James McLaren
Santa Barbara, California
James McLaren specializes in highly customized luxury travel planning, creating thoughtful and seamless journeys tailored to each client’s individual travel style, interests, and pace. His approach to travel is deeply personal and detail-oriented, with the belief that the best trips are never one-size-fits-all, but instead carefully curated around what makes a destination feel meaningful and memorable for each traveler.
A lifelong passion for hospitality and luxury hotels sits at the center of his work. James spends significant time personally scouting destinations and properties around the world to ensure his recommendations are grounded in firsthand experience and genuine insight. From iconic grand hotels to understated boutique retreats, he loves matching clients with the places, experiences, and moments that truly fit them.
Whether planning a multi-generational family adventure, a celebratory honeymoon, or a quiet escape centered around relaxation, food, and design, his focus is always on creating elevated travel experiences that feel effortless and deeply personal. Above all, James loves helping clients create lasting travel memories and designing trips they will talk about for years to come.
JAMES MCLAREN
Owner
Email James
Originally from the UK and now based in Santa Barbara, James specializes in luxury travel planning and bespoke travel design. Following a 15-year career in the fashion industry, his love of exploration, unique travel experiences, and the unmistakable magic of a truly exceptional luxury hotel heavily influences the way he approaches travel and curates journeys for clients. Having traveled extensively around the world, James is especially drawn to destinations that combine beautiful design, authentic experiences, and warm service. Some of his favorite hotels include Claridge's, Villa Feltrinelli, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, and Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle.
TOP DESTINATIONS
Africa, Bali & Indonesia, British Isles & Ireland, Europe, Japan, North America, South America, Southeast Asia
FAVORITE HOTELS
Claridges, Villa Feltrinelli, Uxua, Hotel du Cap, Le Grand Controle
BUCKET LIST
Peru, Giraffe Manor followed by Safari, Amanzoe, Royal Scotsman train
ON THE BLOG
Meet James McLaren
Local Foreigner in Indonesia
Local Foreigner Across Africa
