Take a look back at some of our favorite adventures around the world—each one thoughtfully designed, beautifully hosted, and filled with unforgettable moments. From seaside villas in Spain to six-star stays in Thailand, these past journeys offer a glimpse into the elevated, immersive experiences that define Aluma Travels.
We stayed in a secluded mountain lodge, climbed to the top of ancient Mayan ruins, and hiked to hidden waterfalls deep in the jungle. Then, we escaped to a private island, where we danced barefoot under the stars, kayaked the entire shoreline in just 20 minutes, and woke each morning in our own waterfront bungalows. We practiced yoga on a thatched chalet suspended above the sea and spent afternoons swinging in hammocks, toes skimming turquoise water. It was paradise—raw, refined, and completely unforgettable.
We began with a traditional prayer ceremony, flowers in hand and intentions quietly set as incense curled into the air. We meandered through the sacred Monkey Forest, its ancient trees alive with energy, and spent time at a water temple, passing beneath six sacred streams—each one a moment to reflect, release, and renew. In a rare and humbling moment, we were invited to witness a Balinese cremation ceremony—a vibrant, sacred farewell held in the heart of a village. It was a journey that opened my heart in ways I didn’t know I needed.
We stayed in a castle tucked into the hills, waking slowly with morning yoga and quiet walks through the countryside. Our days unfolded with wine tastings, long lunches that stretched for hours, and slow poolside afternoons, cocktails in hand. We explored the charming streets of Asti, went truffle hunting through the forest, and shared a rustic farm lunch made with the day’s fresh finds. Every evening ended just right—gathered around the table for candlelit dinners that lasted late into the night, full of laughter, conversation, and that unmistakable Italian magic.
We began in Athens, exploring the Acropolis and soaking in rooftop sunsets over cocktails and dinner. From there, we ferried to Amorgos—a hidden gem where the locals vacation—quiet, unspoiled, and impossibly blue. Mornings began with yoga overlooking the Aegean Sea, followed by slow days filled with paddle boarding, beachside lounging, and taverna lunches in charming villages. One day we climbed sea-worn steps to the ancient monastery clinging to the cliffs, and on another, we gathered for a festive Greek night—authentic dishes, local wine, and the most unforgettable feta I’ve ever tasted. We ended in Santorini, where the view from the caldera left me speechless—my all-time favorite. It was magic, start to finish.
Our accommodations were nothing short of spectacular—design-forward and featured in multiple publications, yet warm and inviting. We strolled to the nearby village for post-dinner ice cream and a little nightlife at local bars. One unforgettable day was spent aboard a private catamaran, greeted with champagne and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. We also spent a leisurely morning in Palma, shopping local boutiques and touring the breathtaking cathedral. It was the perfect mix of elegance, ease, and coastal beauty.
We stayed in a charming 8-bedroom bastide surrounded by lavender fields and golden light. Mornings began with European breakfasts—soft-boiled eggs, fresh pastries, fruit, and strong coffee enjoyed leisurely on the terrace. We spent one unforgettable day in Nice, with lunch at the iconic L’Opéra, where bold art lined the walls, performers danced on tables, and the view overlooked yachts gliding into the harbor. We explored local markets, gathering meats, cheeses, fruit, bread, and wine to savor poolside all afternoon. Another day took us to the Verdon Gorge, where we swam and paddle-boated through the most surreal turquoise water. We wandered tiny villages, practiced our French, did a little yoga, and lingered in the kind of moments you never want to rush. It was elegance, ease, and joie de vivre all in one.
We stayed just outside Ubud at a stunning resort where every bungalow felt like its own private sanctuary. The warmth of the Balinese people was ever-present, with offerings of flowers and palm leaves scattered along the streets and the scent of incense in the air. We experienced a powerful Agnihotra prayer ceremony with a Balinese priest who came to our resort—dressed in sarongs, rice placed between our brows, we felt the energy shift. We visited the sacred water temple, stepping beneath six flowing fountains to offer intentions and prayers. And of course, we wandered through the Monkey Forest, feeding bananas to the cheeky locals. It was soulful, joyful, and full of the kind of beauty you carry home in your heart, and we made it home just before the COVID shutdown!
That’s exactly how it felt returning to Greece—with a group of fresh faces and a few beloved repeat travelers who brought their partners to share the experience. We spent time on Amorgos, practicing yoga, exploring the island, and enjoying meals in remote, family-run tavernas—so intimate the menus were handwritten just for us. We also island-hopped through the Aegean, exploring Santorini (because that view never gets old), Ios, and Crete—each offering its own unique rhythm, flavor, and story. What’s better than time spent drifting between islands under the Greek sun?
I hosted a group in a private villa, where we kicked things off with a multi-course welcome dinner prepared by our private chef. The wine flowed, stories were shared, and strangers quickly became friends. (We're still talking about that tiramisu.) We toured vineyards, sipped wine over long lunches, and witnessed a surprise engagement—an unforgettable moment for two of our travelers. One evening, we joined the local Tuesday market in a nearby village, dancing to live music, gelato and limoncello in hand. We spent a full day exploring Siena’s cobblestone streets and ancient churches, and indulged in a Michelin-star lunch tucked into the Tuscan hillside. A few of us ended the trip in Florence—espresso martinis in the Gucci Garden, rooftop views, Renaissance art at the Uffizi, and the awe of seeing David and il Duomo in person. It was joy, freedom, and beauty at every turn.
But when life gives you the chance to return to a place you hold dear, you say yes without hesitation. This time, I was mentoring a colleague on how to lead her own yoga retreat, and Amorgos was the perfect setting once again. We returned to its yoga-friendly resort and fully embraced the island rhythm—breathtaking views, stand-up paddle boarding, and those unforgettable breakfasts (one day I’ll finally recreate that orange cake!). We spent a full day at sea aboard our own private yacht, shared family-style dinners, explored the island’s hidden corners, and carved out plenty of time to simply unwind by the pool and beach. It was the kind of week that reminds you why you came back.
We began with three nights in Lisbon, kicking things off with rooftop welcome drinks—soaking in sweeping city views and a soft evening breeze. Lisbon’s walkable charm made it easy to explore, from a soulful night at a local fado house with live singing and guitar, to a guided food tour where we tasted our way through the city—highlighted by Ginjinha, the signature sour cherry liqueur, sometimes served in a little chocolate cup. From there, we traveled south by train to the Algarve and checked into a stunning beachfront property with impeccable service. Days were spent relaxing by the sea, and nights brought a different kind of energy—our walkable location meant spontaneous dinners, music, and more than a few unforgettable evenings out.
one that takes a bit of commitment to reach (14 hours in the air, then another 7!), but the best places often do. And it was so worth it. We began with four nights at a 6-star hotel in Bangkok—yes, six—and every detail was flawless, from the design to the incomparable service. We toured Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, rode tuk tuks through the city, wandered Chinatown, and dined riverside on a dreamy dinner cruise. One night even led us to Cowboy Street… and let’s just say, I’ll never live down that ping pong game—ask me in person.
We explored the famous Railway Market and floated through Damnoen Saduak Market by paddle boat before catching a short flight to Phuket. There, we checked into private beachfront villas recognized by the Michelin Guide, each with 3–4 bedrooms and unreal ocean views. We visited an ethical elephant sanctuary, wandered the night markets, took a private boat charter to James Bond Island, and shared incredible meals—both in local restaurants and barefoot on the beach at our resort. We even had a surprise celebrity sighting: Ron Livingston, casually vacationing just steps from our villa. Every moment felt unforgettable, indulgent, and full of once-in-a-lifetime magic.
