Spencer Wells – Photographer, Filmmaker & Writer

Spencer Wells is a photographer, filmmaker and writer, who’s lived in a few of our favorite places: San Francisco, Los Angeles and now, Brooklyn. His work explores the relationship between people and the natural environment, in his words: “frequently introducing ethereal elements to create dynamic compositions.” He shoots travel, fashion, design, lifestyle, portraits – and clients range from Architectural Digest to Amazon, Mr Porter, New York Times, and Wallpaper*.

In a bold move for a visual expert, his Instagram feed is intriguingly blank – so you’ll have to head to his website to get the full Spencer Wells experience (although he does post photographic inspiration via stories so, still worth a follow). Given his line of work, he also has a wealth of travel stories, which we’ve tapped into below.

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 Spencer Wells.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Australia. With an infinity pool that looks out over vineyards, an incredible wine list, two delicious restaurants on the property, and beautifully designed structures, Jackalope does it all right. It’s close to beaches, ocean cliffs and wineries, but really, you don’t want to leave the property.

Club de Patos, Mexico. A former duck hunting lodge set on the beach just outside Sisal, you really feel removed from the rest of the world here. Renovations kept the essence of the rustic buildings, but added the modern amenities that we all appreciate. The chef serves up delicious local dishes, while the bar has a pool table and a healthy selection of mezcal.

Tourists Welcome, North Adams, Massachusetts. This place feels like a chic summer camp for adults – it opened opened the door to all the cool things to see and do in Western Massachusetts. It’s close to awesome hiking, swimming, dining and the Mass MOCA, and was an easy getaway from NYC. The design was also so on point that I brought more than one idea back to my Brooklyn apartment.

What three songs are on your travel playlist?

Friends, by Francis and the Lights feat. Bon Iver. Desert Trip, by Jonathan Wilson. And Thinking of a Place, by The War on Drugs.

Have you or would you travel alone?

Absolutely, traveling alone gives me the ultimate freedom to take a trip in a new direction on a whim, strike up a conversation with a stranger, or embrace jet-lag to get out of bed early to watch a sunrise.

What traits do you most value in a great travel partner?

Flexible, cool-headed, curious, multi-lingual, and tolerant of excessive photo stops.

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

I’d base out of Servimont in Tlachichuca to climb mountains in Central Mexico, for a digital and physical detox. Followed by a weekend in Mexico City, to retox, but feel like I’m still off the grid.

What magazines do you buy at the airport?

Monocle, because it always has lots of quality reads for a long flight, plus inspiring travel stories.

What’s your go-to room service meal?

If I get in late after a long day of travel, a cheeseburger, fries and a glass of pinot noir always sets me in a good mood for some much-needed rest.

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

The best coffee is always in Australia – there are a few spots.

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

A point-and-shoot camera, paperback book, sweater, an extra pair of warm socks, sunglasses, a few basic toiletries and headphones.

Fantasy mini-bar/fridge item?

Tiramisu.

In-flight cocktail?

Bloody Mary for an early flight.

Beach, city or mountains?

Mountains.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.