Cheraé Robinson is the mastermind behind Tastemakers Africa – rethinking our approach to the continent and connecting travellers with locally owned experiences.
One thing you’ve never told anyone about your travels?
‘I once had a complete physical breakdown from exhaustion that scared me beyond anything I’d ever imagined. I was in Mumbai, India — at the Trident Bandra-Kurla Hotel — for the World Economic Forum; I had been on a serious travel streak for most of the year. I found myself in a meeting falling asleep, sweating and feeling light-headed. I excused myself and went to my room. I ended up sleeping for nearly 48 hours straight, waking up intermittently for bathroom breaks. I felt so delirious and drained I couldn’t even manage to let anyone know what was going on. By the third day, I realised I was alone, in the middle of Mumbai. My family had no clue where I was and my absence had become so normalised that no one even thought to check on me. From that moment on, I fundamentally changed how I communicate with people when I travel.’
Jnane Tamsna in Marrakech
Your favourite small and secret hotel?
‘This one is tough because I live for a small, secret hotel. If I had to choose my absolute favourite, it would be Jnane Tamsna in Marrakech, Morocco. The property itself is absolutely stunning and it being owned by a black woman makes it a must-do for me. The owner, Meryanne Loum-Martin, is the sort of person who is essentially “life goals”; she’s a creative host and has incredible style. I had one of the most meaningful experiences of my life on a recent stay there. It was a gathering of women, largely of African descent, called Rouse, founded by former CNN anchors Isha Sesay and Zain Verjee alongside Suneeta Olympio and Chidi Afulezi. The Jnane Tamsna team curated the most amazing set of experiences, from daily gatherings in a clearing on the property to dinners that required us to be walked to the door by fire-carrying guards only to wind up in a private textile museum. It was phenomenal and the type of thing you can only get from a small hotel. I’d live there if I could.’
33 of the world’s loveliest small and secret hotels
Your favourite classic hotel?
‘The Radisson Blu, Dakar Sea Plaza. When I first started to think about expanding Tastemakers Africa, I really wanted to add Senegal to our destinations. I had seen a few photos of the hotel online but nothing could do it justice. I arrived in the lobby and instantly locked eyes on the view from the infinity pool. It has to be one of the most stunning drops; it is a dream. I love the African touches throughout the hotel, from the art to the Afrobeats you can find late night at the bar. Beyond the pool, the food is delicious and the service impeccable, and location makes it easy to pretty much get anywhere in Dakar. Although on the weekends you might want to stay put because their nightclub, Little Buddha, gets LIT!’
A great little place away from the crowds?
‘Ada, Ghana, is a little nook of a place about two hours outside the capital city. It’s the perfect weekend getaway to do very little and love it. There’s a place called Norman’s Folly, owned by a British-Ghanaian who worked in finance and came back to his homeland to retire. You would never expect this set-up; you’re kind of driving through this fishing village and the place almost blends in. Once you walk through the entrance — used loosely here — it’s like something out of a Bond movie. You genuinely feel as if you’re a spy in a hideaway. There’s tons of vintage artwork, an insane collection of whisky and cigars, and a kitchen that serves up a Thai-Ghanaian fusion menu with the best coconut rice. Beyond this spot, if you did want to see other humans, you could venture over to Aqua Safari, which is a larger resort in the village, and grab jet skis or a pontoon boat, which I’d never heard of before visiting Ada. It’s all very chill vibes. I personally prefer getting an Airbnb with a boat launch attached and taking in the weekend with plenty of wine on the dock.’
If you could have one feast right now?
‘This is hard! I legit am obsessed with food, and as a New Yorker I have plenty of it right here. If I had to think of a meal I’d like to be teleported to, it would be Kith/Kin in Washington, DC. I’ve got two words for you: plantain bun. Listen up, I have grown to love plantains, whether they be plantain chips in Ghana, boiled plantain with Nigerian stew, patacones in Colombia. However they are made, I am here to eat plantain. But never in life had I had plantain in dessert and never would I have imagined the gloriousness of plantain made into a cinnamon sticky bun. Chef Kwame is phenomenal at fusing African and Caribbean ingredients to do the unexpected. Some of my other favourites are the fried whole snapper, the goat roti and the grilled octopus. When I’m in one of my many bouts of veganism, the cucumber and avocado and the mushroom forest are bananas! Sidebar: living in Mexico City introduced me to eating whole fish, living in Ghana solidified that it is the best way to do it, period.’
The book you read that inspired you to travel?
