
Elena Zuccarelli : The Art of Traveling at a slow living pace
In the world of travel, some rush from one destination to the next in search of novelty. Then there’s Elena Zuccarelli, who invites us to slow down. On her Instagram account, @elenaroadbook, she shares getaways infused with softness, meaning and elegance — where each place becomes a sensory immersion.
Her travel philosophy, combining refined aesthetics and a contemplative way of life, has won over a community eager for authentic experiences.
But how did Elena go from a simple passion for travel to becoming a slow travel reference on social media?
Elena Zuccarelli : between slow living and a passion for beauty
Originally from Nice, Elena has always been drawn to gastronomy, travel and photography. From childhood, she developed a sharp eye for aesthetics and refinement, fascinated by beautiful places, exceptional hotels and the art of living. A passion inherited from her grandfather, an amateur photographer, who taught her the basics like framing and depth of field.
Over time, this visual sensitivity became her signature, leading to the creation of her Instagram account @elenaroadbook, a space where she shares curated addresses and recommendations with an authentic and intimate perspective. In a world saturated with information, she aims to offer a sincere and selective guide, always seeking true experiences and places with soul. Her mantra? Slow living: taking the time to reconnect, savor each moment and focus on what truly matters.
A double life: content creation and art direction
Though her online presence is growing, Elena doesn’t yet live entirely off her content creation. After studying in Monaco, California and Milan, she eventually settled in Paris about seven years ago. Today, she works as Director of Content at Chef Club, a role that lets her combine her love for visual storytelling with her passion for gastronomy. It’s a delicate balance that she maintains with discipline: she devotes evenings and weekends to managing her two Instagram accounts : @elenaroadbook for travel and hospitality, and @tastyfoodworldwide for culinary discoveries. Two complementary spaces that reflect her inspirations and help her structure her editorial vision.
Her secret to staying organized? Time management and discipline. Despite numerous opportunities, she’s selective to protect her energy. While her roles may sometimes overlap, they remain distinct and require real personal investment. But Elena doesn’t mind: every project and every post is, above all, a source of joy.
A new definition of luxury
Unlike the traditional notion of luxury, often associated with excess and exclusivity, Elena redefines the concept through experience and emotion. For her, true luxury lies in the ability to slow down, appreciate beauty in the moment and disconnect from the frantic pace of everyday life.
Whether it’s a meal or a hotel stay, the experience goes beyond simple consumption. In gastronomy, flavor is of course essential but so are the ambiance and the emotional impact of a place. Sharing a meal, to Elena, is more than eating: it’s a moment of connection, where conversations unfold around flavors and shared memories. A dish can tell a story, carry tradition, or spark unexpected bonds between guests.
In hospitality, it’s the attention to detail that makes the difference: tasteful decor, harmonious natural materials and thoughtful service that makes guests feel at home.
This same attention to detail guides her slow living philosophy. When she travels, she seeks places with history : a guesthouse in a former mill, a restored farmhouse or quiet spaces where guests can reconnect with themselves and nature. Far from impersonal resorts, Elena is drawn to authenticity and intimacy.
Memorable travels and future dreams
Every trip brings a new perspective and fresh inspiration. Recently, Elena explored Japan and Peru, two fascinating cultures that feed her curiosity and broaden her worldview.
In the long run, her dream is clear: to return to the South of France and open a guesthouse with her fiancé, a welcoming haven where she can share her vision of slow living and warm hospitality. Until then, she plans to continue growing her Instagram presence and even launch her own content agency focused on food and hospitality.
With her keen eye and love for authenticity, Elena is shaping a vision of travel and well-being that resonates with an audience in search of meaningful and inspiring experiences. A philosophy that echoes that of Solar Circle: take your time, savor the moment and create unforgettable memories.
What can we learn from Elena ?
Elena Zuccarelli embodies a travel approach where authenticity and slowness take precedence over ticking off destinations. Through her stories and artistic perspective, she invites us to explore the world more intimately, where every place becomes a sensory and emotional journey. Her path reminds us of the importance of following our intuition and cultivating a lifestyle aligned with our values. Her work is a tribute not only to discovering new places but also to discovering oneself.
Today, she shares a thoughtfully curated list of hidden gems and favorite discoveries with her communities, always through the lens of essential living. Her recommendations go far beyond simple hotel or restaurant suggestions : they capture an atmosphere, a fleeting moment, a perfect balance between comfort and authenticity.
Fun fact !
Sometimes success hides where you least expect it! Elena experienced this with a video she shot at an eco-lodge in the Baie de Somme, two years before she posted it. She had never edited the footage due to lack of time, but one day, feeling uninspired, she finally pieced it together and posted it.
The result? 700,000 views and a turning point for her Instagram! With a smile, she admits having over 70,000 pieces of content on her phone, “probably hiding other viral hits.” A great reminder that sometimes, timing is everything… and completely unpredictable.
Bonus : Elena’s ideal getaway
In a digital-heavy lifestyle, Elena finds solace in her disconnection rituals. Whether in Paris or the Côte d’Azur, sport and long walks help her recentre. Cooking, too, is her escape, a meditative moment that brings her back to the present. If she had to imagine her perfect stay, it would take place in an intimate and character-filled setting: a shepherd’s house in Corsica or a fisherman’s cottage in Greece - a place steeped in local culture with all the comforts of modern living. Impeccable bedding, a walk-in shower, fresh and locally-sourced cuisine… and a natural environment that invites rejuvenation.
To this, she would add meaningful culinary experiences. A true food lover, she mentions being inspired by Francis Mallmann and his spectacular fire-cooking style or the idea of open-air dinners by a fire pit in summer, or around a fireplace in winter. A passion she shares with her fiancé, who is currently earning a culinary certification as they prepare to bring their dream guesthouse to life in the South of France.
Follow Elena's latest updates on Instagram via her Instagram accounts:
Hospitality & Elena's travel gems
