Patrick Farrell, General Manager of the Viceroy Bali, has built an illustrious career in luxury hospitality across the globe.
From county Galway, he graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management, which set him on a journey spanning tropical destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, and Vietnam. Here, he shares his favourite places along the way.
One of the memories that stood out was trips to France to the trailer. We had a mobile home there and went for two weeks. There was a kids’ club, and we’d spend a few hours there each day before all piling back into the mobile home in the evening.
There were six of us kids, and to this day, I don’t know how my parents managed to drive us all to France. We’d take the boat across.
I must have been about eight years old at the time. My sister Rachel, who was born in 1993, asked when we stopped in Oranmore on the way to the ferry, “Are we already in France?”
She had no idea of the distance back then. It was such a simple but fun holiday. We didn’t stay in the big luxury hotels I’ve become used to now, but those family holidays were so meaningful.
Australia back in 2017 stands out. Leo, my fiancé, and I had just moved into our first place together in Hammersmith when we set off for a friend’s wedding in Melbourne.
The ceremony was in the Royal Botanic Gardens, which were stunning.
While there, we drove the Great Ocean Road and flew to Sydney, where I caught up with Amanda, whom I had met the year before in Greece and who would later become my employer at Viceroy Bali.
The timing of the trip felt significant. It was a pivotal time in our lives — we’d just moved in together, were attending a wedding, catching up with old friends, and taking our first big trip as a couple.
Hong Kong. I was expecting a bustling city full of skyscrapers and hustle and bustle, but I didn’t anticipate the abundance of nature. On Leo’s birthday, we went on a morning hike and watched the sunrise from the top of the peak overlooking the city.
It was a serene experience, seeing the boats moving along the water and the city waking up below. I also loved exploring iconic hotels like The Peninsula. Hong Kong struck a perfect balance between urban energy and peaceful escapes.
Tokyo is one of my favourites to visit. I went there with my friend Katrina, and we spent a week there and a couple of days in Kyoto. I loved running around the Imperial Palace grounds.
I was training for the Da Nang half marathon at the time and was so happy to find such a peaceful and scenic route to run.
The city itself has this incredible mix of modernity and tradition. It’s so clean and orderly, and the vibe is just serene. I found it really special, and it’s a place I’d love to return to.
London is my favourite city in the world. I spent nine years there, which was incredibly formative for me, personally and professionally.
I met Leo there, and we created so many memories together there. London has everything — from beautiful parks for running [in] to incredible culture with museums and galleries.
I remember training for the London Marathon, running and cycling around the city in the mornings. It’s a vibrant place, and I’d love to return someday. I’m definitely a city person!
Norway, without a doubt. I went there in June 2018 to do the Midnight Sun Run in Tromsø. It was a surreal experience running a half marathon at midnight under full daylight.
Norway’s landscape is breathtaking — from the serene lakes to the dramatic mountains. It felt like such a unique and eye-opening place to visit, and the natural beauty stayed with me.
Running is something I love doing while travelling. I’m an early bird, so I enjoy getting out for a run before the day starts.
There’s something magical about running in the dark and watching the world slowly wake up.
When I travel, I always ask hotel staff for the best routes nearby. After my run, I like finding a local coffee shop to sit in and soak up the atmosphere.
This morning in San Francisco, I had pancakes and coffee in a local diner, which was the perfect way to start the day.
Bhutan has been on my list for a long time. Living in Asia makes it easier to get there, but it’s still a place that feels remote and special.
Bhutan has this mystique about it — the way they measure happiness, their spirituality, and the fact that it’s not overrun with tourists.
Leo is very spiritual, and I’ve become more grounded in that way, so visiting the temples and immersing ourselves in Bhutan’s culture would be an incredible experience.
