Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Introduce us to a day in your multi-dimensional life.
Ms. Vanessa Branson:
My working days are influenced very much by where I am. London is where I sit behind my computer for 3 days a week, the other days I try to get out, to see exhibitions and friends. I have an island in Scotland, Eilean Shona, where we are developing a nature reserve, artists residency, guest retreat programme. Being there involves more interior designing and yomping between the cottages, liaising with the team and learning about tree management. In Marrakech, where I have a hotel called El Fenn, I obviously have to try out the new spa treatments and menus, that’s a tough call! I also have meetings with the new President of the Marrakech Biennale, an arts festival I started over ten years ago now, as well as up and coming artists. I’ve stepped down from the day to day running of the show but am still very much involved.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine which you may wish to share?
Ms. Vanessa Branson:
Being fit is incredibly important to me. I do a 5 minute yoga stretch every morning. 5 minutes means you never have an excuse not to do it. I have a dog, the secret weapon for all those wanting to keep active. She simply doesn’t let me off the morning walk, a 45 minute circuit around the Wormwood Scrubs, a huge windswept park in West London. I’m often asked to meet people for a cup of coffee to help with their careers etc. I always suggest they join me on the walk – a happy way to multi-task. Apart from that I try to take the tube in London, meaning that I usually do over 10K steps per day. In Morocco I swim. The secret to a good swim workout is good earplugs, hat and goggles. And then I hike, proper hiking over hills for a couple of holidays per year. My top tip for health and well-being is to never, ever weigh yourself!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Vanessa Branson:
I don’t have a special diet but I try to eat fresh and locally produced food whenever possible. Luckily I don’t have a sweet tooth and I love vegetables. I am happy without meat but will eat it if offered. I firmly believe that if you keep fit you can drink as much as feels comfortable…as long as its for pleasure not to self medicate!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You co-run a private island on the west coast of Scotland, called Eilean Shona. The island is famed for being the inspiration for Scottish author J.M. Barrie’s famed fairy tale Peter Pan. Share with us your Top 5 Favorite things about the island.
Ms. Vanessa Branson:
1. Its raw beauty
2. Pristine wilderness, with never a sight of a bit of plastic
3. The variety of the wildlife
4. The endless days without disruption, the time they give you to be creative, to paint, write and think.
5. The spectacular locally produced food. Cooking mussles on the beach while quaffing chilled Chablis….
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