Soulful Escapes

30/10/2023

These women were strangers 10 minutes before these photos were taken. Just outside of Agra we met this beautiful woman and her husband who would have been in their late 70’s.

Our guide, who knew us well by now, knew we would cherish this experience, so across the road from the stepwell we were there to visit, he took us, with their permission into their place of work, which was also their home. They made the little clay cups that are used to drink from at weddings and ceremonies. Through our guide, we learned of their story, their struggles and how they live. With no surviving children, this woman shared how they live alone now, with no family and as she shared her story an overwhelming look of sadness passed across her face.

Not all stories you hear on your travels are joyful and this one certainly hit the group of women travelling on Soulful India.

But this is real life, real experience, raw emotion.

And then, from a place of pure authenticity, true connection and deep compassion for this woman, Alana, my best friend and one of the participants on Soulful India, pulled this woman into an embrace and kissed her on the cheek.

For a moment I gasped.

Would this be received with the intention it was given?

Culturally would this be ok?

I think the photos say it all.

One of the most incredible moments I’ve experienced on any Soulful India escape.

Two weeks left to secure your place on our next trip to India.
22nd March 2024.
Bookings close 15th November.

Join us, for moments like this.

https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

08/10/2023

Have you been sitting on the fence about whether you will join us for Soulful India - 22nd March 2024?
Will you choose 12 nights for yourself to experience one of the most incredible cultures and countries I have ever seen.
To meet a beautiful group of women with whom you will share experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
To see the colour and vibrancy of this magnificent country and experience the warmth and passion of the Indian culture and hospitality.
I could go on, or I could show you!
Join us for Soulful India 22nd March 2024.Bookings close early November.
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

01/10/2023

https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

01/10/2023

One of the stops in our upcoming Soulful India tour March 22nd - April 3rd 2024.
A great place to unwind and just be for a day or two whilst enjoying the beauty of Indian hospitality.
Secure your place!

https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

07/09/2023

A Soulful Escape is designed to take you to a place that is unique, leaves you curious and has the potential to transform you, just for having been there.
Our Soulful Escapes are curated with the following three elements in mind so that you can experience, “travel that transforms you”
SPIRIT, LOVE & JOY.
Join us for Soulful India 22nd March 2024.
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

03/09/2023

One of the best moments of my trips to India is being witness to the relationships that form between women when they travel. However, nothing beats watching mothers and daughters travel together or in this case sisters. Watching these 3 lovely ladies (sisters, and yes a set of twins) travel on Insightful India in 2018 was mostly hilarious, occasionally emotional, but always heartfelt. Their connection and individuality added a whole different dynamic to the trip. It was truly a blessing to be a part of their travel experience.
Call your sister, your mother, your girlfriend and create your own memories on Soulful India March 2024.
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

01/09/2023

Thanks for your feedback Lizzie, you've summed up how I feel after I return from every visit to India.
"When I get home I will have a big sleep and when I awake, India will be a dream that will never leave me - Perfect!
For this is India - you are never the same again!"
Now is the time to secure your space on the next Escape,
Soulful India - March 22nd 2024.
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

