Ten lessons from ten years of Lux Voyage

Ten years ago, Lux Voyage began with a simple motivation: to help people make the most our of their leisure time by creating memories to last a lifetime. 

I didn’t have a business plan or any formal training. I didn’t go to business school, study leadership, or have a background in travel. What I did have was intuition, a willingness to learn, and a passion for this mission.

This month, as I stood on the deck of a gulet in the middle of the Adriatic, surrounded by the incredible women who make up our Dream Team, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The turquoise water shimmered around us, the Croatian coastline glowed in the afternoon light, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come and everything we’ve learned along the way.

Over the course of seven days at sea, we celebrated our tenth anniversary in the most fitting way possible: together, with intention and joy. Each morning brought a new surprise, from handwritten messages tied to our values, to locally made keepsakes waiting at breakfast. We laughed until we cried, we cried because we were proud, and we reconnected with the heart of what Lux Voyage has always been about: people.

Looking back, here are ten lessons from ten years of Lux Voyage. They’ve shaped not only this company, but also the way I live, lead, and travel.

1. Lead with authenticity.

I’ve never had all the answers, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. For me, authenticity means showing up as yourself, being honest about what you know and what you don’t, and moving forward with humility.

2. Trust your intuition.

Not having formal training was a blessing. It forced me to listen to my gut. Every major decision - from building the team to choosing partners - has been guided by instinct, and it has never led me wrong. It’s been my compass since day one.

3. Stay focused on your own path.

Comparison is the fastest way to lose direction. I’ve never spent time worrying about what others are doing. We’ve grown not by competing, but by keeping our heads down and focusing on serving our clients with excellence.

4. People over business.

Always. Whether it’s our team, our clients, or our partners, relationships come first. We’ve even walked away from business when it didn’t align with our values. The people matter more than the deal.

5. Embrace failure.

I’ve learned the most from the things that didn’t go perfectly. Failure isn’t a sign to quit; it’s part of the process. How you handle mistakes says more about you than how you handle success.

6. Work hard, play hard.

We’re not chained to desks, and that freedom is a privilege. It comes with the responsibility to be there for our clients and for one another. That balance of accountability and freedom keeps us motivated and connected.

7. Know who you are and own it.

Lux Voyage can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s okay. Once you find clarity about who you are, what kind of work you want to do, and how you want to do it, be unapologetic about it.

8. Surround yourself with people who complement you.

The right people change everything. Lisa and I have been successful partners because we’re different. We balance each other. She has strengths where I don’t, and vice versa. Every single member of our team brings something unique to the table;, a strength where someone else is weak and our company is stronger for it. 

9. Balance is a myth.

I don’t believe in perfect balance. Life, work, motherhood - it all flows and blends together. What matters is learning how to manage it, finding ways to recharge, and giving yourself grace when things don’t line up neatly.

10. Care deeply.

Care obsessively about your people, your clients, and your work. Care enough to check in, to double-check, to send flowers, to laugh when things go wrong, and to celebrate when they go right. That care is what makes our trips flawless and our team to feel like family.

As we look ahead to the next decade, I feel grateful and grounded. We’ve built something that feels true to who we are and that delivers on our mission every day. To our clients who have trusted us over the years, thank you for letting us be part of your journeys and memories. You are the reason we do what we do. My hope is that Lux Voyage continues to create experiences that bring people closer to the world and to each other.

Here’s to the next ten years of discovery, connection, and unforgettable travel adventures.

With gratitude,

Virgi

Photo by Lauren Harel