Shabi Samoohi is the CEO and founder of Cultural Island Travel, a boutique travel company specializing in immersive cultural and culinary experiences across destinations such as Cuba, Sicily, Ireland, Mexico, and Spain. Her love for Cuban music began during a Semester at Sea in 1999, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for connecting with local cultures through music, food, and traditions.
With over a decade of experience curating highly personalized journeys, Shabi combines deep knowledge of local customs with a talent for designing authentic, high-touch itineraries. Under her leadership, Cultural Island Travel has earned a reputation for chef-led culinary tours, musician-guided cultural experiences, and intimate festival events that bring travelers closer to the heart of each destination.
Shabi’s approach to travel emphasizes meaningful connections with local communities, creating moments that inspire curiosity, understanding, and lasting memories
Gianfranco Salamone is the co-founder of The Sicily Experience, a company devoted to sharing the authentic culture, history, and culinary traditions of Sicily with travelers from around the world. Though raised in New York, Gianfranco’s connection to Sicily runs deep. His parents are Sicilian, and he spent every summer of his childhood on the island, developing a lifelong bond with its people, landscapes, and traditions.
Through The Sicily Experience, Gianfranco creates immersive journeys that highlight Sicily’s rich food culture, vibrant local life, and historic communities. His tours focus on meaningful encounters with local artisans, farmers, chefs, and winemakers, offering travelers an intimate and authentic perspective of the island. Drawing on decades of personal relationships and deep cultural knowledge, Gianfranco is known for creating experiences that feel both personal and genuine.
His mission is to help travelers experience Sicily not just as visitors, but as welcomed guests, discovering the island through its people, its stories, and its extraordinary hospitality.
As a Cuban American, Teresa grew up hearing many stories about this incredible island where both her parents were born and raised. She first traveled to Cuba in 2012 while studying music in graduate school and lived there conducting research until early 2014. Since then, she has returned many times and has developed deep expertise in travel throughout Latin America and Europe, helping clients explore destinations like Cuba, Mexico, Spain, Ireland, Sicily, and Northern Ireland.
Teresa is passionate about helping her clients have fun and authentic experiences abroad, whether it’s a short, last-minute trip or an extended stay. She loves connecting with new people and designing custom itineraries tailored to specific interests. Her clients consistently praise her attention to detail, thoughtful planning, and exceptional customer service, making every trip seamless, memorable, and uniquely suited to their interests.
Jorge Luis Pacheco is a Cuban, award-winning pianist and vocalist and the host artist for intimate music tours of Cuba and Sicily, where he brings travelers deep into the heart of each destination’s musical heritage. Known for his mastery and passion for Cuban music, Jorge Luis curates experiences that go beyond performance, guiding guests through private concerts, local jam sessions, and authentic cultural encounters that reveal the stories behind the sounds.
With years of experience performing internationally, Jorge Luis combines his artistry with a warm, engaging presence, creating unforgettable moments for travelers who share his love for music. His tours are designed to be immersive and personal, offering a rare opportunity to explore Cuba and Sicily through the lens of rhythm, melody, and tradition.
Sergi de Meia
Renowned Catalan Chef | CEO of Restaurant Banquet Barcelona | President of the Coma de Meià Foundation | National Gastronomy Award, Young Chef Award 2008 |“Km 0 – Slow Food” Award 2013
Sergi de Meia is a celebrated Catalan chef known for his innovative approach to traditional Catalan cuisine, blending rich local flavors with contemporary techniques. As the CEO of Restaurant Banquet Barcelona, a MICHELIN-starred establishment, de Meia has built a reputation for culinary excellence, offering guests an unparalleled gastronomic experience rooted in the authenticity of Catalonia's culinary heritage. His visionary leadership at the restaurant has earned accolades from international critics and cemented its status as one of Barcelona's most distinguished dining destinations.
Beyond the kitchen, Sergi is also deeply committed to social responsibility and the preservation of Catalan culture. As the President of the Coma de Meià Foundation, he champions initiatives focused on education, community development, and the protection of regional gastronomy. His philanthropic efforts aim to support emerging culinary talent, foster local sustainability, and enrich the cultural fabric of Catalonia.
With a career defined by both culinary artistry and community-driven leadership, Sergi de Meia continues to inspire both the gastronomic world and the next generation of chefs.
