The 2025 Field Report: The Art of Intentional Exploration

They don’t show the "drenched but happy" moments in the raw data, but that is exactly where the best stories are born. Looking back at 2025 and my LinkedIn Rewind, it would be easy to focus on the statistics: the global updates, the thousands of interactions, and the logistical precision required to keep a private travel office running at peak performance. But for an intentional explorer, the real value lies in the field research. It’s found in the absolute power of the spray at Victoria Falls and the quiet laughter shared in a private Parisian kitchen.

Precision Meets Passion: 5 Years of Excellence

This year marked a significant milestone for Pineapple7. For the fifth consecutive year, I am honored to be recognized as a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist. In an era of automated bookings and "paradox of choice" search engines, this recognition reinforces the necessity of producer-level precision. Being a part of this elite group -- and leveraging my deep roots within the Virtuoso network -- allows me to secure the "un-gettable" for my clients: private buyouts, after-hours access, and the kind of global intel that only comes from being on the ground.

Dispatches from the Field: Vetting the Extraordinary

To design a seamless journey, one must first experience the friction. This year’s field research was as diverse as the itineraries we produce:

• Zambia & The Royal Livingstone: Navigating the complex logistics of luxury safari travel reminded me why we obsess over the details. Standing drenched in the mist of Victoria Falls wasn't just a highlight; it was a vetting process to ensure our clients have the absolute best vantage point.

• European Culinary Immersion: From private Seine sunset cruises to biking the hidden canals of Amsterdam, our small-group culinary tour through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands focused on the visceral: the tastes, scents, and sounds that define a culture. I've always believed that the best way to truly experience a destination is through it's local flavors!

• Thought Leadership: Beyond the travel, I had the privilege of sharing my perspective on the future of bespoke private villas and international travel trends with CNBC and Travel Market Report.

The Heart of the Mission

Among the accolades and the air miles, 2025 was also a year of deep reflection. I shared a memory that many of you connected with: planting a legacy tree in Hawaii with my niece to honor my Dad/her Lolo. This is the "why" behind Pineapple7. We don’t just manage travel; we protect your most finite resource: time. Whether it’s a milestone retirement celebration or a complex family expedition, my mission is to ensure you aren't just a visitor, but a guest of the world, spending your time on what and WHO matters the most.

Looking Toward 2026 and 2027

The world is moving toward deeper, more meaningful travel. As a private travel office, we are already architecting expeditions for 2026 and into 2027.

If you are ready to move beyond the itinerary and into an experience designed with intentionality and global access, I invite you to reach out. Let’s design your next great story.

Warmly,

Grace A Cular Yee

Principal, Pineapple7

Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist