Luxury Travel Insider
213 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 82 ratingsDo 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 each episode with an Insider appreciation for new destinations, luxury travel, and all the heart that goes into creating these magical experiences.
Luxury Travel Insider is hosted by Sarah Groen, an expert in luxury travel. Sarah has traveled to 100 countries and all 7 continents, is a contributing travel columnist for CEO World Magazine, and is the owner of Bell & Bly Travel, a top travel advising firm working with executives and entrepreneurs.
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Episodes
Ireland | Adare Manor
March 27, 2024 07:00 - 52 minutes - 73.8 MBToday we’re winding our way down an idyllic country road in Ireland to the famed Adare Manor. Set in a charming village of thatched cottages, blooming rose gardens, and cobblestone streets, this jewel of County Limerick will have you wanting to come back over and over again. Joining me today is Brendon O’Connor, the General Manager of Adare Manor, which recently won the Conde Nast award for Best Resort in Europe. Brendan and I chat about everything from the potato famine to genealogy, to ...
The Maldives | Velaa Private Island: Hospitality Done Differently
March 20, 2024 07:00 - 45 minutes - 63.2 MBToday we’re headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of. Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we’re diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate. One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Private Island boasts exclusive over-water villas, a Troon golf course, water park for kids, and some of the friendliest service you’ll find anyw...
Castello Di Vicarello | Owner, Neri Baccheschi Berti: Love at First Sight in Tuscany
March 13, 2024 07:00 - 42 minutes - 59.2 MBI’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 Baccheschi Berti who in a surprising turn of events, tells us how he was actually born inside the castle during its renovation! Neri and I cha...
Azores & Madeira | Expert Panel: A Unique Expression of Portuguese Culture
March 06, 2024 08:00 - 41 minutes - 57.9 MBToday 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 The Azores. We chat about the differences and commonalities between these two destinations, the unique environment, and the authentic experienc...
AmaWaterways | President, Rudi Schreiner: The Past and Future of River Cruising
February 28, 2024 08:00 - 53 minutes - 74.5 MBMy 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 entrepreneurial stories from the early days of AMA, and more. We also hear about his favorite stops along some of the world’s most famous waterwa...
French Polynesia | Raphael Bernard: Getting to the Heart of Tahiti
February 21, 2024 08:00 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MBToday 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, with my friend and partner in the region, Raphael Bernard. Raphael has lived on a couple different islands in the archipelago and eats and bre...
In The Now | On The Ground in Ecuador, A Must Listen
February 14, 2024 08:00 - 44 minutes - 62.5 MBThe 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 sensationalization from the media has resulted in many visitors cancelling trips to this beautiful country… at exactly the time that Ecuadorians nee...
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania | Expert Panel: A Baltic Story of Freedom and Faith
February 07, 2024 08:00 - 57 minutes - 80.5 MBToday 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 because of the history, but because of the unspoiled coastlines and forests, charming traditions, and world class cities. My guests today a...
Paris | Expert Panel: Hidden Gems, Storytelling, and Nostalgia
January 31, 2024 08:00 - 58 minutes - 81.6 MBToday 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 friends Leah Walker and Philippe Hertzberg, two of our partners for ultra-special experiences in Paris. We discuss everything from art histo...
Costa Rica | A Father & Daughter Perspective on Family Travel
January 24, 2024 08:00 - 51 minutes - 72.3 MBWe 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 also brought along his 15 year old daughter, Fiore, to give us a bit of perspective on life in Costa Rica for kids and teens and to share some of...
The American West | Kevin Jackson: National Parks and Epic Adventures
January 17, 2024 08:00 - 46 minutes - 65.3 MBToday 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 wonders, we’ve got surfers, cowboys, Native Americans, and a melting pot of cultures in between. My guest today is Kevin Jackson, our partner for ult...
Luxury Survival Training | Expert Panel: Foraging, Fire, and Freedom (+ Insider Details from Alone UK)
January 10, 2024 08:00 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBToday 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 called Desert Island Survival and was the recent winner of the hit survival reality show, Alone UK. Roman has been a past guest of the show and ...
Seychelles | Tomas Cochrane: Island Hopping in the Garden of Eden
January 03, 2024 08:00 - 36 minutes - 51 MBToday 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 active adventure complete with interesting wildlife, hiking, and island hopping - the Seychelles really has something for almost everyone. ...
Besties Episode | Expert Panel: Luxury Travel Wrapped 2023
December 27, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 78.2 MBThis 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 Wendy Blandon, Hao Tang, and Simon Jones. All four of us are professional travelers, spending up to one third of the year out of the country. It’s...
