GR8 is a team of highly qualified professionals committed to creating unique experiences tailored to you and your passions.
Showcase
Discover some of the signature experiences produced by GR8.
Once Upon a Kitchen
Culinary
‘Once Upon A Kitchen’ is the multi-layered sensorial experience created and produced exclusively by GR8. It consists of a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between the greatest master chefs in the world in iconic locations around the globe. Hosted by world renowned chef Massimo Bottura, and his team from Osteria Francescana, the event is a culinary voyage like no other celebrating the excellence of Italian cuisine as it embraces other cultures, with special guests from the world of entertainment and music. In its latest edition, which took place in Miami on May 5th 2023, Massimo joined forces with with Juan Manuel Barrientos, one of the most revolutionary young chefs who is changing the face and perception of Latin American cuisine with his Michelin starred restaurant El Cielo; and Chef Bernardo Paladini, the first chef of the Michelin starred restaurant, Torno Subito in Dubai and soon of Torno Subito Miami. To enhance the journey, Dr. Alex Ott, the famed master alchemist, molecular biologist, flavor scientist, author and healer created a series of elixirs served during the cocktail hour; while DJ producer, Benny Benassi, who is behind top hits like “Satisfaction” and “Beautiful People,” performed during the afterparty, bringing guests energetic beats until the early morning.
Once Upon a Kitchen
Culinary
‘Once Upon A Kitchen’ is the multi-layered sensorial experience created and produced exclusively by GR8. It consists of a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between the greatest master chefs in the world in iconic locations around the globe. Hosted by world renowned chef Massimo Bottura, and his team from Osteria Francescana, the event is a culinary voyage like no other celebrating the excellence of Italian cuisine as it embraces other cultures, with special guests from the world of entertainment and music. In its latest edition, which took place in Miami on May 5th 2023, Massimo joined forces with with Juan Manuel Barrientos, one of the most revolutionary young chefs who is changing the face and perception of Latin American cuisine with his Michelin starred restaurant El Cielo; and Chef Bernardo Paladini, the first chef of the Michelin starred restaurant, Torno Subito in Dubai and soon of Torno Subito Miami. To enhance the journey, Dr. Alex Ott, the famed master alchemist, molecular biologist, flavor scientist, author and healer created a series of elixirs served during the cocktail hour; while DJ producer, Benny Benassi, who is behind top hits like “Satisfaction” and “Beautiful People,” performed during the afterparty, bringing guests energetic beats until the early morning.
The Orient Express
Immersive
It’s the roaring twenties – an era of elegance, red hot jazz and hedonistic pleasures. Join us on a glamorous trip from Paris to Venice on the legendary Simplon-Orient-Express. Interact with the characters, while a murder mystery drama unfolds around you in a unique theatrical performance. Eavesdrop on affairs, gossip and secret embraces; enjoy the comfort of your luxury room and get a nice rest as the morning could bring disturbing news… be ready to piece together all the clues and unmask the killer before the train arrives in Venice.
The Orient Express
Immersive
It’s the roaring twenties – an era of elegance, red hot jazz and hedonistic pleasures. Join us on a glamorous trip from Paris to Venice on the legendary Simplon-Orient-Express. Interact with the characters, while a murder mystery drama unfolds around you in a unique theatrical performance. Eavesdrop on affairs, gossip and secret embraces; enjoy the comfort of your luxury room and get a nice rest as the morning could bring disturbing news… be ready to piece together all the clues and unmask the killer before the train arrives in Venice.
Midnight in Paris
Unique Destinations
As Audrey Hepburn once said, Paris is always a good idea. GR8 is known to offer a truly outstanding experience in the French Capital. A very unique tour of the city’s finest cultural institutions, best restaurants and authentic Parisian activities; from private after hours museum visits to wine tastings in historic cellars or dining like royalty at Versailles, we look forward to designing the perfect itinerary for you.
Midnight in Paris
Unique Destinations
As Audrey Hepburn once said, Paris is always a good idea. GR8 is known to offer a truly outstanding experience in the French Capital. A very unique tour of the city’s finest cultural institutions, best restaurants and authentic Parisian activities; from private after hours museum visits to wine tastings in historic cellars or dining like royalty at Versailles, we look forward to designing the perfect itinerary for you.
Miami Racing 2023
Automotive
This new race is poised to be one of the best races on the year. With a brand new race track being built around the Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami taxing 2023 will be like no other, mixed with the city lifestyle: glamor, parties, luxury, art, fun and much more. Attend the race with VIP access, including driver meet-and-greets, exclusive pit lane walks and more!
