Leisure Travel Artist

Leisure Travel Artist The Art of Leisure Travel
Fully-customised itineraries and experiences, hand-crafted by a destination

We love designing dream trips for clients! Need some inspiration? The Alpina Gstaad is the kind of place that makes you...
02/07/2025

We love designing dream trips for clients! Need some inspiration?

The Alpina Gstaad is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you didn’t plan this sooner. Winter? Ski all day and relax with après-ski in style. Summer? Hit the trails or cool off in the infinity pool with views you’ll never forget. (Ask us about their world-class spa!)

Ready to finally check the Alps off your bucket list? Let's start planning!

Italy continues to be a dream destination year after year. If you’re planning a visit, we highly recommend booking early...
02/07/2025

Italy continues to be a dream destination year after year. If you’re planning a visit, we highly recommend booking early—and we’ve got the inside track on the best places to stay (and yes, some even have rooftop pools!).

One honorable mention: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi! This 19th-century marble palace on Piazza della Repubblica has it all: spacious rooms with high ceilings, a rooftop pool (a rarity in Rome!), and incredible views. With iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum just a short walk away, it’s the perfect base for exploring.

Reach out to start planning your Roman holiday!

With White Lotus’s Season 3 premiere this month, it’s no surprise that Thailand will be topping travel lists everywhere....
02/05/2025

With White Lotus’s Season 3 premiere this month, it’s no surprise that Thailand will be topping travel lists everywhere.

We love Thailand – but if you’re interested in Southeast Asia, consider these destinations that are just as fabulous, less crowded, and offer incredible luxury-hotel options:

✨ Laos: Explore Luang Prabang’s temples, cruise the Mekong, and enjoy Laotian-French fusion cuisine.

✨ Cambodia: Catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, relax on Koh Rong’s beaches, or unwind at one of the many luxury resorts.

✨ Malaysia: Escape to Langkawi’s beaches or experience the culture of Kuala Lumpur.

✨ Indonesia: We’ll show you the best of this iconic destination.

Ready to you to explore Thailand and beyond? Let’s start planning!

Ready to check into one of Madrid’s trendiest hotels? Say 'hello' to Madrid's EDITION Hotel—a total showstopper! From bl...
02/04/2025

Ready to check into one of Madrid’s trendiest hotels?

Say 'hello' to Madrid's EDITION Hotel—a total showstopper! From blush-pink rooms to a spiral staircase that’s pure architectural eye candy, this place knows how to make an impression.

Step outside, and you’re just minutes from the Prado Museum and some of Madrid’s top cultural landmarks. Get in touch to learn more!

Planning a trip is personal, and when you work with us, it’s about more than just booking flights and hotels. It’s about...
02/02/2025

Planning a trip is personal, and when you work with us, it’s about more than just booking flights and hotels. It’s about creating an experience that feels uniquely yours (plus all the extra special touches- room upgrades, resort credits, and perks you won’t find online).

Dreaming of a one-of-a-kind dining experience? We can arrange a private beachfront dinner, a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or even a culinary adventure with a local chef.

Our job is to take the stress out of travel and turn it into something seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable. Where to next? Let’s make it your best trip yet.

In 2025, travelers are embracing longer vacations, and it's easy to see why. Why Consider an Extended Stay? • Deeper Co...
02/01/2025

In 2025, travelers are embracing longer vacations, and it's easy to see why.

Why Consider an Extended Stay?

• Deeper Connections: Spending more time in one place allows you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.

• Relaxed Itineraries: With a longer stay, there's no rush. You can explore at your own pace without feeling hurried.

• Added Perks: Many accommodations offer special amenities or discounts for extended guests, making your stay even more enjoyable.

Advisor Tip: We can recommend properties that provide unique programs for longer stays, such as private chef services or personalized wellness experiences.

Anyone can visit Sicily—but we’ll help you experience it. With insider access to places like Villa Sant’Andrea, our clie...
01/30/2025

Anyone can visit Sicily—but we’ll help you experience it. With insider access to places like Villa Sant’Andrea, our clients enjoy perks and personal touches no online booking site can provide.

Wake up to ocean views at Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or rustic osterias, explore vineyards on Mount Etna, or spend the day boating along Sicily’s stunning coastline.

When you work with us, you’re getting so much more than a vacation—you’re getting an adventure designed just for you. Let’s plan your perfect Sicilian escape.

There’s no better way to invest in your relationship than by traveling together. From honeymoons to anniversaries, consi...
01/29/2025

There’s no better way to invest in your relationship than by traveling together. From honeymoons to anniversaries, consider these top destinations for romance this year:

Find a Beach: Seychelles offers luxury resorts and beaches that will take your breath away. Arrive in early May for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Mahé! Closer to home, Hawaii offers something special for every couple.

Go North: Treat yourselves to a five-star lodge in Banff National Park, Alberta. Hike, bike, or ski, then relax in the Banff hot springs. For something truly unique, head to Churchill, Manitoba to spot polar bears or go beluga boarding in Hudson’s Bay.

