As your Paris-based, FORA-certified travel advisor, I design journeys that blend quiet luxury with soul-deep rejuvenation.
Whether it’s a serene escape to Paris or the French Riviera, a wellness retreat in Bali, or a mindful adventure in any corner of the world, I’ll guide you toward the experience your spirit is seeking.
Through my FORA travel network, you’ll enjoy thoughtful privileges — upgraded rooms, personalized amenities, resort credits, breakfast, and flexible check-in — all curated with care and presence.
to France, Bali & Beyond.
Travel Intentionally, Soulfully.
“Peace is Portable” —
TZG, Michael Huffman
What TZG Clients Say
“As a yoga studio owner and worldwide retreat leader I was looking for the best of the best experience for my next Yoga retreat in Ubud Bali. I was able to find the best travel advisor there was, Michael, THE ZEN GUY.
I could not have navigated this incredible location the way I wanted our group to explore it without him. Michael was a true scholar on everything Ubud, from the cultural activities and which places were vegan-friendly and ALSO delicious. He knew which hotel would be the best for what I was looking for my big group of 22 persons and yogis that wanted to be and do things that were a little "off the beaten path".
He showed us the temples, nature walks, best specialty coffee, most authentic restaurants and true BALI experience. We could not have had the yoga retreat experience that we had without his help.
I would highly recommend his services and knowledge and will most defiantly be using THE ZEN GUY again for yoga retreat planning service…and maybe next time we will go to PARIS where he is also well established.”
— NANCY NOMELLINI – MOTHER YOGA, SEATTLE, WA
What The Zen Guy offers
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Zen Travel
Planning
Mindful wellness expeditions, curated with care for solo travelers and couples.
Luxury, wellness & spa-centric accommodation and activity bookings to Paris, Ubud, or anywhere else in France or Bali.
Contact me via my FORA Profile page & I’ll curate your ideal vacation.
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Zen Villa Retreat Organization
Flawlessly organized group retreats to secluded, private, and exclusive.
Accommodation & planning services offered to both families or friends traveling together or to established instructors of yoga, astrology, art, writing, fitness, nutritional, and alternative healing modalities.
Contact me by either filling out the TZG Intake Form or Michael@TheZenGuy.com.
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Zen Tools
Supporting your practice wherever you go with calming Airplane & Office Yoga’ e-books and curated Zen destination guides for Ubud, Bali & Paris.
Sharing Zen travel research and other fun Zen things to do in several destinations with other people is my jam.
Follow me on IG @TheZenGuy1.
ZEN Travel Planning
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Luxury & Eco-Certified Lodging - hotels, resorts & European villas.
As a travel advisor, I book your favorite memories in Paris, Bali, France, and Beyond (Iceland, Thailand, Japan).
Fill Out TZG Intake Form now
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Planning a retreat? I help established teachers…with accommodation bookings, experiences, nutrition and logistics in French Villas or Bali resorts.
Stunning properties & smooth travel arrangements are the key to ensuring student satisfaction and enjoyment, as well as the instructor’s feeling confident and peaceful doing what you do best.
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Order a personalized, peaceful itinerary for any destination, anywhere. I’ll do the heavy lifting and provide you with a list of 20 Zen things to do where ever you want me to research. Let me know if you’re looking for something specific as I focus on ideas related to: Nutrition, Nature, Community, ECO, Spiritual, Wellness and Physical Activity.
ZEN Tools & Collaborations
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Discover Zen-like places and practices before you travel on Instagram @TheZenGuy1
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Downloadable video and PDF formatted destination guides for mindful travel in Paris, Ubud, Angers, and more.
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“Airplane Yoga” and “Office Yoga” available on Apple Books and Amazon.
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Do you offer accommodations and experiences with a Zen twist? Let’s collaborate, Get in touch.
How it Works
Reach Out
Send me your travel enquiry via WhatsApp +33.6.1.77.72.85, email at michael.huffman@fora.travel or DM on Instagram @TheZenGuy1
I Listen Soulfully
Within 24 - 48 hours, I'll connect with you, to truly understand your vision and how I can craft a stay that feels like a dream come true.
