Travelers: Constanze Saemann
We sat down with #HWTraveler Constanze Saemann, Berlin-based model and founder of Basium Fragrances. She reminds us of dreamy and eternal summers, sea breezes, tropical rains, and colors of magical sunsets. Both her modeling career and her sustainable living are an inspiration. Read below to discover Constanze’s daily routine, and favorite dream destinations.
HW- Please tell us about yourself. What is your background? Where are you based?
I was born and raised in a small town in Germany. When I was 17, I moved overseas for the first time to pursue my modeling career and it has continued since then—traveling almost full time and living between Paris and New York.
Throughout my early years, I really found working in the industry all-consuming and very intense, so I decided I needed to balance my time and channel my energy into something that was more meaningful to me. So I began to study aromatherapy, natural perfumery, and other wellness subjects, mostly online but also in some cities on longer stays. And from that BASIUM was born!
HW- What inspires you to travel?
The feeling of freedom and the unknown adventure.
HW- What is your morning daily routine?
I try to wake up at the same time every day, this gives me some routine as every week of mine is constantly different! Then I’ll do some stretches and have a cup of herbal tea, light some incense and avoid using any electronics before around 9 a.m. I then write a To-Do list for the day to get it out of my head and onto paper!
HW- What are your tips for a sustainable beauty routine?
Simply just buy less and support small brands which are transparent about their production process and ingredients sourcing. This way you can ensure the products are ethically made. Also, before making a purchase, research your brands and products, no matter how small or big, knowing it will affect the future of our beautiful earth.
HW- You have a day off, what are you doing? Where can we find you?
I am probably escaping the city to go somewhere green, maybe even for a trip in our camper van towards the coast to learn how to surf!
HW- When are you your happiest?
When I am surrounded by nature and feel balanced from within.
HW- What are your favorite destinations?
Anywhere tropical! My all-time favorite destination is Sri Lanka, it stole my heart a couple of years ago. Also, Australia is a place that feels like home, and where I always love to return to.
HW- How do these places influence your work?
These places actually inspired me to start BASIUM. I found so much inspiration in the culture and colors of Sri Lanka as well as in the raw landscapes of Western Australia.
HW- A destination on your bucket list?
There are so many! Tanzania, Vietnam, Madagascar, the Amazon…
HW- Can you describe your work in 5 senses? How does it look like, smell like, feel like, sound like, taste like?
My modeling work is a completely different experience from when I work for my brand BASIUM. With modeling, it always looks different; different people, different continents, different makeup. It feels fast and is noisy but exciting in some way. Versus with BASIUM it’s a bit like the opposite. It looks more familiar as I am blending the oils at home, it feels calming, smells like a wide crisp meadow, tastes sweet and sounds like reggae music. Doing both makes the perfect balance for me.
HW- What do you feel upon entering the Hôtel Weekend universe?
It’s the dream universe for me and something I look to for inspiration. It makes me feel at home.
HW- What does slow living mean to you?
Turning my phone off, going through old National Geographics, sleeping in, spending the day in pajamas, taking a long bath, and taking the time to cook something nourishing.
HW- How do you slow down?
I spend time alone, do some breathing exercises, book in an Ayurvedic massage or make a comforting chicken soup.
HW- You can’t travel without...
My analog camera, some essential oils and an inspiring book.
Shop the selection
