Five Miles Up: Where Rande Gerber travels with Crawford and Clooney

Bekah Wright

Creating some of the world’s most innovative nightlife venues can be exhausting. So Rande Gerber re-energizes by vacationing with his wife Cindy Crawford, family and BFF George Clooney. One such sojourn to the Mexican seaside resulted in the two buddies purchasing land and building adjoining villas named Casamigos, or “House of Friends.” As for cultural immersion, experiencing the local tequila was a natural, especially for Gerber, who designed cocktails for Delta Airlines in 2007. The result of Gerber and Clooney’s research – creating their own label of tequila, aptly named Casamigos. As for Gerber’s remedy for vacation mishaps? Head to the bar.

What’s something you never fail to pack in your suitcase?
Toothbrush, cash, passport.

What’s your idea of the perfect vacation?
With my wife and kids on a beach with a Casamigos or Caliche in my hand. (*Gerber is also the founder and owner of Caliche Rum.)

Tell us about a vacation you’ve taken that’s come close thus far.
Mexico and the Bahamas are favorite spots.

What’s the worst vacation you’ve taken?
A few years back we checked into a hotel with our entire, extended family. When we got there, let’s just say it wasn’t what we expected. We made up for it by going immediately to the bar. The beach was beautiful and it turned out to be a great vacation.

What's the most unusual souvenir you’ve ever brought back from a trip?
Something from Tanzania that ended up in my son’s bag.

Ever try a food you wished you hadn't?
Fried cockroaches. Definitely don’t taste like chicken.

Favorite hotel, resort, yurt, train, boat you've ever stayed in/on?
We have a few friends with big boats and always love spending time with them. I also love the Amanresorts everywhere.

Biggest regret you've ever had while on vacation.
No regrets, just great memories.

The one thing you're willing to splurge on when traveling above all else.
Everything. You shouldn’t think about it when you’re on vacation. Only when you get home and the credit card bill comes.

Three artists on your travel playlist?
Mishka, Eddie Vedder and Kid Rock.

Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
For a ride up Pacific Coast Highway to my house in Malibu.

You only get one more trip in your lifetime. Where will it be?
My own island in the Caribbean with family and friends.