Founder & Principal Designer
Designing journeys that feel
as personal as they are extraordinary.
arla's Story
Marla Fowler approaches travel with discernment, intention, and a deep respect for the details that transform a journey from memorable to meaningful.
As a Virtuoso® Certified Travel Advisor and affiliate of EMBARK Beyond — and an inaugural member of Embark Beyond’s Millionaire’s Club — she designs elevated travel experiences shaped by global relationships, refined access, and seamless execution.
Featured in Forbes magazine, The Washington Post,
Travel Weekly, and named Face of Luxury Travel by New Orleans Magazine, Marla is known for her meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful guidance — creating journeys that feel immersive, effortless, and entirely personal.
Marla works with clients who value quality over quantity and understand that extraordinary travel is not rushed or over-scripted. She believes in immersive experiences, careful pacing, and orchestration that feels natural — never forced.
xtraordinary travel begins with understanding —
and unfolds through thoughtful design.
Designing journeys that feel as personal as they are extraordinary.
E
M
xtraordinary travel begins with understanding —
and unfolds through thoughtful design.
I’ve never been drawn to ordinary travel, and my story didn’t begin with a passport full of stamps.
My first flight was my honeymoon — complete with airline hiccups and lost luggage, but also an unexpected first-class upgrade and two glasses of champagne presented before takeoff.
That set a whole new standard.
Somewhere between takeoff and touchdown, I realized the difference is rarely in the destination — it’s in the details.
That perspective never left me.
Before founding Filling the Nest, I built careers in education and the arts — two worlds that shaped my love of storytelling, design, and meaningful experience.
Travel was always the common thread, and over time passion became profession — what began as planning unforgettable trips for friends and family gradually evolved into the work I do today.
ow it all began...
H
Few Things
Favorites, perspectives,
and a few things I’ve learned along the way.
A first toast doesn’t require a milestone —
just a moment worth marking.
Champagne feels especially perfect
when I’ve just arrived somewhere fabulous.
Life is better with bubbles.
My most visited destination —
my most craved return.
What’s not to love about a place equally known for art, architecture, and pasta?
It's a place that feels both deeply familiar
and endlessly inspiring.
It’s tempting to try to see everything, especially on a first visit. But the travel stories people remember most are the ones where they allowed time to linger — for long lunches, unexpected discoveries, and moments that weren’t scheduled at all.
Some of the most unforgettable moments happen just beyond your comfort zone —
like stepping onto a glacier
after arriving by helicopter.
The view (and the story) are always worth it.
But first, champagne.
Italy, always Italy.
Quality over quantity every time.
Just say yes.
A
Family, United Kingdom and Italy
Family,
United Kingdom and Italy
"Marla helped us plan the most perfect, worry-free trip ever!
Every detail was carefully planned and prepared so we were able to completely enjoy our vacation.
Our flights, transfers, hotels, tours, activities, etc.
were well thought out based on her knowledge of us and our wants and needs.
Every place we stayed was first class, and the tours and activities we did were absolutely perfect. "
"Marla helped us plan the most
perfect, worry-free trip ever!
Every detail was carefully planned and prepared so we were able to completely enjoy our vacation.
Our flights, transfers, hotels, tours, activities, etc.
were well thought out based on
her knowledge of us and our wants and needs.
Every place we stayed was first class, and the tours and activities we did were absolutely perfect. "
G
G
Family,
United Kingdom, Cruise
"The level of detail that Marla puts into her trip planning leaves very little chance for things to go wrong! Also, the fact that she assured us that she was just a phone call, text or email away no matter the time (or day) was a great relief for us. Marla’s travel knowledge is amazing, we are planning to use her services for many years to come!"
LH
Family,United Kingdom, Cruise
Family,
Chicago , Luxury Disney
"Like a Travel Fairy Godmother! Working with Marla is an absolute joy, and the world needs more people like her. Her experience, knowledge, and attention to detail is deeply appreciated, and she genuinely cares about the health and safety of my family, especially as we try to navigate traveling during this ever changing pandemic. Marla is a treasure."
S
Family, Chicago , Luxury Disney
Family, Luxury Disney, The Breakers, Colorado
"The trip was meticulously planned by Marla and I did not experience one bit of exhaustion. I simply checked the app before bed to determine what time we needed to wake up. Then I scrolled thru the meticulously planned day, as the day progressed. From dining, entertainment, VIP Tour Guides and black car service, not one detail was missed. It was a fabulous trip that my family and I will repeat."
B
Family, Luxury Disney, The Breakers, Colorado
et's Begin The Conversation
Every extraordinary journey
begins with understanding what matters most to you —
your pace, your priorities,
and the experiences you’re ready to explore next.
Every extraordinary journey begins with understanding what matters most to you —
your pace, your priorities, and the experiences you’re ready to explore next.
L
levated,
By Design.
Luxury is not a standard.
It is a feeling.
A sense of ease, and of belonging.
And it's knowing that every detail
has been considered,
allowing you to be
fully present in the experience itself.
E
