The Perfect Gift Awards 2025 Best Women’s Luxury Wellness Gifts 2025 – USA Offering a sacred sanctuary in the form of a luxury wellness tea brand, MODESTINE® was crafted by a woman to support other women as they navigate life’s biggest transformations, such as motherhood, perimenopause, or midlife changes. The company does this by specialising in organic, ethically-sourced teas and ritual products, many of which offer supportive benefits during these transitions. To find out more about these products, we caught up with Laura Shanley, the founder and of this deeply personal and award-winning wellness tea brand in the US. Photo Credit: Sloane Dakota Photo
An award-winning designer of Celtic-inspired jewellery, The Knotty Celt combines the inherent beauty of Celtic knots with 3D printing technology, resulting in high-quality pieces complete with single-plait knots and no beginning or end. Designed according to tradition and hand-finished with a level of care that only a dedicated independent artisan can offer, these items may be inspired by the past, but they are certainly for the present. We caught up with Andrew Brownrigg, the company’s designer and sole proprietor, to learn more. The Perfect Gift Awards 2025
Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Phone: 0203 970 0018 Website: lux-life.digital T桥⁐敲f散O⁇楦O 䅷慲摳′〲5 No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. LUXlife Magazine is delighted to announce the return of The Perfect Gift Awards 2025, a celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence within the global gifting industry. This prestigious awards programme is dedicated to honouring the brands, artisans, and businesses that help make every occasion memorable with their exceptional gift offerings. The gifting industry is a cornerstone of commerce, reflecting human connection, emotion, and celebration. Globally, this market spans diverse categories, including luxury goods, personalised keepsakes, tech gadgets, experience-based gifts, eco-friendly items, and artisanal crafts. This diverse market encompasses businesses from independent boutique creators to multinational corporations, offering something for every occasion, budget, and taste. Consumers increasingly seek items that align with their values, such as sustainability, or that convey a personal connection through customisation. The rise of personalised gifts—like engraved jewellery, monogrammed accessories, or bespoke photo books—demonstrates how people want their gifts to feel unique and meaningful. Equally important is the demand for convenience and creativity.
Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Phone: 0203 970 0018 Website: lux-life.digital The Perfect Gift Awards 2025 No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Get The Latest News & Embrace the luxury and subscribe to our magazine here! insights
6. MODESTINE®: Best Women’s Luxury Wellness Gifts 2025 – USA 7. Best Traditional Jewellery Designer 2025 - North America 8. The Bee Store: Best Specialty Gift Retailer 2025 – Northern Virginia & LUXlife Excellence Award in Bee Product Gifts 2025 9. Kelyf Games: Best Emerging Card Game Company 2025 – Mauritius 10. London York Executive Attire: Menswear Rising Star 2025 11. Raízes De Fatima: Best Religious Tour Experience 2025 – Portugal 䍯湴敮瑳
6 | LUXlife Magazine Offering a sacred sanctuary in the form of a luxury wellness tea brand, MODESTINE® was crafted by a woman to support other women as they navigate life’s biggest transformations, such as motherhood, perimenopause, or midlife changes. The company does this by specialising in organic, ethically-sourced teas and ritual products, many of which offer supportive benefits during these transitions. To find out more about these products, we caught up with Laura Shanley, the founder and of this deeply personal and award-winning wellness tea brand in the US. 䉥獴⁗潭敮猠 䱵硵特⁗敬汮敳猠 䝩晴猠㈰㈵ₖ⁕oA ceremonial offerings. This level of depth makes Laura a beacon of soulnourishing energy at the women’s tea circles she visits, and whether she is curating blends for these groups or boxing them to sell through her online store, the authenticity and soulful nature of these teas, which come from within, shines at every turn. These elements reflect the wider ethos of the brand, which was also inspired by Grandma Modestine. A matriarch, revered elder, and a medicine woman in her own right, it was her who taught Laura that plants are sacred, that tea is ceremony, and that rest is resistance. Laura told us: “Our core values were built from that very foundation; rooted in ritual, rest, and reclamation. We believe in the healing