The CEO of Jas Hennessy & Co, the firm established in 1765 and synonymous with cognac – chatted with Gigi Onag during a specially organised trip to Lijiang, China to celebrate the centenary of Kilian Hennessy, the visionary leader and former chairman of the House of Hennessy.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST UNFORGETTABLE TRIP TO ASIA?
Vietnam. Because of the long history between France and Vietnam, there was some emotion in it. It was all good. I see glimpses of the past and the market that’s developing there now.
WHAT ASIAN COUNTRY ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT NEXT. EITHER FOR BUSINESS OR LEISURE?
I would love to visit Cambodia because of the incredible sights. And I think that (its) culture is really interesting. I don’t know anything about it except from my readings.
I love going deeper into the countries I travel to. My only regret is I usually only get to see the large cities, and not the country’s backdoor – unlike this trip to Banyan Tree Lijiang – which contains the local colour and local flavour. That’s where you find the real life.
WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS YOU DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN A COUNTRY?
As soon as I board the plane, my body and my mind switch to the local time. I forget about Paris.
I am very interested in food – what do the local people eat? How do they behave at the table – that says a lot about the country. Western food I’m not interested in. I’m very open to people to teaching and showing me what to eat. That’s why I need to go out into the streets to experience the smells and mood of a place. I like to have a sense of what is going on.
WHAT TYPE OF HOTEL APPEALS TO YOU?
Normally, I prefer resorts because they are more personal and provide a sense of space. I am also interested in their design and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
WHAT CAN'T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT?
My running shoes. It’s the only thing I never forget. They keep me healthy and give me discipline, both mentally and physically. It’s the balance that I need. I’ve been running for the past 25 years.
I run anywhere. I am a marathon runner. So if I am preparing for an event, I run five times a week – 60km to 65km. But my regular regimen is usually between 9km and 10km per morning.
