A new lease on life and a series of TikTok videos from a number of exotic trips to different parts of the world were the driving force behind the start-up of global travel company Isle and Luxury (Isle & Luxe) founded last year by Jamaican entrepreneur J’nesis Wright.

Wright, who after beating cervical cancer while being pregnant, made a pact with herself on her 30th birthday that she would travel to somewhere new each month, lived up to this promise when she began to post her adventures on
TikTok. Months later, it was, however, a viral video that paved the way for the launch of her business which opened up the demand and desires of other women who came in search of similar travel experiences.

“Isle & Luxe is a travel company founded in August 2023, which came as a response to the demands from my dedicated TikTok supporters, who became inspired by my global travel adventures. The company caters to discerning travellers seeking tailored, refined, and magical experiences. Operating primarily out of the United States, Isle & Luxury’s clientèle comprises young, entrepreneurial, and adventurous women with disposable income and was created with the goal of introducing people to affordable, unforgettable luxury travel,” Wright said in sharing the nature of her business with the Jamaica Observer recently.

“Isle & Luxe differentiates itself by carefully curating each itinerary, aiming to provide customers with an immersive experience rather than just a trip. Our competitive edge lies in meticulously curated travels, with the popular ‘Farrin in Jamaica’ being the most sought-after product,” she further shared with Sunday Finance.

The ‘Farrin in Jamaica’ trips, which customises itineraries to offer a unique international vibe on the rock, selects parishes that mirror popular global destinations with the end goal of providing locals with a fresh and enticing travel experience.

At three upcoming trips slated to run from March to July this year, travel enthusiast can look forward to a number of specially crafted packages themed ‘Bali in Jamaica’, ‘Cape Town in Jamaica’ and ‘Vietnam in Jamaica’. Through a carefully curated slate of activities, the travel outfit through these trips is hoping to immerse visitors in experiences unique to the various destinations.

“The aim is to promote domestic tourism, while encouraging Jamaicans to explore and vacation within their own country,” Wright said.

“It’s the level of curation that makes the difference between us and other brands. Other travel companies give discounted nights at resorts in Jamaica or offer cheap flights and hotel stays in [visa-free] countries but for Isle & Luxury, we focus on giving a total experience. We look at the small details and strategise to create something unique and magical,” she added.

The Bali group trip, which is to run out of Negril, Westmoreland, promises lavish stays at Idle Awhile Villas, iconic moments and photo shoots at landmark tourist stops, sunset cruises, floating breakfast, personal chef and river dining among other experiences. The Cape Town leg that will run out of Black River, St Elizabeth, is to further treat participants to exciting safari and breathtaking sea and mountain views, while the Vietnam leg across the Blue Mountain regions is looking to offer a number of treks and tours to Maroon settlements, cascade falls and a trip to the mountain peak. Trips are priced starting at US$700 per person all inclusive with deposits needed.

The company, largely funded from presales, commissions, silent investors and a business line of credit as well as the personal funds of Wright, who is also a co-owner of the Mayfield Falls, is supported by a small team of in-house staff comprising a photographer and communications personnel.

Wright, looking to significantly grow her business this year, is already upbeat about a number of the short-term plans for growth. Already encouraged by the sold-out group trip for one of its ‘Farrin in Jamaica’ experiences, the food and travel blogger is also chasing a wealth of success in the coming years.

“With a promising financial outlook, Isle & Luxury projects over US$120,000 in growth in 2024 and we are targeting monthly revenue increases of 25 per cent backed by a substantial 300 per cent annualised growth,” she noted.

“Looking ahead, Isle & Luxe aspires to become a top hospitality company in the region within the next three to five years. As part of the Mayfield Falls family, there are also plans to renovate the falls and to venture more into ecotourism. By building sustainable villas around the Mayfield River, we want to offer more unique experiences beyond traditional beach destinations and the vision is to further expand our ‘Farrin’ series as we scale up and extend them to other Caribbean countries under the theme ‘Farrin in the Caribbean’. This, as we look to boost tourism in the region,” Wright said.