Louis A. W. Sheridan is a London-based creative consultant and photographer, as well as the Creative Director at Mr & Mrs Smith (aka curator of one of our favorite Instagram inspirations!). His work has taken him around the world, where he has photographed mountains, models and movie stars, interviewed shepherds, singers and psychics, and hijacked the decks at every opportunity. In and amongst all this he launched Discover & Escape – a shapeshifting creative agency hellbent on viewing everything through a travel lens.

Through Discovery & Escape, Louis has worked with brands like Matches Fashion, artists like Theophilus London, and designers like Giles Deacon. As well as content creation and editorial (for stunning hotels, including Aman Venice and El Fenn), Louis also works with hotels on recognising, reacting to, and shaping travel trends. For Louis, travel is both a career and a (semi-accidental) way of life.

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 Louis A.W. Sheridan.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Sujan Jawai, Rajasthan, India. A tented camp in the wilds of Rajasthan, where leopards roam freely.

Le Bristol, Paris, France. If/when I’m made king, I imagine this is how I’d live 24/7.

Awasi, Torres del Paine, Chile. Horses, solitude, horses, world-beating food, horses, mountains. Patagonia is hard to beat.

What hotel room design element can you not live without? 

Enough sockets to charge a battalion of camera equipment, and windows that can actually be opened.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

Anywhere with 4G – often far more reliable than wifi. I also love working out of hotel libraries/lounges – they’re criminally underused by guests and are often as well designed as the rooms/restaurants/lobby etc.

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

Yorkshire is my reset button. Though Harbour Island has marginally better weather.

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

Travel was never the aim, though my work has always been about storytelling and I’ve found that the best stories present themselves if you keep moving. I can roll out cliches all day on the subject, but I genuinely believe that spending time with new people and places is one of the best ways to understand yourself and your place in the world.

As for making it fun/relaxing – I’m lucky enough to travel with my partner (a travel editor herself), which makes a huge difference. It’s a constant to and fro of ensuring we’re both present, while also recording anything and everything.

What are your favorite travel hacks?

If you’re traveling long-haul as a couple and the flight’s quiet, book the window and aisle seat and leave the middle free. Only a psychopath would choose the middle seat, so you’ll either get the extra space or at the very least, a close-up anthropological study.

Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how do you use travel to do so?

I have a first-world problem, in that this can happen in reverse for me if we’re on the road too much. Spending a good amount of time in one place can feel like a luxury and if things get really intense then the antidote is always screen-free downtime. That being said, living in London, anywhere with sun helps.

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

Adapt to the mealtimes of wherever you are, even if you’re struggling with a sleep pattern. Eating at set times helps tell your body what time it is. And drink obscene amounts of water.

What is your favorite travel book?

A.A. Gill is Away – Gill’s acerbic writing style speaks to me more than most. He traveled far and wide, writing about some notoriously dull and difficult places and yet always found a story, because, there always is one. Even where I don’t agree with his opinions, I find his absolute conviction compelling.

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

I have a penchant for M65 field jackets, equally perfect for photographing on location and getting through airport security. Strategically fill each pocket (phone, passport, jewelery etc.), then put the whole jacket in the scanner and you’re through in seconds.

Beach, city, or mountains?

Is Cape Town all three? All three.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

No. The last sacred space.

Airplane food?

Unequivocal no.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Sophia Li is one of those friends who everyone goes to for advice – a nucleus, if you will. We witnessed this firsthand when Miranda Kerr messaged her via Snapchat to ask what to wear to an event (see, even the most stylish need help). She grew up between four US states and two countries, before moving to NYC post college. There, she was able to create the dream job for herself, as the Entertainment Media Editor at Vogue.com, where she worked on creating Vogue’s social and digital voice. She says timing was on her side, we credit her skill for storytelling.

Now, she’s a freelance film director and journalist, working with clients including CNN, Vogue, Refinery29, Theory, Maybeline and lots more. And she’s as passionate about travel as she is about the environment, which is why she created All Of The Above – a thought-provoking show with a sense of humor, answering today’s most pressing questions around climate change and social justice. Every episode plants 1,000 trees and invests in sustainability literacy. Go watch. And when she’s not advocating for the environment, she’s championing women, as the Creative Director of HER USA: a female community set up to empower women and celebrate our authentic, vulnerable selves.

