Explore the legend of a female icon in the beautiful South of France

Explore the legend of a female icon in the beautiful South of France

Explore the legend of a female icon in the beautiful South of France

After a two-year postponement due to COVID, The Divine Destination Collection’s trip to The Sacred South of France…The Mystery of Mary Magdalene is on schedule for June 5 to 12, 2023!

“When we started planning this trip back in 2019 we never imagined that a pandemic was going to upend the world and disrupt all our travel plans,” says Allison Frame, co-founder of The Divine Destination Collection. “But we are thrilled to be able to finally visit France safely and take our travellers on an exciting new adventure.

“And best of all, even with the skyrocketing cost of post-pandemic travel, we were able to keep the cost very close to our 2020 pricing. Actually, the price for single occupancy is lower than 2020.”

The itinerary has also gone through some changes to offer an even more fascinating and fun journey into the 2,000 year-old legend of Mary Magdalene who is said to have arrived in France after the crucifixion and lived and worked there as teacher and healer.

But instead of focusing on Mary Magdalene as a religious figure, the trip will explore her legacy as an archetype of the divine feminine – an energy that combines creativity, justice, awareness, and other strong feminine traits – while being immersed in the culture, food, wine, and beauty of the French countryside!

Mary Magdalene, stained glass, France
Carcassonne, France

The medieval city of Carcassonne

The journey starts in the ancient walled city of Carcassonne where home base for three days will be the 19th century Gothic style Hôtel de la Cité. Besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers such delights as an outdoor pool, a great view of the famous Saint Nazaire Basilica, beautifully appointed rooms, and homemade pastries served at breakfast.

On the first night the hotel owner will share the interesting history of the hotel and city in a private welcome evening on the hotel terrace, complete with lots of great food and bubbly Blanquette wine.

The next day renowned historians and experts will help the group explore the area through the eyes and heart of Mary Magdalene. This includes a visit to Alet-les-Bain a charming town full of hidden clues to Mary’s existence, and Rennes-le-Château a tiny hilltop hamlet with a church dedicated to Mary Magdalene and believed to be the location of many historical mysteries, including one linked to Dan Brown’s book, The Da Vinci Code.

There will also be a special Enchanted Encounters day to choose your own adventure. You can take in the four Cathar Castles of Lastours, the Lovers Fountain and Isis Chair, or take a guided walking and shopping tour of Carcassonne.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to indulge in the amazing cuisine of the South of France, including a “hint of Italy” dinner at La Bourdasso, a famous family-run Italian restaurant in the nearby countryside.

On to the land of the Impressionists

The next stop is Aix-en-Provence, known for its glorious countryside full of vineyards and fields of lavender and sunflowers made famous in the paintings of Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Matisse.

After stopping for a feast of local oysters in the seaside port town of Sete it’s check-in time at he enchanting Hotel Le Pigonnet where Cézanne loved to wander the grounds and paint the Sainte-Victoire mountain looming nearby.

While at Le Pigonnet, the group will be treated to a special “La Vie en Rose” evening. Just imagine dining on regional specialties and local rosé wines under a fragrant rose arbour in the hotel’s beautiful garden while the songs of Edith Piaf fill the air.

The next day the journey into the divine feminine and Mary Magdalene continues with a visit to Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume, a beautiful town at the foot of the Sainte-Baume mountains where the tomb of Mary Magdalene was believed to be found in 1279. You’ll hike up to the grotto where they say Mary lived for 30 years, and then be transported back in time with lunch at a monastic retreat. After lunch the search for Mary continues with a visit to the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, built in the 13th century and dedicated to Mary Magdalene.

There will also be lots of opportunities to wander through the ancient streets of Aix-en-Provence. Besides a beautiful market full of stalls from local farmers and vendors, the city has great restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

You’ll also be treated to the very best of the area’s cuisine with Dinner with the Stars at a Michelin Star restaurant, and an Au Revoir gala at a local Provence winery.

And of course, in true Divine Destination Collection style – there will be lots of delightful surprises sprinkled in throughout the trip!

Wendy Buchanan of perceptions eyewear
Hotel le Pigonnet, France
Aix en Provence market, France
Sainte-Baume, France
Lavender fields in front Monastery, France

Book now and receive a special offer!

The Divine Destination Collection is pleased to offer an extra incentive to book right away.

