Danette Quinlan

I have a deep passion for wellness and cultural experience. Over the past 20 years, I've been on several yoga, dance, and cultural retreats that have shaped how I see the world — and myself.

I've also spent over two decades as a professional services consultant, managing complex programs and creating positive, impactful experiences and results for my clients. That work taught me how to hold space for transformation, and now I'm channeling all my personal and professional experiences into something that truly feeds my soul.

It took some time in the making, and now I'm launching Meridian Aura Journeys, a wellness and culture retreat company inspired by my love of travel, connection, and self-care. My goal is to create experiences that blend cultural exploration with time to recharge, especially for women and travelers of color who want to see the world in a meaningful, soul-nourishing way.

I created Meridian Aura Journeys' for busy professional women who want to find connection and community with kindred spirits, women who are ready to step away, explore, and come back to themselves recharged with positive experiences.

I am delighted to launch Meridian Aura Journeys' first retreat in Ethiopia, a country where I have worked and lived for several years.

Ethiopia is a hidden jewel and off the beaten path for retreats and tourism. And that's exactly what makes it extraordinary. Drawing on my years of living there, I've created a curated, transformational journey that lets us explore its beautiful contrasts: breathtaking landscapes untouched by time, millennia-old traditions and culture, and the exciting new vitality of an up-and-coming country in East Africa.

Selecting Ethiopia is a perfect example of how I approach every Meridian Aura Journeys retreat where I only take my guests to places I have personally lived in or traveled to. My first-hand knowledge means I'm not designing your experience from a brochure. I know the hidden gems, the right local partners, and the rhythms of the place — so you get something curated, authentic, and truly unforgettable.

I look forward to being your guide to wellness and culture in exciting destinations around the world!

Danette