Niki Jean
The Travel Queen

Meet Niki Jean – Your Travel Queen & Retreat Host
Creating Soulful Travel Experiences That Bring People Together
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Hi, I’m Niki Jean — a global adventurer, certified travel agent, Pilates and fitness instructor, and retreat host with a passion for connection and community.
 

Born in Canada to a South African father and a German mother, my love for travel began early, sparked by family road trips to Mexico and Florida. At just 8 years old, I felt a deep sense of belonging in Mexico — a feeling that would shape the rest of my life.
 

At 23, what was meant to be a one-month Spanish-learning trip to Mexico turned into a transformative seven-year journey through the country. I bartended in San Miguel de Allende, climbed the hospitality ladder in Los Cabos, and eventually landed my dream role as a Destination Host at Villas Del Mar, Palmilla.
 

Though I found success in real estate after returning to Canada, the pull of travel never left me. I eventually made my way through Southeast Asia and found myself in Bali — where I deepened my yoga practice, became immersed in Hot Pilates, and discovered my true calling: bringing people together through meaningful, shared travel experiences. It started with solo travelers — organizing dinners, group workouts, and local experiences that made people feel like they belonged. That spark evolved into something much bigger: transformative group retreats where people could travel solo, but never feel alone.
 

While my work may look like sunshine and retreats, my path here wasn’t always easy.
 

My older brother was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, OCD, and ADHD at a young age — a combination that made childhood deeply challenging for him and for my family. At 18, he turned to drugs, and for the better part of 20 years, we watched helplessly as addiction took hold. There were years of turmoil — overdoses, hospitals, theft, and lots of heartbreak. While I was living in Mexico, my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor and my dad with kidney cancer. That’s what brought me back home. A few years later my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and my mom breast caner. Then, seven years ago, my mom was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia.
 

Thankfully, my brother has been sober since 2020 — and today, he’s my mom’s primary caregiver. His recovery has given our family stability, and it’s what allows me the freedom to do this work. I hold space for others because I know what it’s like to walk through fire. That’s why I lead with empathy, hold zero judgment, and truly believe that everyone has a story — and a reason they’re seeking something more.
 

As a licensed travel agent and wellness retreat curator, I now host multiple retreats a year — from the lush jungles of Costa Rica to the turquoise waters of Greece. My offerings combine movement, mindfulness, cultural immersion, and a whole lot of fun — all designed to create genuine connection and lifelong memories.
 

Whether you're looking for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a full-blown international adventure, my goal is to make travel feel easy, inclusive, and inspiring.

Explore my upcoming retreats, subscribe for updates, or follow along on social @nikijeanthetravelqueen. One day I hope that you #RetreatYourself with me.

xoxo Niki