About Us
We design purposeful, culture-rich journeys that connect travelers with communities, inspire growth, and create lasting, meaningful travel experiences worldwide.
We Believe Travel Changes Everything
Curated travel that ignites beyond the journey; that’s our promise to you. Just like an ember that continues to glow long after the flame, at Ember & Co we craft experiences that spark lasting transformation within you. We believe your journey should reflect who you are, connecting you with authentic moments that challenge, inspire, and keep burning bright long after you return home.
Our Core Values
Everything we do is guided by these principles. They shape how we curate experiences, work with partners, and care for every traveler who trusts us with their story.
Intentionality
Every experience is designed with care and clarity, never one-size-fits-all, always rooted in meaning and purpose.
Transformation
We believe travel can spark deep personal evolution, healing, and self-awareness. Our experiences invite more than movement; they invite growth.
Connection
We create space for real connection between travelers, local cultures, and the deeper parts of themselves.
Authenticity
No fluff, no facades. We honor real stories, real people, and real experiences, curating even the iconic moments with soul and substance.
Nurture
Like a glowing ember, we lead with care. Through thoughtful hospitality and grounded presence, we create experiences where travelers feel held, safe, and truly seen.
Voices From the Journey
Hear from fellow travelers who’ve experienced Ember & Co. Real stories, honest thoughts, and the sparks that stayed long after the trip ended.
C. Rodolphe
A Trip Worth Repeating
D. Walker
Every Detail Thought Of
C. Taylor
Easy Travel, Great Company
Everything was well organized, with timely updates for any schedule changes. I loved the welcome dinner at the hotel, perfect after long travel, and the elegant farewell dinner at the aquarium. It was great connecting with new and old friends. Thank you for another wonderful trip!
L. Boldin
South Africa at Its Best
The professionalism and attention to detail from the team were outstanding and everything was handled with such joy. South Africa was beautiful, with unforgettable excursions, great guides, and amazing accommodations. It was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, and the people made it even better. Do yourself a favor and book this trip. You won’t regret it!
E. Boldin
Five Stars All Around
Everything was so well organized, and Antoinette went above and beyond to check in and make sure we were good. I experienced new foods, fun activities, and even treated myself to a hot stone massage—highly recommend! This vacation was amazing. Five stars to Antoinette!
Our Philosophy & Framework
We believe travel is meant to transform you, not just transport you. In a world of rushed tourism and “turn up” culture, we choose slower, intentional journeys that create global citizens, not just globe-trotters. Every experience should be a thoughtful conversation between who you are and who you’re becoming, between your story and the stories of the places you visit.
This philosophy lives in our signature EMBER Method—our framework for designing experiences that ignite lasting transformation:
E
Engage with Intention
M
Meet Locals, Not Just Landmarks
B
Breathe in Rest
E
Experience with Care
R
Return Changed
Like the ember that inspired our name, these principles ensure your journey continues glowing long after you return home, and that you return as a more conscious, connected global citizen.
The Founder
2013 — A Global Spark
Burnt out from balancing full-time work and nursing school in Indianapolis, Antoinette made a bold choice that changed her life. A study abroad opportunity took her to Barcelona, Spain, and what was meant to be a year turned into three. Living abroad opened her eyes to the world and to herself, and it was there that she truly became a global citizen. Those years shaped her perspective, her curiosity, and her passion for meaningful travel, laying the foundation for a life devoted to helping others explore the world with purpose and heart.
2016 — The Liberated Route
After three transformative years abroad, Antoinette returned to the U.S., convinced she missed the stability of corporate America. She accepted a high-paying role at an investment firm, determined to learn all she could about the inner workings of business and corporate structures. But within a year, she realized it wasn’t where her heart belonged.
Walking away from corporate life, she joined America’s #1 airline as a flight attendant. What began as a job quickly became her classroom — a front-row seat to the ways people from every walk of life moved, connected, and sought belonging. From quiet solo travelers to families chasing new beginnings, Antoinette saw how travel shaped lives. And yet, even at 30,000 feet, she felt the pull toward something more: a vision to create experiences that not only took people places, but also left them changed long after they landed.
2020 — A New Vision
At the height of the pandemic, Antoinette chose early retirement and leaned fully into her long-held dream of entrepreneurship. This was the beginning of her vision for a travel business rooted in freedom, connection, and meaningful experiences.
During this time of ideation and creation, she traveled in a converted Sprinter van, exploring her own backyard across the U.S. and North America. These journeys allowed her to continue feeding her love of travel while studying different communities, lifestyles, and the ways people seek escape, connection, and purpose. Each stop became a lesson in understanding how thoughtful travel can touch lives — including her own.
2022 — The Birth of LuxNomad Travels
After months of strategizing, envisioning, and refining her ideas on the road, Antoinette officially launched LuxNomad Travels. That year, she hosted her first fully sold-out trip to South Africa — a journey focused on luxury, while also incorporating fun, cultural exploration, and meaningful fellowship. Travelers were invited to engage deeply with the world while enjoying thoughtfully curated comfort and style. The success of this trip confirmed that her approach resonated: travel could be intentional, immersive, and thoughtfully crafted, setting the foundation for every journey LuxNomad would curate. Over the following years, she successfully added new destinations gradually, expanding opportunities for guests to explore the world in ways that are enriching, memorable, and deeply personal.
2025 — Rebirth as Ember & Co.
Building on LuxNomad Travels, Antoinette rebranded to Ember & Co. with the mission: “Travel that ignites beyond the journey.” Every experience goes beyond the itinerary, helping travelers feel grounded in culture, connected to community, and inspired by their place in the world. Now fully IATA certified, our focus on quality and safety ensures every journey is thoughtfully designed. This period also marked the launch of bespoke trips, tailored to individual visions, special occasions, and flexible timing.
Ember & Co. now serves Conscious Solo Travelers seeking depth, Purpose-Driven Friend Groups creating memorable experiences, and Visionary Teams designing inspiring retreats — and so much more. Each trip fosters cultural understanding, personal growth, and meaningful connection, making travel a catalyst for reflection, learning, and belonging.
Ready for Your Next Chapter?
Stay connected with our community of conscious travelers, or let’s start planning your transformative journey today.