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 & 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 trip we design is custom, and the details are 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.”
Our expertise is in custom itineraries tailored to your passions and the way you like to travel. We can VIP you at thousands of hotels, resorts, and luxury cruise lines. We are members of Virtuoso (Specialists in the Art of Travel), Small Luxury Hotels, Leading Hotels of the World, Four Seasons Preferred Parners, Hyatt Prive, Stars/Luminous, Rocco Forte Knights, Relais & Chateaux, and much more. We believe in creating joy through travel, making memories and exploring new places. We are dedicated to connecting you with where you are going-the history, nature, culture, and cuisine.
“ Akasha Richmond‘s curated culinary & travel adventures are unparalleled! With her wealth of knowledge and tastes, she puts together such unique experiences that no one else would be able to accomplish.
We have traveled with her to Sicily, Emilia Romagna as well as to Ireland, and in each location we have had the best tours, food, hotels, and adventures! From Sicily, with fresh seafood, culinary dinners, visits to farms, and small villages, to Emilia Romagna and Ireland, anything that Akasha puts together cannot be beat! I highly recommend utilizing her for any trip near or far. “
Culinary & cultural Experiences
Cheese shopping in BelfastPortuguese TileBreakfast 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
Shopping in MarrakechAlong with our thoughtfully curated culinary adventures, we also allow ample time to explore a wide variety of 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 Portugalour partners
We are members of Virtuoso and maintain strong partnerships that provide our clients with VIP perks, exclusive rates, upgrades, and special amenities at some of the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines.
From Akasha
Travel by Akasha operates as an affiliate of First in Service, an award-winning travel agency since 1991. with offices in key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Bogotá, London, Mexico City, Madrid, and Toronto. The agency specializes 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 global traveler and the founder of AKASHA Restaurant in Culver City, California (2008–2026). For nearly twenty years, AKASHA reflected my belief in seasonal cooking, meaningful hospitality, and deep connection to community.
Travel has always been at the heart of my work—learning directly from farmers, artisans, and home cooks around the world. These experiences now inform the way I design intimate, culturally rich journeys rooted in food, place, and connection.
I spent years as Michael Jackson’s private chef, whipping up meals while globetrotting from Tokyo to Sydney—he really taught me how to travel! 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.