Sumner Payne
TRAVEL CURATOR
My passion for travel was ignited at a young age, and over the past 25 years, I've had the privilege of visiting over 35 countries, living abroad in 3, and staying at some of the world's most iconic luxury hotels. From sipping fine wines on the French Riviera to living onboard an Arctic explorer’s expedition boat with BBC and NatGeo photographers, I’m equally at ease free diving with wild Orca whales and indulging in fine dining experiences.
For me, travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination: the serendipitous stops along the way; spontaneous discoveries; and unexpected connections with others, cultures, and the world around me. I’m an avid sailor and adventurer by land, sea, and air, having explored far-flung destinations such as India, Japan, Vietnam, Bali, the Norwegian Fjords, and the Faroe Islands by expedition sailboat, train, motorcycle, paraglide, car, sailing yacht, and plane.
I believe traveling well is an art, mastered through a unique alchemy of exceptional service, attention to detail, local immersion, and plenty of room for discovery and exploration. I have a passion for planning trips, both for myself and others, that strike this fine balance between preparation and improvisation, inspiring a passion for discovery, curiosity, and a renewed zest for life in every traveler.