Traveling with the Stars: Elizabeth Berkley
— -- When Elizabeth Berkley isn't working on her television shows, CBS' CSI: Miami or Showtime's The L Word, the actress takes to the road to talk to adolescent girls about their issues as part of her Ask-Elizabeth (ask-elizabeth.com) workshops. Here, she shares her travel tips and highlights.
Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?
A: For this past year, between many acting projects, I have been traveling to schools in different cities across the United States. I have been facilitating Ask-Elizabeth workshops that I created to provide a safe forum for teen girls to speak about what is on their minds and in their hearts. We often think that to find adventure and beauty that we need to venture outside of our country, but being in these cities and towns across our country reminded me how lucky we are to be surrounded by such beauty and grace. The mountains in Utah were glorious, the city of Chicago is so alive with incredible restaurants and a great jazz scene, and San Francisco — just walking the streets and letting yourself wander and be surprised is the best!
Q: What's the best place you've ever visited and why?
A: The Amalfi Coast is one of the most magical places in the world! My husband (Greg Lauren, nephew of fashion designer Ralph Lauren) and I went there on our honeymoon, and we spent the most time in Positano and Capri, where we stayed at the La Scalinatella. Travelling by boat during the day to restaurants along the sea was one of my favorite experiences for the most festive lunches. There was an amazing friendliness from the people that made you feel like you had known them forever. There was a day that the engine on our boat died, but how could we complain when we were surrounded by the most beautiful water and views I have ever seen? We were disappointed two hours later when the hotel sent a second boat to take us back. I could have stayed on the water for hours.
Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you're ever visited and why?
A: I was doing a play in the West End in London and was craving a spontaneous adventure before returning home, so I spontaneously booked a ticket to Venice the day we wrapped and arrived by boat that evening. Little did I know the magic that awaited me the very next morning. Without a plan, I took to the streets and let them take me. I will never forget experiencing Venice for the first time. It feels like you are transported to another time — the art, music, food and pure romance in the air is like no other place.
Q: What's your favorite vacation spot and why?
A: I typically enjoy a beautiful beach destination, as I find the water and sand to be the most replenishing. Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos has a low-key vibe with an organic beauty and luxury at the same time. Esperanza in Cabo (Mexico) also holds a special place to me because that is where I got married.
Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?
A: In Positano, there is a magical restaurant that you can get to in a 20-minute winding drive. It is a jewel of a place called Donna Rosa. I find myself dreaming of the homemade pasta that melts in your mouth and is made with such love. It is family run and the original recipes have been passed on for generations. I swear the food there has a magical affect like chocolate does in the movie Chocolat.