Maya Allen, Beauty Director-at-Large at The Cut
Introducing Weekend With, our latest content series featuring interviews with fascinating women who love to travel. Discover how these bold personalities would spend a weekend away, from their destination of choice to their ideal travel companion. Come along for the ride as we explore unique perspectives on the art of traveling. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or simply curious about new destinations, Weekend With promises to deliver insightful and inspiring travel stories that will leave you yearning for your next vacation. Sit back and join us on this exciting journey.
Who is Maya Allen?
My name is Maya Allen, and I am a leading Beauty Expert and Editor in the industry. I’m currently the Beauty Director-at-Large for NY Mag's The Cut and before this role, I served as the Beauty Director of InStyle, and as the Digital Beauty Editor at Marie Claire. I’ve made it my mission to inform, inspire, and shift the narrative of the beauty industry. I found my love for journalism as a young girl growing up in Portland, Oregon collecting magazines. I dreamed of seeing women who looked like me in articles and on covers but never found the representation I yearned for in the media. My work celebrates beauty in all of its diverse glory and I’m committed to amplifying representation through powerful storytelling.
Courtesy of Maya Allen
Where are you going?
Ubud, Bali. It's by far the most beautiful place I've ever traveled to, and well-worth the long journey to get there. Ubud is known as the "spiritual heartland of Bali" and the amount of peace, stillness, and beauty I experienced in Bali simply blew me away. I felt completely captivated by the serene elements of nature. And even though I felt deep into the wilderness, our location felt luxurious and relaxing.
Who are you bringing?
I'm bringing my family and best friends. The incredible people in my circle fill my cup up so much, I would deeply cherish experiencing such a beautiful homeland like Bali with those that I love the most.
What’s your travel style?
I enjoy completely unplugging. My daily life is so non-stop and busy, so when I travel enjoy escaping from the hustle and bustle of my reality and just exhaling. I like to pray, meditate, journal and manifest my future dreams. I deeply believe that traveling is a powerful time to call in everything my heart desires.
Describe how travel affects your well-being in 5 words.
It regulates my nervous system.
Carry-on or check-in?
Carry-on, always! I am a packing cubes kind of girl and rather save myself from the stress of lost luggage, especially with international travel.
Hotel or Airbnb?
Hotel. I love the little luxuries hotels offer and you will always find me at the spa.
Courtesy of Maya Allen
Share a song, podcast or movie for the trip.
W.A.Y.S. by Jhene Aiko.