What is in a Name?
The significance of names cannot be overstated. They’re a key part of our identity and often carry deep personal, cultural, historical, and familial ties. For brands, the etymology and intention behind their names can help them build connection and a likeminded community.
Slojourn Studio is so much more than a brand name: it encapsulates our philosophy as a company and as a team. It is a play on some of the words that mean the most to us as conscious travel advocates: SLOW JOURNEYS. SLOW JOURNALS. SOJOURNS.
Slow travel is at the very core of our vision, which is to do good things for the planet and her people. We unite with other brands who share this simple but important intention, and we invite you to join us as we explore the meaning behind the names of some of our favourite travel brands in the hope that it helps you understand and admire them that little bit more!
The Mysa Motel ‘Cosy’
According to the owners of the Mysa Motel – a seven-room motel on the Gold Coast – Mysa is Swedish for ‘cosy’. While Jase and Eliza have an eye for style, they admit that function was just as important to them during the design process: “We took quite a utilitarian approach to interior design, as we want our guests to be as comfortable as possible.”
To that end, rooms are decked out with practical amenities and features such as blockout blinds, USB charging points, filtered water, Australian Asthma Foundation approved beds, smart TVs and silent fridges.
The motel is entirely self-serviced, which means upon booking, guests receive a unique code that grants them access the property and their room with keyless entry via keypad – the ultimate in privacy and independence!
Ani Private Resorts ‘Journey Ahead’
The world’s first private resort collection offering exclusive retreats in the most beautiful and far-flung corners of the earth, ÀNI Private Resorts draws its name from the Swahili word andjani, which aptly means the ‘journey ahead’.
This refers not only to the time shared by ÀNI guests at each resort as part of life’s journey, but also to the future offered to students of the non-profit ÀNI Art Academies organisation. Inspired by the idea that an arts education could bring opportunities to those without in beautiful, developing nations worldwide, the ÀNI story began in 2010, when both organisations were founded by philanthropist and arts patron, Tim Reynolds.
ÀNI’s destinations include Thailand’s Koh Yao Noi Island, Sri Lanka’s south coast, a private peninsula on the Dominican Republic’s north coast, and the northern cliffs of Anguilla Island, with each resort claiming a spectacular natural setting close to its local ÀNI Art Academy.
Soneva
‘Sonu & Eva’
In 1995, Indian British hotelier Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva reinvented the notion of island luxury with the creation of Soneva Fushi, the first “castaway” resort to grace the crystalline shores of the Maldives.
The word Soneva is a beautiful convergence of their first names (Sonu and Eva), while Fushi means 'island' in Dhivehi. Hidden among dense foliage within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the deserted island of Kunfunadhoo, the resort pioneered the back-to-nature, barefoot luxury trend.
Inspired by a word that means ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is the brand’s second luxury resort in the destination, also fusing the Robinson Crusoe fantasy with an intelligent approach to service, aesthetic and experience, it set the standard for island resorts worldwide.
Resplendent Ceylon
‘Resplendent Isle’
Sri Lanka means ‘resplendent isle’ and the Resplendent Ceylon brand comprises three unique resorts that offer travellers a range of ‘resplendent’ experiences linked to the country’s deep history, culture, and nature.
The award-winning Ceylon Tea Trails in the Central Highlands; Cape Weligama, a luxe cliffside retreat near Galle; and Wild Coast Tented Lodge take guests on an immersive journey through the heart, soul and gastronomy of the island nation.
Operated by the Fernando family – the founders and producers of Dilmah tea – the ‘Ceylon’ reference in the brand’s name is a nod to their commitment to ethical tea production and a genuine pride in sharing their country with interested visitors from abroad.
Y Travel ‘Yvonne, Y Factors’
Y Travel is Australia’s premier luxury, purpose-led travel agency, exisiting in the intersection between passion and intention. Specialising in high-end leisure travel, the forward-thinking team carefully curate every journey, drawing on their insider knowledge, unequalled access, and network of experts to create superlative travel experiences.
Founded in 2020 by industry powerhouse, Yvonne Verstandig, the Y Travel team design their clients’ travel plans according to what kindles their wanderlust, inspires them to seek new experiences, and the emotions they wish to evoke.
Like all great names, Y Travel is a play on words. It pays homage to Yvonne, the company’s founder; to its industry-leading set of ‘Y Factors’ that yield intuitive travel solutions; and to the team’s vision, which is to redirect the travel industry toward a more purposeful path by encouraging travellers to ask the ever-important question… ‘why?’.