Join me as I speak to Cleo Anderson, the Host and Executive Producer of LUXE. TV’s flagship show – Wanderluxe with Cleo Anderson – where we discuss rich culture, traditional design,
timeless architecture and once-in-a-lifetime experiences defining luxury travel.
Molly Schofield: Cleo, it’s lovely to speak with you. I understand that you have some fantastic news regarding your luxury travel show, ‘Wanderluxe with Cleo Anderson’ for LUXE TV. Would you care to share with our readers?
Cleo Anderson: Absolutely! The show is now in its second season – the new season kicks off with an episode in Sri Lanka, which was a joy to film over the summer. Knowing that the show is something that
people want to see – and that these excellent properties want to be featured on the series – is
so encouraging and makes me proud. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.
MS: What is the significance of Sri Lanka? Was there a reason why you chose to kick off season two here?
CA: Sri Lanka is a country that I’ve spent time in before, and I absolutely loved it. It’s very lush and
green, but you also have the wonderful beaches, kind people and fantastic food. I also wanted
to explore Yala National Park, which we did for the show. Adding the safari element to an
episode was new and exciting, and the wildlife there was magnificent. I have wonderful
memories.
MS: Looking back on your time there, what stood out to you most about the local culture and
traditions?
CA: Mainly the kindness of the people – many of the people we filmed with made us feel so welcome
and looked after. The culture is full of warmth, and I enjoyed learning more about the traditions,
specifically around food. We filmed a wonderful segment for the episode that included a local
village feast at Cinnamon Lodge Habrana, cooked and presented in the traditional way with clay
pots – it was a standout moment for me during the shoot, and the chef’s team was just incredible.
MS: If you could return to Sri Lanka tomorrow, is there a particular moment or experience you’d
love to relive?
CA: Definitely spending time with the elephants up close and spotting the leopard at Yala National Park. I also really enjoyed the mangrove boat ride, where I was able to take in the stunning
landscape and abundance of local wildlife.
MS: The episode showcases some truly breathtaking colour palettes and interior designs. What are your impressions of Sri Lankan design style and aesthetic?
CA: The design is very vibrant, drawing on the wildness and beauty of the island. A particular design that stands out in my mind was the ceiling at the entrance of the Cinnamon Bentota Beach resort
The artwork depicts various animals—it was so intricate and colourful, and we featured it in the show.
Truly stunning. There’s also a lot of colonial design and architecture on the island, which we also
feature at one of the properties.
MS: Your fashion choices throughout Wanderluxe are always impeccable. How do you go about
selecting your looks for each destination?
CA: Thank you so much. Each episode is different, as I need to reflect a ‘sense of place’ in each. Depending on the climate, I choose outfits that fit with the surroundings, while still bringing my own sense of style. I like looks that are ‘clean’ and chic, and I do have a penchant for an elegant and feminine dress where possible. I’m a lifelong lover of heels (it’s the Londoner in me), but I also love a chic flat with a tunic dress where appropriate. My outfits in Finnish Lapland included denim and brushed cotton, which matched nicely with the wooden logs and cosy aesthetic of the chalets we filmed there.
MS: If you had to describe your Sri Lankan experience in just a few words, what would they be?
CA: Once in a lifetime.
MS: And finally, looking ahead, can you share a glimpse of what’s to come in the rest of season two of Wanderluxe?
CA: I’m super excited for next year, as we are looking at some unexpected locations in Europe and
South America. I also hope to explore more of Canada next year. Watch this space.
Interview By Molly Schofield.
Senior Journalist
