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It was Melbourne-based Val Harding’s passion for travel that inspired her to create a line of beauty products, which can now be found in hotel rooms around the world, including at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles and the Blue Sydney, a Taj Hotel in Sydney. “My background is in interior design but I was always interested in those small, special touches that make one hotel more memorable than another,” says the Melbourne-based entrepreneur, who moved to Australia with her family more than a decade ago. Working closely with a local chemist, she crafted Serendipity (www.valhardingcollection.com), a collection of lotions and potions all produced in Melbourne that are packaged in beautiful leather pouches made by a local designer. “It’s interesting to develop a line specifically for hotels,” says Harding. “The products have to be unisex and can’t be too overpowering; it has to just be clean and fresh.” Indagare spoke to Harding, who grew up in England and has lived in Germany and Paris before moving to Australia, about her travels.

What are the design details you look for in a hotel room?

Even more important than the design, the details I look for in a hotel room are great pillows, a comfortable bed and wireless connectivity that’s easy to use. And then, of course, there are the small details that you remember.

What are some of your favorite hotels in the world?

I prefer hotels that are cozy, comfortable and beautiful, rather than grand or hip, maybe it’s because I’m British. I love the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, as the rooms are absolutely gorgeous. I also adore the Observatory in Sydney and Chateau Yering in Victoria, outside Melbourne.

You have moved a great deal. What memory stands out in your mind?

When we moved to Australia for the first time in the early 1980s, my husband had to train for six months in Seoul, prior to his relocating to Perth. We were just married and had our one-year-old daughter with us. To get to Seoul from London, you had to first fly via Alaska and Tokyo, which was quite a journey. We lived in a hotel for six months and that was definitely an adventure. The language barrier was huge at the time, and there were tons of things you could not get. For instance, if you went to someone’s apartment for dinner and they had a cheese platter, you knew they had been to Hong Kong.

Adjusting to this new life with a one-year-old especially was challenging, but I’ve always had a sense of humor about these types of situations, because I feel like you learn so much not only about yourself but the place where you ended up. Also, the locals could not have been nicer when we were there, even if we didn’t always understand each other. One morning, I got lost while I was jogging in the rice paddies, and a milk float picked me up brought me back. It was a fun time.

What appeals to you the most about traveling?

To me, travel has always been about learning and having a sense of humor. It opens your eyes to the world and gives you a greater understanding of the people who inhabit it. I never tire of it, no matter how uncomfortable the process of getting to places is or how frustrating air travel can be these days. Even as a child, I loved going to Manchester Airport and seeing the planes take off.

What are some of the places that you find particularly inspiring?

Different places are inspirational for different reasons. I could pick Venice, Manhattan, the Buddhist temples around Seoul, Queenstown NZ, Ephesus, Istanbul’s Blue Mosque or Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Generally speaking, I’m inspired by tranquil cathedrals, breath-taking views, incredible architecture or spiritual locations like Ayers Rock.

What are some of your favorite places in Australia?

I am forever humbled and shocked by the sheer beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. When you see the reefs from the air, it’s just breathtaking. The spirituality of Ayers Rock is astounding, as is the haunting sadness of Port Arthur, in Tasmania, where the prisoners were brought form England in the 19th century. The place itself is gorgeous, but the air is heavy with sadness. And if I can include New Zealand, I’d have to say that driving into Queenstown still gives me the chills. It’s so beautiful.

What are some of the most amazing drives you’ve been on in Australia?

The drive from Alice Springs through the desert to Kings Canyon and then on to Ayers Rock Resort. There was no cell phone contact, only a handful of gas stations and wild horses and camels randomly crossing the road. I would also make mention of the stunning drive from Queenstown, New Zealand, along Lake Wakapitu to Blanket Bay Hotel.

Any favorite discoveries off-the-beaten track?

I love the Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island ((61) 2 9433 3349), in Queensland, and the Huka Lodge (Huka Falls Road, Taupo, (64) 7 378 5791) in New Zealand.

What are some places not to miss in your hometown of Melbourne?

The Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley wine region—both are less than a couple of hours drive from Melbourne. In the city, don’t miss the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Federation Square, China Town, the Theatre District, the Arts’ Centre, which is the home of the Australian Ballet, and the majestic Crown Hotel complex. Also a must-see are the myriad of Melbourne’s laneways hosting cafes’ and restaurants offering the best of Australia’s food and wines, and Collins Street, home to top designers from Australia and around the world.

What are some of your favorite shops abroad?

Harrods in London, Printemps in Paris, Tiffany in New York and pretty much any shop on Rodeo Drive. But I also love all the amazing Australian designers, in particular Lisa Ho.

Where to go to get away from it all?

It’s impossible to get away from it all when you’re working in the hotel industry, as you’re always on duty, but give me a fabulous beach with white sand, palm trees, blue skies and a glass of Champagne, and I am happy to take time out for just a moment.

Where do you dream of going next and where are you going next?

I would love to go to Rio during Carnivale, and I will be going to Vietnam and India to meet with some hotel companies.

Read the Indagare destination report on Melbourne

Read a member’s postcard from Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef

Read interviews with Katharine L’Hereux, founder of Kahina-Giving Beauty and Rebecca Williams Morrice, owner of Perth-based make up range Becca