EXPERTS WITH A PASSION TO CREATE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES THAT ENRICH LIVES THROUGH WELLNESS + ACTIVE TRAVEL
Your Travel + Wellness Team
Muirgheal MontecalvoCEO, Founder
Muirgheal (pronounced Muirelle) has spent her life and work focused around travel. She has explored over 35+ countries and has plans to visit many more! Born and raised in Europe, she has lived in Ireland, the UK, Australia and the USA. Due to her passion for living a healthy and active lifestyle, Muirelle discovered that wellness trips and resorts were hard to find and this ultimately led to the launch of Vacayou.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Anywhere that is amazingly peaceful, remote, and I can hike and enjoy the beaches. I love Ireland for its rural landscape, woods, trees and beaches all together.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Also looking forward to Bhutan and most definitely the Maldives!
What does wellness mean to you?
I believe that wellness is different for everyone. Some like hiking, biking, running and just a really good workout at the gym, others may enjoy the spa, an immersive wellness retreat, yoga, meditation. I like to think that I fall into all these categories with a little bit of everything! As long as its active and enjoyable or relaxing and rejuvenating, it's wellness to me.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Anywhere that is amazingly peaceful, remote, and I can hike and enjoy the beaches. I love Ireland for its rural landscape, woods, trees and beaches all together.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Also looking forward to Bhutan and most definitely the Maldives!
What does wellness mean to you?
I believe that wellness is different for everyone. Some like hiking, biking, running and just a really good workout at the gym, others may enjoy the spa, an immersive wellness retreat, yoga, meditation. I like to think that I fall into all these categories with a little bit of everything! As long as its active and enjoyable or relaxing and rejuvenating, it's wellness to me.
Stephanie CascellaCustomer Success Manager
Stephanie’s background is in hospitality, tourism and luxury concierge services. She loves all things travel - visiting and learning about new travel destinations is a self-proclaimed passion of hers. Stephanie went to UCF (University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality), and was a VIP Concierge at a few resorts and hotels and Member Services for the Private Jet Company. Now, as a Membership Manager for Vacayou, she is here to make all your active and wellness travel dreams become a reality!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Bali and Italy have been my favorite places to travel so far. But I have been to Spain, France, Dubai, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Australia as well.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Greece, Croatia, Africa, and Costa Rica for starters.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is enjoying and doing things that make you overall happier and live a better life for yourself. As we know, this can be different for everyone. For me, I enjoy being Active; Yoga, Pilates, Fitness Classes. I grew up near the water, being outdoors and on the water enjoying the scenery gives me a feeling of zen.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Bali and Italy have been my favorite places to travel so far. But I have been to Spain, France, Dubai, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Australia as well.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Greece, Croatia, Africa, and Costa Rica for starters.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is enjoying and doing things that make you overall happier and live a better life for yourself. As we know, this can be different for everyone. For me, I enjoy being Active; Yoga, Pilates, Fitness Classes. I grew up near the water, being outdoors and on the water enjoying the scenery gives me a feeling of zen.
Angela RowePartner Success + Implementation Director
Angela lives in the UK, just outside of London, and has been working within the travel industry for over 20 years - from travel agents, to hotel suppliers, travel startups, business travel and also in the travel technology industry. Now, as an implementation direction, she works closely with our partners during the onboarding process, which gives her the opportunity to work more closely with the entire Vacayou team!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Thailand, Australia, and Bali.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bora Bora or Borneo.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellness means a healthy, well-nourished body and a calm mind free of worry and anxiety - which isn’t always easy. I try to eat as well as I possibly can, go to the gym 3 times a week, and love a yoga class. I’m also a big fan of simple self-care like a hot bubble bath, spending time in nature, long walks, traveling to new places, enjoying time with friends and family, and my little pug.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Thailand, Australia, and Bali.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bora Bora or Borneo.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellness means a healthy, well-nourished body and a calm mind free of worry and anxiety - which isn’t always easy. I try to eat as well as I possibly can, go to the gym 3 times a week, and love a yoga class. I’m also a big fan of simple self-care like a hot bubble bath, spending time in nature, long walks, traveling to new places, enjoying time with friends and family, and my little pug.
