River Oaks, Stella’s, and a Penthouse Farewell: Closing Journeys North America in Style

As the second day unfolded, it was clear we were heading toward a special close — but before we raised our glasses, there was still more to experience, more to savour, and more stories to create together.

the Visit Houston and Journeys team at the Penthouse suite at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston

River Oaks District: Discovery, Design, and a Sparkling Toast

Our afternoon began in true style at the elegant River Oaks District — one of Houston’s most exclusive enclaves, where fashion, art, and fine craftsmanship come together in a beautifully walkable setting.

We arrived to a warm welcome and a glass of champagne outside Dolce & Gabbana, with our hosts from River Oaks and The Post Oak Hotel by our side. The atmosphere was relaxed and anticipatory — and I was delighted to speak briefly and introduce what was to come. Thank you to Tami Talley and the River Oaks team for helping us create an afternoon full of discovery.

Guests were divided into small groups and guided to experience a handpicked selection of venues:

• Stefano Ricci, presenting world-class Italian menswear in their signature refined style.

• Laura Rathe Fine Art, where contemporary works stirred conversation and connection.

• MAD, with its bold interiors and elevated bites, offering a flavour journey all its own.

• DeBoulle, a glittering showcase of fine jewellery and timepieces, blending elegance with heritage.

Each stop offered something different — a moment to explore, connect, and reflect. For many, it felt like a breath of fresh air. A chance to be present and playful after two days of meaningful work.

Meanwhile, back at Stella’s Wine Bar, another group gathered for a more indulgent kind of discovery — a guided wine tasting experience that brought people together through stories of vineyards, vintages, and quiet sips between new friends.

And just before the sun dipped too low, we reconvened back at The Post Oak Hotel — with a little time to reset, recharge, and change into something celebratory.

The Penthouse Suite: An Ending That Felt Like a Beginning

That evening, the lifts opened onto the Penthouse Suite of The Post Oak Hotel, and there it was — the perfect setting for our closing reception. Sparkling skyline views, warm lights, relaxed elegance, and a room filled with people who, just two days earlier, had only just met — now laughing, sharing stories, and raising glasses like old friends.

I had the joy of welcoming everyone back with a few closing words. We reflected on what we’d shared — from theatre boxes and Texas sunsets to Michelin-starred lunches and art-filled strolls — every moment had been intentionally created to bring us closer, to build trust, and to leave lasting memories.

I took the opportunity to thank our incredible partners — Visit Houston, The Post Oak Hotel, Costa del Sol, Le Marche Region — your support means everything. I also thanked the brilliant Journeys team: Charlotte, Doug, Gianmarco, Jack, Nicoletta, Alessia, Andrea, and Craig — and of course, Alex, who I was proud to announce as our new Managing Director of Journeys.

This was more than a celebration. It was a moment of pride, of reflection, and of hope for what’s still to come.

And Where Are We Headed Next?

As we toasted the end of this chapter, we also looked ahead to the exciting road before us:

• Journeys Ibiza Luxury Edition, this October with Ibiza Luxury Destination and 7Pines Resort.

• Journeys Italy in Palermo, 17–20 November, with 30 top Italian suppliers and global buyers.

• Our Cannes Beach Lunch, closing the year on the Riviera, 3 December.

• Journeys Digital returns in January.

• And Journeys UK, coming 12–15 April 2026, hosted at The Dukes Hotel in London.

And yes — we’re already planning the next edition of Journeys North America, set for 26–29 April 2026. With just 30 supplier places and early interest already building, I shared that returning partners will have early access before we open up to new exhibitors.

These few days in Houston were a true celebration of what Journeys stands for: trust, quality, warmth, and impact. We danced, dined, discovered — but more importantly, we built something real. The kind of relationships that will last long after the champagne glasses are cleared away.

Thank you for embracing the Fam-Meet® way — and thank you for believing in what we’re building.

Journeys is still young. But with moments like these, and a community like you, it already feels like we’ve created something timeless.