30/08/2023

The Taj Mahal has been described to me many ways and many times. Each one beautiful and always with the perception of the storyteller. On my last visit she was described as a beautiful lady. Being my 5th visit I expected to be looking forward to it, but perhaps a little less moved. But yet again I was proven wrong.
Nothing prepares you. For many they have waited their whole life to see this. We are taught early that it is a bucket list item, but that sense grows as we get older. Memories of Princess Diana on that bench all alone in the world’s greatest testament to love, are also interwoven with our ideas of what this great lady will offer.
And so, the lady appears.
As you enter through the gates you resist the temptation to sneak a peek. Something magical is coming and you don't want to look too soon. As you walk towards the opening gate you catch your first glimpse and a sense of overwhelm and "pinch me" hits you. You have finally made it. Unfortunately, so have half of the tourists in India but you try to remain in the zone.
She seems slightly distant, a little out of reach but you stand back, take it in and look at this incredible white structure before you. After the push and shove of the photo and claiming your place along the barrier, you start the walk towards her and that is when you begin to realise her true majesty and splendour.
She is not white, she is in fact covered in precious and semi-precious gemstones each one inlayed into the marble to create patterns and designs which take your breath away. So much respect for the craftsmen that created and designed this true wonder. Her archways as you climb the stairs onto the structure are simple, yet in scale, so much larger than when you first saw her through the gate.
As you enter inside to see the tomb, as it is actually a tomb for Shah Jahan's most treasured wife, it is as if you have entered inside a jewellery box and the marble appears softer and more delicate.
Outside again as the sun begins to set and bounce off the marble creating a golden glow, you find it hard to describe just how incredible this lady truly is. You are no longer looking at her you are now part of her, and something inside you knows this is a moment you will carry with you forever.
After taking some time to just sit on a bench, reflect and take in the sounds of this incredible experience we begin our slow walk out the gate.
Taking time to turn around, and say farewell for now, not turning your back on this great lady, you can't help but notice that she seems closer now. She was grand when you arrived. But then you experienced her up close and got a greater sense of how majestic she truly was. Now as you leave it is as if she seems closer, as if she is walking with you because now you have a true understanding of the scale of her beauty.
It may have been the fifth time for me but for the women of Soulful India it was a first, and in many ways a first for me too.
I'm not sure the snow globe souvenir I purchased on the way out will capture the experience, but it might just sit on my desk at home and evoke the feeling of what it's like to witness such a beauty.

Would you like to see this for yourself?
Join me on Soulful India 2024 for a sunrise and sunset visit of the Taj Mahal.
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

19/08/2023

There's an energy that's magnetic when women travel together. It's not just the connection that the women within the group form, but it radiates to the women we meet, the groups of young girls that approach us at monuments, even the women who work in the shops and markets we visit. I've turned around to see women on my tour laughing and crying with women they meet, sharing stories through cultural and language differences, and just connecting from their souls. Many of you have experienced this connection and it's one of my favourite experiences when travelling on a Soulful Escape to India. After my first trip I wrote this blog about the connection of women when they travel and even today, its always the most joyful part of the experience.

I’ve always known it, I’ve always felt it, but never have I experienced it to the degree that I did on this recent trip to India. The connection of women is universal, not just tied to your friendship group at home, or your family of sisters or even your relationship with your female colleagues....

07/08/2023

I did promise to return, and if you join us on Soulful India March 2024, you too will get to wake up here and experience the joy of Premkunj. This is where we will celebrate the Holi Festival and the outstanding hospitality of India
Will you join us?
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

06/08/2023

We are spending 2 nights here on Soulful India March 2024.
Will you join us?

https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

05/08/2023

Making travel plans sor 2024?
Time to reserve your place on Soulful India March 2024.
Join us!
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

30/07/2023

Being in the moment, experiencing joy and taking time for yourself is all part of the experience of travelling with Soulful Escapes in India. Kerrie joined us on our first Soulful India experience and shares her reflection below.
"Time for me, my heart, my soul and my mind. What an amazing way to take time out of everyday life and to experience a country with other like minded women. A country rich in colour, heritage, values and belief’s, I was able to learn so much about the Indian way of life and the gorgeous people whilst learning so much about myself. I learned that it’s ok to be myself and to let go of the things that don’t matter.​My heart is full of Spirit, Love and Joy. I’m forever grateful to have been able to share in such an amazing experience."

