Where OB’s favourite men are travelling to in 2021

We’ve made it. We are in the final stretch of the year that seemed like it was never going to end. And it looks like we will soon have a vaccine on its way. Or three, to be exact. With a return to a semblance of normality imminent, we’ve started to think about where we’ll go on our first post-pandemic trip. To get some ideas, we spoke to five of our favourite men to find out their travel plans for 2021. Read on – and get booking.

What place are you most looking forward to visiting in 2021?

Joali, and the two Soneva resorts, which are all in the Maldives. As Joali is one of the newest additions and Soneva is one of the most established, I'm looking forward to the famed Maldivian hospitality. After a year of lockdown, going somewhere as different from the cityscapes I've been used to in New York and London is really appealing. Lying on a beach for a bit is what I think we all need to recharge. The electric blue waters and golden white sands are what make the destination so special. Plus, there are direct flights from London.

What one piece from Orlebar Brown will you take with you?

That's an easy one: my favourite shorts in the world are Setters so any of the Shark collection is a winner for me.

While you’ve been stuck at home this year, what’s the one thing that has got you through?

The Beautiful Destinations Instagram account. The desire to travel has not gone away, if anything it has built up throughout the year and we've seen more and more people turn to us to find their travel fix and escape. Fingers crossed with all the news of a vaccine we'll soon be back travelling.

What place are you most looking forward to visiting in 2021?

Some faraway tropical beach. I would love to go back to Mustique. There is a private beach there, and you walk along this rocky path and it’s just rocks, then all of a sudden you turn to your left and it’s a paradise.

What one piece from Orlebar Brown will you take with you?

I mean, the fun answer would be my James Bond inspired jumpsuit from our trip together. But I also love the Setter swim shorts with white piping.

While you’ve been stuck at home this year, what’s the one thing that has got you through?

Oh, gosh, you know what, I’d have to say three things. The TV show Schitt’s Creek, the book Broken People by my friend Sam Lanksy and taking the time to write a new one-act play.

What place are you most looking forward to visiting in 2021?

I really want to visit Corsica, and 2021 is going to be all about doing new stuff before it’s too late. Corsica is wild and rugged but still has wicked food and wine. That would do me just fine. More intrepid pals of mine go and stay on the campsite at the entirely undeveloped Plage de Saleccia, which you can only get to by boat The great long and wide white beach sounds idyllic, but I think I’d stay in the nearby town of Bonifacio - with its mediaeval fort on top of a precarious outcrop with a lovely looking marina below. A little buzzy guesthouse bistro would do me for dinner – if they still exist.

What one piece from Orlebar Brown will you take with you?

I’m torn between the off-white Burgess sweat and matching Bryant shorts combo, though not ideal for quaffing pinot noir in perhaps! I’m also struck by the Sebastian linen striped buttoned top. That washed-out slubby finish is really special and I could work that in all sorts of ways.

While you’ve been stuck at home this year, what’s the one thing that has allowed you to escape?

Running and swimming remain my salvation in so many ways. They have become even more vital to being ok during Covid. I bought a set of 80s Le Creuset off the internet during the first lockdown and that really inspired me to push my cooking skills a bit, also.

What place are you most looking forward to visiting in 2021?

There are a few places I’ve been dying to go to – Cape Town in South Africa, chief among them. I’ve always wanted to go there. Anyone who has raves about the breath-taking scenery, and the rich cultural atmosphere. I’ve heard the safaris are amazing, wine tasting at Stellenbosch is a must, and climbing Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town is life changing.

What one piece from Orlebar Brown will you take with you?

Definitely the Jerome shirt with the Maravilla print.

While you’ve been stuck at home this year, what’s the one thing that has allowed you to escape?

I’ve really enjoyed watching the Masterclass tutorials online! My favourites are Serena Williams and Anna Wintour.

What place are you most looking forward to visiting in 2021?

My partner Kirstie and I were meant to be getting married in 2020. We had plans to tie the knot in my home county of Dorset, then we were going to go somewhere warm on our honeymoon. Obviously, that went out the window. So next year, when we do go, it has to be special. I stayed in a Raffles, Seychelles, honeymoon suite on my own last year for work and I want to go back with Kirstie. Despite doing three world tours, I’d never actually been on a beach holiday. So, I was taken aback by the Seychelles, not only by the idyllic scenery, but also by the soul and atmosphere of place. I’d never swam in water so clear, with turtles beneath me. Nor had I ever pulled open the blinds to my very own infinity pool hanging over a tropical precipice.

What one piece from Orlebar Brown will you take with you?

You can’t go on holiday without the Bulldog swimming shorts. I tend to picture James Bond when I think of beachside resorts and so I’ll take the Dr No Bulldog swimming shorts with me.

While you’ve been stuck at home this year, what’s the one thing that has allowed you to escape?

Being unable to perform our new album this year was tough. In a bizarre way, touring is my therapy. This is the longest time off the road I’ve had in 10 years. So, I’ve been diving into podcasts, completed Netflix, and rewatched all my favourite films. I watched all the Daniel Craig Bond films across two days, then ticked off Mind Hunter, The Crown and Barbarians. I love series that take me somewhere else; whether that’s a time in history or a crazy fictional distant galaxy thriller.