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 Sophia Li.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Cottar’s 1920 Safari Camp in Kenya. Besides being located in one of the most magical places in the world (hello birthplace to all humanity), the Maasai Mara, this place is dedicated to preserving and conserving wildlife. It’s also one of the most sustainable certified places in the world.

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The sheer engineering behind this place is just mind-blowing. I spent the holidays here with my family, as we watched the sunrise overlooking the skyscrapers, while swimming in the largest and tallest infinity pool in the world. Pretty memorable, I must say.

The Dutchess in upstate NY. I go to this place at least once every year with chosen family. Every detail here is accommodated for – it’s a former equestrian training center and barn, renovated into a boutique hotel, meets idyllic B&B. Also, two words: biodynamic farming.

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

“Bush baths” with champagne outside of your tent at Cottar’s, while wild apes roam about. Amazing.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

Ideally, each hotel room would have a key card as a master key for electricity, so you’re minimizing how much energy used when you’re not in the room.

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

Somewhere to surf, maybe the north shore of Oahu in Hawaii, Tamarindo in Costa Rica, or Puerto Escondido in Mexico.

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

I moved every three to four years while growing up and started going to China with my sister by ourselves when we were 11 and 14 respectively, so travel is very much in our veins. I usually tack two days on to a work trip to personally explore the place, so I feel more integrated and present, and less jet-lagged in the location.

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

A journal, a book (currently reading Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way), a silk Lunya sleep-mask, Dottera On Guard essential oil to boost immunity, a Kora Organics facial sculptor, Tata Harper face mist, and Beats headphones.

Have you or would you travel alone?

Yes, I travel alone all the time for work. I have also incorporated more solo personal travel in recent years, to get myself out of my comfort zone. I find I’m more open to talking to others, who I might not have if I were with friends. Most recently, I went on a solo surf camp retreat and then spent a few days in Porto, Portugal on my own, after a road trip with friends.

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

Intermittent fasting. Food makes you feel drowsy, so try and get on the local schedule while flying.

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

I’ve loved wearing Summersalt’s travel wear sets with compression socks, these Flattered snakeskin boots that you slip on and off, and this oversized camel coat that doubles as a blanket.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

Usually no, unless I’m on a work deadline. It’s the best time to disconnect and everyone understands why you’re offline!

Early check-in/ late check-out?

Late check-out.

Favorite travel app?

Tap, to find local water fountains, including at airports, so you don’t buy a plastic bottle every time you travel.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Originally from California, Kimiko Ninomiya made the move from the West Coast to Brooklyn, after falling for the magic of NYC. An Uber alum, she worked in marketing and content strategy for the tech company for six years. Then, in 2020, she joined Soho House, where she’s now Global Head of Marketing and Digital Communications.

Career aside, Kimiko has always traveled the world, from Tokyo to Armenia. A lover of art (she name-checks Yayoi Kusama as one of her favorites), food and exploring culture, it’s clear why she has landed in the hospitality world – she’s made for it. And we’re very happy she’s here.

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 Kimiko Ninomiya.

Name three of your favourite hotels?

Aman, Tokyo. The lobby is breathtaking, with amazing views – the same you’ll get from the beautifully designed guest rooms, full gym, and world-class spa and pool. The staff and service are beyond welcoming, anticipating your needs and recognising you by name every time you come and go. The bar serves delicious cocktails and a full menu, but feels relaxed and unstuffy compared to other hotel bars with a view. Overall, staying here almost makes you question whether you ever need to leave your hotel.

El Rey Court, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The El Rey is a quirky, cozy, and stylish roadside motel-turned-hip boutique hotel. The property is full of southwestern charm, with adobe walls, terracotta tiles, and local artwork throughout. The hotel bar, La Reina, is popular with local creatives, making for a fun vibe and quality people-watching. The drinks are delicious, too!

