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 & CEO
Stephanie Malakie is the founder and CEO of Empress Travel Club. With an instinct for detail and a deep understanding of the world’s most exceptional hotels and experiences, she designs journeys that feel effortless, exclusive, and entirely tailored to each client.
Raised on Canada’s West Coast in a family that shared a deep love of travel, Stephanie developed an early curiosity about the world, and an appreciation for exploration and cultural connection. She went on to complete her undergraduate degree in business across Canada and Australia, before spending the first half of her hospitality career in luxury hotel management.
Stephanie has grown Empress Travel Club into a global company spanning all time zones, leading an exceptional international team dedicated to delivering seamless, high-touch service. Her work has earned her global recognition, including being named Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Travel Professional of the Year. She has also consistently ranked among the top ten Four Seasons producers worldwide—an achievement that underscores both her industry relationships and her ability to deliver at the highest level.
Stephanie is a member of Female Founders in Hospitality, where she supports and collaborates with other women shaping the future of the industry.
Now based in Hawaii, Stephanie’s life outside of travel reflects the same energy and intention she brings to her work. She is a mother of two boys, an avid marathon runner, and the owner of an award-winning Kona coffee farm.
Through Empress Travel Club, Stephanie continues to shape a more intentional way to travel—where access, authenticity, and thoughtful planning come together to help people feel deeply connected to the places they visit, the people they travel with, and those they meet along the way.
Lindsay Lincoln
Director of Luxury Travel
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!
Aria Crane
Executive Assistant & Luxury Travel Concierge
Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, Aria has made world history a passionate hobby, bringing cultural and historical research into every travel experience. Her adventurous spirit has taken her to 42 countries, with many solo journeys providing invaluable firsthand knowledge.
After studying International Finance and Marketing with a focus on linguistics at the University of Miami, Aria gained extensive experience in luxury hospitality, including being part of hotel opening teams. Following six years on Maui, she is now based in Honolulu where she continues exploring the islands' rich cultural heritage.
As Executive Assistant and Luxury Travel Concierge, Aria combines organizational expertise with her passion for history and travel, weaving cultural insights into every client experience. Her multilingual background and deep understanding of global cultures enable her to create meaningful connections between travelers and destinations, crafting authentic journeys that go beyond typical luxury travel to create lasting memories enriched with historical context.