Lauren Jenkins

Lauren Jenkins

Luxury Travel Writer & Villa Industry Expert

With over 10 years of experience in luxury hospitality and villa expertise, I help discerning travelers discover authentic experiences and help luxury villa companies reach the right audience through editorial storytelling.

Location: Peachtree City, GA

Email: [email protected]

My Story

I didn't come to travel writing because I wanted to document places. I came to it because places changed me — and I learned how to listen.

Before I ever published an essay, I worked inside luxury travel as a villa specialist, moving through destinations not as a tourist but as someone trusted to see closely. I inspected villas. I stayed long enough to understand rhythm. I learned how light, privacy, and proportion affect how people actually feel when they arrive somewhere unfamiliar.

That experience shaped my voice.

I write about luxury as it's lived — not as it's marketed. About islands that don't perform. Villas that hold you instead of impress you. Destinations that ask something of you before they give themselves back.

Core Expertise

Luxury Villas

10+ years of firsthand experience in the luxury villa industry. Managed 400+ client accounts and ranked top performer in sales. Deep knowledge of premium properties across Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Mexico destinations.

Travel Writing

Freelance travel writer producing destination guides, wellness-focused narratives, and editorial content. Combines industry expertise with literary storytelling to create authentic, compelling travel narratives.

Relationship Building

Exceptional ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships. Skilled in VIP client service, vendor relations, and creating personalized experiences that resonate with discerning travelers.

Professional Highlights

Travel Keys — Sales & Marketing Consultant (2010–2015)

  • ✓ Ranked 1st in total sales for calendar years 2010–2013
  • ✓ Managed 400+ luxury villa client accounts
  • ✓ Built lasting relationships with property managers and villa owners worldwide
  • ✓ Extensive knowledge of luxury destinations: St. Barts, St. John, Virgin Gorda, Barbados, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, and more

LuxGive — Reservation Specialist (2022–2024)

  • ✓ Managed 300+ luxury travel reservations
  • ✓ Provided high-touch customer service and itinerary coordination
  • ✓ Developed customer profiles for personalized travel experiences

Freelance Travel Writer — The Long Arrival (2022–Present)

  • ✓ Producing destination guides and wellness-focused travel content
  • ✓ Leveraging 10+ years of luxury hospitality expertise for authentic narratives
  • ✓ Building editorial authority in luxury travel space

My Philosophy

My work sits at the intersection of luxury travel, emotional geography, restraint and taste, and the psychology of place.

I don't write listicles.

I create narratives that explore why certain places resonate with certain people.

I don't chase trends.

I focus on timeless qualities of place, luxury, and authentic travel experiences.

I don't pretend to love everywhere equally.

I'm drawn to islands, coastal cultures, and destinations where beauty isn't loud.

Areas of Focus

  • Luxury villas & private stays
  • Island destinations (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico)
  • Emotional travel experiences & place psychology
  • Wellness travel & nervous-system regulation through place
  • Insider perspective without spectacle

Available For

  • Paid travel essays & editorial assignments
  • Destination features & travel guides
  • Brand partnerships aligned with editorial integrity
  • Editorial partnerships with luxury villa companies
  • Select consulting & collaboration projects

For Villa Companies

If you're a luxury villa company looking to increase visibility through editorial content strategy, I help position your properties within authentic narratives that reach discerning travelers.

I offer editorial features, destination guides, and content strategy consulting designed to build your brand authority and attract the right guests.

Learn More →

Education

Bachelor of Science — Family & Consumer Sciences

University of Georgia, Athens, GA (2008) | GPA: 3.44/4.0 | Dean's Honor List

Spanish Language Study

Juan Sisay Spanish School, Xela, Guatemala (Sep–Nov 2010)

Get in Touch

If you're looking for a voice that's been inside the world it's writing about — and can articulate why certain places stay with us long after we leave — I'd love to talk.