power of plants, in the sacredness of slowing down, and in creating intentional spaces for women.” This also shapes the brand’s view on luxury, which is not about price for Laura, but about presence. By existing at the intersection of sacred healing and refined intentionality, these organic teas for women’s health offer a new sense of luxury – as well as chance for women in the midst of life’s transformations to come home to themselves. It is in this way that the products offered by MODESTINE®️ fulfil this idea of the ‘perfect gift’. Keen to share these products with as many women as possible, Laura is excited to announce the brand’s recent expansion within the gift market, as its items are currently being sold at Cannella, a lifestyle boutique and gift ship located Mount Cinnamon Beach and Wellness Resort in Grenada. This is just the beginning for this luxury wellness tea brand, with more opportunities set to unfold with other resorts across the island. 鍉璒猠L畬氭捩r捬攠浯浥湴Ⱐ扲楮杩n朠獡捲敤⁰污 ĞáÝă×ăğáΨŎfΨŎÿáΨĘ¾ğÝΨŎÿ¾ŎΨ Reflecting on these prospects, Laura shared: “I would love to acknowledge the visionary founder of the Council on Sustainable Fashion and Design of Grenada, Shannen Kaylia Henry, for making this dream come true. Through her initiatives, Shannen is bringing visibility to Grenadian brands, positioning us as integral parts of the island’s hospitality and tourism economy. This continues to uplift the whole Caribbean, and reminds us that luxury, sustainability, and cultural heritage can and must coexist.” In a world where wellness products are watered down and brands chase trends, remaining authentic to ancestral wisdom, ethical sourcing, and intentional ritual sets MODESTINE® apart. To view its full range of Caribbeaninspired teas and accessories – as well as the other like-minded products it offers – simply use the link below. Contact: Laura Shanley Company: MODESTINE® Web Address: https://bymodestine.com/ hen Western medicine could come up with no solutions for the shifts Laura’s body was going through when she was deep in the throes of perimenopause – initially diagnosed as ‘just stress’ by doctors – she turned to the ancient wisdom inherent in the hands of Grandma Modestine and the rest of her Caribbean heritage. The sacred plants from this region became, as they had to so many over the centuries, her medicine, helping to alleviate symptoms such as night sweats, frozen shoulder, and fatigue. Soon after, Laura began to study the art and ceremony of tea under the tutelage of a naturopathic doctor and a renowned Buddhist tea master, becoming a certified tea sommelier. Named after Grandma Modestine, MODESTINE® became her offering, with its Caribbean-inspired teas for self-care, such as Sage It Up, for hot flashes and night sweats; Caribbean Crème, to offer midlife radiance; and Ritual + Rise, a mindful morning blend, all being deeply rooted in the ancestral wellness rituals of her people. All of this is incredibly personal to Laura, who found herself frustrated that ‘wellness’ had become a trend, not a way of life. However, thanks to businesses like hers, Laura explained: “The wellness industry is shifting from commodified self-care to intentional and ancestral reconnection.” She continued: “I witness this shift during my curated tea circles and ceremonies. People are craving more than products; they’re craving presence, meaning, connection, and ritual. This is exactly where MODESTINE®️ lives.” Going beyond crafting teas, Laura weaves stories into her beverages, which double as both meditation and W Photo Credit: Sloane Dakota Photo
The Perfect Gift Awards 2025 | 7 䉥獴⁔牡摩瑩潮慬 Jew敬l敲y 䑥獩杮敲′〲5⁎潲瑨 䅭敲楣L An award-winning designer of Celtic-inspired jewellery, The Knotty Celt combines the inherent beauty of Celtic knots with 3D printing technology, resulting in high-quality pieces complete with single-plait knots and no beginning or end. Designed according to tradition and hand-finished with a level of care that only a dedicated independent artisan can offer, these items may be inspired by the past, but they are certainly for the present. We caught up with Andrew Brownrigg, the company’s designer and sole proprietor, to learn more. Luxury jewellery is undergoing what Andrew Brownrigg calls a 'quiet realignment.' Where once a glossy logo and a high price tag were enough, today’s buyers ask deeper questions— about the designer, their values, and the story behind each piece. This shift rewards businesses like The Knotty Celt, where the fingerprints of the designer are seen at every stage. Andrew began The Knotty Celt in 2017, after a spinal injury prevented him from carrying on with his former career. Combining an interest in his Celtic background with his skills as a designer, Andrew came up with some creative ways to make what would otherwise be impossible: real Celtic knots created from endless loops and woven into one another without a start, end, or any seams. 