Travel agency serving destinations worldwide from Valencia
We are Rakel and Toni. And this is SunZen Travel.
SunZen Travel was founded in Valencia out of our desire to travel differently: to discover places that move you, to enjoy yourself, and to feel supported while still having your own space. We carefully curate these trips, eager to share with you the places and moments that make a trip unforgettable.
The origin
We don't come from the world of agencies. We come from the real world.
Strict schedules, weeks that fly by too quickly, and that feeling of really needing to unplug when you finally get a few days off.
The mountains, the beach, and nature have always been the place where we went back to breathe. Every time we looked for a group trip, we felt like something was missing: we wanted adventure, but we also wanted comfort. We wanted to share moments with the group and have our own little corner where we could unwind.
We started SunZen Travel so we could travel the way we wanted to. And it turned out we weren't the only ones looking for the same thing.
Everything is taken care of to ensure a smooth trip—from the day's itinerary to a hot shower at the end of the day.
Our philosophy
Two forces, the same trip.
SUN and ZEN aren't just the two syllables in our name. They are the two energies that we believe every good journey needs to be in balance.
Adventure, nature, curiosity. Walking in the sunshine, diving into the sea, climbing up to a temple at sunrise. That’s what makes a trip truly memorable and unforgettable.
A moment of pause, a breath, a sense of well-being. A peaceful breakfast by the sea, a nap in the shade, a long conversation over dinner. That’s what makes this trip a chance to take care of yourself, too.
The best trips do not choose between adventure and comfort. They bring them together.
About us
The two people that they'll answer you.
If you write to us, we'll reply. If you call, we'll answer the phone. And on group trips, one of us will be with you from day one.
RakelCo-founder"A well-planned trip has the power to make you come back a little different."
I'm from Valencia. I'm drawn to places where nature still reigns and time moves more slowly. I notice the things others overlook: the light in a room, the silence at breakfast, the people you'll be sharing a table with that night.
My little quirk: choosing each place to stay as if it were for myself. If I recommend a place to you, it's because it meets the same criteria we use when we travel ourselves.
Outside of SunZen: I read more than I have time for, and I go paddleboarding when the sea allows it.
ToniCo-founder«You can tell you've had a good trip by how your body feels: you end up with tired legs and a calm mind.»
The athlete on the team. The one who gets up early to watch the sunrise, the one who suggests climbing to the lookout when the others hesitate, the one who stays in the water ten more minutes. I’m moved by the sun, the sea, and movement—and also by the silence that follows the effort.
What I enjoy most is discovering new things. Rakel pays attention to the details that aren't visible. I pay attention to the ones you experience with your body.
Outside of SunZen: I meditate every day and go paddleboarding with Rakel when the wind dies down.
With destinations, the truth
How We Choose each destination.
We'd rather tell you how we work in each location. No shortcuts.
Those of us who have traveled
We've been through it
We've visited some of these destinations in person: we know the accommodations, the local way of life, and the people we work with. For those destinations, we'll share our experiences with you.
With people from there
In partnership with local experts
In other destinations, we work with trusted local agencies that we’ve handpicked one by one. The money stays there, the guide speaks your language, and everything goes through our vetting process.
New Destination
Don't wing it—and we're telling you this
When we add a new destination for the first time, we let you know. And we only launch it once we're convinced it offers the experience we want to share.
In all three cases, we never refer anyone to a site that wouldn't meet the standards we set for ourselves.
How We Work
What We Do on every trip.
We curate content as if we were the ones traveling
Every place to stay, every guide, and every activity. If we wouldn't recommend it to a friend, it doesn't make it onto the trip.
We chose the group
We'll talk to you before confirming your spot. It's not arrogance—the right group can really make the trip special.
We charge what it costs to do it right
We pay local guides what they're owed and choose accommodations that are worth it. The price you see includes everything we've described, with the protection of the Package Tour Regulations. No surprises.
We take care of the follow-up
The trip doesn't end at the airport. That's why we prepare getaways in Spain, so that the friendships formed on the trip can continue to grow close to home.
If something goes wrong
Traveling is human. Unexpected events, too.
A delayed flight, an untimely fever, a transportation strike.
And the opposite, too: moments that weren't part of the plan but stay with us forever. We're prepared for both sides.
If something doesn't go as expected
When the plan breaks
You’re not talking to a call center on the other side of the world. You’re talking to one of us. We’ll reroute your call, move heaven and earth with our local partners, find you a good doctor, arrange for a new transfer, or accompany you to the hospital if necessary. Whatever it takes. You'll find us.
If the unexpected arises
When the magic magic
The long, unplanned conversation. The neighbor who invites you in. The beach you stumble upon while walking. That’s why we intentionally leave gaps in every trip: free afternoons, leisurely dinners, unplanned moments. The most memorable moments are usually right there.
Questions
What they usually ask us.
Who are the founders of SunZen Travel?
Rakel and Toni founded SunZen Travel in Valencia. We don't come from the travel agency world: we started SunZen so we could travel the way we wanted to—in small groups, paying attention to every detail, and without rushing.
How many people are on the group trips?
Between 6 and 13 people, and one of us travels with the group from start to finish. It's the perfect size so that everyone gets to know each other and no one gets left behind. You can see upcoming trips at group trips.
Do you work with local partners?
Yes, and we choose them one by one. The guide speaks your language, the money stays in the country, and every experience has a face and a name.
Can I book a custom trip with you?
Yes. In addition to group tours, we design customized trips at your own pace and on your own schedule, and retreats in Bali.
Where is SunZen Travel?
In Paterna, Valencia. This is where we plan all our trips and set out with each group.
What happens if something goes wrong during the trip?
You'll speak directly with one of us. We'll adjust the route, coordinate with local partners, and find the doctor or transportation you need. You'll be able to reach us.
The next step
Now you know who we are.
If what you've read has resonated with you, check out our upcoming small-group trips or tell us what kind of trip you have in mind. The rest is best told while traveling.
