We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chanda Daly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chanda, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
As the owner of a travel business specializing in wellness resorts and retreats, self-care is not just a personal practice—it’s a philosophy woven into my work. One of my favorite rituals for resetting a busy mind is taking spa-like baths. Just as a wellness retreat allows guests to step away from the noise of everyday life, a warm, mineral-infused bath provides a similar moment of pause, helping to quiet the mind and restore clarity.
Incorporating these moments of relaxation has had a profound impact on my effectiveness. When I prioritize self-care—whether it’s through a bath, a mindfulness retreat, or simply time spent in nature—I return to my work with renewed focus, creativity, and the ability to curate deeply enriching experiences for my clients. Just as I encourage travelers to embrace restorative escapes, I believe in embodying that same sense of balance in my own life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Enriched Escapes is a luxury travel company specializing in bespoke, deeply personalized experiences that go far beyond the typical, prepackaged vacation. We focus on luxury, wellness, and purposeful travel, curating unforgettable journeys for families, couples, and groups. Our clients don’t just book a trip; they collaborate with us to craft something truly unique—an experience tailored to their passions, desires, and dreams.
What excites me most about what we do is the personal connection. Every client is different, and no two journeys are ever the same. I love taking the time to truly understand what excites and inspires them—whether it’s a secluded wellness retreat for self-discovery, a cultural immersion in Japan, or a multi-generational adventure designed to strengthen family bonds. It’s about creating something from scratch and watching it come to life in the most beautiful way.
Recently, our group travel sector has grown significantly, especially in collaboration with companies that host retreats, workshops, and conferences for female founders across industries like law, healthcare, organic beauty, jewelry, and fashion. These experiences are about more than just travel—they are about connection, personal growth, and creating a space for transformation.
At the heart of Enriched Escapes is the belief that travel is one of life’s greatest joys, leaving people with memories that stay with them forever. Being part of that journey—helping people experience the world in a way that enriches their lives—is what makes this work so incredibly meaningful.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey of starting and growing Enriched Escapes, three qualities have been most impactful: deep listening, relationship-building, and adaptability.
Deep Listening – The heart of my business is understanding my clients on a personal level. Luxury travel isn’t just about booking a five-star hotel; it’s about crafting experiences that align with each person’s unique desires and dreams. Learning to truly listen—beyond just hearing what someone says—has been key to creating unforgettable journeys.
Advice: If you’re starting out, focus on active listening. Ask thoughtful questions and pay attention to the small details that reveal what truly excites your clients.
Relationship-Building – Travel is a people-driven industry. Whether it’s forming strong connections with clients or building a trusted network of travel partners worldwide, relationships are everything. I’ve found that the better my relationships, the more seamless and elevated my clients’ experiences become.
Advice: Invest time in meaningful connections. Networking isn’t just about transactions—it’s about creating mutual trust. Nurture relationships with both clients and industry partners to ensure long-term success.
Adaptability – No two trips are ever the same, and the travel industry is constantly evolving. From unexpected itinerary changes to shifting global travel trends, staying flexible has been essential. Being adaptable allows me to pivot quickly, solve problems efficiently, and continue to provide an exceptional level of service.
Advice: Develop a problem-solving mindset. Things won’t always go as planned, but if you can stay calm, resourceful, and solution-oriented, you’ll gain the confidence of your clients and grow a reputation for reliability.
For those just starting their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace the process and stay passionate about creating meaningful experiences. The most successful businesses are built on genuine excitement for what you do—if you love it, your clients will feel it, and your business will grow as a result.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Launching and growing a luxury travel business like Enriched Escapes requires more than just passion—it takes the right tools, resources, and guidance to navigate the complexities of the industry. That’s where Fora Travel has been an invaluable partner. As my host agency, Fora has provided the foundation I need to successfully run my business while offering ongoing support as I expand into new areas of travel.
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was breaking into group travel. While I had extensive experience curating bespoke trips for families and couples, working with large groups and retreats introduced a new level of logistics and contract negotiations. Fora made this transition seamless by offering specialized training and the opportunity to connect one-on-one with seasoned travel professionals who had decades of experience in group contracts. Their insights gave me the confidence and expertise to negotiate on behalf of my clients, ensuring they receive the best rates, terms, and experiences possible.
Beyond group travel, the learning and mentorship I’ve received from Fora have been immeasurable. Whether it’s mastering supplier relationships, staying ahead of industry trends, or refining my business strategy, their support has been instrumental in my growth. Having a strong network of experienced professionals behind me has made all the difference—not just in my ability to run my business efficiently, but in the level of service and expertise I can provide to my clients.
I can’t list all the ways Fora has helped shape my journey, but I will forever be grateful for the mentorship, training, and encouragement I’ve received. Thanks to their support, Enriched Escapes continues to thrive, allowing me to do what I love most—crafting unforgettable, personalized travel experiences that create lifelong memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enrichedescapes.travel/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enrichedescapes.travel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enrichedescapes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanda-daly-6a51061b/
Image Credits
Taken by Chanda Daly
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
