Our Approach
Step into the world of Empress Travel Club, your gateway to elevated travel experiences. Our founder, Stephanie Malakie, is a veteran in the luxury travel sector, boasting over two decades of expertise. In 2020, she embarked on a journey to establish a membership-oriented agency, envisioning it as a reliable platform that curates unique, life-enhancing moments through sincere care and rigorous attention to detail.
Empress Travel Club transcends the conventional travel agency model. We serve as a global private concierge for members who delegate the planning and orchestration of their travel itineraries to a team of highly specialized and trusted professionals.
Our distinguished members, who include founders, chairs, CEOs, and executives from diverse sectors across the globe, entrust us with all the details of their travel plans, be it intricate or mundane. We dedicate ourselves to comprehending their unique preferences and needs, guaranteeing that every journey is authentic and tailored to their needs.
Our approach is thorough yet simple. We initiate the process by actively listening to develop a deep understanding of our clients’ vision. Following this, we meticulously orchestrate every facet of their journey, from devising the ideal itinerary to gaining access to exclusive experiences. We manage all the logistics, bestowing upon them the priceless gift of time.
Our clients can confidently resume their bustling lives, secure in the knowledge that they have a devoted advocate who stands as their primary liaison for the orchestration and management of their premium travel experiences.
Meet the Team
Get to know the faces of the collaborative dream team redefining travel.
Stephanie Malakie
FOUNDER
Growing up on the west coast of Canada with a family who loved to travel, Stephanie developed an appreciation for international destinations from a young age. Her early adventures to places like Egypt, Europe, Central America, and Asia ignited her passion for exploring the world. After completing her degree in Business Management from the University of British Columbia in Canada and the University of Melbourne in Australia, Stephanie moved to Hawaii. There, she joined a management program at Four Seasons Resorts, working across various operational hotel management roles. She eventually managed a VIP client program for years before transitioning to a luxury travel agency and concierge firm. After gaining further experience in the industry, Stephanie founded Empress - a company catering to discerning clients looking for seamless, unique and luxurious travel experiences across the globe. She is based in Kona, Hawaii leading a team that spans from Hawaii to Portugal, allowing Empress to provide 24 hour client coverage.
Lindsay Lincoln
Luxury Travel Designer
Lindsay’s passion for exploring the world’s most beautiful destinations was cultivated by her upbringing in the picturesque surroundings of Malibu, California, and over the years, having the privilege of calling places like Lake Tahoe, Santa Barbara, Maui, and the Big Island her home. Each of these scenic locales contributed to her love for diverse landscapes.
After having spent 17 wonderful years in Hawaii, the desire to discover more breathtaking places prompted Lindsay and her family to embark on a new adventure in Portugal. Living at Europe’s doorstep allows her to explore fascinating countries, immerse herself in their rich food, history, and cultures, and share these experiences with her clients.
With 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality and travel industry, Lindsay has refined an intimate understanding of what discerning travelers seek. Her expertise lies in curating personalized and thoughtful travel itineraries. By blending her concierge background with extensive travel knowledge, she crafts journeys tailored to your desires. What sets Lindsay apart is her unwavering commitment to meticulous planning. With excellent communication skills and well-honed organizational talents, she ensures no detail is overlooked. She orchestrate seamless trips, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the wonders of the world.
There’s nothing that brings Lindsay more joy than facilitating your travel adventures, making arrangements, and sending you off to explore and appreciate the diverse cultures our planet has to offer.
Linda De la Torre
Luxury Travel Designer
Linda was born in the vibrant land of El Salvador, where her family instilled in her a love for exploration. Growing up, she lived in more than 10 countries, exposing her to diverse cultures, landscapes, and cuisines. These formative years ignited her passion for travel, which has only intensified with time.
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality and travel industry, Linda has witnessed the evolution of travel firsthand. She understands that modern travelers seek more than just a simple vacation; they yearn for unforgettable experiences that will create lasting memories.
Throughout her career, Linda has discovered that personalized service and unparalleled customer care are the cornerstones of creating extraordinary travel experiences. She is dedicated to going above and beyond for her clients, ensuring that each journey is meticulously tailored to their unique desires and preferences.
Stacie Holi
Luxury Travel Designer
Stacie is based on the beautiful West Coast, rounding out our team’s time zone coverage. Her 15+ year hospitality career has been focused on residential and hotel concierge operations, working across luxury brands including Four Seasons, Fairmont, and Mauna Lani.
After working in Scottsdale and Hawaii, Stacie moved to Seattle to work with the Four Seasons Seattle, before mastering roles with Yohana Virtual Concierge, and Salesforce’s Events team. Stacie’s diverse experience and extensive industry contacts brings a wealth of knowledge to our team, and she is our lead for daily operations. Our clients love her relaxed and organized demeaner, can-do attitude and enthusiastic approach to all-things hospitality.
When she is not designing luxury travel itineraries Internationally, you can find Stacie enjoying the outdoors and visiting her two daughters and granddaughter in Hawaii. Stacie is also a major foodie, who loves exploring new eateries wherever she goes, so if you would like to plan your route around the best coffee shops, hole-in-the-wall gems, and local cuisines, she will happily oblige!