Maria's love of travel began long before she founded Registry Travel. Growing up, she dreamed of seeing the world and one day visiting all seven continents. That passion eventually led her around the globe through a decade of service as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, where she specialized in logistics and operations, lived throughout the United States, spent three years in Japan, and worked alongside people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. Later, she and her husband embarked on their own year long journey around the world, ultimately reaching their seventh continent and fulfilling a lifelong goal. It was through those experiences that Maria developed a deeper appreciation not only for travel itself, but for the many different ways people experience a destination.
Today, as the owner of Registry Travel, Maria combines her firsthand travel experience, destination knowledge, and relationships with trusted partners around the world to create personalized itineraries tailored to each client. She believes the most memorable journeys are not simply about checking destinations off a list, but about creating opportunities to genuinely connect with a place. By taking the time to understand her clients' travel styles, interests, family dynamics, and goals, she designs experiences that reflect the people taking them.
For Maria, luxury travel is no longer defined solely by five star accommodations or exclusive amenities. Instead, she believes true luxury lies in creating experiences that are intentional, personal, and impossible to replicate online. Whether celebrating a milestone, embarking on a once in a lifetime adventure, or revisiting a favorite destination from a fresh perspective, meaningful travel is ultimately about the stories, connections, and memories that remain long after returning home.
Bellevue Lifestyle caught up with Maria to learn about three destinations currently inspiring travelers and why they deserve a place on your travel wish list...
The Adriatic Coast: Corfu & Montenegro
The quieter corners of the Adriatic, particularly Corfu, Greece and Montenegro, offer such a different side of the Mediterranean. Corfu especially surprises people. Rather than the whitewashed villages many associate with Greece, it feels lush, green, and almost Italian in certain areas. Days here are best spent slowly moving between seaside villages, long lunches overlooking the water, boating along the coastline, and settling into the rhythm of the destination.
That same understated beauty extends into Montenegro, which continues to emerge as one of Europe’s most understated luxury destinations. I’m especially excited about the reopening of Aman Sveti Stefan, a 15th century fortified fishing village that has been revamped into an ultra -luxury resort. I’ve always loved hotels that thoughtfully restore historic properties because they create such a strong sense of place and become part of the overall experience itself.
This is a great destination for travelers who enjoy slower-paced itineraries, couples, yacht travelers, and anyone seeking a more refined Mediterranean experience away from peak-season crowds. Late May through early July is wonderful for classic summertime energy, though personally I love visiting in September when the weather is still warm but the crowds begin to thin out.
South Africa
South Africa is one of my favorite destinations because it offers such a balanced and approachable introduction to Africa. What makes South Africa especially exciting is the incredible variety of experiences you can have within one itinerary. You can start in vibrant Cape Town with its amazing restaurant scene, beautiful coastline, and easy access to iconic spots like the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach, where you can see the resident penguin colony. From there, you can head into wine country for world-class food, stunning vineyard landscapes, and some of the best viticulture in the Southern Hemisphere before transitioning into safari.
The private reserves and national parks throughout the region offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, with exceptional opportunities to see the Big Five in a truly luxurious setting. What I especially love is how seamlessly South Africa connects with neighboring destinations depending on your interests — whether that’s Namibia’s dramatic desert landscapes, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, or barefoot luxury along the beaches of Mozambique. It’s one of those rare destinations where you can pair deeply immersive experiences with exceptional luxury hospitality while still feeling incredibly connected to the destination itself.
I especially love recommending South Africa for honeymooners, milestone anniversaries, or travelers wanting a blend of romance, adventure, food, wine, and wildlife within one seamless journey. It’s truly a great year-round destination depending on your focus: May through September is ideal for safari season and cooler, drier weather, while November through March is perfect for Cape Town and the Garden Route. Personally, I love September/October or April for travelers wanting the best of both worlds.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert remains firmly on my personal bucket list. I’ve traveled extensively throughout South America and absolutely love the contrast between its vibrant cities and remote outdoor landscapes, some of the most unique in the world. The Atacama feels almost otherworldly, with dramatic scenery that constantly shifts between high-altitude lagoons, thermal pools, salt flats, roaming flamingos, volcanic peaks, and the surreal landscapes of Moon Valley. It’s also home to some of the clearest stargazing on Earth, where the Milky truly shines.
What makes the Atacama especially appealing to me is the balance between adventure and restoration. After long days exploring these remote landscapes, you return to beautifully designed lodges like Tierra Atacama or Explora Atacama, where the experience is equally focused on wellness, design, and connection to the surrounding environment. It’s the kind of destination that allows you to completely disconnect while still experiencing an incredibly high level of comfort and hospitality.
I especially love recommending the Atacama for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking remote luxury experiences with a strong sense of adventure. The best times to visit are generally March through May and September through November when temperatures are more comfortable and ideal for outdoor exploration.