Travel for Good: The Divine Destination Collection’s Journey of Giving Back

Travel for Good: The Divine Destination Collection’s Journey of Giving Back

Travel for Good: The Divine Destination Collection’s Journey of Giving Back

Making the World Better, One Journey at a Time

Mexican children

Have you ever noticed that when you reminisce about your favourite travels, it’s often the cultural moments that leave the deepest impression? The vibrant markets, the rhythmic beats of local music filling the air, and the warm smiles of the people you meet along the way… At The Divine Destination Collection, we cherish these experiences just as much as you do. That’s why every journey we curate is designed to immerse you in the heart and soul of each destination. As our co-founder, Deb Niven, often says,

“It’s about embarking on a trip that includes experiences beyond the hotel. That includes supporting the local community by relaxing, shopping, and taking excursions through the area – but it goes beyond that for us. The travel we offer is carefully curated to pull back the veil of a destination and allow our travelers to experience what is sacred about the location – far beyond history or what makes a place famous.”

 

“That’s why every single trip we curate includes meaningful encounters. For example, in Muskoka, we honoured the First Nations people of the area and gently led our travellers back to nature with activities such as foraging for the very mushrooms used in that night’s gourmet dinner – all while enjoying the finest of wines, of course, which is a special Divine Destination Collection tradition.”

Making a Difference: Our Contributions Around the Globe

At The Divine Destination Collection, giving back isn’t just a buzzword – it’s at the core of everything we do. We believe in making a real difference in the lives of others, and that starts with the communities we visit around the globe. Deb and Allison, our co-founders, personally engage with these communities, ensuring that our support is genuine and tailored to their specific needs. Rather than focusing on large-scale initiatives, we champion grassroots efforts that directly benefit the people and places we encounter. We infuse meaning into every journey, ensuring that each trip leaves a lasting, positive impact not only on the travellers who venture with us but also on the places we visit and the communities we engage with.

We go the extra mile to seek out opportunities that support local communities, empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, and protect the natural world. From supporting artisans in remote villages to championing ethical wildlife encounters, every trip with us is a chance to make a meaningful difference.

Here are just a few examples of how we’ve given back:

Horse Heart Arizona

Arizona:

In Arizona, we supported Hunkapi Farms, an organization that provides equine therapy for individuals with special needs, by donating a portion of our proceeds from our trip.

Tujatane Tongabezi Trust School Children

Zambia:

In Zambia, we donated school supplies to Tongabezi Trust School, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed.

Ancient ruins of Tulum, Mayan Riviera

Mexico:

During our trip to Mexico, we brought soccer uniforms for a local kids’ community team, promoting sports and teamwork among the youth.

Girls from the rural community of Huilloc in the Andes Mountains of Peru

Peru:

In Peru, we made donations of pajamas and shoes to a girls’ home in Cusco, as well as soccer balls, dolls, hygiene, and dental kits to an Amazon community.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Bali:

In Bali, we donated a printer and supplies to an orphanage in the countryside, helping to support their educational programs.

Jayne Nagy reads from I'm Who Im Meant To Be

Whispering Springs:

At Camp Divine Whispering Springs, we made a sizable donation to Camp Moonlight and Noah’s Clubhouse, supporting children with cerebral palsy.

Horse Heart Arizona

Uganda:

In Uganda, we provided school supplies to Bwindi Watoto School, supported Ride 4 A Woman collective through guest purchases, and made a significant donation to Bwindi Community Hospital.

Havana, 'Con Un Poco De Amor' (With a Bit of Love)

Havana:

On our upcoming trip to Havana, Cuba, we’re proud to support the ‘Con Un Poco De Amor’ (With a Bit of Love) initiative at the Escuela Especial Emma Rosa Chuy. This initiative benefits special needs children aged 6-19, and we’re honoured to contribute much-needed school supplies to their educational journey.

Peru Andes outdoor lunch

We’re Not Your Average Luxury Travel Company

We’re on a mission to redefine the way you experience the world, one meaningful adventure at a time, but we’re not all work and no play! Our trips are filled with immersive experiences that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Whether it’s an elegant beach soirée with fire dancers and breathtaking fireworks in Bali, basking in the epitome of luxury and relaxation at La Quinta da Auga Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa in Spain, experiencing heartwarming surprises like a children’s performance at Tongabezi School in Zambia, coupled with meaningful school supply donations, or savouring the breathtaking beauty of an exquisite pop-up picnic amidst the Andes Mountains in Peru, every moment is an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime.

