Growth and self-discovery. It is a great challenge for yourself. Try new experiences, by pushing past your fears and limitations, you build confidence, resilience, and a sense of empowerment that extends beyond your travels.
The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Antonella D’Angelo.
Antonella defines herself an innovator with a storm of disrupted ideas in the luxury travel and wellness industry. She has 15+ years of experience with a high-profile clientele. She is truly passionated about luxury beyond experiences. NCG Experience offers SY assistance, luxury homes, private island rentals and unforgettable wellness experiences in the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mykonos, Ibiza, St Tropez, St Barts.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
When I was just 15 years old, I took my first steps into the world of wellness by joining the gym of my family’s business. I developed an early understanding of the importance of health and wellness so I start following my passions.
Over the years, I delved deeper into the world of wellness, exploring various forms of exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness practices. I discovered the transformative power of yoga and meditation, using practices to find balance and clarity away form the busy lifestyle.
Through my experiences in the family business, I understood the profound impact that prioritising health and well-being can have on every aspect of life. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good, inside and out.
Today, I opened my business and I continue to pursue my passion for health and wellness within the luxury industry, I carry with me the luggage of lessons I learned during the years. I love helping others on their fitness journey, taking time for self-care.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
I have learned a lot from my boss in London, he started from nothing and now he owns one of the biggest perfume business in the UK. He is passionated about wellness retreats and he told me to try the wellness retreats in Ibiza. I booked my first wellness retreat in a luxury villa with 15 people and a Shaman. Wow, what an experience! We stayed there for three days of purification and destress, we did a lot of activities together and I experienced a true connection of mind, soul and body.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
My partner Ciro. He supported me, my passions and my life project. We met few years ago and we moved to the Dominican Republic. Ciro inspired me, he gave me the believe and energy to change the busy city lifestyle and develop a business in this incredible island of the Caribbean, building something unique for our high-profile clientele. Today we create wellness bespoke experiences that our clients will never forget.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
As a luxury travel agent, I’ve encountered various situations where mistakes turned into valuable lessons.
During a high-profile booking for a VIP client’s luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean, I mistakenly booked the wrong dates for their trip. The error wasn’t discovered until just a few days before their scheduled departure. Panic set in as the client had made extensive plans around those specific dates. I immediately reached out to the client, taking full responsibility for the oversight and offering multiple solutions to rectify the situation. After discussing various options, including rescheduling the trip or arranging alternative accommodations for the affected dates, the client accepted our apologies and opted to adjust their plans slightly to accommodate the new schedule.
Although the mistake was embarrassing, it taught me several important lessons:
Attention to Detail: This experience reinforced the importance of double-checking all details of bookings and reservations to ensure accuracy. Even the smallest oversight can have significant consequences, especially when dealing with high-profile clients and luxury travel arrangements.
Communication is Key: Transparent and timely communication with clients is crucial, particularly when addressing mistakes or unexpected challenges. By taking ownership of the error and proactively offering solutions, I was able to maintain the client’s trust and salvage the situation.
Humility and Professionalism: Owning up to mistakes with humility and professionalism can go a long way in preserving client relationships and reputation. By acknowledging the error, taking responsibility, and demonstrating a commitment to rectifying the situation, I was able to maintain the client’s confidence in our services.
Can you share your favourite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
DREAMS ARE NEVER BIG ENOUGH. Explain. I am a dreamer.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
The most exciting project I am working on, is a combination of luxury, sustainability, and wellness for our high-profile clientele in the most exclusive villas in the Caribbean. We are creating the most exclusive sustainable wellness retreats designed to provide discerning guests with a rejuvenating sanctuary where they can reconnect with themselves and the environment.
Our villas are masterpieces of architectural ingenuity, constructed using sustainable materials and eco-friendly design principles. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by green gardens and tranquil water features that evoke a sense of serenity and harmony with nature. The interior spaces are curated to create a sense of calm and relaxation, with organic textures, earthy tones, and locally sourced furnishings.
During the retreat our guests can participate in yoga and meditation sessions, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments using organic and locally sourced ingredients, and partake in wellness workshops and seminars led by experts in holistic health and wellness. Eco-friendly activities such as guided nature walks, sustainable cooking classes using locally sourced ingredients, and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
The culinary experience at the retreat is a celebration of organic, plant-based cuisine. Guests can savour delicious, nutrient-rich meals prepared by skilled chefs using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.
We want them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings, exploring hiking trails and pristine beaches, and educate in our sustainable activities.
We offer a transformative experience that nourishes the body, soothes the soul, and leaves a positive impact on the planet. Travel with NCG has the potential to enhance wellness, as it offers opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and personal growth.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
We have a regular client, a family of 6 people with a busy family business in Connecticut, with a stressful lifestyle. They contacted us two years ago and they were looking for a destination to recharge and reconnect with nature, so we suggested them to embark on a bespoke family trip to Casa de Campo Resort in Dominican Republic. We organised the entire trip for them. During their time in the DR, they immersed themselves in the island’s serene and tranquil atmosphere. They started each day with group yoga sessions overlooking lush golf courses and the Caribbean ocean, releasing tension and stress, leaving them feeling more balanced.
We organised many family activities to explore the natural beauty of DR, from group hiking to unseen waterfalls, horseback riding through the countryside, traditional Caribbean cooking classes, sustainable spa treatments and holistic healing therapies, soothing massages and more.
The benefits without having distractions of work and daily city life, reflect on goals, values, and priorities, gaining clarity and insight into what truly mattered to our guests. Our guests were super happy when they left, as they loved the experience and they come back every year for a new one.
