If the Galápagos taught me anything, it's that wonder compounds. Day after day, hour after hour, what seems like the best moment is simply a setup for the next. One morning it's a sea lion at your feet; by afternoon you're swimming with penguins. One day you're telling your son about Darwin; the next, you're watching him discover a sea turtle up close. This wasn't just a trip. It was a moment in time. A place where my past, present, and future all seemed to collapse into a single golden hour. And at the end of it all, I came home not just with memories, but with something better: the deep satisfaction of knowing I made it happen, for them, and for me.

To me, opulent exploration is about total immersion—spending the day engaged in the very experiences that define a destination you’ve long dreamed of seeing up close. It’s that perfect view, that iconic site brought to life by the right guide, the kind who makes the moment unforgettable. It’s snapping a photo—whether on a Leica or an iPhone—that you immediately explain “doesn’t do it justice.” And it’s returning at day’s end to a setting so elevated, so deeply worth the flight, that you pause with a drink in hand, soaking it in before a meal that ties it all together—the colors, the flavors, the culture, the joy. This is why we travel. So when a supplier you adore—whose properties are the gold standard, whose people are not just the best in the business but have become friends—invites you to Rio de Janeiro for their first-ever North American summit, you go. I was honored to be one of fewer than 40 advisors invited by Belmond to spend four extraordinary days with their senior leadership and general managers, exploring this vibrant city together. Rio was the perfect backdrop, made even more unforgettable by Belmond’s signature touches: one morning, they closed the normally jam-packed Christ the Redeemer statue at the top of Corcovado just for us, allowing our group to experience sunrise in peaceful silence, followed by breakfast with that jaw-dropping view. It was the kind of moment you don’t forget—and exactly what this trip was full of. One of the most unexpected highlights? A behind-the-scenes tour of a Premier League samba school’s Carnival warehouse. Think $3 million budgets, soaring floats, and costumes stacked to the ceiling—all in pursuit of Carnival glory. We tried on the outrageous outfits, climbed the floats, and sipped caipirinhas while watching the band rehearse. I thought I understood Carnival… but after walking through its creative nerve center, I realized I’d barely scratched the surface. This was Brazil’s true national pastime—and I had a front-row seat.

Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Jerez, and Marbella formed the itinerary for the top ten advisors from Gifted Travel Network, who embarked on a whirlwind travel adventure. This journey showcased exclusive behind-the-scenes access courtesy of Virginia Irurita, the founder of Made for Spain & Portugal, a revered partner of ours.

This journey epitomized the pinnacle of travel experiences: exploring the otherworldly terrain of the Altiplano via remote hiking trails and secluded mountain lodges. Our expedition commenced in Chile's Atacama Desert and concluded over 1000 kilometers away in Bolivia. This thrilling adventure amidst the Andes was truly invigorating.

An unforgettable summer family vacation in Southern England, where you'll explore the vibrant city of London, witness the excitement of Wimbledon, and experience the charming beauty of the Cotswolds. This trip perfectly blends city adventure, sports enthusiasm, and countryside relaxation. A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra

A lifetime of experiences through my lens. Travel photography © Stuart Marra