When it comes to deciding her ultimate travel destinations, it’s a hard decision for Caitlyn Chase, one of the world’s most established luxury lifestyle influencers. She shares, ‘It’s so difficult to choose favourites because each destination I’ve visited has offered something so unique and memorable. I am asked this question often, and I like to respond by thinking about “bucket list” destinations, places I believe everyone should see in their lifetime that I would return to given the chance.’

One of the first pioneers of the luxury lifestyle industry, Los Angeles-based Caitlyn created her blog, Caviar & Cashmere in 2011 and quickly became established as a trusted source for the latest news on luxury lifestyle and travel. Since then, Caitlyn has been featured in publications from Forbes to Vogue, the Huffington Post and CNN Travel to name a few. Today an award-winning entrepreneur, she partners with brands including the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons whilst travelling the world sharing discoveries with her audience. With luxury summer trips to Montana, Michigan and Hawaii followed by an extended trip to Europe later this year, Beau Monde Traveler catches up with Caitlyn in LA to learn about her sought-after travel tips and favourite destinations.

Caitlyn discovered her passion for travel and capturing experiences through writing during childhood when she travelled the world with her family, ‘The two things I would never forget to pack were my journal and camera.’ Combining these passions, Caitlyn applied for an internship at a magazine when she was seventeen and started her career a year later working as a fashion and beauty writer for a nationally acclaimed publication. As their youngest-ever reporter, Caitlyn juggled the reporting role whilst simultaneously studying at university. She explains, ‘While I did not have the quintessential college experience like most due to having a demanding job, I am so glad that I pursued my passion and gained so much invaluable experience working at the magazine.’

Caitlyn’s original inspiration for travel content began with the desire to share the destinations and hotels she visited with others. ‘I was so passionate about discovering hidden gems, story-telling and getting the word out about places I loved.’ When asked about the success of Caviar & Cashmere, she puts it down to several key factors, ‘Launching it at the right time, when print was slowly fading and transitioning to digital, having a specific niche of luxury lifestyle, and a dedicated readership, along with keeping my content authentic so that my audience grew to trust me and my recommendations.’

As a regular contributor to media outlets such as CNN Travel and publications including the Four Seasons Magazine, Caitlyn recalls one of her trip highlights working with the media, ‘One of my most memorable experiences was working with CNN Travel on a trip to Turkey, where I highlighted all of the places I stayed, where I ate, activities I did, and how I got around the country. The content was published on CNN Travel’s Instagram, and it was one of the best-performing social pieces in its history. When I receive positive feedback about the content I share, it fuels me to continue creating.’

Given her profile, Caitlyn can choose from the finest luxury brands in the world. So how does she decide which hotels and locations to work with? She explains, ‘The decision to partner with a particular brand is a thoughtful process. I prioritise brands that embody a commitment to excellence in every way. While I’ve worked with many brands that have world-renowned reputations, I also like to work with newer and smaller independent brands that deserve the recognition.’

When asked about how she has maintained a loyal audience given how saturated the luxury digital landscape is, Caitlyn acknowledges that distinguishing her content presents both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase her unique perspective. A well-defined authentic personal brand that resonates with her audience is key, along with a ‘focus on specific destinations, types of luxury experiences, or particular travel themes that I am genuinely passionate about.’

Curating content in this way attracts like-minded readers and luxury partners who understand the value of her work. It’s also about quality over quantity, ‘From stunning visuals to compelling storytelling, I aim to inspire and educate my followers with every piece of content I produce.’ In addition, collaboration with luxury brands allows exclusive access that Caitlyn shares with her audience, ‘Whether it’s a tour of the otherwise not publicised Presidential Suite, interview with the head chef, behind-the-scenes access to exclusive activities, or personalised services, I showcase the extraordinary and often unexplored aspects of luxury travel.’

Questioned about her definition of luxury travel, Caitlyn describes, ‘It’s an elevated form of travel that goes beyond the ordinary and offers exceptional experiences, personalised service, and superior levels of comfort.’ Fundamentally, the most memorable thing she is looking for is how a hotel makes her feel. When arriving at destinations around the world, she gravitates towards hotels that ‘make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.’

