With more than twenty-six years of experience in the travel industry, Marienne’s love of bespoke travel manifested into launching The Design Travel Group, which focuses on her mission to help clients recharge and reconnect on vacation.

With the belief that luxury is about getting to know her clients and tailoring the perfect itinerary suited to their tastes, Marienne offers the high-touch service people crave in this fast-paced world. Her personal passions for architecture, design, fashion and food perfectly blend with creating memorable, detail-oriented itineraries. No matter where in the world her clients land, her global connections ensure that their arrival is always anticipated and they are looked after with the upmost care.

Having three children of her own, family and multi-generational travel are favourites for Marienne to organise. Her first-hand experiences navigating the nuances of family travel enable her to ensure a hassle-free trip, no matter the ages of her travelers. Additionally, she loves planning couples’ vacations and special getaways for women, enabling them recharge and reconnect with themselves, their partner or their friends.

Why did you create your own travel advisory business?

I founded Design Travel Group to create personalised, meaningful journeys—not just itineraries. After years in a large travel company, I wanted the freedom to curate trips that truly reflect my clients’ lives, passions, and stories, connecting them to the right experience at the right time.

Partnering with SmartFlyer—a brand I have long admired for its global relationships, integrity, innovation, and luxury credentials—brings international connections and insider access to every trip I plan, allowing my clients to travel better, with ease and intention.

Luxury means different things to different people. To me, it means choice, flexibility, security, and complete personalisation.

Which destination do you go back to again and again? Why?

The list is long—there are so many places I return to for different reasons, each offering something unique. But a few stand out. Italy will always have my heart—its people and hospitality, diversity, culture, and beauty keep drawing me back, and with family roots in Calabria, it’s deeply personal.

I also have a love for mountains and winter—after living in Vancouver, Canada feels like a second home, especially during ski season. And then there’s Africa… it’s unlike anywhere else; travel here changes you. I’ve been lucky to visit several times and experience multiple countries, but I know I’ve only just scratched the surface.