Saxophonist Dave Koz’s latest album “Hello Tomorrow” debuted at No. 1 on both Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes’ Jazz Album chart. Released seven years after his last CD — and 20 years after his self-titled debut album — “Hello Tomorrow” includes “The Guy’s in Love with You” with guest vocals by Herb Alpert, who made the song famous. Koz, 47, lives in Beverly Hills and is on tour to support his CD. “I rarely have bad experiences traveling,” he says. “However even if there are travel nightmares, I always feel blessed to be able to see and experience new things. It’s what keeps me always coming back for more.” For updated tour dates, check out his website at .
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. I absolutely love Rio De Janeiro. I once went there for a week’s vacation in October and as soon as I returned I booked another trip for January! That city has such an intense pull . . . the people, the food, the beaches, the relaxed way they approach everything there. I became an addict!
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. For me it’s always northern California, particularly Marin County. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and while I love the energy and feeling of the city, when I need to cool out and relax, I can always find what I need in Sausalito, Calif. It’s just the right escape for me for a couple days — the trees, the water, the lushness everywhere. I’ve found it to be a very spiritual place, as well, even for short stays.
Q. What are your favorite hotels?
A. The Four Seasons Milan (), the Alvear Palace () in Buenos Aires, the Bali Cliff Hotel in Bali and the One and Only Resort () in Cape Town, South Africa.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. Yu-N-Mi in Beverly Hills. That’s my neighborhood sushi bar, and Ted, the owner, is one of the most creative chefs I’ve ever met. I love Tra Vigne () in St. Helena, Calif., Mastro’s Steakhouse () and CUT (), both in Beverly Hills. I am crazy about Rao’s Restaurant () in New York City.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. I bring music, of course, and my own hair dryer. I also bring a computer and way too many clothing options. I like to have options.
Q. What are your favorite cities?
A. I love Cape Town. I never tire of New York. Positano, Italy, is so great. London is always a blast, and Prague and Paris are always inspiring.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I usually do my research online and occasionally get a book and read up on the plane ride over. But I’ve found the very best research is to talk to friends who’ve been where you’re going for firsthand knowledge of places to see and restaurants to try. It’s invaluable.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I am fascinated with India and hope to plan a big trip there soon. I’d love to experience Mumbai and some of the other cities there. Equally at the top of my to- do list is China. I’ve only been to a place called Sanya there. It’s a small island off the coast, so Shanghai and Beijing, as well as the Great Wall, are all on the list, too. I am also itching to go back to Australia — it has been almost 20 years! And to visit New Zealand for the first time.
Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times best-selling author and travel writer; .
