Travel Advisor

Maria Thelen

She/Her

Expertise

Florida,
Cruises,
Luxury Travel,
Food & Wine

Based in

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Travel Advisor

Maria Thelen

Profile details

About

South Florida transplant from the Midwest who loves to explore luxe locations and of course, indulge in good food.

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Travel style

I believe that luxury travel doesn't always have to mean top dollar. There are many opportunities to turn a vacation into a luxe experience. You can usually find me exploring new and exciting places with an itinerary booked full of activities, good food and relaxation. A clear blue ocean, sunny skies and a boat are typically my happy place while on vacation. I'm able to achieve a range of travel experiences, whether you want something a little extra special, or a luxe vacation.

Favorite hotels

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Experience the pinnacle of coastal elegance where luxury meets the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Indulge in world-class amenities, serene beachside views and impeccable service.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Isla Bella Beach Resort

New in 2019, this Florida Keys resort spans over a mile of beachfront, meaning gorgeous ocean views from all 199 rooms and suites, plus on-tap watersports and fishing activities.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago is a five-star luxury hotel on the Magnificent Mile, known for its spacious, elegantly designed rooms, award-winning service, rooftop terrace and refined dining experiences with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Maria's travel photos

Point of view shot of sunning and clear blue water in the Bahamas, with boats and a kayak in the background.

Point of view shot from the edge of a sailboat in Sarasota, with a pink and golden sunset reflecting on the water.

Natural giant stone archway in a tropical forest, with a view of the sea through its opening.

A Seattle river running down rocks in a forest with tall trees and a mountain in the background.

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Maria's reviews

Maria made booking our trip so easy. We have not been to St Lucia before and through Maria’s research of various resorts we were able to narrow down our options and select the best resort for us. She is so friendly and easy to work with. We plan to work with Maria on our future bookings and recommend her to others.

Daniel T.
Booked travel to Saint Lucia
March 2025

Maria is an excellent travel advisor. She made the whole booking process effortless and her knowledge of all the amenities and perks were quite impressive. She even “VIP’d” us a couple days ahead of our stay by confirming all of our details with the hotel and ensuring a smooth check in process. Her planning and communication skills are unparalleled. I would definitely use Maria again when planning my next getaway.

Rafe F.
Booked travel to Las Vegas
June 2024

Get in touch with Maria

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Maria within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).