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In a world where travel has become much more than simply moving from one place to another, María Cotarelo has found a way to turn every itinerary into a transformative experience. From her hometown of La Romana, this marketing professional by training has built a career that led her to establish Andima Travel, an agency specializing in personalized travel design where every detail matters and every experience is crafted to reflect the soul of the traveler.

Her story unfolded organically, almost unintentionally. After graduating with a degree in Marketing, Cotarelo landed her first job as a receptionist at a hotel in Dominicus, Bayahibe. She quickly fell in love with the tourism industry. Later, she worked as a concierge at Casa de Campo, and thanks to her fluency in Italian and her customer service skills, she was called to the company’s presidential office, where she began organizing trips for then-president Claudio Silvestri, as well as for Casa de Campo and Central Romana executives. “That’s where I discovered my passion for designing complete experiences,” Cotarelo says. Years later, she became a certified travel agent through the Dominican Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (ADAVIT), and Andima Travel was born.

Travel Design: Beyond the Itinerary

Although it may sound glamorous, designing travel is a matter of precision, empathy and experience. “Being a travel designer means going beyond selling a ticket or booking a hotel. It’s about creating a seamless experience where every detail is carefully thought out,” she explains. Cotarelo insists on personally visiting the destinations she offers. “I don’t sell a place I haven’t experienced myself. I need to live it: take the taxis, ride the trains, sleep in the hotels, taste the food and understand the culture. Only then can I recommend it with confidence.”

This hands-on approach allows her to anticipate obstacles and offer realistic solutions. From avoiding risky flight connections to warning about prayer times at Turkish mosques, her knowledge helps travelers steer clear of surprises.

Philosophy, Quality and Authenticity

One of Andima Travel’s core values is ensuring the quality of rest. “I don’t work with hotels rated below four stars. When designing a complex itinerary, clients need to rest well in order to enjoy their experience fully,” she says. Her focus is more on value than price: “The experience is what matters most; it should always exceed the client’s expectations.”

This philosophy has led her to create unforgettable journeys like her travel experience in Turkey, which left a deep impression. “When I visited to certify myself as a destination expert, I understood why it’s such a must-see. Turkey is where everything began: the Silk Roads, the empires, living history. It’s a place that leaves an impact.”

Andima Travel stays away from standard packages. Cotarelo always seeks out unique, tailored experiences, such as mother-daughter trips to Colombian designers’ ateliers or wine tours through Napa Valley, Mendoza and Tuscany. “I want Andima to be known for curating unique experiences—oenological, cultural, or designer-author trips. The ordinary doesn’t interest me, unless the client specifically asks for it.”

She also keeps up with travel trends, including Egypt—currently in vogue—Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats, the Northern Lights across Europe, and luxury cruises. “We are always ahead of the curve, without losing our hallmark of customization.”

Technology and Foresight

For Cotarelo, technology is a key ally. She works with GDS (Global Distribution System) platforms to build real-time itineraries with providers worldwide. “This allows me to manage flights, transfers, hotels, and insurance with precision. For highly customized trips, however, I also work directly with suppliers via email.”

And if something goes wrong, her philosophy is simple: always plan ahead. “We design with buffers, with experience, and with common sense. And if an unexpected situation still arises, the client is never left alone.”

Travel as a Way of Life

María Cotarelo firmly believes in the transformative power of travel. “Travel changes your life. It broadens your mind and introduces you to new cultures and ways of living. That’s why it’s so important for each journey to be special—because it leaves a lasting mark.”

With more than 20 years in the travel industry, this experience designer continues to explore new horizons with the same passion that first set her on this path. “I don’t sell trips. I design dreams to be lived.”

Contact Information

Andima Travel is located at Calle Eugenio A. Miranda No. 52, corner Diego Ávila, Local 1C, La Romana, Dominican Republic.

For more information, call (809) 384-4239, visit the web site: www.andimatravel.com or follow @andimatravel on Instagram and Facebook.