Nadia "Sparkle" Henry
As travel advisors, we don't just book rooms, we curate experiences. While accommodations are important, it's often the experiences tied to a destination that transform a trip from ordinary to unforgettable. Many of us sell packages that combine hotels with excursions, adding value and meaning to our clients' journeys.
When my clients travel, I look for unique destination experiences that complement where they're staying. Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to do exactly that while traveling with clients to Hawaii and during a site inspection in Aspen/Snowmass in Colorado.
While visiting Hawaii on a cruise, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the volcanoes on the Big Island, specifically in Hilo. During my research, I came across Fissure 8, one of the most significant sites from the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption.
In May 2018, lava from Fissure 8 surged through residential communities, destroying 716 homes in areas including Leilani Estates and Kapoho. What was once a thriving neighborhood is now a powerful reminder of nature's force.
Access to this area is extremely limited, as much of the land is privately owned. Only a handful of tour operators who have partnered directly with landowners are permitted to offer guided visits. One such operator is Aloha Aina Tours, owned by Steve Wahn, who works closely with Kris Burmeister, a former resident whose home was destroyed by the eruption.
Kris lived in the area for 20 years before losing his home on May 28, 2018. After the eruption, he purchased additional land from neighbors who had also lost their homes, giving him direct access to Fissure 8, the volcanic cone that formed in his front yard.
Hiking through Fissure 8 was one of the most moving experiences I've had in Hawaii. You can still see steam rising from parts of the land, a reminder that the volcano is very much alive.
In January, while traveling through Aspen and Snowmass, I looked for something to offer clients beyond skiing and snowboarding. Just 45 minutes from Snowmass lies Glenwood Springs, a destination rich in history and wellness.
Originally known as Yampah, meaning "big medicine," the area was first inhabited by the Ute Native American tribe and later settled by miners in 1879. Visionaries Isaac Cooper and Walter Devereux developed what would become a world-class resort centered around its natural mineral hot springs.
Today, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the perfect post-ski retreat.
Hotel 1888 is a boutique hotel with 16 rooms and suites, located within the historical Stone Bath House and steps from the mineral pool. Guests receive access to the athletic club.
The Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs has 107 rooms and is ideal for families. It is a short walk to the hot springs. Guests have free, unlimited access to the springs during operating hours when they stay at either hotel.
Experiences like hiking through a volcanic fissure or soaking in mineral baths elevate a client's trip from nice to unforgettable. As travel advisors, our value lies in knowing where to look, who to partner with, and how to match the right experience to the right client.
When we move beyond booking hotels and curate stories based on experiences and destinations, we deliver real value and create lifelong clients.