Tori Amos: 'London is my favourite city in the world – it has everything'
Tori Amos, the Grammy- and Brit Award-nominated American artist, reveals the most relaxing place in the world, the best city for music lovers and why Florida is misunderstood.
I always love visiting New York
It’s an amazing city. I’ve had a bi-continental existence for a while, travelling between the US, where all of my family are still based, and Britain, as my husband is English. We have a place in Cornwall, as my daughter is in school here in Britain.
You must experience the sight and smell of sage
...driving along the Rio Grande river from Santa Fe in New Mexico. I love the south-west of America, especially the Arizona and New Mexico area.
My first ever trip abroad was to England
I arrived in London from the States for the first time back in December 1990 when I was starting to introduce my music to the British audience and began doing gigs here. I can still remember how empty my flight was back then, which was around the time of the Gulf War.
London is my favourite city in the world
It has everything you could ever want, especially now compared to when I first arrived, including a diverse food scene. Notting Hill, where I used to live, has changed dramatically since the film of the same name. The area has become gentrified, and the people I used to know back then moved to the East End while I moved North, around Swiss Cottage.
Milford Sound is a stunningly beautiful place
I discovered when my husband and I went to the South Island of New Zealand before we were married and found ourselves getting lost in it. What a place to get lost in.
I don’t like to feel rushed
I need lots of time to relax on a holiday. Running around trying to cram in as many activities as possible is not a relaxing break for me.
I feel most relaxed in the Napa Valley of California
It’s the best place in the world if you enjoy good food and wine. here you can have a glass of bubbly with your sweetheart.
Florida can get a bad reputation
It’s often seen as either a place only for older people looking to retire or a crazy party scene like in South Beach, Miami. I’ve had a house in Stuart for several years, and places like Jensen Beach are great for young families or couples.
Hawaii has a spiritual feel to me
...and many other people. The Big Island is believed to the home of Pele, the goddess of the volcanoes, and I’ve always had a soft spot for the island.
I could walk around Amsterdam for hours
...as it is one of my favourite cities to tour in. I love simply exploring the streets and canals whenever I’m there. I also love Berlin for its architecture.
Cork, Ireland is the best city for music lovers
It has the most amazing traditional Irish music.
The Hotel de Russie in Rome is timeless
It’s a gorgeous hotel with beautiful tiling in the bathrooms. I love its outdoor dining area and the food is incredible.
Hotel De Russie
Rome, Italy
8Telegraph expert rating
The city's first true design hotel, the De Russie has managed admirably – partly thanks to the timelessly retro, Ancient-Rome-meets-Art-Deco décor, and partly due to the constant updates – to keep fresh. The standout feature will always be the courtyard, summer home to the hotel’s classy cocktail bar and restaurant. Read expert review From £372per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The Apple Pan does the best burgers ever
....and is a popular spot in Los Angeles. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in the world.
I don’t enjoy airports
...as my worst travel experiences have usually been in them. Flight delays are so frustrating as you can never get that time back. So get to the airport as early as possible. Planes wait for no one.
I always wear a hydrating face mask on a plane
...to keep my face moisturised during long-haul flights – it really makes a difference. But only wear it once the lights have been switched off, as you look like a bandit.
Don’t take it personally when people are cranky
...especially in confined spaces like a plane. The worst thing about travelling is having to be near people you might not choose to be around otherwise. But some people have anxiety about travelling and the only way around it is to be polite.
I want to see Greenland before it changes forever
...as a result of global warming changes to the landscape. I love Scandinavia and want to explore more of the Arctic.
Native Invaders, the new album from Tori Amos, is out now.
Interview by Soo Kim
