Tidal & Rare – Bespoke Luxury Travel

Tintamarre Island, St. Martin — Caribbean

My name is Nicole Dunlap, and I design bespoke luxury travel experiences for discerning travelers who want more than a "nice vacation." My clients value privacy, calm, and exceptional service — and they come to me when they're ready for a trip that feels truly special and completely taken care of.

In addition to running Tidal & Rare, I still work as an emergency room nurse. That daily reality teaches me how to stay calm under pressure, pay attention to the details that really matter, and advocate for the people in my care. I bring that same mindset to travel planning — focused, organized, and always looking out for your best interests.

I created Tidal & Rare for travelers who appreciate space, serenity, and thoughtful details. Whether it's an overwater villa in the Maldives or Tahiti, a private safari in Africa, a grand escape through Europe, or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica or Iceland, I focus on experiences where every element is chosen with intention.

I specialize in luxury travel because I believe your time away should feel refined and restorative. That might mean a quiet resort in the tropics, a chic boutique hotel in a European city with personalized experiences, or a small, intimate expedition ship rather than a large cruise ship. In every case, I look for trusted partners and properties that align with your expectations for comfort, style, and service.

I especially enjoy planning:

• Overwater and oceanfront villa escapes 
• African safaris and wildlife experiences 
• Romantic honeymoons and anniversary trips
• Luxury ocean and river cruises on smaller, more intimate ships
• Expedition cruises to destinations like Antarctica and Iceland
• Multigenerational experiences for families who want to travel together extraordinarily 
• Itineraries that combine multiple destinations in a seamless way

Cruising can be an incredible way to see the world, and my focus is on cruises that feel elevated and experience-rich — never "one size fits all." Whether you're drawn to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, or the polar regions, I help you choose the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom for the way you like to travel.

My process begins with listening. I want to understand what this trip means to you — whether it's a honeymoon, an anniversary, a milestone birthday, a long-awaited reset, or simply the chance to see the world in a new way. From there, I design a custom itinerary that reflects how you like to travel: your pace, your preferences, and the level of support you prefer.

I work with a select number of clients so I can give each experience the attention it deserves. My goal is to make you feel informed, confident, and genuinely excited — not overwhelmed by options. You can expect clear communication, honest guidance, and support before, during, and after your trip. I also continuously invest in training, certifications, and on-the-ground research so that my recommendations stay current, relevant, and aligned with the level of experience you expect.

On a personal note, I truly love to travel, and I want others to experience as much of this world as they desire to — just with a level of ease and care that's hard to achieve on your own. Some of my favorite moments are hearing about the small details — the surprise anniversary dinner, the perfectly timed game drive, the quiet morning coffee with an unforgettable view — that ended up being the highlight of the trip.

If you're looking for a luxury experience and you value high-touch planning, I would be honored to help you design something extraordinary. Share a bit about who's traveling, when you'd like to go, and what you're hoping this trip will feel like — and we'll take the next steps together.