In early 2024, I took one of the biggest risks of my life: quitting my job to pursue entrepreneurship and go all in.
I didn’t have a master plan – just a few business ideas I wanted to explore while also taking some time to travel and be around family and friends.
I was living in Toronto, working at one of the top banks in Global Equities Business Management.
I’d been with the company for a few years – built great relationships, had a good salary, and a clear path to Director, Managing Director, or any fancy title.
But I knew I was playing the wrong game. I wasn’t miserable, but I knew it wasn’t for me.
My journey from corporate comfort to building Arrimo wasn’t straightforward, but it started with a leap of faith and an unexpected trip.
Here’s how it all began.
Table of Contents
Istanbul Adventure
My first destination was Istanbul, traveling with my friend Alykhan.
He had just gotten laid off and had time to travel too. We met during our university days and previously co-founded Trvlar together, so we were both feeling that itch to build again.
This time, we were exploring opportunities in the fashion industry.
Turkiye is known for its clothing production, and I thought we could bring something unique to the Western market – something that combined quality craftsmanship with design inspiration we hadn’t seen back home.
We spent a few weeks visiting suppliers, touring factories, and seeking inspiration. But nothing really clicked.
While this trip was mainly about business, we also made time to explore the country – hopping around Istanbul and even spending a weekend in Bodrum.
Luxury Experience
What stood out most wasn’t just the places we visited – it was how we traveled.
We were staying in luxury hotels and resorts. Beautiful stays, great service.
Kind of weird when you see two unemployed guys living it up. But the truth is, it cost way less than what I have paid in the past for very mediocre stays.
Alykhan’s family owned a hotel franchise in Canada, which gave them access to significant hotel discounts, perks like early check-in, late check-out, and other upgrades.
Thanks to that, we stayed at premium hotels and resorts for significantly less than what most people would expect.
I thought back to my early 20s – staying at budget hotels, sometimes outside the city center, just to save money. And while that kind of travel has its charm, it often meant sacrificing comfort and convenience. But what if we didn’t have to compromise?
Where you stay shapes how you experience the city.
Our Stay in Sri Lanka
A few months later, I traveled to Sri Lanka with my family.
We stayed at a beautiful resort, and even though I’d been to the country before, this trip felt different.
Staying somewhere exceptional didn’t just make the trip better – it became part of the experience itself.
After long days of exploring, there was nothing better than coming back to a spacious, comfortable room with beautiful views.
The hospitality, the attention to detail, and even the way hotel staff shared stories about the country – all of it added depth to the journey.
It made me realize that where you stay isn’t just a place to sleep – it’s a core part of the experience.
Arrimo
That led me to a question I’ve had for years: How can we make travel better?
What if you could experience the world’s finest hotels and experiences – without overspending?
What if luxury travel didn’t have to be expensive or unattainable?
That idea led to Arrimo, a membership for travelers like you and me. A membership that unlocks incredible stays, exclusive perks, and unforgettable experiences at some of the world’s best hotels.
Conclusion
The name Arrimo comes from a Portuguese word that means “someone committed to helping others” And that’s exactly what we aim to do – help you travel better.
Ready to transform the way you travel?
Join Arrimo today and discover a world where luxury travel becomes accessible, where every stay enhances your journey, and where you can create memories that last a lifetime.
Visit our website now to learn more about membership benefits and start your journey to better travel experiences.