Let’s Make a Difference, Together

Bali, Final night dinner group shot

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to experience an unforgettable adventure with The Divine Destination Collection. Together, we can make a difference, one trip at a time.

And to all those who have already joined us on this incredible journey and have made a difference in the lives of others, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your support and dedication inspire us every day as we continue our mission to create meaningful travel experiences that leave a positive impact on the world.

Whether it’s through joining a future trip, making a donation, or spreading the word about The Divine Destination Collection’s initiatives, there are countless ways you can contribute to our cause. Together, let’s continue to make a difference and create lasting change.

Discover Innovative Cuban Cuisine

Discover Innovative Cuban Cuisine

Discover Innovative Cuban Cuisine

The New Cuban Cuisine

Cuban cuisine has gotten a bad rap over the decades…too bland with limited food supplies due to the Cuban political and economic landscape.

Now, Havana is leading the way with a culinary renaissance marked by an emergence of innovative and diverse cuisine.  Local chefs are creatively reinventing classic dishes, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients to provide a modern twist. From paladares (small family-run restaurants) offering inventive dishes to vibrant street food stalls experimenting with bold flavors, Havana’s culinary landscape is evolving.

During our upcoming journey to Havana, we’ll dine at some of the trendiest spots!

Lorena Faccio is one of Old Havana’s hottest chefs as well as the star of a local Cuban TV cooking show.  Considered one the best paladares in the city, Lorena serves delicious and authentic family-style meals on the rooftop of her private home “La Lore Habana” With help from her mom, you can expect to indulge in mojitos, aqua frescas, daiquiris, and canapes before the main event!

One of the city’s best restaurants is Grados.  Young Chef Raulito Bezak turns out remarkable dishes alongside his mom, Dad and Uncle. Chef Raulito transformed his mother’s casa particular into an intimate paladar. Everything he serves is homemade and dining is an experience here. The dishes are a delectable combination of traditional Cuban cuisine and Raulito’s experiments.

Yarini Habana specializes in contemporary Cuban and international flavours and offers a cool rooftop vibe in the trendy San Isidro neighbourhood. With views of the city, live music and the most extensive cocktail menu in Havana, don’t be surprised to see up-and-coming artists and musicians at the next table. Yarini is the spot to be any day of the week.

Recipes

Try these classic Cuban dishes for yourself!  All courtesy of Chef’s Pencil

ROPA VIEJA

Lechon Asado

Cuba is the only Caribbean country where the food centers on meat dishes rather than fish. One culinary masterpiece that stands out is the Cuban Roast pork.   During Cuban holidays, roast pork takes center stage as a special dish. The authentic flavor of this dish is a result of the lengthy cooking process and the captivating mojo salsa, crafted with garlic, seasonings, and vinegar, adding an enchanting touch.

Lechon Asado (Cuban Roast Pork) – Chef’s Pencil (chefspencil.com)

SeAsia Best Food Destinations Chart
ROPA VIEJA

Ropa Vieja

The recipe for Ropa Vieja, translated to “Old Clothes’, has a long history in the Cuban cuisine. It’s considered the national dish of Cuba and recipes vary across the country as each family passes down their own version of the dish and makes it their own.

Ropa Vieja (Cuban Old Clothes Dish) – Chef’s Pencil (chefspencil.com)

The Divine Destination Collection Top Travel Destinations for 2024

The Divine Destination Collection Top Travel Destinations for 2024

The Divine Destination Collection Top Travel Destinations for 2024

The Divine Destination Collection
Top Travel Destinations for 2024

The new year is almost here, and what better way to look forward to 2024 than to share our top 10 list of unique and exciting travel destinations.

 “We’ve come up with a bucket list of really great places to visit,” says Divine Destination Collection co-founder Allison Frame. “On top of doing a lot of research, we reached out to our Divine travel tribe for suggestions for destinations where luxury, adventure, and spirituality meet. And better yet – we will be travelling to two of these locations next year, with three on the radar for 2025.”

 So pick up some travel-sized shampoo and make sure your passport hasn’t expired! We hope this list inspires you to look for travel with meaning and consider our amazing trips for the near future.

Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba

*The Divine Destination Collection April 4 to 7, 2024

With its mix of Spanish colonial architecture and bygone glamour, as well as a new “cool” art scene – Cuba’s capital city of Havana will both surprise and intrigue you. Venues like the Fábrica de Arte Cubano offer everything from classical music to Cuban rap, and the city’s emerging food scene is full of charming paladares – small family-run restaurants.

It’s no wonder that both Travel + Leisure magazine and Tripadvisor agree with us that Cuba is one of the best places to visit for its interesting culture and elegant old-world charm.

Havana, Cuba

Quito and The Galapagos, Ecuador

*The Divine Destination Collection October 27 to November 5, 2024

The second trip of 2024 will have you following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with an up-close look at the unusual plant and animal life that inspired his theory of evolution. Full of exotic animals like blue-footed boobies, ghost crabs, and giant tortoises, a trip to the Galapagos Islands is one of those truly unforgettable adventures that few people get to experience.

The Divine Destination Collection is adding on a visit to Quito – the capital of Ecuador – so you also get to travel back to the 16th century to explore how this city rose from Inca ruins.

Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands
Quito, Equador

Sicily, Italy

Vogue magazine says Sicily should be everyone’s next Italian trip destination and The Divine Destination Collection is eager to visit in 2025! From white sandy beaches and quaint cobblestoned villages to delicious pasta and seafood, this is the Italian island of your dreams. One of its luxury hotels was even the setting for the hit HBO series The White Lotus.

Cefalú, Taormina, Sicily
Palermo, Sicily
Ragusa Ibla, Sicily

Buenos Aires and Salta, Argentina

Veranda, the popular lifestyle magazine, is into the finer things in life, and joins many travel sites by listing Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a top luxury destination. The home of Eva Perón and the birthplace of the tango, the city’s European heritage can be seen in its grand architecture and beautiful parks. Combining Buenos Aires with a visit to the historic city of Salta is a top choice for us in 2025.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Condé Nast Traveller magazine is wild about visiting British Columbia, and especially Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the province’s west coast. At this ancestral home of the Haida First Nation, incredible wildlife abounds, as well as majestic old growth forests, and all visitors must take the Haida Gwaii pledge before arriving in order to respect this pristine part of the world. This destination was a big winner in The Divine Destination Collection’s recent survey!

Haida Gwaii, BC
Haida Gwaii, BC
Haida Gwaii, BC

Morocco

 Morocco is another Condé Nast Traveller top destination pick and one of ours too. Known as the “farthest land of the setting sun,” a true Moroccan adventure must include a visit to Marrakech to explore the famous Souks, or marketplaces, world-class museums, mosaic-decorated palaces, and outstanding roof-top restaurants. And a visit to Morocco wouldn’t be complete without venturing into the High Atlas Mountains to connect with the local Berber people.

Marrakech, Morocco

California Central Coast

Beaches, fabulous vineyards, and amazing restaurants fill up the 350 miles of shoreline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This breathtakingly beautiful route takes you through such fascinating treasures as Joshua Tree, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, and Los Olivos! And the surf is always up along Big Sur!

Big Sur, California, USA
Joshua Tree, CA, USA
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Pier, California

Costa Rica

Although it is famous for lush national parks where you can zip line along the rainforest canopy, Costa Rica is also renowned for restful get-aways which give it a place on our top destination list. The gorgeous Hacienda AltaGracia is one of the resorts being considering for a future Divine Destination Collection retreat.

Hacienda AltaGracia Hotel, Costa Rica

Japan

 This year Japan has the distinction of being voted the best country to visit by Condé Nast Traveller readers. We love it too! It’s where soft pink cherry blossoms blanket the land in the spring, and ancient cities like Kyoto, are filled with Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and tranquil Zen gardens.  

Cherry blossoms and parasols, Kyoto
Nishiki-Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto
Maiko-San, Kyoto
Fusihimi Inari, Kyoto

New Zealand

Majestic mountains, sandy beaches, forests, glaciers, and fjords fill the North and South islands of New Zealand. While its rugged beauty attracts extreme sports enthusiasts from around the world, its rich Māori culture, good food, and world-renowned wines are what attract the rest of us to New Zealand. It’s a great place to round out our pick of top 10 destinations to visit!

