Meet: Linden Schaffer

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Linden Schaffer, Founder / Director, Pravassa Wellness Travel

Early on in her glamorous fashion career, Linden realized the way she worked was turning her into a tightly wound little ball of stress and tension. So before every business trip she conducted hours of research planning for self-care in those few precious hours of downtime.

That changed her life – and today she leads travelers around the world on wellness tours. Creating group and individualized itineraries for the people and companies that are looking to restore productivity and creativity is her passion, and as a certified Wellness Expert, her presence on-site enables clients to reach their full wellness potential by facilitating individual relaxation, stress reduction and life-balancing education.

What does the perfect Sunday look like to you?
As an entrepreneur is it important for me to have one-day a week where I can totally turn off and refresh myself. No e-mails, no communication with clients.

My Sunday starts with taking my dog for a walk down by the river and feeling the sunshine. I have a standing workout reservation and then I’ll shower and meet my husband and friends for brunch at some yummy farm-to-table restaurant.

After brunch we’ll walk the High Line or jump on our bikes and explore the city if the weather is good. If the weather isn’t great, I’ll head home and read (fiction only!), catch up on a TV show or watch a movie. Then we’ll cook for dinner and enjoy an early night.

What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Burma. It’s been on the top of my list for years.

What’s in your carry-on?
Everything! I only “carry on”, never check. I’m a master at rolling my clothing, bringing six outfits for a month to mix-and-match, and laundry detergent so I can hand-wash. The one thing I would never leave home without – my Yoga Tune Up balls. Your body takes travel hard so being able to roll out your fascia (connective tissues) is a must do for staying healthy.

What excites you about Pravassa?
The fact that we’re changing people’s lives. Not just those who travel with us, but those we meet along the way. The world evolves through human contact and an exchange of ideas.

What’s your best travel tip?
The moment you land get in a workout or head straight for the sauna.

Any zany travel experience you can share?
I was scouting India for Pravassa and was staying in a little village south of Jodhpur. The GM of the hotel I was staying at took me out in his Jeep so we could explore the wilderness and meet the locals. On our ride back, we happened upon a nomadic tribe – tents, camels, and all!

When the tribe of about 45 people saw us driving by, the kids ran over. We stopped and all the women broke out into song and dance. We were able to chat with the elders for a while and learned how they live off the land and are on a continuous pilgrimage. When we left, the GM told me that in 20-years of living in this area he had never met a nomadic tribe. This was truly a #ChangedByTravel moment for me.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I wouldn’t assume that I’ll have one, but I hope that Pravassa and our wellness travel mission can continue for years beyond my time.

At the end of the day, what’s your “go-to” comfort?
Sitting down with my husband and laughing. We’ve been together for 16 years so I love that we still find time to laugh together every day (when I’m home that is).

We’re throwing a potluck. What do you bring?
Almond Butter Fudge. I’m not good at cooking for a large group, but this dessert is easy to whip up and fun to share.

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