show episodes
 
Do you love travel? Are you always searching for the absolute best experiences? Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel’s most iconic people. We’ll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world’s top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels. You’ll leave ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
I’m excited for you to join me today in the southern part of Tuscany, an area called Maremma, and one we haven’t yet explored on the show. Here you’ll find sun-kissed olive groves, pristine stretches of coastline, and of course, gorgeous wines. We’re settling in at the stunning Castello di Vicarello for a chat with my friend, and the owner, Neri Ba…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re venturing into the Atlantic, making stops on the islands of The Azores and Madeira. Imagine stunning verdant volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and temperate weather all year round. Don’t forget incredible food and a unique expression of Portuguese culture. My guests today are Filipe Fraga from Madeira and Beatriz Sousa from …
  continue reading
 
My guest today is Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and President of AmaWaterways. AMA has been sharing its passion for river cruising around the world for more than 20 years, but Rudi has a deep history going back to the very beginnings of this type of travel. Rudi shares with us the history of river cruising, his fascinating personal history, some entre…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of turquoise lagoons, emerald-green islands, and coral-fringed shores. Whether you’re diving with sharks, climbing the ridge of a volcanic peak, or relaxing in your overwater bungalow - French Polynesia, or Tahiti for short - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. We have a fun show for you today, wi…
  continue reading
 
The date of recording for today’s show is February 7th, 2024. That’s important because our show today is very topical and time sensitive. As some of you may know there has been a crackdown on organized crime and drug trade in Ecuador over the past month. Sadly for me and my friends and partners in the region, this crack down and the resulting sensa…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed to the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. While all three countries are different in culture and in language, what they share is having borne witness to the same history and the courage to protect their individual identities through centuries of tumult. This is a fascinating region of the world to visit, not only…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re indulging in fine cuisine, going behind the scenes of couture fashion houses like Chanel and Dior, and delving into some of the world’s most important traditions in art. Paris, the City of Light, has always been at the forefront of luxury, indulgence, and craftsmanship. Joining me to chat on all things art, fashion, and history are my f…
  continue reading
 
We have a fun episode for you today, centered around Costa Rica and family travel. As one of our most popular destinations, we’re always working to find new and interesting ways to explore this beautiful country and to help families make lasting memories. Joining me on this episode is my friend and partner in the region, Javier Echecopar. Javier al…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed deep into the American West to discover magical deserts, epic adventures, impossibly big skies, and wildlife you just can’t see anywhere else in the world. This is a land of contrasts - from the hottest desert, to the largest trees; from the longest canyon, to the world’s most epic super volcano. And aside from the natural wonder…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re peeking into the world of survival travel - taking trips to learn important survival skills and putting them into practice in a real life setting. If you’ve ever been curious about truly getting back to nature, this episode is for you! My guests today are my friends Tom Williams and Roman Chiporukha. Tom started an experience company ca…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re whisking you off to a set of secluded islands in the Indian Ocean. This special place is so beautiful and remote, that it is often touted as the original Garden of Eden. Joining me to chat all things Seychelles, is our partner in the region Tomas Cochrane. Whether you’re looking for a far flung, relaxing, tropical paradise, or a more ac…
  continue reading
 
This week we’re up to something a little different. I invited three of my travel industry friends to join me in conversation about some of our favorite hotels of the year, some of our biggest travel pet peeves, and some of the lessons we hope our followers, clients, and guests will take home with them from their next trips. Joining me today are Wen…
  continue reading
 
Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist. Chatting holiday traditions with me today are Cristina Consuegra, our partner …
  continue reading
 
Joining us today for the second time is Matthew Upchurch, one of the most influential people in the world of luxury travel, and the CEO of Virtuoso. Last time Matthew joined us, we had an insightful conversation about the history of travel, so this time around I thought we’d focus on the future of travel. We delve into topics as diverse as AI, the …
  continue reading
 
We’re taking another trip to Paris to learn more about the 2024 summer games, and about the history of the games in general. Our guest is Dave Guenther, Founder & President of Roadtrips - my go to partner when planning luxury travel centered around sporting events. And the partner I am traveling with to the Summer Games in Paris next year as well. …
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed to Montenegro - where alpine mountains meet crystalline seas, where warmth and humor are still important, and where you can choose your own adventure between relaxing, exploring, or focusing on your health. My guest today is Tessa Gorman, the Managing Director of the gorgeous One & Only Portonovi in Montenegro. I love this episod…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed to the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain, and zeroing in on Mallorca. This magical island boasts quaint mountain towns, stunning beaches, and is quintessentially Mediterranean. Think olive oil from hundred year old trees, oranges blossoming all over the island, and of course wine and local specialties. My guests today are E…
  continue reading
 
