Celebrating International Women’s Day: TPG’s favorite women-founded travel brands

In honor of International Women’s Day, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers of the travel industry: women.

These entrepreneurs have not just carved a niche; they’ve also reshaped the travel landscape with innovation, determination and a deep understanding of what it means to explore the world.

From the cozy corners of boutique hotels to the expansive horizons of adventure travel, women-founded and women-owned brands are making waves, offering experiences that cater to every traveler’s dream.

Each story below is a testament to the power of vision, the courage to challenge the status quo and the relentless pursuit of excellence. All of these women make travel more inclusive, sustainable and unforgettable.

So, let’s pack our bags with purpose this International Women’s Day and embark on a voyage of discovery, championing the incredible women leading the way in travel.

Lisa and Stephanie Karvellas, Cedar Lakes Estate

Lisa and Stephanie Karvellas, a dynamic sister duo, have transformed Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis, New York, into a dream destination.

Nestled in the Hudson Valley on what was once a 1930s summer camp, this enchanting venue is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Spread over 500 acres, with 16 luxury cottages, 14 quaint cabins and 6 snug suites, it offers a unique escape into nature’s arms. It serves as a breathtaking wedding venue for three seasons and a cozy winter resort for the fourth.

The Karvellas sisters — who took the helm of their family business in their mid-20s nearly a decade ago — infused their lifelong passions for food, event planning and their cherished childhood home into Cedar Lakes Estate.

They dedicated their first year to crafting a flawless business plan and creating an idyllic setting complete with charming cottages, a contemporary barn and stunning event spaces for weddings and retreats.

Now, as co-founders, they pour their hearts into the estate daily, aiming to share their love and dedication with every guest. Their meticulous attention to detail and the on-site offerings reflect not just their own passions but also those of their devoted staff.

Patricia Miranda Allen, Cerro Brujo Gourmet & Vida Verde Integral

Chef Patricia Miranda Allen is not just the culinary genius behind Cerro Brujo Gourmet, a gem nestled in the lush landscapes of Volcan Chiriqui in Panama. She is also a pioneering woman in the travel and gastronomy world.

Opening her doors 24 years ago, she has since been committed to a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing ingredients straight from local farms to create gourmet dishes that speak volumes of the land’s bounty. Her efforts have earned her a spot in the prestigious “Plant Forward 50,” a nod to her dedication to sustainable plant-based cuisine.

Beyond her restaurant, Miranda Allen has made remarkable strides in empowering the women of the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community through the “Fogon de mis Amores” school. The school teaches culinary skills with sustainable practices to enhance women’s lives.

Her foundation, Vida Verde Integral, further extends her influence, championing environmental conservation and sustainable gastronomy. Miranda Allen’s journey is a beacon of innovation and female empowerment in the travel industry, proving that with passion and purpose, one can indeed make a world of difference.

Emma Thomas, Planet 9

In the heart of Los Angeles, Planet 9 stands as a beacon of progress in the private aviation sector, distinguished by its fleet and its commitment to shattering glass ceilings.

With an impressive 11% of its pilots being women — doubling, even tripling, the national average — the company also celebrates a strong female presence in senior management and across its team, particularly highlighting the 30% of female cabin service representatives.

Among these trailblazers is Emma Thomas, a dedicated flight attendant with nine years under her belt, the last three of which have been with Planet 9. Thomas is not just any crew member; she’s on a thrilling journey, holding a professional pilot’s license with her sights set on becoming a commercial pilot within the same company. Her story is a testament to the supportive environment at Planet 9, which has been instrumental in her pursuit of additional pilot ratings.

Thomas brings a wealth of qualifications, including a flight attendant certificate and a private pilot’s license from the FAA, as well as certifications in ServSafe food and beverage safety and CPR/AED. She also has training from the Culinary Institute of America.

Based in Denver, Thomas cherishes the global mobility her job provides, alongside her passion for fitness as a CycleBar instructor. Her journey at Planet 9 exemplifies the company’s ethos of encouraging its staff to soar beyond traditional industry norms, proving that the sky’s truly the limit with the right support and environment.

Andi Cross, Edges of Earth Expedition

Andi Cross, founder of Wildpalm, seamlessly merged her corporate acumen with her passion for the ocean by leading the Edges of Earth Expedition. This remarkable journey, which began in spring 2023, took her and her team to 50 of the most isolated and spectacular locations around the globe over two years.

Their mission was clear: to illuminate the vital work of ocean conservationists, ecotourism pioneers and marine researchers, and to inspire young women toward greater environmental activism.

With a rich background as a Brand Strategist in Residence at H/L Ventures and significant roles at prestigious firms like Huge and Ogilvy & Mather in New York City, Cross leveraged her expertise for environmental stewardship.

Her expedition team, composed of professionals who traded their corporate lives for conservation, has already left an indelible mark. They’ve propelled sustainable travel in Vanuatu, brought attention to conservation efforts in the Maldives with luxury travel, and showcased the integration of conservation in professional surfing.

