In the gilded world of luxury hospitality, where opulence has long been the primary currency, Lesley Carey is building something different. Her ventures, the Cashmere Hotel Group and Empowered in Paradise, are guided by a quieter, more profound principle: that true luxury doesn’t just surround you; it transforms you from within.
There was a time when Lesley Carey’s understanding of luxury was shaped by the impeccable standards of high-end hotels around the world. Her career was a journey through these bastions of five-star service, a world of crisp linens, attentive staff, and flawless execution. But a pivotal chapter in her professional life, a five-year tenure working with the team behind the NBC hit show The Biggest Loser Resorts, would fundamentally alter her perspective. As the Founder and CEO of Cashmere Hotel Group and Empowered In Paradise Luxury Wellness Retreats, this experience became the catalyst for her life’s work.
It was there, in an environment dedicated to profound personal change, that she witnessed something extraordinary. She saw individuals arrive carrying the weight of their old lives and, through a combination of physical effort, nutritional guidance, and a deeply supportive community, leave as entirely new people. It was a raw, powerful, and deeply human process. “Witnessing firsthand how a nurturing, holistic approach can spark profound personal transformation inspired me deeply,” she recalls. The experience crystallized a new vision for her. “It became clear that luxury could no longer be just about opulence—it needed to nourish the mind, body, and soul.” This realization was the catalyst for a new kind of enterprise, one that would seek to fuse the elegance of luxury hospitality with the life-altering power of purposeful wellness.
The First Expression of a New Philosophy
Lesley’s first step in bringing this vision to life was the creation of Empowered in Paradise, a series of luxury wellness adventure retreats. These were not designed to be simple vacations, but immersive journeys. The goal was to offer something far beyond traditional rest and relaxation. She curated experiences in some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, creating a space where individuals could reconnect with themselves, reset their goals, and embrace a sense of empowerment.
The retreats were a laboratory for her evolving philosophy. They combined activities like surf lessons, mountain hikes, and island rituals with deep internal work, including breakthrough mindset coaching and mindfulness practices. This fusion of adventure and introspection was designed to awaken a person’s potential, not just offer an escape from their daily life. The success of these retreats confirmed Lesley’s belief that there was a powerful, unmet need for travel experiences that offered genuine transformation.
Building a Sanctuary: The Genesis of Cashmere Hotel Group
In 2019, Lesley took the principles she had honed with her retreats and applied them to a more permanent, physical model. She founded the Cashmere Hotel Group, a company born from a desire to challenge and redefine the traditional luxury hotel. “I wanted to create something different—something that wasn’t just about lavish surroundings, but about an experience that truly transformed guests,” she explains.
She saw a world where stress and disconnection were becoming rampant. In response, she envisioned a collection of sanctuaries that could offer empowerment, healing, and rich sensory experiences, all wrapped in the elegance of true luxury. The Cashmere Hotel Group was created to meet this need, bringing a new dimension of meaningful indulgence to discerning travelers. The group would come to encompass not just Cashmere Resorts, but also continue the work of Empowered in Paradise and include The Lavender Hotel Collection, each brand speaking to a different facet of her holistic vision.
The Dual Pillars of a Modern Brand
Today, Lesley’s enterprise stands on two complementary pillars, each offering a distinct but philosophically aligned experience.
The Cashmere Hotel Group focuses on creating refined yet culturally immersive boutique hotels. The properties are curated to blend modern elegance with a deep respect for local heritage, which is expressed through art, cuisine, and architecture. Guests enjoy tailored experiences, from bespoke itineraries and in-room wellness treatments to curated culinary adventures featuring local flavors. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the brand, with eco-conscious operations and responsible tourism practices woven into the fabric of every property.
What sets Cashmere apart is its commitment to quiet sophistication. “We appeal to travelers who seek discretion, intimacy, and serenity—not just flashy luxury,” Lesley notes. This experience is further enhanced by data-driven personalization, which ensures that each stay feels uniquely crafted to the guest’s desires, elevating their visit beyond mere accommodation into something deeply personal.
