Recognized Vacation Rentals Leaders 2025

After more than two decades in event management, conference planning, and project leadership across both the private and government sectors, I made the move into the vacation rental industry. Owning and operating my own short-term rentals showed me there was a smarter way for owners to manage their homes than stitching together disconnected tools and vendors. Today, I am a Real Estate Evangelist and Geography Fanatic who coaches vacation rental owners, agents, and managers on every aspect of STR management, from positioning and content to systems, operations, and guest experience. I have supported 300+ companies in 12 countries across 5 continents. I also specialize in turning the average listing (think Airbnb) into an extraordinary marketing piece that earns attention and drives bookings. Earlier in my career, I served as Talent Buyer and Event Coordinator for the City of West Palm Beach where I led the City’s successful bid to become the first World Festival and Event City in the State of Florida, a designation bestowed by the International Festivals and Events Association. I have also produced hundreds of award winning meetings, events, and concerts at the national, state, and local levels. When I am not working, you can find me somewhere in my home state of Florida, relaxing and spending time with my family.

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

Addison Jaynes is the CEO and founder of Reliant Destinations, a luxury travel brand focused on helping travelers book the Caribbean’s most iconic all-inclusive experiences with confidence. He also leads Reliant Cruising, specializing in ultra-luxury sailings with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Jaynes currently runs the largest independent Sandals & Beaches YouTube channel, Mr. TraveLux - which focuses on resort tours, insider perspectives and industry news. With an Executive MBA from the University of the West of England, plus business and international studies degrees spanning St. Petersburg State University (Russia) to Texas A&M University, Addison blends global perspective with high-performance business strategy. He has personally visited 143 countries, giving him rare, real-world travel expertise and an eye for what truly elevates a trip from “nice” to unforgettable. Addison is a trusted voice in the Sandals & Beaches ecosystem, serving on the Sandals & Beaches Resorts Chairman’s Advisory Council, and is recognized for elite production and client service standards. His work has been featured in Travel Weekly, Forbes, the Sandals Palmcast, and other major outlets. Known for being both analytical and customer-obsessed, Addison brings deep experience in luxury sales, destination expertise, weddings & honeymoons, and travel industry trends, with a strong focus on value optimization, resort selection strategy, and white-glove client support. Some Recent Awards & Recognition include: • Diamond Elite – Chairman’s Royal Club (Sandals Resorts) • Top Global Weddings & Honeymoons Producer (Sandals & Beaches Resorts) • Best of the Best Travel Agency Addison is available for expert commentary on luxury travel, Sandals or Beaches Resorts, all-inclusive resort trends, destination strategy, weddings & honeymoons, high end cruising, entrepreneurship and the future of travel planning.

I am an innovator with a storm of disrupted ideas in the luxury travel industry. I have 15+ years of experience with UHNWI/F and I am truly passionated about Real Estate and UHNW travel experiences. Ncg Experience offers SY Assistance, Luxury Homes & Private Islands Rentals and unsurpassed experiences in the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mykonos, Ibiza, St Tropez, St Barths. “Sensational memories for life. Dreams are never big enough” AD X

Brittany Shepard is the creator of The Sentimental Decorator, a home and lifestyle brand built on the philosophy that your home is not a project to perfect. It's a living story to tend. She specializes in heirloom and vintage decorating, sentimental style, seasonal home styling, intentional entertaining, and the everyday rituals that turn a house into a sanctuary. Through her writing, teaching, and community (The Storykeepers Circle), Brittany helps women move away from the pressure of a perfect home and toward the peace of a deeply personal one. She is currently at work creating "Legacy, Not Clutter: The 30-Day Heirloom Edit," a course helping women navigate inherited items after loss with meaning-first methods and ritual-based closure. Her expertise spans home decor, heirloom styling, intentional living, seasonal decorating, tablescaping, and helping women process life transitions through the lens of home. You can find her work at www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and on her Instagram @brittanyshepard.

