Awakening wonder
through transformative travel
At Duende Retreats, we believe that travel has the power to awaken our spirits and ignite a sense of wonder within us.
That's why we curate extraordinary retreats to some of the world's most captivating destinations, with a focus on enriching experiences that go beyond the surface.
We carefully design each of our trips, whether a private getaway, incentive trip or group retreat, with a harmonious blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and mindful exploration, allowing our guests to discover their inner selves while connecting with the essence of the places we visit.
'Duende' is a Spanish word for which there's no direct English translation. Sometimes described as passion, inspiration, charm or magnetism, it is also the idea of being inspired by or even embodied by the muse.
Often, it's associated with flamenco dancing or the emotion that is evoked when witnessing our inner genius in action.
Our Philosophy
What we do
We’re all about fostering deep connections; with oneself, the destination, and the people you encounter along the way.
Who do we work with?
We work with individuals, businesses, brand ambassadors and content creators to create unique, highly curated itineraries.
Why we do it
Simply put, you are ‘our why.’
We believe opportunities for community and connection are growing ever more scarce yet ever more necessary for our individual and collective wellbeing. We like to think of ourselves as a ‘third space.’ A kind of place in and of itself where you can find not just yourself but the kinds of connections that bring you joy. Whether it’s through people or place, we want you to feel part of what we do because you are why we do it.
Because we know how hard the day-to-day grind is.
But when you come on a retreat with us, you’re the one being looked after. Every detail of your trip is sorted. All you have to do is enjoy.
How we do it
We hand curate every detail of each trip so that you feel changed by what you’ve experienced. We want you to feel like a part of where you’ve been, not as though you’re just passing through.
We prioritize quality over quantity, restful versus exhausting, slow and abundant versus total overwhelm.
Our Story
If one thing is true about me, it’s that I have always sought the gift that is travel. Ever since I first left my native Texas and stepped into the great, wild beyond, I’ve had the privilege of both experiencing and witnessing the magic effect travel has on one’s life.
Duende is the manifestation of this very magic. It’s the culmination of my many years of wandering, exploring and living an unconventional nomadic and expat life. With every trip I create, I lean on my lifetime of travel to help shape the kind of journey that isn’t just lived externally but is also deeply felt and personal.
Our Values
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Space
Plenty of space and time for you to pause, reflect, heal, escape, explore, rebel - whatever you fancy.
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Connection
Be part of a community navigating life, sharing new experiences and stories.
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Joy
Our well-crafted itineraries give plenty of chances to invite in or deepen a sense of joy in your daily life.
Meet the Team
Our talented team is a dynamic group of travel experts from around the world, each bringing a unique perspective and deep knowledge to help craft unforgettable journeys. With backgrounds in luxury hospitality and cultural curation, we’re passionate about creating seamless, immersive, and inspiring travel experiences tailored just for you.
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Founder & Director
“Duende is a reflection of my belief in travel as the ultimate antedote.”
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Over twenty years ago, I left Texas and fell in love with the whole wide world.
I've been trying to figure out a way to either capture it or consume it ever since.
The best, closest way I've found to do that is to write it all down, travel often and share the landscapes that have moved and shaped me with others.
At age twenty, fate landed me in Perugia, Italy where I ended up for thirteen years.
During those years I learned the language, ate, lived and guided thousands of American university students through their semesters abroad. Thus began my near twenty-year career in planning and leading both students and professionals on life-changing journeys around the world.
Since then I've had the pleasure and privilege of traveling to over thirty countries and taking various groups all over Italy, Finland, Mexico, Morocco, Australia, France and both the UK and US. I've also led professional development tours for Vietnamese diplomats in Philadelphia and New York.
I have had a front-row seat in witnessing what delights, inspires and speaks to people during their travel adventures.
I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it for you.
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Virtual Assistant & Tour Director
My job is to make sure your Duende experience is a smooth, personalized and memorable one, right from the get-go. My deepest wish is that your Duende retreat becomes a space where you can recharge, have fun and savour the beauty of the here and now.
Originally from France with Italian roots, I’ve lived in around 10 countries and traveled over 38 (I've stopped counting :), which has given me both adaptability and a love for cross-cultural and human connection. I consider the entire world my beloved home, and I can't wait for you to start exploring it with Duende!
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Italy Team
We live to show you the best of ‘la dolce vita’ and look forward to welcoming you warmly with open arms. Viva l’Italia!
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Travel Designer & Partnerships Manager
collars@duenderetreats.com
I was blessed with the clarity of knowing that travel was my path from a very early age. Since leaving the halls of university I never stopped pursuing my tourism career, even when it was very difficult (hello, COVID times). Today I proudly hold a diverse and colourful professional panorama, and I can confidently say I am an Ivy League trained tourism professional, having completed the Sustainable Tourism Destination Management (STAMP) program at Cornell University.
Originally from Albania, I’ve lived in vibrant and contrasting places such as New York City, Cyprus, and Switzerland, and travelled to many corners of the world. I bring this global perspective and cultural fluency to Duende to provide clients with exceptional experiences and to ensure every retreat is executed with care, ease, and heart. I bring strategic oversight and execution to Duende, ensuring that every experience is delivered seamlessly, thoughtfully, and to the highest standard.
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France Guide & Trip Leader
Here to help you witness and experience the beauty of France: good food, good wine and a lot of fascinating history!
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Visual Designer
With my passion for design and love for exploring new horizons, I'm here to bring a fresh perspective and creative flair to our bespoke travel experiences. Let's embark on this incredible journey together and turn your travel dreams into unforgettable memories!
