Luxury Travel Designed For Those Who Value Their Time As Much As Their Experiences
Strategic, seamless ocean voyages, river cruises, golf journeys, wellness retreats, and bespoke luxury travel designed around you.
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Words from our Travellers.....
“Reflections from corporate leaders, empty nesters, and retirees who entrust us with their most valuable asset: their time."
Deeply Rooted in Iowa. Connected Internationally.
While our heart and core focus remain dedicated to serving clients throughout Iowa, our bespoke travel planning knows no borders. As an elite Virtuoso affiliate, we seamlessly design extraordinary journeys for discerning travelers across all fifty states.No matter which state you call home, you receive the same uncompromised attention to detail, exclusive premier privileges, and dedicated, coast-to-coast concierge care.
Why Clients Choose Reka Luxury Travel
✓ Virtuoso Affiliated✓ Preferred Travel Network Partner✓ Personalized Concierge Planning✓ Access To Exclusive Amenities & Upgrades✓ Expertly Curated Luxury Experiences✓ Local Iowa-Based Advisor With Global Reach
Community Partnerships
West Des Moines Chamber
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Pickles Travel Network
Virtuoso
K Renee
Winterset Cidery
Contact
Elaine Ware
Telephone: (515) 868-5469
Email: [email protected]
Scott Ware
Telephone: (515) 528-0540
Email: [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor in Iowa
Serving:
West Des Moines
Waukee
Clive
Urbandale
Ankeny
Winterset
Midwest Values. Global Reach.
Proudly based in Iowa, serving a sophisticated clientele nationwide. Wherever you call home in America, we curate seamless, ultra-luxury travel tailored exclusively to you.
My Story
Founder of Reka Luxury Travel
Travel has shaped every stage of my life—from exploring the world independently, to traveling internationally with my family, to building global investment interests.After decades of firsthand luxury travel experience, I founded Reka Luxury Travel to help discerning travelers experience the world with ease, confidence, and exceptional attention to detail.Today I specialize in luxury cruises, bespoke journeys, wellness retreats, golf experiences, and executive travel programs.
Signature Experiences
Ocean Voyages
Sail through the historic harbors of the Mediterranean where culture, cuisine, and coastline meet in effortless elegance. From private coastal experiences to refined evenings onboard, each voyage is thoughtfully curated to balance discovery with comfort.
River Journeys
Drift through Europe’s storied waterways while exploring historic cities, art, architecture, and regional traditions. Each itinerary is elevated with curated excursions and thoughtful pacing designed for discerning travelers.
Wine & Golf Experiences
Explore celebrated wine regions — from Europe to Australia & New Zealand where vineyard visits, private tastings, and culinary excellence are seamlessly integrated into land experiences. Play the world’s most iconic courses with seamless coordination and refined accommodations. From championship tee times to private transfers and luxury lodging, every detail is managed with precision.
Bespoke Land Experiences
Beyond sea and river, Reka Luxury Travel designs bespoke land experiences that elevate your journey from exceptional to extraordinary. From private European villas and refined safari lodges to secluded tropical retreats and thoughtfully curated pre- and post-cruise extensions across Europe, Alaska, New Zealand, and Australia, every detail is strategically designed and seamlessly coordinated.
Wellness Travel
At Reka Luxury Travel, wellness travel is about more than a spa retreat—it's an opportunity to slow down, restore balance, and return to yourself. We curate transformative journeys that nurture the mind, body, and spirit through exceptional destinations, meaningful experiences, and intentional moments of renewal.Whether you seek relaxation, personal growth, or restoration, our bespoke wellness journeys are designed to help you return home refreshed, inspired, and transformed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a luxury travel advisor?
Your time is your most valuable asset. As a luxury travel advisor I handle the meticulous logistics of your journey, shielding you from the friction of planning, managing complicated itineraries, and risking costly mistakes. Beyond saving you time, we provide unparalleled advocacy and absolute peace of mind. From the moment you leave your front door until you return home, you have a dedicated partner monitoring your travel, handling changes seamlessly, and ensuring your experience is flawless.
What are the benefits of Virtuoso travel advisors?
As an affiliate of Virtuoso—the world’s elite network of luxury travel—we grant you access to privileges that are impossible to secure on your own. When you book through us, you are treated as a premier VIP. When available you will enjoy exclusive amenities at over 2,000 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines, including complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, resort credits, priority check-in, and private onboard receptions. More importantly, our personal relationships with general managers and cruise directors mean your specific preferences are known and honored before you even arrive.
Do luxury travel advisors charge fees?
Yes, we operate on a professional fee structure for our bespoke itinerary design and comprehensive concierge management. While standard hotel and cruise bookings may be handled with minimal to no fees, crafting a highly customized, seamless vacation—including private transfers, curated land tours, and tailored daily scheduling—requires significant time, industry expertise, and specialized coordination. We discuss our transparent fee structure during your initial travel strategy session to ensure it aligns perfectly with the scope of your journey.