I'm Natalya Bondole, Founder & CEO of LOOMLAN, published author, and entrepreneur who has built a premium furniture brand at the intersection of conscious design, American craftsmanship, and accessible luxury. My book, "The Triangle of Prosperity: Entrepreneurs' Blueprint to Success" (available at Barnes & Noble), distills the frameworks behind the world's most iconic business builders — from Elon Musk's vision to Jeff Bezos's execution — into a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to build not just a profitable business, but a lasting legacy. It is the same philosophy I have applied to building LOOMLAN from the ground up. LOOMLAN's foundation is interior design, conscious consumerism, and American manufacturing. LOOMLAN carries 50+ premium brands, ships 90% of inventory from US soil, and runs an industry-leading trade program that interior designers, hospitality buyers, and design-forward homeowners rely on nationwide. I've been featured on Fox Business, ABC15, Atlanta Post News, DC Chronicle News, Seattle Independent News, and The Los Angeles Tribune — covering the American-made furniture movement, minimalist design philosophy, eco-friendly manufacturing, and the future of home furnishings. I speak from the front lines of the furniture industry and the entrepreneurial trenches — not from a think tank. I can give your readers a grounded, specific, and quotable perspective on: why American-made furniture is having a moment, how interior designers are navigating quality vs. cost in 2026, what conscious design actually looks like in practice, the three pillars every entrepreneur needs to scale a product-based business, and how small brands are outcompeting big-box retailers on craftsmanship and service. If you're writing about home design, sustainable living, entrepreneurship, retail innovation, or the future of the furniture industry — I'm the source who has lived it, built it, written the book on it, and can make your story better.

Kayla is an American luxury travel designer based in Puglia, Italy, and the founder of Storia Travel Club. She relocated to southern Italy in 2024 and has built a travel business designing bespoke itineraries for discerning travelers with a particular focus on Italy and Europe. Her lived experience in Puglia gives her access to the kind of local detail that no guidebook captures: which masseria is worth the splurge and which is coasting on reputation, where to find the best bombette in the Valle d’Itria, and why the heel of Italy consistently surprises even seasoned travelers. She works with a select clientele, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, people seeking relocation to Italy, and those who expect their travel to be entirely handled by a professional. Her work has been featured on The Puglia Guys podcast, and her knowledge of the region, including its food culture, lesser-known geography, and the properties worth staying in, makes her a go-to source for editorial coverage on authentic luxury and slow travel in Italy.

Sandals #1 US Travel Agency... Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Rivage Travel Consulting & www.BestCaribbeanResorts.com is a boutique travel consultant group owned by husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Angela Patton. As Sandals specialists with over 15 years of expertise, we have personally visited every resort and booked over 2,000 client trips to Sandals, earning recognition as the 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency in the USA and ranking among the top seven travel advisors nationwide. Being in the top 1% of all US travel advisors, our Diamond Elite status with Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club means we have insider knowledge and experience when it comes Sandals & Beaches resorts. TRAVEL AWARDS & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Sandals Resorts Awards 2026 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2025 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – USA 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – South East 2024 Top Sandals Butler Elite Travel Agency 2024 Top Sandals Island Routes Agency - Worldwide 2024 Top 10 Independent Sandals Travel Agency – Worldwide 2024 Sandals Million Dollar Club 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Platinum Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

As a Cozumel specialist since 2008, I offer over fifteen years of deep, authentic local immersion, transforming my passion for this slice of paradise into an unforgettable experience for you. I am your go-to resource for everything the island has to offer: from seamless hosting and personalized adventures to expert insights on local real estate and the best of Mexican culture. My commitment is to provide a dynamic, highly responsive hosting experience that also respects your privacy and your space to relax. I am not just a host; I am an active island cheerleader dedicated to constantly elevating your stay. In fact, I actively seek guest input, as some of our most celebrated features came directly from brilliant ideas shared by travelers like you. Let's make your Cozumel trip a blast. I'm ready to listen and deliver.

Brittany Rediger is the founder and principal designer of Rediger Design, a Portland-based residential studio known for layered, story-driven interiors grounded in honest materials. Drawing on a background in fine arts and photography, she approaches design through composition, light, and careful editing. Brittany has been quoted in Forbes, Homes & Gardens and The Spruce, offering expert insight on space planning, material selection, color, styling and creating homes that feel collected rather than decorated.

I’m Erica Diaz, founder of the Erica Diaz Team, a top-producing real estate group based in Winter Garden, Florida. Over the years, I’ve helped guide hundreds of families through the buying and selling process across Central Florida, from Winter Garden and Windermere to Clermont, Winter Park, and beyond. My team and I recently reached a milestone of more than $300 million in closed sales, a reflection of the trust clients place in us and the results we consistently deliver. Recognized as a Zillow Premier Agent and named one of Central Florida’s top real estate groups by the Orlando Business Journal, my work has also been validated by over 750 verified five-star Google reviews from buyers and sellers who have experienced our commitment firsthand. Beyond sales volume, I pride myself on bringing deep local knowledge, honest guidance, and premium marketing strategies such as video walkthroughs, 360° tours, professional staging, and photography that help my clients stand out in today’s competitive market. As a longtime Winter Garden resident and community advocate, I understand not only the numbers behind Central Florida’s housing market but also the lifestyle that makes this region so desirable. Whether it is helping a first-time buyer find the right neighborhood, assisting a family relocating for work, or positioning a luxury listing for maximum exposure, I focus on making every real estate transaction as smooth and successful as possible.

