Our Story
“Every place on earth is characterized by its unique culture, people, gastronomy, vibes and colors. I love to explore new cities, observe how culture influences daily life and how travelers create connections with local foods. Having visited more than 50 countries, I have the urge to discover and learn everything I can about what each new culture I experience has to offer.
As I follow my heart in all things, I naturally choose love, care, ethos in all actions. To thrive is essential for the well-being of myself, others and Mother Earth. I feel grateful and fulfilled that my personal motivation, to help people have an authentic smile, is becoming a reality at Travelgems, where we focus on creating travel experiences that not only life you up but move you forward, by nurturing your body and soul.
Travelgems hosts retreats with a variety of themes including mindfulness, culture, fitness, personal growth, yoga, pilates, nature and reading retreats.
The three pillars of Travelgems are: Education, Evolution and Integration.
At every retreat we host, we try to put together like-minded people who have common interests; many of them either come or leave as friends.
The educational part is a given: we always make sure we host the leading teachers or experts in their respective field of wellness.
When it comes to evolution, we focus on helping our clients move forward and we love hearing stories about how they have incorporated what they have learned on the retreat into their everyday lives. I find it magical seeing how everybody evolves in their own way. Personally, I have learned so much up to now from Travelgems’ retreats.
I have learned that I must not let myself burn out. In a world of digital connectivity, I’ve learned the value of real face-to-face human connection. I now know that I must get more sleep, since this way I can be more focused and make better decisions.
Learning from my Travelgems colleagues is very empowering. We have all learned that by giving the right feedback, without judgment, everyone can offer the best of themselves. We have learned that people change if they really want to, so education – evolution – integration can be true.
Today, the Travelgems team works with passion, integrity and care for our clients and it’s amazing to see their smiles and good vibes every day when they deal with daily practices and decisions. I admire and I am thankful to each of them for the way they represent our company’s values to our community.”
Niki Smirni, Founder-Mindful leader
Retreat Photo Albums
Our values:
Authenticity
We embody the quality of being real or true.
Authenticity is the bedrock of well-being. It means you’re true to your personality, regardless of what is happening in your external environment. You’re honest with yourself and others, and you take responsibility for yourself. Practicing mindfulness could provide you with the tools to become more authentic, leading you to think differently and become more observant, accepting and capable of change.
Authenticity
We embody the quality of being real or true.
Authenticity is the bedrock of well-being. It means you’re true to your personality, regardless of what is happening in your external environment. You’re honest with yourself and others, and you take responsibility for yourself. Practicing mindfulness could provide you with the tools to become more authentic, leading you to think differently and become more observant, accepting and capable of change.
Equality
We treat one another equally and equitably.
Equality means that every individual inside the company has equal opportunities.
Every person, whether in a personal or professional setting, is unique in their own way. Our purpose is to treat each person with respect to their character, their position and their background. No matter who we work with, we view one another as equal members of our collective team.
Equality
We treat one another equally and equitably.
Equality means that every individual inside the company has equal opportunities.
Every person, whether in a personal or professional setting, is unique in their own way. Our purpose is to treat each person with respect to their character, their position and their background. No matter who we work with, we view one another as equal members of our collective team.
Care
We attach importance to what we do.
Care starts from ourselves and expands to others. Self-care is the mindful practice of taking time to pay attention to ourselves. The same attitude towards others is essential, as being interconnected is important for our mental and physical well-being.
Care
We attach importance to what we do.
Care starts from ourselves and expands to others. Self-care is the mindful practice of taking time to pay attention to ourselves. The same attitude towards others is essential, as being interconnected is important for our mental and physical well-being.
Responsibility
We have the opportunity and the ability to act independently and make decisions.
By accepting responsibility we become more action-oriented. The responsibilities we accept in our lives contribute to making us who we truly are.
Taking responsibility for our actions is not only a choice; it is an opportunity. Each step we take towards being responsible raises our self-esteem and improves our relationships with friends, family and co-workers.
We elevate ourselves when we acknowledge how interconnected we are. We assume responsibility for our impact on others and for our effect on nature. We discover the peace that comes from living with integrity.
Responsibility
We have the opportunity and the ability to act independently and make decisions.
By accepting responsibility we become more action-oriented. The responsibilities we accept in our lives contribute to making us who we truly are.
Taking responsibility for our actions is not only a choice; it is an opportunity. Each step we take towards being responsible raises our self-esteem and improves our relationships with friends, family and co-workers.
We elevate ourselves when we acknowledge how interconnected we are. We assume responsibility for our impact on others and for our effect on nature. We discover the peace that comes from living with integrity.
Empowerment
We have the freedom and the power to control what happens to us.
