Our Story

Moonglade Travel is a full-service luxury boutique travel company specializing in custom trip design and wellness retreats. We were born in 2016, with a mission to design elevated travel experiences that help you learn, connect, and grow. 

Our name was inspired by the magical light of the reflection of the moon in a body of water. Just like moonglades reveal special glimpses into nature, our custom journeys illuminate hidden gems and new perspectives that could easily be missed.

If you've ever seen a moonglade, you'll notice how it perfectly captures the sense of awe, beauty, and illumination we aim to unlock through thoughtfully planned bespoke travel experiences just for you!

Where will Moonglade Travel take you?

AS SEEN IN

Meet our team of experts

I’m Shanell Varner

Hey there,

Growing up taking road trips throughout the East Coast, I've always had a deep-seated love for travel, and it grew deeper during a life-changing trip to Africa back in 2007. Which was the inspiration behind my travel reflection journal, “With Love, From Travel!” Since then, I've been on an intentional journey; exploring countless countries, immersing myself in different cultures, and evolving along the way. 

I created Moonglade Travel, to craft journeys that unlock the joy of travel and use exploration as a tool to revitalize your outlook, gain perspective, and feel more vibrantly alive! 

As a Certified Travel Advisor and Wellness Travel Coach, I intricately design journeys to help you enrich your soul, reconnect with yourself, and cultivate connections through transformative travel focused on self-care. When I’m not traveling across the globe or crafting amazing trips for clients, you can find me binge-watching crime shows, exploring the outdoors, or somewhere on a yoga map.

The only question I have for you is “Where to next?”.

“The reason for your adventure is just as important as the destination. Travel on purpose.”

- Shanell Varner

Hey I’m Natasha

I’m your Luxury Travel Advisor. Coming from a small southern town with just three traffic lights, I've always had a strong desire to explore all that the world has to offer which led me to jump full force into the travel industry after a 20-year career in Property Management. That role not only consisted of assisting people with the biggest decision of their lives but where finding solutions to critical problems was my priority. I brought these same skills with me when I transitioned to the travel industry in 2020. 

Becoming a Travel Advisor has by far been one of the best decisions I ever made. I'm passionate about travel and believe in its magical ability to bring joy and deepen connections. Traveling is indeed a love language and passion of mine that I find liberating. With industry certifications in Luxury Travel and Caribbean destinations, I can't wait to learn about your love and desire for all things travel. I take great satisfaction in knowing that I'm playing a critical role in crafting your best vacation EVER!

How to work with us

Travel planning

Planning your dream vacation should be exciting, not overwhelming. That's where we come in. Our travel advisors are all ears, ready to help design a getaway perfectly aligned with your passions and needs.


We take care of every detail, from researching top hotels to sorting out logistics. You? Just sit back and soak in the experience.

Retreats

 Our exclusive Wellness Retreats are more than just vacations. They’re a chance for you to be intentional about nourishing your mind, body, and soul. These thoughtfully curated experiences are escapes from life‘s rhythm and a gateway to transformation.

Our crafted journeys feature handpicked destinations and intentional itineraries designed to be your passport to a world where luxury and authenticity take center stage.

Hear from our clients

  • Shanell worked with my husband and I to plan the trip of our dreams to Galway and Dublin in Ireland and then onto Sorrento in Italy. Moonglade has phenomenal vendors and connections and Shanell ensured everything was seamless while still giving us room to add in the specifications we were looking for- and all within our budget. For a multi-country Europe trip, that is not easy! I can't recommend Moonglade enough!!
    Corinna & Matt, Europe

  • Shanell is such an attentive and personable travel advisor. She has planned multiple trips for me now, and is never short of being amazing. My most recent girls’ trip to Colombia was completely stress-free due to her meticulous planning. Her recommendations for lodging and activities were spot on for the luxuriously leisure vibe we wished to have.

    Christina, Colombia

  • Moonglade consistently provides great service! They create customized experiences for your specific tastes and they do it anywhere - they've booked travel packages for us in world class cities like Paris as well as in Jamaica. Special attention is also given to your travel arrangements, making sure your arrival and departure is seamless and easy. Highly recommend their services for anyone looking for a custom, luxurious vacation.

    Mike & Meka, Jamaica

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