Iulia Hoinaru, Cluster Marketing & Communication Manager at Radisson Blu Bucharest hotel

1. Where do you go most often when you feel like renewing your wardrobe?

Most of all, I love going to shopping malls. That’s where you can find the widest range of products. I also love shopping abroad, but I don’t go for shopping in particular. Generally, I only buy things that are truly special, something that catches my eye, something that is “so cool that it takes my breath away”.

2. Each of us has a few favourite beauty products. If you were to make a top 5, what would this list look like?

• Lancome – Teint visionnaire

• Lancome – Advanced Genifique Youth Activatig Serum

• Lancome – Mascara Hypnose Drama

• Shiseido – Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus SPF 50

• Moroccanoil – Oil Treatment for hair

3. Our homes shouldn’t be any less important. Where do you buy the most interesting accessories for your home?

I really love Zara Home, but also Sophia for curtains, Kare or Scandinavian Design House, and last but not least, I also buy home accessories from IKEA.

4. Is your leisure time dedicated to relaxation or fun? What activities do you choose?

I love travelling – who doesn’t? 😊. When I’m in Bucharest, in summer I like walking in Herăstrău Park, or going to the pool, and in winter I go to the cinema if there’s an interesting movie on. I don’t mind sitting at home with a good book and enjoying a cup of hot tea, either. Some sort of Hygge. In my spare time, I go to Inlight Acting School, which helps me a lot in my personal development, and also allows me to cultivate an old passion of mine: acting. And soon we’ll give our first show, too.

5. Speaking of sports and a healthy diet, what rituals do you have, and what are your recommendations for us?

I eat just about anything, but in moderation. I like salads of all kinds, I love spring, summer and autumn for all the vegetables and fruit they offer. I try to lead a healthy life, I don’t eat a lot of meat, and I go to the gym 2-3 times a week, and to a massage parlour once a week. Recommendations? I think it’s very important to know your body in the first place, and to offer what’s good for it. I think a healthy life means having a balance between the mental and the physical.

6. When the time does not allow you to prepare all the good foods you’d like, which are your favourite restaurants?

I love Asian, Italian and Greek cuisines a lot. I often go to Ginger Sushi Bar & Lounge within Radisson Blu hotel, Kanpai or Yoshi. Some of my favourite restaurants are also Isoletta and Uanderful.

7. Gifts always create unforgettable moments. What are the criteria you use when you choose the right gift to make a loved one smile? Which was the latest gift you’ve made?

I buy what I think that person would like and need. I pay attention to their passions, wishes or needs, so I buy something that I know they’d use or that would be useful for them. The last important gift I made was a customised photo album where I included some photos that were dear to that person. Their tears of joy and their surprise were the certainty that I had truly offered a special gift.

8. Travelling is definitely on the list of everybody’s favourites. Which are the holiday destinations that tempt you?

I’ve travelled a lot, to faraway destinations like Cambodia, Indonesia or the United States, as well as to North Europe – Finland. I have recently discovered Greece, where I hadn’t travelled before, and I can say that Mykonos has seduced me forever. I’ll definitely go back soon. Australia and Japan are also on my wishlist, they are two destinations that I’d really love to visit.

9. In Romania we have so many beautiful places that can take your breath away. Where do you choose to go when you want to break the daily routine?

I love the mountains, but unfortunately I don’t go very often. I’ve recently been to Măgura, up there, on top of the hill, at a guesthouse that doesn’t have a restaurant, but instead you make everything yourself, with the food you bring with you. You can also buy milk, eggs or cheese produced by the locals. It was wonderful!

10. Which is the latest wow gadget that left you a pleasant impression?

I’m not a fan of gadgets, but I was impressed by Alexa – the virtual assistant 😊.