Early Life and Education Stephanie Chai, the dynamic founder of The Luxe Nomad, was born in New Zealand to a Malaysian father and Kiwi mother. She spent her early years in Malaysia before returning to Auckland at 12. Stephanie pursued a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland, double majoring in Finance and International Business. Her academic background combined with her diverse cultural experiences laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.

Television Career Before entering the business world, Stephanie enjoyed a vibrant career as a television presenter. She hosted several lifestyle TV shows across Asia, including Luxury China on Channel News Asia, which showcased the finest hotels and luxury experiences across China. Her time on TV, particularly her role in Malaysia’s version of The Bachelorette, honed her public persona and broadened her exposure to luxury travel and lifestyle.

Entrepreneurial Journey: The Luxe Nomad In 2012, Stephanie Chai launched The Luxe Nomad, a luxury vacation rental management company, which has grown to become the largest of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. Initially starting with flash sales, she quickly pivoted the business model to focus on villa management, particularly in Bali, Thailand, and Japan. Today, The Luxe Nomad manages over 1,300 rooms across the region and has established itself as a trusted brand for high-end travelers.

Vision for Luxury Travel Stephanie saw a gap in the Asian market for a curated, reliable villa booking platform. She believed that the villa industry needed more personalized service compared to hotels, and The Luxe Nomad was born out of this vision. By offering a handpicked collection of luxury properties and top-notch guest experiences, the company has revolutionized how people travel in the region.

Expanding into Villa Management In 2017, Stephanie expanded The Luxe Nomad into villa management in Bali, followed by Koh Samui in Thailand. By 2023, the company took over Nisade, a major property management company in Niseko, Japan, solidifying its position in the luxury vacation market. With properties in premium locations like Bali and Niseko, Stephanie’s brand offers a range from affordable luxury to high-end stays, some fetching up to USD 20,000 per night.

Navigating Challenges Like many businesses, The Luxe Nomad faced hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephanie and her team took pay cuts, and she managed the business remotely from New Zealand. Despite these challenges, Stephanie delved deeper into the financial aspects of her business, and under her leadership, the company emerged stronger.

Personal Drive and Vision Stephanie’s entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family, with both her father and grandfather being business owners. Her knack for identifying business opportunities and adapting to market changes has been key to her success. Today, Stephanie continues to drive The Luxe Nomad forward with plans to expand into Australia and New Zealand, aiming to make the brand a global leader in luxury vacation rentals.

Looking Ahead Stephanie Chai’s vision for The Luxe Nomad is to be the go-to brand for anyone seeking luxury villas or ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Her passion for travel, coupled with her relentless drive, ensures that her business continues to evolve and thrive.

Favorite Travel Experiences With a passion for luxury travel, Stephanie enjoys destinations like Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tuscany. She often shares her experiences staying at some of the most beautiful villas across the globe, making her both a successful entrepreneur and a tastemaker in the luxury travel industry.

Conclusion Stephanie Chai’s journey from TV presenter to the founder of Asia-Pacific’s largest luxury vacation rental company is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and perseverance. Through The Luxe Nomad, she has made luxury travel more accessible, personalized, and enjoyable for travelers worldwide. As she continues to expand her business, Stephanie remains a key figure in