Describe who you are in 3 sentences:
Hello, my name is Nicole Vaziri and I am the founder of INSPO Travel. I created my company after many successful years as an executive for leading luxury hotel brands. I was inspired by my own personal journey to specialize in Wellness travel experiences. I view travel as a form of self-care. Your greatest investment in life is your free time and how you choose to spend this time is key. Our mission is to transform the way your travel is planned into an effortless and completely designed for you experience.
What is your relation to this city?
I am born and raised in Los Angeles and I am fortunate to have lived in many neighborhoods throughout the city West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes and recently the LA/Valley area. Even though I am now living in Europe, LA will always be my home!
Best experience?
Oh so many as LA is such a wonderful city with so much to offer. One of the things I love most about LA is discovering new hikes. There are many incredible hikes to discover and explore. One of my personal favorites is Charmlee in Malibu, it is so magical as you begin your hike and suddenly the ocean breaks before your eyes and you simply forget you are in LA as it feels like you've escaped to Hawaii for a moment... it's so very special, I love it!!! Another favorite is Runyon Canyon and don’t be surprised to find yourself sweating it out next to a famous celebrity.
Weirdest experience?
Well, we are talking about LA, so many, ha! One time I waited in line at a famous bar for the bathroom for what seemed like forever and suddenly a lady came in behind me and locked the door, she said she would be my best friend but she just couldn't stand in the line. She is a very famous actress, I won't mention her name for the sake of her privacy.
Your top 3 hangout spots?
LA is constantly evolving, there are always new places to discover which is one of my favorite things to do. One of my favorite places to hang out is the "Brentwood Country Mart" where you can have a nice coffee, spend time perusing cute boutique shops and have an amazing lunch at "Farmshop".
If you love fashion head to "Brigitte & Stone boutique" for the best finds, the owner of the shop, Golriz, is one of the most stylish and highly ethical fashion girls I know!
For overnight stays in Los Angeles there are some incredible off the beaten path neighborhood boutique gems ("Palihouse" and "Chamberlain") and also icons the "Beverly Hills Hotel" or "Hotel Bel Air" for the ultimate Quintessential LA experience!
Get in touch for exclusive perks and benefits. If you love art there are many fantastic museums "The Getty" in LA and Malibu, "the BROAD", "LACMA", and "The Hammer Museum" to name a few.
Favourite restaurants?
"Cecconi's", "STK", "République", "Gracias Madres" or head out to Malibu and experience "Nobu"! For the best Mexican "Sol y Luna" in the Valley.
Best date place?
- If you are in love and know each other quite well a staycation experience with dinner, spa, swimming and an amazing morning hike at "Terranea Resort" in the Palos Verdes Peninsula or the new "Nobu Ryokan" in Malibu.
- If you don't know each other well but simply want to impress dinner at "Nobu" Malibu! A very 'in the know' romantic restaurant, loved by locals for many many years is "PACE" right above West Hollywood in the canyon.
Best Sunday spot?
The best thing to do on Sunday is to spend time near the beach, well any day really! "Rosenthal Malibu Estate" is one of my favorites for live music, sea views and a coastal breeze. I also love "Trancas Country Market" in Malibu, I could spend my whole day here enjoying the fantastic breeze, coffee, lunch and shopping!
If you were to live in another place, where would that be and why?
Maybe an island as I’ve never lived on an island mostly big cities and it speaks to me on a wellness level and the thought of relaxing on a beach transcends my mood.
Where is your escape place from this city?
Some of my personal favorites to help me recharge my body, mind and spirit include "Sands Hotel & Spa" in Indian Wells, "Two Bunch Palms" in Desert Hot Springs to soak in healing mineral water or "Surfrider Malibu" for sun, beach and relaxation. When I’m seeking a quick escape within the city I sometimes retreat to the "Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple" in Pacific Palisades where I can easily spend a few hours meditating within the beautiful gardens.
Best 5 local advices?
Explore each neighborhood as they each have their very own personality and so much to offer, enjoy it! Don't miss Downtown LA especially the arts district, Silverlake, Beverly Hills/West Hollywood and coastal towns like Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.