3D printing allowed Andrew to bring these designs to life, resulting in the creation of a growing line of Celtic jewellery. Today, the business boasts clients from all over, be it people looking for the perfect gift for a birthday, wedding, Holy Communion, or any other celebration. What unites all of these customers is that they are after something that connects past and present, complete with a personal story that Andrew uses as the basis for every unique design. By not using silicone moulds and recreating all pieces from start to finish, these items become one-of-akind treasures, keepsakes, and something the receiver will cherish. These experiences define what The Knotty Celt is all about, something that can be seen further through two beautifully sad stories underpinning just how much this jewellery means. The first comes from a married couple who visited Andrew’s booth at the Kincardine Scottish Festival and ordered one of his sterling Celtic Cross Knot pendants. When the wife returned a few weeks later to collect the item, she shared that her husband had died not long after they left the event and that this was the final gift he ever gave her. 鍗攠獴潯搠瑨敲攠楮 瑨攠獨慤攠潦 瑨攠捡湯p礻瑲慮g敲猠扯畮搠 by楮杬攠灩散攠潦楬v敲湤 L lov攠獴潲y 瑨慴ow 汩v敳渠 ¾łfnğÝΨÿáłΨğá×ĔΨáŧáłŮΨݾŮ͛ · Similarly, at the Fergus Scottish Festival, a gentleman asked Andrew if he would tweak his Celtic Heart Knot to echo a nuance his wife loved. As he began the design a short while later, an email came through from the man telling Andrew his wife was now in hospital and asking if the pendant was almost ready. Working late and getting the caster to squeeze it into an early pour, the pendant reached the woman's bedside with days to spare. She passed wearing what her husband told Andrew was her favourite piece of jewellery. Although these stories both take place at someone’s final chapter, they emphasise The Knotty Celt’s desire for its pieces to become part of a life story – whether at the start, the end, or anywhere in between. Andrew told us: “Awards are wonderful, but moments like these are why I polish each curve until it sings. You can’t get a gift more perfect than that.” Guided by his family motto, Suáilce agus Gaois (Virtue and Wisdom), Andrew demonstrates the highest standards of customer service across the business. Be it only working with trusted suppliers – he has previously cut ties with casting houses that have made mistakes – or being transparent with customers regarding any delays or issues with their pieces, everything Andrew does reflects these values. This motto sees Andrew turn mission statements into daily habits, highlighting what sets his exceptional business apart. Ultimately, the sense of perfection Andrew strives for in every item he makes at The Knotty Celt – which has expanded over the years beyond jewellery to feature artwork, Christmas decorations, and bespoke commissions – stems from a commitment to personal truth, crafting with conscience, longevity, and creating space for new meanings. Weaving all four of these areas together across his designs, Andrew binds the giver, receiver, and future generations to his circle of virtue and wisdom, making these perfect gifts. Contact: Andrew Brownrigg Company: The Knotty Celt Web Address: https://theknottycelt.ca/
8 | LUXlife Magazine Best Specialty Gift Retailer 2025 – Northern iV rginia & LUXlife Ecx ellence Award in Bee Product Gifts 2025 Bees are an integral member of our ecosystem, and the beekeeping sector is more vital than ever – playing an instrumental role in maintaining biodiversity, safeguarding the country’s food security, and contributing to the income of countless households. One company who understands this well is The Bee Store – a one-stopshop for beekeeping supplies, education, and products, catering to established beekeepers and interested individuals alike. We spoke to Owner Stephen Ryle to find out more. The Bee Store was found in 2017, born from a desire to serve local beekeepers by creating a one-stop-shop location for their beekeeping supplies. What initially began as working primarily with the local beekeepers in the Woodbridge area soon grew to encompass beekeepers from around the country, as well as those from various countries around the world. Now, The Bee Store stands as a beekeeper’s supply, boutique, and gift business – a hub for