TRAVEL SHOULD FEEL LIKE A LUXURY NOT A JOB.

Luxury Travel for the Next Chapter.

Bespoke journeys for discerning clients who finally have the time to travel differently — thoughtfully, beautifully, and entirely around you.

For Those Who Value Their Time as Much as Their Travel

• Begin Your Journey

THE PERSON BEHIND REKA

Elaine WareA New Zealand-raised luxury travel advisor with more than 20 years of experience in education and a lifelong passion for discovering the world.Her international perspective, attention to detail and belief that travel should enrich how we live.

• Meet Elaine

Iowa Roots. Global Perspective.

Based in Iowa. Designing exceptional journeys for clients throughout the United States.

Travel Well. Live Well.

• SMALL-SHIP OCEAN CRUISES

Intimate voyages, exceptional service and a more personal way to experience the world.

• BESPOKE LAND JOURNEYS

Private, thoughtfully designed experiences shaped around your interests, pace and passions.

• CORPORATE INCENTIVE TRAVEL

• REKA SIGNATURE JOURNEYS

Distinctive journeys personally curated by Reka, bringing together exceptional destinations and meaningful experiences.

Your Time is the Ultimate Luxury

You could spend countless hours researching destinations, comparing ships, coordinating flights, evaluating hotels and trying to make hundreds of decisions fit together.Or you could have an expert design it for you.At Reka Luxury Travel, we listen first. We learn how you want to travel, what matters to you, and what you want this journey to mean.Then we take care of the details—from the first idea to the moment you return home.Less research. Less uncertainty. More time experiencing the journey.That speaks directly to your Power Buyer.

• Let Us Design Your Journey

I'm Bringing You Home with Me

The South Pacific isn't simply a destination to me.It's part of my story.Having grown up in this remarkable part of the world, I bring a perspective that goes beyond the guidebook—knowing the places worth lingering, the experiences worth making time for, and the details that transform a wonderful trip into an extraordinary one.

• Discover Reka Signature Journeys

Travel That Awards Achievement

Corporate Incentive & Executive Travel

Exceptional performance deserves exceptional recognition.Reka Luxury Travel designs and manages sophisticated incentive programs, Presidents Club experiences, executive retreats and reward travel for organizations that want recognition to have a lasting impact.Strategic design. Exceptional experiences. Seamless execution.

• Adventure Awaits

Ready to Travel Differently?

Your time is valuable. Your travel should be too.Let's design a journey that feels entirely yours.

• Let's design a journey worth remembering.

Contact

Elaine Ware

Telephone: (515) 868-5469
Email: [email protected]

Scott Ware

Telephone: (515) 528-0540
Email: [email protected]

• Complimentary Appointment
• Email

• Complimentary Appointment
• Email

Why Work With Reka?

One of the greatest advantages of working with Reka Luxury Travel is that your cruise can become part of a much larger journey.We can design pre-and post-cruise land experiences, including luxury hotels, private guides, transfers, culinary experiences, cultural discoveries, and time to explore a destination at your own pace.Imagine a Mediterranean cruise paired with several nights in Italy.A European river journey followed by a private extension.A South Pacific voyage combined with an unforgettable stay in New Zealand, Australia, or Fiji.THE POSSIBILITIES ARE YOURS.
We design the journey around you

Discover the World. Travel Differently.
Small-Ship Cruising.

There is something extraordinary about traveling on a smaller ship.Fewer guests. More personalized service. Intimate ports. Longer stays. And the freedom to experience destinations in a way larger ships simply can'tAt Reka Luxury Travel, we specalize in small ship ocean cruising for travelers who value exceptional services, authentic experiences and a moreintimate way to see the world.

The Right Ship Changes Everything

Not every luxury cruise line - or every ship - is right for every traveler.This is where we come in.We take the time to understand how you like to travel, then match you with the right ship, itinerary, suite, and experiences for your journey.Whether you're dreaming of the Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the South Pacific or another extraordinary destination, we'll help you navigate the choices with confidence.

Why Choose a Small Ship Cruise?

More Intimate Experiences
Smaller ships create a more relaxed atmosphere and a genuine sense of connection with the crew and fellow travelers.

Exceptional Service
With Fewer guests, service can feel more personal and attentive.

