Today we’d like to introduce you to Viena Fromm

Hi Viena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My Life Journey: A Road from Burnout to Finding Purpose

Adventure has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents were explorers at heart, and as a family, we would journey to natural reserves, beaches, coffee plantations, and waterfalls on weekends and holidays. Almost every weekend was a new chapter, filled with road trips and magical discoveries across Central America. Sometimes, we would even drive to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, just for lunch—it’s only a few hours away from my hometown, San Pedro Sula, Honduras. These experiences planted the seeds of my deep love for travel, nature, and the joy of immersing myself in different cultures and learning about the diverse native and ethnic groups of Mesoamerica.

Years later, while pursuing my career in marketing and sales, I found myself at a crossroads. The fast-paced demands of working for a tech company in Amsterdam eventually led to burnout—a feeling of exhaustion and despair that plunged me into a deep depression. I felt as though my life had lost all meaning, like I was buried under a crushing weight. Yet, the one thing that kept me alive during this dark time was my unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ. I turned to the Bible, reading and praying every day, seeking solace and hope.

Amidst this struggle, I made the decision to return to Honduras—a place that had always brought me joy and peace. Reconnecting with the lush tropical forests, pristine beaches, and the warmth of my homeland and its people felt like a homecoming to my soul. After months of battling depression and anxiety alone in a tiny apartment during the pandemic, something miraculous happened just two weeks after my return. It was as if a light had pierced through the darkness; my situation began improving every day. I felt like a new person—stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

My mom’s words echoed in my mind: “Sweetheart, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I was reminded of something I had always known but forgotten: travel has the power to heal, inspire, and bring people closer to what truly matters. It also reignited a dream I had nurtured since I was young: to create opportunities for travelers to connect meaningfully with locals while leaving a positive impact on the destinations they visit.

That’s when the idea for Belú Travel was born. I wanted to create a company that would not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of Honduras and Central America but also provide meaningful, regenerative travel experiences. My vision was to design journeys that positively impact the environment, local communities, and the travelers themselves.
The journey began with small steps. I started an Airbnb Experience in Amsterdam, teaching people how to cook Mesoamerican cuisine. The experience was a hit! Visitors from Nordic countries, North America, India, and Asia loved the exotic flavors and stories behind the dishes. They would always ask for the recipes, eager to recreate the savory meals that had captivated their taste buds & activated their “wanderlust”.

In early 2023, life presented me with another challenge. The company I worked for announced layoffs, and I was among those affected. Though heartbroken and uncertain about the future, I saw an opportunity. I had two choices: find another job or apply to the Dutch Government’s Startup Program. As a lifelong risk-taker and entrepreneur, I didn’t hesitate to choose the latter, even though it turned out to be much harder than I had anticipated.

In July 2023, Belú Travel was officially registered with the Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. It was born out of passion, faith, courage, and determination. Since then, it has been a journey of challenges, growth, creativity, and love, supported by a beautiful community. Every trip we design carries the heart of my personal story—a story of faith, adventure, healing, connection, gratitude, and transformation.

Through Belú Travel, I hope to inspire others to explore the world with open hearts, embracing meaningful and impactful experiences. My goal is for travelers to connect with locals, serve others with love, and rediscover themselves along the way—just as I did.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it. Starting and growing Belú Travel has been a journey filled with challenges, but each obstacle has taught me invaluable lessons and strengthened my resilience.

One of the first major hurdles came before I even launched the business. I was navigating through burnout and depression while trying to rediscover my purpose. It was an emotionally difficult time, but it also became the foundation for Belú Travel’s mission: to help others find healing and connection through meaningful travel experiences.

Once I committed to building Belú Travel, there were logistical and financial challenges to face. Going through the approval for the Dutch Government’s Startup Program was a demanding and rigorous process. As a solo founder, at the beginning, balancing all aspects of the business—from creating itineraries and building partnerships to marketing and customer service—was overwhelming. There have been many moments when self-doubt crept in, especially after being laid off from my corporate job and stepping into entrepreneurship full-time with very limited funds.

Another significant struggle has been educating people about the incredible beauty and potential of Honduras and Central America. Many travelers have preconceived notions about the region, and it has required consistent effort to highlight its rich culture, the warmth of its people, stunning landscapes, and the value of regenerative tourism.

Despite these challenges, every difficulty has been a stepping stone to something greater and more fulfilling. The struggles have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community support. From small victories, like the success of my Airbnb Experience in Amsterdam, to the big milestones, like registering Belú Travel and starting to build an amazing team, every step has reaffirmed my belief in this journey.

Though the road hasn’t been smooth, the challenges have shaped me and the vision for Belú Travel. They remind me that meaningful journeys—whether in life or travel—are often the ones that go off-the-beaten paths that lead to growth and transformation.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Belú Travel?

Belú Travel is a regenerative travel startup that specializes in creating meaningful, regenerative travel experiences in Honduras and Central America at the moment but hoping to expand around the world. Our mission is to provide travelers with authentic opportunities to connect with the natural beauty, culture, and people of the region while leaving a positive impact on the destinations they visit.

