Victoria Ainsworth, or Tori to her friends, is a multidisciplinary marketer and e-commerce consultant. She’s spent the last 10 years working with startups, helping them develop unique brand identities and build meaningful communities. Her past clients include Negative Underwear and Maderas Village hotel.
A Toronto native, Tori found her way to LA via NYC. After a long stint at GMR Marketing, Tori went to Nicaragua for what was supposed to be a break-away vacation, but turned into a long-term stay. She traveled around central America in search of calm, before making the decision to move to the US permanently. Now a Venice beach resident, Tori is getting used to the West Coast life. When she’s not at her laptop, she’s happiest on a surfboard with salt water in her hair and sun on her face – or, stirring up some trouble at Chateau Marmont, because as she says, “that’s just what you do there!”.
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 Victoria Ainsworth.
Name three of your favorite hotels?
The Harmony Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica; Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California; and The Urban Cowboy in Nashville, Tennessee. I stayed at each of those hotels at a pivotal time in my life. They remind me of embarking on a new chapter, and of unearthing new and interesting parts of myself. (And I got into the best kind of trouble at The Chateau Marmont, because that’s just what you do there!)
Photo via Urban Cowboy
What hotel room design element can you not live without?
Music. The rooms at Chateau Marmont have vintage record players. When concierge brings you to your room, all the windows are open and there’s a jazz record on. It changes everything.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Oodles of chapstick and a journal.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
I’d probably go back to Costa Rica. It’s one of my favorite places on the planet – the energy is intoxicating, and you feel so connected to the Earth. (I’d also really like to go on an Alaskan cruise!)
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would you swap with?
Someone with excellent taste in books.
Have you or would you travel alone?
I travel alone most of the time. Being alone has its perks – you don’t have to consult with anyone about anything, ever. You can just kind of… go. I’d really like to start a little family someday, and I imagine (and hope!) that we’ll travel together often. I try my best to take advantage of this time in my life where I can just be all by myself.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t be such a wussy.” – An older gentleman watching me reluctantly get on a school bus in Guatemala.
Who is your dream co-pilot or travel partner?
My Nana. Because she was the best woman I’ve ever met.
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?
Panarea!
Alone or with someone else?
Alone.
Lost luggage, or lost phone?
Lost luggage – we always need less than what we packed.
Carissa Barrett is a Long Island-native who started out working on the NYC club scene in the 1990s, booking DJs for the TriBeCa and Soho Grand hotels (her parties there were pretty infamous). She then moved to San Francisco for a “break”, taking cooking classes at Kitchen On Fire (taught by Michelin-starred chefs), and learning about wine from master sommelier Peter Granoff. It was there that she realized her passion for scent.
After stints managing retail at Prada, Jimmy Choo and Saint Laurent, that same passion led to her current role as Vice President of Retail at Byredo. If you’re looking to switch up your Santal 33, Byredo is the one. As well as an olfactory expert, Carissa describes herself as a “connoisseur of restaurants, hotels, recipes and travel” – which, incidentally, are exactly the qualifications we look for in a Safara Insider.
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 Carissa Barrett.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?
This is a tough one because most hotels have terrible coffee, but in Morocco, it’s great – and La Mamounia has the best.
Anxiety and burn out are side effects of modern living. How do you combat them?
Always stay at a hotel with a beach or a pool to decompress every morning – even if you get only 20 minutes of sun, it helps with the natural vitamin D and leaves me feeling fresh. Soho Beach House Miami has both options so you can choose amazing pool or beach, I love it there.
You travel a lot for work – what are your tips for making it as easy and relaxing as possible?
I always travel with a steamer, so that I can easily steam my work clothes (simple tip, but a super useful one, we think!). Good pillows and a great mattress are key- I always look for that in a hotel. Sometimes I call ahead to make sure they have foam pillow options, and enquire on the mattress situation- if I don’t like their answers, I don’t stay. Some hotels will make sure they have the foam pillows for me (and bring them in). The Hotel Therese in Paris always takes care of me, and Hotel 1898 in Barcelona does, too.
What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
Nike track pants and zip-up hoodie, with a cool baggy T-shirt underneath. I don’t believe in wearing jeans on the plane – you get bloated up in the air, and they leave marks on your legs, so if you need a quick change to a dress or skirt for a meeting after the flight, you look terrible. Comfort first. I also wear my Saint Laurent leather jacket on top, to add my own style element.
