Who is behind it

Giada Olto

Founder of Jiwa Tribe and travel designer

Giada Olto is a surfer, diver and full-time traveller. She lived two or three months at a time in different corners of the world, between work, volunteering and waves. Jiwa was born from that path, not from an idea on paper.

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How it started

Giada Olto started leaving on her own. Not for a week: for months, staying in a place until it became home. Working in a surf camp, volunteering, learning the habits of the people living there. Friendships grew in those places, and Jiwa itineraries grew from those friendships.

In Malay jiwa means soul. The soul of Giada’s trips is people: the ones you meet on site and the ones you leave with.

How she designs a trip

No catalogues. Every Jiwa trip starts from a place where Giada lived or knows in person, from the people living there and from what really matters in that place. The itinerary is tested before being offered, and during the trip Giada is with the group from start to finish: point of contact, coordinator and travel companion.

Why travel with Giada Olto

Because the group is small and she knows everyone by name. Because she knows what it means to land alone in a new country. Because the ocean is her language and surf, for those who want it, is part of every trip. And because she always comes back with a tribe, not with a list of places seen.

“I lost and found myself around the world. With Jiwa I want to take other people travelling with me, to the places I know and love.”

Giada