"I live in your vacation"
AMARIMA and deeply sensory-driven travel experience design
“Uncover what you long for and you will discover who you are.”
- Phil Cousineau, The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred
So I added moon phases and time watching a meteor shower to an AMARIMA trip experience designed for a couple headed to Spain for a romantic getaway next week.
When doing final checks over all the plans that I sent over today, that read more like a love letter to connection than an itinerary, deep sensory design - it occurred to me that so much of what travel and hospitality is about is creating the right conditions for unexpected moments of magic.
It's about building space for someone to remember, to really savor, to really inhabit a moment. It's about the way that an experience is entered, who you are and what you need - what you long for - at this exact moment in your life.
It's like turning up the dial, taking "presence" and "mindfulness" to a new level.
And, the secret to this is often just reminding someone about what they like already, and what's already there for you as guideposts, touch points in this art of being human. What makes you feel most alive.
Your own corporeal and sensory experience. Your 32 senses.
Do you know what the moon phase is right at this moment? It was a full moon a couple days ago, and it'll still read like that in the sky tonight - 95% with a little sliver of grey. The Lyrids meteor shower peaks next week in the night sky - so do, if you'd like, grab one of your favorite people and check that out.
Why? Why not. Do you not have enough time to look at the moon, to look at the sky?
Don't you want to?
Set a reminder on your calendar tonight.
Find the moon.
"It is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it." - Becky Chambers: A Psalm for The Wild-Built
It is my mission to bring as many people possible back to this specific kind of wonder.
That’s what I’m doing with AMARIMA.
Here's what it looks like to create a trip that's sensory, sacred, and personal. These are real notes and excerpts from that recent AMARIMA experience I designed:
22 March
A: “Hi Jenna!! I have a dear friend who is also my colleague. She is visiting Barcelona and looking for recs on places to stay and things to do. I was inspired by the Universe to ask if I could buy one of your consultations for her as a present.”
J: ”What an incredible gift to give her and of course - *Absolutely. The starting tier of AMARIMA is $250 for all-in for one weekend [I plan the whole thing, with deeply sensory-driven experience design baked into it all]. How long is her trip?”
…
28 March
J: "Hi, it’s so nice to meet you. This zoom is a deep dive where I get to know you so that I can design something really special for you. Are you at work?”
L: “Taking a break. I’m so excited to be talking about this”
J: “Remember that I live in your vacation space so this is all about you and what you want. I’m going to ask you a series of questions about you and what you need right now, which will help me do everything from designing playlists for you to listen to, experiences that you can anchor your trip with, sensory moments, things to see, eat, activities, surprises, fun, rituals. Think of this like we’re turning up the dial on your life for this period of time. After our call I’ll send you a “Trip Story” that will describe what your trip to Barcelona was like in the past tense, I’ll need you to confirm that, and answer some questions for me before I get started on building out an “AMARIMA Experience Brief for you.”
…
31 March
J: “From here, I will first gut check my read with you:
’My trip to Spain with [Romantic partner] was everything I needed - romantic, magical, sexy, relaxing. The feeling of my time away was like one giant exhale - I had a chance to relax into [partner] taking care of me and running the logistical show, and Jenna put together a list of next level-experiences that I didn't even realize was something that someone could do for me or that I needed. It was the perfect blend of effervescent romance, sightseeing, intimate conversations, yummy vegetarian food, and dancing with [partner]. I felt like an actual goddess. I also enjoyed glorious moments built in for me-time - a mystical massage, shopping (I've arrived back home with the best wardrobe I've ever had and the girls LOVE their girly gifts), slow and spacious moments on the beach, local hidden gems, and surprises. I got to clear my mind of all the heaviness that I hold for other people and focus entirely on myself and filling my own cup. Those 6 days were heaven. It's like every time I wear this spring jacket I get transported back over there - Barcelona is my new happy place.’
… Is this what you’re going for? I have some questions and next steps.”
L: ”Dear Jenna: This whole email is one big exhale!”
…
6 April
J: “Amazing, thanks for this extra detail, and it's so nice to meet you too. And I've got you both on dancing.”
M: “Salsa dancing would be cool and so would a cool nightclub. Just want to dance, you know?”
J: “Absolutely. I’ve got you. More from me soon.”
…
15 April
J: Good morning [Name] and [Name],
Attached is your sensory-driven AMARIMA experience design for your trip over here.
I really loved putting this one together. I'm so excited to hear about what you choose to do in this special time that you've carved out for yourselves.
x
Jenna
Here's what it looks like to create a trip that's sensory, sacred, and personal. These are real notes and excerpts:
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Friends:
This is the launch of this new line of business for me. It is so beyond fun and also incredibly meaningful for everyone involved. I need your help getting this all off the ground.
If this all spoke to you:
AMARIMA your trip. AMARIMA your life.
Want something like this for you or someone you love?
[📅 Schedule a call with me here]
And/or reply to this email for a discount and a little extra magic on the house.
x Jenna