beekeeping education and community support. The store offers a variety of products made instore, including raw honey, creamed honey, beeswax candles, beeswax soaps, lip balms, perfume balms, lotion bars, hand and face creams, facial scrubs, ointments, and bath bombs. These products – each crafted in-store – are all-natural and straight from the hive, and each has been made with at least one of the following ingredients: raw honey, beeswax, propolis, and pollen. As The Bee Store has grown in repute, it has gained a deeper understanding of the importance of community. The store collaborates closely with local beekeepers to help sell their products by showcasing them in-store, promoting an array of products that include local raw and infused honey, various stationery and stickers, clothing and accessories, jewellery, and gourmet products, such as honey-based lemonade, smoked honey, lollipops, candy, soda, meads, and supplements. With more than 7 years of experience under its belt, The Bee Store is driven by experienced beekeepers hailing from all walks of life. When first starting, The Bee Store would seek out experienced beekeepers to join the team. It soon learned, however, that most beekeepers prefer to be working with their bees – not instore. So, the store shifted gears and sought out those who wanted to learn more about bees, those who jumped at the opportunity to work with them. “What we found was far better than we had expected,” Stephen recalled. “We came across people who had a passion for beekeeping but were not in a position to have hives of their own. With this passion, we started teaching them about beekeeping. In a few weeks, we will be assigning a hive to each employee who wishes to take care of one themselves, and they will get to keep what they harvest.” Each member of The Bee Store possesses the same unfaltering passion for their craft. Not only for crafting products from the beehive, but also for the creatures that make it all possible. “What we truly enjoy is showing off our bees,” Stephen shared. “We keep a live observation beehive in the store, and it allows us to show how the bees work in the hive, along with showing their lifecycle. We work with school age children’s groups, Boys and Girl Scouts, and a variety of adult groups. Our goal is simple: to show how the bees live and work, and to take that fear most people have towards bees away.” This passion is precisely what propels The Bee Store forward, shaping every aspect of its operations. The store has remained dedicated to its founding mission, serving beekeepers and local customers with all-natural products made from the hive. The Bee Store was purchased in October 2023, however, and has gradually expanded this mission to work even more closely with local beekeepers and entities, always working towards education and empowerment. Recently, the store has formed a partnership with George Mason University’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which operates the Honey Bee Initiative programme. Aiming for widespread education, The Bee Store hopes to start its own beekeeping courses, targeting new and existing beekeepers with the aim of boosting the hobby. Alongside this, The Bee Store is also looking to launch additional classes to teach attendees how to make some of the products sold in-store. “The future plans for The Bee Store are to be more interactive with our customers, and continue to educate the public about our craft,” Stephen concluded. “Beekeeping is not hard, but it’s also not easy. With the right amount of education and support, we hope to show how important the honeybee is to the world, and hope to change it for the better – for all.” Contact: Stephen Ryle Company: The Bee Store Web Address: www.yourbeestore.com
The Perfect Gift Awards 2025 | 9 In an age dominated by screens and fast-paced entertainment, strategic card games are quietly reshaping how we connect – offering players the thrill of tactical thinking combined with the warmth of face-toface interaction. Amidst this rising wave, Kelyf Games delivers a fresh twist: character-driven gameplay set in dungeon-style mazes, blending fantasy immersion with competitive fun. We spoke to Sharony Purryag, Director of Kelyf Games and Nick Ray, Game Designer and Illustrator of MazeM below, as the company is recognised in The Perfect Gift Awards 2025. 