Elevate Destinations

05/29/2026

“Tucked into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí on Panama’s Pacific coast, Isla Palenque offers a different kind of luxury—one defined by seclusion, ecological richness, and a deep sense of place. This 400-acre private island feels both expansive and intimate, where primary rainforest meets quiet, swimmable beaches and the pace of travel naturally slows.

Accommodations on the island are intentionally low-impact, designed to blend into the landscape rather than compete with it. At Isla Palenque Resort, casitas and beachfront villas are positioned for privacy and immersion, with open-air designs that invite in the sounds of the forest and sea. The ethos here is thoughtful and regenerative—supporting local communities, and minimizing environmental footprint.”

– Dominique Callimanopulos, Founder and President

We’ve gathered our 9 favorite islands we think you should visit. See the full list here: https://elevatedestinations.com/epic-island-adventures/

Photo credit: Isla Palenque Resort

05/28/2026

We’re sharing our favorite islands worth crossing oceans for, and Menorca is the one you didn’t know you needed.

“Located off the eastern coast of Spain in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the quieter, more laid-back Mediterranean destination focused on nature, agro-tourism, and relaxation, rather than the nightlife and beach clubs of Ibiza. The island has long been on my list for a slow-paced, extended holiday, perfect for hiking and catching some early spring sun.

After spending a couple of weeks on Menorca, my recommendation is to not pack your itinerary. It is a place to wander and let time unfold. Instead, prioritize the island’s coastal walks, day-sails to secluded coves, prolonged lunches, and visits to the historical sites and interior countryside. It’s an island where historical and modern life co-exists and provides a little slice of natural paradise.”

– Lana Byal, VP of Private Travel Sales

Check out Lana’s Menorca travel tips and explore all 9 islands here: https://elevatedestinations.com/epic-island-adventures

05/27/2026

“You know that feeling, when you realize your soul just grew a little bit? That happened for me in the Galapagos 20 years ago. Watching the phosphorescent trails of fish darting through the sea all around me, with the clear star-strewn sky above, I knew I would keep that moment out at sea with me, always. My time in the Galapagos filled my young mind with wonder that such a place could exist, and with hope that it might remain riotously wild and beautifully free well beyond my first 8 days there.

Of course, much has changed since 2004! But yet, the rugged and thoroughly untamed beauty of the Islas Encantadas still crashed over me in remarkable ways half a lifetime later. What a profound privilege it was to wake to friendly finches on my balcony and giant tortoises in the gardens in the highlands of Santa Cruz each morning!

I came to the Galapagos Safari Camp at a time when I needed to be snuggly wrapped up in nature’s embrace once more. I departed a week later strengthened by the kind and attentive nourishment of locally sourced feasts, thoughtful wildlife encounters, and a deep and abiding respect for living lightly within a fragile island ecosystem.

We humans are adventurers, storytellers, and deep observers when we allow ourselves to be. The Galapagos Islands tug at something essential that may sometimes feel buried under the weight of distractions, reminding us of what matters most: time to be present, engaged, and with open minds in a place of wonder. I simply cannot wait to go back.”

– Emily Jump, Director of Private Travel Operations

Want to know what other islands our Travel Advisors are loving right now? → https://elevatedestinations.com/epic-island-adventures

05/26/2026

This week, we’re sharing 9 epic islands worth traveling to.

Day 2: French Polynesia.

“While most everyone has heard about the romantic South Seas island of Tahiti, popularized by the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific, very few actually know where the Polynesian islands are located or realize what a family of very diverse islands await travelers to this far away, bucolic destination.

French Polynesia is in fact a constellation of wildly different island worlds scattered across the South Pacific, each with its own rhythm, landscape, and cultural texture.

Across all five archipelagos, what endures is the warmth of Polynesian hospitality and a worldview rooted in respect—for community, for nature, and for tradition. Travel here can be as indulgent or as grounded as one chooses, but the most meaningful journeys that Elevate supports tend to be those that engage with local guides, support small-scale enterprises, and leave space for connection.”

– Dominique Callimanopulos, Founder and President

See all 9 islands our team are loving → https://elevatedestinations.com/epic-island-adventures/

05/25/2026

We’re sharing our favorite epic island destinations. These places are beautiful, soulful, and far from the beaten path.

First up: Crete.