Go Overwater: Nothing says romance quite like an overwater bungalow. You’ll find these in the Maldives, French Polynesia, and Fiji.

Ready for a romantic escape? Let’s start planning your custom trip!

Belmond's classic river cruises are one of the best ways to explore Europe—here's why we love them: Small Ships, VIP Exp...
01/28/2025

Belmond's classic river cruises are one of the best ways to explore Europe—here's why we love them:

Small Ships, VIP Experience: Belmond's ships are designed to make you feel like a VIP from the moment you step on board. With fewer guests, you'll enjoy spacious cabins and exclusive access to areas larger ships can't reach.

Unique Itineraries & Private Excursions: Belmond's cruises feature curated itineraries that take you beyond the standard tourist spots: private vineyard tours in Burgundy to exclusive guided walks through medieval Austrian towns.

Gourmet Dining: Dine on regional specialties as you sail through some of Europe's most culinary-rich areas. Enjoy French cuisine on the Rhône, local wines in Tuscany, or discover the regional dishes of Central Europe along the Danube—all with impeccable service.

Message us to start planning your VIP cruise!

Rio Sagrado is your perfect base for exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley—and just wait until you see the setting. Along the b...
01/28/2025

Rio Sagrado is your perfect base for exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley—and just wait until you see the setting. Along the banks of the Urubamba River and surrounded by the Andes, this incredible property lets you experience the magic of the region in style.

Start your day with a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, a true bucket-list adventure. Explore the ancient ruins, take in the views, and enjoy the quiet moments that make this place unforgettable. Back at Rio Sagrado, relax by the river, enjoy Peruvian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, or just take in the peaceful beauty of the valley.

Ready to discover Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley like never before? Let’s plan your trip to Peru.

Paradise found: One&Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia. Trust us, this is the spot for your next escape. A short drive from J...
01/27/2025

Paradise found: One&Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia. Trust us, this is the spot for your next escape. A short drive from Johor Bahru or a ferry ride from Singapore, this place has completely stolen our hearts. Here’s why:

Garden Goals: Every path feels like an adventure, with colorful blooms, secluded nooks, and those “I need to take a photo of this” moments around every corner.

Spa Time: Forget “just another massage.” Their spa treatments mix ancient Malaysian healing traditions with luxurious pampering. You’ll leave feeling like you’re floating.

Cooking & Culture: From hands-on cooking classes to crafting traditional batik, every experience here connects you to Malaysia in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

Sound like paradise? Get in touch to learn more!

Namibia is shaping up to be one of this year’s most exciting eco-adventure destinations, and our partnerships with compa...
01/25/2025

Namibia is shaping up to be one of this year’s most exciting eco-adventure destinations, and our partnerships with companies like Wilderness allow us to book private adventures you won't find anywhere else.

You'll be able to explore Namibia with expert local guides who know every inch of this unique landscape. Watch desert elephants roam through ancient valleys or spot beautiful oryx against orange dunes. (Message us about booking a hot air balloon experience, too!)

Get in touch to start planning your one-of-a-kind journey through Namibia!

Ever feel like your trips fly by too fast? We’re always on the lookout for how to elevate your travel experiences, and w...
01/23/2025

Ever feel like your trips fly by too fast? We’re always on the lookout for how to elevate your travel experiences, and we cannot recommend slow travel enough—it’s truly a game-changer.

Instead of racing through destinations, slow travel invites you to settle in. Choose one region to explore deeply, stay in places that feel more like a home than a hotel, and let each day reveal a new layer of local life.

Insider Tip: We can recommend properties that reward longer stays and add experiences like cooking classes or art workshops that connect you to the destination's heart.

Let’s plan your next adventure, one unhurried moment at a time.

The Maldives has no shortage of luxury resorts, but Patina Maldives? It's something special. Even at full capacity, it f...
01/22/2025

The Maldives has no shortage of luxury resorts, but Patina Maldives? It's something special.

Even at full capacity, it feels like your own private island paradise – thanks to cleverly designed spaces and hidden nooks. Nine incredible restaurants, bars, and three food trucks serve up sustainable cuisine all day long. (Don't miss KŌEN: Japanese and Nordic flavors create some of the most memorable meals you'll ever have.)

But here's what really makes us smile: you can help seed coral reefs, care for rescued sea turtles, or spend your afternoon with wild dolphins.

Ready to experience one of the Maldives' best-kept secrets? Let's plan your escape!

2025 is your invitation to explore the world like never before! Below are some of the unforgettable - and trending - adv...
01/21/2025

2025 is your invitation to explore the world like never before! Below are some of the unforgettable - and trending - adventures we can plan together.

Galápagos Islands — Charter your own yacht, get close to incredible wildlife, and explore the islands with an itinerary created just for you.

Bhutan — Trek through the Himalayas then relax in lodges that embrace nature. It’s a journey of peace, adventure, and luxury.

Patagonia, Chile — Hike across glaciers, stay in luxury eco-camps, and experience exclusive guided treks through some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.