Curated Hotel Selections
Within 2 days, I'll present a thoughtfully chosen selection of hotels that reflect your style, preferences, and budget.
A Seamless Booking
Once you find the perfect place, I'll take care of everything - from securing your booking to ensuring every detail is just right, all at no additional cost.
From the moment you book to the final farewell, I'm here to support you ensuring your experience is as enchanting and smooth as possible.
Support Every Step of the Way
Our Services
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"I want expert help finding and booking the perfect hotel, that's all I need."
You know where you want to go, likely even where you want to stay, but you also want to compare among three options and …you’re a very busy person. I'll research then propose three options and book one hotel - so you can relax knowing your stay is sorted.
Includes:
Hotel booking.
FORA’s best rates.
Complimentary upgrades*
$100 USD food & beverage credit*
Early check-in/late check-out*
NOTE: Hotel nightly rate must be $250 USD or more to qualify for this service. *Subject to availability.
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"I know where I want to go, but I need help finding that perfect place."
You've chosen your destination but scrolling endlessly hasn't uncovered the one. I step in to find you a handful of unique, well-reviewed stays that fit your vibe and budget.
Includes:
Up to 5 handpicked accommodations at one destination
Direct booking links + mini pros & cons
Shared within 24 - 48 hours
Perfect for: Travelers who know where they're headed, but want expert help cutting through the noise and finding something special. Also, perfect for small groups (up to ten rooms) wanting to have a customized trip organized.
*NOTE: Hotel nightly rate must be $275 USD or more to qualify for this service. Includes booking one room ($95 Planning fee) or up to a total of 10 rooms for a group ($250 planning fee), at the same property for the same dates.
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"I know the country or region I want, but not exactly where, or perhaps where to see the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse…help me decide."
You're dreaming of France, Bali, Iceland, 2026 Total Solar Eclipse cruise or somewhere else. But which city, which region, which beach, which cruise? I'll narrow down the options based on your ideal trip: think sunsets, walkable foodie neighborhoods, wellness escapes or bucket-list Eclipse cruise.
Includes:
3 destination suggestions within 1 country 3-5 curated stays per destination
Matched to your style, budget, travel dates, and wish list
Brief destination comparisons to help you choose
Shared within 2 - 4 days
Perfect for: Couples, friends, or families who know the vibe they want, but need help finding the right place to go and where to stay once they're there.
*NOTE: Hotel nightly rate must be $275 USD or more to qualify for this service. Includes booking one room or up to a total of three rooms for a group at the same property for the same dates.
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"I don't know where I want to go I just want the kind of place that makes the whole trip worth it."
This is for the explorers, the romantics, the overthinkers. You're open to the world - a ski holiday in the Alps? A luxury hotel in Provence or Paris with a foodie vibe? A wellness retreat in Bali? I'll help you build your trip around the perfect stay.
Includes:
Open search across multiple countries 4-6 destinations with accommodation suggestions
Deeply tailored research based on your travel style, budget, season, accessibility & more
Overview of each destination and how it fits your trip
Shared within 3 - 5 days
Perfect for: Big life trips, spontaneous escapes, honeymoons or anyone planning a holiday starting with the stay not destination.
*NOTE: Hotel nightly rate must be $300 USD or more to qualify for this service. Includes booking one room or up to a total of three rooms for a group at the same property for the same dates.
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"I want a full plan including where to stay and what to do. Either I’ll book the hotels myself or use TZG’s hotel booking service (above) and need you to handle the itinerary creation and bookings of the activities."
You want more than just a place to sleep - you want a plan that fits your interests and pace. I'll create a custom itinerary filled with activities and local highlights based on your primary interests.
Includes:
A custom itinerary with restaurant & activity recommendations.
Other suggestions: Zen things like parks, specialty coffee shops, unique foodie experiences, dinner reservations, etc.
NOTE: One itinerary of up to five calendar days, maximum of three activities per day.
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“I’m an experienced yoga retreat leader with loyal students that will follow me to the moon and back. I’m busy teaching and with yoga teacher trainings, I’ve led at least a few successful retreats near Seattle or even to Costa Rica and Mexico, but planning one in Paris, a European villa, or in Bali sounds time consuming and a bit out of my comfort zone.”