Marcy Holthus, Pilot Hotels

Marcy Holthus loves old buildings with stories to tell, and this love sparked the idea for Pilot Hotels in 2018. Her journey began with a beautiful spot in Loire, France, called Hotel Chateau du Grand-Luce — right after she had already made waves with the Washington School House Hotel in the U.S. This place isn’t just any hotel; it’s set in one of the few original schoolhouses left in the country.

Holthus’ knack for blending stunning designs with real, meaningful travel experiences has given two old, significant buildings a new lease on life. They stand as tributes to history and architecture, offering a peek into their glorious past.

Pilot Hotels is all about offering something special to those who love luxury but want more than just the usual. It’s for travelers looking for a real connection, a touch of authenticity, and a dash of luxury. Holthus has turned these historical gems into havens for discerning guests, raising the bar for what luxury travel can be.

Torunn Tronsvang, Up Norway

In 2016, Torunn Tronsvang set out with a dream: to show the world the real Norway through her company, Up Norway. She wanted to create deep, authentic connections between travelers and her homeland, all while emphasizing sustainability and positive impact.

Tronsvang envisioned a kind of travel that offered more than sightseeing — where visitors felt like friends, exploring the rich culture and warm hospitality of Norway. She imagined immersive experiences where guests could dive into local crafts, savor the cuisine and truly engage with locals.

Related: From ice caves to Indigenous reindeer tours: 10 unique experiences to have in Norway

Her own global adventures reinforced her belief in Norway’s unique appeal. Tronsvang was convinced that travel could be meaningful and transformative, not just for the travelers but also for the planet. Up Norway became a reality, thriving on Tronsvang’s passion for sustainable, authentic and engaging travel.

Valentina De Santis, Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Valentina De Santis is the heart and soul behind Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a place of legendary beauty that overlooks the stunning Lake Como in Italy. She’s not just any owner; she’s a visionary who breathed new life into this historic palace, making it a symbol of luxury and Italian charm.

After studying hard and earning her degrees in business administration and general management from the University of Milan — including a semester in Minneapolis to broaden her horizons — De Santis took the reins of her family’s hotel in 1975.

Growing up in the hotel, she became the modern embodiment of Eloise, turning her childhood playground into a career that would see her named Virtuoso’s 2022 Hotelier of the Year.

Cecilia Diaz Chuit, Cavas Wine Lodge

Cecilia Diaz Chuit is the proud owner of Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza, Argentina, where her love for wine and hospitality beautifully merge.

This Relais & Chateaux property stands out as Mendoza’s first luxury hotel dedicated entirely to the wine experience, built from the ground up by Diaz Chuit herself. She dove into creating a haven for wine lovers, offering everything from tastings and picnics to cooking classes, all surrounded by the stunning vistas of Mendoza’s wine country.

Diaz Chuit didn’t stop at offering a place to stay; she ensured every inch of the lodge was a tribute to Argentine wine. With an underground cellar that boasts 500 labels of the country’s finest wines and even an open-air theater for enjoying culture and art under the stars, Cavas Wine Lodge is a testament to Diaz Chuit’s vision and passion.

Her efforts have also shone a light on the rising stars of the wine world — women. The region is seeing an ever-increasing number of female winemakers making their mark and gaining recognition.

Esin Gural Argat, Joali and Joali Being

Esin Gural Argat shifted gears from leading a top glassware business to opening Joali, a stunning luxury hotel in the Maldives, in 2018. Not stopping there, she added Joali Being to her portfolio in 2021, showcasing her knack for blending ultra-luxury with art and design. Gural Argat’s ventures stand out for more than just their elegance; they’re also a tribute to her commitment to gender equality and empowering women.

Related: Move over, honeymooners: The Maldives is more family-friendly than ever

At the heart of Joali is the Women in Arts program, a unique effort that spotlights female artists, offering them a stage to share their work and stories. This program isn’t just about showcasing art; it’s about creating opportunities for Maldivian women to grow their talents through workshops and training led by the retreat’s own resident artist.

Their creations end up in the Joali Art Studio, where guests can admire and buy them, directly supporting the artists. But the impact goes beyond the hotel walls, reaching into local communities and schools to inspire and involve more women in the arts.

Indre Rockefeller, Paravel luggage brand

Indre Rockefeller, co-founder of Paravel, embarked on a journey that transformed her and the brand forever.

In 2018, she joined a polar expedition to Antarctica with The Nature Conservancy, a trip that opened her eyes to the harsh realities of climate change in one of the Earth’s most untouched places. The scientists’ urgent message was clear: The next decade is crucial in fighting climate change, a call to action that Rockefeller couldn’t ignore.

Upon returning, she made a decisive call to her business partner, Andy, marking a pivotal moment for Paravel. Sustainability shifted from being important to becoming the heart of their mission. This meant overhauling their entire approach — from supply chains and product development to partnerships and packaging, all while launching a significant carbon offsetting program.

Rockefeller and Paravel were committed to sending travelers out into the world and ensuring they do so with a conscience, equipped with eco-friendly products and the knowledge to use them responsibly.

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