Luxury Travel Insider

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, with my friend and partner in the region, Raphael Bernard. Raphael has lived on a couple different islands in the archipelago and eats and breathes it every day. We talk about everything from the local stereotypes of each island, to the more off the beaten path ways to visit, to the food, and the unique culture.  I hope you enjoy this tropical episode of Luxury Travel Insider.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

Today we’re discussing the country of Peru, and all the riches it has to offer. While many people think of Peru synonymously with Machu Picchu, the country is twice the size of Texas and has so much more to offer.  After exploring the incredible culture of the Incas and modern day Peruvians living in the Andes, you can also visit the Amazon, enjoy some of the top restaurants in the world, and learn about any of the other FIFTY indegenous groups dotted across the country.  My guest today is my partner in the region, Silvia Rico. Her passion for bringing the experience of Peru to life is contagious. Silvia and I discuss everything from Ayahuasca, to a full out party on the Inca Trail, to the humility that visiting a place like Peru can instill in you.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today, we’re escaping to one of the most exclusive private islands in the world— COMO Laucala. The island is tucked away in the shimmering South Pacific in the north of Fiji. This stunning destination is more than just a tropical paradise; it’s a celebration of untouched beauty, sustainable luxury, and authentic Fijian culture. Joining me is Gary Henden, General Manager of COMO Laucala Island. Gary and I chat about the island's unique history, untouched waterfall hikes, golf, diving, the warm local hospitality, and more.    Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

Today we are taking a very special trip into the heart of Norwegian Fjordland. And when I say the heart, I don’t just mean the heart of the land. Because today we’re chatting with two locals who are so enthusiastic about welcoming you to their homeland, that you can’t help but feel the love.  My friend Steinar Soerli is the fifth-generation owner of the wildly luxurious Amot in Western Norway, and we are joined by Kesia Yansen, the General Manager of the property. We’ll hear their stories about the transformation of this homestead into a luxury destination, explore the breathtaking fjords of the region, and learn more about the local community and homegrown cuisine.  Get ready to be captivated by Norwegian hospitality as we discover the magic of the destination on this episode of Luxury Travel Insider!   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.     Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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. Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.    Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn      

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.    Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.    Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

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. Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn