Sponsored: From expert travel advice to wellness retreats

For independent travel broker Sarah McDonald, the love of travel runs deep. What began as a passion for exploring the world has evolved into a thriving career spanning nearly two decades. Alongside her husband, Stuart, the couple share over 30 years of combined experience, offering a highly personalised approach to travel planning.

Sarah’s journey in the industry started when an overseas adventure changed her life. While in Scotland, she met Stuart, and together, they returned to New Zealand in 2006. She took a role as a travel consultant with Flight Centre, quickly rising through the ranks, eventually managing the Richmond branch while Stuart ran the Nelson branch.

In 2023, they left the corporate world behind to establish themselves as independent travel brokers. “It was a high-risk move, but we knew it was right,” says Sarah. “We are a husband-and-wife team that help each other out, working together to provide a truly personalised service, with faster turnaround times and fewer corporate distractions.”

With their combined expertise, the couple offers a unique experience, and their independence allows quick responses ensuring clients are not left waiting. Sarah has also partnered with friend and health coach Hannah Barnes hosting wellness retreats in Bali and Byron Bay. They are designed exclusively for women, offering a chance to step away from daily pressures and reconnect with themselves, providing deep nourishment, connection and rejuvenation. “Every woman should do this at least once,” says Sarah. “It’s a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and focus on personal well-being.”

Each retreat fosters an intimate, supportive environment where women can connect, share experiences, and gain new perspectives. “It’s about creating a space where women realise they’re not alone in their challenges. That connection is incredibly powerful.”

Recent retreat participant Carli Pamplin describes it as “transformative.” She explains, “Releasing years of grief, pain, and trauma, ultimately breaking intergenerational patterns – every woman deserves this.”

Lisa Pyers agrees, saying, “The whole experience was amazing. Our supportive hosts made the five days easy and carefree. The resort was tranquil, and I’ve gained lifelong friends. I’m so glad I said yes to this for myself.”

Hosting a fully guided trip makes people feel really safe, which is why Sarah and Stuart will be personally escorting clients on a tailor-made, luxury adventure through exotic Vietnam in October.

“We have travelled extensively ourselves, and people have often commented that they would like to go on holiday with us. I love that we get to create this and share the journey with them.”

Sarah believes the magic of travel lies in its ability to inspire and invigorate. “Travel is about breaking free from routine and truly living. When you go on holiday you feel inspired, you kind of come alive again and you get these little epiphanies about what living really is. I find that when you think about your travels, it feels like yesterday. Because when you're on holiday your emotions are all quite alive, and when you have an emotion about something you remember it.”

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