Babba C Rivera is that smart, successful woman who also happens to be gorgeous, stylish and nice. She’s Swedish and of Chilean descent, but has called NYC home since early 2015. An award-winning brand marketing professional (Forbes 30 under 30), she has experience working in fashion and tech in Stockholm, Berlin and New York, and has been featured in publications including Vogue and The Coveteur.

After working on the launch of Uber in Sweden, she moved to NYC to be its Head of Partnerships, and ran the company’s largest consumer partnerships with brands including Evian, Rag & Bone and Lyst. She left for a position as Director of Brand Marketing at a then-unknown luggage company, AWAY, and after she helped scale it to a household name she set out to found her own business — all before hitting 30.

Babba now works to merge the gap between the agency world and the uprise of fast-moving, direct-to-consumer brands with her company, Bybabba – a next-gen agency, based in New York. She is also the founder of beauty brand, Ceremonia. And she’s a board member of game tech company Leo Vegas and accessories brand ATP Atelier. She is also a wife, the co-founder of women in business network HER USA, and dog mama to the adorable @blue.official.

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 Babba C Rivera.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I cannot live without a good hotel bathrobe! Staying in hotels for me is a form of self-care and nothing feels more like self-care than coming home after a long day and putting on a cozy robe and a face mask.

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Only Love by Ben Howard, Riptide by Vance Joy and Slip by Elliot Moss.

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

Café Fabrique in Stockholm, Sweden is a favorite spot of mine for a delicious coffee and cinnamon bun.

Anxiety and burnout are side effects of modern living. How do you combat them?

It is about taking advantage of those little moments you have during the day to really check in and recharge. I download meditation sessions on my phone via Headspace before takeoff, and take the offline moment in-flight to focus on calming. I also have a full skincare routine during my flights, using Verso’s hydration sheet masks, Vintner’s Daughter serum with a floral essence and the Tata Harper essential oil rollers for anti-stress.

You travel a lot for work – what are your tips for making it as easy and relaxing as possible?

I always try to stay in hotel rooms with a bathtub or really luxurious showers, nice robes and an amazing staff. Bank Hotel in Stockholm is definitely a new favorite for me- their staff is incredibly accommodating. Nobis Hotel in Copenhagen is another favorite. Both hotels have great bath amenities and a super helpful staff. On top of that, they both have great restaurants within the hotel which makes it easy (and so convenient) to host business meetings at the hotel, over breakfast or lunch.

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

I love sets! My go-to right now is the Rag Doll set, paired with furry Gucci slippers. The set is wool, so it keeps me warm but it is still breathable and the slippers are so easy when going through airport security.

Who is your dream co-pilot or travel partner?

My dog Blue! She brings a source of zen to any destination.

Travel alone or with someone else?

With someone else.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

No!!

Fantasy minibar/fridge item?

Kombucha and milk chocolate.

Favourite travel app?

Blinkist! The app summarizes books into condensed 25-minute podcast episodes.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Nicholas Campbell started his companies, Narcissus Arts and Campbell Art Advisory, with the goal of making art more accessible for people he knew – the first time art buyers and art lovers in their 20s and 30s, who can afford to spend a few thousand, but who are typically ignored by an industry that seems to cater only to oligarchs and millionaires. Prior to founding his business, Nick gained art world experience at Victoria Miro and White Cube galleries in London, and Christie’s Auction House in New York. He also says sage stuff like: “I think art, at its best, provides viewers with a bit of escapism.” We couldn’t agree more.

Nick was chosen as the UK’s best art consultant under 35 by Spears Magazine in 2014, and was on British GQ‘s “Self Made List” as a top entrepreneur in 2017. He’s also a member of the ‘New 100 Club’, which is a collection of the top 100 young art collectors worldwide. Born and raised in London, he’s pretty much always on the road – from San Francisco to Costa Rica to New Delhi and beyond, he’s been there, or is planning to go there asap. Given his naturally curious mind and aesthetic eye, he’s our go-to when planning an artful escape.

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 Nicholas Campbell.

What is the most unique hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?

Personalized bicycles.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

A bathtub.

What are your favorite bouji offices while traveling?

By the pool of the Setai, Miami. The rooftop of Soho House, Istanbul, the lobby of the Imperial in Delhi.

Art being your main passion – what hotels have memorable art collections that are worth a peek, whether you’re staying there or not?

The Thief (Oslo), The Dolder Grand (Switzerland), Cavalieri (Rome).

If you could outfit any three hotels in the world with Narcissus Arts’ works, what would they be?

The new Peninsula that will open soon in London, the Four Seasons in Singapore and the Delano in Miami as it needs a facelift.

What’s your best tip for finding under the radar / unique galleries while traveling?

Contact me.

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would you swap with?

Jude Law.

