Whether they’re creating wellness packages that promote well-being, helping save the planet through sustainability efforts, crafting bespoke journeys that immerse travelers in cultural authenticity, spearheading transformative projects on the hotel front or setting new standards for luxury, these five women are forces to be reckoned with.
Aashica Khanna, Executive Director of Ananda in the Himalayas, a premier wellness retreat, has been shaking up the wellness landscape. Under Khanna’s leadership, Ananda now offers deeper, more intensive wellness programs that span 14–24 nights, supported by a team of top experts across Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and traditional Chinese medicine. She has also spearheaded a transformation in Ananda’s approach, moving beyond a traditional retreat model to becoming a long-term wellness partner. With year-round consultations and follow-ups, Ananda now plays a sustained role in clients’ well-being journeys, delivering truly sustainable results.
At a time when hospitality leadership in Costa Rica was largely male-dominated—nearly four decades ago—Vera Zeledon, Founder and Executive Advisor at Costa Rica’s Hotel Belmar, had a dream: To build an eco-luxury property from the ground up, driven by a shared vision of sustainability, excellence and authentic Costa Rican hospitality. By following her vision, Zeledon played a pioneering role as a woman in the industry, making her mark beyond the hotel to touch the broader landscape of eco-luxury tourism. On-property, guests can visit the Finca Madre Tierra, the country’s first certified carbon-neutral farm, supplying fresh, organic ingredients that fuel the hotel’s farm-to-table philosophy. Beyond regenerative agriculture, Finca Madre Tierra embraces humane animal husbandry, proving that ethical, cruelty-free farming can yield an abundant, nourishing bounty.
Sofia Mascotena is the fearless leader of Naya Traveler, a women-staffed luxury travel company that is redefining what it means to explore the world with purpose. With a keen focus on immersive experiences and cultural authenticity, Naya Traveler offers bespoke journeys that go beyond luxury—they are designed to foster meaningful connections between travelers and the communities they visit. Mascotena is on a mission to uncover remote destinations and ensure that every journey maintains a perfect balance between exclusivity and cultural respect. Beyond its leadership, Naya Traveler—which offers everything from solo adventures in Japan, Iceland, Peru and Morocco to bespoke women’s group trips designed around themes of adventure, culture, and wellness—is dedicated to inspiring women through the transformative power of travel—encouraging them to embrace new experiences, pursue their passions and push past their limits.
Maggie Hardy, Owner and CEO of Nemacolin, located in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, has been the driving force behind the property since its inception in 1987. Her guiding light for pushing beyond conformities in hospitality is her father’s belief that “nothing is impossible.” Under her leadership, Nemacolin has evolved far beyond the traditional resort model—introducing personalized butler service, pioneering sustainability initiatives and reimagining hospitality with signature touches of whimsy. She has spearheaded transformative projects, from The Chateau’s iconic reimagination and the recent opening of the Gusto! Restaurant to Wisteria, a residential community designed for associates.
Marie Browne, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, has had a 25-year career with Marriott International, opening 25 hotels around the world. As GM of The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, she is leading the brand’s first venture into the Pacific Northwest, setting new standards for luxury since the property’s fall 2023 debut. As a board member of Travel Portland’s leadership team, she has integrated the property into the community while elevating the city’s local offerings. Her focus on operational excellence and meaningful guest connections has established The Ritz-Carlton, Portland as an urban sanctuary.
