Lara Srinivasan

Nantucket has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I spent countless summers on the island, biking and running its incredible network of trails, from the waves crashing at Cisco to the quiet calm of Dionis. My sister lived there and worked in the vibrant food scene, and one of my closest friends owned a shop in town, so the island was never just a vacation spot—it was a community. Some of my best memories are tied to those long, golden evenings in Madaket, watching the sun slip into the ocean like it had nowhere else to be. Nantucket shaped how I travel and what I look for in a place—beautiful, relaxed, and quietly unforgettable.

There’s something quietly powerful about Santa Fe that stays with you. I first came here in my 20s on a camping trip, and now—decades later—I'm staying in five-star comfort. Both experiences felt magical and luxurious in their own ways. The blend of Native, Spanish, and Anglo history gives the city its soul, while the perfect weather, beautiful architecture, vibrant art, and thoughtful cuisine make it a place that invites you to slow down, connect, and explore.

Santa Barbara has that rare mix of mountains at your back, ocean at your feet, and light that makes everything look like a still from a movie. Whether you’re walking the beach at low tide, hiking into the foothills, or sipping wine from a rooftop, the views are nonstop and quietly cinematic. You’ll catch sweeping coastal panoramas from Inspiration Point, El Encanto, or the top of the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Sunsets are best from Butterfly Beach, Mesa Lane, or anywhere along Cabrillo Boulevard, where the golden light hits the water just right and the Channel Islands hover in the distance like a secret. Even the drives are full of moments—winding roads, terracotta rooftops, bougainvillea spilling over white stucco walls, and sudden peeks at the sea through the trees. It has a chic European vibe, including tiled courtyards, alfresco dinners, and wine with lunch, but never feels intimidating. After all, it’s still Southern California. Sand in your shoes is expected. The views sneak up on you, and then don’t let go.

Palm Springs is my go-to for a quick reset, where midcentury charm and effortless style come together in the sun. I’m all about the retro architecture, that soft winter light, and the kind of laid-back vibe that still feels intentional. The food scene hits the sweet spot—creative but unpretentious—and the hiking trails deliver wide-open views and a deep exhale. And if you're up for a little adventure, Joshua Tree’s surreal beauty is just around the corner.