Can you help with river cruises?
Absolutely. River cruising is one of our specialized areas of expertise. We help you navigate the highly nuanced differences between ultra-luxury river lines—such as AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon Waterways, and Riverside Luxury Cruises. Whether you want to explore the historic castles of the Rhine, the vineyards of the Danube, or unique boutique waterways, we ensure you choose the exact ship, suite location, and land programs that match your personal style.
Can you help with golf travel?
Yes. We specialize in designing high-end golf journeys that pair world-class tee times with luxury accommodations and seamless logistics. Whether your dream is playing legendary championship courses in Scotland and Ireland, exploring premier coastal courses in Pebble Beach, or discovering hidden gems in New Zealand, we handle it all. We coordinate your preferred tee times, luxury lodging, post-round spa treatments, fine dining reservations, and the seamless transport of your golf clubs.
Can you help with executive incentive travel?
Yes, we expertly design and manage corporate incentive travel and executive programs. We understand that a corporate retreat or an elite performance incentive must reflect your company’s high standards and flawless execution. We handle everything from securing exclusive resort buyouts and luxury villa collections to coordinating private aviation, high-end meeting spaces, and unique team-building experiences that resonate with high-performing executives and corporate leaders.
Do you work with retirees and empty nesters?
We proudly do. A significant portion of our clientele includes empty nesters, retirees, and affluent couples who finally have the luxury of time to explore the world deeply and deliberately. We specialize in matching this chapter of your life with unhurried, comfortable, and profoundly enriching travel experiences—whether that means a world cruise, a peaceful European river voyage, or a fully customized private tour of the South Pacific. We focus entirely on your comfort, your pacing, and your peace of mind.
Can you customize journeys for solo women travelers over 40?
Absolutely. Cultivating safe, deeply enriching, and effortlessly sophisticated experiences for independent women is one of our favorite specialties. We understand that traveling solo in this chapter of life isn't about compromise—it's about absolute freedom. Whether you desire the effortless camaraderie of an ultra-luxury small-ship cruise, the deep restoration of a premium wellness retreat, or a fully customized private itinerary through the South Pacific, we tailor every detail to your exact pacing. From arranging seamless private transfers and securing highly vetted local guides to requesting perfectly situated hotel rooms, we ensure you feel completely secure, celebrated, and free to immerse yourself in the journey.
Corporate Incentive & Executive Travel Design
Reka Luxury Travel partners with privately held firms to design and manage performance-aligned incentive travel experiences. Engagements include strategic program design, supplier negotiation, and full-service execution.
Program engagements include a Strategic Design & Management Fee in addition to standard industry commissions from travel partners.
Designed for sales-driven organizations rewarding top performers and leadership teams.
Strategic Design & Management Fees
Presidents Club / Incentive Travel Programs
Small Programs (5–10 couples)
$3,500 – $7,500
Mid-Size Programs (10–25 travelers)
$7,500 – $15,000+
Larger Programs (25+ travelers)
Custom quoted based on program complexity.
Services Included:
• Executive strategy consultation
• Destination and experience design
• Supplier sourcing and contract negotiation
• Budget alignment and program structuring
• Itinerary development
• Guest management and concierge support
• Pre-departure planning and documentation
• On-call travel support
Standard travel partner commissions apply.
Designed for leadership recognition, founder rewards, and high-performing individual advisors.
Executive Reward Travel
(Individual Programs)
Planning & Concierge Fee
Per executive couple:$750 – $2,500 depending on itinerary complexity.
Includes:
• Personalized itinerary design
• VIP hotel and cruise partnerships
• Reservation management
• Concierge travel planning
• Pre-departure support
Standard luxury travel commissions apply.
Leadership Retreats
Strategic off-site programs designed for executive teams, partner retreats, and advisory leadership groups.
Program Management Fee
$5,000 – $20,000+Based on:• Group size
• Destination complexity
• Vendor coordination
• Program logisticsServices include:• Retreat destination design
• Venue sourcing and negotiation
• Program itinerary structure
• Travel logistics coordination
• Concierge planning support
Executive Travel Concierge Program
For firms providing travel credits to top performers or executives.
Option 1 – Corporate Retainer Model
Annual concierge program:$3,000 – $10,000 per yearCompany provides travel credits while Reka manages the travel design and planning.
Option 2 – Individual Planning Model
Executives redeem travel credits and engage Reka directly.Standard planning & concierge fees apply.
15-minute Complimentary Introductory Consultation
Optional Add-On Services
• Custom group excursions
• Private guides and experiences
• VIP airport services
• Pre/post incentive extensions
• On-site program coordinationQuoted separately when required.
Minimum recommended program investment: $75,000
Reka Luxury Travel accepts a limited number of corporate partnerships annually to ensure a high level of strategic attention and service.Text
All Corporate Incentive & Executive Travel Design fess are non-refundable
Inspirational Destinations
You deserve inspirational destinations that are inspiring and rewarding.