If you book before Wednesday, November 30, you will save $100. If you pay by cheque you’ll save an additional $300. Plus you’ll receive a copy of The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan – a thriller about Mary Magdalene set in the same foothills of France that the group will be visiting.

You’ll also receive special invitations to Sacred South of France events, and exciting information about France in preparation for the trip.

Take a look at the full itinerary and click on the Book Now button to register!

The Power of Collaboration

The Power of Collaboration

The Power of Collaboration

It’s amazing what can happen when we join forces to create something special.

The Divine Destination Collection has always partnered with special people around the world to create unique travel experiences. Now co-founders Allison Frame and Deb Niven are bringing that spirit of collaboration to the local level by partnering with some amazing Canadian artisans and retailers whose vision aligns with theirs – luxury, adventure, and spirituality.

“As a women-owned small business, Deb and I have always loved the idea of building a community of like-minded small business owners to share ideas, connect with more people, and promote the idea of buying locally,” says Allison. “We also wanted the opportunity to introduce our family of loyal travellers to some unique products and services here at home when they aren’t off on one of our adventures.”

With the experience and know-how of the company’s new Partnership & Opportunities Creator, Susan Minns, The Divine Destination Collection has already formed partnerships with four women-owned Toronto-based companies that offer gifts, clothing, and other exciting items which will be of interest to “Diviners.”

Wonderkind

Gift giving that makes an impact

Our travelers enjoy the luxury and attention to detail that Deb and Allison bring to every one of their trips. They also appreciate the fact that The Divine Destination Collection strives to make a positive impact on the destinations they visit by making a donation to a local charity.

Shawna Pereira and Tara Cochrane bring that same great combination of quality and community involvement to Wonderkind, their gifting service. While they source unique products from across Canada, and collaborate with more than a hundred artisans and producers to create tailor-made, personalized gifts, they also support female entrepreneurs through their Women Who Wonder initiative. Each parcel includes a special card that highlights and shares the stories of these extraordinary entrepreneurs.

“Like The Divine Destination Collection team and their extra special excursions that feature luxury, adventure, and personal attention, Wonderkind strives to do the same with gifting,” says Shawna. “We believe in quality, thoughtful gifting, and going the extra step to make gifting a personal experience.”

 

Eyewear styling with an extra personal touch

“Your eyewear is a divine accessory that allows you to perfectly see every detail of your travel destination,” says Wendy Buchanan, founder of Perceptions Eyewear and a registered optician, image consultant, and educator.

With that same warmth and personal attention that Allison and Deb bring to their trips, Wendy will not only find you the perfect pair of eye glasses – she’ll bring her curated selection of Canadian and international designs right to your home or office.

“As a small business entrepreneur, I love partnering with a luxury company like The Divine Destination Collection as they have the same values and attitude and bring together like-minded women to help connect unique services and experiences that improve all of our lives.”

Wendy Buchanan of perceptions eyewear
Diane Kroe
Wonderkind
Whisper Cabin, Whispering Springs
Wendy Buchanan of perceptions eyewear
Diane Kroe

Packing light for your next adventure

As a fashion designer, Diane Kroe has followed a ‘less is more” design philosophy. It turns out that’s the perfect look for travelers as she designs innovative, high-fashion travel clothing for women on the go. Helping her clients pack light is her passion.

“Packing for a trip can be very daunting for many people, so I solve the problem by designing  travel refined fashion for women. My inspiration is to maximize style options with fewer pieces to pack so my clientele can feel confident that they are prepared,” says Diane.

“Spontaneity is part of travel, and adventures are full of surprises – and we never quite know how to pack for the unknown. Over-packing is a common problem, often adding extra stress when you should be excited about relaxing on your holiday. I focus on fabrics that are comfy like PJs, wrinkle resistant, and easy care with an effortlessly elegant aesthetic.”

Mindfulness and Intention

Besides being full of luxury and adventure, each Divine Destination Collection trip includes a spiritual element – whether it is a forest-bathing experience in Ontario, or a virtual visit with a Zen Buddhist priest in Japan.

That element of spirituality makes Adrienne Enns and her company, May You Know Joy a perfect partner. Her line of intention cards can be used as a simple self-care tool to connect you to yourself and help cultivate the life you want to live – as well as bring in joy.