Miami Racing 2023
Automotive
This new race is poised to be one of the best races on the year. With a brand new race track being built around the Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami taxing 2023 will be like no other, mixed with the city lifestyle: glamor, parties, luxury, art, fun and much more. Attend the race with VIP access, including driver meet-and-greets, exclusive pit lane walks and more!
E-Motion by GR8 - The Monaco Racing Experience
Automotive
GR8 gives you the opportunity to watch the Monaco Grand-Prix aboard the luxurious yacht E-Motion by GR8 located in the front row of the marina with a direct view of the circuit. For the 2023 edition, our guests met with former F1 legendary drivers including Jean Alesi, Giancarlo Fisichella and David Coulthard, tasted the unique delicacies prepared by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Sarri and enjoyed exclusive entertainment by GR8. In the evening, GR8 privatized exclusively for its guest, the 3 Michelin star restaurant Mirazur crowned best restaurant in the world in 2019. Here chef Mauro Colagreco created a unique culinary experience in awe-inspiring surroundings.
E-Motion by GR8 - The Monaco Racing Experience
Automotive
GR8 gives you the opportunity to watch the Monaco Grand-Prix aboard the luxurious yacht E-Motion by GR8 located in the front row of the marina with a direct view of the circuit. For the 2023 edition, our guests met with former F1 legendary drivers including Jean Alesi, Giancarlo Fisichella and David Coulthard, tasted the unique delicacies prepared by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Sarri and enjoyed exclusive entertainment by GR8. In the evening, GR8 privatized exclusively for its guest, the 3 Michelin star restaurant Mirazur crowned best restaurant in the world in 2019. Here chef Mauro Colagreco created a unique culinary experience in awe-inspiring surroundings.
Dream it or live it
What makes us proud is earning every day the loyalty of our clients through the flawless delivery of these powerful experiences. Our returning client rate of over 90% is what puts a smile in our daily work. It’s a testament to our longstanding success, our continued passion to instill memories for a lifetime and your incredible desire to discover with every new experience perhaps a bit of yourself too.
Our team

Our team of professionals come from the international spheres of luxury, travel, art and sports, experienced in meeting the needs of UHNW private clients and international companies. Together we have built a highly creative and efficient environment to transform dreams into unique experiences that clients can share with those close to them. We not only provide our clients with access to a worldwide network of partners and influencers that have met our service standards, but we offer our own local knowledge, fluency in various languages, around-the-clock hosting services and truly impeccable taste; ultimately differentiating GR8 from the rest.

Barnabas Carrega
CEO
Luca Pavanelli
COO
Venanzio Ciampa
CMO
Daniele Castelnuovo
Director of Italy Experiences
Carolina Villar
Global Director of Client Services
Benito Perez Barbadillo
Tennis Experience Expert
Martin Saravia
Director of Sports Experiences
Niccolo Gallivanoni
Sales & Business Development
Niki Urquidi
Client Service Representative
Tess Blum dit Barret
Director of Client Services Europe
Natalia Lugliani
Experience Expert
Waylon Chin
Strategic Advisor
Ravi Thakran
Maverick Carter
Emma Gibson
Director of Business Development Asia Pacific
Partners
Barnabas Carrega
CEO
Partner
Barnabas Carrega grew up in Milan and then moved to Boca Raton to pursue a tennis career. He attended the Evert Tennis Academy before earning an athletic scholarship at the University of Miami. Barnabas earned a degree in sports management from the University of Miami and played four years of varsity tennis. His working experiences consist of account and client management at the Evert tennis academy, and sales executive at Wembley Stadium for IMG development of Wembley.
Luca Pavanelli
COO
Partner
Luca Pavanelli was born and raised in Milan, Italy. Luca accepted a scholarship to attend Lynn University in Boca Raton (FL) where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and earned corporate experience from his time working at top business consulting institutions and collaborating with Fortune 1000 and 500 companies. Luca is responsible for the development of Miami experiences, promoting business development and exploring new lucrative sectors to market the GR8 brand and to increase global expansion.
Venanzio Ciampa
CMO
Partner
Venanzio Ciampa started his in marketing and communications at the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch company, and LVMH, the world’s largest luxury group. After working as a journalist for Italian TV Rai, Venanzio started his agency The Promotion Factory, strategizing marketing, events and media buy for luxury brands such as Hublot, Gucci, TAG Heuer, Girard-Perregaux and many more. Described by The New York Post as “the New York marketing maestro," Venanzo heads GR8's Marketing team.
Maverick Carter
Partner
Maverick Carter is chief executive officer (CEO) of SpringHill Entertainment, an entertainment and content company that he and LeBron James launched in 2008 and that develops creative content across a variety of platforms including digital, documentary, and feature films and television; and he is also CEO of its athlete empowerment company, Uninterrupted. In addition to his expanding entertainment endeavors, Carter has an extensive background in marketing and business development.