Unique destinations
Smaller vessels can offen access ports and destinations that larger ships cannot.

Less Time in Transit. More Time Experiencing
Thoughtfully designed itineraries can put you closer to the places you came to discover.

Luxury without the Crowds
Enjoy beautifully designed spaces, exceptional dining, enriching experiences, and the freedom to slow down.

Finding your Perfect Ship

Luxury cruising insn't one-size-fits-all.
You may prefer:

Your Journey Doesn't end at the Ship

We help you determine which cruise line and ship best fit the way you want to travel- not simply which itinerary happens to be available.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Small-Ship Cruise?

Lets start with how you want to experience the world.

• Schedule a Private Consultation

Luxury River Cruising

See Europe Differently. Travel More Intimately.

There is something beautifully unhurried about travelling by river.Wake to medieval villages, vineyard-covered hills and historic cities unfolding just beyond your balcony. Step ashore in the heart of a destination rather than simply passing through it. Spend an afternoon exploring local markets, tasting regional wines or discovering centuries-old traditions—then return to the comfort of an intimate ship that feels more like a private retreat than a floating resort.At Reka Luxury Travel, I curate river journeys for travellers who value meaningful experiences, exceptional service and the freedom to explore without feeling rushed.From the romance of the Danube and Rhine to the vineyards of the Douro, the landscapes of the Seine and the cultural treasures of the Rhône, each journey offers a different way to experience Europe.

The Reka Difference

Your river cruise should be more than a beautiful itinerary. It should feel thoughtfully designed around you.I help you select the right ship, itinerary, suite and experiences—and can arrange the perfect pre- and post-cruise stays to transform a cruise into a complete luxury journey.Intimate ships. Exceptional destinations. Meaningful moments.Your journey begins long before you step aboard.

• Explore Luxury River Journeys

Bespoke Land Journeys

Wine & Golf Experiences

Explore celebrated wine regions — from Europe to Australia & New Zealand where vineyard visits, private tastings, and culinary excellence are seamlessly integrated into land experiences. Play the world’s most iconic courses with seamless coordination and refined accommodations. From championship tee times to private transfers and luxury lodging, every detail is managed with precision.

• Inquire About This Experience

Bespoke Land Experiences

Beyond sea and river, Reka Luxury Travel designs bespoke land experiences that elevate your journey from exceptional to extraordinary. From private European villas and refined safari lodges to secluded tropical retreats and thoughtfully curated pre- and post-cruise extensions across Europe, Alaska, New Zealand, and Australia, every detail is strategically designed and seamlessly coordinated.

• Inquire About This Experience

Wellness Travel

At Reka Luxury Travel, wellness travel is about more than a spa retreat—it's an opportunity to slow down, restore balance, and return to yourself. We curate transformative journeys that nurture the mind, body, and spirit through exceptional destinations, meaningful experiences, and intentional moments of renewal.Whether you seek relaxation, personal growth, or restoration, our bespoke wellness journeys are designed to help you return home refreshed, inspired, and transformed.

• Inquire About This Experience

Bespoke Land Journeys

Wine & Golf Experiences

Explore celebrated wine regions — from Europe to Australia & New Zealand where vineyard visits, private tastings, and culinary excellence are seamlessly integrated into land experiences. Play the world’s most iconic courses with seamless coordination and refined accommodations. From championship tee times to private transfers and luxury lodging, every detail is managed with precision.

• Inquire About This Experience

Bespoke Land Experiences

Beyond sea and river, Reka Luxury Travel designs bespoke land experiences that elevate your journey from exceptional to extraordinary. From private European villas and refined safari lodges to secluded tropical retreats and thoughtfully curated pre- and post-cruise extensions across Europe, Alaska, New Zealand, and Australia, every detail is strategically designed and seamlessly coordinated.

• Inquire About This Experience

Wellness Travel

At Reka Luxury Travel, wellness travel is about more than a spa retreat—it's an opportunity to slow down, restore balance, and return to yourself. We curate transformative journeys that nurture the mind, body, and spirit through exceptional destinations, meaningful experiences, and intentional moments of renewal.Whether you seek relaxation, personal growth, or restoration, our bespoke wellness journeys are designed to help you return home refreshed, inspired, and transformed.

