Ciara, a defining presence in music, found her beginnings straddling the landscapes of Texas and Atlanta. Her journey commenced in her teenage years with the hit single Goodies, achieving chart-topping success in both the US and UK, setting the stage for her ascent to global fame.
More than twenty years later, the Grammy Award winner continues to evolve as an independent artist. In 2025, she showcased her latest work, the eighth studio album CiCi, and highlighted her presence by headlining the inaugural US TikTok Awards in Los Angeles.
Apart from her musical endeavors, Ciara’s interests encompass fashion, sports, and business, often interconnecting in fascinating ways. She operates her record label, Beauty Marks Entertainment, and co-owns the Seattle Sounders with her husband, NFL player Russell Wilson.
This multifaceted lifestyle profoundly influences her travel. In a candid discussion, Ciara reflects on her initial exposure to luxury travel, the hotels she frequents, and revisits her most cherished anniversary trip.
First Experience of Luxury Travel
One of Ciara’s earliest encounters with luxury travel unfolded in Dubai. The grandeur struck her deeply—though she had visited numerous beautiful destinations, Dubai’s blend of scale and opulence was unmatched, an early glimpse into a world that was still transforming.
See more: Martin Brudnizki on Growing Up Between Borders and Finding a Sense of Place
©Ciara
Hotels That Have Impressed
The definition of “wow” varies for Ciara. The Peninsula hotels offer timeless luxury with exceptional service, while places like Aman captivate her with their architectural beauty. Notable mentions include the Amangiri in Utah and Aman Tokyo. The Rosewood London also stands out, alongside Ellerman House in South Africa.
Desire for New Experiences
Ciara fondly recalls an anniversary trip to Abu Camp in Botswana, an elephant sanctuary nestled within the Okavango Delta. Landing amidst nature, the couple was greeted by elephants, a rare and intimate introduction. Their accommodations were luxury yurts, where hippos could be heard at night, creating a unique atmosphere. Safaris included meals cooked outdoors, with elephants part of the natural experience, adding to the magic of the trip.
Last Relaxing Moment
As a mother of a young child, moments of relaxation can be fleeting. Recently, a short escape in Cotonou, Benin, offered a brief respite amid her travels. However, the most memorable was an anniversary celebration in Spain, where she and her husband explored Ibiza and Mallorca. There, they enjoyed coastal views, disconnected from work and interruptions, truly savoring their time together. This latest visit allowed her to dance on stage with Black Coffee, adding to the excitement.
Ibiza’s nightlife remains captivating, with restaurants like Casa Maca impressing Ciara with their freshness and flavors prompting multiple visits.
See more: Ian Somerhalder on Travel, Bourbon, and Flying His First Airplane
Recent Culinary Experiences
The last meal that left a lasting impact was at Zou Zou’s in New York, where customized dishes are crafted based on guests’ requests.
Last Travel Purchase
On a recent trip, Ciara acquired a translator device that interprets spoken language into English. This aligns with her aspiration to learn Spanish, especially as her daughter is bilingual at a young age, allowing for playful interactions as they both navigate the language together.
Trying Something New
Curating the official World Cup playlist in collaboration with On Location and FIFA provided a refreshing challenge for Ciara. The intersection of music and sports is significant to her, enhancing the overall experience during events.
Ciara serves as a Captain for Atlanta in the FIFA World Cup 2026, in partnership with On Location.