Bio Sarah Bonsall is the founder and owner of Latitude 21 Travel, an award-winning boutique travel agency known for high-touch vacation planning and realistic guidance. Since launching the agency in 2022, she has built a strong repeat and referral-based client base by focusing on personalized service and trusted supplier partnerships. She works closely with clients planning all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean and Mexico, cruises, European itineraries, and milestone trips. Sarah is frequently consulted on pricing changes, hidden costs, resort differences, travel insurance considerations, and how travelers can navigate disruptions with minimal stress. Her perspective is shaped by daily, hands-on client work and firsthand destination experience, allowing her to offer practical insight rather than theory. She is known for explaining complex travel decisions clearly and helping travelers understand trade-offs so they can book with confidence. Sarah has been previously quoted in national travel publications including Frommer’s, TravelPulse, and Travel Market Report, and regularly advises on travel trends, consumer expectations, and the evolving role of travel advisors. Expertise Luxury travel planning, all-inclusive resorts, destination weddings, cruise travel, experiential vacations, travel trends, pricing transparency, travel disruptions, advisor-client relationships Credentials – Founder, Latitude 21 Travel – Diamond Elite Agency, ALG Vacations – NEST Elite Agency – Hyatt Privé Advisor – ASTA member, IATAN-accredited agency – Certified specialist with multiple luxury resort brands and cruise lines Topics Journalists Quote Me On – All-inclusive resorts: what’s included vs. what’s not – Luxury vs. mid-range travel experiences – Destination weddings and group travel logistics – Cruise vs. resort decision-making – Pricing fluctuations, refunds, and insurance – Travel advisor value vs. DIY booking – Managing travel disruptions Availability Available for written quotes, expert commentary, trend insights, and deadline-driven requests.

Andrea Napiontek | Founder & CEO, Second Star Wishes Andrea Napiontek is the founder and CEO of Second Star Wishes, a boutique travel agency known for crafting magical, meaningful, and meticulously planned vacations around the world. With more than a decade of experience in the travel industry, Andrea has built an award-winning agency that specializes in luxury family vacations, romantic getaways, and bespoke itineraries that balance comfort, connection, and creativity. Under her leadership, Second Star Wishes has grown into a nationally recognized brand celebrated for its concierge-level service, deep destination expertise, and a personalized approach that turns travel planning into an experience in itself. Her team of advisors is known for curating unforgettable trips to destinations including Disney, Universal, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, European cities, Caribbean escapes, and beyond. Andrea is a visionary businesswoman, mentor, and strategist dedicated to helping other travel advisors build thriving, purpose-driven careers. She’s known for blending data-driven business acumen with a heartfelt, service-first philosophy...earning her industry partnerships with leading travel brands and consortia. With an eye for storytelling and a passion for helping others see the world, Andrea continues to inspire both travelers and fellow entrepreneurs to pursue experiences that create lifelong memories.

At the heart of LaVon Private Luxury is a belief that travel isn’t just about going somewhere—it’s about transformation. As Founder, Tiffany Layne has dedicated her career to curating bespoke journeys that are as enriching as they are unforgettable, creating experiences that transcend vacations to become life-changing moments. An avid traveler with a love for art, theater, and wellness, Tiffany’s path has been anything but conventional. She began her career as a biomedical scientist, immersing herself in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Eventually, she traded her lab coat for a new adventure, managing the intricate lifestyles of high-profile families in New York City. It was here that Tiffany’s appreciation for thoughtful, luxurious travel deepened, as she saw firsthand how meaningful moments of connection and discovery could be transformative for even the busiest lives. Through her carefully cultivated relationships with the world’s finest properties, exclusive operators, and cultural insiders, she’s able to open doors that are closed to most, crafting journeys that blend sophistication, personalization, and heart. Recognitions & Accolades: Virtuoso Advisor (Ultraluxe Community) | Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist | Travel + Leisure A-List (Wellness Specialist)

Sally Kertes is a travel and social media expert with a unique niche: the enchanting Christmas Markets of Europe. As the founder of the Magical Christmas Markets of Europe Facebook community, she has grown the group to over 600,000 passionate members, creating one of the largest online spaces dedicated to festive European travel. Through her work, Sally has turned a love for holiday traditions into a thriving global community, inspiring travelers to experience the charm of Europe’s river cruises, historic towns, and sparkling markets firsthand. Her expertise extends beyond social media growth—she has leveraged her community to generate over $1 million in bookings with Viking River Cruises, while also building a thriving newsletter and network of travel enthusiasts. Sally brings warmth, storytelling, and actionable insights to every conversation, whether she’s sharing social media growth strategies, behind-the-scenes travel tips, or the magic of Europe’s holiday destinations. She’s an ideal podcast guest for audiences interested in travel, community-building, social media success, or simply adding more joy and wonder to their journeys.

