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, shopping for textiles in India, or a long table dinner 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.”
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Orient Express Corinthian (Orient Express)
Spotlight : Portugal
Portugal wins hearts with its soulful beauty, incredible food, and warm spirit. One unforgettable meal? A seafood lunch at Gambrinus—White Port & Tonic made tableside, rye toast and butter twe could not stop eating, spider crab and Fisherman’s Rice bursting with clams, prawns, and more Afterwards, we wandered the National Tile Museum in a 16th-century convent—a colorful journey through Portuguese art and history.
Lisbon is a city that dazzles with its golden light, soulful streets, and a rhythm all its own. Hop on the iconic Tram 28 for a charming ride through Alfama and Graça, where the hills are steep and the views are unforgettable. Wander the tangled alleys of Alfama, where fado music drifts from tucked-away taverns and every corner feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Climb up to São Jorge Castle for sweeping views over the red rooftops and the wide, glimmering river—especially at sunset. Don’t leave without indulging in a few pastéis de nata, warm from the oven at Manteigaria or the famous Pastéis de Belém. Along the riverfront in Belém, explore grand monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Torre de Belém, then swing by the MAAT for striking modern architecture and art. For a perfect end to the day, head to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, a peaceful hilltop perch where locals gather with wine, music, and a front-row seat to Lisbon’s dreamy evening light.
We made a sunny detour to Nazaré ( no waves, but a great day), before reaching Porto, where I truly fell in love. I cried when I left. Between the golden light, river views, and soulful charm, Porto gets under your skin.
Douro Valley: Wine, Wellness & Wonder
We stayed at Six Senses Douro Valley, a serene, soulful retreat with yoga, forest bathing, an organic garden, and exquisite wines. Tasting port at local quintas, eating slow lunches with a view—it’s a place of deep connection and indulgence. The drive along the N222 is pure magic—vineyards carved into hillsides, olive groves, whitewashed villages, river views at every turn.
Next Stop: Alentejo!
I am waiting for greengage plums to appear at the market, so I can make a favorite Alentejo dessert called Sericaia, described as a soft egg pudding scented with cinnamon, and served with poached plums. My favorite creamy sheep cheese is produced in the Alentejo region. Hearty food, peaceful villages, and sunshine-drenched landscapes—Alentejo is calling me.
We made a sunny detour to Nazaré ( no waves, but a great day), before reaching Porto, where I truly fell in love. I cried when I left. Between the golden light, river views, and soulful charm, Porto gets under your skin.
My favorite bite? Not the famous francesinha (though go ahead and try it once), but the sandes de pernil from Café Guedes. This roast pork sandwich is layered with gooey sheep’s cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a secret marinade and sauce that no one’s giving up. It’s humble, messy, perfect—and utterly craveable. You’ll dream about it long after you’ve gone.
Must-do in Porto: Stroll the Ribeira, sip port in Vila Nova de Gaia, cruise the Douro or visit a wine estate, and get lost in the magical Livraria Lello.
my last trip - ireland
This spring, akasha lead a unique culinary & cultural journey to Ireland. from food - to history it was a trip of a lifetime.
Our small group tour featured exceptional 5-star properties, including beautifully restored historic manor homes that exuded charm and elegance. We learned about Irish history, explored the captivating highlights of Dublin, and enjoyed a unique stay combined with a cooking class at the infamous Ballymaloe, known for its gardens and culinary excellence. Additionally, we had the exciting opportunity to forage for seaweed and sea vegetables along the stunning West Cork coastline. Our meals included crab rolls from food trucks, local farmers markets, the number one restaurant in Ireland, and a Michelin-starred dinner 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. Throughout our journey, we toured historic castles, explored majestic cliffs, mystical stone circles, an oyster farm, ancient sites, beaches, & enjoyed traditional music in small village pubs.
The beautiful Dingle Pennisula
The iconic Cliffs of Moher
St. Tola’s Goat Farm
Drombeg Stone Circle
All the oysters you would ever want!
Lobster Dinner on The Wild Atlantic WayMorocco :
A Culinary Adventure
Coming Soon in 2026
led by chef
Matthew Biancaniello
If you are a chef or expert in your field, we can design a trip for you and your friends, clients and or followers. We have designed a one-of-a-kind trip to Morocco with my friend Matthew Biancaniello, who is also a cocktail chef and he will be the host of this incredible journey. He is well-known as a talented cocktail and food creator, who has received high praise from esteemed publications, including the New York Times, Forbes, and the Los Angeles Times. His book ‘Eat Your Drink’ (Dey Street Books) is a favorite of mine! Interestingly, he is also recognized as Martha Stewart’s favorite bartender, which speaks volumes about his expertise.
With Matthew guiding you alongside our team of expert local guides, you will embark on an unforgettable exploration of several stunning locations, including Casablanca, Fes, the magnificent Atlas Mountains, and the vibrant city of Marrakech. Matt’s passion for local produce, aromatic spices, and culinary traditions makes him the perfect companion to help you discover the wonders of Morocco.
Your adventure will feature a range of enriching experiences, including a guided tour of ancient Roman ruins, a visit to a renowned winery, shopping in the bustling Fes Medina, and a cooking class with Akasha’s favorite culinary instructor and Morocco expert. Additionally, you can look forward to a private couscous rolling class with local artisans, enjoying cocktails with Matthew on a beautiful saffron farm, participating in a spice lab and argan oil workshop, indulging in shopping and spice haggling in the souks of Marrakech, taking a relaxing camel, hiking in the Ouirgane Valley, lunch with a Berber family and so much more. You will surely cherish the rich tapestry of experiences and flavors that this journey promises.
Note: Akasha & Matthew designed this journey, Matthew will be your culinary leader with our local guides in Morocco.
Details are
coming SOON
Culinary & cultural Experiences
Cheese shopping in BelfastLobster Spaghetti,
Maddalena, SardiniaBreakfast at Tetelan, CDMX
There’s truly nothing like the exhilarating thrill of exploring new destinations and immersing oneself 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 waith the charming places to dine, we take the time to visit vibrant food shops, knowledgeable cheese mongers, bustling farmer’s markets, and dedicated food producers, each providing a glimpse into the local gastronomic landscape.
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 enriching experience is made even more enjoyable with the help of our knowledgeable expert guides and friendly 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, thrilling zip lining, boating excursions, invigorating hiking and walking adventures, as well as creative pottery and painting workshops, and so much more to ensure a memorable journey.
Textile Museum in Sardinia
Guggenheim in BlibaoFrom 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, & owner of the renowned AKASHA Restaurant located in Culver City, CA.
My first group trip was to Israel when I was fourteen, and I have been traveling ever since. Over the years, my wanderlust has only grown. I spent many years as Michael Jackson’s private chef, traveling all over the world. My travels have taken me across Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Ireland, India, Spain, Eastern & Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and many other countries. Even before I created my group tours, I developed detailed day-by-day itineraries for everyone I was traveling with. A few years ago, for my birthday, 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 to more than thirty-five different countries across the globe and 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 can be re-created for individual or small group tours.