• Inquire About This Experience

Luxury Travel Advisor in Iowa

Founder of Reka Luxury Travel

Meet Elaine Ware

Travel has never been a hobby for me — it has been a way of life.Once I completed my studies and gained my independence, I began exploring the world. What started as curiosity quickly became a deep appreciation for culture, perspective, and the way travel shapes how we see both the world and ourselves.I later met my husband, who shared the same passion for exploration. Together, we have traveled to nearly every U.S. state and journeyed extensively abroad — sailing and traveling by land throughout Europe multiple times, canal boating through historic waterways, and exploring destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, Brunei, Saba, Sarawak, Mexico and Abu Dhabi.When our son was born, our style of travel evolved. We wanted him to understand how others live, to develop gratitude, and to experience the world beyond his own backyard. We often traveled with my mother, blending meaningful cultural immersion — living like locals and embracing authentic experiences — with time to retreat and unwind in refined, five-star luxury.During those years, we developed a particular appreciation for ocean cruising. It offered the ideal balance of exploration and ease — the ability to experience multiple destinations without sacrificing comfort or thoughtful design. That balance became central to how I believe luxury travel should feel.Along the way, we also built a portfolio of international investment properties, deepening our understanding of global destinations not simply as visitors, but as invested participants.Creating Reka Luxury Travel was a natural next step.After years of personal global travel, I committed to formal industry training, extensive study, cultivating strategic partnerships, and aligning with a respected parent company and global travel networks. I wanted to ensure that my passion was matched with professional expertise and trusted connections.Reka Luxury Travel was born from that foundation.Today, I design strategic, seamless luxury travel experiences for affluent couples, retirees, and executives who value discretion, ease, and elevated experiences. Every journey is thoughtfully curated — blending immersive exploration with refined comfort — so my clients can experience the world effortlessly.Because true luxury is not about excess.It is about ease.I’m Elaine Ware, founder of Reka Luxury Travel.I created Reka for travelers who believe their time is valuable, their experiences should be meaningful, and their journeys deserve more than an itinerary pulled together from a search engine.My role is to listen first, understand how you want to experience the world, and then bring the expertise, relationships, and attention to detail needed to make it happen.Whether I’m designing an intimate small-ship cruise, a completely bespoke land journey, a personally hosted Reka Signature Journey, or an incentive experience for a high-performing team, my goal is the same:To make exceptional travel feel effortless.

A Life Shaped by Travel

Travel has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember.From exploring independently to traveling internationally with family, I have developed a deep appreciation for the way travel can change our perspective, strengthen relationships, restore us, and create memories that stay with us long after we return home.My firsthand travel experience has also taught me something important:The most memorable journeys aren't necessarily the ones with the most activities. They're the ones that feel right for the person experiencing them.That philosophy became the foundation for Reka Luxury Travel.

Why I Created Reka

There is no shortage of information available to today's traveler.You can research a destination, compare hundreds of hotels, read thousands of reviews, choose a cruise, book your own transfers and build an itinerary yourself.But having access to information isn't the same as having expertise.And having a beautiful itinerary isn't the same as having the right journey.I created Reka to provide something increasingly valuable: a trusted expert who knows you, understands what matters to you, and takes responsibility for the details.Your time shouldn't be spent researching, coordinating and second-guessing every decision.That's where I come in.

What Luxury Means to Me

Luxury isn't simply a beautiful hotel, a spacious suite or a first-class flight.True luxury is having the freedom to enjoy your time without worrying about what happens next.It is knowing that the right room has been selected.That the transfer will be there.That your itinerary has breathing room.That the restaurant reservation reflects your preferences.That someone understands what matters to you.And when something unexpected happens, you have someone advocating for you.Luxury is thoughtful. Personal. Effortless.That is the standard I bring to every Reka journey.

My South Pacific Connection

I'm Bringing You Home With Me.

The South Pacific isn't simply a destination to me.It's part of my story.Having grown up in this remarkable part of the world, I have a perspective that goes beyond the guidebook.I know the places worth lingering over, the experiences worth making time for, and the details that can transform a wonderful trip into an extraordinary one.Through Reka Signature Journeys, I'm able to share that perspective with travelers who want to experience New Zealand, Australia and Fiji in a more personal and meaningful way.These aren't simply trips I sell.They're journeys I am proud to share.

