Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up between Istanbul and Paris and spent about over a decade living and working in New York. After moving to Los Angeles six months ago, I launched my namesake jewelry brand, LARA SONMEZ. My favorite moment of the day is waking up and immediately playing with my dog, Spyder.
What does “escape” mean to you?
Escape, to me, means being in complete silence—a break without having to check my to-do list or calendar. Ideally, it’s by the sea during the off-season, with just the right amount of sun and nothing but the sounds of nature—waves, crickets, birds.
Do you have a summer ritual?
My summer ritual consists of many (although never enough) big, hard splashes into the Aegean Sea, or simply lying on the beach with my coffee and sketchbook. I heavily rely on these moments to recharge and clear my mind.
Where do you habitually escape for true downtime?
Datça or Bodrum, Turkey.
How long have you been visiting this place, and what draws you to it?
I’ve been spending my summers at our home in Datça since I was born. Bodrum became part of this ritual 15 years ago.
Do you have an anecdote or unforgettable memory to share?
Growing up, we’d embark on little daily adventures centered around food preparation for the grand feasts my parents would host with friends and family each night. Every day was unique, revolving around a special mission—like a mini road trip to collect wild capers from the roadside between Marmaris and Datça, or hopping on our boat to collect salt from rocks in the middle of the sea, or diving to catch sea urchins.
What are your recommendations for things to do, see, stay, eat, and drink at this particular escape?
Do/See: Bay hopping in Datça by boat.
Stay: I usually stay at home whether I’m in Datça or Bodrum, but Amanruya in Bodrum is possibly one of my favorite places/hotels in the world. I love the silence and peace it offers.
Eat: Bagarasi & Memedof in Bodrum. Neolokal at D-Maris near Datça (next on my bucket list).
Drink: Limon and Maça Kızı in Bodrum.
Who are your favorite summer escape travel partners and why?
Lea, Ada, Mimi, and Lili—my nieces. I love diving into their fantastic world. Their love and fascination with life and everything around them is the most wholesome, inspiring, and exciting thing ever.
What’s a new summer escape you embarked on this summer?
This summer, I joined the Escape 74 family at Maça Kızı Hotel, where my jewelry is now available. That’s my latest new summer escape so far. 🙂
What’s your ultimate escape soundtrack?
This summer, I’ve had two songs on repeat: “Run Your Mouth” by The Marías and “Tristesse” by Zaho De Sagazan.
What are you reading this summer?
“The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin.
Which film do you revisit for the ultimate summer movie experience?
“Le Mépris” by Jean-Luc Godard.
Where do you hope to head next?
I’m hoping to squeeze in a mini escape to Patmos or Antiparos before the end of summer, or perhaps discover some new secluded beaches in Sardinia.
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