“Partnerships like this are very meaningful to us because we love collaborating with and supporting like-minded businesses and initiatives,” says Adrienne. “When people are away in a luxurious retreat experience like the ones created by The Divine Destination Collection, it’s the perfect opportunity for reflection and inspiration. I believe the cards are a simple and beautiful way for people to connect with themselves and also to carry their amazing experiences into their everyday lives.”

And there’s more to come

“We are so excited about our partnerships with these amazing women-led businesses and hope our travelers take advantage of all that these local small businesses have to offer,” says Allison.

“We look forward to adding even more partners that have a similar vision to ours into the fold, so stay tuned for announcements of more unique business partnerships.”

Spiritual Travel – A New Way to Explore The World

Spiritual Travel – A New Way to Explore The World

Spiritual Travel – A New Way to Explore The World

I think we would all agree that the global pandemic has certainly changed our outlook on how we live our lives.

“All across the world people seem to be talking more about mindfulness, being grounded, and connecting to a higher purpose,” says Allison Frame, Co-Founder of The Divine Destination Collection. “Having to stay physically apart from each other has made us think about what is truly important in life. For many of us, it has been a chance to re-evaluate how we live our lives and to examine who and how we want to be going forward in the world.

“It also made us more aware of our overall health and wellness and what is truly important in life, especially when it comes to our mental and spiritual well-being.”

Websites such as Tiny Buddha have become popular for tips on everything from ways to boost your happiness to how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and bring more joy into your life.

And now that people are returning to their offices, many workplaces are committed to making their environments healthier. Arianna Huffington, co-founder of the online news magazine The Huffington Post has created Thrive Global to help employers take better care of their most precious resource – their employees.

“This shift to creating a more mindful experience extends to the travel industry,” says Allison. “Travellers are craving a more meaningful travel experience and want to go a little deeper within the destination and themselves.”

Whispering Springs, Safari Tent
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Whispering Springs, Tree Top Tent

Applying a spiritual lens to travel

Ever since The Divine Destination Collection was launched 10 years ago, Allison and co-founder Deb Niven have always differentiated their travel journeys by offering an element of spirituality along with luxury and adventure.

“Spiritually is not religion,” says Allison. “It is something that is different for everyone. It can be your experience with nature, your own soul, your own personal growth, or a peek into the mysterious. It may be a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves or a search for meaning in life.  We believe that a spiritual experience is uplifting, sacred or transformational or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness. It’s whatever touches you. What gives you a sense of peace.”

Past Divine Destination Collection trips have explored spirituality in many ways – from  taking part in a shamanic ceremony in Peru and visiting “thin places” in Ireland, where it is said there is a thin veil between heaven and earth, to a virtual journey to Kyoto, Japan to learn about Shintoism, Buddhism from a Zen Buddhist priest.

“Because spirituality is so personal, no spiritual adventure is ever mandatory. We always make sure we offer an alternative experience,” says Allison. “And while we’ve found that women are often more open to the spiritual aspect of our trips, more and more men are coming around to trying it.

And contrary to popular belief, there is no reason why a spiritual journey has to be uncomfortable or full of hardship.

“Working in incentive travel and business events opened up the world of luxury travel to us, but Deb and I are also seekers – open to exploring new ways of connecting with ourselves and the world around us,” says Allison. “So we founded The Divine Destination Collection intending to blend both luxury and spirituality in an exciting travel adventure.”

Whispering Springs, Tree Top Tent
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat, Saltwater Pool
Whisper Cabin, Whispering Springs
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Lavender fields in front Monastery, France
Private Granite Suites Bath safari at Londolozi

Upcoming spiritual experiences

This September 25 to 27, when The Divine Destination Collection will be travelling to Grafton, Ontario for Camp Divine at the Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat, travellers will have the chance to experience different types of introspection and spirituality while glamping.

Allie Chisholm-Smith will be leading daily yoga classes, as well as opportunities for group reflection. And since the group will be surrounded by the beautiful Ontario wilderness, it is the perfect spot to commune with nature by taking a guided forest bathing experience or shinrin-yoku, one of the hottest new outdoor activities. Originating in Japan, forest-bathing is based on scientific evidence that spending time in nature, especially in a forest of trees, benefits the mind, body and spirit.

In June 2023, the journey to the Sacred South of France…the Mystery of Mary Magdalene, focuses on the activities of the legendary teacher and healer, who many believe was forced out of the Holy Land with other followers of Christ, and arrived by boat to the South of France.