We craft escapes that leave teams motivated and create memories that last forever.
Destination Discovery
Strategic Incentive & Executive Travel Design
Designing High-Impact Recognition Experiences for Sales-Driven Organizations
We partner with a limited number of organizations each year to design high-impact incentive and executive travel experiences.
Serving Iowa’s insurance agencies, wealth advisory firms, and real estate brokeragesReka Luxury Travel partners with leadership teams to design refined incentive and executive travel experiences that reward achievement, strengthen company culture, and inspire future performance.Exceptional experiences create something cash incentives rarely achieve—lasting motivation and meaningful recognition for top performers.
The Shift in Sales Incentives
Many traditional incentive programs are transactional.• Gift cards are quickly forgotten
• Cash bonuses disappear into everyday expensesExperiential incentives create something far more powerful.A well-designed incentive journey becomes a shared achievement—one that teams work toward throughout the year and remember long after the program concludes.Forward-thinking organizations are increasingly shifting toward experience-based recognition programs because they strengthen engagement, reinforce culture, and inspire higher performance.At Reka Luxury Travel, we help companies design these experiences with intention, precision, and strategic alignment.
Who We Partner With
We work with leadership teams in:• Insurance agencies
• Wealth advisory firms
• Real estate brokerages
• Founder-led and privately held companies
• Sales-driven organizationsTypical program investment:
$75,000 – $250,000+
Our Strategic Design Process
Every incentive experience is developed through a structured design approach.1. Executive Strategy Consultation
Understanding performance goals, company culture, and program objectives.2. Curated Destination & Experience Design
Sourcing distinctive destinations and designing exceptional itineraries.3. Strategic Negotiation & Program Planning
Securing premier properties, experiences, and trusted destination partners.4. White-Glove Execution
Managing travel logistics, guest experience, and on-site program delivery.5. Post-Program Review
Evaluating engagement and insights to inform future recognition strategies.
Case Study Highlight
Mediterranean Executive Incentive18 Couples | $185,000 Program Investment
22% Increase in Next-Year QualificationThis curated Mediterranean experience combined private cultural access, refined hospitality, and recognition moments designed to celebrate top performers and strengthen leadership relationships.
Begin The Conversation
Every engagement begins with a confidential consultation to align program objectives, audience profile, and investment parameters.If we determine a strong mutual fit, we move forward with formal program design.
Presidents Club Experience Design
Rewarding Top Performers. Inspiring Future Success.
For sales-driven organizations, recognition matters.A thoughtfully designed Presidents Club experience does more than reward top performers—it reinforces the culture of excellence that drives your company forward.At Reka Luxury Travel, we partner with leadership teams to design refined incentive experiences that celebrate achievement while inspiring the next level of performance.
Why Presidents Club Experiences Work
Top-performing companies understand that recognition must feel meaningful.While cash bonuses are quickly absorbed into everyday expenses, exceptional experiences create something far more powerful:• anticipation throughout the qualification year
• shared recognition among top performers
• stronger relationships between leadership and high achievers
• lasting memories tied directly to professional successA well-designed Presidents Club program becomes a story your team talks about for years.
Signature Presidents Club Destinations
The destination sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Programs are thoughtfully designed in some of the world’s most inspiring locations.Examples include:Mediterranean Yacht & Coastal Experiences
Private sailing journeys, vineyard dinners, and cultural access along the Amalfi Coast or Greek Islands.Luxury Safari Recognition Journeys
Extraordinary wildlife experiences combined with exceptional hospitality in Africa’s most celebrated safari lodges.Wine Country Incentive Escapes
Curated vineyard experiences in Napa Valley, Tuscany, or New Zealand’s renowned wine regions.Private Caribbean Retreats
Exclusive island resorts and private villa experiences designed for relaxation and celebration.
What a Presidents Club Experience Includes
Every program is thoughtfully curated to reflect your company culture and audience.Typical program elements include:• luxury accommodations for qualifiers and their partners
• private welcome celebrations and recognition events
• curated cultural and adventure experiences
• refined dining and wine experiences
• executive-hosted celebrations and closing events
• seamless travel coordination for all participantsThe result is a program that feels distinctive, rewarding, and deeply memorable.
Our Strategic Design Process
Presidents Club experiences are developed through a structured design approach.1. Executive Strategy Consultation
Understanding qualification goals, team dynamics, and recognition objectives.2. Destination & Experience Design
Curating a destination and program concept aligned with your company culture.3. Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation
Securing premier properties, experiences, and destination partners.4. Precision Program Management
Coordinating travel, logistics, and guest experience from start to finish.5. Seamless On-Site Execution
Ensuring every element of the experience unfolds flawlessly.
Program Investment
Presidents Club programs are tailored to each organization’s goals and audience.Typical program investment ranges:$4,000 – $12,000 per qualifierMany organizations view this investment as a strategic tool for:• increasing qualification rates
• strengthening retention among top producers
• reinforcing company culture