Welcome to Travel By Akasha
where travel is a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul.
“This is soulful luxury for the food-loving and culture seeking traveler.”
Nadine Stellavato Brown - Client
we craft one-of-a-kind journeys for curious hearts and discerning palates — travelers who crave connection, beauty, and unforgettable flavor.
Think sun-ripened figs under a Sardinian sky, a private cooking class on a Moroccan saffron farm, harvesting seaweed on the beach in Ireland, a luxury river cruise on the Danube, shopping for textiles in India, or dinner at a long table in a vineyard where the wine flows and time slows.
Every detail is designed with care, weaving together culture, cuisine, and comfort in perfect harmony. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply the joy of being alive, we’ll take you beyond the guidebook — to places that nourish, inspire, and linger long after you return home.
Travel by Akasha operates as an affiliate of First in Service an award-winning travel agency with a portfolio of leisure, corporate, entertainment, and events clients. First in Service follows a simple philosophy: “We put you first.”
upcoming group trips with akasha
Sardinia spring 2026
sicily fall 2026
Join me for small group tours to my favorite Italian islands. Email for more information and to get on the list of all upcoming journeys.
This spring, akasha led a unique culinary and cultural journey to Ireland. from food - to history it was a trip of a lifetime.
Our small group tour featured exceptional five-star properties, including beautifully restored historic manor homes. We saw the highlights of Dublin (which included extraordinary meals), spent time exploring West Cork, and enjoyed a unique stay combined with a cooking class at the world-famous Ballymaloe, known for its gardens and cookery school. Our meals included crab rolls from food trucks, snacks at farmer’s markets, dinner at the number one restaurant in Ireland, and a Michelin-star tasting menu served in a quaint 200-year-old cottage. We had a full “Irish Breakfast” daily, dined at chefs' homes and enjoyed a lobster dinner along the Wild Atlantic Way. One of the highlights was foraging for seaweed and sea vegetables along the stunning West Cork coastline and enjoying a meal afterwards. Throughout our journey, we toured ancient sites, historic castles, majestic cliffs, and mystical stone circles. We spent time with a world-renowned wild fish smoker, a solar-powered sea salt producer, many story-telling guides, and of course enjoyed traditional music in small village pubs. Ireland is not to be missed! We can recreate this trip for individuals or small groups.
Ballymaloe Country House Hotel
The iconic Cliffs of Moher
St. Tola’s Goat Farm
Drombeg Stone Circle
Vegetarian Irish Breakfast
Lobster Dinner on The Wild Atlantic WayCulinary & cultural Experiences
Cheese shopping in BelfastLobster Spaghetti,
Maddalena, SardiniaBreakfast at Tetelan, Mexico City
There’s truly nothing like the exhilarating thrill of exploring new destinations and immersing yourself deeply in their unique experiences. Sharing meals around a communal table fosters a sense of connection, offering a wonderful chance to exchange stories, laughter, and a delightful taste of local culinary traditions. Along with the charming places to dine, we take the time to visit local food shops, knowledgeable cheesemongers, bustling farmer’s markets, and dedicated food producers, each providing a glimpse into the local gastronomic scene.
Making chapatis in India
Temples in IndiaShopping in MarrakechAlong with our thoughtfully curated culinary adventures, we also allow ample time for our groups to explore a wide variety of fascinating historical landmarks and delve deeply into the rich and intricate history of the diverse regions we visit. Travelers will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant countryside that surrounds them, experiencing both its beauty and cultural significance. This experience is made even more enjoyable with the help of our knowledgeable expert guides and locals who are always eager to share their valuable insights and captivating stories about the regions we explore. Our trips have included unforgettable activities such as camel rides, dancing in Indian temples, guided tours of museums and ancient ruins, zip lining, boating excursions, hiking and walking adventures, as well as pottery and painting workshops - and so much more to ensure a memorable journey.
Textile Museum in SardiniaDouro Valley in PortugalFrom Akasha
Travel by Akasha operates as an affiliate of First in Service, an award-winning travel agency with offices in key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Bogotá, London, Mexico City, Madrid, and Toronto, specializing in providing luxury travel experiences for various purposes, including leisure, corporate travel, entertainment, and bespoke events. First in Service is also part of Virtuoso, a leading travel consortium focused on luxury and experiential travel, connecting luxury travel advisors, agencies, and partners like hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators.
You can read more about First in Service, but their mission is simple:
“To ensure that every travel experience is unparalleled. That’s why every detail of a trip—from how you get there to where you stay to what you do while you’re there—is curated by our team of dedicated experts. Through a combination of inspiration, creativity, and drive, we work to fulfill this mission each day, with each trip.”
I am an experienced traveler, and owner of AKASHA Restaurant in Culver City, CAlifornia.
Travel has always been an essential part of my journey as a chef—an opportunity to explore new cuisines and cultures firsthand. I spent years as Michael Jackson’s private chef, whipping up meals while globetrotting from Tokyo to Sydney—it was an exciting adventure! My travels have taken me across Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Ireland, India, Spain, Eastern and Western Europe, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and many other countries. Even before I created my group tours, I developed detailed day-by-day itineraries for every trip. A few years ago, I decided it was time for a “trip of a lifetime” to India. Before I knew it, ten friends wanted to join us. With the help of an incredible on-the-ground tour operator, we designed the perfect itinerary. Once our friends saw our journey on social media, we led another group of twelve the following year. I have been passionately leading small-group culinary tours since 2017. My group tours have covered a variety of destinations including Sicily, Emilia-Romagna, Sardinia, India, Morocco, Scotland and Ireland. All of these journeys and more can be re-created for individual or small group tours.