IN CONVERSATION WITH DOMINICA GRACIS

interview TIMOTEJ LETONJA

Domenica Gracis has built a reputation for turning travel into an art form. As the founder and CEO of One Luxury, she has dedicated her career to curating highly personalized, unforgettable journeys for some of the world’s most special clients. In conversation with her, it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t just about booking flights and hotels — she told us about the insider knowledge of destinations, the creativity required in anticipating unspoken needs and what it really takes to succeed in a business that for us seems mysterious and truly unique.

You’ve been curating luxury journeys for over two decades. I wonder, what first sparked your passion for the world of high-end travel? Was there a specific, defining moment?

It began with curiosity and a deep love for discovery. Early on, I realized that travel could transform and shift perspectives not just geographically, but internally. That insight changed everything for me. It became the foundation of how I approach every single journey I design.

You work with a special clientele, ranging from global business leaders to A-list celebrities. What does it take to work with such high-level clients?

Discretion, intuition, and a deep understanding of the smallest details. These clients live fast, so travel becomes their chance to unwind. You’ve got to read between the lines, fix things before they become issues, and create experiences that feel effortless but unforgettable. It’s a mix of creativity and attention to the smallest details.

⁠Looking back on your own travels, is there one particular journey that touched your soul in a profound way? A favourite place where you wish to return?

Choosing a favorite is tough- both the Seychelles and South Africa have lately left a lasting mark. The Seychelles, with its most beautiful beaches and clear waters, is perfect for slowing down. South Africa, with its wild landscapes and powerful wildlife, offers a completely different kind of magic. Both touched my soul in different ways, and I find myself drawn back to them whenever I need to reconnect.

⁠While many travel to disconnect and escape, your clients seek something more meaningful. In your view, what makes a journey truly life-changing?

A life-changing trip is one where you come back a little different- not just rested, but with a new perspective. It usually happens when there's an unexpected connection, whether with a culture, a place, or even a part of yourself. True luxury is creating the space for those moments to unfold naturally.

⁠One Luxury Travel is known for creating completely unique itineraries. Do you follow any personal rituals or creative processes when designing an experience?

I always begin with a conversation. I want to understand what isn’t being said, what someone is truly longing and looking for. From there, with the help of my incredible team of destination experts, we dig deep to uncover hidden gems and craft meaningful experiences. It’s a collaborative, intuitive process to deliver something truly authentic and personal to our clients.

⁠In an era where everything seems available at the click of a button, how do you preserve the magic of rarity and discovery?

Today, rarity isn’t about price, it’s about access and authenticity. I invest deeply in relationships with local insiders, private artisans, off-market estates. The goal is to restore a sense of wonder, even for those who’ve seen it all. That’s what keeps the world feeling wide and full of possibility.

Social media has changed how we experience and showcase travel. What’s your take on this shift, and what do you believe remains timeless?

We truly believe in the power of social media to inspire and connect. With over 440,000 followers on One Luxury Travel’s account, we’re grateful to share stories that spark imagination and wanderlust. But beyond the beautiful imagery, what remains timeless is how travel makes you feel- the wonder, the peace, the sense of connection. No photo can truly capture that.

⁠Europe continues to be at the epicentre of aspirational travel. What do you think makes destinations like Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, Mykonos, Paros, and Ibiza so enduringly desirable among luxury travellers?

These destinations strike a rare balance- they honor tradition while constantly evolving. There’s a sensuality to them: the sea, the light, the food: it’s elemental. But beyond the beauty, it’s the hidden discoveries that captivate: a secluded cove, a family-run trattoria, a private villa tucked in the hills. Everything feels effortless, yet inherently exclusive.

What travel trends do you foresee shaping the next decade in luxury? Are there destinations or formats you believe are on the rise?

Luxury travel is moving toward purpose, depth, and regeneration. Places like Namibia and Botswana are at the forefront, offering dramatic landscapes and untouched witldlife with a strong conservation intention. We’re seeing a rise in immersive formats: private camps, slow safaris, multi-generational journeys. The new luxury is about going deeper, staying longer, and leaving a positive footprint behind.

⁠Have you noticed a change in the type of luxury your clients are seeking today compared to ten years ago? What are the new symbols of exclusivity? Are we moving toward a quieter, more personal kind of luxury?

Absolutely. The new luxury is more about soul than show. Privacy, emotional resonance, and sustainability have replaced opulence. A family style meal in an olive grove now holds more allure than a five-star restaurant. It’s a shift from spectacle to substance- and it’s beautiful to witness.

When selecting partners—be it a boutique hotel or a private chef—what qualities do you look for?

Passion, precision, and emotional intelligence. The best partners understand that true luxury lives in the feeling. Whether it’s a warm welcome at 2 a.m. or a meal that tells a story, it’s the human touch that elevates an experience from good to extraordinary.

⁠If you could design a journey just for yourself, without compromise or constraint, what would it look like?

It would be a slow, sun-drenched escape along the Amalfi Coast with my family. A private yacht, drifting from village to village, Positano, Ravello, Capri- anchoring in hidden coves, swimming in sapphire waters, and enjoying long lunches under the Mediterranean sun. No rush, no agenda- just time together. The scent of lemons in the air, laughter over simple meals, and sunsets that feel like forever. That kind of togetherness, in a place so timeless, is my idea of true luxury.