Full service retreat planning service for retreat leaders who will generate client interest, get the word out, get the sign ups, along with collecting the non-refundable deposits.
Contact me for a complimentary 30-minute video call to discuss where (downtown Paris, remote Bali, downtown Ubud, ‘a beach, a pool, quiet, remote), and props needed, the level of assistance needed, my role before during and after, budget per student, profitability expectations, time of year, etc. HINT: Being in remote or city center affects attractiveness to students and gives them either limited or limitless access to specialty coffee, food, independence, etc.)
I can assist with scouting*, rate and perk negotiations with properties, booking, site preparation, on-site scheduling, travel room assignments, pre & post hotel room reservations for students, etc.
Timeline (start planning 6 - 8 months in advance or 1 year if popular destination). Scheduling to start on a Sunday and close on a Friday is a best practice.
I’d personally plan to attend the retreat to ensure all runs smoothly and you can focus on teaching (depending on group size, leader & planner can get complimentary rooms).
*Advance scouting trips are possible for an extra fee, if you need support.
Definitions of Zen
The formal definition of “Zen” in the Cambridge Dictionary is, “A form of Buddhism, originally developed in Japan, that emphasizes that religious knowledge is achieved through emptying the mind of thoughts and giving attention to only one thing at a time.”
Its informal definition is, being relaxed and not worrying about things you can’t change and is rooted in concepts like “relaxation, rested, restored, mellow, chilled-out, and easy-going.” In summary, this is an approach that involves exploring destinations by maintaining a sense of inner calm.
Using me to book your hotels and activities in France or Bali activates Zen vibes and reduces stress.
Every destination, whether it’s the serene streets of Paris or the “yoga village-health food” vibe of Bali, each offers unique opportunities to embrace Zen principles and to “Travel Slow, With Soul”.
For example, in Paris, the local farmers’ markets and a plethora of organic grocery store co-op’s brim with fresh, organic produce and artisan-crafted French delicacies, making mindful nutrition a delight. Meanwhile, the sound of bells (and free organ concerts) from ancient churches invite us to have moments of reflection amidst the city’s vibrant energy. In the Ubud area, nature’s embrace is ever-present, with hidden verdant rice terraces, an old-growth monkey forest and tranquil Hindu temples providing sanctuaries for the soul.
Destinations are not just about visiting as tourists; they are about experiencing and living in harmony with the world around us. Through my travels, I seek to share and then offer these Zen-inspired insights with you through Accommodation and Activity Bookings and Retreat Organization Services that focus on wellness at its finest.
To me, “Zen” means discovering specific things to do and places on the planet that support a mindful, Zen-like, lifestyle and fall into any of the following buckets that I frequently post about @TheZenGuy1 on Instagram:
Categories of
Zen
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Healthy food choices: organic, locally-grown produce and real food crafted by artisans (chocolate, coffee, bread, pastries, cheese, natural wine, etc.). Restaurant meal / Bakery styled options that are: locavore, vegan, ethnic, gluten-free, etc.
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Organic, locally made skincare products and wellness services (alternative healing modalities, spa treatments, Ayurveda).
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Ways we can actively enhance our physical and emotional well-being, featuring yoga, walking, bicycling, etc.
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Experiences where we can readily immerse ourselves in the natural world.
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Opportunities where we can make connections with others.
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Earth-friendly lodging & transportation options, including those with views of nature, certified-eco accommodations (by Green Key, Earthcheck, etc.), or eco-building methods as well as transportation options that have a reduced fossil fuel footprint (train, tram, bus, bicycle).
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Places and activities to encounter rejuvenation, relaxation or meditation in temples, churches and shrines with a spiritual significance. Sound baths.
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Specific destinations that I’ve evaluated from the perspective of one’s ability to live a Zen lifestyle there. This also includes tips related to the practicalities of living a Zen life no matter where one finds themself.
Let’s Bring Your Vision To Life
Ready to explore the possibilities? Reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation and discover how I can transform your ideas into a seamless, unforgettable journey.
Contact me here or via my FORA Advisor Profile page.
Email
Michael@TheZenGuy.com
WhatsApp
+33611777285
Paris, France
06.11.77.72.85