Where travel strategy meets experience design and event consulting.
I partner with companies, executive teams, and discerning groups to create destination experiences that blend curated travel, purposeful programming, and thoughtful event design — experiences that inspire connection, support organizational goals, and elevate every moment along the way.
Meet Chelsea Kennelly
Founder, Experience Designer & Strategic Travel Advisor
A career built at the intersection of travel, hospitality, and experiential event design.
For over a decade, I’ve led large-scale destination events, intimate corporate retreats, and high-touch hospitality and incentive programs for Fortune 500 brands, global companies, and luxury-focused clients — serving in creative and leadership roles across multiple leading DMCs, event agencies, and hotels. Over those years, I oversaw the concepting, programming, and execution of multi-million-dollar destination experiences globally, partnering closely with senior executives, luxury hotel teams, brand partners, and creative collaborators to develop programs that were not only logistically sound — but emotionally resonant, strategically aligned, and beautifully designed.
This foundation is what shaped Merit & Miles. I approach group travel and destination experiences not as transactions, but as purpose-driven journeys — integrating travel advisory, programming, and experience design to help teams align, leaders connect, and groups celebrate with intention.
Whether I’m designing a leadership retreat in the desert, an incentive trip in the Caribbean, or a milestone gathering in wine country, my role is to translate goals into experiences — and make the journey feel seamless, intentional, and elevated from start to finish.
Philosophy & Approach
Meaning in every moment. Merit in every mile. Movement with purpose.
Travel is a powerful connector — for teams, leaders, families, and communities. I believe in designing experiences that feel elevated yet effortless, purposeful yet relaxed, strategic yet human.
My work blends:
• design-forward thinking
• luxury hospitality standards
• experience strategy + programming
• destination knowledge
• operational excellence
Because the best journeys don’t just take you somewhere — they transform how you feel together.
What Makes Merit & Miles Different
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Strategy First
Every destination experience begins with a clear objective — alignment, celebration, connection — so the design supports the purpose.
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Hospitality-Driven
Rooted in luxury service principles, every touchpoint is considered through the lens of guest experience and emotional impact.
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Design Meets Logistics
Creative direction + operational execution under one roof. Your journey flows with intention and ease.
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Global Insight
Trusted relationships with luxury hotels, destination partners, and experiential vendors around the world.
Personal Touch
A lifelong love of travel, design, and hospitality.
I grew up surrounded by the world of luxury hotels and fine dining — my parents both worked in high-end hospitality, and some of my earliest memories involve watching masterful service take shape behind the scenes. Those experiences shaped my belief that hospitality is an art form — one built on care, intention, and details that make people feel something. Today, I bring that same perspective to every trip and experience I design.
Ready to design your next destination experience?
Let’s create something extraordinary.