The trip will also look at Mary as an archetype of the Divine Feminine – possessing an energy that combines healing, creativity, justice, awareness, and other strong feminine traits.

In October of 2023, the trip to South Africa and Uganda will offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visit the cradle of civilization and see wild animals in their natural habitat.

Allison is especially eager to travel to South Africa again after The Divine Destination Collection journeyed there in 2016. “Africa changes who you are,” she says. “At first I couldn’t understand it. I had a real sense of place. I felt like I had come back home.

“I’ll never forget what it felt like to be surrounded by a herd of elephants in the bush.  The sense of wonder, awe and connection in the overwhelming expanse of nature was truly transformational for me.”

What is Glamping – and Why is it So Popular?

What is Glamping – and Why is it So Popular?

What is Glamping – and Why is it So Popular?

From September 25 to 27 The Divine Destination Collection will be transforming the entire Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat into Camp Divine for a three-day glamping trip in beautiful Grafton, Ontario.

If the word “glamping” is not on your radar, you are not alone, as it is a relatively new concept. According to Hipcamp, a website dedicated to all things camping, the word “glamping” didn’t appear in the Oxford English Dictionary until 2016 as “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.”

Whispering Springs, Safari Tent
Whispering Springs Wilderness resort
Whispering Springs, Safari Tent
Whispering Springs, Tree Top Tent

When glamour meets camping

“It’s no surprise that the word “glamping” comes from joining the words “glamorous” and “camping” together to create a perfect combination of outdoor adventure with all the luxuries and conveniences of a fabulously well-appointed hotel,” says Allison Frame, Co-Founder of The Divine Destination Collection. “Better yet, you don’t need to lug your own tent, food, and supplies across the wilderness. Everything you need is ready and waiting for you.

“It’s also a great way to stay safe while COVID is still a concern. Group activities and meals are held outdoors, and tents are a good distance apart from each other. But most of all – it’s fun! I think our Divine Destination Collection travellers are really going to love it!”

In Canada, glamping has taken off, with prime locales promoted across the country, from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia to Tofino on Vancouver Island, and in Ontario Whispering Springs is considered one of the best, singled out for its beautiful location and luxurious amenities.

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat, Hammock Time
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat, Saltwater Pool
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat

Welcome to Whispering Springs

Nancy Corcoran, who owns Whispering Springs with her husband John, says glamping is like staying at a boutique hotel in the forest where you can enjoy all the conveniences of modern life, like running water, electricity, and great food.

At Whispering Springs that means luxurious soaker tubs and electric blankets in every tent and cabin, and a cocktail bar onsite. “There is an orchid in every room,” says Nancy. “Little touches like that make our guests feel like we care, so we work really hard at that. We want them to experience more than just staying in a hotel room.”

Nancy says glamping is especially popular with people who used to love traditional camping but are older now and want a more effortless experience while enjoying the great outdoors. “They love the convenience of having everything they need and more.”

But the pandemic highlighted the allure of glamping for all ages – including a younger crowd. “We were fortunate to be able to operate during COVID,” says Nancy. “We were low risk as we had lots of outdoor space so people could be apart.

Besides being located on 200 acres in the County of Northumberland by a beautiful spring-fed pond where some tents have a water view, each tent has been given a distinct name and theme – such as the Savannah, which has an African safari theme; the Firefly, which is whimsical; and Harvest Moon, which evokes the Southern Blues. “Guests have told us that they keep coming back to try out the different tents.”

But the main thing that makes Whispering Springs stand out is the staff.

“We have the best staff,” says Nancy. “Many are friends and family. They feel ownership of the place and really get what we’re trying to do. As a result, our staff are mentioned as one of the best features over and over again in guest reviews.”

A great place to celebrate

There is an extra special event coming up in August 2023 that is especially close to Nancy’s heart.

Nancy’s two-year-old granddaughter Ayla is a paediatric stroke survivor, and they have experienced first-hand the lack of support available for families trying to help their children thrive and grow with serious developmental challenges. To give these families the opportunity to learn from each other and share experiences, Whispering Springs will be hosting a two-day Camp Moonlight where children with disabilities and their families can enjoy the retreat free of charge and make some magical memories.

