Niki Rein – Founder of Barrecore
As Founder of the cult UK brand Barrecore, Niki Rein has spent her professional life turning fitness into a lifestyle. She began teaching yoga in 2000, before starting to work with Tracey Anderson in 2006. Inspired by the way dancers trained and moved their bodies, she developed a class which she called ‘barrecore’ for some her private training clients and the response was overwhelming.
When Niki moved to London from the US in 2009, the first Barrecore studio was born. Now, it’s fans include the likes of Darcey Bussell, Jourdan Dunn and Poppy Delevingne, among tens of thousands of other regulars at their now 12 (and counting) studios. As a mother and businesswoman, finding work-life balance is key and she’s a huge advocate of frequent travel, which helps her switch off.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
Read on for travel inspiration from Niki Rein.
Name three of your favorite hotels?
Casa de los Neveros, Granada, Spain. This perfect spot in gorgeous Granada is across the street from the breathtaking Alhambra. There are small local restaurants and local galleries on the doorstep.
Kempinski San Lawrenz, Gozo. Warm and welcoming, while being a place to stay cool from the heat of Malta sun. I love the incredible local sculpture they have around this gorgeous 5-star hotel. It’s also, home to Barrecore’s first retreat.
Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, CA. This charming beachside boutique hotel is in one of my favourite ‘woo-woo’ neighborhoods. A reiki treatment, chakra balancing session or yoga class is just a stone’s throw away from this casually luxe hotel.
What is the best hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?
All the things at Soho House hotels. You literally just have to bring your clothes. They have the rest sorted.
Name three songs are on your travel playlist?
Sir Duke, by Stevie Wonder. She Makes Me Laugh, by The Monkees. And Can’t Stop the Feelin’, by Justin Timberlake.
What are your favorite travel hacks?
I always sit on the aisle of the middle four-seater section and pick a row that is empty or has two sitting on the far two seats. This way, I am very likely to have a seat next to me free to spread out in coach. I also order a gluten-free meal (because I am), but also because special meals are delivered first. The perk is that I can pull my eye mask down sooner on an overnight flight.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Chocolate. I will never fly without good chocolate. Montezuma 73% buttons are the absolute best travel buddies.
Who is your dream “co-pilot”, aka travel partner?
My partner Ruben. Sounds cheesy, but he has a zest for life I have never experienced before. We have a little girl and I swear he is more kid-like when traveling than she is. It’s the best!
Anxiety and burn-out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how do you use travel to do so?
Mini three- or four-day trips are my cure all for burn-out. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in work and life stressors. Escaping for a short time is a sure way to learn something new that has nothing to do with daily to-do’s. I am always amazed at how I come back with answers to problems at hand after a mini trip!
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
Yes! I always drink Nuun tablets (electrolyte replacement) when traveling, plus loads of water. I sleep as much as possible by taking magnesium tablets 30-minutes before I want to nap, which helps relax the body and mind, and keeps restless legs at bay. Depending on length of flight, I will take another dose a couple hours before landing. The intense hydration and shut-eye make the flip side so much easier!
If you could quit your job and follow the Mamma Mia dream (ie. open a small hotel in another country or on a remote island), where would you do it?
Any town near San Sebastian, Spain – the food, sea, summer sun and winter ski nearby make it heaven on earth!
Beach, city or mountains?
Beach (but mountains within a three-hour drive).
Alone or with someone else?
With someone.
Is in-flight wifi a good idea?
Terrible!