Episodes
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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 Riviera set 25 minutes from the city center and the northernmost island of the Cyclades.
Jumping straight into the heart and soul of Greek culture and these authentic destinations, Yann, Jerome and I discuss everything from why every day is a day to celebrate, to the quality of the tomatoes.
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Today, we're being whisked away to the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian islands. This incredible destination offers so much more than just stunning beaches. It's a place where you can experience everything from lush rainforests to snow-capped volcanoes and explore a vibrant culture that's deeply connected to the land.
We're checking into the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Joining us to share his insights is Charlie Parker, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of this iconic resort.
We chat about the history of the island and what makes it unique, the local art and cultural center, Haualai’s 1.8 million gallon swimmable aquarium, and so much more.
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In honor of Halloween, today’s show is all about legends, ghost stories… and the beautiful city of Prague.
My guest today is Katerina Sedlakova, one of the top guides in the city. She shares how storytelling in Prague has been a way to pass down lessons and legends for generations. We cover ghosts and ghouls as well as the history of the city and why it’s a beautiful place to visit.
So Insiders, I wish you a very Happy Halloween season full of spooky stories, crisp fall evenings, and dreams of travels to come.
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I’m excited for you to join me today to head back to my favorite city, the eternally beautiful Rome. There’s something about this place that draws you in, makes you feel alive, and gives you a deeper perspective on the passing of time.
We’re checking into one of the top new hotels in the world, The Bulgari Rome. The hotel is situated right next to the mausoleum of Agustus and is attracting jet set and celebrity guests from around the globe.
Our guest is my friend Vincenzo Falcone, and we chat about everything from Roman urban planning to exquisite details and hidden secrets in the hotel.
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Today we’re headed to a small country, nestled in the heart of Europe. Austria surprises and then charms its visitors with stunning Alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and elegant imperial architecture.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect apple strudel, want to hike in hills filled with the “Sound of Music,” or experience the famous coffee culture, operas, or Viennese Balls - Austria has something for almost everyone.
My guests today are Thomas Bachinger, our expert on all things Vienna; Christoph Reiter from the Salzburg region, and Michael Bode who is a cheese sommelier and owns a wine company in the Alpine region! The four of us chat on everything from Austrian wine, to off the beaten path areas of the country, to what inspired all these amazing composers who spent time in the region.
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Today I’m inviting you out on a luxury yacht to swim in crystal clear coves, smell the scent of lavender, and enjoy a cocktail under the pink skies of sunset. We’re setting out to explore the Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia and enjoy all the culture, food, wine, and beauty they have to offer.
Our guests today are my friends in the region, Giorgio Surian, Mirela Rubic, and Alberto Dittadi. We chat about the culture in the islands, some really special experiences to be had, the history and landscape, and more.
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Today we’re headed to the Laikipia region of Kenya, where the rugged beauty of the savannas meets rolling hills and stunning views of Mt. Kenya.
We’ll land on 50,000 acres of conserved land and enjoy everything the gorgeous Segera Retreat has to offer.
Joining me to tell you all about Segera are its owners Jochen and Kate Zeitz. Jochen has been the CEO of companies like Puma and Harley Davidson but his passion lies in Africa and the culture and arts of its people. Kate is an accomplished television, movie, and documentary producer and was captured by the landscapes here and the drive to show the world its beauty.
Kate, Jochen, and I chat about everything from rhino conservation, to building the lodge, to immersing in the harmony and balance that is Africa.
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Welcome to Luxury Travel Insider’s birthday episode for this year! We published our first episode this month four years ago. So today I wanted to celebrate how far we’ve come, the who’s who list of industry experts we’ve had on the show, and thank you for all of your support so far. We’re not stopping anytime soon so please keep your feedback and ideas coming!
If you’ve been listening for a while you know that our signature question is asking each guest what travelers would learn about the world or about humanity by visiting them. We’ve had some very thoughtful and inspiring answers to that question over the years so we’ve selected a handful of them to shower you with today!
We’ve divided the quotes up into three sections. First, thoughts on connecting with yourself and nature. Second, ideas around motivation and resilience. And finally, things you might learn by traveling and engaging with locals.
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The date of recording for today’s show is September 12, 2024. That’s important because our show today is topical and a little time sensitive.
I started this In The Now format of episode to highlight certain countries and destinations who have experienced events (whether internally or externally) that have disrupted their tourism numbers.
A few weeks ago I was chatting with my good friend Haytham Atwan, who is one of our top partners in Egypt. He mentioned that tourism in Egypt took a 60% hit due solely to the conflict happening in Israel and Palestine. Knowing that tourism is a major source of support for the Egyptian people, this really hurt to find out.
So we put together this episode to give you some background on the history of tourism to Egypt and how things are in the country today from locals who experience it every day.
Haytham joins me as well as the enthusiastic Egyptologist, Henry Ayoub. We talk about everything from the Arab Spring, to State Department ratings, to the smiling faces of children you’ll see greeting you all throughout your trip to Egypt. If you’ve been on the fence about visiting this spectacular country, I hope hearing this episode will help you decide.
