Lavish Lifestyles Concierge

646-504-1457

Founded in 2007, Lavish Lifestyles Concierge is a boutique travel and event planning firm. We specialize in crafting exceptional itineraries and experiences, exceeding expectations through personalized service and flawless execution. Leverage our extensive industry knowledge to save valuable time, eliminate planning stress, and potentially achieve cost savings. Let us transform your vision into reality, guaranteeing a seamless and memorable travel or event experience.

 
 
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Cynika Drake is the Founder and President of Lavish Lifestyles Concierge, an internationally operating boutique hospitality firm established in 2007, working with clients across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Lavish Lifestyles Concierge specializes in crafting bespoke leisure travel experiences for C-suite executives and creatives, while also curating high-touch brand activations, refined private social events, and producing galas for nonprofit organizations.

Cynika understands the critical role cultural intelligence plays in today’s globalized world. She is well-versed in navigating diverse cultures and complex social and market dynamics, with a keen understanding of how these factors influence global marketing strategies. Her expertise is highly sought after by both corporate and nonprofit clients.

Prestigious brands including Google, Splunk, Fresh Direct, and Time Warner Inc. (now Warner Bros. Discovery), as well as nonprofit organizations including the Brooklyn NAACP, Make A Film Foundation, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and Victory Education Partners, have entrusted Cynika with event planning and management for a wide range of experiences and brand activations.

In June 2025, Cynika and her team produced the C-Suite Villa during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, now in its 72nd year. The invitation-only experience brought together global C-suite executives, including Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Creative Officers, and senior brand leaders, alongside professionals in public relations and the creative industries, for peer-to-peer dialogue in an intimate villa setting.

Separately, during the same week at Cannes Lions, Lavish Lifestyles Concierge provided event planning and logistical support to Wieden+Kennedy and their client, McDonald’s, for a private cocktail reception and executive roundtable discussion.

On the travel front, Cynika plans unforgettable safaris across renowned African wildlife destinations, while also designing itineraries that delve into the rich cultural tapestry of 15 African countries. In addition, she brings extensive experience crafting travel throughout Europe, Mexico, the UAE, and the Caribbean. Her first-hand knowledge ensures clients embark on authentic and immersive journeys tailored to their individual desires.

Beyond her client work, Cynika is an active voice within the global travel community. She has spoken on industry panels at World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa), the South African Consulate General in New York, and has served as a hosted buyer at ILTM Africa, WTM Africa, and WTM London. She continues to champion sustainable and culturally intelligent tourism across the African continent and beyond.

Cynika’s expertise has been recognized by The New York Times, Forbes, Travel Weekly, Travel + Leisure, and African Travel & Tourism Association. She has also shared her insights on Fox 5 NY, Black Business Report, and SiriusXM Radio.

Cynika holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Syracuse University. After briefly attending Harvard Law School, she ultimately pursued her entrepreneurial vision by founding Lavish Lifestyles Concierge. Beyond business, Cynika is a passionate international traveler and volunteer, contributing to organizations focused on education, youth development, and animal welfare.