‘Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie is inspiring me to return to India. It’s magical storytelling that does such a good job of centring you in the physical place of the narrative. I used to travel to India quite frequently in my former life working for CIMMYT, a World Bank agricultural research centre. I was so fortunate to go into all of these small agricultural communities across the Punjab and Madhya Pradesh and even out to Bihar in the east. India is a ridiculously beautiful country — especially if you can get outside of the cities —his book makes me want to go back and do a Vipassana meditation retreat, something high on my to-do list.’
The film whose location blew you away?
‘Queen & Slim has me wanting to return to the American South, especially to Savannah, Georgia, Crescent City, Florida, and New Orleans. Post slavery, my family became sharecroppers and eventually migrant workers before the generation that ended up in college and entering white-collar work. I’ve travelled to almost every continent but as I watched the film I found myself wanting to revisit those places, where my own possibilities were forged,. The cinematography was stunning as was the romanticism of the back roads south, where juke joints and shrimp boils are still happening. A slow road trip through the South is definitely in the works, and if I can find bae to do it with and re-create that car scene so much the better!’
Terrace at Condesa DF Hotel
Undine Pröhl
A place you fell in love in?
‘I’m not sure you all are ready for these answers! I think part of the reason I love travel, and more specifically solo travel, is the love stories that are created. I’ve fallen in love in a few places, some relationships more long-term than others, but Mexico City was probably the most magical. My now ex (we’re still homies) and I initially met in Mexico City, where I was living and he was travelling for work. We met up for dinner at Condesa DF rooftop, which has amazing tamarind Margaritas and incredible views of the city. Afterwards, we did an impromptu bar crawl that is up there with one of the best nights of my life. We stopped at a bar called Pata Negra, where a man bought us shots of mezcal because he thought we were the most beautiful couple he’d ever met (we weren’t a couple and had met just hours before). We wound up at one of my favourite places in Condesa called Xampañeria and drank the rest of the night away, sipping bubbly from these little Twentiess-style crystal Champagne coupes. The backdrop of Mexico City is enchanting for lovers. Strolling through the Zócalo and Bellas Artes and even Plaza Garibaldi, with its amazing architecture and wide romantic streets, feels like living in a movie.’
Which mode of transport gives you a spring in your step?
‘Hands down, Delta Air Lines. Some of it is nostalgia; I took my first international trip – to Guatemala City – when I was living in Atlanta and working for the US Centers for Disease Control, and flew Delta. It became my home-town airline, the means by which I journeyed to nearly 40 countries and the place I grew up as a traveller. I remember hitting Diamond Medallion status; it was truly my “Mama, I made it” moment. It’s gotten to the point where my son frowns if we’re not flying Delta. I think it’s the best US carrier, the collaboration with Sean Jean was one of the best from a fashion perspective and, honestly, they treat me well. Nine times out of 10 I get a flight attendant with personality and solid connections, and they have the most direct flights to Africa of any carrier. I’m a big fan.’
The best shop you’ve discovered on your travels?
‘MoonLook in Paris. I found this spot while I was in the city for Afropunk in 2018 and it is glorious. The owner, Nelly Wandji, is originally from Cameroon but has been in Paris for years working in luxury marketing. The store, which feels more like a curated collection of her favourite things, is the best for contemporary finds from African designers. One of my vacation mainstays is my AAKS raffia bag that I picked up when I was last at MoonLook. It’s a perfect colourway of burnt orange and sea blue with a brown leather strap. It’s my go-to when I’m travelling in search of warmer weather (which is always) and need something cute and functional. The designer is from Ghana and MoonLook is one of a handful of global stockists. I love it for finds like this.’
The palm trees and terraces of Tegalalang
Jack Johns and Owen Tozer
A song that reminds you of holidays?
‘It’s a tie between Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam” and “Highlights” from his album Life of Pablo. Every trip I take honestly feels like a blessing. nd these two songs really get to that. I remember once, I was in Johannesburg, South Africa, at one of my favourite underground joints, Artivist, and I was DJing a party during my visit. I think I played “Highlights” three times during my set because of the energy it brings. It literally says, “Tell my mama, tell my mama, that I only want my whole life to only be highlights”, and that’s how trips feel – like highlights.’
Your favourite place in the whole world?
‘Pololū Valley Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii took my breath away and I’m dying to get back to it. I love many places for many reasons but this one had me in awe. The hike down to the beach is stunning and it’s not crowded at all. You can have the path and beach to yourself depending on timing. Once you make it down the mountain, there’s a little river that winds its way from the valley to the ocean and it’s idyllic. You have this backdrop of lush, green-covered mountains that then drop down to a black-sand beach.’