Nancy’s family has also created the Camp Moonlight Giving Fund to be directed to charities that will help families with the tremendous cost of physical therapy and special equipment that is not covered by the government health plan. On September 11th, Whispering Springs will also be hosting “An Evening Under the Moon.” An overnight stay in a luxurious Safari tent, gourmet dinner, and live music – all for a great cause.  All money will go to help children who desperately need these therapies.  Nancy’s sister Jayne Nagy has also written a children’s book entitled I’m Who I’m Meant to Be, featuring Ayla wandering through Whispering Springs spreading kindness, empathy, and love to children with all disabilities. If you’d like to learn more, please visit the website at welovejoy.ca.

Wonderkind
May You Know Joy

Some exciting news about the newsletter!

In our last blog, we told you about Susan Minns joining The Divine Destination Collection team as Partnership & Opportunities Creator. Susan has already begun partnering with some amazing Canadian artisans and retailers whose vision aligns with that of the Divine Destination Collection – luxury, adventure, and spirituality. These local companies will be highlighted in the newsletter each month as they offer jewellery, clothing, and other unique items which will be of interest to “Diviners” – and will bring joy. If you don’t receive the newsletter yet, sign up here.

And if that special combination of beautiful Canadian nature and luxurious accommodation appeals to you, make sure you register for Camp Divine.

“Glamping is a great way to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying all the comforts and luxuries The Divine Destination Collection is known for,” says Allison. “But don’t delay! Spots are filling up fast!”

Springing into Action

Springing into Action

Springing into Action

It’s been a long winter and fresh new travel plans are springing up at The Divine Destination Collection.

After holding a special 10th anniversary event to thank their loyal travellers, Divine by Design Travel Advisory Board members and some of their long-time partners for their support over the years, co-founders Deb Niven and Allison Frame announced the first trip of 2022 – Camp Divine – a three-day glamping retreat in beautiful Grafton, Ontario, just 90 minutes east of Toronto.

Glamping is the perfect combination of luxury and outdoor camping, and there is no better place to indulge in comfort and style while experiencing the great outdoors than the fabulous Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat.

From September 25 to 27, 2022 The Divine Destination Collection will be taking over the entire resort for a relaxing break to revive the soul and reconnect with the natural world.

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
allie chisholm-smith

It’s also a chance to meet up and have some fun!

After checking into a luxurious cabin or tent, guests will be treated to an “Up in Smoke” evening. Special BBQ dinner baskets will be delivered right to each tent. The fun continues into the evening around the bonfire for s’mores, nightcaps, and maybe a campfire ghost story or two.

Another gourmet meal basket awaits the next morning, then the day is free to take in a yoga class with Divine’s favourite yogini Allie Chisholm-Smith, who is also leading daily casual reflections and a guided forest bathing experience or shinrin-yoku, or to go hiking, paddle-boarding or kayaking, visit some of the celebrated Prince Edward County wineries, or indulge in a relaxing treatment at the Fieldstone or Ste. Anne’s spas, both located only a short distance away.

The day ends with an exclusive “We Ain’t Roughin’ It” party with a delectable sit-down dinner, wonderful vintages, and of course, a few Divine surprises thrown in to make this evening even more spectacular.

Spots are filling up fast, so register HERE to get away for a relaxing and fun glamping adventure.

And don’t forget – the temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit allows Ontario residents to claim 20% of their eligible accommodation expenses when filing their personal Income Tax and Benefit Return for 2022.

Inverlochy Castle
Royal Yacht Britannia
Edinburgh Leith Port
Mary Magdalene Pilgrimage, South of France
Hotel le Pigonnet, France

A Return to International Travel

While Allison and Deb decided to stay close to home in 2022 to ensure the safety of travellers regarding COVID, as well as to avoid the problems that labour shortages at hotels and airports have been causing, they are looking forward to resuming international travel in 2023.

That means the 2020 trip to the Sacred South of France…the Mystery of Mary Magdalene, which was postponed due to the pandemic – is now on for June 2023!

This adventure will take travellers to Carcassonne and Aix-en-Provence to uncover the 2,000 year-old legend of Mary Magdalene. Many believe Mary was forced out of the Holy Land with other devout followers of Christ after his crucifixion, and arrived by boat to the South of France where she spent the rest of her life as a teacher and healer.

Besides visiting sacred historical sites to delve into the legend of this famous icon, guests will travel the French countryside, stop at vineyards, and sample mouth-watering regional cuisine and superb vintages– all in the comfort and luxury that The Divine Destination Collection is famous for.