11 Howard, New York, NYC. This is my favorite crash pad for a long weekend in NYC. The beautifully designed interiors are full of thoughtful details, including a signature scent when you walk into the lobby. The rooms themselves are lovely and inviting, with with custom-designed pieces that really elevate the experience. And the Grown Alchemist products in your room are definitely worth snagging. 

What do you love most about working in hospitality?

When I moved into hospitality from tech, I found the focus on the customer experience so refreshing. At a product-focused company, everyone talks about customer centricity, but it feels like most of the creation is still ego-driven. In hospitality, everyone truly lives and breathes an ethos of putting customers first, taking every opportunity to make them feel important and appreciated. I love that, and it’s so important in building a brand and loyalty.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

Soho House, obviously!

What is your favorite travel book?

Walter de Maria’s The Lightning Field. The story itself is based on a small cabin, which was built for the purpose of experiencing ‘the lightning field’ as the sky and landscape change throughout the day. You can visit alone or in a small group – and with no cell service for miles, you’d better make sure it’s people you like. More importantly, it’s a magical place for introspection and appreciation of the artwork and the beautiful high desert of New Mexico.

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

• Bose noise-canceling headphones.
• Toiletries bag, so I can wash my face and brush my teeth.
• A sheet face mask.
• CEP compression socks, I swear by them.
• Whatever book I’m reading (currently Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou).
• And this cute, but ridiculous, pink bear eye mask that I found on a trip to Singapore, which has cooling gel in it.

Have you or would you travel alone?

I traveled alone for a few weeks in Japan and, to be honest, it made going back to traveling with others feel less appealing. I loved being on my own schedule, exploring and doing everything that was important to me. Because the language is so different, I spent a lot of time in my own brain, while still being out and about. As an introvert that was a very special experience.

Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how does travel help?

Everyone has their own stressors and responsibilities to manage. What I’ve found most effective is that when I’m taking time off to travel, I’m 100% off. I was only able to feel truly comfortable with doing this after taking a four-month sabbatical.

The reality is that the world does not begin and end with me and my contributions. There’s always more work to be done, and as long as I’ve done a good job preparing everyone for my absence, that means I can truly immerse myself in my travels. It makes the experience all the more rewarding, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to return to my responsibilities. Although, to be honest, I’d be totally happy to never work another day in my life.

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

Get up and move! I love to book fitness classes for the morning or day that I arrive in a new city. If I’m not able to make it to the gym, doing a few short workouts and getting out and walking are key. I also make a point to stay up until the time I’d normally sleep (with no naps in between), and wake up bright and early the next day (7am at the latest).

What are your favorite travel hacks?

On long-haul flights, request a meal preference. I have a dairy allergy, so I always opt for the vegan meal (there are lots others, many for specific dietary restrictions). These “special” meals are always brought out first, meaning you get your food (and first choice) faster than everyone else!

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

It wasn’t the most amazing coffee, but the experience was memorable, because of where I was and the people I was with. I was in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, with a big group of friends for a wedding. On this particular afternoon, we sat at an outdoor patio of one of the many cafes near the Armenian Opera Theatre. It was after we’d walked down the stairs of the Cascade and we just sat for hours, enjoying Armenian coffee and keeping cool in the shade.

If you’re going to a new place, and your friends haven’t been there, where do you go for advice?

I find The New York Times 36 Hours books to be perfect for anywhere in the US. They’re full of inspiration for any type of travel, from long weekends to cross-country road trips. When traveling abroad, I love Wallpaper* city guides. They curate the essentials like delicious food, shops, and hidden gems, while also focusing on architecture and design. So, I know I’ll find interesting cultural sites that aren’t your typical tourist traps.

Beach, city or mountains?

City.

Alone or with someone else?

Alone.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost luggage.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?

Dry vermouth and cocktail olives.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Born in Kuching, Malaysia in Borneo, Stephanie Sprayregen moved to Vermont at the age of four, and then to Boston at 14 to pursue a career in competitive figure skating. After a few years on the ice, she decided she didn’t want to continue down that route and instead, moved into a career that centred around hospitality. Hence, our paths gladly collided.

