The Hibiscus International Story
Born to wander . . .
With a childhood rooted in the aviation industry, it was inevitable that Anne Brobyn would look to the skies and feel the pull of wanderlust.
From an early age, Anne’s love of travel fueled her curiosity to explore the world. As a youth worker and educator, she ventured far beyond her suburban upbringing, discovering that travel not only enriched her own life but also deepened her understanding of different cultures. Her passion for cultural and niche tourism was further recognized when she received a prestigious award from the United Nations’ International Institute for Peace in Tourism. It was a defining moment—Anne realized that travel was more than a passion; it was her calling.
Bequia bound . . .
In the mid-1980s, after experiencing a life-altering crisis, Anne made a bold decision: she packed up her young son and relocated to Bequia, a remote seven-square-mile island in the Caribbean, to heal and redefine her path. After two flights and a rough ferry crossing—shared with goats, lumber, rum, and lively chatter—the adventure truly began.
Life in Bequia required resilience, creativity, and the support of neighbours, especially as a single mother raising a five-year-old. Anne often jokes that her experience would have made for a compelling first season of Survivor—had it existed at the time. When her son lost his shoes overboard while out with local fishermen, he went barefoot for a month until she could find replacements in St. Vincent. It was a hardship for some, but for them, it became a lesson in adaptability. Life without TV, phones, or the internet meant making do, and in doing so, they discovered the richness of simplicity.
Through new friendships and volunteer work, Anne immersed herself in the local culture more deeply than she could have imagined. Bequia became the catalyst for a bold decision: leaving the security of a tenured position at one of Canada’s top colleges to pursue a life of travel. With determination, creativity, and a leap of faith, she founded Hibiscus International, turning her vision into reality.
Before returning to Canada, Anne’s son asked if they had truly “done without.” The answer was clear—they hadn’t. Instead, they had gained invaluable lessons, not only about Caribbean culture but about themselves. That experience shaped the foundation for what was to come. While the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing, it’s the adventure that continues to fuel Anne’s soul to this day.
Anne is truly a pioneer ahead of her time! Each adventure has been an important part of building her lifestyle retirement dream and the brand Anne is synonymous with – Hibiscus International!
and Now . . .
Anne is living the dream—exploring all corners of the world where culinary delights, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes await. When she’s not traveling, she’s at home entertaining friends and family in her garden, creating new memories filled with laughter, great food, and lively conversation.
With over 4 decades of experience, Anne is an award-winning travel expert dedicated to curating meaningful and culturally immersive experiences. Hibiscus International has evolved into a full-service IATA-licensed travel agency, working with individuals, groups, and organizations to design unforgettable getaways—whether it’s a milestone celebration, a family vacation, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure. We collaborate with local suppliers, educational institutions, and businesses to foster cross-cultural understanding, promote empathy, and cultivate a global perspective.
At Hibiscus International, we believe that travel is not just about where you go, but how you experience the journey. We are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients based on trust, expertise, and professional integrity.
Let’s turn your travel dreams into reality.