䉥獴⁅浥牧楮朠 䍡r搠c慭攠 䍯浰慮y′〲P 阠i慵物瑩畳 strategically use Weapons, Enchantments, Traps, and Potions to outwit their opponents, claim their Treasure, and become the Maze Master! “Embarking on any project is always challenging and exciting,” Nick Ray told us of MazeM’s inception. “The open fields that lay in front of the mind, waiting to be sowed with the seeds of creativity and ingenuity, which will ultimately result in a blooming flower, are what makes creating a product such as a card game worth it. Even though you may find yourself not entirely happy with the end result, there is always opportunity during the conception stage to return to the drawing board – where the magic really happens.” For Kelyf Games, that magic is creating the perfect gift – one that sparks a fire, setting ablaze the senses and imagination. The company has designed MazeM to do just that, providing players with a unique sense of whimsy and magic, every time they pick up their cards. Regardless of their age, background, or skills, each and every player of MazeM steps into a magical world of endless possibilities, one beyond imagination. Moving forward, Kelyf Games hopes to share this magic with the world. Since its inception, the company has strived to achieve international reach through partnerships with overseas retailers and is now working to make this dream a reality. Additionally, Kelyf Games will also be turning its sights inwards to local players, with plans to attend future Cosmau Con events that bring together artists, sellers, gameplayers, and cosplay contestants – providing a meeting point for game and anime enthusiasts alike. “The card game and anime industry has experienced significant growth over the years, especially on an international level,” Sharony explained. “Our aim is to make our products known and market them worldwide. Being named Mauritius’s Best Emerging Card Game Company 2025 is indeed a matter of pride and an international recognition of our creativity and originality. We hope that this award will open new doors of opportunities and fruitful collaboration with other industry players.” “We also have several projects in the pipeline, the next one being a manga for card game enthusiasts, that we hope will be welcomed and loved by our fans and the public,” Sharony added. “All we can say for now is to check our website and our socials Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to know more about this exciting project, and to keep abreast of the latest news on Kelyf Games.” Contact: Sharony Purryag Company: Kelyf Games Web Address: https://kelyfgames.com ased in Mauritius and operating since 2023, Kelyf Games specialises in the creation of card games, anime books, and stories for children and teenagers with the aim to bring joy and entertainment to individuals, households, and friend-groups around the world. At its core, Kelyf Games is driven by the desire to forge longlasting friendships through its games and stories – bonds that will endure for many generations to come. “Kelyf Games’ core values are passion, innovation, and commitment – with a splash of fun,” said Sharony. “Our mission is to create fun games and good stories that will transcend the test of time and leave a mark in people’s mind, as well as create happy memories that they will keep throughout their life. The company’s motto is ‘Beyond Imagination,’ and we live by this ideal to achieve our mission – with every project we undertake.” The company’s flagship – and first – ambitious project is a card game called MazeM. The project saw the light of day in July 2023 and was picked up by key local game shops and bookstores across the island, as well as being sold on Kelyf Games’ online platform for international reach. The game is designed for two to four players aged six and above, with a playing time of 15-20 minutes. Requiring skill, strategy, and cunning, MazeM is inspired by the epic battles that occur in mazes and dungeons across the fantasy genre. Heroic creatures called Myrmidons – the Rabbit Knight, the Mirage Griffin, the Wizard Robot, and the Water Dragon – explore the mazes, fight battles, and seek out Treasure. The pack of 60 playing cards is centred around this concept, wherein players summon Myrmidons and G AIS-May25075
