Katy Perry

OT: Which is your favourite hotel in the world?
Katy Perry: Despite being in my home­town, the San Ysidro Ranch (from $585; sanysidroranch.com) never fails to make me feel at home away from home. It might sound silly, but I sometimes just check into the property to work in peace or to unwind, or even for no reason at all. The Montecito foothills rearing up behind the property make a spectacular backdrop for the charming heritage buildings, and on a pretty day it is a nice place to wait for someone who is stuck in traffic in LA. If I do get married again, it will be here.

 OT: What’s so attractive about it? 
Katy Perry: The ex­pansive sense of space! I am very happy finding a secluded spot in the gardens for a morning coffee or an afternoon lemon­ade! And I’ve had the best fresh pizzas in the shade of the orange trees. Add to that the amazing hiking trails all around.

 OT: Can we assume space equals privacy? 
Katy Perry: There is indeed this sense of privacy. The tranquillity is so inspiring that I do most of my work here. Besides, the staff here values your comfort — so instead of bog­ging you down with paperwork when you arrive, you’re taken straight to your cot­tage. The difference is in the little touches: endless chips and salsa, local wines on ice, bottomless pitchers of lemonade.

 OT: Sounds like you really like their food and drinks… 
Katy Perry: Yes! San Ysidro Ranch has two dining facilities, the Stonehouse Restaurant and the Plow and Angel. The latter is casual, but both offer outstand­ing service and food, with fresh vegeta­bles and herbs that come from their own gardens. Their Grand Marnier soufflé is an all-time favourite mood elevator.

 OT: So you will be back for more soon? 
Katy Perry: San Ysidro is like a second home, my own ver­sion of a calm oasis in an otherwise mad life. I am here almost every month.