Women Who Took Travel to the Next Level

They Packed Light—And Made History

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March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements across industries, including luxury travel.

International Women's Day provides an opportunity for those of us who value the finer points of global discovery to consider how women have changed the travel scene we all enjoy.

Keep reading and see who they are. (But perhaps you already know). Anyway, keep reading.

You have probably observed the change.

Those wonderful boutique buildings with the ideal mix of authenticity and grandeur are usually led by women executives who realize that real luxury is found in the little things. That wellness retreat that somehow knew before you expressed your every need was most likely developed by a female wellness director who saw what the market lacked.

As discriminating travelers ourselves, we have really benefited from women's impact on the sector. The days of one-size-fits-all luxury are long gone, as it felt more like a performance than something personal.

From private island resorts to expedition cruises with Michelin-caliber dining, today's remarkable events increasingly show the clear mark of female leadership.

Thus, consider the women who have elevated the art of luxury travel as you design your next amazing trip. Ultimately, they are the reason your next trip will probably surpass even your most exacting standards.

As we honor International Women's Day, we celebrate the wonderful professionals who continue to transform luxury travel through their unique vision, resilience, and creativity.

Latest Luxury Travel News

Monaco Yacht Charter: Because Bigger is Always Better

Ah, Monaco—the playground where your yacht's length directly correlates with your self-worth. For those eager to flaunt their floating palaces, the Mediterranean yachting season runs from April to October, with June to August being peak "look at me" months. Whether you fancy a motor yacht for swift escapes or a sailing yacht for that faux-adventurous spirit, options abound. Just ensure your vessel boasts the requisite jacuzzis and gourmet chefs to keep up appearances. Luxury Travel Magazine

Monaco City and Port

Dubai’s Newest Resort. Your Yacht Deserves a Vacation, Too

Dubai's latest addition to its skyline of opulence is the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, an ultra-luxury resort designed by British architect Shaun Killa. Resembling a futuristic super yacht, this architectural marvel boasts eleven restaurants, an 82-berth marina, a waterfront promenade, and four pools. It's the kind of place where you can sip champagne while pondering if your real yacht feels inadequate in comparison. Forbes

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Hosts Exclusive Festival Experience

If enlightenment is on your 2025 to-do list, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is hosting an exclusive retreat during the Paro Tshechu Festival. It’s a cultural and wellness experience so serene that even your stressed-out inbox can’t find you here. Luxury Travel Magazine

Kanai Riviera Maya: Where Eco-Consciousness Meets Extravagance

Kanai Riviera Maya is Mexico's latest luxury enclave, artfully combining sustainability with opulence. Occupying a mere 10% of its 680-acre expanse, this resort ensures the remaining 90% stays as untouched as your gym membership. Home to elite establishments like Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection; The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai; and The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, Kanai offers indulgent experiences amidst lush jungles and serene mangroves. It's the perfect destination for those who crave nature but prefer it with a side of five-star amenities. Luxury Travel Magazine

Your Elite Status Needed an Upgrade: Sentient Jet

Sentient Jet, ever committed to pampering its clientele, has unveiled ten new partnerships in its latest Exclusive Benefits Guide. Notable additions include Ambergris Cay and The Lodge at Blue Sky, offering members even more luxurious destinations to flaunt their exclusivity. This curated collection ensures that wherever you land, indulgence is never more than a concierge call away. Yahoo Finance

Ultimate Luxury Travel by and for Women

Gone are the days when solo female travel meant “Eat, Pray, Panic-About-Safety.”

Today, women are redefining luxury travel, whether checking into high-end wellness retreats, exploring exotic destinations with nothing but a designer suitcase, or running the most opulent hotels in the world.

Wellness Retreats: The Ultimate Recharge

For those seeking transformation, SHA Wellness Clinic (Spain), led by Alejandra Comes, blends medical science and holistic therapies to help guests age backward—or at least feel like they are. SHA Wellness is a go-to for the health-conscious elite.

Prefer an exclusive wellness escape? Golden Door (California), co-led by Kathy Van Ness, offers tailored fitness programs, organic cuisine, and serene solitude. It’s a retreat that screams, “I have my life together.” Golden Door

For the spiritually inclined, Ananda in the Himalayas (India) provides Ayurvedic healing and yoga retreats designed for deep rejuvenation. Ananda Spa

Ananda Spa

Solo Female Travel: Ultimate Freedom

Kyoto, Japan, is a haven for solo female travelers, offering cultural immersion, exquisite ryokan stays, and unparalleled safety.

For Mediterranean luxury, the Amalfi Coast delivers breathtaking views, Michelin-starred dining, and five-star relaxation—no awkward couple photos required.

And if self-discovery is your thing, Ubud, Bali, is the ultimate mix of mindfulness and indulgence, whether meditating at The Yoga Barn or sipping a cocktail at a jungle resort.

Women-Led Luxury Hotels: Where Elegance Meets Expertise

Kit Kemp, the design genius behind The Whitby Hotel (New York), infuses bold prints and charm into every space. The Whitby Hotel

The Whitby Hotel

Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, ensures that every property—from Hotel de Russie (Rome) to Brown’s Hotel (London)—exudes refined luxury with a touch of local culture. Rocco Forte Hotels

Although not led by a woman, La Mamounia (Marrakech) has become a favorite for female icons in fashion, film, and politics. La Mamounia

This Women’s Day, celebrate the spirit of luxury travel—designed by, for, and inspired by remarkable women.

So Who Are those Four Ladies?

Amelia Earhart

The queen of the skies who thought "pilot" sounded better than "housewife." First female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean — because apparently, the ocean wasn't intimidating enough on a boat. Her career choice? Defying gravity and expectations simultaneously.

Nellie Bly

While most journalists were chasing local scandals, Bly decided to circle the entire planet in just 72 days. In 1889, she essentially told Jules Verne "cute story, hold my parasol" and beat his fictional 80-day journey by over a week. No GPS, No problem.

Gertrude Bell

The "female Lawrence of Arabia" (because heaven forbid we just call her "Gertrude Bell"). Traversed the Arabian Peninsula when most Europeans couldn't point to it on a map. Casually shaped modern Middle Eastern borders while collecting archaeological treasures. Just your typical British lady's hobby, really.

Freya Stark

Despite what Game of Thrones fans might think, this Stark's adventures were quite real. Authored numerous books about her Middle Eastern explorations, bringing unknown territories to Western attention. Apparently, she decided the best way to become a bestselling author was to go where no one else dared and write about it.

These women didn't just travel—they rewrote the rules of exploration while society tried to confine them to drawing rooms.

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