Visit The Divine Destination Collection website for updates on our upcoming trips and to find out where your next travel adventure will take you – and make sure you share it with a friend who loves to travel too!

New Zealand
Whangarei Falls, Whangarei, New Zealand
Lake Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand

Travel with Meaning

Travel with Meaning

Travelling with Meaning

Travel with Meaning

There has been a lot of discussion about ‘mindful travel’ as we finally emerge from the social distancing of the pandemic and can once again safely partake in the pleasure and adventure of travelling.

To Deb Niven, co-founder of The Divine Destination Collection, mindful travel really means travel with meaning.

Deb Niven, Co-Founder“It’s about embarking on a trip that includes experiences beyond the hotel. That includes supporting the local community by relaxing, shopping, and taking excursions through the area – but it goes beyond that for us. The travel we offer is carefully curated to pull back the veil of a destination and allow our travellers to experience what is sacred about the location – far beyond history or what makes a place famous.”

 

 

 

Has mindful travel changed the way people travel?

The post pandemic era released many people from their isolation out into the world, which at first they enjoyed with parties and get-togethers, followed very quickly with travel, says Deb. Even during the pandemic people were drawn to cottages up north, glamping and wilderness adventures, as it provided a safe environment. “But as the safety came back, people realized that time is precious and travel is to be savoured and not devoured,” says Deb. “That’s why every single trip we curate includes meaningful encounters. For example, in Muskoka we honoured the First Nations people of the area and gently led our travellers back to nature with activities such as foraging the very mushrooms used in that night’s gourmet dinner  – all while enjoying the finest of wines, of course, which is a special Divine Destination Collection tradition.” Another example is the trip to Mexico which featured the opportunity to be blessed in a Mayan ceremony, swim in a sacred cenote, take a mild “temascal” sweat lodge experience, and share an Indigenous meal and dancing with residents of a local Mayan village.
Group Mushroom Foray, Muskoka
Sac-Beh Cenote, Mayan Riviera

Travelling with Meaning and Upcoming Trips

Travelling with meaning continues with The Divine Destination Collection’s first trip of the year – The Sacred South of France… The Mystery of Mary Magdalene on June 5 to 12.

Besides enjoying the culture, food, wine, and beauty of the French countryside, this trip includes a fascinating look at into the 2,000 year-old legend of Mary Magdalene, focusing on her legacy as an archetype of the divine feminine – an energy that combines creativity, justice, awareness, and other strong feminine traits. We will follow her path through several sacred and magical healing sites in the beautiful South of France, with stops at the ancient walled city of Carcassonne and the gorgeous countryside of Aix-en-Provence.

Then, from October 17 to 25, The Divine Destination Collection travels to South Africa and Uganda for A Journey to the Heart and Soul. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure includes the chance to see Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain right from the window of our hotel, private tastings at the area’s world-renowned vineyards, and a stay at the luxurious Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and Private Game Reserve for twice-daily game drives to see the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos – in their natural habitat.

The adventure continues in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park, where we’ll trek through the rainforest with our private guides to meet some majestic and endangered mountain gorillas.

Home to the origins of ancient man, as well as some of the most magnificent wild animals on earth, both South and East Africa offer a truly life-changing experience. It’s a chance to look deeper into life and discover new meaning – to see more, live more, and to come away a richer human being.

Travel in the future

“As my co-founder Allison Frame often says, ‘travel always transforms the traveller.’ And as travel becomes more accessible, and our time becomes more precious, I believe more people will turn to meaningful travel,” says Deb.

“That’s why we search out ‘thin places’ where the veil between the physical and spiritual can be glimpsed, giving us a new appreciation of the world and our lives. As author and philosophical traveller Eric Weiner wrote in The New York Times, ‘We are jolted out of old ways of seeing the world, and therein lies the transformative magic of travel.’ 

“You can read more of Eric’s insightful thoughts here. If you share his vision of travel and love of thin places, the Divine Destination Collection is for you. We never stop in our quest to find inspiring, culturally rich locales that have the magical power to transform.”

How to become an Influencer and reap some great rewards – plus what’s in store for 2023!

How to become an Influencer and reap some great rewards – plus what’s in store for 2023!

Influencer Partnership

How to become an Influencer and reap some great rewards – plus what’s in store for 2023!