Join us in March 2024 for Soulful India.
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

23/07/2023

Very excited to say that we already have several women joining us for Soulful India 2024, so if you're considering it, get in touch and you too could have an experience like Gill.
​"What a unique travel experience! Jo has combined her passion for travel, life coaching and education by creating a one of a kind small group tour. My recent trip to India focused on covering highlights of the golden triangle, beautiful hotels situated just outside the hustle and bustle of the major cities, yet close enough to be able to enjoy the culture, food and history on offer. Jo worked very closely with the local guide to provide experiences additional to the itinerary that allowed us to experience the daily lives and rituals of the locals. Through skillful guidance via the workshops, Jo facilitated a close knit community of women who bonded really well and made the most of every gem this trip had to offer. I would highly recommend a Soulful Escape." Gill
To find out more check out,
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

Soulful Escapes is a Melbourne based travel agency catering for clients from all over the globe. Combining hosted escapes, anytime escapes and tailor-made travel experiences, we aim to create meaningful travel opportunities for our clients.

17/07/2023

Another great insight into the magic of India. Thanks Kerrie.

"Jo that day at Holi Festival will long live in my mind as the most amazing introduction of all that India is.
If anyone can’t decide to go or not, jump and do it you wont regret it and it will show you things about yourself and the world that you never knew. Jo really knows how to make every person that goes tap into who they really are. I have so many fabulous memories and friends from my trip."
Join us for Soulful India 2024
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

15/07/2023

This is why I do it!
Look at the sheer joy on Robyn and Christine's faces.
After a 4.45am departure from the hotel, along with other daredevils in the group, they took a leap of faith, climbed into a hot air balloon and soared up over the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, just out of Jaipur. As they flew over villages and farms, families came to the rooftops of their homes waving and smiling at them.
It's so peaceful up there and you are blessed with a sunrise and a very different perspective of Indian life.
Due to the weather they were able to land further north than planned, and set down in a village that had never had this experience before. As they waited in the basket for the assistants to arrive and secure the balloon, local villagers came from everywhere to see the giant balloon and it's inhabitants.
Children's smiles, shy young women who initially covered their faces until they were more at ease, and many others came to greet them. Hundreds of people.
This is one of those once in a lifetime moments that makes your heart swell and your eyes fill with tears.
Captured beautifully in this photo.

Join me for your once in a lifetime moment on Soulful India 22nd March 2024.

https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

15/07/2023

Merrian joined me in India in 2019. Her daughter had been on the tour the year before and recommended the experience. We’re a little bit unique with how we run a Soulful Escape and Merrian gives a great snapshot.
Was great to travel with you Merrian!
“Jo, you did a wonderful job and provided an incredible chance for me to see and experience things I have never seen or done before. It certainly pushed me into unknown territory. For that I am truly grateful. Your knowledge of India is remarkable and your understanding of different temperaments within the team was outstanding. Job very well done. Also your seminars where relaxing and a great team building exercise, getting to know the others on a very intimate level."

12/07/2023

If it looks like fun, you'd be correct!
In 2018 these lovely ladies below, 3 sisters and a single traveller who quickly became a new friend, joined me in India for a 12 night journey. Celebrating the Holi Festival in India is pure joy and unlike anything I've ever experienced. Connecting with a local family, being welcomed into their traditional celebrations, sharing their food and meeting their friends and neighbours is a unique experience that you will enjoy on Soulful India 2024.
Who doesn't love the combination of organic colours, music, water, local food and beautiful people.
Will you join us for Holi in India 2024?
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

11/07/2023

Meet Mary who travelled to India with Soulful Escapes on our very first journey.
"My Soulful India journey touched me in a way I never expected. India was somewhere I was adamant I never, ever wanted to visit and now I have left wanting to return! I loved the people, the colour, the life and all the wonderful personal experiences we had. I love to travel but I am not a backpacker! For me this trip was a great way to see India knowing that things would be organised and that I would be safe. But aside of these practical details I loved that this itinerary encompassed so much more than just a “tourist visit” and that I could share this journey and bond with a wonderful group of women. What a unique and wonderful way to experience the wonder of a new travel destination – I loved it!"

