Leisure Travel Artist

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

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!

Wellness travel has never been more exciting or accessible. In 2025, it’s about moving beyond the traditional and steppi...
01/17/2025

Wellness travel has never been more exciting or accessible. In 2025, it’s about moving beyond the traditional and stepping into destinations that feel custom-built for your personal journey.

Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, and neither are the trips we plan. With our expert knowledge, we’ll match you to the perfect destination and experience to create something truly transformative. Because in 2025, it's not about following someone else's wellness rules – it's about creating your own perfect escape.

The Cyclades are stealing the spotlight in 2025, and the iconic Mykonos Blu Hotel (reopening this May) is the perfect sp...
01/16/2025

The Cyclades are stealing the spotlight in 2025, and the iconic Mykonos Blu Hotel (reopening this May) is the perfect spot to soak up this must-visit destination.

We can book you a VIP trip to experience this Greek island paradise. Their Island Bungalows offer unbelievable views, and we love recommending special touches like the Floating Breakfast - served right in your private villa's pool.

Another insider tip? Let us arrange for the hotel's signature 6-hour private driving tour. It's a great way to explore the island!

Save this post – or reach out to start planning your trip to Mykonos!

Travel is changing in exciting ways for 2025. We're seeing smarter booking systems, personalized wellness-focused stays,...
01/16/2025

Travel is changing in exciting ways for 2025. We're seeing smarter booking systems, personalized wellness-focused stays, and more opportunities to connect deeply with local cultures.

But before you pack those bags, let's talk about some important travel updates and reminders. Have you checked your passport expiration date lately? And if you're heading to the UK, you'll need to apply for their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your trip.

Want to learn more about travel requirements for your next destination? Just reach out! Travel should feel exciting, not overwhelming – that's why working with us makes all the difference.

Feeling like you need some quality 'me time' after the holiday chaos? Solo travel might be exactly what you need. This i...
01/14/2025

Feeling like you need some quality 'me time' after the holiday chaos? Solo travel might be exactly what you need.

This is your chance to be delightfully selfish – in the best way possible. Sleep in or wake up at sunrise. Spend three hours in that museum or skip it entirely. No judgment, no compromises – just you living your best life.

Insider Tip: Stay at boutique hotels or luxury lodges that offer social spaces and activities. Perfect for when you want to meet people – and equally perfect for when you don't!

Ready to plan your solo escape? Let's make it unforgettable.

Private island escapes don’t get better than this. Moskito Island, Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive retreat in the Britis...
01/12/2025

Private island escapes don’t get better than this. Moskito Island, Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive retreat in the British Virgin Islands, is the dream-worthy spot for celebrating milestones, gathering generations, and creating those once-in-a-lifetime memories. The only requirements? Beachwear and a sense of adventure.

Here’s what makes it so special:

Exclusive Villas & Estates: Luxury private estates with fully equipped kitchens, wraparound infinity-edge pools, and plenty of space for families or groups of all sizes.

All-Inclusive Luxury: Everything is covered—from gourmet meals and drinks to watersports equipment, so you can focus on relaxing and exploring.

Personalized Services: Dedicated chefs and butlers to cater to your every need, with options like booking a private DJ for an unforgettable night.

Curated Experiences: Private boat charters, snorkeling excursions, and endless activities tailored just for you.

Why not dream big and let us help you plan this ultra-luxe adventure? Reach out to learn more!

This year let’s travel with intention. Here a few insider tips for a more meaningful 2025: Culinary Exploration: Get han...
01/12/2025

This year let’s travel with intention. Here a few insider tips for a more meaningful 2025:

Culinary Exploration: Get hands-on with food experiences—try truffle hunting in Croatia, sushi-making workshops in Japan, or a farm-to-table feast in New Zealand.

Slow Travel Adventures: Spend more time truly exploring—like cruising on a canal boat in France, horseback riding in Patagonia, or taking a leisurely road trip around Iceland.

Give Back on Your Journey: Create a positive impact by joining local efforts, like turtle conservation in Sri Lanka or working with artisans in Guatemala.

Unique Stays, Deeper Stories: Opt for accommodations that are an experience themselves—treehouse lodges in Costa Rica, a castle on the Scottish coast, or a glass igloo in Finland.

Let’s get started planning your next big adventure!

When you think of Tuscany, wine and pasta probably come to mind first. But here's a secret: it's also one of Europe's be...
01/10/2025

When you think of Tuscany, wine and pasta probably come to mind first. But here's a secret: it's also one of Europe's best wellness destinations!

The region is dotted with amazing natural hot springs where you can soak in healing, mineral-rich waters. Relax with spa treatments inspired by local herbs and flowers, start your mornings with yoga under olive trees, or take peaceful walks through Chianti's vineyards that feel more like exploring than exercise. Plus, you can join cooking classes to learn all about making healthy (and delicious) Tuscan dishes.

Get in touch to explore all that Tuscany has to offer or discover other trending wellness destinations for 2025!

Is a safari still on your travel bucket-list? This is finally the year to start planning – and we have some great recomm...
01/09/2025

Is a safari still on your travel bucket-list? This is finally the year to start planning – and we have some great recommendations!

If Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls is on your list, we’ve found a must-visit retreat to experience it all. Victoria Falls River Lodge sits right on the Zambezi River, guaranteeing you front-row views to Africa's most amazing wildlife show with easy access to one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls.

Want more recommendations or ready to start planning your Zimbabwe adventure? Let’s chat!

New Zealand isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey worth taking now. Start your day at Rosewood Matakauri, where mornin...
01/09/2025

New Zealand isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey worth taking now.

Start your day at Rosewood Matakauri, where mornings come with coffee and sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and snow-capped peaks. But that’s just the beginning.

We’ll design an itinerary filled with extraordinary experiences: private tastings at exclusive vineyards, picnics in the heart of the Southern Alps, and hidden waterfall hikes far from the usual trails.

Ready to explore New Zealand? Get in touch to learn more!

Morning volcano hikes and afternoon snorkeling with sea lions? Yes, please! That's just a typical day at Pikaia Lodge in...
01/08/2025

Morning volcano hikes and afternoon snorkeling with sea lions? Yes, please! That's just a typical day at Pikaia Lodge in the Galápagos Islands. This eco-luxury lodge sits on top of an ancient volcanic crater, giving you the perfect home base for exploring one of Earth's most adventurous destinations.

The best part? You get to explore by land and sea. Hop on their private yacht to discover different islands, hike volcanic trails that look like another planet, and visit the legendary giant tortoises. After all the adventures, your spacious ocean-view room is just the retreat you need.

Insider Tip: Don't skip the educational programs - they bring the islands' unique wildlife and conservation story to life in ways that captivate both kids and adults.

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends. The mind can never break off from the journey." — Pat Conroy
01/06/2025

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends. The mind can never break off from the journey." — Pat Conroy

Thinking about visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025? These aren’t just places you visit—they’re stories of cult...
01/05/2025

Thinking about visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025? These aren’t just places you visit—they’re stories of culture, history, and humanity. And with us, you won’t just check them off a list—you’ll experience them in ways most travelers can’t.

We’ll arrange private guides, secure visits during quieter times, and customize every detail to turn your trip into something unforgettable.

Which UNESCO site do you want to explore? Let’s make this the year you get to experience it, with none of the stress and all the magic.

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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!