A Decade of Choosing Differently: Sandie Lehal on Travel, Fulfilment, and Female Connection
As Sandie Lehal marks ten years in the travel industry, she reflects on leaving law, building a purpose-led business, and creating Sandstorm Elite Escapes. Her women-only journeys are redefining luxury travel as space, connection, and meaningful experience rather than excess.
There are milestones that feel louder than others. Ten years in business is one of them, not because of the numbers, but because of what it represents – staying power, growth, and the courage to keep choosing a path that feels right.
For Sandie Lehal, this year marks ten years since she stepped away from a successful career in law and into the world of travel. A move that, at the time, required more faith than certainty.
Before travelling, Sandie was working as a Criminal and Immigration Solicitor. It was a respected profession, intellectually demanding and emotionally heavy. But over time, it became clear that something fundamental was missing.
“I didn’t leave law because I failed at it. I left because I realised success there didn’t feel like success to me. Travel had always been the thing that lit me up, the thing I’d obsess over in my spare time, the thing friends trusted me to plan. At some point, I stopped ignoring that pull. I chose a life where I could build experiences instead of arguments — and I’ve never looked back.”
That decision opened doors to a world far removed from courtrooms. As her career in travel evolved, Sandie found herself working within the Formula One ecosystem, with a standout moment arriving at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2023, where she hosted Ashanti and her team, alongside Fatman Scoop and Akon, with The Richlist Group. A true pinch-me moment, and a sign of how far her journey had taken her.
Choosing to walk away from a secure career is never simple, particularly for women who are often conditioned to value stability over fulfilment. Yet ten years on, Sandie’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that when work is rooted in passion, purpose tends to follow.
From Travel to Something Deeper
Over the past decade, Sandie has built a reputation for thoughtful, high-end travel experiences, underpinned by strong global relationships and an instinctive understanding of what makes a journey feel special. But as her career evolved, so did her perspective.
Working closely with women across different stages of life and success, she began to notice a recurring theme. Many were thriving professionally, yet rarely giving themselves permission to pause.
Sandstorm Elite Escapes grew from that observation, not as a traditional travel offering, but as a response to a very real need.
“Creating a dedicated space for women felt natural because I kept meeting brilliant, driven women who were craving connection, adventure, and time that was just for them — without roles, labels, or expectations. Sandstorm Elite Escapes isn’t just about travel; it’s about giving women the freedom to show up as themselves, build meaningful friendships, and experience the world in a way that feels empowering, joyful, and unforgettable.”
These women-only escapes are intentionally intimate, small groups, carefully curated experiences, time designed, not just for seeing the world, but for reconnecting with themselves and each other.
What Happens When Women Create Space Together
Sandstorm Elite Escapes has already taken women to destinations such as Budapest for a Makeup Masterclass hosted at the W Hotel in 2024, the first Bali Sandstorm in 2025, with future journeys planned for Bali and Tulum this year. Sandie is set to announce her new trip to Grand Cayman in May 2027 at her first Members club meeting in March.
Each trip blends culture, adventure, rest, and moments of joy, but the real impact often lies in the emotional shift that takes place.
Women arrive carrying busy lives and full calendars. They leave lighter. More grounded. Often surprised by how quickly connection forms when there is no pressure to perform.
“What’s moved me most is watching women arrive as strangers and leave as a tribe. They come as solo travellers or a friend. I’ve seen confidence grow, walls come down, laughter get louder, and friendships form that carry on long after the trip ends. The feedback is always about more than the places we visit — it’s about how they felt: seen, supported, re-energised, and reminded of who they are outside of their everyday roles. Those transformations are the real reason I do this.”
For many women, the experience becomes a turning point. A reminder that taking time for themselves is not indulgent, but necessary.
A Founder Who Leads With Care
Those who travel with Sandie often speak about her presence as much as the destination. She is not simply organising experiences from afar. She is there. Attentive, thoughtful, and deeply invested in the women she brings together.
That approach reflects her wider values. Supporting women not just to travel, but to feel seen, safe, and supported in the process.
It is this combination of professionalism and warmth that has made Sandstorm Elite Escapes resonate so strongly.
Looking Ahead
As she reflects on ten years in the industry, Sandie is clear that this feels like a beginning rather than a peak. There is more to build, more places to explore, and more women to support in carving out space for themselves.
“Next for Sandstorm Elite Escapes is thoughtful growth — more extraordinary destinations, deeper experiences, and an even stronger sense of community among the women who travel with us. I see it evolving into a global sisterhood where each journey isn’t just a trip, but a chapter in a shared story of confidence, connection, and discovery.”
Her inspiration is constantly evolving too, shaped by the travel shows she attends and the global connections she continues to build, ensuring every experience feels fresh, curated, and far removed from anything formulaic.
There is also a clear intentionality around value. Pricing reflects the level of care, exclusivity, and experience involved, without compromise.
“I’m very intentional about pricing because I never want cost to dilute the experience. Every detail is chosen for a reason — from where we stay to what we do — so the value is felt in the moments, not just seen on paper. It’s about creating meaningful, seamless experiences without compromise, where women feel completely looked after and free to just enjoy the journey.”
A Celebration of Courage and Community
Changing careers takes bravery. Building something rooted in passion takes resilience. Creating space for other women to rest, reconnect, and grow takes generosity.
Ten years on, Sandie Lehal has done all three.
At Luxurist, supporting women in business and celebrating women who lift others as they rise sits close to our hearts. Sandstorm Elite Escapes is a reminder that success does not have to be loud to be powerful.
Sometimes, it looks like creating a table, inviting women to sit down, and reminding them they are allowed to take up space.
Congratulations to Sandie on ten years in travel, and on building something that feels both timely and deeply.