Join us for 2024
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

09/07/2023

I'm very excited to finally say that Soulful India 2024 is finally open for bookings! This is your chance to secure your place on my next Hosted Escape, due to depart in March 2024.
Take the opportunity to travel with a small intimate group of like-minded women and experience the beauty, wonder and culture of the country, that continues to capture my heart. I look forward to sharing my love and experience of India with those women who choose to join me on this life changing experience.
For all the details, inclusions and an itinerary outline, you can click the link below.
Will you join me?
https://www.soulfulescapes.com.au/lndia2024

27/06/2023

It's nearly ready!
Final touches being added to the website so I can open the doors for my next Soulful Escape for women.
A revamped version of my signature tour, Soulful India will be ready to book any day now. Feels so good to be back.
Watch this space.

19/05/2023

Ain’t that the truth!

13/05/2023

Been home 15 days from India and it's taken this long to be fully back. This always happens to me when I travel to India. In the weeks leading up to a trip I can feel parts of myself already there. Maybe it's the planning, or getting into the zone, but it's as if parts of me begin the journey before I physically leave.
My motivation for the last trip was to see if I still had the vibe for India. It had been almost 4 year since I'd travelled there, after visiting twice a year for the 4 years prior. I wasn't sure if I still had the spark and needed to take this last trip to a get a feel for whether India still had something over me. I guess I'm very kinesthetic in my decision making.
Well it took about 20 minutes. When I stepped out into the buzz of Delhi airport, felt the pulse, experienced the order in the chaos, it all came flooding back.
And just like when I depart for India, it takes me a while to fully return. Home now for 15 days, in some ways it’s only now, all the parts of me are home, including my love and fascination for all things India.
And so the planning has begun and the Soulful Escape tours will continue.
Starting with a tour to celebrate Holi, and your first taste of my India, plans are underway for Soulful India, which will commence approximately 23rd March 2024.
This is my signature tour and introduces you to the Spirit, Love and Joy of India.
Final details to follow in the coming weeks, this will be a 12/13 night journey that will awaken your senses, introduce you to the colours, heart and soul of India, opening your eyes to this incredible destination.
I can't wait to share more with you.

28/04/2023

Here’s to the unsung heroes of the Indian Tourism industry…..the drivers!
Thank you Sanjay ji for delivering me safely from A to B. For negotiating bumpy roads, endless traffic, cows, little laneways, countless trucks and wrong turns when your navigator wasn’t up to scratch!
You trust these guys with your life and they are the masters of their craft.
See you next time.

27/04/2023

India did it again.
My latest blog post as I board my plane home.

27/04/2023

Where every guest gets their own kite to fly from the rooftop.

26/04/2023

One of my favourite places to visit in India is Old Delhi. Tonight I went back there and felt the energy of this part of Delhi. Rickshaws, markets, laneways, shopping, spices, temples, mosques, food, chaos, flow, more food, tooting horns and then…..there is Haveli Dharampura!
What a find is this luxury oasis in the laneways of Old Delhi is. I couldn’t decide what I loved the most. The welcome as you step inside, or the levels of the haveli which took 6 years to restore, the rooftop where you get the best views of the surrounding areas and watch the locals flying kites, the sunset, paired with a gin and tonic, the traditional dance which takes place on the 2nd level or the exquisite tasting menu served served in the restaurant with impeccable service and generosity. Of course the rooms are stunning, individually colourful and where every detail has been hand picked by the owner. All of the above combined with the warmth and care given to us by our hosts made for an unforgettable last evening and it even harder to leave tomorrow.
Old Delhi delivers once again.

26/04/2023

Yep!

25/04/2023

No such thing as a free lunch! Spent the last 2 days in Jaipur attending GITB (The Great Indian Travel Bazaar!
40 meetings with hoteliers, boutique experiences and tourism boards and a reminder how passionate and incredible tourism people truly are.
Some new friends made along the way.

22/04/2023

India….what’s not to love?