Women in Travel: It’s Mindful Tribes’ Jo Duffy!

Women in Travel: It’s Mindful Tribes’ Jo Duffy!

We chat with Jo Duffy, Founder & Director, Mindful Tribes on wellness holidays, being jaded with retail and starting her own business, in conjunction with the inaugural Women in Travel Awards in November.

I spent 20 years in retail travel. Then I had a little girl and I became jaded with retail and I needed something to keep my interest.

In my 20s and 30s I dabbled in yoga but mainly we went out and socialised and drank too much. I found myself wanting to heal  and bring balance back to my life. I felt that  I wanted to combine that passion with my travel background.

I realised that no one was doing  wellness holidays the way I wanted, which is adventure with yoga. I want people to have an amazing holiday first and foremost. They are holidays with a wellness flavour. They incorporate yoga retreats but I find the term alienates people.

The main thing with any business is trepidation. I want to stay true to the vision I have for Mindful Tribes. I want to make sure we have a group of vibrant western leaders. Travellers are often first timers and they are daunted by the idea of doing something different so they want to connect with and communicate with experts.

The bookings are from people interested in making changes to their life. Everyone has a story to tell, most people are interested in making changes.

We have been contacted by agents all over the world since we started the business. But I don’t want to grow too big too quickly as it would compromise the brand.

Travel Weekly is proud to present the inaugural Women in Travel Awards in Sydney on 17 November.

Winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on 17 November in Sydney. Earlybird tickets are on sale.

Any questions, contact Daisy Melwani on 0401216294 or drop her a line here.

Read other Women in Travel interviews in this series:

Sarina Bratton, Ponant

Sarah Anderson, GTI Tourism

Penny Lion, Tourism Australia

Kim Mason, TravelManagers

Simla Sooboodoo, Hands On Journeys

Eliza Woodward, SmartFlyer Australia

Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Cruise Line

Karin Sheppard, IHG

Vanessa Stavrou, Contiki

Bella Tipping, Airline Activist

Cinzia Burnes, Helloworld

Jess Anscombe, Flight Centre

Sonia Holt, Walshe Group

Latest News

  • Aviation

Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays

Virgin Australia has blamed the delayed delivery of ten Boeing MAX planes for the cancellation of its direct flights between Adelaide and Bali. The route is expected to relaunch on 9 June with the arrival Virgin’s latest batch of Boeing aircraft. Adelaide travellers can still make their way to Bali, although the trip will now […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800

Join me on my personal review of the iconic Singapore Airlines’ A380-800 business class cabin. Singapore Airlines is renowned for its luxurious and spacious seating in any class, it’s sleek and fine interior reflects a sophisticated yet relaxed charm, promising instant luxury the minute you board. The configuration in business class is 1, 2, 1 […]

  • Aviation

South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen

South African Airways will fly across the Indian Ocean for the first time since the pandemic today when the first of its relaunched Johannesburg to Perth flights touches down today. The South African Airways flights will connect 40,000 more passengers per year in each direction, between Perth and Johannesburg using Airbus A340-300s. Flight Centre Corporate […]

  • Partner Content

My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse 

Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse?  ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]

Partner Content

by Travel Weekly

Travel Weekly
  • Aviation

Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport

Emirates has unveiled a glimpse of its future with the news of a new base at  Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai overnight. Also referred to as the Dubai World Central, the airport is undergoing an AUD $53.3b refurbishment. Once complete, it will become the city’s main international hub with five parallel runways and 400 […]

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]