How I Design Your Journey

Every Reka journey begins with a conversation.I want to understand:How do you want to feel when you travel?What have you loved about previous journeys?What would you never want to repeat?Are you looking for adventure, restoration, connection, discovery—or simply the freedom to slow down?From there, I curate the pieces that matter: destinations, accommodations, transportation, experiences, dining, guides, cruises and the details in between.I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all luxury itinerary.Your journey should be as individual as you are.And because the journey doesn't end when I hand you an itinerary, I remain your advocate before, during and after your travels.

Travel Well. Live Well.

Ultimately, Reka Luxury Travel is about more than travel.It's about making the most of the life you have.A milestone worth celebrating.A place you've always dreamed of seeing.Time together with the people you love.A chance to slow down.An opportunity to discover something completely new.Or simply the freedom to finally say:“Let's go.”I would be honored to design the journey that makes it possible.

Begin Your Journey

Let's start with a conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a luxury travel advisor?

Your time is your most valuable asset. As a luxury travel advisor I handle the meticulous logistics of your journey, shielding you from the friction of planning, managing complicated itineraries, and risking costly mistakes. Beyond saving you time, we provide unparalleled advocacy and absolute peace of mind. From the moment you leave your front door until you return home, you have a dedicated partner monitoring your travel, handling changes seamlessly, and ensuring your experience is flawless.

What are the benefits of Virtuoso travel advisors?

As an affiliate of Virtuoso—the world’s elite network of luxury travel—we grant you access to privileges that are impossible to secure on your own. When you book through us, you are treated as a premier VIP. When available you will enjoy exclusive amenities at over 2,000 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines, including complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, resort credits, priority check-in, and private onboard receptions. More importantly, our personal relationships with general managers and cruise directors mean your specific preferences are known and honored before you even arrive.

Do luxury travel advisors charge fees?

Yes, we operate on a professional fee structure for our bespoke itinerary design and comprehensive concierge management. While standard hotel and cruise bookings may be handled with minimal to no fees, crafting a highly customized, seamless vacation—including private transfers, curated land tours, and tailored daily scheduling—requires significant time, industry expertise, and specialized coordination. We discuss our transparent fee structure during your initial travel strategy session to ensure it aligns perfectly with the scope of your journey.

Can you help with river cruises?

Absolutely. River cruising is one of our specialized areas of expertise. We help you navigate the highly nuanced differences between ultra-luxury river lines—such as AmaWaterways, Viking, Avalon Waterways, and Riverside Luxury Cruises. Whether you want to explore the historic castles of the Rhine, the vineyards of the Danube, or unique boutique waterways, we ensure you choose the exact ship, suite location, and land programs that match your personal style.

Can you help with golf travel?

Yes. We specialize in designing high-end golf journeys that pair world-class tee times with luxury accommodations and seamless logistics. Whether your dream is playing legendary championship courses in Scotland and Ireland, exploring premier coastal courses in Pebble Beach, or discovering hidden gems in New Zealand, we handle it all. We coordinate your preferred tee times, luxury lodging, post-round spa treatments, fine dining reservations, and the seamless transport of your golf clubs.

Can you help with executive incentive travel?

Yes, we expertly design and manage corporate incentive travel and executive programs. We understand that a corporate retreat or an elite performance incentive must reflect your company’s high standards and flawless execution. We handle everything from securing exclusive resort buyouts and luxury villa collections to coordinating private aviation, high-end meeting spaces, and unique team-building experiences that resonate with high-performing executives and corporate leaders.

Do you work with retirees and empty nesters?

We proudly do. A significant portion of our clientele includes empty nesters, retirees, and affluent couples who finally have the luxury of time to explore the world deeply and deliberately. We specialize in matching this chapter of your life with unhurried, comfortable, and profoundly enriching travel experiences—whether that means a world cruise, a peaceful European river voyage, or a fully customized private tour of the South Pacific. We focus entirely on your comfort, your pacing, and your peace of mind.

Can you customize journeys for solo women travelers over 40?

Absolutely. Cultivating safe, deeply enriching, and effortlessly sophisticated experiences for independent women is one of our favorite specialties. We understand that traveling solo in this chapter of life isn't about compromise—it's about absolute freedom. Whether you desire the effortless camaraderie of an ultra-luxury small-ship cruise, the deep restoration of a premium wellness retreat, or a fully customized private itinerary through the South Pacific, we tailor every detail to your exact pacing. From arranging seamless private transfers and securing highly vetted local guides to requesting perfectly situated hotel rooms, we ensure you feel completely secure, celebrated, and free to immerse yourself in the journey.