Holiday Special | Expert Panel: Festivals, Christmas Markets, and Pillow Fights
December 20, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 54.1 MBThough 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 in Colombia; Helmut Kugler, our partner in Germany, and Malik Fernando, the owner and MD of the Resplendent Ceylon properties in Sri Lanka! ...
Virtuoso | CEO, Matthew Upchurch: The Future of Travel
December 13, 2023 08:00 - 57 minutes - 80.4 MBJoining 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 impact of technology on trust, the richness of having friends around the world, intergenerational collaboration, and more. Learn more at...
Paris | Summer Games 2024: The World of Sport Comes to the City of Light
December 06, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 51.6 MBWe’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. As you can imagine, we are both THRILLED for next year and we chat all about the history of the Olympics, the new sporting events we’ll see ...
Montenegro | One & Only Portonovi
November 29, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53 MBToday 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 episode because we dive into what makes Montenegro such a juicy country to visit but also into some touching stories about guests and beautiful exper...
Mallorca | Expert Panel
November 22, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 66.3 MBToday 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 Elena Florez, our partner in the region, and Rene Zimmer, the Managing Director of Cortesin Hotels and the brand new hot spot on the island, Gra...
andBeyond | CEO, Joss Kent: Building Human & Wildlife Connections in Africa and Beyond
November 15, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 129 MBI’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 work in concert to truly make the world a better place. We discuss everything from pangolin conservation, to extreme encounters with wildlife, ...
Ski Travel | Rick Reichsfeld & Olympian Richelle Blanken: Finding Perfect Powder, The Best Après-Ski in Europe, and How Skiing Brings us Together
November 08, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 40.6 MBToday… 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 Richelle left the national team - brother and sister teamed up to find a way to make a living from helping others experience the joy of skiing around t...
Bhutan | Six Senses Lodges: Gross National Happiness, A Place Where Time Slows Down, and The Value of Kindness
November 01, 2023 07:00 - 40 minutes - 38.5 MBToday 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 kind of journey - traveling through the country focusing outward on the experiences and culture and inward on your own experience of wellness. ...
Halloween Special | Expert Panel
October 25, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 62.4 MBIn 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 the city. And Russell, who is a Londoner through and through, is one of the top guides in the city and uses his background in theater to make ...
Greenland | Expedition Leader, Colby Brokvist
October 18, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 67.4 MBToday 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, or are fascinated by having an authentic experience with Inuit culture - Greenland is for you. Our guest today is Colby Brokvist, the lead...
Antarctica | White Desert: Meet The Guides
October 11, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBToday 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 because I think you’ll find the stories that follow quite inspirational. While my day to day was focused on mountaineering activities, what w...
Family Travel | Expert, Magali Dechelette: Crafting Magical Moments and The Art of Traveling With Kids
October 04, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 36.1 MBInstead of diving into a gorgeous hotel or fabulous destination, we’re jumping headlong into the nuance of family travel with my partner, and one of the world’s top experts, Magali Dechelette. So often our clients think that kids need to be in their teens to enjoy Europe, or that family travel is just too difficult. So we’re here today to dispel that myth. Whether you’re doing a treasure hunt at the Louvre, making your own paella dinner in Madrid, or going through gladiator training outs...
Mexico City | Expert Panel
September 27, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 69.9 MBToday 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 methods that they’ve always been. Joining me today to chat about Mexico City are three special guests - Octavio Aguilar, a real estate developer an...
Luxury Travel Insider | A Birthday Celebration
September 20, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBWelcome 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 visionary owner and CEO of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua in the Lake Como, one of the best hotels in Italy. And joining her is Fernando Polanc...
Lindblad Expeditions | Founder & CEO, Sven Lindblad: National Geographic, Becoming an Explorer, and Connecting Back to the Earth
September 13, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 36.4 MBOur 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, or poking around uninhabited islands of the UK, Japan, or the Med - Lindblad Expeditions is your jam. Exploring with Lindblad means authentic, ...
Laos | Expert Panel
September 06, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 71.7 MBToday 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 of this melting pot country, or simply immerse into the authentic culture - Lao is a place that captures hearts. My guests today are Tara Guj...
Jordan | Expert Panel
August 30, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 54.5 MBToday 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 me today, Mahmoud Salameh, an expert in planning itineraries through the region and Ali Harb, a fascinating guide with Bedouin roots. We di...
Yachting 101 | Trish Cronan
August 23, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MBToday 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 trip for our clients but there are still so many unknowns if you’ve never done a yacht charter so I wanted to have one of our partners join me t...
