Nil Erbil ~ Creative Genius Behind The Surf Lodge

Gypset Lifestyle: A Glimpse Into the Wanderlust

Discover Nil Erbil, the Creative Director (and all around genius) of The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York and its legendary gypset vibe.

GG ~ Nil, I met you during one of my stays at The Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY and instantly felt so welcomed by you with your easy-going nature and beautiful energy. You are Turkish, but you have such a sunny California girl way about you. You grew up as the daughter of luxe nomads and have traveled the world since you were a small child. The positive impact that must have had on you and your global outlook must have been incredible. So tell me: what does travel mean to you?

NE ~ It is the best education to move one to grow up. It was true to my family – my father was always pack and go. That was the whole idea for me to be put in boarding school when I was 11. To learn multiple languages, to live and see other cultures and see how they approach their lives. For me it isn’t about the touristic area. I like to stay in boutique hotels in culture and the locale places, as well as high-end places. Somewhere unique. Every country has different cultures and it is a great inspiration for anyone who sees them. You don’t have to be a designer or a student. It comes as a high vision where you see something and it immediately attracts you. So when you travel it is a lifetime education.

GG ~ Agreed! You take so many intangibles home with you! The experience is so much more valuable than anything.

NE~ Absolutely, life to me is a journey. We are born alone and we will die alone, but in the mean time we are first to our family and extend it through the friends we meet which creates a global family.

GG ~ What is your favorite culture and why?

NE ~ I love Italy and the Mediterranean culture. I admire the food along with the great wine. It is a place where you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to have a fantastic meal. We tend to rush in America; and I appreciate that they move slower there, relax and enjoy life. The afternoon siesta is a good example of that. The richness of the old culture inspires me. Of course I also love my culture, the Ottoman (Turkish) culture which is very strong empire. The Ottoman empire is very traditional and embracing.

GG ~What is your favorite destination and why?

NE ~ Right now I would say it is Jamaica. I find peace there. I see how impoverished the culture is, but they are so rich in the fact that they have so little yet are so giving with what they have. I can appreciate the simplicity.

GG ~ Who would be your favorite travel companion, dead of alive?

NE ~ My two best friends. I love traveling with my friends because I can always show them a good time.

GG ~ What is your preferred form of travel: a plane, train, boat, automobile or spaceship?

NE ~ What ever it takes!

GG ~ Great answer! What is your must have item to travel with?

NE ~ My five suitcases! I have a minimum of five hats I have to travel with. I am obsessed with hats! Different styles, different shapes just in case one doesn’t work with my outfit, as well as shades. I travel with ten pairs!

GG ~ Wow! I thought I was the travel accessory diva. You have out done me!

The next time you are in Montauk, NY make it a point to stay at The Surf Lodge to relax and be inspired!