Mary Matos

The Dominican Republic’s identity is not found on an anonymous all-inclusive sun lounger; it is carved into the ancient coralline limestone of America’s first European city and hidden in the wild, coconut-fringed cliffs of Samaná. This journey is a masterclass in slow travel, intentionally curated for travelers who practice clean living and seek to align their physical wellness with the authentic pulse of Hispaniola. We begin in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, where five centuries of Afro-Taíno and Spanish history echo through cobblestone alleyways. From there, we cross the island to the Samaná Peninsula—a sanctuary where emerald rainforests spill into a pristine sea, and the air carries the rhythm of wild Atlantic surf. I invite you to travel with deep intent, engage in active restoration, and witness the rugged, soulful heart of the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico is a masterclass in the color blue. It is where the emerald canopy of the rainforest spills into the pale turquoise of Icacos and the deep sapphire of the Islands. Beyond the cobblestones of Old San Juan, our history is written in the water. Having navigated these reefs as a diver and these trails as a local, I know that the “soul” of the coast is not found in a city center—it is found in the midnight glow of our Bio-Bays and the silence of the Culebra or Vieques sunrise. I have designed this journey for those who seek water as medicine and want to witness our most vital ecosystems through a lens of deep, soulful recovery.

Andalucía es el alma de España—a place where light, history, and nature intertwine magically. This journey prioritizes senderos (paths) with views of the Strait, soulful white villages, and a wine culture ranging from the ancient Sherry of Jerez to the high-altitude reds of Ronda. From the bohemian retreat of Vejer to the cosmopolitan energy of Málaga, this itinerary balances hiking adventure with the serenity of the sea and the region’s best gastronomy.

Puerto Rico’s identity is carved into our limestone caves and hidden in the mist of the Cordillera Central. This journey is designed for the traveler who seeks the island’s internal pulse. From the dramatic cliffs of Arecibo and Manatí to the sacred rivers of Utuado and the rhythmic mountain air of the Ruta Panorámica, this is a masterclass in local heritage and slow travel. I invite you to leave the coast behind and witness the rugged heart of our mountains.

The Atlantic coast of Colombia is a masterclass in contrast. It is where the Spanish stone of Cartagena meets the ancestral heartbeat of the Sierra Nevada and the rhythmic resistance of Barranquilla’s Carnival. I have designed this journey for those who want the “postcard” view but stay for the deeper story. Having navigated these coasts as both a diver and a hiker, I have found that the “soul” of the coast is not found on a sun lounger—it is found in the music, the mud, and the mountain air.

In Bogotá, high-altitude Colombian heritage meets the warmth of a coffee farmer’s welcome. This itinerary takes you from the cosmopolitan "Athens of South America" to the rolling green hills of the Eje Cafetero. Having navigated these winding mountain roads many times, I have designed this journey to showcase the spiritual stillness of the pueblos and the incredible craftsmanship of the coffee culture. If you can, visit during the magical Christmas season—specifically around the Día de las Velitas (Dec 7–8)—when the Andes glow with thousands of candles and the spirit of Colombian tradition feels truly timeless.

Medellín is more than a trendy backdrop; it is a city of resilience and ancestral roots. Having traveled to Colombia nearly a dozen times, I’ve designed this itinerary to lead you away from the “Instagram bubble” and back to the soul of the Paisa culture. This is an invitation to witness real history, invest in local art, and embrace the region’s incredible advancements in wellness—from traditional ceremonies to world-class stem cell therapy.

To the outside world, the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián (the "SanSe")—held annually in mid-January—is a raucous four-day street party that marks the end of the world's longest Christmas. But to us, it is a living archive where 16th-century Catholic processions meet the rhythmic resistance of Black towns like Loíza, and where neighborhood activism still echoes through the blue cobblestones. I’ve designed this guide to help you experience the SanSe not as a spectator, but as a witness to Puerto Rico’s enduring cultural identity.

The West Coast of Puerto Rico, known as Porta del Sol, is where my roots run deep and the island’s true soul resides. After exploring over 50 countries, I’ve found that the magic here lies in the balance of revolutionary history, rugged outdoor adventures, and the “no-nonsense” authenticity of our small towns. I’ve designed this journey to showcase the genuine local flavor, from high-vibe vegan gems to the freshest sunset seafood, ensuring you experience the west like a local.