Hooked by the communities that good hotels can create and foster, Stephanie knew she wanted to make that her remit. She has now worked in hotels and tech travel at companies including Gansevoort Hotels, The William Vale, and Skipper. Most recently, she founded Spray Marketing, with the aim of getting rid of marketing fluff in favour of successful growth strategies, focusing on lifestyle and hospitality brands. With almost 20 countries in her passport and many, many hotel stays on her books, we know we can count on Stephanie when it comes to travel advice.

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 Stephanie Sprayregen.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Habitas Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. The ultimate glamping experience, but with 5-star service. I love the morning yoga sessions, outdoor rain shower and healthy, clean eats.

The William Vale, Brooklyn, USA. This is the only hotel in NYC with a private terrace in every room, which is important to me as a guest.

Ocean View Club Dunmore Town, Bahamas. I loved this hotel so much, that I got hitched there! Every room or cottage is unique with its own character. It’s a family-owned business and you can feel that in their level of service. They really make you feel welcomed and at home.

What do you love best about your job and the industry?

I love that hotels aren’t just a ‘heads-in-bed’ establishment anymore. Hotels have become a cultural hub where art, music, food and entertainment collide into an immersive experience. It makes going to work every day fun and exciting.

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

Despite being in digital marketing, I love digital detoxes! An easy place for me to detox is upstate New York at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge. The lobby has a beautiful furnace fireplace and the walls are lined with books for you to read at your leisure. It’s a very peaceful and tranquil hotel in the middle of nature!

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

It’s a splurge, but I always carry an SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. I have no shame putting that mask on in the middle of a flight because I know my skin will thank me later.

What are your favorite travel hacks?

I buy everything with my credit card, so I can build my points up. As long as you stay diligent with paying your credit card, this is the fastest way to get upgraded seats and ‘free’ flights!

Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how do you use travel to do so?

Traveling is the best way to detox from stress and anxiety. Even if it’s a weekend staycation, going someplace once a month reminds me that there is a bigger world out there and I need to live in it.

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

Cartagena has a small hole-in-the-wall coffee shop called Abacus Books and Coffee, where the red-brick walls are lined with a curated selection of books for you to browse for hours. It’s a great place to escape the heat and relax with a refreshing cold brew coffee, while reading a good book or taking advantage of their free wifi.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

The best travel advice I’ve received is to try to “live like a local” in any new place I visit. If this means trying a new dish that I wouldn’t usually eat, then that’s what I’ll do.

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

I think workout clothes can be chic and most importantly comfortable! You’ll usually find me in an all-black workout attire with white sneakers going through security. I have Global Entry, but I still don’t want to take any chances with having to take off my shoes or a layer because something went off in the detector.

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost phone.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Early check-in.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

If you were in and around NYC or LA five years ago, every plugged-in person you knew was discussing a little boutique hotel in Nicaragua called Maderas Village. No, this wasn’t a splashy five-star property with huge ad budgets to match. It was just that good of a place that people couldn’t help but share its magic. On our first (of a few) visits in 2015, we met one of the partners behind its word-of-mouth success, Bennett Brown. Originally from Toronto, he left a successful real estate career in the big city to move to a tiny, undeveloped beach town in Nicaragua. There, he helped build Maderas Village, and the pop-up boutique hotel that followed, Bayhouse.

When we met, we bonded over a shared love of adventure travel and a desire to challenge the status quo of the industry. Since then, we’ve founded Safara, and Bennett is now the CEO of tech company Pitaya, developing a new hospitality experience platform for boutique hotels. As an amazing hotelier and dedicated traveler – he recently spent a couple of months living in Lisbon, and before that, did a stint in Joshua Tree – his travel tips are always worth taking note of.

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 Bennett Brown.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I hate to say it, but reliable internet and wifi. A solid internet connection is just so critical today, and so many hotels fail to get this right. Few things will frustrate people more than unreliable technology.

Did you always want to work in the travel/hospitality industry?

