris Brown) forever. Even if he’s (now) on a competing network, I still love him. We’ve travelled around the world for 11 years, and I’ve had some great experiences with him.

Flight/cruise/car or train?

All of the above.

Originally published as My Travel CV: Miguel Maestre wants to grow old in the village he holidayed in as a boy