We are known for crafting bespoke luxury journeys that go beyond traditional tourism. Whether it’s exploring breathtaking beaches, hiking through lush tropical forests, or learning about the rich cultural heritage of indigenous and ethnic groups, every trip we design is rooted in love, authenticity and purpose.

What Sets Us Apart:
What makes Belú Travel unique is our focus on regenerative tourism. Unlike conventional travel, which can often strain local resources, we aim to leave the places we visit better than we found them. We collaborate closely with local communities to ensure our tours create economic opportunities, respect cultural heritage, and promote environmental sustainability.

Our itineraries are immersive and transformative, encouraging travelers to form genuine connections — with locals, with nature, and with themselves. We design experiences that inspire growth, foster gratitude, and help travelers create wonderful memories that last a lifetime. Investing in Belú Travel is investing in yourself and the world you live in.

What We’re Most Proud Of:
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how Belú Travel embodies both purpose and passion. The brand reflects my personal journey of healing and transformation. The name Belú means “welcome” in the Garifuna language, which represents one of the most vibrant ethnic groups in Honduras and Central America. With roots in African and Arawakan Indian heritage, the Garifuna culture is renowned for its rich traditions, beautiful music, and delicious cuisine—all of which inspired me to name the company Belú. My ultimate goal is to make everyone feel welcome, just as the name suggests. It’s deeply rewarding to see travelers share in that same sense of wonder, renewal & fulfillment through our trips.

Another point of pride is the positive feedback we’ve received from both travelers and local partners. Travelers often express how much they’ve learned and how the experience has changed their perspective on life and travel. For our local partners, the economic and social impact of our collaboration is a testament to the power of tourism done right.

What We Offer:

Belú Travel offers a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our discerning clients:

– Customized Group Tours: Perfect for families, friends, or organizations seeking curated experiences in Mesoamerica.

– Wellness Retreats & Travel Coaching Trips: Trips designed to heal, pursue a goal, personal development, and more… leaving a positive environmental and social footprint at the same time.

– Cultural Immersion Experiences: From cooking classes featuring Mesoamerican cuisine to workshops with local artisans, we create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange.

– Adventure and Nature Escapes: Whether it’s hiking, diving, or exploring natural reserves, we cater to adventure enthusiasts with a thirst for exploration and nature lovers alike.

What We Want Readers to Know:
At its heart, Belú Travel is about more than just travel—it’s about transformation. It’s about discovering the beauty of the world while making a positive impact on the places we visit and the people we meet. We believe travel can heal, inspire, and connect us to what truly matters.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines adventure, culture, and purpose, Belú Travel is here to guide you on a journey that leaves you enriched, inspired, and ready to see the world with fresh eyes.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Risk-taking has been a significant part of my journey, both personally and professionally. I believe meaningful growth often requires stepping into the unknown and taking calculated risks. While risks can be intimidating, they also present opportunities to learn, grow, and create something extraordinary. I believe the greatest innovators, those who disrupt the status quo and transform the world, are often the boldest risk-takers.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving the stability of a secure corporate job in Amsterdam to start my own business venture, Belú Travel, with just a few months’ savings. When I was laid off, I faced a choice: either search for another job or fully commit to launching the company I had dreamed of creating. Choosing the entrepreneurial path during such an uncertain time, especially as a solo founder, was a leap of faith—but I trusted that, in God’s hands, anything is possible. This challenging journey has built immense resilience in me and has shown me the importance of resourcefulness and a willingness to face challenges head-on.

Another significant risk was positioning Belú Travel as a regenerative tourism company focused on Honduras and Central America—regions that are often overshadowed by perceptions of criminality and poverty. This meant taking on the responsibility of educating potential travelers about the beauty, cultural richness, and transformative potential of these destinations while addressing preconceived notions. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I believed in the meaningful impact we could create for both travelers and local communities. My deep desire to see this region prosper sustainably has been a driving force and a constant source of motivation.

For me, risk-taking isn’t about recklessness; it’s about carefully weighing the potential rewards against the cost of inaction. I think about risks in terms of their alignment with my values and goals. If a risk aligns with my passion, purpose, and vision for the future, it becomes worth taking—even if success isn’t guaranteed. I firmly believe that our best lessons often come from our failures, and these lessons serve as stepping stones to success. After all, the only person who never fails is the one who never tries.

Looking back, the risks I’ve taken have taught me to trust in myself more deeply, adapt to challenges faster, and embrace uncertainty as a natural part of the journey. Without risk, there is no innovation, no discovery, and no transformation. I’d rather take the leap, fall, and rise again than live with the regret of wondering, “What if?”

Pricing:

• Authentic Caribbean Getaway in Honduras – Price: Starting from $9,950 per person
• Luxury Island Getaway in Roatán – Price: Starting from $ 6,300 per person
• Luxury Romantic Healing Guatemala Getaway – 7 nights / 8 days – Price: $21,500 per person
• Luxury Travel Package Guatemala – Option of 7 nights / 8 days &/or 14 nights / 15 days – Price: Starting from $15,500 per person
• Regenerative luxury day tours starting from $378

Contact Info:

• Website: https://belu.travel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belutravel.go
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belutravel.go
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/belu-travel
• Twitter: https://x.com/VienaFromm
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeluTravel.LuxuryTravelAgency
• Other: https://linktr.ee/belutravel