Iceland — Witness the Northern Lights, explore lava caves, and relax in countryside retreats—just you and the wonders of Iceland.

(Advisor tip: Travel during the shoulder seasons to experience these incredible places with fewer crowds)

Let’s start planning your 2025 adventure!

The secret to securing the perfect summer escape? Planning ahead for Ocean House Rhode Island. This Watch Hill retreat h...
01/20/2025

The secret to securing the perfect summer escape? Planning ahead for Ocean House Rhode Island. This Watch Hill retreat has everything we love about New England summers – beautiful private beaches, classic sailing adventures, and some of the best fresh seafood – with top-level services that keep guests coming back year after year.

And when we say top-level, we mean it: Ocean House is the first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in Rhode Island.

January might feel early to plan your summer escape, but the best rooms always book up early so let's start planning!

A new year brings with it the chance for a fresh start – especially when it comes to new adventures. If you're consideri...
01/20/2025

A new year brings with it the chance for a fresh start – especially when it comes to new adventures. If you're considering where to travel this year, here are some trending destinations for 2025:

• Calabria, Italy: The Italy that most tourists haven't discovered yet

• Antarctica: Your wildest expedition dreams come true

• Montenegro: Game of Thrones-worthy castles without the crowds

• Salta, Argentina: Rainbow-painted mountains and amazing high-altitude wines

• Turkish Riviera: The crowd-to-beach ratio is unreal (trust us on this one!)

Get in touch with us to explore these destinations or to discover what other spots are trending this year!

There's something magical about a resort that knows exactly where to place itself. Amanera resort sits 60 feet above Pla...
01/18/2025

There's something magical about a resort that knows exactly where to place itself. Amanera resort sits 60 feet above Playa Grande, where just 25 casitas enjoy what might be the Caribbean's most spectacular address.

This Dominican Republic property spans 2,000 acres and features a stunning golf course – reimagined by Rees Jones from his father's original design, with more coastal holes than any course in the Western Hemisphere.

The Bay View Pool Casitas are our favorite spot to wake up (even if you sleep through sunrise - no judgment). For pure bliss, head to the spa for their signature Taíno-inspired treatments. A favorite evening ritual? Ordering a hand-rolled cigar and local rum to your private clifftop dinner.

Ready to discover your own slice of Dominican paradise? Save this post or reach out today to start planning!

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We have a new travel obsession, and it’s called Seychelles. If you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches and those famous granite boulders that look straight out of a travel magazine, this is your sign to start packing. Here’s the best part: Seychelles feels like a world away, but getting there is easier than you think. Get in contact with us today to start planning! #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Iceland is a 2025 must-see! Chase the Northern Lights, relax in geothermal lagoons, and discover natural wonders you won’t find anywhere else. Ready to plan your adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable. #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Costa Rica is pure magic! Zip through rainforests, catch a wave on golden beaches, and spot wildlife up close. Adventure or relaxation? This destination has it all. Let’s start planning your 2025 escape! #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Planning your 2025 travel? Insider access, exclusive perks, and personalized itineraries are just the beginning. We handle every detail so you can focus on making memories. Ready to get started? #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Travel made simple, seamless, and unforgettable. ✈️ From insider access to exclusive perks, here’s why working with us in 2025 will take your adventures to the next level! #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Give the gift they’ll talk about for years—travel! Unforgettable experiences and custom itineraries come together to create the ultimate surprise. Ready to make memories? Get in touch with us to plan your perfect gift today! 🎁 #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

What makes Cambodia a must-visit for luxury travelers? This destination is full of unforgettable moments, from exploring the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat at sunrise to uncovering hidden floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Ready to see Cambodia like an insider? Let’s start planning! #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

2025 is your year to travel your way. From bucket-list adventures to bespoke escapes, let’s make it all about you. Let’s start planning! ✈️ #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Get ready to experience the magic of winter in Japan—snowy landscapes, hot springs, and unique adventures await! ❄️✨ Let’s plan your winter getaway. #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Who’s ready for an adventure in Portugal’s coolest city? Let's design the perfect itinerary with insider tips, hidden gems, and exclusive perks so you can explore Porto like a pro. #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Ready for Italy away from the crowds? We’ve handpicked some incredible destinations where you can slow down and experience the true essence of the country. This is Italy without the rush—rich culture, delicious food, and unforgettable views. Let’s start planning your Italian vacation today! #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

Leave the planning to us and get ready for unforgettable experiences. With insider knowledge and personalized itineraries, we’ll make your dream trip a reality. ✨🌍 #leisuretravelartist #wearetraveledge #luxurytravel

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About Me

Hi, I'm Debbie Kessler; Luxury Travel Advisor and Founder of Leisure Travel Artist.

I was born and raised in Hong Kong to an American Dad and Australian Mum, had my first passport before I was 2 weeks old, and had traveled around the world by the time I was 3.

In addition to Hong Kong & California, I've lived in Singapore and Sydney, Australia, where I earned my degree in Tourism & Travel Management.

Travel really is in my blood!