Madison HearnDigital Storyteller + Social Media Coordinator
For many years, Madison had her heart set on being a TV reporter. She interned at major stations in Chicago and at the network level during her time in school. While attending DePaul, she fell in love with photography and capturing unique content for social media. After taking on a two-year contract at a television station in Traverse City, Michigan as a lifestyle reporter and host, she and her husband decided to chase the sunshine and head down to Southwest Florida- where she ultimately joined the team at Vacayou!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
My favorite places are Bora Bora and Turks and Caicos.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I really want to go to New Zealand or an African Safari.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is different for everyone— that’s the beauty of it! For me, it’s slowing down and finding the precious moments each and every day. I slow down by meditating, trying to be present in each and every moment. I am also an adventure junkie so I try to push myself to experience new things— whether that’s scuba diving, skydiving, etc. I want to take in all this world has to offer us!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
My favorite places are Bora Bora and Turks and Caicos.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I really want to go to New Zealand or an African Safari.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is different for everyone— that’s the beauty of it! For me, it’s slowing down and finding the precious moments each and every day. I slow down by meditating, trying to be present in each and every moment. I am also an adventure junkie so I try to push myself to experience new things— whether that’s scuba diving, skydiving, etc. I want to take in all this world has to offer us!
Ben JenningsChief Operating Officer
Ben’s love of travel started at an early age—all it took was seeing Big Bird take a trip to Hawaii on an episode of Sesame Street. That momentous episode—plus his mom’s mantra of “save your money but invest in travel”—sparked a lifetime of adventure and exploration.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I rarely visit a place twice as there are so many wonderful new destinations to experience. If I had to pick one to return to, it would be Singapore for the wonderful food and hawker centers, inspiring architecture and unique culture.
What’s next on your bucket list?
There are so many to choose from! This might change tomorrow, but for now it would have to be Turkey, especially Cappadocia. Give me a month and I'd love to spend it wandering around that amazing country.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Pretzel Twist Pose during Zoom meetings! More realistically, it's just the basics -- drink a lot of water, stand up hourly and do an activity even if it's just walking around the neighborhood (this doesn't always happen of course). Then I add in a 90-minute deep tissue massage every other week or so to keep things limber and more robust activities as possible on weekends.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I rarely visit a place twice as there are so many wonderful new destinations to experience. If I had to pick one to return to, it would be Singapore for the wonderful food and hawker centers, inspiring architecture and unique culture.
What’s next on your bucket list?
There are so many to choose from! This might change tomorrow, but for now it would have to be Turkey, especially Cappadocia. Give me a month and I'd love to spend it wandering around that amazing country.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Pretzel Twist Pose during Zoom meetings! More realistically, it's just the basics -- drink a lot of water, stand up hourly and do an activity even if it's just walking around the neighborhood (this doesn't always happen of course). Then I add in a 90-minute deep tissue massage every other week or so to keep things limber and more robust activities as possible on weekends.
Ian NerneyVP, Platform
Ian is a husband, father, and lover of great food and outdoor adventures! In his free time, Ian loves exploring Florida waterways in his kayak, firing up the grill, and spending time with his family. As our Director of Platform Development, Ian oversees and participates in the development of the Vacayou platform. His goal is to build amazing customer experiences, while ensuring adherence to modern best-practices for web development.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I absolutely love the Florida Keys! I've made several trips over the last few years, and there's always something new to explore and some old favorites to revisit.
What’s next on your bucket list?
A family vacation to California to explore the great national parks and wineries. Then, a 99-mile kayak journey to explore the Wilderness Waterway in the Everglades.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Wellness is about being physically and mentally well. It's very important to take care of yourself so you can live your life to the fullest. On a daily basis, I enjoy eating healthy and enjoying walks with my family, but on occasion I enjoy long bike rides for kayaking in beautiful places.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I absolutely love the Florida Keys! I've made several trips over the last few years, and there's always something new to explore and some old favorites to revisit.
What’s next on your bucket list?
