The Women Proving the Best Travel Experiences Start with a Point of View
- Anna Gilchrist
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
With International Women’s Month approaching this March, in REYA we wanted to highlight a group of visionary women who are redefining the world’s top luxury destinations. These leaders are proving that the best travel experiences start with a distinct, feminine point of view.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” celebrates the power of intentional giving. Within the luxury sector, these women embody this through purposeful design, managing properties by “giving” their heritage, maternal instinct, and strategic brilliance, to “gain” a more profound experience for their guests. At REYA we’ve put together a list of women imprinting these values into the luxury hospitality market.
Sheila Kyarisiima: The new face of Rwanda’s luxury hospitality
Sheila Kyarisiima, founder of The Pinnacle Kigali, didn’t initially set out to build a hotel, yet emerged as a transformative figure in Rwanda’s hospitality industry. The property was conceptualized as a dream home for her family. However, as the project evolved, Sheila realized that Kigali was missing an urban retreat that matched Rwanda’s luxury mountain lodges. She took the opportunity to reimagine the space as an urban retreat with resort amenities, which could encourage travelers to spend more time in the capital city to indulge in the country’s vibrant history, culture, and cuisine. As one of the few Black women leading in Africa’s luxury hospitality space, she's left a lasting imprint on Rwanda.
About The Pinnacle:
The Pinnacle Kigali is a nine-room ultra-luxury boutique retreat perched on Rebero Hill, overlooking Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Following a celebrated soft opening and the launch of its Members Club, The Pinnacle Kigali welcomed international guests in January 2026, positioning itself as one of East Africa’s most distinctive luxury destinations. The property redefines exclusivity in Kigali with world-class design, panoramic views, and curated experiences for a maximum of just 18 guests. Beyond its infinity pool, private cinema lounge, and four-lane bowling alley, the retreat features a spa and wellness sanctuary, fitness center, and courts for tennis, padel, and basketball. Culinary offerings include a teppanyaki counter and Afro-Asian fusion dining, complemented by a refined selection of international wines. Designed as both a sanctuary and a destination, The Pinnacle Kigali blends modern sophistication with Rwandan warmth, serving as the perfect city hotel pairing for those in Rwanda, whether visiting for mountain gorilla trekking or to immerse themselves in Kigali’s cultural vibrancy.
Lissy Urteaga: Designing hospitality for passengers and locals
As co-founder of Delfin Amazon Cruises, Lissy Urteaga brings a maternal philosophy to the brand’s identity. Proudly Peruvian, Lissy ensures the most authentic experience for her guests, weaving her culture into even the smallest details. Every design element, such as the Shipibo-inspired motifs and woven ceilings are hand-crafted, and created in close collaboration with local artisans and communities. With Delfin celebrating 20 years, Lissy has cultivated a family dynamic with a crew that has largely been with her since the beginning. She also operated at the forefront of the company’s sustainability practices, working hand-in-hand with Amazonian communities on projects, including native bee-hive programs that strengthen rural livelihoods and river-dolphin research led by Peruvian scientists and local leaders.
About Delfin Amazon Cruises:
Delfin Amazon Cruises was launched in early 2006 by its founder and CEO, Aldo Macchiavello. The company is the culmination of a dream shared with his wife, Lissy Urteaga – to run a boutique travel business that should showcase the natural beauty of their country, Peru. Delfin Amazon Cruises sets the highest standards for impeccable 5-star hospitality, authentic Peruvian design, and superb local cuisine. The Delfin I, II, and III effortlessly combine comfort and grace with the breathtaking wilderness setting of the Amazon. Each vessel thrives in harmony with nature and their panoramic suites and terraces offer guests a special “non-cruise” atmosphere with the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most pristine environments. Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, the boutique luxury vessels take guests on three and four-night itineraries into one of the world’s largest protected flooded forests, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Experienced naturalist guides and experts showcase the immense biodiversity of the area with excursions and activities that include visits to local villages, kayaking, swimming near pink river dolphins, fishing, daytime hiking, and night safaris.
Khin Omar Win: Translating and designing wellbeing in Bhutan’s valley
As co-founder and owner of Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan, Khin Omar Win brings an intentional approach to guest experience through soul-focused wellbeing. Moving away from the modern wellness trend, Omar aims to provide an experience deeper than “biohacking.” Omar centers the lodge on the “5 Keys of Wellbeing” – Nature, Spirituality, Connection, Community, and Rejuvenation. Her approach stems from her Buddhist heritage and the concept of Gross National Happiness the country is known for. Omar has curated a personal guidance experience where guests dive deep into immersive trails and monk-led meditations at neighboring monasteries, unwinding in the evening with hot stone baths and bodywork massages. Through this program, she strives for every guest to return home with a deep inner harmony and peace.
About Gangtey Lodge:
The multi-award winning Gangtey Lodge is set high above the Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley in the Kingdom of Bhutan with sweeping views over the 17th century monastery and valley floor. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Bhutanese farmhouse inspired lodge boasts 12 beautifully designed suites, while offering every comfort and luxury in one of the most remote places in the world. Through unique adventures guests will discover a spiritual presence and peace of mind, while experiencing the country’s rich and fascinating historic and culture. Gangtey Lodge embraces Bhutan’s concept of Gross National Happiness by pursuing a harmonious balance between respecting nature and promoting cultural preservation and sustainable development.
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