For Latifa Regenbogen, the founder of Luxury Travel by Latifa, the art of travel has always been deeply personal. Her journey began with an unshakeable fascination as a young girl visiting the airport where her father worked in Cologne, Germany. She recalls, “I was just twelve when I saw the planes and travellers, each on their own journey, each with a story. I knew then that my future was in travel.” Since those early days, Latifa’s ambition and dedication have driven her to become a leading figure in the luxury travel industry, curating experiences for high-net-worth clients and transforming every journey into a masterpiece.
As a proud member of the elite Serandipians by Traveller Made network, Latifa’s agency stands out in Doha and Qatar as a leading service provider in luxury travel. The Traveller Made network, renowned for connecting the most esteemed travel designers worldwide, is founded on a philosophy of unique and incomparable travel experiences. Every journey crafted by the network’s members reflects the latest trends while staying true to the client’s desire for exclusivity, privacy, and a sense of personal discovery. Through Luxury Travel by Latifa, clients gain access to an array of privileges, including complimentary upgrades, breakfast, and VIP status at prestigious hotels, as well as entry to Traveller Made’s global network of local contacts, ensuring seamless, high-quality experiences across the globe.
But it’s not just about the luxury amenities or the opulent itineraries. For Latifa, the essence of her business lies in crafting travel with purpose—particularly by helping her clients experience the beauty and cultural richness of the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular. Over the years, she has built a reputation as an “ambassador” of sorts for the region, inspired by her own cultural heritage and an enduring passion for its people and landscapes.
From Cologne to Qatar: a life-long journey in travel
Latifa’s journey from a young girl in Cologne to the founder of a prestigious luxury travel agency is as captivating as the itineraries she designs. After completing her studies, she landed her first position at the Cologne Airport, competing with hundreds of candidates for a single spot. “There were over 300 applicants,” she recalls, “but I got the job, and my father was so proud.” This early exposure to the world of travel was only the beginning.
In time, Latifa ventured into luxury travel, building her career in Germany before establishing a branch in Qatar. The pivotal moment came during a meeting with a Qatari acquaintance she met in the Maldives, who suggested she bring her travel expertise to the Gulf. “I was already familiar with Dubai and Oman, but Qatar felt different—warm and welcoming, a place I could see myself in,” she says. Her experience in Qatar only deepened her love for the Middle East, leading her to explore Saudi Arabia—a destination she now champions.
Saudi Arabia: a rising star in global tourism
Latifa’s fascination with Saudi Arabia runs deep, influenced by her heritage and the region’s transformation. She believes Saudi Arabia offers an authentic experience unlike any other, combining ancient history, rich culture, and a commitment to growth that makes it a compelling destination for luxury travellers. “When I visited Saudi Arabia in January, it was like the cherry on top of everything I had seen in the region. The development in tourism is incredible,” she says, recalling the sense of excitement she felt as she explored the Kingdom’s potential.
For Latifa, Saudi Arabia is a treasure trove of unique experiences: from the bustling capital of Riyadh to the untouched beauty of AlUla and the pristine beaches along the Red Sea coast. She sees Saudi Arabia as more than just a travel destination—it’s an opportunity for cultural exchange and connection. Her clients, she explains, are often surprised by the warmth and hospitality they encounter. “Saudi hospitality is unmatched,” she says, recounting how locals she met invited her to share meals and even opened their homes to her. “It’s the kind of welcome that stays with you forever.”
Redefining women’s experiences in Saudi Arabia
As a Moroccan-born, German-raised woman and a frequent traveller to Saudi Arabia, Latifa is keenly aware of the misconceptions surrounding women travelling in the Kingdom. She is quick to dispel these myths, asserting that her experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. “I feel respected and safe, perhaps even more so than in Europe,” she notes. In her travels across Saudi Arabia, Latifa has encountered a society that is warm and open-minded, far from the stereotypes often portrayed in Western media. She emphasises that Saudi Arabia is increasingly welcoming to solo female travellers, and the Kingdom is actively investing in tourism infrastructure to accommodate visitors from around the world.
Curating luxury experiences with a personal touch
What sets Luxury Travel by Latifa apart is the personal touch that Latifa brings to every itinerary. With over 35 years of experience in the luxury travel sector, she has honed her ability to understand what her clients seek, whether it’s a private jet experience, a romantic honeymoon, or a secluded villa on the Red Sea. Her passion lies in creating tailored journeys that not only meet but exceed expectations. “For me, travel is about breaking routines, exploring passions, and coming back enriched,” she says.
Latifa is known for her meticulous attention to detail. Each trip is crafted to reflect the client’s unique interests and to ensure that they experience the destination in a way that resonates personally. For instance, she carefully curates Saudi itineraries to include cultural landmarks, events like the Red Sea Film Festival and Formula 1 races, and unique experiences such as the traditional art of falconry or private desert camping under the stars. This high-touch approach is what keeps her clients coming back and recommending her services to others.
The future of luxury travel in Saudi Arabia
Latifa is optimistic about Saudi Arabia’s future as a luxury destination. With major developments in regions like NEOM and the Red Sea, she believes now is the ideal time for discerning travellers to visit, before the country becomes even more popular. “I tell my clients that Saudi Arabia will look very different in a few years. If they want to experience it in its current state of transformation, now is the time,” she advises.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing innovation and modernity is something Latifa finds inspiring. She sees the Kingdom as an open-minded destination ready to welcome the world with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. “For travellers interested in culture, Saudi Arabia is unmatched. There’s 2,000 years of history here, waiting to be explored,” she says passionately.
Championing Saudi Arabia to the world
Latifa Regenbogen embodies the best practices of a luxury travel advisor, combining deep local knowledge with a genuine passion for the destinations she promotes. Her work with Luxury Travel by Latifa has not only elevated her clients’ travel experiences but also positioned her as an ambassador for the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. By sharing her insights and advocating for the Kingdom, she is helping to change perceptions and attract a new generation of luxury travellers to the region.
For those who seek an extraordinary, immersive travel experience, Latifa Regenbogen’s expertise offers a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, cultural treasures, and modern marvels. As the Kingdom continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Latifa will be there, guiding her clients on journeys that are as unforgettable as they are transformative.
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Photos courtesy of Latifa Regenbogen
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