On another very personal note, I’d like to dedicate this episode to my dear friend Clark Kotula. Avid listeners will remember that Clark was a guest on two past shows, and was the driving force behind our first “In The Now” Episode on Ecuador. Clark - though you are gone, you inspire me every day, and I will keep using this platform to honor your memory and inspire travel across the corners of our beautiful earth.
I hope you listen to this episode with an open heart and an open mind.
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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, or are fascinated by having an authentic experience with Inuit culture - Greenland is for you.
Our guest today is Colby Brokvist, the lead Expedition Leader for Natural Habitat’s trips in Eastern Greenland. This part of the island is far less visited than the west, and Colby tells us how that makes for amazing natural experiences as well as cultural immersion.
We chat on everything from Viking escapades, to the food, to some incredible wildlife experiences.
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My guest today is Kelly Craighead, President & CEO of CLIA - one of the travel industry’s most important associations representing all things cruises! Before running CLIA, Kelly was the senior government representative for all travel and tourism matters at the Department of Commerce.
So if you’re interested in travel trends and what’s new in the cruise industry, you’re in for a treat!
Kelly and I chat about everything from how millennials are the fastest growing generation for cruise travel, to sustainability on the oceans, to fabulous new destinations you can reach by ship.
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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 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 her favorite travel experiences.
We chat about everything from bioluminescence, to the best way to travel around the country, to some interesting ways to immerse in the local culture.
I hope you enjoy this fun episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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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 and African.
Joining me to chat all things Brazil are three experts in the region. Joe Sandillo, our partner in Brazil; Fabio Delantonia, a chef and expert in the culinary history of Brazil; and Micael Amarancci a passionate musician, cultural expert, and law and politics scholar.
The four of us chat about everything from the slave roots of Brazilian music, to understanding the history of the country through food, to the under-appreciated areas of Brazil that we think you should visit.
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Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cities in Italy. As a favorite of art lovers, history buffs, and appreciators of beauty the world over, Florence almost needs no introduction. But behind the fact that the renaissance started here, behind all the contributions of the Medici and Leonardo and Michelangelo - there is the beating soul of Firenze.
My guests today are Michela Babini, President of The Place of Wonders; Claudio Meli, General Manager of my home in Florence, The Place, and Marco Cini, the owner of Arca Cashmere. While we dive deep and laugh a LOT, what you’ll find that these three guests have in common is a deep love for craft, tradition, and of course, the city of Florence.
We dive into why the city is what it is today, why craftsmanship is so important to preserve in Italy, and how this crew can make your next trip to Florence truly magical.
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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 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 ultra-luxury, special experiences across the western part of the US. If you can dream it up, we can plan it. Kevin and I chat about everything from mountaineering to visiting with a Navajo Code Talker, to private luxury camps set up in beautifully remote landscapes.
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Today we’re heading to the dazzling city of Bangkok. We’re greeted by ornate temples, bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, chic rooftop bars, and quaint floating markets.
In this city that never sleeps, every moment is an adventure and every nook and cranny whispers echoes of ancient Thai culture.
My guest today is Nick Downing, General Manager of the gorgeous Siam Hotel, nestled right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. We chat about everything from the prior King to modern pop culture, from quiet canals to crazy traffic.
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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 friends Leah Walker and Philippe Hertzberg, two of our partners for ultra-special experiences in Paris.
We discuss everything from art history, to the nostalgic periods of the Belle Epoch and the 20s, to fine jewelry houses and mixology.
Grab a flute of your finest champagne, and enjoy this Parisian episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cities in Europe. Imagine picturesque canals, historic buildings, and a modern vibe all its own - and come with us on a journey to Amsterdam.
My guests today are Robert-Jan Woltering, the Managing Director of the iconic De L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam and Ronald Van der Kemp - fashion designer and founder of RDVK, the world’s first sustainable couture label. The three of us chat about the “live and let live” spirit in Amsterdam, how Dutch culture has shaped history and the arts, and some of the best ways to soak up the vibes in this amazing city.
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Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of majestic palaces, sprawling deserts, and colorful festivals.
Whether you’re hot air ballooning, riding a camel, or enjoying the fabulous food - Rajasthan, the largest state in India - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.
We have a fun show for you today, with my friend and partner in the region, Anil Pathak and historian, hotelier, and arts enthusiast, Aman Nath. We chat about everything from the Maharajas, to how locals see the meaning of life, to the more off the beaten path ways to experience this unique culture.
I hope you enjoy this colorful episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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I’m excited for you to join me today in a less often visited area of the Amalfi Coast. High up on the cliffs, overlooking the azure waters of the Med, sits the charming town of Ravello. Take in the smells of roses, lemons, and fresh sea breezes while learning about some of the richest history on the coast.
We’re settling into the historic Palazzo Avino owned and run by my friends, Mariella Avino and her sister Attilia Avino. We talk about how Ravello has remained a hidden gem and why it has always been a haven for celebs like Jackie Kennedy, Orson Wells, and Humphrey Bogart.
We also chat about the history of the Palazzo, the best ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast, local art, and more.
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