Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Paula Fitzherbert: Oh dear! I have to say that this is always the biggest challenge and something I’m constantly working to improve. Of course, this isn't helped by working in the 24-hour world of hotels, especially now I'm responsible for a property in LA (The Maybourne Beverly Hills), meaning late night meetings are often on the agenda. That said, having been in this wonderful business for so long, I have so many work friends and journalists who are now chums outside of work that the boundaries between personal and professional are blurred – which kind of works for me. Let’s say its work in progress!
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
Walking my dog, Charlie Watts. A brisk march round Peckham Rye definitely puts me in a better headspace. Failing that, I pour a sneaky Knutarita, a secret margarita recipe bottled by Knut Wylde, our General Manager at The Berkeley. I highly recommend it!
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I have recently become a bit more adventurous in the kitchen, influenced by TikTok hacks (thank you, Harrison Webb). I find cooking a real tonic for the soul. One of my new year's resolutions is to entertain more at home, a goal inspired by my friend Skye McAlpine, who makes it all look so effortless.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
Maybourne is currently venturing deeper into the world of wellness and longevity – a new territory for me. I’ve become somewhat addicted to the podcasts of Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and the Huberman Lab. I’ve taken on board some of his life protocols, which have been real game-changers. Scientists are definitely the new rock gods!
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
Having lived near Dulwich for over 20 years, one of my favourite and most consistent haunts is the magical Dulwich Picture Gallery. It has a wonderful collection of Old Masters, my favourite being Girl at a Window by Rembrandt. I have visited for years, first with my children when they were small, then with friends (with time for a coffee in the cafe afterwards, of course). I also had a superbly memorable night at the gallery which featured a performance in the garden by Florence Welch – a fellow Dulwich fan. I took inspiration from the institution's much-loved red gallery walls for my sitting room – they created a bespoke colour called Dulwich Red inspired by the designer Sir John Soane.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I have a very old school Sunday night ritual. In my trusted Smythson Portobello Diary (something I have been using for over 15 years), I sit and write in purple ink all my priorities for the week ahead. This means I can clearly see my plans for the days and nights to come, and I can work out where I need to give myself some space.
Best reason you've had to turn on your 'out of office' recently?
The best use of my 'out of office' recently was a rather special trip to Marrakech last September for my brother's birthday with a large group of my close family. I really wanted be able to switch off and be in the moment for this memorable occasion. I am forever grateful to my team who held the fort.