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would you swap with?
Lady Gaga. I am sure her wardrobe is ridiculous, and I would be all over it.
Who is your dream co-pilot or travel partner?
My husband, because he lets me choose everything, and goes along for the ride, and in the end is super happy with the results. He is flexible and able to adapt if we get somewhere and decide to change the entire itinerary.
If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?
Tons of places: Tripadvisor, Google to look at hotel websites and restaurants, local food apps (if applicable), Eater lists, Condé Nast articles, Culture Trip, and I ask people on social media. No one option in my opinion is 100% – so I need to dig deeper to find the right information for my lifestyle.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice has been from other foodies that travel the world, if I trust you choosing my food, I can trust you with my hotels and other recommendations. But I also like to be independent, and look for the best restaurants myself. I research hotels and places to go for months, and I feel nobody else can do this for me – so I feel like I take people’s advice with a grain of salt, add it to my list, and then pick it apart to find what suits me best.
Joey Kotkins was one of the original Safara founders, before heading off to continue his tech-industry path at Brandlive, where he’s currently COO. Meanwhile, Rachelle Saletto is a brilliant interior designer, who has worked with the likes of Starbucks, We Work, and now Design Well Spent Co. Together, they’re one of our favorite power couples – and always a great source of travel tips.
The pair met when they were both living and working in Seattle, WA, and they now call London home. Though they love the UK, a huge reason they re-located was to be in a better position to explore Europe and beyond. From the French Riviera to Paris, Berlin and further afield, they’re in the process of ticking a lot of places off that list. And below, they’re serving romantic travel inspiration.
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 Joey Kotkins and Rachelle Saletto.
Favorite vacation to take as a couple?
Renting a car and getting lost in the Cote d’Azur. The food, wine, fishing towns, beaches, glamorous history, and dramatic landscape make it hard not to have an incredible time.
What would you say are the benefits of traveling separately from your partner?
Beyond “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, we like to share our new discoveries and play tour guide for each other on later trips.
Most romantic hotel?
Anywhere in Paris, but maybe above all, the Hotel des Grands Boulevards where we stayed for our mini-moon. The little design touches make it the perfect amount of Parisian romantic, while maintaining a casual atmosphere. No cliché Louis XVI style here. The cosy bar is an ideal start or end to any date night.
Is going away together is an important part of your relationship?
We moved to London to travel more, and we’ve become big fans of weekend trips. We try not to stress and over-plan, preferring to pick neighborhoods to explore on foot, stumbling into random adventures. It always gives us something exciting and new to look forward to, and reinvigorates our love for our home city.
Must-have hotel room amenity when you’re traveling together?
We’re both a little too obsessed with fancy travel-sized bath products. I’m not sure what we’re going to do with all of the mini shampoos, conditioners, and body lotions we’ve collected, but we’ll figure something out.
What’s a must-have design feature for a romantic trip?
Rachelle is an interior designer, so this list is long, but lighting is on top. The Sir Savigny in Berlin does layered light well. Each room has a feature chandelier along with various floor lamps and table lights that allow you to get the lighting just right.
Do you have different in-transit preferences?
Joey likes to get to the airport early, and Rachelle prefers to walk through security and straight onto the plane. We’ve accepted this tension will persist forever.
If only one of you got upgraded to 1st class, what would you do?
Rachelle gets it every time. It’s an investment Joey is happy to make.
You know those people who seem to live the life that you dream about, traveling the world, while you’re still sipping your coffee and plugging away at a Google doc? Well, one of those people is Nicole Humphreys.
Nicole traded in her job at a non-profit in LA to move to Bali for the better part of a year, and she now splits her time between the two. Using Bali as her launch point, Nicole has explored much of Asia, and continues to preach the digital nomad life – which, of course, we are fully on board with.
It was in Bali that Nicole founded August Effects, which sells beach- and home-wares that are 100% hand-crafted by local artisans. Bonus point? Every purchase equals a donation to Bali Children Foundation. Her latest brand, Bandits Bandanas follows a similar sentiment, creating sustainably made bandanas that feature original artwork and support charities worldwide.
