Meet Cristina Chitel | Founder, Master Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina Chitel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I love to travel, it’s what fuels me. It’s my why, as a Sagittarius, my reason for being. I also love the sense of discovery and finding hidden gems, meeting the makers, hearing their stories. Having lived in New York City, and now in LA, and having traveled extensively to other cosmopolitan cities, I know how hard it is to find bespoke experiences, highly curated, that provide an insider’s perspective to the creative energy in a city.

For me, the sparkle in traveling is when you really get to know the essence of a place, when you have a chance to meet the people who are redefining a city, when you get to know their story in an intimate way. It’s through these interactions that one is able to learn more about a city and if you are lucky, even fall in love with it.

So, after 30 years in the advertising world, with a passion for storytelling, I decided to embark on this new journey where I get to build high-end custom curated experiences around the passion points of design & architecture, art, fashion, food and wellness, with exclusive access to off the beaten path hidden gems and avant-garde tastemakers from across Los Angeles.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve always been captivated by the stories that live within places—the way design can shape emotion, how a single meal can open a window into a culture, how thoughtful details can transform the ordinary into the unforgettable. My path started in the study of communication and culture, but it was my passion for beauty, meaning, and connection that truly set the course.

I’ve never been afraid to follow my curiosity. Even without a Fine Arts background, I dove into the world of architectural history and interior design—not out of obligation, but from a deep desire to understand how environments can elevate human experience. I believed then, as I do now, that taste can be trained, instinct trusted, and imagination turned into impact.

Early in my career, I worked in advertising, where I learned the power of listening closely, building lasting relationships, and anticipating needs before they arise. It was there that I first understood the magic of exceeding expectations—not for the sake of perfection, but for the joy of creating something truly exceptional.

Simply Curated Experiences was born from that joy—a desire to craft moments that feel both grounded and transportive, intimate and expansive. While others build in silos, I see the world as beautifully interconnected. Travel, design, food, culture—these aren’t separate lanes; they’re threads in the same story. And when woven together with intention, they create experiences that move people.

At Simply Curated Experiences, every journey begins with curiosity and ends with something unforgettable. I seek out the hidden gems, the passionate makers, the quiet luxuries that speak louder than any headline. This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about awakening the senses, building connection, and helping people see the world (and themselves) in a new light.

For me, this work is more than a business. It’s a calling—to bring beauty, meaning, and discovery into people’s lives, one extraordinary experience at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s nothing I love more than hosting my best friend in LA. She’s a stylish, no-nonsense New Yorker with a three-day max travel rule—so every moment has to feel intentional, elevated, and effortless. When she’s in town, I get to play curator and test-drive experiences that reflect what I love most about this city: its hidden gems, creative pulse, and endlessly inspiring energy.

Here’s what our recent 72-hour girls’ getaway looked like—from fashion to food to art and everything in between.

DAY 1 — East to West in Style
Fuel Up in Los Feliz. We start at my neighborhood go-to: Friends & Family for the city’s best breakfast burrito and matcha latte. Easy, delicious, and perfectly LA. Daniel Mattern & Roxana Jullapat are the ultimate chef/baker duo.
Style Loop: Terminal 27 → Just One Eye → Nili Lotan. We make our way west, starting with the ultra-curated fashion haven Terminal 27 in West Hollywood for their latest drop. Next, we hit Just One Eye for avant-garde fashion and art. And of course, a quick stop at Nili Lotan—a nod to her NYC roots and one of my forever-favorite designers.
Art Break: Jeffrey Deitch. While we’re nearby, we swing into Jeffrey Deitch. The exhibitions always feel bold and unexpected—perfect fuel for creative conversation.
Larchmont Vibes: Cookbook + LA Grocery. We wrap the day back on the East Side with a glass of wine and seasonal bites from Cookbook, then a quick shop at LA Grocery to grab ingredients for dinner on the grill. LA simplicity at its finest.

DAY 2 — Nature, Culture, and Culinary Moments
Morning Hike: Griffith Park. No visit is complete without a morning hike to soak in the views and ground ourselves in the landscape.
Art Walk: Melrose Hill. We spend the afternoon gallery-hopping through this rising creative hub. Southern Guild and David Zwirner are always worth the visit. The neighborhood buzzes with energy—and inspiration.
Dinner at Etra. We head to Etra for an early dinner. It’s intimate, effortlessly cool, and if we’re lucky, there’s a guest chef bringing something special to the table. Andrew Lawson always makes it feel like a private dinner party.

DAY 3 — Creativity + Connection
Lunch at Bar Siesta, Silverlake. A relaxed Spanish lunch at Bar Siesta sets the tone for the day. Light, vibrant, and full of character—just like the neighborhood.
Private Ceramic Class with Sonia Boyajian. In the afternoon, we visit Sonia Boyajian, Jewelry Maker & Ceramist, in her stunning studio for a private ceramic session. It’s hands-on, creative, and a memory-maker every time.
Golden Hour at Barnsdall Art Park. We grab a bottle of wine and head to Barnsdall Art Park for a golden-hour toast. Sunset views, artful ambiance, and a moment to reflect.
Final Dinner: Lolo Wine. We close out the trip at Lolo Wine Bar—one of my favorite spots that always reminds us of NYC, with that laid-back LA warmth. Seeing Laurie Mulstay there always feels like coming home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, David, has been begging me to start Simply Curated Experiences forever. He’s been my travel partner for the past 26 years, with our first major trip back in 1999 to ring in the New Year in Megève, France. Since then, he’s supported my quest for discovery, encouraging me to fulfill my travel bucket list to far flung places. As an entrepreneur, he’s inspired me to dream big, to take risks, to do what I love, and to share it with others. He’s always supported me, even when I went back to school for a post graduate degree in Interior Design, and is my main mentor and advisor not only in life but in business.

Website: https://simplycuratedexperiences.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-chitel-502a519

Image Credit:
Headshot – Michael J. Charles Photography