The Story Behind Layah: A Journey of Passion, Discovery, and Cultural Immersion

Hello, I’m Alexandra Hepworth, the founder of Layah. My journey to creating Layah has been one of passion, adventure, and an unwavering love for travel and cultural discovery. With nearly two decades of experience in the travel industry, my path has been anything but ordinary, and it’s this unique blend of experiences that shapes Layah’s distinct approach to designing deeply personal, unforgettable travel experiences.

It all began in an unexpected way back in 2004. Having recently completed an Honours degree in Equine Science and Management, I was working with horses, far removed from the world of travel. Then, an impulsive three-month trip to Australia sparked changed everything. What was meant to be a short escape turned into a year of exploring the country’s endless beauty, and I was hooked! When I returned to England, I couldn’t stop sharing my stories. Someone jokingly suggested I should get paid for my enthusiasm, and that was the beginning of my career in travel planning. 

My early days were spent designing holidays to Australia and New Zealand, but my desire to explore and my passion for storytelling soon took me across the globe. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most remarkable hotels and resorts in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. A role with Tourism Australia allowed me to immerse myself even deeper in the travel industry, expanding my expertise and building a global network of connections.

In time, a new adventure led me to Vietnam, where I spent nine incredible years in various leadership roles in Sales & Marketing for five-star hotels and resorts. Vietnam’s vibrant culture and its emphasis on authenticity shaped my approach to creating meaningful travel experiences, where every encounter goes beyond the ordinary.

From there, I embraced a new challenge in Cambodia, working in a pre-opening role for a global hotel group. Building something new from the ground up was exhilarating and fuelled my passion for creating impactful travel experiences.

Fast forward to 2021, when a two-week holiday to Bogotá, Colombia, became an unexpected turning point. The world had shifted, and so had my plans. Despite arriving with no knowledge of Spanish and limited job opportunities, I embraced the challenge. I learned the language, completed a Digital Marketing course with Cornell University, and kept looking forward.

Then, an opportunity came that brought me full circle: crafting tailor-made travel experiences once again. Two years later, Layah was born – a brand that embodies my love for travel, my global expertise, and my belief in creating journeys that touch the soul.

I’m honoured to have been recognised as one of LA Weekly’s Top 15 Travel Experts, a reflection of the dedication I pour into every journey I design.

At Layah, we unlock the art of travel. Each experience is designed with intention – filled with rich culture, genuine connections, and moments that resonate on a deeper level. Our journeys are personal, meaningful, and created just for you, leaving lasting memories you’ll cherish forever.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I look forward to designing your next unforgettable travel experience.

Stay connected with me on Instagram for a glimpse into my own travels and inspirations. Let’s continue this journey together!