An African Experience

A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa is also in the works for October 21 to 31, 2023.

From the beautiful city of Cape Town, where penguins frolic at the Cape of Good Hope and where you can take in a breath-taking view of the city from the famous Table Mountain – to a chance to see the Big Five at the Londolozi Game Reserve, and then meet up with mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park – this is a trip you will not want to miss!

More details will be announced soon!

Inverlochy Castle
Royal Yacht Britannia
Edinburgh Leith Port
Susan Minns
Hotel le Pigonnet, France

A New Member of the Team

And on top of all that – Deb and Allison have welcomed a new member to their team.

Susan Minns first met Allison in 2005 when they worked together at a corporate events company. They kept in touch over the years, and as luck would have it, Susan was deciding to leave the corporate events world right when Allison and Deb were searching for a Partnership & Opportunities Creator to reach out to more travellers and forge new partnerships with the media, the hospitality industry, and local communities.

“It was a natural step for me,” says Susan. “I had the marketing, sales, and travel know-how, and I was interested in helping curate wonderful travel experiences for people to enjoy and embrace.

Besides bringing her marketing expertise to the team, Susan is also a seasoned traveller. Trip highlights include being surrounding by camels in the Moroccan desert, and boarding a Russian ice-breaker in Churchill, Manitoba to travel up the west coast of Hudson Bay. “I’m a huge fan of the Canadian Arctic, and I’m dying to get back there.”

Susan is also a fan of glamping and is eager to join in on the September glamping adventure.

“But most of all I’m looking forward to meeting more Divine Destination Collection travellers. It will be great to get to know this group of fun, like-minded travellers.”

A Decade Dedicated to Fascinating People and Places

A Decade Dedicated to Fascinating People and Places

A Decade Dedicated to Fascinating People and Places

Ten years ago Deb Niven decided she wanted to create a travel product that would introduce or “unveil” more of the sacred, or spiritual side of a destination – while at the same time being different from the traditional spiritual adventure, such as a yoga retreat at an ashram or a backpacking trek through the Andes.

“I longed to combine what I did in the corporate incentive travel world, which was to combine luxury elements with experiencing the destination in private, exclusive, and unusual ways, while also encountering the soul of a place – what made it sacred,” says Deb. “I knew that this idea did not exist out there, and I felt a calling to bring it into being.”

Fast forward a decade, and The Divine Destination Collection has used its unique mix of luxury, spirituality, and adventure to take travellers to 10 countries – Bali, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Scotland, Spain, South Africa, the U.S. (Arizona), Zambia, and Zimbabwe – plus Canada (Montebello and Muskoka).

As a result, Deb and co-founder Allison Frame have logged an estimated 167,000 kilometres on their trips, learned to say “hello” in seven languages, and have drunk too many bottles of wine to count!

Pumpkin carving, Brooklands Farm, Muskoka
Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Varty Camp, Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa

THE FIRST OF MANY ADVENTURES

Carol remembers meeting Deb and Allison at Deb’s yoga studio in Toronto when they had just started talking about forming a travel company.

She quickly signed up for their first Divine Destination Collection trip – a three-day weekend in Muskoka. “It was so much fun. And they went on from there to travel further away to more exotic locations – places you always wanted to go, but didn’t know how to set yourself up to get around.”

Since then Carol has travelled with The Divine Destination Collection on almost all of their trips, with her favourite being the journey to South Africa in 2016. “We visited Cape Town, which was beautiful, and then stayed at the Londolozi Game Reserve, where we had the whole lodge to ourselves. You are right there in nature, with elephants in the back yard!”

Another favourite was Scotland, the group’s last trip before the pandemic struck. “Scotland was fantastic. My grandparents were born there but I had never been.”

A particular highlight was spending two nights in the Queen Victoria suite at Inverlochy Castle  in the Scottish Highlands. “Queen Victoria herself stayed there enjoying painting, nature, and just the beautiful surroundings,” says Carol. “We also enjoyed a private dinner and exclusive tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia located in Leith Port, Edinburgh. What a thrill!”

Inverlochy Castle
Royal Yacht Britannia
Edinburgh Leith Port
White water rafting in Bali
Group Shot Ireland
Varty Camp Dinner
Hiram Bingham bar car
Shooting at Gleneagles

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS

South Africa and Scotland also feature prominently on Deb and Allison’s list of memorable travel moments over the past 10 years.

