Mode Around the Globe: Mina Marlena

Mina Marlena
@minamarlena
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Photographed by Torrey West
@torreywest

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I always start my day listening to Billie Holiday, with a cup of tea and playtime with my cat, Cleo.

How do you like to spend your free time?
Horizontal, watching an old movie with DoorDash on the way!

What’s a skill you wish you had?
 I wish I could multitask. My brain just doesn’t work like that, lol. I am very much a “one thing at a time” type of girl!


If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Audrey Hepburn.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Sometimes you just need to take a nap” — from my mother.

What’s your favorite book?
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh.

Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day starts with a good hair day and no emails. Pilates in the morning, it’s 70 and sunny, my girlfriends and I go antiquing and have a late lunch with wine. I’m in bed by 8 p.m., with no hangover.


What’s a hidden talent you have?

I absolutely love singing. I used to think it’s what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I am so incredibly shy about it, so it’s just something I do for myself when I’m cleaning or showering, lol.

What are your favorite beauty products at the moment?
I’m absolutely obsessed and cannot live without the Sacheu Lip Stayn in “NOOHde.”

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
In a chateau, somewhere in the countryside of France.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My cat.

What’s your favorite season, and why?
Fall/Winter. I love cozy season and rainy days.

What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pick up but haven’t yet?
Ice skating!


What’s your go-to comfort food?

Soup, any kind of soup!

What’s your favorite quote?
“I’m a girl; I should do as I like.” — Brigitte Bardot from the movie Love Is My Profession.

How do you practice self-care?
Pilates, hiking, reading, baths, and chocolate.

What were your favorite activities at the Modeliste Wellness Retreat at Grand Velas Los Cabos?
I loved the breathwork class. It was my first time doing breathwork, and I left feeling so refreshed and relaxed.

What did you love most about the getaway?
Mina: With every Modeliste getaway, I’m always just so grateful to meet the other girls and make new friends. This getaway was so lovely, and Grand Velas really felt like a home away from home.