The destination you want to visit next?
‘It may be cliché, but I have Bali super high on my list. So much of my travel is related to building Tastemakers Africa, whether it’s to Europe for conferences, all across Africa to grow our platform or hopping across the USA for investor and community connections. It’s rare that I go somewhere just because. I am dreaming of seeing the Tegalalang rice terraces, getting on the Bali swing and swirling a cocktail at The Edge. Maybe it’s my Instagram feed, but I gotta do it.’
Most memorable view?
‘The one from a corner table at the Boom Boom Room on top of The Standard hotel in New York City. I’m a native New Yorker and I remember as a kid always being fascinated by the people at the top of the buildings. Whenever I grab drinks with my girls here, I can’t help but gaze out over the Hudson River and the lights of downtown New York City and feel like I’m living the dream.’
Your holiday look?
‘I’m a shoes-up dresser and my faves for holiday vibes are my Brother Vellies Lamu slides. I have them in this natural colour and they are the cutest thing, somehow feathery and fluffy and perfect all at the same time. I’m a dress girl, so I’m usually in a flirty frock by Bello Edu (a fab Ghanaian brand) or Selfi (a label from Cape Town, South Africa). The rest is my Ruby Woo red lip, some statement earrings – I’m currently rocking Rebecca de Ravenel’s collaboration with Aquazzura – and my favourite tortoise sunglasses. They’re from Zara and I swear they tie any look together instantly.’
The items always in your holiday wardrobe?
‘My Converse x Comme des Garçons low-top Chucks, which are an essential part of any holiday, a vintage floral blouse that I picked up at Installation Brooklyn – it’s perfect because it’s a little sheer but also soft so it’s the right amount of sugar and spice – and then always a slip dress. I have them in so many colours, they don’t wrinkle and I can wear them at any time of day.’
Your wash-bag essentials?
‘Skin Gourmet Peppermint Black Soap with Wild Honey in travel size; Lalibela by Memo Paris is becoming my new favourite fragrance after nearly two decades of swearing by Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. To stay moisturised I love Kaeme’s whipped shea butters; they’re so good and protect my skin from the dryness that comes with 10-plus-hour flights.’
Your trusted suitcase brand?
‘I’m pretty terrible here. You’d think I’d have found a sponsor by now (I’m here!). I’m currently rocking a Samsonite, but who knows what I’ll be carrying a month from now.’
A person who’s making the world a better place?
‘I’m really moved by the work Dash Harris is doing with Afro-Latinx communities. From her docu-series, Negro, to her travel company, AfroLatino, she’s tackling issues of identity erasure and cultural preservation through storytelling and travel. As a person who lived in Mexico City for three years and has travelled throughout Central and South America, [I’ve seen that] the plight of African descendants across this region is often unknown, misunderstood and misrepresented. Dash’s work is giving voice to people while using tourism as a bridge in understanding and an income generator for communities whose cultures are used to brand their countries while they are shut out of the economic benefit. I really commend her efforts.’
Your evergreen staycation spot?
‘Arlo NoMad’s Sky rooms in New York are the place where great ideas are born. I love getting a westward-facing room and watching the reflection of the sunrise on the city’s skyscrapers. I’m a downtown girl, so the Arlo’s location puts me close to my office in Chelsea if I need to pop in but also to many of my favourite places to stroll and imbibe. I love Hudson River Park, especially around the Tribeca/West Village/Chelsea areas. I could easily lose an entire summer day getting lost there. Once it’s time for dinner I’d beeline it to Ferris. It’s a small restaurant in an odd area of the city but the food means you’ll travel from anywhere to eat it. My absolute favourite dish on the menu is their whole black bass; it’s out of this world and made to share. Pro tip: call in early and let them know you’re ordering this. It goes fast and they only have a few each night. The cocktails are also super yummy, and I’m not sure who’s managing their Spotify but it’s always vibing with Nineties R&B or Fela Kuti or both, which essentially matches my life.’
Gloves off, if you were forced to answer… Which travel experience is your favourite?
‘This is really, really hard. If I absolutely had to name one place, it’d be the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico. I am not a resort person nor do I generally stay at chains but back in my agriculture days, I attended an International Fertilizer Association meeting and had the pleasure of staying here for a few days. I did not want to leave. It felt nestled inside a tropical jungle while being on the beach at the same time. Every element of it was immaculate but not in a way that felt cold. You feel luxuriously wonderful there and I can’t wait to go back.’
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