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 Nicole Humphreys.
Name three of your favorite hotels?
Aetas Glamping, Palawan, Philippines. One of a kind glamping experience overlooking the rice fields in El Nido, Philippines. The service is truly out of this world exceptional!
Four Season, Chiang Mai, Thailand. One of the most gorgeous hotels I have ever stayed in. The room was essentially a glamorous tree houses with unbelievable views.
Korakaia Pensione, Palm Springs, CA. A romantic, serene, gorgeous bed and breakfast with tons of special touches. Highlights are the incredible breakfast served on their patio each morning. Plus, the old movies they play outdoors every night, and the exceptional service.
Photo via Korakia Pensione
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
In Bali, I am always on the go and work primarily out of coffee shops and co-working places. My go-to is called Dojo and it is located in the heart of Canggu, Bali, right next to Echo Beach. It is set up as an open-air concept with a bamboo roof overhead and a big pool if anyone needs a work break. They have an amazing café there to keep you well fed and caffeinated while you work. Every night Dojo offers different lectures,speaker, and activities for their members. The vibe is collaborative and everyone helps each other out. When you sign up, you join their Facebook group where everyone shares tips, apps, business advice, etc. Highly recommend the Dojo as your office if you pursue the digital nomad life.
A similar co-working place is Hubud in Ubud, Bali. The structure and vibe are incredible and the people are all amazing.
Lastly, my favorite coffee shop in Bali to work from is called Koloni. Great food, coffee, fast Wi-Fi, and comfortable set up.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
The Philippines! I just went for my 30th birthday and it is the ultimate way to get off the grid and have a digital detox. This is because there is pretty much no Wi-Fi so you can’t be tempted to get on your phone. It is also a pretty difficult place to get to – think multiple flights, long car rides, boat rides to different islands, etc. It is worth it though. You feel like you are completely off the grid and forced to live 100% in the moment!
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
My August Effects bikini bag. It’s the perfect size for toiletries, noise cancelling headphones, my kindle, and my night shades (this is a must have for being able to sleep!).
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
I am kind of adapting this question, as I learned a lot about the importance of packing when I went on Semester at Sea, and traveled to 13 countries in four months. I find it so helpful for all my travels that I want to share it:
“Focus on making sure you have all the toiletries you need to feel clean and stay healthy while traveling and don’t focus so much on clothing.”
You can always buy more clothing wherever you are in the world, but it is difficult to buy essential cosmetics and toiletries in certain countries. This made me realize that the clothes you do pack should be multi-purpose if possible. One of the things I always have in my carry-on is my August Effects sarong, since it’s lightweight and I can use it over my shoulders, as a blanket, or as a cover up.
Anxiety and burn out are side effects of modern living. How do you combat them?
Meditate. This is something I started doing a few years ago and it has not only changed my life, but changed how I travel. I use the app Headspace and do a 10 to 15 min meditation every morning right when I wake up.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?
Peloton Supershop. This is my favorite café/coffee shop in Canggu, Bali. It is fully vegan café with some of the most gorgeous, unique and delicious food I have ever had in my life. It also has my all-time favorite cup of coffee. I order the flat white with coconut milk. Pro tip: ask them for the large size (it is not on the menu!).
From most to least important, what do you seek in a hotel experience?
Location, comfortable, doesn’t break the bank, locals hang out there, unique, has a pool, architecturally intriguing, dope minibar.
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?
Gili Air! There are three “Gili” islands off of Bali that are around an hour or two boat ride. My favorite of the three is called Gili Air. It is tiny island that no cars are allowed on. People get around via bike or horse and buggy, and you can walk around the entire island in about 45 min. There are bars and restaurants that line the island and everything is right on the beach. I spent my 1-year honeymoon there at a tiny hotel that a couple from Europe opened. They have been there for 15 years now and have never looked back. This would definitely be an amazing place to live out the dream of opening a small hotel on a remote island!
Is in-flight wifi a good idea?
No!
Fantasy mini-bar/fridge item?
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee.
Favorite travel app?
Maps.Me – it is a free app where you download a map of the destination you are headed to (do this when you have wifi). Then when you are at your travel destination, you can use the app without wifi to look up anything you need while there!