What are a few things which distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
NCG selects exclusive villas that are masterpieces of architectural ingenuity, constructed using sustainable materials and eco-friendly design principles for our retreats.
NCG Holistic Approach
Our property embraces a holistic approach to wellness, integrating physical, mental, and emotional well-being into every aspect of the guest experience. From personalized fitness programs to mindfulness workshops, we offer a comprehensive range of wellness activities tailored to each guest’s unique needs.
Luxurious Amenities
While prioritizing wellness, we also provide luxurious amenities and accommodations that exceed expectations. Best spa treatments, gourmet organic cuisine, and more.
Bespoke Experiences
Every aspect of the guest experience is tailored to enhance their well-being.
Natural Surroundings
Our properties offer a serene and tranquil environment ideal for relaxation and renewal. Guests have the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world through guided hikes, outdoor meditation sessions, and immersive eco-friendly activities.
Expert Guidance
Our team of experienced wellness professionals is dedicated to guiding guests on their journey to optimal health and vitality.
What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?
We want our guests to full immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings, exploring hiking trails and pristine beaches, and educate in our sustainable activities. During our retreats we offer a transformative experience for the body, the mind and the soul, and leaves a positive impact on the planet.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
Our property is a haven designed to provide guests with a serene and rejuvenating escape for both body and mind.
We pick the best properties with greenery and natural landscapes, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and surrounded by tranquility. Fully-equipped spa offering massages and holistic treatments to yoga and meditation spaces overlooking breathtaking views, promoting relaxation and inner harmony.
We serve delicious and nutritious meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a wholesome breakfast, enjoying a light lunch by the pool, or savoring a gourmet dinner under the stars, you’ll nourish your body from the inside out.
Personalized Experiences: our team is dedicated to creating bespoke experiences that resonate with our guests.
Holistic Wellness Approach: At our property, we embrace a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. From guided mindfulness sessions to wellness workshops and educational seminars, we offer a comprehensive array of experiences to support our client’s journey to holistic wellness.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests that visited your property?
David, a CEO Executive, arrived at our luxury wellness retreat feeling exhausted. He needed a physical and mental relaxation and a full recharge of energies.
During his stay, David tried immersed himself in our holistic wellness program: daily yoga sessions, meditation classes, and nourishing plant-based meals. The tranquil beauty of nature and the support by our team of expert wellness practitioners. He started to let go the stress day by day and noticed profound changes taking place within himself. He found a inner place, a sense of peace and clarity that had eluded him for years, and he rediscovered a deep connection to his body and spirit. Through guided mindfulness practices and healing therapies, he released old patterns of tension and learned to cultivate a greater sense of presence and balance in his life.
By the end of his retreat, David emerged transformed. He returned home with a newfound sense of vitality and purpose, ready to approach his work and life with renewed energy and perspective. Inspired by his experience, he committed to integrating wellness practices into his daily routine and prioritizing self-care as a fundamental aspect of his lifestyle.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
Our retreat offers a much-needed opportunity for self-care and introspection, allowing guests to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health in a supportive environment. From yoga and meditation to mindful eating and spa therapies, we give a comprehensive approach to well-being that addresses the needs of the whole person.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
Of course. Travel has the power to enhance our mindfulness, optimism, and sense of gratitude by immersing us in new experiences.
When we travel, we often find ourselves fully present in the moment. Travel encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment, allowing us to savour each experience with greater clarity and intention.
Travel exposes us to new perspectives, cultures, and ways of life, expanding our horizons and challenging our preconceived notions. We become more open-minded and optimistic about the world. Travel reminds us of the possibilities beyond our comfort zones, inspiring hope and optimism for the future.
Travel grows the blessings in our lives and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude. By experiencing the richness and diversity of the world, we gain a greater appreciation for the people, places, and experiences that enrich our lives.
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
1. Mindful exploration
Engage with your surroundings mindfully. For example, while hiking in the mountains, pause to appreciate the beauty of nature, listen to the sounds of the forest, and feel the sensation of each step. By practicing mindful exploration, you can deepen your connection to the present moment and cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
2. Immerse yourself in the local culture
Seek out authentic eateries where you can try traditional cuisine and interact with locals. Discover local villages, the customs and traditions and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
3. Prioritize self-care
Prioritize self-care during your journeys. Practice yoga on the beach at sunrise, taking leisurely walks in nature, and indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. Make time for activities that creates benefits for your body, mind, and soul. Recharge your energy, reduce stress, and enhance your well-being.
4. Step outside your comfort zone
Growth and self-discovery. It is a great challenge for yourself. Try new experiences, by pushing past your fears and limitations, you build confidence, resilience, and a sense of empowerment that extends beyond your travels.
5. Take time to reflect on your travel experiences
For example, at the end of each day, set aside a few moments to write about the highlights of your adventures, the lessons you’ve learned, and the ways in which you’ve grown.
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
I believe that in the next 5–10 years, wellness travel will continue evolving and expanding. Technology will certainly play a more significant role in shaping the future of wellness travel.
The holistic wellness experiences will grow, including mental health support, spiritual exploration, and emotional well-being. Travelers will understand more the importance of well-being and will be seeking immersive experiences that allow them to connect with local cultures, traditions, and natural environments. Customization and personalization of wellness programs will increase. Resorts may offer a combination of medical services, wellness therapies, and preventive care programs, providing guests with support for their health and well-being.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)
Jeff Bezos. He is a visionary, innovator and a genius. I would like to exchange some business thoughts with him and see what he thinks about my ideas.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
https://www.linkedin.com/company/20607061/admin/feed/posts/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonella-d-angelo-ab358130/
https://www.instagram.com/ncg_experience/
https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063867411782
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ncgexperience/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGZYO6eOKVg
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
