We arrive in the courtyard of the Crescent Wing of the The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas where Leigh Elizabeth Israel greets us in a killer Hermès look. We can’t get enough of the white dress with the blue accents but the classic Hermès Kelly bag really says today is no ordinary day. And with the backdrop of the Ocean Front suites in a lush oasis? The day has officially popped off.
But we know that Avondale’s je ne sais quoi isn’t just about fantastic style, it’s about offering families and couples the perfect retreat, whether lounging in the hammocks or enjoying the salty sea breeze from their private patios.
Leigh Elizabeth sets the stage and brings us back to the beginning of her agency. “Avondale Travel started with my father, Lou Black, back in 1974. We’ve been through a lot to get where we are today,” Leigh shares.
The agency’s journey mirrors that of The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, rooted in history and defined by resilience. After a rocky transition period in the ’90s, it was Leigh Elizabeth who kept the family legacy alive. “We’ve built the agency back from the ground up, focusing on the high-touch service and bespoke itineraries that define luxury travel today.”
With the cool ocean breeze ruffling her dress, the conversation with Leigh Elizabeth moves between past and present, and we follow her as she leads us into the iconic Hartford wing—the very same building showcased in Casino Royale (2006.) The space feels like a living piece of film history, and we can only imagine the stories these walls would tell if they could speak. It’s here that we can’t help but notice the way Leigh’s journey is intertwined with this legendary space, both transformed by time, and still offering nothing but the best.
If you haven’t gotten into the pool, have you truly gotten the full experience? We don’t want to risk it, which is why we couldn’t wait to be poolside with Leigh. Our gracious guide, who had once again made a top model attire choice, this time with her orange bathing suit—from Juan De Dios— that was a perfect complement to the Hermès bag. And speaking of top models poolside looks, the the company’s youngest advisor stepped out of the set from Wild Things and straight into The Ocean Club.
Rachel Crowe, whose career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, immediately draws us in.“I started with Avondale as an Executive Assistant, and now, just a few years later, I’m leading the charge on our leisure travel side,” Rachel says, her enthusiasm palpable. It’s no wonder she was named to the “30 under 30” list in 2023—her zest for travel and her professionalism shine through in every word. “There’s so much of the world to see, and I’m here to make sure every client has the best experience possible.”
With seven years in the travel industry under her belt, Rachel’s already become a trailblazer, shaping the agency’s direction with her innovative approach. Her dedication to her clients and her innate ability to curate personalized travel experiences make her shine bright in the world of luxury travel.
Walking through the gardens, we’re joined by another Avondale powerhouse, Kyra Fox. Discussing the moving statues from the garden, Kyra tells us more about herself. “I’ve always been captivated by history, culture, and the stories each destination holds,” she shares.
With over three decades in the industry, Kyra has specialized in corporate travel, but her love for Europe and its diverse cultures, particularly Sweden, where much of her family resides, gives her a deep, personal connection to the destinations she curates. Her silver hair and black dress flow in the wind and once again we have the strongest sensation that we’re in a dreamy movie with the most glamorous of divas.
And then of course, there’s the incredible and unforgettable Sandy Harbison! A vision of elegance in a minimalistic black dress, her accent turquoise necklace adding a pop of color that mirrors the vibrancy of the surroundings. “I’ve been part of the Avondale Travel family since the beginning,” Sandy tells us, reflecting on her decades-long career.
She started in 1984, impressing founder Lou Black with her sharp sales skills, which ultimately led her to build lasting relationships with clients and partners alike. Her steady leadership during the agency’s rebrand in 2013 solidified her place as a guiding force, ensuring Avondale continues to flourish.
As the sun starts to make its glorious way across the sky, it paints the Versailles Gardens with a warm glow, truly a work of art to behold. And glowing right along the works of art is masterpiece herself, Lindsey Harrell, the newest member of the Avondale team.
Fresh energy and perspective seem to surround her, a welcome addition to this powerhouse group.“I’ve always loved to travel, and after interning with Avondale in 2017, I couldn’t stay away,” Lindsey confesses to us. “I’m here to keep relationships strong, both with our clients and our partners, and to bring fresh ideas to the table.”
As the evening draws to a close, we find ourselves at the iconic Martini Bar of The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, where Leigh Elizabeth awaits us with a Vesper Martini. Behind her stands Keith Cash, The Ocean Club’s resident bartender and creator of said martini—created in homage to the 2006 Casino Royale—has become legendary in its own right. The setting couldn’t be more perfect: the vibrant energy of the bar, the soft glow of the lights, and the salty breeze of the ocean adding a touch of magic to the moment.
Sipping on that iconic Vesper, we can’t help but reflect on the journey we’ve just shared with this unbelievable team from Avondale Travel. From the serenity of the Crescent Wing’s courtyard to the stunning views of the Versailles Gardens, each moment felt like an exclusive peek behind the curtain of one of the most respected luxury travel agencies in the world. We leave feeling inspired, honored to have been in the company of these remarkable women who are not only defining the future of travel but doing it with an elegance and energy that’s nothing short of extraordinary.