With that in mind and given the extensive amount of luxury travel Caitlyn has experienced from St Tropez to Istanbul, her ultimate travel destinations – the places that everyone should see in their lifetime – include: ‘African safari in South Africa or Kenya, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel, and the Tuscany region of Italy.’

Furthermore, when it comes to standout experiences that Caitlyn recommends to Beau Monde Traveler readers, she describes, ‘My favourite trips have been to destinations that I’ve been able to immerse myself into the culture and history of the place, all while having an exceptional hospitality experience. Some standout experiences that come to mind are doing a safari in Sabi Sands at Ulusaba, staying at the Four Seasons Cairo to visit the Nile and Great Pyramids, and chartering a yacht to sail around the Greek Islands.’

It’s easy to see why Caitlyn chose the African safari as one of her all-time favourite luxury travel escapes. Situated in the hills of Ulusaba on the edge of Kruger National Park in South Africa, Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers guests secluded luxury lodges to experience life-changing wildlife experiences. Surrounded by 33,000 acres of bush terrain, each game drive promises thrilling experiences where animals can be observed in their natural habitat.

By contrast, the Four Seasons Cairo offers a very different experience whisking guests back in time to discover the fascinating history of ancient Egypt. A serene oasis on the banks of the River Nile, the Four Seasons is a short drive from the majestic pyramids, lively street markets and the ancient Egypt museum.  A unique fusion of history and contemporary culture, the hotel offers customised adventures for guests to discover the treasures of this remarkable destination, with the refined luxuries that it is renowned for. The blazing spectacular of the Nile at sunset is another highlight not to be missed.

Caitlyn’s other highlight of sailing around the Greek Islands at a leisurely pace is another unique experience in one of the jet set’s favoured sailing destinations. Chartering a yacht is a novel way to explore some of the most beautiful islands in the world with an expert crew onboard to reveal hidden treasures. With over 2,000 islands, there are endless glistening aqua coves, tranquil beauty spots and marinas to experience Greek cuisine and culture.

Whilst visiting these scenic destinations, another fundamental element to Caitlyn’s travel experiences is the cuisine. ‘I have been fortunate to explore numerous destinations with an array of remarkable dining experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants and family-run restaurants to street food vendors. There are so many remarkable culinary experiences to be had around the world.’ Highlights include a wide variety of unique choices from world-renowned restaurants to local hotspots.

One favourite is Le Jules Verne in Paris. Caitlyn explains, ‘Located on top of the Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne offers an unparalleled dining experience with breathtaking views of Paris. The combination of exquisite French cuisine, impeccable service, and an unbeatable view of the city make Le Jules Verne somewhere I visit every time I am in Paris.’ Bukhara in New Delhi is also on the list, ‘It’s an iconic forty-year-old restaurant that has redefined the art of North Indian food.’ Restaurants that celebrate rich cultural heritage stand out for Caitlyn, from Quintonil in Mexico City where Chef Jorge Vallejo uses indigenous ingredients ‘with a modern and creative twist’ to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, ‘It’s a hole in the wall with the most authentic Neapolitan style pizza in the world.’

Closer to home in the US, Caitlyn’s go-to in Chicago is Alinea, ‘for constantly pushing the boundaries of gastronomy. Chef Grant Achatz’s multi-sensory tasting menus, where food becomes art and theatre, create a truly unforgettable, unique and immersive dining experience.’

This passion for luxury travel and gastronomy has led Caitlyn to her latest partnership back at home in LA, ‘I am happy to announce that I am officially working as an Ambassador for Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, spearheading and hosting their Cuisine & Couture programme, which celebrates the convergence of food and fashion in the city I live in and am so passionate about.’ As an award-winning entrepreneur who has travelled the world and built a highly successful blog, what’s next for Caitlyn? ‘I am excited to continue growing the Caviar & Cashmere brand via my social media channels and my blog. I also have a lot of interesting projects coming up in Q4 that I cannot wait to share!’

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next luxury travel experience, then Caviar & Cashmere can offer insightful ideas from an industry pioneer who remains as passionate about capturing experiences as when she first picked up her camera. As awarded by the media, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Caitlyn, with her unique experience at the forefront of the luxury travel and lifestyle industry, continues to be a ‘Woman to Watch.’