Empowered in Paradise, on the other hand, continues its mission to provide transformational retreats that weave together mind, body, and soul. These experiences are active and participatory. The fusion of deep internal work with adventure remains a key differentiator. A particularly notable focus of the retreats is the women’s empowerment programs. “Designed by and for women,” Lesley says, “they blend healing, leadership, and entrepreneurship within stunning, inspiring destinations.” An online community and coaching ecosystem extend the impact of the retreat far beyond the physical journey, creating a lasting network of support.
Together, these two brands stand out in today’s experience-driven market. Cashmere provides an elevated, serene luxury grounded in cultural soul, while Empowered in Paradise offers a more active path to personal growth through intentional community and life-changing travel.
An Ecosystem of Excellence and Empowerment
The clients who gravitate to Lesley’s brands are typically discerning high-net-worth individuals who value privacy and impeccable, personalized service. Their expectations are high, and Lesley has built an ecosystem designed to meet them. “They expect nothing less than flawless attention to detail—whether that’s a private dinner prepared by a celebrity chef, seamless transportation by private jet or helicopter, or exclusive access to the world’s leading luxury brands,” she explains. Privacy is paramount, and her team prides itself on delivering these extraordinary moments with the utmost confidentiality. To achieve this, she collaborates with an exclusive network of world-renowned chefs, elite aviation providers, and iconic fashion and hospitality brands that share her dedication to excellence.
This commitment to excellence is matched by Lesley’s dedication to women’s empowerment, a principle that guides every facet of her business. She designs hospitality experiences that transform her properties into platforms for growth and connection. This manifests in partnerships with female entrepreneurs, artisans, and creatives, a practice that infuses her hotels and retreats with authentic stories and talent. Mentorship is also integral to her company culture, with training and leadership programs designed to help women at every level build confidence and advance their careers. “My goal is to create environments where women feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to thrive,” she says.
The Leader at the Helm
Leading a company with such a dynamic and personal vision means that no two days are alike for Lesley. “One day I’m navigating strategic decisions, the next I’m pushing creative boundaries or engaging with partners and clients,” she says. She finds the constant challenge and the opportunity to innovate to be inspiring and energizing.
This journey has not been without significant hurdles. “One of my proudest achievements is building something unique—something that no other company in the luxury space offers,” she reflects. “However, the journey hasn’t been without obstacles.” The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was a major challenge that forced her to pivot and focus intensely on building the foundation of Cashmere Hotel Group for two years under extremely difficult conditions. As a woman founder, raising capital in a traditionally male-dominated industry was another significant hurdle she had to overcome.
Lesley’s approach to these challenges is one of mindful resilience. “During tough times, my go-to mantra is to step back, breathe, and then face the challenge head-on with renewed focus,” she says. “Persistence and resilience are key.”
A Future of Purposeful Growth
The path ahead for the Cashmere Hotel Group is one of an ambitious and thoughtful global expansion. Europe is at the forefront of these plans, with a focus on establishing a presence in Italy and Greece, followed by an extension into Bali, Indonesia. The goal is to create unforgettable, immersive experiences in each new location, staying true to the brand’s commitment to cultural authenticity. A highlight on the horizon is a collaboration with a renowned celebrity chef, a partnership that promises to elevate her culinary and retreat offerings to new heights.
To fuel this ambitious professional journey, Lesley relies on a grounded personal life. “Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a priority I hold dear,” she says. “Family and friends are my anchor—they provide joy and perspective beyond the professional sphere.” Outside of work, Lesley indulges her love for cooking, which she finds both creative and therapeutic. She also enjoys golf, swimming, and traveling whenever time allows. These activities recharge her, allowing her to bring fresh energy back to her work.
Her final thoughts are a direct message to aspiring leaders, especially women entering a business world that can often feel unwelcoming. It is a message forged from her own experiences of breaking through barriers. “Never give up,” she says with conviction.
“Keep pushing boundaries, break through barriers, and most importantly—know your worth. Walk into every room, especially those dominated by men, with confidence and purpose. Own your space unapologetically.”
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