Who is your dream co-pilot or travel partner?

Richard Ayoade as his hatred of traveling would be endlessly amusing.

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

Personally, my go-to is the Conde Nast Traveller ‘City Guide’. They never fail to be on point and up to date.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

When going to Ibiza, always pay extra to sit at the very front of the plane.

Anxiety and burnout are side effects of modern living. How do you combat them?

I’m lucky that I can fall asleep almost immediately when traveling, so I, in fact, tend to use the actual voyage as my downtime. 

Do you have any favorite travel hacks?

Always be polite and always give it a go, you’d be surprised at how many times you can get an upgrade, or at least get a better seat – just by being nice and asking.

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

Costa Rica. Even on the side of the road, the coffee is excellent.

What is your favorite travel book?

Bill Bryson ‘Notes From a Small Island’. It’s an amusing read

What’s your favorite room service experience ever?

I’m a simple person, a free bottle of something, preferably in an ice bucket for when you arrive can never fail to impress.

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?

A Riad in Marrakech is the dream.

Travel alone or with someone else?

Alone.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

No.

Window or aisle?

Window.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Negar Mohammadi is a woman worth knowing, whether you’re looking for the inside track from the fashion industry, the secret to incredible hair or the best beaches to catch some waves on any given coastline. As a former Brand Director at Vogue, she orchestrated the magazine’s promotion, from The September Issue to collaborations with global brands, including Nike and Comme de Garcons. And, she’s now the founder of a natural vegan brand 14th Night – the hair elixir has been tipped by Brooke Sheilds as “magic in a bottle“.

Negar Mohammadi has lived in downtown Manhattan for more than 15 years, and credits her Chicago roots and Persian values for keeping her grounded. Surfing, family, and friends are her top three favorite things, and she balances her busy career with regular (and sometimes rogue!) surf trips with her best friends. A woman after our own heart.

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 Negar Mohammadi.

Name your three favorite hotels?

The Edition Hotel in Miami. Hotel Costes in Paris. And, Le Sireneuse in Positano.

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

I love escaping to Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, because everything you need is there. There’s surf and delicious food, and the best friends you’ll make are in the water, where there is no wifi.

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Gypsy by Fleet Wood Mac. Night Moves by Bob Segar. And,Wild Thoughts by Rihanna and DJ Khalid.

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

A silk eye mask by Slip. It doesn’t matter where you’re staying, once you shut your eyes – you feel like you’re sleeping in luxury.

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would you swap with?

Kim Kardashian — wait, actually Kourtney. I’m closer to her size.

Have you or would you travel alone?

In a world where you’re always on someone else’s schedule, nothing is more luxurious than having the freedom to do what you want, when you want.

If you’re going to a new place, and your friends haven’t been, where do you find the best advice?

Instagram!

What’s your favorite room service experience ever?    

French fries at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes – they arrive in the most elegant silver bucket. The presentation pretty much negates all calories.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

From Maya (Co-Founder of Safara!) – she encouraged me to travel alone with an open mind and agenda, letting the universe surprise me with its magic.

Anxiety and burnout are side effects of modern living. How do you combat them?    

I make sure to have a trip planned every six weeks (hoping to make it once a month). The excitement and anticipation are enough to light me up and help push me through anything. The moment I get on a flight or arrive somewhere new, I feel an immediate wave of happiness that washes away any anxiety or feelings of burnout.

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

Instead of napping when I land, I move my body any way I can – be it a run, or even a set of jumping jacks and other 80s aerobics moves in whatever space I have. Otherwise, I drink tons of water and do anything it takes to get on the local schedule.

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

Double espresso from Cala di Volpe in Sardinia. Served with a perfect square of gianduja chocolate.

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

Black skinny L’Agence jeans, black James Perse v-neck, Common Projects pink sneakers with a big black cashmere sweater – as I’m always freezing on flights. The L’Agence jeans have so much stretch in them, they feel like yoga pants.

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach.

Airplane food?

Hard no. I always bring snacks.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check-out – insurance for whatever the night before has brought you!

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Lilly Alice was born in Germany, but now splits her time between London and Berlin – while fitting in as much travel as she can in between. As a top fashion PR, she partnered with the likes of Paul Smith, Selfridges, Stella McCartney and Adidas, before building her own equally impressive list of clients as freelance consultant.

In 2020, she put all of this expertise into practise, combining her love of travel and fashion to launch her brand Vicious Eyewear. Her sunglasses have featured in Vogue Italia, while her personal Instagram following has grown to almost 100k. Her feed features fashion parties, Ibizan beaches, Berlin sunsets and her Russian Toy dog Heidi, who of course has her own account, too.

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 Lilly Alice.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

The Standard in NYC. Town Hall Hotel in London. And, Soho House in Berlin.

All of the above have a super chilled vibe, but still maintain great service. Town Hall Hotel is my favorite – I used to book a room there every once in a while, even though my flat was only a five-minute walk away.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

A master switch by the bed.

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 never thought I would have the opportunity to travel so much, I didn’t really plan it. What I did plan is to run my own business and work as a freelancer, to be able to all have all the freedom in the world. I think the best thing is that I now know so many great people all over the planet, so whenever I travel, I will try to meet up with friends and get to know a new city that way.

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Parallaxis, by Traumprinz. Beach Side, by Kanedo. And Your Eyes, by Julein Collet and Jakob Oschmann.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

From my mum: “The only thing you will ever need is a credit card.” 

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

I don’t, but if someone does, please tell me!

What is your favorite travel book or magazine? 

I love Suitcase magazine – it has amazing tips on what to pack and where to travel. It also has a super cool look.

What’s your go-to travel outfit?

A nice tracksuit in black, with easy trainers in a cool colour, no jewelry.

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?

Holbox, Mexico.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve purchased abroad and brought home (or tried to carry-on) from your travels?

A dog.

You have an hour to spare at the airport. What would you do?

I’d be working on my laptop.

Where’s your next trip?  

China, for work.

In-flight wifi – good idea?

YES.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Luggage.

Are you a fan of airplane food?

No.

The subscription service you’ll never delete?

Spotify.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Ashley Ellis is a writer, filmmaker, creative, social impact designer and PhD candidate. If that doesn’t say “modern day Renaissance woman”, we don’t know what does. Having written for publications including Gopher Illustrated, Pyragraph, Bitch Flicks, Afrobougee and more, we are pretty sure she could write this intro way better than we can.

Though she spent years in Los Angeles, Ashley now calls Cape Town home and is currently teaching and working towards her PhD in film studies there. She has co-created films for some of the world’s most progressive institutions such as TED, XPrize, The American Heart Association and The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (to name a few). Always on the lookout for new inspiration and subject matter for her next film, Ashley likes to travel often and explore well.

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 Ashley Ellis. And then, read her guide to Cape Town, here.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

I have had so many wonderful international experiences with travel lodgings, from backpacker places to 5-star hotels, that it’s nearly impossible to answer this question. In Los Angeles, where I lived throughout my twenties, boutique hotels are a part of the social space. The three where I’ve spent the most time hanging out are The Line Hotel, The Standard DTLA, and Chateau Marmont.  I’ve had daily work meet-ups, partied, planned a film production, and watched Trump get elected at these hotels. These places signal that I’m home.

Dream places to visit as a filmmaker?

As a filmmaker, I’m inspired by locations that can themselves become characters. I dream about visiting and shooting in places like Timbuktu, Mali; Chefchaouen, Morocco; Lake Retba, Senegal; or the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana.

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

The Okavango Delta in Botswana.  It’s my analog home.

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?

Yes, it was something that I was seeking and it took me years to set up in a way that made sense for my overall growth. I believe that we manifest the things we set our minds on. Once I decided that travel is an important aspect of my life, I started actively looking for jobs and developing projects that would allow me the opportunity to experience new places. Eventually, a project idea became worthy of PhD research, and that’s what brought me to Cape Town (but only because I dared to look far and wide for the right institutional home). The more I travel, the more I build relationships with people in my industry all over the world, and these connections naturally bring me more travel/work opportunities.   

How do I make traveling relaxing and fun? I think it’s all about just embracing the place I’m in without expecting that I’ll always be comfortable in a new place or on the go. I just breathe in the air and observe my surroundings, and soon enough I settle in or find some place or thing worth exploring. And a good book helps me to unwind in pretty much any circumstance.  

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Lavish Lullaby, by Masego. Count Your Blessings, by Mizz & Rabs Vhafuwi. And Ultimatum, by Disclosure feat. Fatoumata Diawara.

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

Pretty standard: Passport. Wallet. House keys. Laptop. Cell phone. Chargers. Adapters. A book or 2. My Belkin mini book light. Glasses. Tooth nrush. Disposable face wipes. Clean underwear! And anything and everything else that will fit, because I’m kind of crazy about having access to my stuff.

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?

Anna Wintour. Her clothes and shoes wouldn’t fit, but that seems like a gamble no matter who you pick. However, she probably has some designer travel accessories that I really need in my life.  

Have you or would you travel alone?

Yes and yes. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time in your own head and reorganize everything that’s in there. I’m also much more likely to write, which I never seem to find time for during my life with the people I love.   

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

“Always travel with cash, and store small amounts in different places in your belongings.”  – my Mom

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Luggage! Everything can be sorted with a phone.

In-flight cocktail?

Yes. Well, red wine. Then, I’ll either write or sleep.

Window or aisle?

Aisle! I hate crawling over people to pee.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

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.