A family vacation to California to explore the great national parks and wineries. Then, a 99-mile kayak journey to explore the Wilderness Waterway in the Everglades.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Wellness is about being physically and mentally well. It's very important to take care of yourself so you can live your life to the fullest. On a daily basis, I enjoy eating healthy and enjoying walks with my family, but on occasion I enjoy long bike rides for kayaking in beautiful places.
Shelly NyqvistHead of Editorial
Shelly lives in Helsinki, Finland, but often works from Paris where her daughter lives, and from Scottsdale, Arizona, which is her U.S. "home." She is a lifelong learner and has degrees in broadcast journalism and marketing. She is also a certified life and travel coach. After enjoying a 9-month soulbbatical, she started freelancing for Vacayou at the end of 2020 and the rest is history.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I feel most alive in Paris and in Scottsdale - urban vs desert.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Travel-wise: I would love to explore Cambodia and Vietnam. Life-wise: I would love to trace my family tree and meet long-lost relatives.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Every morning without fail I meditate and practice yoga. It's like a meeting with myself.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I feel most alive in Paris and in Scottsdale - urban vs desert.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Travel-wise: I would love to explore Cambodia and Vietnam. Life-wise: I would love to trace my family tree and meet long-lost relatives.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Every morning without fail I meditate and practice yoga. It's like a meeting with myself.
Aly DeligioDigital + Marketing Coordinator
As a Chicago native, Aly had her fair share of chilly Chicago winters so the beautiful sunshine brought her to bright, sunny Florida! Shortly after graduating college, Aly worked in the Incentive Travel industry and fell in love with all things travel and hospitality. Since then, she has shifted her focus to Digital Marketing and joined Vacayou to build upon our presence within the health and wellness community.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
My new favorite spots to travel are those that consist of places that you can't find on the map! I enjoy discovering those hidden gems or finding places that only the local natives know of.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Jumping aboard the amazing Alaskan Cruise.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Incorporating wellness into my everyday life is something I cherish. Whether this is right when I wake up in the morning or right before I head to bed at night, I’ll always try to join a 30 minute Yoga session. I’ve found Yoga to really help me escape to relaxation mode and clear my mind allowing me to really start fresh for the next day.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
My new favorite spots to travel are those that consist of places that you can't find on the map! I enjoy discovering those hidden gems or finding places that only the local natives know of.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Jumping aboard the amazing Alaskan Cruise.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Incorporating wellness into my everyday life is something I cherish. Whether this is right when I wake up in the morning or right before I head to bed at night, I’ll always try to join a 30 minute Yoga session. I’ve found Yoga to really help me escape to relaxation mode and clear my mind allowing me to really start fresh for the next day.
Stephen GalvinVP International Sales
Stephen is a father of two and stepfather of one. He currently resides in Canada after moving from Ireland, where he lived for 48 years of his life. Stephen loves motorsport, running, cycling, HIIT classes and martial arts. He is a volunteer firefighter, helps run community events, and is an enthusiastic proponent of healthy eating and natural healing. Since moving to Canada, he has also taken up cross country skiing!
Marilyn BerghSales Operations Director
Marilyn’s career encompasses over 30+ years of advertising sales, training & management. She is a year-round enthusiast of the outdoors. In warm weather, she enjoys boating, wake-boarding, golfing & horseback riding. In the winter months, she downhill skis with her husband Kevin. Marilyn’s travels always include some type of active adventure. Residing in Richmond Virginia, her weekdays are filled with work, Pilates and frequent agility classes with her English Springer Spaniel.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Some of my favorite trips have included Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Tortola and the tall ship windjammer cruise in the British Virgin Islands. Favorite US trips have included Lake Tahoe and Sonoma, CA; Santa Fe, NM; Sedona, AZ, Cape Cod, MA, Kiawah Island, SC and a ranch trip in Tucson, AZ.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Trips planned include heading to Southern Caribbean, Curacao Island this month and skiing in Steamboat, CO next winter.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is a healthy balance of both physical and mental well-being that includes Pilates classes, daily walks and agility training with my dog, and assortment of outdoor activities as often as possible.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Some of my favorite trips have included Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Tortola and the tall ship windjammer cruise in the British Virgin Islands. Favorite US trips have included Lake Tahoe and Sonoma, CA; Santa Fe, NM; Sedona, AZ, Cape Cod, MA, Kiawah Island, SC and a ranch trip in Tucson, AZ.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Trips planned include heading to Southern Caribbean, Curacao Island this month and skiing in Steamboat, CO next winter.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is a healthy balance of both physical and mental well-being that includes Pilates classes, daily walks and agility training with my dog, and assortment of outdoor activities as often as possible.