I’m thrilled to take you on a journey today over to Africa, and to bits of Asia and South America too. But the core of our conversation will be about the fine balancing act between land, people, and wildlife. Joss Kent, the CEO of andBeyond and former CEO of Abercrombie & Kent joins me today to explain how the three of these elements can and do wor…
  continue reading
 
Today… we’re going skiing! And not just in Colorado, or Utah, or California - but all over the world from Chile, to Japan, to Italy and France. Our guests today are the brother and sister team, Rick Reichsfeld and Richelle Blanken. The duo grew up skiing competitively, both raced in college, and then Richelle even raced professionally. When Richell…
  continue reading
 
Today we visit the magical Kingdom of Bhutan. My guest Sally Baughen is the General Manager of five newly built Six Senses lodges situated across five diverse valleys - rich with experiences, natural beauty, and surprising new ways to look at life. Though you can visit each lodge independently, the wellness gurus at Six Senses have designed it as a…
  continue reading
 
In honor of Halloween, today’s show is all about two of my favorite cities, witches, hauntings, druids and more. My guests today are Lauren Tarantino and Russell Nash. Lauren’s family can directly trace its roots in the city of New Orleans back for 300 years, she’s also currently earning a masters in New Orleans history and is a ghost tour guide in…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed a bit off the beaten path, to the world’s largest island of Greenland. Though often called the land of ice and snow, in the summer you can find wildflowers, berries, beautiful fjords, and a robust local culture. Whether you’re looking to escape the frenzy of cities and popular tourist destinations, have an interest in marine life…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re heading down to the white continent of Antarctica. This vast land holds an extremely special place in my heart and this was my second trip to the continent. This time I visited by flying over from South Africa and staying at one of White Desert’s beautiful camps called Echo Camp. I took along my recording equipment and am so glad I did …
  continue reading
 
Today we’re visiting a destination that could define the word paradox - where the city is monumental in size, but the people are still warm. Where modern art takes its cues from the fringes, while also honoring history. And the culinary scene… is recognized as one of the best in the world, yet many dishes are still prepared in the same ancient meth…
  continue reading
 
Welcome to a very special episode of Luxury Travel Insider! As we celebrate three incredible years of this podcast, we're ready to shake things up. In a nice twist, our host, Sarah Groen, is stepping into the guest spotlight for the day. Leading the interview are two of our most treasured guests from previous shows. Valentina De Santis, the visiona…
  continue reading
 
Our guest today is Sven Lindblad, Founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad is the quintessential expedition company, operating 15 ships around the world and in partnership with National Geographic. If you ever fancied yourself exploring Antarctica, visiting “off the tourist track” fjords in Alaska, diving in the Galapagos with sea lions, o…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed a bit off the beaten path, to Southeast Asia, and visiting the country of Lao. Lao or Laos means Land of a Million Elephants which is a symbol for prosperity - but the main draw to the country is the warm hospitality of its people. Whether you’re visiting to see spectacular waterfalls and jungle scenery, learn about the history o…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Picture yourself looking over the Dead Sea at sunset, or visiting the Baptism site of Jesus, or bashing along in a 4x4 in the desert of Wadi Rum. Whether you’re in the mood for ancient history, religious sites, relaxation, or adventure - Jordan has it all. I have two guests from Jordan joining …
  continue reading
 
Today we’re diving into the world of private yacht charters. Whether you’re taking 30 of your best friends on a mega yacht or just want a nice 4 cabin catamaran for your family in the British Virgin Islands - there is a yacht out there for you! I grew up sailing and during Covid I took a course on yacht brokering, so we love planning this type of t…
  continue reading
 
Today’s guests are Nicky Fitzgerald and Kate Fitzgerald Boyd - the mother-daughter duo who own and run Angama Mara in Kenya. Of the thousands of safari lodges across Africa, Angama Mara is always mentioned as one of the best. If you are the kind of person who loves heart-stoppingly beautiful views, this is the place for you. Not only can you lean o…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re making our way to one of my favorite cities in the US, Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s a magical place that inspires creativity, slowing down, and taking a breath. Joining me to chat all things Santa Fe are brothers Isaiah and Sharif Seret. The Seret family founded, owns, and runs The Inn of the Five Graces, often thought of as one of the be…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re visiting a country passionate about music, food, and enjoying life. While those passions are shared across the country, otherwise it is extremely diverse. The landscapes range from tropical beaches, to rainforest, to waterfalls, and more. The cities are huge and vibrant. The people are from cultural backgrounds as different as Japanese …
  continue reading
 
