Checking Out with Alice Luker

Alice Luker is a Fashion Photographer and Creative Director based in London. Inspired by the relationship of art and film with fashion, Alice’s photographic aesthetic is cinematic and emotive, apparent by her strength in lighting and artistic direction.

Her undying love for Sri Lanka has inspired her to create styleinsrilanka.blogspot.com, a blog which highlights the beauty of Sri Lanka through Alice’s enchanting photography. Widely travelled, Alice counts Sri Lanka as one of her favourite destinations.


 

Why do you love travel?
I completely agree with the phrase, 'Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer'. It has opened my eyes to a spectrum of vibrant new colours and allowed me to both lose and find myself simultaneously- if there's anything in life worth doing, it's travelling!

Your favourite travel destination and why?
Sri Lanka, for all reasons one can possibly think of. It's a perfect combination of atmospheric buzz and unrefined, natural beauty, with inspiring surroundings and a kind-hearted community at its very core. Although its a relatively small island, there is so much to see and do, from ancient ruins to elephant safaris and picture perfect sunsets. Although the staple dish of ‘rice and curry’ may sound modest, it's not uncommon for dish after dish of culinary delights to arrive on the table - in fact, my personal record for one order has been an unbelievable 19 dishes!

What do you need for a perfect holiday?
I'm a real culture vulture and strive to explore and experience as much as possible when visiting a new country. I like a combination of local and luxury; nice comfortable accommodation with an infusion of style and ambience reflective of the country. As a born and bred independent traveller, I also need an element of freedom and spontaneity.

In which country have you felt most at home?
Again, I have to say Sri Lanka. I've been travelling back and forth over the past 10 years for a combination of holidays, charity projects and photography assignments. I feel completely at home in Sri Lanka, with friends across the island.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?
I brought a couple of scorpion lollipops back from China. I hadn't entertained the thought that someone may actually eat one and soon regretted the decision as it was being unwrapped and nibbled in front of my eyes!

Worst holiday or travel experience?
I travelled to Magaluf in Spain with my friends when I turned 18. Having been blessed with the gift of travel to culturally compelling destinations for many years prior, it quickly dawned on me that spending a week sunbathing and drinking all day every day wasn’t my idea of a holiday. My most memorable, somewhat embarrassing moment was at a bar in the epicentre of Magaluf where you could literally dance on the bar…The moment I stepped up I slipped over and fell into the large ice barrel. Needless to say we were asked to leave!

Best piece of travel advice?
Trip advisor is a fantastic resource for up to date, honest reviews and is often a reliable way to avoid dreaded 'tourist traps'. My advice for wining and dining is to follow the locals - restaurants bustling with a local atmosphere are usually the best, especially if seeking authentic cuisine.

Your top five travel destinations?
1. Sri Lanka.

2. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. From the ancient Mayan sites of Coba, Tulum and Chichen-Itza to swimming in the crystal clear waters of 'cenotes', naturally formed sink holes, Mexico is visually and historically rich. I would return and revisit in a flash!

3. Paris. A city bursting with elegance, style and mouth watering cuisine. My ideal afternoon in Paris would be a trip to Les Arts Decoratifs (art & design museum) followed by a glass of vin rouge in the Latin Quarter - the vibrant people watching district of Paris.

4. Canada- The landscapes across Canada are grand and awe-inspiring, especially during autumn when the leaves glow otherworldly hues of amber and red.

5. London. As it's so close to home, it's easy to take London for granted but I have to say, it really is an amazing place. There is always something happening and it's such an open minded, diverse city.  


What has travel taught you?
Although we may appear to live so differently from one county to another, we are all fundamentally the same. We should embrace diversity, respect culture and open-heartedly celebrate the world we live in. It's easy to get swept up in the all too fast pace of life and lose track of what's important, travel encourages to take a step back and re-balance.

In which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?
Nothing quite beats a glass of red wine and beef bourginon so I’m going to have to go with France. Sri Lankan food is a very close second.


Next travel destination?
I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, one of the most spectacular, prismatic displays of the natural world. I've also been wanderlusting over Bali recently, the history and spirituality of the country really interests me.
 

Text by Tina Edward Gunawardhana