Simona RahmanovaContent + SEO Writer
Simona worked in hospitality for more than 10 years, but her passion for writing started at a very early age and the love to travel was a result of her curious nature. She decided she wanted travel and writing to be a full-time career, so she packed her bags and headed to Spain where she began pursuing her passions. Almost three years later, she found Vacayou on LinkedIn, reached out to Muirgheal, and now spends her days writing and uploading content for travel packages, destination pages and articles for the Vacayou Magazine.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The country where I am located - Spain. It’s stunning here, especially in Andalusia! I love South America and Canada too.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Traveling to Costa Rica and staying there for 1-2 months and then dancing in Cuba for a few weeks. After that, it’s Africa that draws my attention.
What does wellness mean to you?
Turning to a wellness lifestyle a few years ago completely changed my life, and it has changed me as a person within - spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Eating the right food, doing yoga, exercising, meditating, and being connected spiritually are all things that help you be stronger, more courageous and happier.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The country where I am located - Spain. It’s stunning here, especially in Andalusia! I love South America and Canada too.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Traveling to Costa Rica and staying there for 1-2 months and then dancing in Cuba for a few weeks. After that, it’s Africa that draws my attention.
What does wellness mean to you?
Turning to a wellness lifestyle a few years ago completely changed my life, and it has changed me as a person within - spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Eating the right food, doing yoga, exercising, meditating, and being connected spiritually are all things that help you be stronger, more courageous and happier.
Renee MontecalvoContent + Design Specialist
Renee received her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and spent about 9 years working in construction and project management. She wanted to explore a more creative career, however, so she began blogging and designing websites on the side for fun - taking online courses and teaching herself along the way. After having her first child in May 2021, she decided to pursue web design and development and that's what led her to work with Vacayou! She currently lives in Salem, MA (yes, where the famous witch trials happened), with her husband, her daughter Maxine, and her dog Riley.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
So far, anywhere in Europe. I loved Italy and Spain. But I also loved Belize when I went on my honeymoon. In the US- so far it has to be Savannah, GA hands down. I would go back in a heartbeat.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I would LOVE to go to Copenhagen. New Zealand has been on my list for awhile as well.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Walking and using exercise as moving meditation. Strength training is my favorite way to practice mindfulness and feel strong - both physically and mentally.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
So far, anywhere in Europe. I loved Italy and Spain. But I also loved Belize when I went on my honeymoon. In the US- so far it has to be Savannah, GA hands down. I would go back in a heartbeat.
What’s next on your bucket list?
I would LOVE to go to Copenhagen. New Zealand has been on my list for awhile as well.
How do you incorporate wellness into your life?
Walking and using exercise as moving meditation. Strength training is my favorite way to practice mindfulness and feel strong - both physically and mentally.
Brian SchniedersChief Financial Officer
Brian is a licensed CPA and is an accomplished professional with over 35 years of executive-level financial leadership with extensive background in finance, accounting, information technology, operations, logistics, and manufacturing. Brian was raised in Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1982 and moved to Tampa in 1985 to enjoy the year-round outdoor activities Florida has to offer.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any area in the western part of the United States but particularly Colorado. One of my passions is cycling through the mountains on a road bike. There is no better feeling than biking up the mountains and then looking back at what you just accomplished when you are done.
What’s next on your bucket list?
New Zealand (especially the Alps to Ocean bicycle tour), Australia, Costa Rica, Ireland and Europe.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is what gives each person a great state of being. For me each day starts with stretching and eating healthy. I enjoy road cycling as my vigorous exercise a few times a week along with playing several rounds of golf to stay mentally healthy.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any area in the western part of the United States but particularly Colorado. One of my passions is cycling through the mountains on a road bike. There is no better feeling than biking up the mountains and then looking back at what you just accomplished when you are done.