It really hadn’t crossed my mind until I arrived at Maderas Village in Nicaragua. I was traveling through Latin America and stopped in to visit an old family friend, Matt Dickinson (Dickie), who had co-founded the hotel.

What really captivated me was their philosophy around how to deliver an incredible guest experience. That was the first time the term ‘hospitality’ really connected with me. It kind of sounds crazy, but very few hospitality companies actually bring people together.

I knew Dickie was on to something as I had never experienced a place like that before in all my travels. I felt I had to figure out what they were doing differently that the industry seemed to have missed. So, I decided to stay longer and make myself indispensable.

Name three songs on your travel playlist?

Inside Out, by Spoon. Got to Give it Up, by Marvin Gay. And Heroes, by David Bowie.

Who is your dream “co-pilot” or travel partne? 

I suppose I would have to say Steve McQueen: he is a really fascinating individual, and seems like someone who would always be up for an adventure to unique destinations.  

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

I usually look to a few sources, such as A Hotel Life or Design Hotels, as they have a solid collection of curated properties around the world. From there, I find a few properties that match the vibe I am looking for, and then dig into their socials. There are generally some solid gems to explore – cafes, music venues, galleries or great eats.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have heard was to just ‘say yes’. I was at a talk given by Richard Branson and the CEO of ING in Toronto years ago, and a lot of their focus had been on the idea of ‘just saying yes’ as often as possible, as it leads to unexpected outcomes. It made a lot of sense, and I would have to credit that advice for leading me to some of the most fascinating ventures over the years.

Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how does travel help?

I passively manage my stress by ensuring those I share my time with both personally and in business have a calming presence and positive outlook. I have found that even the most stressful situations seem much more manageable with calm and positive people at your side. 

However, while traveling I look to enjoy the unique environments each country offers. Whether that is surfing, climbing, snowboarding or even enjoying a coffee in a park and watching the world go by.

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

There was this little café in Rome called The Hybris Art Gallery, which has sadly now closed. It had an amazing atmosphere, great music, and welcoming staff. I am not even certain the coffee was truly the best, but in that moment it didn’t much matter, as it was all perfect.

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach.

Alone or with someone else?

Share the experience.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

Yes!

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Luggage.

Airplane food?

Yes.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?

Reese’s peanut butter cups.

Favorite travel app?

Porter & Sail.

Window or aisle?

Window, it’s the best part of flying.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Margot Boyer-Dry is the witty wordsmith we all need in our current reality. She’s based in Brooklyn, NYC, and the founder of Lorem Ipsum – a culture focused newsletter spanning music, food, tech and beyond. As The News Stand put it, it’s “the only newsletter you need in your inbox”. Frankly, we wholeheartedly agree.

In addition to keeping up with pop culture for Lorem Ipsum, Margot has done copywriting for Facebook and Audible, and has written for publications like Curbed, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. She co-wrote the NYT column “Summer in the City”, sharing her point of view on what to do, where to eat, and who to see during the warmer months in New York. And she’s our go-to for a creative reboot.

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 Margot Boyer-Dry.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

I can’t remember its name, but the best place I’ve ever stayed was a hotel in a former convent in Avignon. Thick stone, sweet courtyard, pure delight. After that, I remember a great Riad in Fes, where I almost floated away after all the evening tea. And The Silo in Cape Town has a really friendly staff – find them and befriend them.

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

The Hoxton in Williamsburg has coffee packets – like tea bags, but for steeping coffee. Why has no one told me about this before.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling? 

Pretty much anywhere outside will do. Give me dappled sunlight and something green, and I’m good to go. All parks with wifi are my offices in Brooklyn.

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

Somewhere remote and mountainous. The Himalayas. Patagonia. Upstate New York.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

My cousin taught me early: never be on the main drag.

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

It’s basic, but it holds up: sleep on local time.

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

Figure 8 in Austin (included in the Safara guide), hands down. Coffee comes best with a spinning record. And a breakfast taco never hurts.

Beach, city or mountains?

Mountains!

Airplane food?

Plane food is almost uniformly disappointing, but nevertheless, absolutely.

Window or aisle?

