“Luxury for us means many things – Luxury is not only defined by the hotel accommodation, but also means travelling with peace of mind, knowing that while you are enjoying your vacation, every little detail has been taken care of and your only responsibility is to show up.” – Arts & Leisure owner and founder, Adriana Borghese
The interview below is summarized between Canadian Travel Press & Adriana Borghese
In an age when online booking engines can make your vacation feel like a transaction, Arts & Leisure stands out as something beautifully rare: a handwritten note in an industry of cold, impersonal booking sites. Founded by Adriana Borghese over 30 years ago, this boutique travel company has built its reputation on something that can’t be automated – personal connection.
“Arts & Leisure is a family,” says Adriana “who love our extended family of travel professionals. Most of which have been working with us for over 25 years. I’d say that what makes us different is that we are not impersonal. We treat all agents and their clients as the most important. We create the itineraries and experiences as they were for us personally. We always strive to create works of art in travel. Hence, The trip of a lifetime, every time.
Arts & Leisure has grown tremendously in recent years, especially after the global pause of 2020 reignited travelers’ desire for curated, meaningful experiences. Instead of waiting for the world to reopen, Adriana and her team used that time to expand, innovate, and refine what boutique luxury travel could mean in a new era.
Today, the company offers tailor-made journeys across destinations throughout Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond. Travelers can expect 4- and 5-star boutique hotels, private transfers, yachts, rentals, and villas – but as Adriana emphasizes, no two itineraries are ever the same. Each client receives something unique, designed around their dreams, lifestyle, and imagination.
What Makes Arts & Leisure Different
Luxury isn’t just about opulenc, it’s about care. Luxury is knowing that no matter where you are, someone is there for you 24/7. It’s not only defined by a hotel’s star rating but by peace of mind. When every detail has been thoughtfully handled, you can focus on living in the moment.
That philosophy has guided Arts & Leisure’s evolution into a true “specialty travel boutique.” Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the company crafts each trip like a piece of art. From honeymooners exploring the Amalfi Coast to multi-generational families on a Caribbean villa escape, every experience is tailored down to the last detail.
What travelers appreciate most, however, is the personal touch. The Arts & Leisure team doesn’t just know luxury brands and properties, they know their clients. They design trips that tell a story. Whether it’s romance, adventure, or cultural discovery, it should feel like your story, not anyone else’s.
A Return to Human Connection in Travel
As technology has made booking easier, it has also made travel feel more detached. Algorithms don’t ask about your favorite kind of morning coffee or whether you prefer mountain views to ocean sunsets. But people do, and that’s where Arts & Leisure excels.
A&L clients trust them because they take care of them from start to finish. They can call, talk through ideas, and know that they’ll think of details they might never have considered…building relationships, not transactions.
This commitment extends to Arts & Leisure’s partnerships, too. The company works closely with handpicked hoteliers, local guides, and private hosts across the globe. Their relationships with local partners are an extension of their family. They share values – professionalism, authenticity, and a genuine love for hospitality.
Canada, and Beyond
Though headquartered in Canada, Arts & Leisure serves clients across North America and beyond. Adriana proudly credits her Canadian roots for shaping the company’s warm and genuine approach to service. The team is deeply connected to the network of travel advisors and destination partners around the world, and that helps them deliver extraordinary results.
As demand for luxury and small-group travel continues to rise, Arts & Leisure remains ahead of the curve. The company’s advisors regularly attend live webinars and destination trainings, participate in on-site inspections, and work closely with hoteliers to ensure every trip exceeds expectations. Education never stops for A&L, they are constantly evolving to meet what travelers want most -authenticity and trust.
The Future of Luxury Travel
What does modern luxury look like? For Arts & Leisure, it’s flexibility and freedom. Today’s travelers aren’t just looking for a 5-star hotel, they want experiences that feel immersive and meaningful. Whether that means sipping wine at a family-run vineyard in Tuscany, watching elephants roam freely on a South African safari, or taking a private cooking class in Kyoto, the value lies in the personal connection to a place.
Luxury travel is not about excess, it’s about enrichment. It’s about creating moments that feel deeply personal, the kind that you’ll still talk about years later.
The company’s signature tagline captures it perfectly: “For a trip of a lifetime, every time.”
A Note from the Heart
The level of gratitude and dedication has made Arts & Leisure one of the most trusted names in boutique luxury travel. In a world where travelers are craving more meaning and less hassle, Adriana and her team offer something refreshingly rare – care, compassion, and a sense of belonging in every journey.
And that’s what makes them, as Adriana puts it, “the handwritten note in an industry of cold, impersonal booking sites.”
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