FORMER ABC NEWSREADER JUANITA PHILLIPS who is familiar to millions of Australians, is the face of a new women-only luxe travel venture launching this month.
Phillips will be leading three high-end experiences kicking off with Peru and Chile in August, followed by similarly upmarket travel adventures to Southern Africa and India.
Having travelled extensively before becoming a world-renowned journalist, the tours are a wonderful opportunity to piggyback on Juanita's enquiring mind and travel nous, to discover what really makes some of these exotic locations throb and hum.
The trips are aimed at women in their 40s to 60s and will be big on history, culture, fun and food in groups of up to 16 women, supported by two dedicated travel escorts and expert local guides.
In an emerging travel sector, these three programs which have been jointly curated by Phillips and travel experts Luxury Touring by Revelry (LTR), feature high end accommodation - think Peru's Belmond Hotels, South Africa's Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and New Delhi's Imperial Palace Hotel - as well as immersion in a traditional Peruvian village, sunset animal-gazing in Zambia and saree evenings with local Indian women.
"There's a big emphasis on cultural exchange, and sustainable and responsible tourism which will benefit local communities and helps preserve their traditions," said Juanita, ABC news anchor for 21 years.
"This, coupled with the promise of safety, comfort, convenience and exceptional service, is what many women like me, who've done the hard yards with careers and family, are now seeking for their 'me time' travel needs.
"Something magical happens when a group of women travel on a luxurious voyage of discovery. It's a different energy - sharing stories, making memories and relationships that endure.
"Often that can mean stepping outside your comfort zone in a supportive environment, making the trip transformative and fostering a real sense of independence, empowerment, and personal growth."
Since walking away from the TV news studio in 2023, Phillips has been spending her long-awaited 'me time' reconnecting with family and friends, travelling and focussing on her health and fitness.
"It's a wonderful time of life, and I love having the time and freedom to enjoy all the things that tend to be neglected during the hectic years of working and raising a family."
Highlights of Juanita's first trip, a 12-night Southern America adventure this August, include:
* Experiencing Lima like a local, spending the day with a chef who will take the group from markets to kitchen to table, via her home in bohemian Barranco.
* A deep dive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas exploring the archaeological complex of Pisac and the spectacular amphitheatre, plus a cultural exchange getting to know the women of Misminay, who'll share their music and traditions.
* Travel to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World via Aguas Calientes, through the heart of the Andes.
* A magical night-time visit to see firsthand the world-famous antiquities housed in the Larco Museum in Lima followed by dinner at the museum.
* A train journey on the famous Belmond Hiram Bingham train to the historic sites of bucket-list Cuzco, as well as markets designed by Gustav Eiffel, the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman and dining in a private chapel.
* An immersion into the multicoloured city of Valparaiso which clings to the mountainside next to the ocean in Chile, featuring a stroll through the elegant Garden City of Viña del Mar.
*Seven other culinary experiences including a private dinner of Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine at one of the world's greatest restaurants in Santiago, plus sampling Gran Reserva wines at the Casas del Bosque Vineyard.
*Prime your camera for a photographic safari of the utterly magnificent Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.
Highlights of the other trips include a Big 5 safari in Southern Africa featuring game drives and river safaris, as well as exciting trips to thunderous Victoria Falls, Table Mountain and the famous Stellenbosch Wine Route, sunset wilderness treks with guides to observe wildlife, and staying at incredible accommodation such as The Royal Livingstone.
Highlights of next year's India trip include a flower tour of the legendary pink city of Jaipur, stays at world-renowned palaces and havelis such as the opulent Imperial in New Delhi and the 18th century ancestral palace of RAAS Devigarh, plus a photographic safari in the rugged Aravali Ranges accompanied by a qualified naturalist and cultural experiences like henna artistry, yoga and saree evenings.
Lowdown on the three women-only trips:
*The Peru and Chile trip is 1-13 August 2025.
*The Southern Africa trip is 19-30 October 2025.
*The Indian trip will be in March 2026.
*For more, head to: https://www.luxurytouringbyrevelry.com.
* LTR's staff have over 60+ years' airline, touring, travel, and event management experience.