10 | LUXlife Magazine ithin the niche of executive menswear, one-man operation London York Executive Attire stands out for the sense of confidence it instils within men (and a few ladies) looking to connote strength and a handsome, masculine appeal. In a world where the concept of ‘masculinity’ has become a great many things – some of them highly toxic – the company’s emphasis on helping to create stylish, confident men of substance, men that give back to the world around them and help others, is something refreshing and certainly worth championing. As for how London York does this, it proudly contributes time, funding, and its merchandise to both the Agency Collective (formerly Career Gear) in New York and Suited & Booted in London. Both of these organisations help disadvantaged men by providing them with free professional and business attire to aid in their quest to find meaningful employment. This sets the tone for the kind of brand that London York is and outlines a mission that is about much more than just appearances – but about improving lives one outfit at a time. Dressing well is the first step towards a man walking taller and having people interact with him more positively. Recent decades have seen a decline in people wearing suits, and scarce are the days when men would dress to the nines to go out to work or for a meal at their favourite restaurant. Looking to change this and help people to feel better about themselves – something that is becoming increasingly important given the rise in people suffering with ill mental health – London York is redefining what it means to be powerful. M敮獷敡r⁒楳楮朠却慲′〲5 London York Executive Attire is, as its name suggests, all about empowering men to look and feel their sharpest by kitting them out with executive wardrobe essentials. Drawing inspiration from the well-dressed men in two cities that have long been at the centre of stylistic trends – London and New York – what London York offers is the chance for men to become unapologetically bold, polished, and strong through the way they dress. We spoke with Tim Stout, the man behind the brand, to find out more. Tim accommodates for the full executive look through London York, but he describes the ‘bread and butter’ of his brand as the being the signature collection of 100% silk Executive Knot Ties he designs and sells. Focusing on ties at a time when fewer and fewer men are wearing them may seem like a questionable strategy, but Tim has discovered that those who continue to do so are finding it increasingly difficult to get exactly what they are looking for. That is, until they come across London York’s striking selections of regular and XL ties. What really sets London York’s Executive Knot Ties apart is that they are designed and cut specifically to make a more substantial knot. Not only does this make the wearer immediately look more powerful and elegant, but it also helps the tie to stay in place – solving a common issue men experience with cheaper, thinner ties. Tim explained: “The key is that we taper more gradually than typical ties and therefore have more width at the crucial point on the tie where the knot is made. It’s a difference men love and comment to me about all the time.” 鍎漠潴桥r 瑩敳敥氠物杨On祭潲攡 EΨƅğÝΨŎÿ¾ŎΨ¾ĘĘΨEΨŨ¾ğŎΨŎfΨ Alongside its signature ties, London York also offers a selection of cufflinks – including a polished stainless-steel pairs and a 24k goldplated stainless-steel sets – as well as a collection of 100% silk handkerchiefs complete with hand-rolled edges. Outside of accessories, London York sells a range of made-to-measure cotton shirts (complete with double-button collars, French cuffs, and mother-of-pearl buttons) and is also taking inquires for bespoke executive suits and formal wear, both of which are set for release later this year. This reflects the impressive growth London York has experienced in just a few short years, with it today having clients on every continent except Antarctica. Tim continues to serve as everything from the business owner and product designer to the IT department, customer service department, and the entire mailroom. His dedication is certainly picked up on by customers, who return time and again to the brand’s website, whether to buy the perfect gift for a loved one, or to purchase something special to treat themselves. In closing, Tim explained: “London York Executive Attire may be a tiny little brand in the big world of menswear, but it’s sustainable and growing. We may be niche but, like I said, when clients find us they LOVE us and come back over and over.” Contact: Tim Stout Company: London York Executive Attire Web Address: https://www.london-york.com W AIM-May25103
