A Proustian Travel Guide: David Bowd

Name: David Bowd 
Profession: Hotelier
Age: 46 (for a few more days)
Location: Provincetown, Mass.

David has over 29 years of experience in the hospitality industry having worked in numerous hotels in the United Kingdom, Australia and, for the past seven years at the corporate level in the U.S. with the likes of Ian Schrager and Andre Balazs. His pet project, Salt Hotels began in 2011 when he and his partner Kevin O’Shea purchased a historic 15-bedroom inn located in the heart of Provincetown, Massachusetts, which they transformed into the town’s first boutique digs. He created Salt School, a free hospitality training school for Asbury Park residents, leading to the hire of 60 graduates to now work at his newest endeavor, The Asbury, which officially opens its doors tonight. 

What are three things you wish people knew about you?                                             
1) I don’t like sweet foods touching savory foods.
2) Most of my best ideas come when I am in the shower.
3) I hate sparkling water.
What is your favorite thing to splurge on?
Watches and shoes
What was the best gift you’ve ever received, and who was it from?
My partner and parents shipped my vinyl record collection from the UK to Provincetown last Christmas - thousands of albums to play.
When traveling, what do you never leave home without?
My iPad
Where is your all-time favorite travel destination?
St. John in the USVI: I have friends who run an eco resort and it is so relaxing there — beautiful beaches and great people.
Describe the perfect day in Asbury Park.
Start with Sunrise Yoga on the Baronet, the private roof deck at the Asbury Hotel. Then have breakfast at Toast, followed by a leisurely stroll down Cookman St for some retail therapy. Enjoy the sun, then have drinks along the boardwalk and dinner at Porta. Hit up the Salvation rooftop bar for after-hours cocktails. 

Tell us about your favorite restaurant. 
Well, I love dinner at Barrio, but I can’t resist a sneaky donut at Purple Glaze. 
Where is the most unique shopping experience?
Check out the market stalls in the old convention hall along the beach boardwalk. There are some really great locally made finds inside. 
If you had to give a visitor one keepsake from the destination, what would it be?
A MILLIE cookie - from Confections of a Rock Star. They taste amazing and have the signature mascot of the town. 
What do you dislike most about Asbury Park?
People view the destination as just a summer spot, but it’s really a year round attraction with so many things going on!