Two Worlds, One Life
Asia has been part of my life for almost twenty years, although in the past four I've only spent long seasons there. Vietnam—especially Saigon—has become my second home.
I live between two worlds: the one in Ibiza, rooted in the Mediterranean, and the one in Asia, full of different routines, friendships, and energy. Two completely different lives that somehow complete me.
And I love that duality. It's like disappearing from one place where I'm happy to show up in another where I'm just as fulfilled. I tend to connect deeply with the places I visit. It happens to me in Peru too, where I've built a small chosen family and found my favorite spots that make me feel at home.
Travel as a Way of Life
I know this kind of lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But for me, it’s what keeps me alive. Even though I’m trying to slow down a bit, traveling still excites me. Every journey is an adventure.
When routines don’t shift, they lose their value. And coming back to what you’ve missed becomes a gift.
My life, in essence, flows between Saigon and Ibiza.
A Special Guest
No one from my world in Ibiza—or Spain in general—had ever truly experienced my life in Asia. No one, until now.
Carlos, Benibeca’s marketing director and my closest professional partner, was the first.
We had the idea to film our production process—to show the raw, real, and deep side of the brand. The place where everything happens. So, Carlos came along. And I was nervous.
Letting someone I respect so deeply into my other life felt incredibly vulnerable. For him, it might have been just a business trip with clear objectives. But for me, it was much more.
I took him to my favorite restaurants, walked him through my daily rituals, introduced him to my dearest friends, and showed him the team behind Benibeca—the one no one sees. I did it with joy.
Behind the Scenes of Benibeca
Almost every day, I showed him parts of the process:
- Meetings with the team
- Visiting GF, the company that handles quality control and packaging
- Our product photography studio
- Our newly opened factory (still unfinished)
- The printing factory
We also visited our furniture workshop, where I design every piece that shapes our stores. Each season we create new designs. Soon, I hope to start selling them, not just using them for display.
Unfortunately, the new factory was too early in development to record much—it had only been operating for a month.
The Scooter Dilemma
Carlos ended up filming me riding a scooter through Saigon — not exactly what you'd expect from a luxury brand story, but very me.
That’s how I always move around when I’m there: helmet on, good music playing, weaving through the city’s beautiful chaos. It’s one of the things I love most about being in Asia — that sense of freedom, of flowing with the rhythm of the streets. And yes, it also saves at least 30 minutes per ride.
We both smiled at how that moment, simple as it was, said so much about my connection to this place.
Because this is also part of Benibeca’s story: honest, lived, imperfectly real.
And if anyone still thinks scooters aren’t elegant… just come to Saigon. You’ll get it.
Escaping to Muine
We also escaped to Muine, a small coastal town where a close friend lives.
We went with Angelo, one of the partners at the furniture workshop, and had a night of seafood by the sea—lobster, oysters, clams, squid—and lots of beer.
We stayed at my friend’s hotel, Mana Resort, and managed to do a photoshoot in the famous sand dunes nearby. A perfect weekend: a little work, a little pleasure, and a hammock nap facing the ocean while everyone back in Ibiza was freezing.
A Stop in Hong Kong
We also passed through Hong Kong, a city I used to visit once or twice a month years ago. It’s not what it used to be, but it still carries a certain magic. Carlos was blown away.
On our way back from China, we had one great night—let loose, laughed a lot, and softened the pressure of obligations.
Back to China: Old Bonds and New Ideas
China isn’t exactly a place to enjoy, but it’s still part of my story. I lived there for years and still work with Nana, who’s been by my side for twelve years.
When we met, she didn’t speak a word of English, but we connected instantly. I helped her learn the language, and she stayed. Today, she’s family.
We visited a glass bottle manufacturer together. Why? Surprise surprise! Something exciting is in the works… but it’s not time to share just yet.
Preparing for What’s Next
Carlos flew back to Ibiza. I stayed one more week—tying loose ends and getting ready for my next stop: India.
I’ll be visiting fabric suppliers and attending a Vipassana meditation retreat.
I’m exhausted, but excited. I can’t wait to switch off my phone, shut the laptop, and dive into the silence of a country I’ve never been to.
A new adventure awaits. And as always, I’m ready to live it fully.