Depends. Daytime flights pull me toward the window, but aisles are better for long trips. How many times do I anticipate having to pee?

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Producer, composer, and keyboard player for indie-electro band St. Lucia, Nicky Paul has been in the music scene for a long minute. Growing up in LA, Nicky was surrounded by creativity from a young age, and he continues to grow his creative circle from his current base in Brooklyn, New York.

Prior to joining St. Lucia, Nicky worked on music projects with Tony Bennett, Britney Spears, Passion Pit, and more. He also spent a fair amount of time in the advertising music game, and runs his own publishing company. Touring has taken Nicky to Europe, Asia, South America, and around the US. He’s no stranger to spending serious stretches of time on the road, so his travel tips are worth noting. Plus, his hip swinging and head bobbing makes him one of our favorite people to watch on stage. 

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 Nicky Paul.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Amangiri, Utah, USA. A simple, chic, concrete design in a desert. Dystopian modern luxury at its best.

La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, MX. Mexico + Beach + Great Hotel = perfect.

Soho House Farmhouse, Oxfordshire, UK. English Countryside with a modern twist, brilliant. Glamping also available.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

In New York, Dumbo House. LA, Chateau Marmont or Griffith Park. Berlin, Berlin Soho House. And in London, Electric Cinema (Shoreditch).

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

Yosemite (High Tuolumne Meadows) or Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands).

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

Get ahead of the game by falling asleep or staying awake on the plane, depending on the destination/time zone you’re going to.

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

Headphones.

What is your favorite travel book? 

It’s actually The New Yorker magazine. I don’t have a favorite book, so if I’m not deep into one at the time, this is always my go to.

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

Sneakers, sweats, sweatshirt, shirt – the 4 S’s. All Gucci, all the time. Sometimes Chanel.

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

I’ve always wanted to play and make music and I’ve always wanted to see the world. I’ve been lucky enough that both have come to fruition through what I love doing. I think the most essential point to making travel both fun and relaxing is to do things in moderation. Don’t plan too much, but don’t plan too little. Leave room for spontaneity, but also have a clue of what you want to do.

Don’t put pressure on yourself to do ALL the things, just book enough time (days/weeks) so that you can do them, without feeling like you’re in 5pm NYC rush hour traffic. Also, it helps if you’re doing it with someone or people you enjoy. Things tend to just fall into place, in my experience. 

Beach, city or mountains?

Mountains.

Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?

The New Yorker (print edition) and Girl Scout chocolate mint cookies.

In-flight cocktail?

Bloody Mary or just tomato juice with a side of lemon and ice.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Technically, Michael Clarke’s occupation reads as “Director and Photographer,” working for some of the biggest brands out there. This includes shooting commercials for Samsung, capturing photos for Outdoor Voices, and developing videos for Equinox. Speaking more liberally, you could add former professional skier, and dog handler to his dream co-pilot, Walter (more on that below).

Born and raised in Lake Placid, NY, winter sports have always been second nature to Michael. When he’s not traveling to capture content for work, he frequently jumps on a plane (or into a helicopter) to find the world’s best slopes, from Switzerland to Austria and further afield.

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 Michael Clarke.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Baldface Lodge, Canada. A nice, remote mountain lodge with good food, decent lodging, and some great skiing and snowboarding for just about any ability. Plus, you get to take a helicopter in, which is always fun.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado. I had a reservation here for a week a couple of years ago that I had to cancel last-second. Looking forward to spending some time here in the not-so-distant future.

Hotel Almhof Schneider, Austria. The Arlberg Valley has some of my favorite skiing in the world.

Lake Placid Lodge, New York. I had to give an additional one here. I grew up in Lake Placid, and while this place has gone a bit downhill in recent years, it’s a special one. A beautiful central lodge with individual cabins right on Lake Placid is hard to beat.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

A few summers ago I spent some time boat camping on a Norwegian tugboat, island-hopping through the San Juan Islands in Washington. During that time, I frequently worked on my computer from my tent, pitching on a couple of different film projects. It was a pretty cool “office”.

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

The Adirondacks (but not in the Spring).

What three songs are on your travel playlist?

