Thanks for freeing up some of your time to chat with us, we know you’re the eternal nomad, where are you right now and where’s next?

I just came back from London, where I was looking for British writers to work on the upcoming UK version of Tablet Hotels. The site will feature the same hotels — it’s a truly global selection — but we want to develop stories with a British wit and sensibility, to help travelers get beyond their comfort zone. Next trip up for me? India!

Do you have a well rehearsed, short response to the question “What is Tablet?”, that strangers must ask you all the time?

I tell them it’s a cult. More seriously, though: Tablet is the ultimate expert-driven hotel guide, supported by a built-in online travel agency. The sauce only works if we have access to the best hotel rates, and we do. Editorially, the approach is irreverent, and we never compromise on the integrity of our hotel selection. We proved it could be done, and we have spawned some imitators — but none with the same soul, the same core values.

Design and boutique have become frustratingly overused prefixes to ‘Hotel’, when explaining Tablet to a stranger, how do you describe your selection of properties?

It’s not about grand architectural gestures or a certain style in design. The only common thread is that all of Tablet’s hotels are inspiring, because of what talented people have put into them.

It’s a fantasy that innovation can be turned into a systematic process; creativity is not mechanical, and that’s what’s fun about it.

What was your overriding goal for what Tablet should be and when did you feel you achieved that?

I wanted Tablet to be a model of integrity and innovation, and to make business sense on a global level. Innovation is a never-ending quest, so it’s difficult to ever feel a sense of finished achievement. It’s a fantasy that innovation can be turned into a systematic process; creativity is not mechanical, and that’s what’s fun about it.

You’ve lived and travelled pretty much everywhere, is there anywhere you’d never go back?

In fact my motto in general is “never go back.” Trying to duplicate an extraordinary travel experience usually just leads to disappointment, unless you’re going back for the people you’ve met.

What are the things you can never leave at home?

Music. I used to travel with a backpack full of cassettes. Today, I take something new to try out there. Our French editor recommended m83 and it became the soundtrack of my last trip. Other recent discoveries include WU LYF, Active Child and Washed Out.

And my kids are still young — leaving them at home is always the most difficult part of traveling.

To me contrast supplies the tension that creates the energy to do something with your life.

Do you have a preference for design aesthetic in hotels, or do locations dictate the style a hotel should adopt?

When it comes to hotels, I don’t really have a “type.” It’s change and contrast that make life interesting. To me contrast supplies the tension that creates the energy to do something with your life.

If you were opening your own hotel, what would be the 3 most important ingredients on your list?

- The basics, the services and amenities, must be solid.
- Something visually beautiful, whether inside or outside
- A social element that brings people together

…and the 3 things you simply wouldn’t stand for?

- Attitude — it’s called “hospitality” for a reason
- Mediocre bedding — never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep
- Lack of originality

It’s never cool to say you’re cool.

Pop-ups, artist’s installations, designer collaborations; hotels seem to be on a never-ending mission to “out-cool” each other. Is this a good thing for the industry, or do you think they should stick to what they know best?

I am up for anything, as long as it’s genuine. It’s never cool to say you’re cool.

This month, we’re highlighting some of Tablet’s favourite new destinations. What makes a place special to you?

The energy created by the local people. Plus, I need to know that I can eat (and drink) well.

We know you don’t want to go spoiling your favourite unspoilt destinations, but if we promise to keep it just between us and, well, one or two of our readers, would you spill the beans on a few of your favourite virgin locations for us?

- The Atacama Desert in Chile
- Madagascar
- Burma/Myanmar