Meet Carolita Urrestarazu | Head of Business Development, USA

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

Hi Carolita, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
NUBA was founded in Spain in 1994 by a group of friends who were passionate about organizing their own travels together. Named after a warrior tribe from southern Sudan, NUBA began with a specialty in Africa, offering deeply personalized journeys long before experiential luxury travel became widely recognized.

From the start, the vision was to create meaningful, transformative travel experiences with impeccable execution. Over time, NUBA expanded globally while remaining true to its core values of curiosity, human connection, and excellence.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
NUBA was founded in Spain in 1994 by a group of friends who were passionate about organizing their own travels together. Named after a warrior tribe from southern Sudan, NUBA began with a specialty in Africa, offering deeply personalized journeys long before experiential luxury travel became widely recognized.

From the start, the vision was to create meaningful, transformative travel experiences with impeccable execution. Over time, NUBA expanded globally while remaining true to its core values of curiosity, human connection, and excellence.

Responsible travel is built into NUBA’s manifesto. We are committed to supporting local economies, giving back to communities, and uncovering the unique stories that make a destination worth visiting. We partner with meaningful social initiatives and CSR projects to highlight sustainable tourism around the world, including support for wildlife conservation (like through the David Sheldrick Orphanage) and education access (e.g. through Born to Learn in Tanzania). Additionally, through NUBA’s “global forest” initiative, we strive to offset our carbon footprint. To date, NUBA has planted over 42,000 trees, reforested more than 37 hectares, and captured thousands of tons of CO₂, contributing to reforestation projects around the world while helping local communities responsible for tree-planting and care.

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?
If my best friend were visiting Miami for a week and I wanted to show her the real Miami, the one locals love, I would design a mix of nature, culture, food, movement and time on the water.

We would start in Key Biscayne, where I live, with a relaxed bike ride through the island in the morning. I love showing visitors how green and peaceful it feels just minutes from the city. We would stop for croissants and coffee at Flour & Weirdoughs, and then continue riding along the beach paths. One evening we would head to No Name Harbor and watch the sunset from The Cleat, which is such a hidden gem and a very old Miami spot.

One night would be dedicated to Little Havana for live music, culture and energy. I would take her to La Trova for incredible cocktails and Cuban music — it is vibrant authentic and always a great night out.

Another must is the Faena cabaret show. It is theatrical, glamorous and unlike anything else in Miami and really captures the city’s creative and bold spirit.

We would spend a day walking the Design District mixing art, architecture and shopping followed by dinner at Mandolin, which always feels timeless and special.

I would also plan a day trip up to Palm Beach. I love the contrast with Miami. It is calmer, more elegant and very classic, and really shows how diverse South Florida can be.

Back in the city, we would do a South Pointe morning with a walk through the park and along the beach, followed by breakfast or lunch at Pura Vida — simple, healthy and very Miami. We would also spend some time shopping.

For a more urban city feeling, one evening would be spent in Brickell dining out and enjoying the energy of the city. It is where Miami feels most cosmopolitan and dynamic, especially at night or after work time.

Of course, we would spend time in Miami Beach just walking around taking in the architecture, the ocean and the energy. One evening I would take her to Barceloneta for tapas and Spanish wine. It reminds me of home and brings a European touch to the city. I also love Casa Tua for a truly Italian experience or even Call me Gaby by South Pointe!

To balance everything out I would book a gym class in Sunset Harbour at Barry’s Bootcamp and another day at JetSet Pilates. Both are great ways to experience the local wellness scene and feel like a true Miami local

And finally, one weekend day would be all about the water. I would rent a boat and spend the afternoon cruising Biscayne Bay swimming, listening to music and seeing the skyline from the water. For me, that is when Miami really shines.

Miami is about contrasting beach and city culture, nature energy and calm, and that is exactly what I would want my best friend to experience.

A drive to the outlets is also a very attractive activity for people from abroad so I am sure we would end up there as well 😊

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Mario Del Duca, managing director, NUBA

Website: https://nubausa.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolita-urrestarazu-dyrssen-9829a336

Image Credits
NUBA