Gente Aberta, by Erasmo Carlos. My Lady’s On Fire by Ty Segall. And Oogum Boogum Song by Brenton Wood.

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

My Sony camera with a 35mm lens (and usually many more than that one said lens, but that’s a must).

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

This could come off as moderately pretentious, but I typically try and seek out interesting clothing boutiques when I’m in a foreign city and ask the person working for advice. I’ve found that these places have pre-made lists or maps with suggestions for travelers. For example, Void in Mexico City or Bastille in Cape Town both had great suggestions.

If I’m in a more remote place, Google Maps in satellite mode followed by a quick image search can go a long way. Beyond that, I find apps like The Infatuation tend to be helpful. Also, I always respect a New York Times 36 Hours story.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

I was driving down to the Algarve in summer, after a week-long project in Lisbon with my friend, Todd Martin. Todd suggested that we use Google Maps in satellite view to look for hidden beaches along the coast. It was one of the best travel experiences I’ve had to date, and we managed to keep a Google Map starred with all of our favorite stops.

Who is your dream “co-pilot” or travel partner?

My dog Walter, but he does make it hard to go to certain places.

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

TSA PreCheck.

Beach, city or mountains?

All of the above. But, if I have to pick one, mountains.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost phone.

Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?

New York Times.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Originally from Ohio, Megan Puleri broke into modeling when she walked the Victoria’s Secret PINK fashion show in 2015, alongside Taylor Hill and Selena Gomez. From there, she was signed by Ford Models in New York, and soon moved to Brooklyn to pursue the career full-time. Her work has since taken her around the world, from Tokyo to Sydney, LA, and back. She has modelled for brands including Alice & Olivia, Marchesa, and Theory, and publications including Elle magazine.

When she’s not in front of the camera, she can usually be found painting or illustrating – sometimes for pleasure, and sometimes for commissioned pieces. And hanging out with her music producer other half, Avi Snow, and their adorable dog, Freddie.

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 Megan Puleri.

Name three of your favorite?

Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach, CA. The hotel is right on the beach and the food is to die for. The resort has everything, from bonfires to multiple pools and hot tubs, and I got to attend a week long conference there, where spiritual teachers such as Eckhart Tolle spoke.

Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY.  Because this was the first place I stayed when I came to New York. The art throughout the hotel is extremely interesting, the lighting creates a solid vibe, and I have so many fond memories of my stay there.

Santa Maria Suites, Key West, FL. This wonderful resort was so cozy. I stayed here for my cousin’s wedding, which took place nearby. The staff was amazing, they even gave me a discount for an Instagram shout out!

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

I can get creative anywhere: planes, trains, castings, etc. As an artist, all I need are my tunes and I’m good to go. Of course, it helps if there’s a cool coffee shop or lounge nearby. I’m also a sucker for people watching, so anywhere I can sit and do that inspires me.

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

Yes, it was. I have lived in Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne, and Los Angeles, but mainly New York. Coming from Columbus, Ohio, I had a desire to travel wherever I could. I don’t really have much of a say re: where I go, my agency sends me where I’m wanted! I believe I’ll be traveling a lot more this year. I make it relaxing by being present and grateful that I am able to travel for my work.

What is your favorite travel book?

My favorite book to travel with is Mandala Of Being by Richard Moss, because I can practice mindfulness and awareness as I read it and apply practices in real time.

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

To be completely honest, I don’t care how I look at the airport as long as I’m cozy. I usually wear leggings, my boyfriend’s oversized sweatshirt, and my Blundstone boots. The comfier the better.

Where’s next on your bucket list to travel to?

I want to go to Bali. My sister and so many of my friends have been, and I have heard amazing things about it. I want to leave my phone and submerge myself in nature and yoga. I think having time to yourself can do wonders for inspiration.

What three songs are on your travel playlist?