The person we look to when we’re in need of a restorative reboot? Kat Heiberger. Kat was a Project Manager at The Martin Agency before committing to becoming a full-time yoga teacher. She traveled to Rishikesh, India to complete her training, and later became certified as an Ayurvedic Health Coach at Ayurveda World NYC. She gains inspiration from each of her trips, and continues to explore as much as she can.
Kat’s New York-based health coaching practice focuses on plant-based nutrition, food as medicine and natural remedies to help her clients achieve lasting health and harmony. Her drive to get to the root of any issue is what feeds her holistic approach to working with individual clients. And we’re here for the tips she share’s on Instagram – whether a recipe for an anti-inflammatory ginger tisane or guidance on meditative breathwork rituals.
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 Kat Heiberger.
Name three of your favorite hotels, anywhere in the world?
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru. Inkaterra a sprawling commune literally inside the jungle with hummingbirds flitting around outside your door. I also took a lot of design inspiration from this place: white walls, dark wood, soft velvety browns, shiny copper, bright pops of orange and red and lots of eucalyptus.
El Albergue, Ollantaytambo, Peru. This is a farm-to-table hotel in a quaint little village in the Sacred Valley of Peru where you can walk around the grounds, tour the farm and enjoy an authentic and very special pachamanca lunch outdoors. I don’t know what’s better, their local coffee or the mountain view from bed.
Ripplewood Resort, Big Sur, California. I mean Big Sur, in general, what a special place. This resort offers a series of log cabins right on the river. You can make a fire indoors and outdoors, go swimming, fishing and just take in the cool, crisp mountain air. It’s rustic, it’s simple, it’s a dream.
What hotel room design element can you not live without?
Wood-burning fire place in the bedroom. Once you experience falling asleep to the crackling of a simmering fire at the foot of your bed, you really can’t not put that on your “must have in my dream house” list.
What are your travel wellness tips for staying healthy on the go?
Hydration! My number one tip is to drink more water than you think you need or than you even want to. I also try to keep up with as many daily, Ayurvedic rituals as I can while traveling (tongue scraping, drinking hot water in the AM before coffee, using essential oils, finding any place, any time to do a little yoga). Keeping up with the little things help a lot.
And then just let the rest go and don’t worry about eating all the croissants or having a bottle of wine at lunch. Wellness is also a state of mind!
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Essential oils. I always carry travel bottles of lavender (to chill out), lemon (to add to drinking water for internal cleansing & immune boosting effects), doTERRA’s DigestZen (a blend to help prevent digestion from being a problem), and a homemade blend of eucalyptus & tea tree (to help keep sinuses clear during cabin pressure). Oh and ginger chews – these also help with cabin pressure, nausea and boredom.
Have you or would you travel alone?
Yes! I would definitely and I have, sort of. I went to a remote town in northern India in 2017 to do my 200hr yoga teacher training. It was the first time I had ever traveled solo, and so far away! Of course I made friends with my fellow students once I got there but just making the decision to do it, preparing for it, navigating foreign airports and transportation and adjusting to a whole new world on my own was a big adventure for me. I think I learned a lot from that experience and would encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone like that at least once.
From most to least important, what do you seek in a hotel experience?
Comfortable, unique, close to things, architecturally intriguing, doesn’t break the bank, locals hang out there, has a pool, dope minibar.
Anxiety and burnout are side effects of modern living, how do you combat them?
The main way I combat anxiety and burnout is yoga. Even though teaching yoga has changed my relationship with it a bit, I still always, without fail, turn to my own practice whenever I feel stressed, confused, sad, overwhelmed (and all the in between). I didn’t have a huge AHA moment with my yoga practice but when I reflect back on it, I recognize that I would be a mess today had I not discovered it’s unique ability to help you silence all the noise.
And travel is honestly a close second. I think it’s essential for people to get out of their bubble, out of their comfort zone, see how other people live (the good and the bad). Travel gives you the kind of fresh perspective to which almost nothing else can compare.
Covering all of Los Angeles in one guide is, we’d argue, a disservice to the city. This is because LA is the equivalent of several small cities – who met, dated for a while, broke up, and are now as cordial as possible when they run into each other at yoga class. Which is why we’ve respectfully split our guides to LA up, so you’re not stuck in traffic on the 405 for hours.
