Your time is precious
Let's make tHE MOST OF IT
From accommodation bookings with VIP perks to complex itineraries with flights, transfers, and exclusive experiences, we sweat the small stuff, so you don’t have to.
work with us
Meet
Julia
Toronto-based Hayven Travel was founded in 2022 by Julia Hayhurst. While growing up in her family’s hospitality business, Julia wore many hats—from serving prime ministers to cleaning guest rooms. After graduating from Queen’s University in 2005, she worked in film and television, event planning, and interior design, before ultimately returning to travel.
Julia then spent 12 years with ultra-high-end tour operator, Gray & Co., crafting private active trips around the globe for the world’s most discerning travellers. As the company’s first hire, she travelled extensively and honed the skill of pairing clients with the world’s best properties and experiences. She also played a pivotal role in Gray & Co. winning such awards as Travel & Leisure Magazine’s “World’s #1 Tour Operator”.
Now at the helm of Hayven Travel, Julia’s attention to detail and eye for design are evident in every trip that she plans. As a mother of two, she’s especially skilled at crafting multigenerational trips, as well as fun-filled getaways for groups of friends. Julia understands that “luxury” means different things to different people. She listens carefully and collaborates with local experts to ensure clients experience destinations in the manner best suited to them. No two trips are alike. From the initial planning stage through to a client’s return from vacation, Julia provides support every step of the way.
1.
EXPLORING MAUI WITH HER HUSBAND AND KIDS AFTER MONTHS OF PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN
2.
Floating in the world’s largest salt lake in Chile’s Atacama Desert
3.
BABYMOON ON THE AMALFI COAST AND ISLAND OF CAPRI
4.
Ski holidays with 3 generations of extended family
5.
Playing with endangered lemurs on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island
6.
Tracking turtles by moonlight on a secluded Costa Rican beach
7.
Herding cattle on horseback at a Montana ranch
8.
HIKING IN MOROCCO’S ATLAS MOUNTAINS
9.
Cycling through the vineyards of Burgundy, France
10.
Sunset horseback ride and asado dinner in José Ignacio, Uruguay
our Process
the hayven travel experience
COMPLETE AN ONLINE INQUIRY FORM
Tell us about the type of travel you have in mind (e.g., number of travellers, destination(s), preferred experiences, budget, etc.).
01.
Let's chat
Soon after receiving your inquiry form, we’ll reach out via email to schedule a complimentary exploratory call. We’ll discuss your travel dreams and determine if Hayven Travel is the right fit for your desired trip.
02.
trip overview
If you'd simply like assistance with booking hotels or villas, we’ll make the necessary reservations and then send you confirmation details. You’re all set! However, if you’d like a full itinerary including accommodation, transportation and exclusive experiences, we’ll use this step to prepare a trip overview and budget for your review.
03.
formal itinerary + booking
Based on your feedback, we’ll prepare a formal itinerary outlining every aspect of your trip. Once you sign off, we’ll finalize all travel details and upload your final itinerary to a convenient app.
04.
bon voyage!
In the weeks leading up to your trip, we’ll keep you abreast of any updates to your itinerary, revised entry requirements, packing lists, etc. Then, it’s wheels up! Our team is only a call, text, or email away.
05.
book your trip
our services
What we do
Bespoke travel design —
This service is ideal for travellers who’d like a custom itinerary, preferred partner perks, and all travel arrangements expertly made on their behalf. Such arrangements could include accommodations, flights, ground transfers, local guides, excursions, spa appointments, dinner reservations, etc.
schedule a consultation →
FROM CDN $1,500 PER WEEK OF TRAVEL, BASED ON 4 OR FEWER GUESTS
accommodatioN —
Whether you have a 4- or 5-star hotel in mind OR you’d like suggestions, this service is for individuals who’d like to offload the booking process and have access to preferred partner perks. Such amenities typically include breakfast, resort credits and upgrades (based on availability).
Complimentary
schedule a consultation →
flightS —
If you would like assistance booking flights, we work in collaboration with the First in Service flight desk, which can provide 24-hour support. If flying privately is of interest, we also have private air contacts. Please reach out for pricing.
CDN $50 booking fee per commercial ticket
schedule a consultation →
Review our FAQs
WHY USE HAYVEN TRAVEL WHEN I CAN BOOK MY TRIP ONLINE?
For the same reasons that you hire an interior designer – expertise, connections, and guidance in the decision-making process. The sheer amount of travel content online can be overwhelming. A skilled travel advisor takes the time to learn about your needs and wants and then meticulously crafts your trip, relying on both personal experience and industry connections.
Furthermore, travel has changed dramatically in the past few years, so it's more valuable than ever to have an expert on your side. We can help you to navigate new protocols and swiftly troubleshoot if flights get cancelled or delayed. An added benefit of using Hayven Travel is that we have access to exclusive experiences and amenities to further enhance your vacation.
what are your fees?
Many people are surprised to learn that we do not charge a fee to book 4- and 5-star hotels. We have access to the same accommodation rates (if not better) that you see online, plus benefits from preferred partners worldwide. In exchange for booking their properties, these partners pay us commission — at no extra cost to travellers. For clients who’d like a custom itinerary and all travel arrangements made on their behalf (e.g., accommodations, flights, ground transfers, excursions etc.) fees start at CDN $1,500 per week of travel, based on four or fewer guests.
what is your expertise?
We’re passionate about planning trips worldwide for multigenerational families and groups of friends. That being said, we also book trips for couples and organize corporate retreats. We love building itineraries that include activity — whether it be hiking, biking, water sports or simply strolling through an outdoor market.
still have questions?
WHAT ARE “PREFERRED PARTNERS?”
Through Hayven Travel’s affiliation with First in Service, we have preferred partnerships with numerous luxury brands including Virtuoso, Four Seasons, Belmond, Rosewood, Hyatt, Aman, etc. As a result, our clients receive VIP status and amenities.