Killing Jar by Marcus Marr & Chet Faker. Sonate Pacifique by L’ Impératrice.And Love you gotta lose again by Nicholas Jaar.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

As a Creative Director of LA’s Runyon Group, and a brilliant DJ, Grace Lee is a multi-faceted force to be reckoned with. Born and raised in New York, she spent much of her childhood in Korea, and now lives in LA, so she’s very much on board with travel as a way of life. Case in point, she once planned a trip to Nicaragua to get away from city life for a bit, and ended up staying for months (and falling in love while she was there, why not!).

Though Grace Lee now splits her time between music and hospitality, DJ-ing used to take priority. Playing venues like The Standard’s Boom Boom Room, affiliated with artists such as Mia Moretti and Venus X, and working for Warner Brothers Music Group, her taste in tunes is second to none. As is her taste in food – between 2017 and 2018, Grace Lee ran New York’s award-winning restaurant, De Maria, with friend and Co-founder, Camille Becerra. We’re currently petitioning them to bring it back!

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 Grace Lee.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Amangiri Resort in Utah. Bowery Hotel in New York. And Maderas Village in Nicaragua. 

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

A complete custom-menu based on my blood type at a hotel in South Korea. Very personalized service. 

What hotel room design element can you not live without? 

An ambient bedside lamp (lighting can completely change a mood).

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

The rooftop of Boom Boom Room at The Standard Highline. Or the back patio of the Bowery Hotel.

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

Meditation and solitude is usually found when I go to the desert or the woods, anywhere in the world. Being in LA, Joshua Tree is a great place to access that sphere. 

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

Absolutely. As a multi-faceted creative, I believe fluidity is so healthy, and surrendering to the notion of how other parts of the world can inspire us is really important. It’s a gratitude to travel – an ode back to our world to truly embrace and nurture it. I always make sure that I bring my personal relics and totems with me to remind me of a sense of home and comfort. That includes my journals, typewriter, orca sculpture, marble globe, frankincense and myrrh incense, palo santo, and golden flask (for solo wine or mezcal adventures).

I like the simplicity of applying your “tools of influence” and bringing them wherever you go. To me, a huge purpose of travel is to find your relationship with yourself, and with your work. And I feel so fortunate that it is a part of my career. Ultimately, I love that (upon a return back) it makes home feel like home, too.

What three songs are on your travel playlist?

Daydreaming, by Thom Yorke. The Poet Acts, by Philip Glass. And Human Behaviour by Bjork.

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

A bible, Tea Tree oil, Tea Tree toothpicks, and noise-canceling ear plugs. 

Have you or would you travel alone?

Yes! We’re designed to understand our origin in the movement of pilgrimage. It’s in our science to be alone, because silence also creates expansive reflection. So when you travel alone, the individual spirit is at a space to find a deeper self.

What’s your favorite room service experience ever?

It’s hard to choose one. When they have a really nice pot of tea and fresh flowers, the hotel’s usually a winner.

Who is your dream “co-pilot” or travel partner?

My mom. I would love to see us both in the air, journeying somewhere new. 

Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how do you use travel to do so?

Meditation is key for me. Without aligning yourself at the beginning of the day, you can reduce clarity and increase anxiety. Through reflection, I acknowledge stress, anxiety, or any other emotion that comes to the surface. Really finding “flow” is the core of it all. Without a good flow, the disarray can really complicate my day of travel, or even the entire trip. So meditation is my center, wherever I go.

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

I get out in the sun! The sunlight adjusts our body clock. Beautiful, eh?

Travel can be about the little luxuries, like a really amazing meal. Where was the best one you’ve had?

Garlic grilled octopus and aji roasted potatoes at Nomade in Tulum. THE BEST octopus I have ever had.

What is your favorite travel book?

Sufi poems and Arcana Volume 5: Magic, Mysticism, and Music.

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

My soft blue General Admission pants, a light colored T-shirt, beige Birkenstocks, and my custom beige Gucci Stetson hat.

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?

Iceland, South Africa, South of France, Mexico, or South Korea.

Alone or with someone else?

Someone else. 

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

No!

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check-out.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?

Organic Asian tea selections: Oolong, Hojicha, or Barley Tea. Also mezcal either from Madre Mezcal, Yola Mezcal, or Lost Explorer. And definitely kimchee. 

Read more from our Insiders series, here.