From startups to tech giants, and emerging designers to established artists, the landscape of LA has certainly diversified in the last decade – though the backdrop of Hollywood and its entertainment industry will always reign supreme. Beyond that, what this part of the city is consistently known for is the excellent food, art and fashion.
Read on for our take on the Westside of Los Angeles.
With locations in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, Palihouse defines itself as “not a boutique hotel and not a luxury residence.” In other words, it’s the best of both. The Santa Monica location is three blocks from the beach, with gorgeous courtyards – and we particularly love the bar here.
Set on a private ranch in Malibu wine country and with an exclusive beach club, Calamigos Ranch encompasses all of the best that Malibu has to offer. It’s just a short drive from the city, but when you’re there you feel worlds away.
Though this spot is very much not under the radar, you should still go, because it’s great. Order the pizza, the mushroom toast, the squash blossom and burrata… or anything else on the menu.
Brought to you by the people behind the above Venice mainstay, plus their take-away shop GTA, and Japanese fusion spot, MTN, Gjusta is one of our favorites. Everything is great aside from the seating, which is usually taken at all hours of the day. Go anyway, and buy some peach jam to take home as a souvenir.
Jeremy Fox is a legend in the vegetable world, and Rustic Canyon is his flagship. This is everything you want in healthy, inventive Californian cooking. The menu changes daily based on what is in season, and their wine list is as good as the food.
There will be a line at this taco place, and there will also be a lot of people taking photos of their food. If you can move past that situation (figuratively and literally), then make sure to order the homemade flour tortillas. And as Loqui is located in The Platform, you can peruse the stores afterwards.
The Lincoln does a lot for us. It’s large enough for bigger groups. It’s loud enough for a good atmosphere, but not so loud that you can’t have an intimate conversation. The music is good, as are the drinks. It’s arguably the coolest bar in Venice.
Neighbor is technically a restaurant, but we have never come here for dinner. It’s the perfect spot to meet someone at 4pm on a Wednesday, when you want to chat over a glass of wine and maybe a small plate. The space looks like it was decorated by Domino magazine; ask for a seat on the patio if the sun’s out.
Bar Nine is a beautifully minimal, industrial looking cafe in Culver City. They roast their own beans, pride themselves on sustainability, and offer all kinds of milks. Our order is a latte with hazelnut milk, and a pastry to go.
Right on Montana Avenue, Primo is one of our favorite coffee shops. It isn’t necessarily the place that you would go to work all day, but their coffee is great and you can buy a bag of beans to take home.
This Venice staple is always a good choice for an afternoon snack. Though you could go for a full blown lunch and be just as happy, we prefer to sit in the cafe area with our laptop, a coffee, and one of their homemade pastries.
Behind Scopa Italian Roots you’ll find Old Lightning. There is only room for about 30 people at any given time, which helps to keep this place hush hush. The rum and tequila cocktails are their speciality.
You’ve probably heard of Blind Barber, however, the team behind the “bars behind the barber shops” consistently make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something no one else knows about. Even when they do.
While Point Dume might be one of the more popular places, the staircase down to the cove is not. If you’re looking for a secret romantic spot, head down the staircase (it’s a bit of a trek, but totally worth it) around sunset with a bottle of Californian Pinot, and enjoy.
This beautiful boutique in Venice carries a handful of our favorite designers and perfect CA inspired home goods. Pick up cedar-roped incense, or the perfect ceramic bowl, or a beautiful woven basket to hold all the blankets you’ll need when you are sadly no longer in California.
The Platform is an outdoor mall of sorts in Culver City. They have rotating pop-up shops that keep things interesting (previously hosting LA art gallery Tappan Collective) and mainstays like Reformation and Frida Salvador.
LA-based designer Christy Dawn opened her first bricks-and-mortar store here a few years ago. If you’re looking for the perfect boho dress to explore Topanga Canyon or Malibu in, you’ll find it here.
Marijuana is legal to buy in California, and MedMen is the place to get it in upscale surrounds. They curate their selection carefully and though things are veryfocused on branding, they do stand by the products they sell.
Head to the Pacific Palisades to check out this landmark of mid-20th century modern architecture. The Eames House, or Case Study House #8 as it’s officially called, is some of his best work. Make sure to make a reservation before hand.
