W Hotels

You’ve spent a lot of your life staying in hotels across the world. Do you have any core memories that have perhaps influenced how you travel now?

 
As a child, we’d order everything from room service, and I think that hasn’t changed. I still like to try everything on the menu! Moving around a lot taught me how to pack really well.
 
A core memory that resonates with me was when I wrote my poetry book. It was 2020 and I was in Ottawa, Canada at the time and caught a train to Quebec. I booked into a hotel which felt like complete solitude while still being amongst people at the same time. Everything just flowed for me – just being around beautiful greenery and nature really helped with that.

Are there any home comforts that you can’t travel without?

 
Yes, my grandmother’s scarf. It’s her Shayla, which is an Arabic word for scarf. It’s made from 100% silk. I take it with me everywhere and it reminds me that she’s with me. She’s always been my biggest supporter. Although, I wish I could bring my friends and family and my whole team in my pocket and bring them everywhere with me! I always like to have a familiar scent from home, like a candle, or light a palo santo.
 
 

You split your time between LA and Riyadh. How do you see your dual identity coming through in your work?

 
It integrates and complements each other very well in terms of moving forward into the future. The new world has a mixture of both Western and Eastern cultures so it’s a nice blend.

Do different cities bring out different versions of you?

 
Absolutely. Every city has its own little je ne sais quoi, its own little flair and smell and texture. I like to adapt my style around where I’m visiting and take in the energy of that city.
  

You speak about Dubai being like a second home to you. What is it that draws you to Dubai?

 
It’s a melting pot of cultures. You can find any kind of world you want here; whether you’re a morning person, night person, whether you enjoy going to a souk or prefer luxury shopping – you can find anything you want. It’s very similar to Saudi in that sense, so it’s a familiar feeling.
  

Do you have a favourite shopping spot?

 
Outside of the Middle East, I would say Le Marais in Paris! But the old Souk in Deira, Dubai is a must for abayas and gold. Dubai Mall is one of a kind; My mom and I found this Dior runway piece which was a butterfly pearl choker necklace. I didn’t think I would find it anywhere and I was like “wow… like what?!” and I just had to get it. You never know what you’re gonna find in that mall. It’s so fashion forward and they have exclusive pieces that you can’t find anywhere else!

How would you describe your style?

 
It’s ever evolving. It depends on my mood as well, but it’s usually very sleek. I like silhouettes, I like colours and patterns, I like to mix and match textures. My mother inspired my style mostly. She is my fashion inspiration.
 
 

In your episode of Hotel Tales, you recount overcoming writer’s block during a stay at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, what tips can you give to others seeking to unblock their own creativity?

 
Just let everything go. I try to let go of the desperation of needing to know, or the wanting for creativity, and I release it and sit with myself as an empty vessel until it comes back to me. Inspiration can come from anywhere – like people watching. I also find inspiration when I’m travelling around the world and observing human behaviour and different cultures.

If you could design a hotel room inspired by your favourite film, what would be the inspiration and how would it look?

 
That’s such a hard question because I have so many favourite films and honestly, I don’t know. I would say Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind because it’s so surreal, or Emily, because it’s fun and playful. Maybe also a Wes Anderson film because why not! Ideally, I’d want to live in a Sofia Coppola Marie Antoinette-type hotel just resting, looking beautiful. I have about 15 favourite films!
 
 

If you could meet with any writer past or present, who would it be?

 
Maya Angelou. I just have so much to pick her brain about. I would love some guidance, although she would tell me I don’t need it – but I would love to pick her brain.
 
 

Do you have a bucket list moment that you managed to tick off, or what’s next for you?

 
I did a silent retreat in the dark for 31 days in the Tibetan Mountains. That was something that I never thought I would ever tick off and I’m so grateful that I did. It opened my eyes and changed me in every aspect. It brought me closer to myself.