Pamela James is the CEO and Founder of Paloma St. James. With decades of experience in the global fashion industry, Pamela experimented with textile techniques to build an innovative, unique fashion tool to save time, money, and the planet. A bestselling author, international speaker, and leading authority on modular fashion, Pamela’s work sits at the intersection of design, architecture, and art. Her approach treats clothing as evolving wardrobe system that transform with the wearer’s life. Her research and creative development have taken her across the world in pursuit of heritage craftsmanship and responsible materials from Pima cotton in Peru, to heirloom silks in Vietnam, to traditional block printing in India, and artisanal textile traditions across Thailand. Through Paloma St. James, Pamela is leading a mindset shift in luxury; moving the industry away from excess and toward thoughtful, enduring design that reflects how modern women live, move, and transform.

I have accumulated well over thirty years of experience in real estate and real estate finance. I have sold and/or underwritten over two billion dollars in real estate lending products. I have managed a lender bank portfolio of millions of dollars of real estate loans including responsibility for sales of bank owned properties. In 2018, I established and still manage a successful real estate brokerage offering property management of residential rental units, and also on and off market residential sales. I developed a passion for The Finger Lakes several years ago; boating, kayaking, and vacationing on the lakes. Ultimately, I purchased a home on Canandaigua Lake and live there year-round with my wife Tracy and two golden retrievers; Midas and Harper (they love the lakes too!) I am currently a water quality monitor for The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association. I plan to continue learning about lake initiatives and stewardship with them. What I have found discouraging are experiences that I have seen both buyers and sellers of lake homes experience. Having sold lots of houses does not equate to understanding the nuances of lake real estate. Lake real estate is not only about housing. It is about a lifestyle. There are many important considerations, not only from the perspective of if a house is a good investment, but also how it supports a lifestyle. There are concerns to consider with a property on a dynamic body of water.

I’m a marketing strategist and SaaS entrepreneur with over a decade of experience helping brands grow through SEO, content strategy, and digital innovation. Based in Austin, Texas, my finger is on the pulse of the global software industry. My business advice and market insight has been featured in major publications including CNN.com, Forbes.com, Southern Living, and Fatherly. My background spans industries like travel, healthcare, education, construction, and e-commerce; leading me to my current role in SaaS marketing representing the SEO/GEO and online presence of cloud-based software Event Rental Systems and Dumpster Rental Systems (subsidiaries of parent company Fullsteam). Since transitioning to vertical software management at ERS (event rental management solutions), and DRS (waste hauling solutions), I've successfully launched brand growth and SEO campaigns that have increased referral traffic from AI search sources by over 250%. My content and brand campaigns are leading company marketing efforts in 2026, with a focus on horizontal expansion and strategic channel growth. As founder of Vincent James Marketing, I help small and mid-sized businesses strengthen their online presence through smart design, SEO, and full-funnel marketing strategy. Before that, I served as VP of Marketing at TripShock.com, an Inc. 500 online travel company, where I scaled visibility nationwide through analytics-driven content and partnerships that moved the needle. During my time at TripShock I authored over 1,000 pieces of travel content including articles and travel guides, generating over one million visitors to TripShock.com.

Maurice Smith, CTIE, is a hospitality strategist, luxury travel expert, regenerative tourism advocate, and founder of Eugene Toriko, a luxury travel agency built around purposeful, responsible, and highly personalized travel experiences. His work sits at the intersection of elevated guest experience, sustainability, cultural storytelling, and place-based hospitality. Through Eugene Toriko, Maurice has focused on boutique hotels, culturally rooted itineraries, sustainability-minded partners, and experiences that connect travelers more thoughtfully to people, place, and environment. Maurice was recognized on the Travel + Leisure A-List in 2022 and 2023 and has been featured by Robb Report among top Black travel specialists. His expertise has been sought by publications including Bloomberg, The Washington Post, USA Today, Business Insider, and Money.com, where he has contributed perspective on travel trends, destination value, and evolving traveler expectations. His industry recognition includes a 2023 Gold Magellan Award for Eugene Toriko’s giving-back initiative, a 2024 Silver Magellan Award for ATL & Co On the Go with Eugene Toriko, and recognition from TravelAge West for marketing efforts connected to the same media platform. Maurice was also selected for Tripadvisor’s RECO program and is a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. Today, Maurice’s work spans hospitality strategy, media, public speaking, regenerative tourism, environmental stewardship, and the future of more intentional guest experiences. He is also connected to Amka Terra, a stewardship, ecological learning, and regenerative tourism platform focused on environmental education, biodiversity, youth learning, community partnership, and place-based restoration.