If we are being honest, we go here mostly for the villa itself, rather than the collection – for that, we prefer the Getty Center in Brentwood. The villa is basically what happens when a very rich oil tycoon loves art so much that he builds a “gallery” modeled after the most luxurious house known to the Roman world. It’s incredible.
Yes, Long Beach is on the cusp of Westside Los Angeles, but we promise this will be worth it. The Museum of Latin American Art was built in 1996 and is the only museum of its kind in the US (there should definitely be more, but until that happens, let’s celebrate this one wholeheartedly).
Where to workout in Los Angeles, Westside
Go hiking
Los Liones trail will take you all the way to Topanga for a beautiful hike. If you’re looking for a short morning route, take Temescal Canyon trail’s basic loop which is about 2.6 miles. Or, if you’d rather a flat route, take a walk or a jog along Palisades Park in Santa Monica.
This yoga studio offers flow, prenatal, restorative and more. The bright and airy studio is unmistakably Californian, with bright blue floors and lots of hanging plants hanging. Head to Superba Food & Bread for after class coffee and snacks.
These classes seriously kick your ass. We recommend starting with a “Classic” class, to get to know the basics, then work your way up. Most of the classes are on a reformer and some involve cardio, too. Good luck.
We realize this is a very exclusive “office”, but if you are a Soho House member, or can get a day pass, this is absolutely the best place to work from. With a prime location right on the beach and an open air interior, you won’t even feel like you’re missing out on a holiday. Little Beach House have valet parking, a buffet at lunch, and in the evening, the music switches up the vibe – stay all day.
If you can’t get into Little Beach House, head over to Groundwork Coffee. It’s an LA staple with multiple locations across the city, and the Venice location is great. With long communal tables, healthy food for lunch, and power outlets, it’s an ideal remote office.
Superba is the kind of place you show up at 9am to get some work done and find yourself still there by 4pm. You can use your laptop for most of the day in certain areas, and the sunshine-filled patio is a nice place for a meeting.
This is a great, clean beach when you don’t have time to drive all the way into Malibu, but want to get away from the Venice crowds. Keep in mind that parking is tricky, but there are a few paid options to try.
Mercado Sagrado is the craft fair to win all craft fairs. It usually takes place every November, so get tickets if the timing of your trip coincides. There’s a beautiful curation of design and art, plus music and food. The focus is on community, ethical commerce and wellbeing – it’s a feel good festival.
There are tons of farmers markets to choose from in LA, this is one of our favorites. It has all the organic produce you could dream of and great food stands, too.
Andrea is the head of international sales at Nordic Hotels & Resorts, and previously director of sales at one of Oslo’s coolest boutique hotels, The Thief. As if that wasn’t enough, in her spare time she’s the co-founder of HER Oslo, the city’s branch of HER Europe – a global women’s network (which was co-created by Safara’s very own marketing head, Maya Poulton). If you’re looking for a reason to visit Oslo, Andrea’s guide to the city is it.
Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.
Read on for Andrea’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Oslo.
Skaal Matbar is well worth a visit to Oslo. Otherwise, my local favorites include Ostebutikken, a gourmet cheese store / bistro, and the cocktail bar 2TH.
The hotels
Stay at either The Thief, with amazing views over the Oslo fjord, or Amerikalinjen, right next to the stunning Oslo Opera House.
The Thief Hotel Amerikalinjen
The shopping
I have so many local favorites including Luck Oslo, Sanatorium, Kollekted by and Ensemble. Or go to Ilums Bolighus and pick up a piece by AWAN. They make the most comfortable dresses, which you can wear both while lounging on your couch or out and about in public.
In Oslo, you can rent your own floating sauna and enjoy the Oslo fjord. It is definitely one of the coolest things to do in this city.
I also love to go for long walks, and can never miss my daily walk by the Akerselva river. It’s a great, scenic path with lots of cafes and historic spots along the way. Get a waffle and a coffee at either Raadeshagekafe or Hønse-Lovisa.
Make sure to visit the privately-owned museum of modern art – the Astrup Fearnley Museum. It’s both indoor and outdoor, and conveniently located on the waterfront right next to The Thief hotel.
