About Us.
VIVE Society Travel is a licensed Tour Operator that specializes in adults-only, group tours. We are also a full service Travel Agency that plans custom private travel to exotic locations around the globe.
We Retreat Different.™️
We create soulful travel experiences that feel like being welcomed into a new way of life. Our trips are intentionally designed for adults who crave connection—not crowds—and who value authenticity.
Every destination is chosen because we have a personal relationship there: trusted local partners, hidden gems most travelers will never find, and cultural experiences rooted in respect, curiosity, and genuine human exchange.
Luxury, for us, isn’t just Five-Star hotels—it’s the feeling of being taken care of from the moment you land. It’s our signature Champagne welcome, private transfers, behind-the-scenes access, and thoughtful details that turn a trip into something meaningful.
We believe that where you go matters, but how you experience it changes you. That’s the VIVE difference—travel that opens your heart, deepens your perspective, and stays with you long after you return home.
The VIVE Society
The VIVE Society is a global community of curious, like-minded travelers who return year after year—not just for the destinations, but for the connection. They join our hosted group tours, trust us with their private travel planning, and stay part of the VIVE family long after the trip ends.
Meet the Founders
Meet Michelle + Nelson Ruiz, travel professionals and owners behind VIVE Society.
Michelle is an ERYT Yoga Instructor who leads large-scale events in the state of Florida and beyond. Her passion is providing once in a life time experiences for others. She believes travel is our greatest teacher. A life-changing visit to West Africa at the age of 14 is what jump started her love for travel and she hasn’t stopped since. After many years as a yoga teacher, Michelle decided to intertwine her love for yoga and travel by becoming a certified Travel Agent through the Travel Institute.
Nelson Ruiz is a former U.S. Marine. We like to think of him as our bilingual bodyguard. He took a leap of faith at the age of 18, leaving Brooklyn, New York to explore the world. He says the cultures experienced and friends made along the way are what instilled in him a deep love for travel and the desire to provide the same opportunities to others. After meeting Nelson once, you will feel you have made a lifelong friend.
Their paths aligned in Florida in 2010 and they have been sharing their love of travel ever since. Their mutual desire to create something meaningful in the world led them to start organizing International Group Trips in 2016. They now run VIVE full-time, operating large scale tours globally, year round.
What sets VIVE apart from other travel companies is their personalized touch. Michelle + Nelson design each trip itinerary, sharing hidden gems they have discovered on their previous travels.
Best of all, Michelle + Nelson are the Tour Leaders for all of the VIVE group trips, creating a warm welcome and ensuring every traveler is treated like family.
Our Core Values
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Cultural Exchange.
Travel that honors local traditions, communities, and authentic experiences. Each VIVE Trip provides opportunities to connect with the locals and give back to the communities we visit.
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Luxury Lifestyle.
Beautiful hotels, elevated experiences, and thoughtful comfort throughout your journey. We are firm believers that accommodations set the tone for your entire experience.
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Seamless Planning.
We handle every detail—so you can truly relax and enjoy the adventure. From pre-departure to returning home, everything is taken care of for you.
