There are places that exist as a constant scene-setting backdrop. Ava Resort Cancun is one of them. Set along Cancun’s largest shopping promenade, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world just steps away, it’s a playground for travel, a stage for indulgence, and—on this particular day—the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meeting of the minds.
We were there to catch up with four master planners who shape luxury travel like artists sculpting a masterpiece. The first to arrive? Sheena Williams of Embark Beyond, her presence as polished as the white sandy beaches at Ava. We are obsessed with her merlot-colored button-down one piece bathing suit, it goes too well with the green palm trees and perfect blue skies we have as our backdrop.
“I see travel like fashion,” Sheena tells us. “Not everyone has the same taste, but everyone deserves something that makes them feel like their best self. A trip should be like the perfect outfit—mixing old with new, high with low, and always tailored to fit.”
Sheena’s specialty? Family travel and high-touch luxury experiences. Her passion? Africa. “It’s home,” she says simply, describing the way it weaves a deep spiritual connection with over-the-top hospitality. But if she’s going for easy-breezy island vibes? Besides the Mayan Riviera, Turks and Caicos have her heart. “I miss it whenever I’m gone too long.”
Speaking of outfits, Sheena is absolutely killing it in a champagne-peach colored satin dress that is the perfect ensemble to slip into Livo. Inspired by a traditional hacienda in the Yucatan Peninsula and serving epic Greek realness, the raw organic materials, exposed beams, and touches of limestone create a soft welcoming atmosphere.
We are all too thrilled to meet up with Katie Warner who along with Sheena make the perfect pair. Katie’s also wearing a satiny dress in a soft pistachio and if these trend-setters have anything to say about it, pastels are in!
“Lucky 13,” Katie says to us, raising a glass to Lucid Routes’ 13th year in business. Fresh off being named one of LA Weekly’s Top 15 Travel Experts, she’s got her sights set on more than perfect dresses and standout itineraries—she’s shaping the future. Between launching Wander Workflow, an automation platform for travel advisors, and coaching industry newcomers to scale their businesses to seven figures, Katie is nothing short of a force.
With a background in event planning and a knack for blending creativity with strategy, she’s become a go-to mentor for travel advisors looking to carve out their niche. “The industry is evolving,” she tells us. “I’m just making sure the right people are at the forefront of it.” Wherever Katie wants to go, we are sure to follow! And as if reading our minds, Katie proposes visiting the pool, which we absolutely agree to.
Once there, we are joined by Saul Fonseca from Smart Flyer who immediately grins and asks, “time for a dip?” motioning toward the pool. And who are we to say no when in the company of such masters of a good time?!
Saul’s been in the luxury cruise game for more than two decades, but 2024 marked a turning point—one that brought him to the agency side. “It was time to see things from a different angle,” he admits, now playing a pivotal role in SmartFlyer’s Product & Partnerships Team.
Out of his bathing suit and into warmer clothes, Saul’s vibe comes through in a casual yet intentional fit. His style makes sense when you consider who Saul is. He’s the guy helping travel advisors navigate the complex (and lucrative) world of high-end cruising, and with a deep understanding of both sides of the business, he’s become an invaluable resource. That means that if you’re looking for things to get done, you better call Saul.
Floating somewhere between poolside bliss and professional admiration, we suddenly realize—we’re ready to indugle. And as if reading each other’s minds, our group collectively turns toward Chez Moi, Ava’s French restaurant.
The last but certainly not least member of today’s entourage is yet to come. Pamela Garza joins us just as we’re being seated, already swooning over the restaurant’s moody Parisian townhouse vibe. “This,” she sighs, “is everything.”
Pamela’s story is a love letter to travel. It all started with a photo of a Venetian gondola that set off a lifetime of adventure. She moved from Mexico to Canada, worked as an au pair in Greece, and eventually landed in the luxury travel world in Colorado. Now, she’s one of the visionaries behind Tory Ellers, a members-only boutique travel club designed for those who want something beyond an empty trip—they want a story.
“Everyone has a travel story waiting to be told,” she says, taking a sip of her wine. “And I want to help them tell it.” Pamela’s full of sparkle: her eyes, her smile, her dress. She’s iridescent and reminds us of the waves we can hear crashing not too far away.
By the time the last bites are savored and the final toasts made, we’re left with full stomachs and even fuller hearts. The sheer passion, innovation, and undeniable cool factor of these four travel titans have us utterly astonished. If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that luxury travel is in the best possible hands.
As we wave goodbye to gorgeous Ava Resort Cancun, we are already counting the minutes until we’ll be back in it’s warm beachy embrace. Beautiful just doesn’t describe it! you’ll have to visit to see what we mean. Until next time!