Bali – Getting lost in the crowds

  • We had chosen the lush, cool, mountain temple of Batukaru for a quiet, contemplative experience –only to find out on the day of our visit that it was a holy day of worship and there was going to be a massive celebration with thousands of people! Even though this was the complete opposite of what we had planned, it was absolutely fascinating to be immersed in the local culture, and everyone was thrilled to be able to get a true taste of Balinese traditions.

Ireland – A one-of-a-kind, authentic Irish experience

  • We carefully curate the experience our guests will have by travelling ahead to walk the trip in their shoes. We found our final night entertainer in a lounge on our site visit and knew she would reach the souls of our guests. We discovered Gregans Castle, a shabby chic hotel on the Burren that rivals no other with owners that are passionate about their guests, and arranged for our group to be welcomed into the home of a local resident for dinner.

Africa – An exclusive Safari camp

  • We really bonded with the staff at Varty Camp at the Londolozi Game Reserve. After our final night Bush Dinner they opened the bar and the kitchen and treated us to a party filled with authentic warmth and friendship. We were honoured and had a hell of a good time.

Peru – Partying in the Andes

  • On this adventure, we contemplated the possibility that Machu Picchu originated as a school run by women for the advancement of humanity, spirituality and harmony, took a luxurious Hiram Bingham private train ride, and had the best time partying with strangers ever. An amazing live trio played traditional and popular songs while we drank, sang, and danced. The Happiness Quotient was off the charts.

Spain – Communing with nature along the Camino

  • While it’s a highly spiritual experience, especially when you arrive at the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela at the end of the journey, walking the Camino is not a “high-end” adventure. Galicia is in a very rural part of northern Spain and we had many interesting experiences trying to add our Divine touches and find the best accommodations. One of our stops – known for its incredible cuisine – had bats in some of the rooms. The owners shrugged and said that’s all part of the Camino experience, and our staff ended up spending the night in the bat rooms!

Scotland – Waiting out inclement weather

  • When rain got in the way of a surprise pop-up tea and gin and tonic party on the moors, we found an absolutely smashing last-minute indoor/outdoor venue at Gleneagles Hotel. They cleaned up, lit the fires, and offered us tea and scones and a full bar (with those promised gins and tonics), after leading our travellers in with traditional Scottish pipers. The universe also complied, cracking a clouded, overcast sky with the most BEAUTIFUL SUNBURST.
Whispering Springs, Safari Tent
Sacred South of France, Lavender Fields
Line drying clothes

WHAT DOES THE NEXT 10 YEARS HOLD?

After we celebrate our 10th anniversary with travellers, the Travel Advisory Board members and some of the fantastic people who helped support the Divine Live and Online virtual experiences during the pandemic, we are planning for a September “glamping” weekend – where the luxuries of a hotel meets the adventure of camping – in Grafton, Ontario, 90 minutes east of Toronto.

Home base is the fabulous Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat which combines stunning amenities and accommodations with the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

In addition to yoga sessions with The Divine Destination Collection’s favourite yoga instructor, Allie Chisholm-Smith, guests can indulge in a relaxing day at the Fieldstone or Ste. Anne’s spas, both located only a short distance away. There will also be lots of great outdoor dining, s’mores, hot chocolate and Baileys around the campfire, and live entertainment.

In 2023, the plan is also to reinstate the Sacred South of France adventure that had been postponed due to COVID. We will trace the fabled footsteps of Mary Magdalene beginning in the medieval walled city of Carcassonne and surrounding villages accompanied by “Mary experts”…our adventure finishes up in exquisite Aix-en-Provence.  Discover the lore of Mary Magdalene’s journey and immerse yourself in the beauty, elegance and gastronomy that is France.

A trip to Africa in 2023 is also in the planning stages, with a stop in Cape Town, a safari to see the Big Five – African lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo – and a visit with some mountain gorillas.

Stay tuned for more details and registration information on these trips, as well as other exciting adventures. It’s been a long two years of social isolation due to the pandemic, and Deb and Allison are anxious to get travelling again.

“When we first started The Divine Destination Collection we hoped to create a loyal following chomping at the bit for the next destination and adventure,” says Deb. “Now we can’t wait to get together with them again.”