Angama Mara | Owners, Nicky & Kate: A Mother Daughter Team, The Filming of Meryl Streep's Out of Africa, and The Heart of Kenya
August 16, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutes - 50.4 MBToday’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 over your balcony and be suspended over the Maasai Mara National Park - but you can do it style. Nicky and her late husband Steve are weaved ...
Santa Fe | The Inn of The Five Graces
August 09, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutes - 65.3 MBToday 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 best hotels in America. The Inn is so special and boutique, and the service so bespoke that it’s almost hard to refer to it as a hotel. The br...
Brazil | Expert Panel: The Art and Soul of Enjoying Life
August 02, 2023 07:00 - 57 minutes - 80.7 MBToday 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 and African. Joining me to chat all things Brazil are three experts in the region. Joe Sandillo, our partner in Brazil; Fabio Delantonia, a che...
Saudi Arabia | Expert Panel: Challenging Stereotypes
July 26, 2023 07:00 - 56 minutes - 78.8 MBToday 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 Arabia has always had a lot to offer… you just couldn’t visit. Fast Forward to recent years and the Kingdom has thrown open its doors and inve...
Egypt | The Oberoi Zahra: Luxury Nile Cruiser
July 19, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBToday 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 Valley is to float down the river on a luxury cruiser. My guest today is Shamden Tamang, the head of operations for Oberoi’s new ship on the N...
Greece | One&Only Aesthesis and One&Only Kea Island: A Preview
July 12, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MBToday 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 Riviera set 25 minutes from the city center and the northernmost island of the Cyclades. Jumping straight into the heart and soul of Greek cult...
Space Tourism | SpaceVIP
July 05, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MBToday 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 and future of space tourism, what experiences are available to you right now, and how Roman is focused on bridging the gender and equality ...
New Zealand | Wharekauhau
June 28, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 41.5 MBToday 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 the elements of old New Zealand. The miles of rugged coastline and the working sheep farm will take you back to simpler times and remind you wha...
Private Air Travel | Luxaviation UK
June 21, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 61.9 MBToday 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 travel. George tells personal stories of how he would pilot their first aircraft when the company was a startup, some crazy requests they’ve g...
Tuscany | Lupaia
June 14, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MBToday 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 Mueller have been dreaming up their perfect spot in Italy for decades. After visiting over 60 properties in the surrounding regions they finally ...
Croatia | Alberto Dittadi: An Insider's Dubrovnik, The Land of Truffles, and the Art of Enjoying Life
June 07, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 40.1 MBToday 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 all about the Croatian phrase, Polako - meaning - slow down and enjoy life. Our guest today is Alberto Dittadi, an expert in the region and defi...
Kenya | The Safari Collection
May 31, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutes - 69.1 MBOn 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 deeper than a photo op. Those friendly giraffe are part of a wider conservation movement and Mikey’s other lodges like Sala’s Camp and Sasaab are in e...
Nicaragua | Expert Panel
May 24, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutes - 66.9 MBToday 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 and history and is also my partner in the region; Vera Bonilla from Rancho Santana on the Pacific Coast, and Adriana Beer from Yemaya Reefs on ...
France | Les Bateaux Belmond
May 17, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutes - 65.5 MBToday 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 experience in France. Now whether we choose to float in Champagne, Burgundy, or Provence we’ll be treated to the finest wines, chef prepared meals, a...
Java | Amanjiwo
May 10, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBToday 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, and beautiful mountains that all work together to invoke a sense of awe. Jann and I discuss the complex history and culture of the island, ...
The Amalfi Coast | Le Sirenuse
May 03, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBToday 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 Sersale’s own the iconic Positano hotel, Le Sirenuse. But more than that, I love that they are passionate about hospitality, family, and all the...
(Rerun) Awasi | Co-Founder, Matias de Cristóbal: Patagonia to Iguazu, Storytelling Through Food, and the Luxury of Time & Space
April 19, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 42.8 MBToday we’re discussing the icons of South America - Patagonia, The Atacama, and Iguazu - with one of the region’s most visionary leaders - Matias de Cristobal. I lead here by telling you about the places and the people before mentioning the hotel, because paraphrasing, Matias’, the focus should be on the experience that is brought to life by the surroundings and nurtured with the love of the people. Awasi is a collection of three small lodges, meant to blend into nature and invoke someth...
Namibia | Tristan Cowley: Exploring the African Frontier
April 12, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBToday 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 Namibian and owner of Ultimate Safaris. We speak in depth about everything from desert adapted elephants, to art galleries in Windhoek, to Nam...