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Sarah Pompei

Italy
8 Years of experience

Firmly planted in the belief that true luxury lies in one-of-a-kind experiences, Sarah creates bespoke journeys for clients that uncover the living history and beauty off the beaten path told through local voices, traditional flavors, and the timeless rhythms of village life.

With over a decade of experience in storytelling and communications across Silicon Valley and beyond, Sarah spent years helping others find and share their voice—until she felt called to follow her own, back to the ancestral villages that shaped her family’s roots. What began as a personal pilgrimage soon became a professional calling: to craft journeys that slow travelers down and draw them into the rhythms of real life.

Sarah understands that true luxury today isn’t defined by opulence, but by the depth of a real connection—meals cooked by nonnas, wines poured by the winemaker and their family at the kitchen table, and stories passed down through generations. Her signature style blends authenticity with refinement, curating seamless, culturally rich experiences that feel both intimate and expansive. She works closely with local hosts—artisans, chefs, vintners, and historians—to offer travelers a living history, steeped in beauty and belonging. Whether it’s truffle hunting in the forest, private tastings in family-run wineries, or exploring ancient villages untouched by tourism, every journey is designed with purpose, heart, and meticulous detail.

A native Californian, Sarah now splits her time between Italy and the U.S. When she’s not in the Southern Italian village of Irpinia scouting new experiences or walking the vineyards with local producers, she’s dreaming up new ways to help others come home to a place they’ve never been.

What does your perfect vacation day look like?

A perfect day on vacation starts slow, with the morning sun spilling through the windows of a boutique hotel that reflects the spirit of where I’m staying. I sip espresso on a quiet terrace, savoring the stillness before the day begins. Breakfast is simple, local, and seasonal: fresh breads, homemade jams, and ripe fruit are always a go-to.

The day unfolds without rush—maybe a guided walk through the countryside, time relaxing on the water, or a visit with a local artisan—something rooted in conversation, not just sightseeing. I love lingering over lunch at a family-run restaurant, where ingredients are sourced with care and transformed into dishes that tell a story, always paired with local wines. After a quick espresso, I make time for a nap, a book, or simply doing nothing.

As the sun begins to set, I love being in a local piazza, enjoying aperitivo and dinner with friends—new and old—or even on my own, feeling like I’ve stepped into a scene from a film.

What has been your most memorable travel experience to date?

It’s impossible to name just one, because each journey has offered something entirely its own. As I tried to think of the trip, a flood of beautiful images and memories came to mind. Of course, that first visit to Irpinia—the one that convinced me to move here and share this magic with others—was transformative. But just as unforgettable are moments like sipping wine with a winemaker in their private cellar in Burgundy, sharing a meal cooked alongside generations of family in Italy, wandering the streets of a new city with my best friends of over thirty years, or gliding along the coast on a private boat. Each experience stopped me in my tracks in its own way. That’s the beauty of travel done with intention: no two journeys are ever truly the same, and the most meaningful moments are often the ones you never planned for.

Travel Tip

  • Leave space in your itinerary for spontaneity. The most meaningful moments often happen in the in-between, so give yourself the gift of time to linger, savor, and connect.