Born, raised and educated in South Africa, Nikki Brand is a multi-disciplinary creative based in Los Angeles. For the past 10 years, Nikki has worked developing culturally and socially respected international brands. Her portfolio includes restaurants like De Maria, which won an award for the aesthetic she helped build; some of our favorite hotels, like Maderas Village and Urban Cowboy; and large scale projects like The Platform in LA. She is also the creative force behind the Stella Spoils newsletter – which you can sign up for here! And, heads up gallery representation at House of Spoils.

Having lived in South Africa, Nicaragua and New York City, Nikki is no stranger to going where the wind takes her, and happiest on a surfboard somewhere sunny. Side note: her Instagram is the most beautiful curation of photographic travel inspiration around, be prepared to day dream your way into booking a trip as you scroll.

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 Nikki Brand.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Tribal Hotel, Granada, Nicaragua. This is a hotel you don’t need (or want to) leave. Incredible design, hospitality and food.

Deer Mountain Inn, Upstate New York, US. The quintessential NY Upstate experience. In-room fireplaces and really, really good food.

Under Canvas Zion, Utah, US. Located in the Zion National Park, you’re glamping, but in real luxury with real beds, with misters in the summer and a fireplace in the winter, under the stars.

As a creative, what places do you find most inspiration for your work?

Places that are in nature. Those that are far removed (in location and familiarity) from everyday life. And places with a distinctive culture.

You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? How do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?

I’ve shaped my work and career around the concept of freedom, and not being tied down by anything other than what’s intended. So if I want to go, I can go, and I hope that there’s a wifi connection at the other end. Being able to work remotely has definitely encouraged more travel, and having worked the last 10 years for myself, I find it easy to rework the daily schedule however necessary to make space for the good stuff.

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

Wet-wipes and tea-tree oil.

Have you or would you travel alone? 

Yes. I have, and I will continue to do so; it let’s you take your path to the places and people that are intended for you, in an unrestricted kind of way.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Wear sunscreen, travel light, always know where your passport is. (Thanks, Mom.)

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

Get out in the sun as soon as possible – it’s a natural reset.

Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?

A local breakfast bodega in Nicaragua.

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach.

Airplane food?

No, thanks.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Early check-in.

Favorite travel app?

Flight Hopper.