Ravi Thakran
Partner
Mr. Ravi Thakran founded L Capital Asia in 2008 and led it as Chairman and Managing Partner from its inception. Mr. Thakran led the development of L Capital Asia which went on to become one of the largest consumer-focused growth investors in Asia. With L Capital Asia, Ravi invested in over 35 companies across Asia Pacific. Five of these companies crossed $1 billion in annual revenues.
Benito Perez Barbadillo
Tennis Experience Expert
Partner
Benito joined the ATP in 1996 where he spent 11 years learning the business as he performed different roles covering many different markets around the world. He is the first personal PR Manager for tennis players, currently for Rafael Nadal and previously for Novak Djokovic. Having joined GR8 in 2011, Benito uses his unmatched knowledge and connections to further enhance the incomparable value of our experiences.
Team
Daniele Castelnuovo
Director of Italy Experiences
Partner
Daniele Castelnuovo serves as Director of Italy Experiences. Supported by his vast network of leading providers in the entertainment and travel industry, with a deep understanding of the local cultures and exclusive access to major events all over Italy, Daniele is committed to developing truly unique experiences. With a focus on the needs of individual clients as well as corporate groups, he thoroughly orchestrates each experience, coordinates logistics and executes all details on the client’s behalf
Carolina Villar
Global Director of Client Services
Partner
Carolina Villar Diaz was born and lives in Miami, Florida. Raised bilingual in Spanish and English with influence from both her Cuban and Venezuelan heritages, Carolina has extensive experience in hospitality, sales and client services within the ultra-high end and luxury markets. As Global Director of Client Service she manages the client service department and collaborates with the team of experience experts to ensure a seamless and excellent program execution.
Martin Saravia
Director of Sports Experiences
Partner
Martin Saravia was born in New York, grew up in Buenos Aires, before returning to the US to attend college in California. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management from Menlo College, where he was a starter on the varsity soccer team. His experiences include having worked for leading global sports agencies, highly ranked professional teams as well as major league tournaments. With GR8 Martin continues to create, develop and deliver truly unique sports experiences.
Tess Blum dit Barret
Director of Client Services Europe
Partner
Born and raised in Paris, Tess lived a year in Australia and a year in Spain and completed her studies in Tourism, graduating with honors with a Master's Degree at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Thanks to many years of work experience and more than 50 tours led in various destinations, she has developed an excellent knowledge of the Tourism industry and built very strong relationships with clients and providers all over the world.
Emma Gibson
Director of Business Development Asia Pacific
Partner
Emma started her career in Hong Kong in 2008 working in the Acquisitions Team as a Financial Analyst for one of the world’s leading real estate private equity firms. Emma then worked her way up at VistaJet serving as President for Asia Pacific, creating the leading luxury private aviation brand within the Asian market. Emma was responsible for client generation and retention, setting strategic goals in Asia, educating the local market on the VistaJet value proposition, establishing and driving strategic partnerships.
Niccolo Gallivanoni
Sales & Business Development
Partner
Niccolo’ Gallivanoni was born near Milan, raised in Switzerland for the first part of his life. In 2007 he moved to New York City to work at the Corbin & Associates of New York. Here he also started a small film production house participating at festivals such as Sundance, Berlin and Venice with a series of short films. Back in Italy, he collaborated first with some important fashion brands overseeing the business development as well as the creation of unique events.
Niki Urquidi
Client Service Representative
Partner
Born and raised in Miami, Niki is GR8’s client service representative. She is a former college swimmer at the University of Florida and a 2016 Olympic Trials Qualifier and passionate about travel, animals, family, and outdoor adventures.
Natalia Lugliani
Experience Expert
Partner
Natalia Lugliani was born and raised in Los Angeles, California in a large Italian-American family. She obtained a Master in Italian Language and worked as a concierge in a 5 star luxury resort helping create events for Fendi, Coleman BBQ's, MTV, Blackberry, Levi's, Coca cola and Hydrafacial. She enrolled in a Master program at the renowned Les Roches University in Marbella, Spain where she completed her second masters in Marketing Management and Luxury Tourism. As a GR8 experience expert, Natalia is committed to create unforgettable memories that are cherished forever.
Waylon Chin
Strategic Advisor
Partner
Waylon was ranked as the #1 junior tennis player in the United States and represented the country in Junior Davis Cup and Junior Grand Slam Competition. Waylon was an inaugural partner of GR8 and helped grow the company into the leading business in its industry with corporate clients that include American Express and UBS. Waylon currently serves also on the board of Splyce (now part of OverActive Media), one of the world’s leading eSports organizations.
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