Month: October 2019

Chloe Street – Fashion Editor at London’s Evening Standard

Chloe Street is our go-to for all things fashion. After graduating from the University of Oxford and a stint at Burberry, she became an instrumental part of London Fashion Week, where she produced events for the likes of Vivienne Westwood. She went on to spend four years at Hong Kong Tatler, and now, she’s the Fashion Editor at London’s Evening Standard.

When she’s in her home city, Chloe can usually be found zipping around the capital interviewing designers and attending fashion events. And when abroad, she’s ideally taking some well earned down time, exploring glamorous destinations with a G&T in hand.

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 Chloe Street.

Name three of your favourite hotels?

Rosewood, London. Because I just love the interiors and the slightly feminine vibe. Plus, the heated outdoor seating area in the courtyard has to be the chicest smoking area in London.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The Captain’s Bar is the best hotel bar in the world.

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, Italy. Staying there is like going back 100 years.  

Do you have any great travel hacks ?

If I’m traveling long haul, I always pre-order a Hindu Vegetarian meal. I’m neither, but when it comes to plane food, a veggie curry and rice is so much more appealing than mystery meats or overcooked pasta. Plus, you get served first. 

What hotel room design element can you not live without? 

Having USB ports by the bed is the most sensible recent trend in hotel design. It’s such a lifesaver for anyone like me who has a drawer full of adapters at home that they always forget to bring. 

What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?

An eye mask, ear plugs, and (if I’m traveling long haul) a neck pillow. On long flights I also like to do a full diva skincare routine, so I’ll carry a fair few toiletries. I’ll remove all my makeup, wash my face in the loos and apply all sorts of moisture-giving lotions and potions to stop my skin getting dehydrated. And, much to my traveling companion’s embarrassment, I’m quite partial to an in-flight sheet mask.

Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?

I am dying to go to either the Vivamayr or SHA wellness clinic for a full mind and body reboot. 

Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?

I used to live in Hong Kong and honestly I’m not sure it’s something that can be beaten!

That said, I always change my watch to the time of my destination the moment I get on the plane – oldest trick in the book, but I swear it helps. I try to sleep and eat at times that make sense for my destination. For lethargic days, coffee is a cheap failsafe. For nausea, nothing beats Diet Coke. And for sleep, I find melatonin really helps. 

What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?

If I’m flying long haul I tend to wear leggings or cashmere sweatpants and a super comfy jumper. I’ll always take extra layers and socks for when they inexplicably crank up the air-con to minus 10. I hate being on a plane with bare legs, so if I’m heading somewhere hot, I will wear silky pyjama-style trousers. My current favorites are a white silk polka dot pair from this amazing British resort-wear brand called Lelloue

You have an hour to spare at the airport, what would you be doing?

I find it comforting to eat constantly when I travel, and I resent buying cheap sandwiches on budget airlines. So, you’ll probably find me in Pret, buying two or three meals. One to have immediately, one for on the plane and one for, well, back up. Did I mention I’m a comfort eater?

Where’s your next trip?  

I’m off to Marrakech for a friend’s birthday soon, which I’m really looking forward to as I’ve never been. And I’m also planning to head to Munich for Oktoberfest this year, which will be relaxing I’m sure!

Beach, city or mountains?

Mountains.

Alone or with someone else?

With someone else.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

No, but yes. I’m an addict.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost phone.

Airplane food?

Yes.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?

Ice for my G+T.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check-out – have a full day, then shower and change before you fly.

Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?

Raya. Lol joking, probably Spotify.

In-flight cocktail?

Does G+T count as a cocktail? (Editor’s note: yes.)

Favorite travel app?

I’m really into the ViaVan ridesharing app. It’s so damn cheap.

Window or aisle?

Window for uninterrupted sleep on long haul, aisle for short.

Yoga or hotel gym? 

Neither. Run outside or do a local HIIT class, like a Barry’s or SoulCycle.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Katie Sharples – Head of PR & Marketing at Locke Hotels

Katie Sharples is a woman right at the heart of the travel and hotel industry. Previously, she’s worked in marketing and events for brands including Saatchi Gallery and South African Tourism, and co-headed travel’s largest, global, invitation-only event, LE Miami. And now, she’s landed at hip European hotel-apartment hybrid, Locke Hotels. Managing openings from Munich to Dublin and London (with many more to come) means she’s constantly on the road, working with local teams. Which means she has some of the best insider tips going.

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 Katie Sharples.

Name three of your favourite hotels?

Borgo Egnazia in Puglia. The architecture and interiors are divine, not to mention the surrounding villages, people and food! 

La Sultana in Marrakech. It’s in the heart of the Kasbah, so it’s total chaos outside, but you head down a small alleyway and it opens up into a stunning oasis of calm. The hammam there is the best I’ve ever had. 

Amangiri, Canyon Point, US. This place really does live up to the hype. The location is like no other; you can sleep outside under the stars and have some incredible hikes right on your doorstep. 

What is the best hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?

When I stayed at Nobu South Beach, they branded my name on a pair of chopsticks, which I thought was super cute. You also get a five o’clock visit from a cocktail trolley each evening, which was enough to win me over. 

Amangiri

Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?

After the LE Miami event, all you want to do is switch off from the world. So, for a past post-show trip, I’ve landed in the Utah and Arizona wilderness in an RV. It was so liberating driving your house around and being able to set up camp for the night whenever you came across a good spot. Hiking through the landscape was phenomenal with no phone signal – you have no choice but to go MIA. 

What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?

I never travel without my Uniqlo down jacket (you know, the ones that come in the pouch). If it’s freezing on the plane, it’s a great extra layer, and if not, it’s the perfect travel pillow! 

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

USB’s by the bed, because I always forget my adaptor. 

Who is your dream travel partner (dead or alive), and why? 

I’m definitely the ‘co-pilot’ in this relationship, but my best friend/colleague Eliza is a fountain of all knowledge when it comes to travel and always puts together a great itinerary. I trust her recommendations implicitly, so I just do what I’m told, which takes the brainpower out of things. 

If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?

Usually, I’ll ask someone from the LE Miami community that’s based where I’m headed for local tips and suggestions. You can’t beat some insider knowledge! I also always consult Suitcase magazine – its recommendations haven’t failed me yet. 

What was your favorite room service experience ever?

At La Mamounia in Marrakech they wheel in a table and set up breakfast for you on your terrace. It’s glorious.

What do you love most about working in hospitality?

Without a doubt, the people. I’ve met some of my closest friends through the industry.

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 it be?

Somewhere in the Portuguese countryside. The Mamma Mia dream will happen some day! 

Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?

Exercise! If I’m traveling to the US and I’m up at the crack of dawn, I’ll always go for a run. 

Where are your favorite remote “offices” while traveling?

Hotel lobbies or Soho House.

Beach, city or mountains?

Mountains.

Alone or with someone else?

With someone else to share the memories.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

No! It’s the last sacred offline space. 

Yoga or hotel gym? 

Gym: I’m obsessed with Peloton bikes.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

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