BY KAREN BOSSICK

Brenda Powell stands in her Sun Valley studio at Zenergy gym surrounded by the tools of fitness transformation she's wielded for nearly two decades, including yoga mats and kettlebells.

But these days, her sights are set far beyond Sun Valley’s mountain peaks.

Powell is launching BrendaTravels.com, a boutique travel company that promises to take her unique blend of active interests and mindfulness to some of the world's most breathtaking destinations.

Tirta Umpul - translates Water Temple- Near Ubud, Bali: People come from all over to stand in front of fountains pouring holy water and be blessed by the temple priests. The pools have never emptied out in 2000 years.

It's a natural evolution for someone whose own transformational journeys have taken her from biking across Europe at 22 with just a tent and fierce determination, and to completing the legendary 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

"Travel has always been my parallel passion," Powell said, settling into a chair after wrapping up an early morning session with longtime clients. "I've been organizing trips for my clients for years, and it became clear that there was a hunger for travel that goes deeper than typical tourism—journeys that transform you from the inside out."

The philosophy driving BrendaTravels reflects Powell's own approach to wellness. She believes that exploration, simplicity and authentic connection create the most profound experiences.

Each carefully curated itinerary blends luxury accommodations with immersive cultural encounters and includes what Powell calls a "give-back component"—supporting village schools, participating in environmental cleanup projects and contributing to local artisan communities.

Tanah Lot- An temple built in the 15th Century from stone- Near Ulu Watu Bali- This is a side view at sunset. Our groups go at Sunset and do a blessing with the high holy priests at Sunset.

"Brenda has this rare ability to meet people exactly where they are—physically, emotionally, and spiritually," said Sarah Martinez, a longtime client who joined Powell on a recent Tuscany tour. "She brings that same connection to travel. It's not just about seeing places; it's about experiencing them in a way that changes you."

Powell's upcoming Bali journey, scheduled for November 1, exemplifies her approach to transformational travel. Guests will stay in hand-picked boutique hotels, with days flowing seamlessly from optional sunrise yoga sessions to Balinese cooking classes, temple visits, traditional craft workshops with local artisans and spa treatments using ancient healing techniques.

The beauty of Powell's itineraries lies in their balance between structure and freedom. Morning cappuccino on a private balcony overlooking rice terraces is as valued as a vinyasa flow session at dawn. Both serve the larger purpose of connection and mindfulness.

"Bali holds special significance for me," Powell explained, her eyes lighting up as she described the island's sacred temples and pristine beaches. "I've led several tours across the island, from Ubud's emerald rice terraces to Ulu Watu's dramatic clifftop temples. It's a place where the sacred and the sensual coexist beautifully—perfect for travelers seeking authentic transformation."

Besikah Temple- Mother Temple- this is the largest Temple in Bali- considered the most important. Set at the base of Mont Agun- the other active volcano on the Island - walk around the many temples set here and do a ceremony with the temple priests.

The transformation Powell speaks of isn't just spiritual. Her Bali itinerary includes a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur, one of the island's two active volcanoes, where travelers watch the sun emerge over the Indian Ocean. There's the ritual cleansing at Tirta Empul, the Water Temple near Ubud, where visitors stand before fountains of holy water and receive blessings from temple priests in pools that haven't emptied in 2,000 years.

At Tanah Lot, the 15th-century stone temple built on a dramatic rock formation, Powell's groups gather at sunset for blessings with high holy priests. During low tide, guests can walk directly to the temple, and through Powell's connections, they gain special access to inner sanctums typically closed to tourists.

The company has already attracted what Powell calls "kindred spirits"—curious, open-minded travelers who appreciate both beauty and authenticity. Previous journeys have spanned from Russia's opulent Czarist palaces to Tuscany's sun-drenched vineyards, each infused with Powell's signature blend of elegance, adventure, and soul-searching.

For Powell, launching BrendaTravels represents evolution rather than departure from her fitness career. At Zenergy, she'll continue working with the clients who've become extended family over the years. The travel company simply extends her reach, creating opportunities to guide transformation in some of the world's most inspiring settings.

Another view of Tanah Lot- at low tide visitors can walk to the temple. Our guests have special access to the inner sanctum where most tourists are not allowed to go- to be blessed by the priests here.

"Everything I've done—the athletic training, the yoga practice, the nutrition coaching—it all comes together in these journeys," she said. "We're not just traveling; we're having an immersive experience within the world's most beautiful landscapes."

As she prepares to guide another group through transformational travel, Powell embodies the very philosophy she teaches: that life's greatest adventures begin when we expand our horizons and step outside our comfort zones, whether that's in a Sun Valley gym, or watching sunrise from a Balinese mountaintop.

Limited spaces remain for the fall Bali tour. Those interested can contact Powell at brenda@brendatravels.com or 208-720-3361. Updates and travel inspiration are available on Instagram @brendatravelsandtours.