About
Inspired by the Greek word for dreams, ONĒRA is founded on the belief that every extraordinary adventure begins with a dream. Our mission is to turn those dreams into reality by providing exceptional, bespoke travel experiences that cater to our clients' unique desires.
Our team of expert travel professionals has made "turning your dreams into reality" our top priority. We strive to offer you even more exceptional service, customization, and experiences. Whether you're seeking a relaxing escape, an adventurous journey, or a business trip with a touch of elegance, ONĒRA has you covered.
Desiree Norman
Founder & Luxury Travel Advisor
With a heritage that blends German and Indonesian roots, Desiree’s lifelong passion for travel led to a fulfilling career in the luxury hospitality industry. She possesses a deep understanding of both operations and sales, cultivated through her background in hotel management across Europe and Asia, and a decade of experience at some of the world's most prestigious hotels.
A graduate of the Hotel Institute Montreux, an International Hotel Management School in Switzerland, Desiree honed her expertise at esteemed properties such as the Ritz Paris, Hotel Arts Barcelona, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo.
Desiree has been recognized in the industry several times for her outstanding professionalism and excellent leadership skills, including receiving the ”30 Under 30” Award by Travel Agent Central in 2020. Her clientele includes C-level executives, entrepreneurs, and private family offices across Europe, Asia, and the US.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have built at ONĒRA. Our team of passionate travelers thrives on uncovering new destinations and hidden gems to share with our clients,” says Desiree. “Creating those once-in-a-lifetime memories for our clients is both an honor and a responsibility we take very personally.”
Heidi Gunnilstam
Luxury Travel Designer
Raised in New York and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Heidi Gunnilstam brings her expertise in concierge travel services to ONĒRA. With a background that includes sales management for boutique hotels, concierge services and travel advising, Heidi masterfully works to bring our clients’ whims and imaginations to reality, infusing each trip with unique and thoughtful touches.
With over ten years of experience and time spent living abroad in Chile and France, Heidi’s extensive travels and language studies—French, Spanish and Swedish—allow her to approach travel planning and coordinating with firsthand knowledge.
Heidi’s curiosity about the world and love of building relationships continues to inspire her in her work. “I love finding that needle in the haystack,” she says. “Finding that perfect experience and being able to offer that to our clients is the most fulfilling part of my day.”
Alexandra Barnes
Luxury Travel Designer
Alex’s passion for travel and culture began at a young age. A native of Bath, England, she spent her formative years living in the Netherlands, an experience that shaped her views of the world and fueled her interest in travel. After receiving her degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from Bournemouth University, Alex set out to see more of the world, embarking on a year-long backpacking adventure.
Her travels took her across South Africa, India, Southeast Asia and Australia—an enriching experience that further grew her love of travel. Upon her return and settling in San Francisco, Alex established herself in the world of hospitality with a successful track record in sales and marketing for various properties. For the last decade of her tenure, she served as Directer of Sales for the only family-owned and operated hotel in San Francisco’s Union Square.
Alex’s diverse experiences and valuable skills for sales and marketing led her to join ONĒRA as a Luxury Travel Designer, a role she is passionate about. “The trips we book could be our client’s trip of a lifetime,” she says. “Every detail has to be perfect.”
Giving Back
Engaging with ONĒRA is a journey that goes beyond mere travel experiences. It is an opportunity to contribute to the education of children in Kenya. This commitment to giving back is deeply entrenched in the ethos of ONĒRA, making every trip booked a step towards enriching young lives with knowledge and opportunity.
In addition, a remarkable partnership exists between ONĒRA, Micato, and AmericaShare. This collaboration forms a powerful force for positive change within communities. It's not just about exploring new destinations, but also about leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the places visited. With every travel experience curated by ONĒRA, the world becomes a better place, one journey at a time.