The Perfect Gift Awards 2025 | 11 䉥獴 剥汩杩潵猠T潵r 䕸灥物敮捥′〲5ₖ⁐潲瑵g慬 There are places in the world where time seems to pause, and the soul finds space to breathe. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the town of Fátima is one such sanctuary – a place where faith, wonder, and history converge. Known globally for the 1917 Apparitions of Our Lady, Fátima has become a beacon for pilgrims seeking a deeper connection with their beliefs. And when it comes to experiencing this sacred destination with intention and insight, Raízes de Fátima provides not just a tour, but a heartfelt pilgrimage. We heard more from Eliana Oliveria below, Founder and General Coordinator. Raízes de Fátima is a religious tourism project offering transformative experiences in the Sanctuary of Fátima and its surroundings. Founded by Eliana Oliveria – a direct descendant of the Little Shepherds Francisco and Jacinta – the project was born from a deep familial and spiritual connection to the apparitions that visited Saint Francisco Marto, Saint Jacinta Marto, and Sister Lúcia de Jesus. Today, the organisation provides pilgrims with an authentic encounter with the Message of Fátima, offering guided visits, personalised itineraries, retreats, walking pilgrimages, and spiritual immersions that unite history, faith, and culture. Translating to Roots of Fátima, the project is guided by faith, authenticity, hospitality, and a deep commitment to historical and spiritual truth. These values have steered it since the very beginning, upholding the excellence of its services, the respectful transmission of religious content, and its attentive care for each visitor it serves. They also influence the organisation’s dedication to ongoing study, with its guides and team members undertaking educational programmes from the Sanctuary of Fátima, throughout the year. The project has never once strayed from its essence: to help each pilgrim experience Fátima in the most profound and meaningful way. “Raízes de Fátima is not just a tour project – it is a bridge between past and present, between faith and culture,” Eliana told us. “Our guided experience has been designed with dedication, research, and care. We’ve developed our own exclusive tour model over the course of 12 months, with guidance from renowned Fátima scholars. Our aim is for every visitor to leave not only with memories, but with a genuine inner experience.” The project provides guided tours each day, overseeing pilgrims on their journey to the Sanctuary of Fátima, exploring the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, the Chapel of the Apparitions, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. These sacred sites are closely tied to the events that began on May 13th, 1917, when three young shepherds – Francisco, Jacinta, and Lúcia – reported seeing a vision of a Lady "brighter than the sun" who would appear to them monthly until October of that same year. This is a two-hour guided tour that allows pilgrims from around the world to truly connect with the message of love shared in Fátima, offering them a deeply immersive experience rooted in the history of the Apparitions and the lives of the three Little Shepherds of Fátima. Alongside this, Raízes de Fátima offers additional tours for visitors seeking to further immerse themselves in the pilgrimage. One tour takes pilgrims to explore Aljustrel, wherein they can visit the Angel’s apparition sites, the homes of the Little Shepherds, and also the site where Our Lady appeared to them on August 19th, 1917. The second tour takes pilgrims to Lisbon, where Saint Jacinta Marto had been taken to be treated for the pneumonic plague. As part of the experience, visitors explore the orphanage where the Little Shepherd Jacinta was interned before her transfer to the hospital where she passed away, guided by Carla Barbosa Rocha, a wellknown figure and leading expert on the life of Saint Jacinta Marto. In addition to offering the guided visits in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, Raízes de Fátima has recently added Italian to its AIM-May25104 language offerings. But that’s not all – this month saw Raízes de Fátima expanding its educational content; alongside the existing Apparitions of Our Lady, the team will be releasing a new eBook focused on the Apparitions of the Angel. Furthermore, the team will be introducing exclusive post-visit content for those wishing to deepen their knowledge. These developments directly respond to the growing interest in religious tourism, in alignment with Raízes de Fátima’s mission to share the story of the Three Shepherds with the world. “Religious tourism is one of the deepest expressions of cultural and spiritual travel,” Eliana shared. “In Fátima, it takes on even greater meaning, as it unites faith, history, and a universal call for peace. Over the years, we have seen growth not only in the number of pilgrims, but in their thirst for meaning. People no longer merely seek monuments – they want to understand the Message, connect with the history, and be touched on a deeper level. Contact: Eliana Oliveria Company: Raízes De Fatima Web Address: www.raizesdefatima.pt
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