experiences
Whether you're a solo traveler, a family with many moving parts, a group with shared passions, a couple looking to unwind, or none of the above, Mary Shea will design a curated, personalized trip that ticks your every box.
Mary knows the world pretty well. Her well-honed, travel-savvy eye is quick to distill down the best-of-the-best when it comes to thoughtful, immersive experiences and deeply relaxing vacation spots.
These are a few examples of the journeys that she can create all around the world.
Soak up Tuscany's gem box cities by day and return to the secluded comfort of your own borgo—with its private chef, wine cave, and screening room—by night with a group of two or twenty.
Amble through Tuscany at your own place with a dreamy, sumptuously- restored eight-hundred-year-old "borgo" (village) as your home base. Stay in a private villa or rent the entire estate for a breathtaking getaway with friends and family—with all the estate amenities at your fingertips. Exquisite meals crafted by a private chef and an endless supply of Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano, and the Chianti Classico keep you sated. Nearby, Siena and jaunty day trips to restaurant-and-museum-laden Florence inject a dose of culture and buzz. After an afternoon at the Uffizi, returning home to the borgo—a real countryside oasis—for an aperitivo and movie in the screening room is, simply, perfetto.
Italy
Tulum leads the charge when it comes to beachside wellness and next-level properties. But, it's Mexico City that's arguably the most exciting capital in the world right now.
Tulum is the transformative intersection between tropical jungle and azure sea, infused with Mayan spirit. It's the perfect spot for a beachy vacation with a side of wellness. Days might involve yoga, deep-sea diving, swimming with sea turtles, ceviche at every meal, the Mayan Pyramids and endless afternoons floating in the cenotes.
From Tulum, hit Mexico City. The myriad, food-and-culture-packed neighborhoods are completely walkable, and the museum count is second only to Paris. For a once-in-a-lifetime supper experience, dine at Enrique Olvera's renowned Pujol. (Last time we checked their intoxicating Mole Madre was at 2,000 + days old and counting.)
Mexico
Sustainability-led, high-impact, low-footprint travel takes center stage in South Africa.
Sabi Sabi Earth is one of Africa's most environmentally sensitive lodges. Guest suites overlook the wildlife-packed plains within this protected, private game reserve. Mornings start early with guided game drives, followed by hearty breakfasts, relaxation, time in the spa, and a second game drive before toasting the sunset with pre-dinner cocktails. (For the oenophiles, Sabi Sabi Earth's underground wine cellar boasts a collection of over 6000 rare bottles.) A post-safari stay at the iconic Mount Nelson hotel in Cape Town is the perfect launchpad to the elegant winelands.
South Africa
Embrace old-world travel and chu from Lima to wonder-of-the-world Machu Picchu aboard
Latin America's most sumptuous train.
Kickoff in buzzy Lima before boarding the most sumptuous train ever. Chug and wind through the Sacred Valley to Cusco—the ancient citadel gateway to Machu Picchu. Watch the sunrise splintering across this preserved Incan city, perched on top of a remote mountain before taking off with a guide. Meditate on the sights and sounds of the Incan Empire at the end of the day with yoga, a traditional shamanic ceremony, or, more simply, with a pisco sour.
Peru
Roar into the Great American Road Trip and journey deep into America's crown jewels—her wildly beautiful National Parks.
Accelerate into your Great American road trip with the bucket-list backdrops, brilliant colors, and geological wonders of Zion National Park in Utah. After a few days of unforgettable hiking in Zion, drive to Bryce Canyon and do a doubletake at the crimson-colored hoodoos (spire-shaped rock formations). Drive onward with glorious pitstops in the Capital Reef National Park, Moab and Monument Valley before heading towards Arizona. Once you hit the Grand Canyon, trade the car for a helicopter or hot air balloon and sweep over this natural wonder. Wrap the trip, and recharge your spiritual batteries in magic, mystic Sedona.
United States
Ditch the crowds and glide down the glassy waterways of the Burgundy on a restored, ridiculously opulent barge.
Private chefs, glorious art, heated pools, and five-star service are amenities typically associated with top-tier hotels. However, this opulent barge experience through France's premier winemaking region delivers all of the above plus so much more. And, it's totally private. Glide along Burgundy's waterways with your family or friends, making regular stops at storied chateaux and vineyards. Evenings are about champagne and local cheese, followed by elegant suppers on board. This experience is slow travel at its most sublime.
France
start your JOURNEY WITH MARY SHEA
My husband and I had what we still describe as the most perfect trip to Italy. Our incredible trip was 100% due to the most amazing (and kind and patient) guidance we received from Mary on every aspect of our journey. It was awesome to have someone listen to our needs and wants and tailor recommendations for us. For example, we hate crowds. Which is difficult to avoid in Italy, especially in the summer! Yet we managed to make our way from the Tuscan countryside to Florence to the coast, eating and drinking at locals-only spots, strolling and relaxing with all the beauty of Cinque Terre and none of the crowds. I highly recommend working with Mary. We are already excited to plan our next trip!
JORDANA G.