Are you a Divine Destination Collection fan? Did you have an exciting, or even life-changing journey with us to Machu Picchu in Peru, Scotland, or along the El Camino? Or are you intrigued by our special mix of adventure, luxury, and spirituality and hope to travel with us one day?

“You might want to consider joining our growing group of Influencers,” says Allison Frame, Co-Founder of The Divine Destination Collection. “We appreciate the people who promote us and recommend us to others – and we offer some great rewards!”

  • For every person you introduce to us and travels with us, you receive 5% off of the trip cost, before airfare and HST taxes
  • Your reward can be in cash or you can bank it for a future trip
  • If you influence at least two people per year to travel with us, you are an official Influencer, and are invited to attend a fabulous annual dinner to share ideas and give feedback

Lots of Support is Available

Best of all, you aren’t on your own. There are lots of resources to support you as an Influencer.

If you are a member of a private club, or are connected to a group of fun-loving adventure seekers who appreciate luxury with a unique spiritual touch – Allison and Co-Founder Deb Niven might sponsor an event for you to promote an upcoming trip.

“We also give you lots of materials to support your events, conversations, and recommendations, such as our website, brochures, trip collateral, and a great video that explains the philosophy behind the company and our travel experiences,” says Allison.

A Decade of Great Adventures

Ever since creating their unique travel company just over 10 years ago, Allison and Deb have relied on word of mouth to attract new travelers and keep devoted followers coming back. “After all, there is no better advertisement than the enthusiasm and real-life experience of a satisfied fellow traveler,” says Allison. “That’s why we introduced Influencer Partnerships. It’s a great way to encourage people to share The Divine Destination Collection offerings to family, friends, and people in their social and professional networks – and reward them for their efforts.”

The Luxury Experience Concierge

Deb and Allison are also pleased to announce another great support to make trips as easy and fun as possible for Influencers and travelers. The Divine Destination Collection has partnered with seasoned travel expert Laurie Genereaux our trusted Luxury Experience Concierge to offer one-stop shopping for extra luxury amenities and experiences, and to take travel details such as layovers, car rentals, extended stays, and even theatre tickets and golf tee-times off the hands of busy travelers.

You might want to talk to Laurie if you’d like to stay longer to explore more of France if you are going on The Divine Destination Collection’s first trip of the year – The Sacred South of France… The Mystery of Mary Magdalene June 5 to 12!

This fascinating and fun journey into the 2,000 year-old legend of Mary Magdalene focuses on her legacy as an archetype of the divine feminine – an energy that combines creativity, justice, awareness, and other strong feminine traits – while enjoying the culture, food, wine, and beauty of the French countryside!

Deb and Allison have created a fantastic itinerary that takes the group from the ancient walled city of Carcassonne to the gorgeous countryside of Aix-en-Provence. Spots are still available, so make sure you register today!

Lavender fields in front Monastery, France

South Africa & Uganda: A Journey of the Heart

And get ready for another incredible adventure this year! From October 17 to 23 you are invited to take the trip of a lifetime to South Africa and Uganda.

Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and then heading to the incredible Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and Private Game Reserve which has been exclusively reserved for the group. Besides indulging in the finest cuisine and luxury, the group will go on twice-daily game drives to see the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos – in their natural habitat.

The adventure continues at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park. You’ll trek through the rainforest with our private guides to meet some majestic and endangered mountain gorillas.

This is a life-changing journey you will not want to miss, especially since it is full of all the luxury and incredible surprises The Divine Destination Collection is know for! The trip is currently being finalized, so stay tuned for more great details coming your way soon!

Travelling in Style and Comfort

Travelling in Style and Comfort

Travelling in Style and Comfort

We’re thrilled to welcome a new partner to The Divine Destination Collection group of women owned, Canadian made travel related products and services.

Marie-Claude Roulier is the President and Owner of Volprivé, a Montreal based company offering stunning, and useful, travel accessories.  Volprivé wants to reinvent the comfort of traveling. By designing and manufacturing in Canada the best quality merino wool and high-end quality garments, we pride ourselves on offering the discerning traveler the best quality in travel accessories. From our weighted soothing sleep masks, to our travel pillows and beautiful shawls, we want to accompany you in style wherever your life journey takes you. Welcome aboard Volprivé!

Visit Volprive at: https://volprive.ca/en

Diane Kroe
Wonderkind
Whisper Cabin, Whispering Springs