Today we’re focusing on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It wasn’t so long ago that I thought I might never have the ability to visit this vast country on the Arabian Peninsula. But let me tell you, things have changed! From stunning desert landscapes, to fascinating ancient history, to an absolutely stunning and untouched sliver of the Red Sea - Saudi…
  continue reading
 
Today we’ll be floating down the Nile River in Egypt. Close your eyes for a second and just think about the power of this ancient river. Its physical power has shaped the landscape of the African continent, but its energy has shaped the entire course of human history. One of the best ways to soak up the magnitude and importance of the Nile River Va…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed to Greece - land of crystalline seas, fabulously fresh food, and the cradle of democracy. My guests today are Yann Gillet and Jerome Colson, General Managers of the highly anticipated One&Only Aesthesis and One&Only Kea Island. I love this episode because we explore some lesser visited areas of Greece - the glamorous Athenian Riv…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re visiting the next frontier, looking up, and dreaming about what is possible for travel outside the confines of our amazing planet. Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP, joins me today to talk about space tourism and why this method of exploration is so important for our planet, our fellow humans, and ourselves. We dive into the history…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed back to New Zealand to uncover a hidden gem in the Wellington region. This southernmost part of the North Island is known for its elegant villages, boutique wineries, rural farmlands. My guest today is Richard Rooney, the GM of luxury lodge Wharekauhau. The lodge is set right on the banks of Palliser Bay and brings together all t…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re talking about the glamorous world of private aviation - from the history of air travel since the 60s, to how the industry is focusing on sustainability, to the different uses of this type of air travel. My guest today is George Galanopulos, the CEO of Luxaviation UK, an operator managing over 200 aircraft for all kinds of private air tr…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re jetting off to Tuscany - land of rolling green hills, Brunello di Montalcino, and of course those gorgeous hilltop towns that seem so sweetly frozen in time. Our journey takes us to a gorgeous farmstead spitting distance from Montepulciano to chat with friends, and the owners of the famed Lupaia boutique hotel. Heidi and Christopher Mue…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re discussing the fabulous destination of Croatia. If you’re not dying to make a visit after hearing these amazing stories, I am just not sure that we can be friends! Whether you’re sipping Istrian wines with a local, going canyoneering and white water rafting, or relaxing on a yacht while island hopping Dalmatia, you’ll certainly learn al…
  continue reading
 
On this episode we’re headed back to Kenya to chat with Mikey Carr Hartley, owner of The Safari Collection, which includes the Instagram famous Giraffe Manor. While you’ve undoubtedly seen beautiful images of the giraffes visiting guests at breakfast time, I want to be clear that The Safari Collection and its focus on conservation runs so much deep…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re visiting a country that I think is truly under-appreciated. A tropical paradise dotted with volcanoes, this destination is easy to get to and boasts amazing wildlife, interesting culture, and lots of active adventures. Joining me to chat all things Nicaragua are three experts in the region. Clark Kotula, who studied Nicaraguan politics …
  continue reading
 
Today we’re headed to France to learn about slowing down, enjoying life, and soaking it all in. Let’s jump on board a river barge to explore the back waterways of some of the most iconic regions of this beautiful country. Our guide for the day is Jonathan Foschini who runs guest experience for Les Bateaux Belmond, the most luxurious barge experienc…
  continue reading
 
Today we're taking you on a journey to the mystical land of Java, in Indonesia. I’m joined by Jann Hess, the General Manager of Amanjiwo, who'll give us a glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and spiritual energy of the island. Nestled in the heart of Central Java, Amanjiwo is surrounded by ancient temples, lush rice paddies…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re whisking you off to the Amalfi Coast to soak up la dolce vita. This little corner of the world boasts colorful villages clinging to the cliffs, spectacular coastal views, gorgeously prepared local foods, and a sparkle that’s just hard to put into words. Joining me today are father and son, my friends Antonio and Francesco Sersale. The S…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re heading back to Africa to spend some time in Namibia. If you don’t know much about Namibia - you’re about to be wowed. Whether it’s the massive sand dunes glowing in the sunset, the diversity of culture, or the uber unique wildlife that gets you - Namibia is sure to capture your heart. My guest today is Tristan Cowley, a born and raised…
  continue reading
 
Today we’re heading to the county of Suffolk in Eastern England, otherwise known as the forgotten county. While not a lot of tourists visit this area, it is chock full of beautiful nature reserves and is known for historical ruins and quaint seaside towns. My guest today is Harry Hunt, whose family owns a jewel of a property set on 8,000 acres of p…
  continue reading
 
Today we have a special guest joining us, Niels Olsen, the Minister of Tourism of Ecuador - and one of (if not the) youngest tourism ministers to hold the position on the globe. Ecuador holds a special place in my heart. Though the people are so warm, and it is one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet, the country is often overl…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide