Hôtel Weekend
Meet Natalia Swarz, the founder of Hôtel Weekend, a community driven website informing travel and natural discovery at a slow pace. Born and raised in Cali, Colombia – a city where summer is endless and golden hour lasts forever – Natalia was inspired by her globetrotting mother to help share the raw beauty of the world.
“Hôtel Weekend is a community of like–minded travelers with a shared spirit of exploring the world at a slower pace.”
We are a lifestyle destination for the Modern Nomad, featuring a selection of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Through a personal creative lens, we both make & curate beautiful products across fashion, beauty, homeware & wellness at our Souvenir Shop.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START HÔTEL WEEKEND?
I always wanted to work with a mix of interior design and hospitality, but ended up studying graphic design as there were not a lot of options in Colombia at that time. I was working in the fashion industry but felt I needed something different, where I could work around hotels, design and communications.
“I was traveling every weekend to escape the 9 to 5 office life.”
And, writing about all the hidden gems I discovered along the way. As a result, Hôtel Weekend was born.
WHAT DOES SLOW TRAVEL MEAN TO YOU?
“Getting to know the heart of the destination, being respectful to it, and learning to be fully present.”
HAVE YOU SEEN ANY TRAVEL TRENDS POST–PANDEMIC?
Traveling closer to home and for longer periods for sure. Taking the train or a car to discover your surroundings is a beautiful way to explore. It often happens that you’ve been to plenty of other places in the world but don’t know half of your own country! I think it’s a beautiful opportunity. Another “trend” is to travel less but travel better – more time, more consciousness.
WHAT TRAVEL DESTINATIONS OR HOTELS ARE EXCITING YOU AT THE MOMENT?
So many.
“I have Sussurro in Mozambique on the top of my wishlist.”
YOU HIGHLIGHT A CURATED LIST OF HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD ON YOUR SITE. WHAT CRITERIA MUST A PROPERTY MEET TO BE INCLUDED?
It must have a soul, and be unforgettable, before anything else. Design of course is always important – but not a specific style or trend. They must be conscious with the environment, and have sustainable practices.”
TELL US ABOUT HÔTEL WEEKEND CLUB!
After more than 2 years working on it, the club finally opened its doors early this year.
“The most important part of Hôtel Weekend is our community, I wanted to bring these travelers together.”
We are hosting events around the world so they can meet. Plus, as a member you get to enjoy tons of benefits within our hotels. There are plenty of things coming for our members that I can’t wait to share with the world.
DOES COMMUNITY PLAY A LARGE ROLE IN HÔTEL WEEKEND?
Community is everything to us. At the moment, we are an online platform, a book, and a shop.
“but more than anything it’s the community that makes Hôtel Weekend something special and unique.”
HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT YOUR WORK?
It’s a great tool to connect. I’ve met wonderful people through social media and I’m very grateful for it.
“When used correctly, social media is a great way to reach the right audience, make friends and connect with inspiring people from all over the world.”
I always try to be mindful of how I’m using it so it doesn’t become something negative or stressful.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK: BAREFOOT LIVING.
I always wanted to make a book but somehow I kept postponing it. In 2021 I asked myself “what’s stopping me?” and went for it. The first step was to text my friend and wonderful photographer Marina. Once she was on board, I started reaching out to home owners and hoteliers. Most of them I had met before or was in contact with them in some way. Our first trip was Mallorca to shoot Mercedes’ house and next was Portugal. After this, I was put in best rest during my entire pregnancy so I took that time to write and design the book. It was all ready by the time I gave birth to my daughter, and printing started two months after as I visited the printer in Madrid and chose papers, colors and checked proofs.
“It took a month to print our first batch and having it in my hands was an absolute dream.”
WHAT CAN TRAVELERS DO TO REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT, YET STILL ENJOY EXPLORING THE WORLD?
One way is to try to take a train when possible instead of a plane, travel closer to home but if you are going far, a lot of small decisions can reduce the carbon footprint of our travels. Going plastic free, being mindful of waste, supporting local commerce, and staying at hotels that have sustainable practices are all great ways to be conscious.
TELL US ABOUT THE HÔTEL WEEKEND SHOP!
HOW DO YOU CURATE THE COLLECTION?
“I created the Souvenir Shop with the idea of creating the perfect suitcase for my travels.”
From special collaborations with artisans and designers to handpicked items collected on our travels, the Souvenir Shop is the place to find beautiful and unique items.
© All Photo Credit via Hôtel Weekend