What’s next on your bucket list?
New Zealand (especially the Alps to Ocean bicycle tour), Australia, Costa Rica, Ireland and Europe.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is what gives each person a great state of being. For me each day starts with stretching and eating healthy. I enjoy road cycling as my vigorous exercise a few times a week along with playing several rounds of golf to stay mentally healthy.
Dwayne IngramExecutive Advisor
Dwayne has 30+ years of experience in travel technology, including running the travel industry globally for IBM and running the Americas for Amadeus. Currently located in Tampa, FL, Dwayne serves as Executive Advisor on our Vacayou team!
Where is your favorite place to travel?
New Zealand
What’s next on your bucket list?
African safari
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, one of the keys of wellness is mindfulness and really taking some time each day for reflection. I like to do it while walking.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
New Zealand
What’s next on your bucket list?
African safari
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, one of the keys of wellness is mindfulness and really taking some time each day for reflection. I like to do it while walking.
Sallie FraenkelExecutive Advisor
Sallie is the founder of Mind Body Spirit Network which provides marketing, brand and program development consulting services to the wellness, hospitality, and spa industries. Formerly, Sallie was the COO of Spafinder and EVP of the Global Wellness Summit where she oversaw significant expansion of those businesses during her ten-year tenure. She serves on the boards of the Transformational Travel Council, GSN Planet, NYSPA, Well | Defined and One Well World.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any Destination Spa or Immersive Wellness Resort around the world. My goal is to visit them all someday!
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bhutan and Nepal. My trip is planned, and I can’t wait to experience the traditions and culture of this enchanted region. We’ve timed our trip to experience the Bhutanese Tshechu which are events where we’ll witness their mask dances and receive blessings.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness for me is a deep sense of connectedness with what really matters most: my health, the health of my family, friends and the planet, which culminates in a sense of well-being. I achieve wellness through conscious eating, embracing mindful activities, pilates, barre classes, Peleton, and outdoor walks with my husband and dog.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any Destination Spa or Immersive Wellness Resort around the world. My goal is to visit them all someday!
What’s next on your bucket list?
Bhutan and Nepal. My trip is planned, and I can’t wait to experience the traditions and culture of this enchanted region. We’ve timed our trip to experience the Bhutanese Tshechu which are events where we’ll witness their mask dances and receive blessings.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness for me is a deep sense of connectedness with what really matters most: my health, the health of my family, friends and the planet, which culminates in a sense of well-being. I achieve wellness through conscious eating, embracing mindful activities, pilates, barre classes, Peleton, and outdoor walks with my husband and dog.
Robin RuizVP Partnerships + Marketing
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada and now based in Tampa, Florida, Robin Ruiz has been developing and directing strategic marketing initiatives in the tourism and entertainment industries for two decades. After a successful corporate career in media, sales and marketing, sparked by a desire to merge her passion for travel and well-being with her work, Ruiz spearheaded the online wellness travel hub Retreat Haven, an OTA for health & wellness vacations around the globe. Since 2016, Robin has been Principal of The Sisu Group LLC.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Love to explore various places in my homeland of Canada, and anywhere that I can immerse myself in the beauty and regenerative effects of nature.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Traveling to all of our wellness partner destinations to experience them first hand.
What does wellness mean to you?
For me, wellness begins with a state of mind. Finding joy and appreciation in even the smallest things and making inspired choices to fuel the mind, body and spirit holistically each day. Last but not least, wellness means leaving places and people better than you’ve found them. Living from the heart - with kindness and compassion in every interaction.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Love to explore various places in my homeland of Canada, and anywhere that I can immerse myself in the beauty and regenerative effects of nature.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Traveling to all of our wellness partner destinations to experience them first hand.
What does wellness mean to you?
For me, wellness begins with a state of mind. Finding joy and appreciation in even the smallest things and making inspired choices to fuel the mind, body and spirit holistically each day. Last but not least, wellness means leaving places and people better than you’ve found them. Living from the heart - with kindness and compassion in every interaction.
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Our mission? To create a healthier global community through wellness & active travel. We envision a future where every travel experience enhances your wellbeing.