Dervla Louli Musgrave is a travel entrepreneur and lifestyle journalist based in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. She’s the founder of Compare Retreats, and so is our go-to for all things luxury wellness. If you’re planning a visit to Hong Kong, Dervla’s recommendations are well worth following.
Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.
Read on for Dervla’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong.
The Upper House boutique hotel is my favorite home away from home in Hong Kong. A perfect evening begins with their signature Hong Kong Highball cocktail enjoyed on The Lawn, before feasting at Café Gray, followed by a lazy night in at one of their signature suites.
Standout stores include The Armoury for men, and HULA for pre-loved sustainable luxury womenswear.
The food
For dinner, YardBird is the ultimate spot for great food, friendly staff and a brilliant buzz. For a drink, Please Don’t Tell is my favorite. It’s a speakeasy where you can get gin and tonic, with a side of caramel popcorn – delicious.
The thing to do
Hiking trails and beaches are abundant in Hong Kong and I regularly walk The Twins and Morning Trail with friends. Bowen Road running route is also a favorite.
Chi Lin Nunnery
The culture
For something cultural and spiritual, Chi Lin Nunnery is the most peaceful place. They have a cute gift shop, stunning Japanese Gardens and a vegetarian café that I was introduced to by my friend Chicco, founder of Fivelements (an eco-conscious retreat in Bali, for when you’re ready to escape the city).
Rebecca Laurey is based between New York City, Paris and her home in Oud-West, Amsterdam, where she shares beautiful snippets of her life, style and journey through motherhood with her 187k+ followers on Instagram. She’s an awesome content creator in her own right, but has also collaborated with brands such as Hermès and Armani as a social media and brand consultant, digital creator, guest designer and ambassador. And she recently founded her own digital creative agency, La Piscine.
Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.
Read on for Rebecca’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Oud-West, Amsterdam.
Levain et le Vin has the best cinnamon buns in town. Fijnkost is on my street in Oud-West and is so underrated – it’s the cutest neighborhood restaurant, with the yummiest food.
I love the Gekaapt concept store. I usually pop in once a week or so, to see what’s new. Their kid’s store is pretty fun, too.
The thing to do
Oud-West’s Vondelpark has an entrance at the end of my street. It’s the greatest luxury – especially when you don’t have an outside area of your own. It feels like my really big backyard, that I just happen to share with other people. I go there every day and in summer, it’s the spot for a picnic.
The Kahmann Gallery is not actually in Oud-West, but it’s so good that it warrants a mention here. As we’re venturing out of the neighborhood a little, it’s also worth visiting the Stedelijk Museum, my favorite museum in Amsterdam.
Despite being from Sweden, Andrea Seifert has never really lived there, as she was brought up between South America, Asia and Europe by her nomadic parents. She’s the co-founder and director of Upcycle Communications, and now calls Singapore home. Which means she’s perfectly placed to give us a guide to the city.
Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.
Read on for Andrea’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Singapore.
Singapore’s Chinatown is packed with amazing places to eat, drink and be merry. I recommend Nouri for special evenings, because Chef Ivan’s creative fare, using produce from his farm in Malaysia, is always a treat.
The Social Space on Kreta Ayer is a gorgeous little cafe-come-social enterprise. Head there to browse local and ethical brands, before taking a break from shopping with a cup of one of their lovely selection of teas.
The treatment
Hidden at the back of The Social Space is The Nail Social. It’s a peaceful mani-pedi spot that uses eco-friendly polish, and provides training and employment to marginalized women. It’s a divine sanctuary, whether you’re looking for some me-time or to catch up with a friend while getting your nails done.
The thing to do
Barre Lab is my go-to workout on Duxton Road. The studio has small classes and great instructors, who correct your form and keep you motivated –while reducing your thighs to a quivering mess! I also love the Nithya Priyan School of Yoga for its structured curriculum of yoga asana and alignment-based teachings by skilled yogis.
Thian Hock Keng Temple, Singapore
The culture
Telok Ayer Street is one of my absolute favorite streets in Singapore. A vibrant stretch of old-meets-new, you’ll find hipster coffee shops, packed bars, Michelin-star restaurants and antique hole-in-the-wall shopfronts, as well as places of worship and cultural heritage sites. The Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, constructed in 1839. Sometimes you’ll see the priest in his robes wandering along the road, which always feels a bit special.