“Crete is the kind of place where, no matter how many days you have, you’ll wish you could stay longer. Not only will you find gorgeous beaches dotting every coast, but you will also find yourself immersed in layer upon layer of fascinating history and culture.

Human settlements date back many thousands of years before the ancient Minoans, and the island has been ruled at times by the Romans, the Ottomans, the Venetians, and now is part of Greece. Each culture has left its imprint on architecture and local flavors, making Crete the ideal place to explore, and eat very, very well!

The island is rich in local artisanal agriculture, and is renowned for its local produce and freshly baked breads, all drizzled with luscious olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Coming from Boston in April, each dish was a revelation bursting with simply delicious flavors!”

– Emily Jump, Director of Private Travel Operations

Check out all 9 islands we’re obsessing over right now: https://elevatedestinations.com/epic-island-adventures

Tell us about your plans, and one of our travel designers will be in touch shortly. Elevate provides trusted and inspired guidance while designing your perfect trip.

05/20/2026

Most leaders don’t need another strategy session.

They need space to breathe.

You know the feeling…

Back-to-back meetings.
Constant decisions.
Holding space for everyone else while quietly running on empty.

You tell yourself you’ll slow down soon.
But “soon” never comes.

Real leadership growth doesn’t happen when you’re pushing harder.

It happens when you step away long enough to reconnect with yourself, your purpose, and the bigger picture.

That’s why we’ve created our first retreat in Elevate Destinations’ Social Impact Journeys series.

Emergent Leadership Intensive: Breath Meets Water

This five-night, intentionally designed experience in the wild beauty of Baja California was created for leaders committed to meaningful impact, but who know they need to refill their own cup first.

Think:

Time to decompress in nature
Space for real reflection
Connection with a community of thoughtful, purpose-driven leaders

The kind of reset that actually changes how you show up when you return.

Imagine leading from a place of clarity instead of exhaustion.
Making decisions with intention, not urgency.
Feeling grounded, energized, and aligned again.

That’s the shift this experience is designed to create.

An experience that aligns your intuitive self with your strategic self.

What would it look like to truly step away for five days?

Learn more here: https://elevatedestinations.wetravel.com/i/69b165b379f157cacc9d1446 -leadership-intensive

05/19/2026

5 travel pros were asked for the best underrated country—and they all picked the same place…

👉

From the iconic Panama Canal to rainforest escapes and remote islands, travel experts say Panama offers one of the most diverse, easy-to-navigate trips anywhere in the world.

05/13/2026

New Zealand has a way of welcoming travelers with unexpected challenges, and earlier this year, Sanja and John found themselves experiencing the country’s unpredictable weather and unfamiliar roads.

“It was at times challenging - driving and biking on the left - and the weather was not always cooperative but, as I go through my hundreds of photos, I am reminded of how in-the-moment this whole trip has been.”

“This is a country deeply tied to its land and sea and the opportunity to stay on a sheep/cattle station, as well as at Kaimata Retreat on the Otago Peninsula, really brought that home. All of our guides were terrific and, while we could have done all of the hikes and bike ride on our own, we never would have picked up on which tree was which or which bird call belonged to which bird. We even saw a Kiwi in daylight!”

That’s the benefit of working with a team that truly knows a destination. When the unexpected arises, the journey keeps flowing, and the experience deepens in ways that linger long after you return.

“One of the best gifts of these trips Elevate has done for us are the memories that we keep coming back to long after the trip is over. Priceless!”

If New Zealand is calling, let us craft an experience that feels personal and meaningful.

05/06/2026

We won’t send you to places that don’t exist.

Imagine summiting a mountaintop in Japan, only to find the gondola down already closed for the day, or driving hours across Malaysia to discover your destination was never there at all.

Some travelers have even set out in search of the 'Sacred Canyon of Humantay' in the Andes, only to be saved by a local guide who had never heard of it, for good reason! These stories are real and are becoming all too common.

Not to sound biased, but we believe the best travel advice comes from people who have truly been there themselves. What are your thoughts on AI travel advice?

04/30/2026

Are you trying to decide on where to travel for summer, fall, or winter of 2026?

In the age of AI and mass tourism, Elevate continues to take a human-powered approach to planning travel. We’ve crafted creative ways to avoid the hordes of travelers flocking to some of the world's most popular destinations.

Which of these countries is on your bucket list?