When someone is empowered, they feel confident in accomplishing their goals.
Team empowerment can build trust in leadership, increase motivation and creativity.
Empowerment combines self-awareness with the mental and physical competency to identify and achieve your goals. It requires active hearing and acceptance of feedback.
When processed effectively, empowerment manifests higher levels of self-confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Empowerment
We have the freedom and the power to control what happens to us.
When someone is empowered, they feel confident in accomplishing their goals.
Team empowerment can build trust in leadership, increase motivation and creativity.
Empowerment combines self-awareness with the mental and physical competency to identify and achieve your goals. It requires active hearing and acceptance of feedback.
When processed effectively, empowerment manifests higher levels of self-confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Openness
We are receptive to new ideas.
Openness means to allow yourself an open point of view toward your life, in order to approach the questions that arise as gifts; with a sense of faith and trust that there is a reason for your experiences. That way, you are always compassionate in response to them.
When we are open in our life, we are open to people’s opinions. We are responsible for ourselves and we people’s advice, on the condition that they provide solutions to problems.
We are open to evolution, but not to judgment. We are open to learning new ways of introducing our work and co-creating with others.
We understand that every person is unique. Therefore we are open to adapting ourselves to their needs.
We listen mindfully to every solution, no matter from whom it comes from.
Openness
We are receptive to new ideas.
Openness means to allow yourself an open point of view toward your life, in order to approach the questions that arise as gifts; with a sense of faith and trust that there is a reason for your experiences. That way, you are always compassionate in response to them.
When we are open in our life, we are open to people’s opinions. We are responsible for ourselves and we people’s advice, on the condition that they provide solutions to problems.
We are open to evolution, but not to judgment. We are open to learning new ways of introducing our work and co-creating with others.
We understand that every person is unique. Therefore we are open to adapting ourselves to their needs.
We listen mindfully to every solution, no matter from whom it comes from.
Kelly Brandon Retreat - Crete 2021
From this experience I found myself more interested in the philosophy of yoga. Kelly's discussion on that was fascinating and something I may follow up on. I can't really say my thought process evolved but based on the above it may over time! What we learn daily does become a part of who we are as we move forward so that my new interest in yoga philosophy will be incorporated into my daily life, I hope. Thank you for your efforts to provide a successful yoga retreat. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mariel Buqué Retreat - Mykonos 2021
Dear Niki, The retreat was amazing and all of the hard work that you and your staff put into it was very obvious and much appreciated. Even the confusion of my last night at Kivotos not being available became a treasured night in Athens. Reflection questions: 1) I learned that you never know the pain, baggage or demons someone carries when you first meet. 2) My thought process evolved tremendously...open up to people, share your pain...you or they may say something that can help with their or your own healing process or journey without even being aware of it. 3)I always tried to be mindful and a positive person. But meeting this group of women and spending sacred time together has given me a little golden nugget to carry with me on my healing journey. Truly special! Again my sincerest thanks,
Elise Joan Retreat - Corfu 2021
Dear Niki, What a wonderful model (Education-Evolution-Integration) Travelgems has! I very much enjoyed being part of this unique experience at the Marbella Corfu. I especially liked getting to meet both you and Fenia. You both are so warm, outgoing and eager to help. I hope to have the opportunity to go on future retreats with Travelgems. Sincerely,
Dr. Deepak Chopra Retreat - Greece 2023
Thank you Niki for a super well organized first retreat with Deepak in Greece with Travelgems! Congratulations to you and your team. You even managed to change the weather forecast from rain to sunshine for our last few days.
Dr. Deepak Chopra Retreat - Greece 2023
To old and new teachers, grateful for the deep lessons made possible by the flawless and beautiful TRAVELGEMS, it was a pleasure and honor meeting each and every one and sending light to our eternal connection
Cultural Reterat - Epidaurus 2023
What a wonderful cultural retreat venue! This is my second retreat in Greece with outstanding British classicists, educated and enlightened historical archeologists and guides, plus educated enlightened international participants who have become wonderful friends!
Cultural Reterat - Epidaurus 2023
I pretty much live in perpetual awe at the wonderful, kind, supportive Travelgems community that Niki Smirni has built, but never more so than tonight. In the face of adversity, I have felt such an outpouring of love, affirmation and understanding from these strangers who have become friends. Feeling deeply grateful and blessed to be a part of this group.
Micki Phit Retreat - Zermatt 2023
Thank you for your email. It was a really wonderful retreat and I met some amazing people at a truly beautiful location. You are right about creating lasting memories with Micki and Niki and the other participants! Thank you for all the details that you kept me in touch with, as well as answering all my questions. It made the whole process so much easier.