Reka Signature Journeys

The Art of Living Well

Travel Without Friction. Experience Without Limits.

Personally hosted journeys created by Elaine.

There is a difference between seeing a destination and truly experiencing it.Reka Signature Journeys are created for travelers who want to slow down, settle in, and savor the places they visit.Think exceptional five-star accommodations, extraordinary landscapes, memorable food and wine, and experiences that invite you to become part of the destination rather than simply pass through it.These journeys are personal to me.This is how I love to travel. This is what I believe living well looks like. And I want to share it with you.Approximately 10 days per destination. You can choose to travel each location as an individual trip or join all three locations together for a 30 day journey of a lifetime.March or April 2027New Zealand • Australia • Fiji

I'M BRINGING YOU HOME WITH ME.

• Request Your Journey
• Journey Details

• Request Your NZ Journey

NEW ZEALAND

Where the Landscape Invites You to Slow Down

New Zealand is a country that rewards those who take their time.Here, dramatic mountains, pristine lakes, extraordinary wine country and warm hospitality create the perfect setting for a journey centered around living well.Rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, this journey is designed to give you time to settle in, breathe deeply and truly experience the places around you.

The Stay

Five-star lodges and exceptional accommodations chosen for their setting, service, character and sense of place.Imagine waking to extraordinary views, lingering over breakfast, returning to a beautifully appointed retreat after a day of discovery, and ending the evening with exceptional local wine and cuisine.

The Experience

This is New Zealand through the senses.Beautiful landscapes.
Exceptional food and wine.
Private and immersive experiences.
Time in nature.
And plenty of space simply to enjoy where you are.

Why New Zealand

Because this is a place I know and love.My connection to the South Pacific gives me a perspective that goes beyond simply selecting beautiful places. I want to share the New Zealand I love—the places that invite you to slow down, savor the surroundings and experience the country at its best.Approximately 10 daysMarch or April 2027

• Request Your Australian Journey

Australia

Savor the Extraordinary

Australia invites you to embrace life at a different pace.From exceptional wine regions and extraordinary cuisine to dramatic landscapes, intimate luxury lodges and unforgettable experiences, this is a journey designed around the pleasures of discovery—and the pleasure of simply being there.

The Stay

Five-star hotels, luxury lodges and distinctive accommodations selected for their location, character, service and connection to the surrounding environment.The goal isn't simply to have somewhere beautiful to sleep.It's to make where you stay part of the experience.

The Experience

Australia is meant to be savored.Discover exceptional local cuisine.
Meet the people behind the food and wine.
Explore extraordinary landscapes.
Enjoy private and immersive experiences.
And leave enough time to simply sit, sip, dine and take it all in.

Why Australia

Because Australia is part of my story.I have traveled extensively throughout Australia, and I love the combination of extraordinary natural beauty, relaxed sophistication, exceptional food and wine, and the Australian approach to living well.This is the Australia I want to share with you.Approximately 10 daysMarch or April 2027

Fiji

The Luxury of Doing Less

Sometimes living well means doing less.Fiji is where the pace slows, the days open up, and the natural beauty around you becomes the experience.This journey is designed for deep relaxation, meaningful connection and the simple pleasure of having nowhere else you need to be.

The Stay

Exceptional five-star island resorts, private villas and small-ship cruising where luxury feels effortless.Beautiful surroundings.
Exceptional service.
World-class dining.
Wellness and spa experiences.
And the privacy to spend your days exactly as you wish.

The Experience

Swim in clear Pacific waters.Enjoy fresh local cuisine.Discover Fijian culture.Take time for wellness.Dine beneath the stars.Or do absolutely nothing.That's the point.

Why Fiji?

Because the South Pacific is part of who I am.Fiji embodies so much of what I believe travel should give us: space to breathe, time to reconnect, beautiful surroundings, wonderful food and the freedom to slow down.This is not a journey to fill every hour.It's a journey to fill your life with what matters.Approximately 10 daysMarch or April 2027

• Request Your Fijian Journey