The Upgrade Edit

White Lotus Season 3 has everyone looking up Thailand — but most of y’all are about to book the wrong island. Sure, the Four Seasons looks dreamy on screen, but what if we told you the real Thai elite aren’t staying there? In this episode of The Upgrade Edit, we take you beyond the White Lotus fantasy into the real luxury of southern Thailand — barefoot villas, private islands, untouched coves, and eco-conscious indulgence you won’t find on your FYP.Let’s be honest: HBO gave you the visuals, but not the context. That $2,000-a-night hotel? Gorgeous, but just the beginning. Thailand isn’t just a vibe — it’s a blueprint. And in 2025, it’s where luxury, sustainability, and soul are converging in a way no other destination is touching.Fed and Ciara are here to separate fact from fantasy. Because there’s the White Lotus version of Koh Samui — and then there’s the version real travelers, locals, and luxury insiders actually experience.IN THIS EPISODE, WE BREAK DOWN:Why White Lotus got Thailand wrong — and how the tourism boom is reshaping itWhich Thai islands the elite are actually visiting — and which to skipWhy 2025 is a tipping point for Thailand’s luxury sceneThe rise of barefoot luxury: private pools, jungle calm, spa-over-sea momentsWe also get into:Where to stay: from Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton to secret villas you’ve never heard ofThe difference between “expensive” and “worth it” in Thailand’s hotel marketWhy Koh Samui is just the beginning — and how to explore quieter sisters like Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai & Ko Nang YuanVilla vs. resort: what works best for solo travelers, couples, and group escapesThe most common Thailand travel mistakes — and how to avoid every oneThis isn’t travel porn. It’s travel precision. Thailand is not a one-size-fits-all destination. If you want sunset yoga, chef-curated meals, and luxury without the noise — we got you. If you’re here for the Full Moon Party? That’s another episode.Ciara shares how her clients are navigating the luxury boom, digital nomad visa shifts, and the spike in villa demand. Fed walks through the wave of new sustainable resorts — and how the Thai government is balancing tourism dollars with environmental stewardship.PLUS:Why it’s time to stop chasing Bali and look eastWhich spas are actually worth it (and which are just Instagram bait)What “quiet luxury” looks like in Thai culture — and why simplicity ≠ cheapnessWhere to find exclusivity without exploitationHow Thailand became the go-to for billionaires, nomads, and design lovers — all at onceAnd because you know we love geopolitics and cultural context, we’re also talking about:Why the Thai government is courting high-spend travelers — and what that means for youWhat Americans need to know about currency, tipping, and cultural cuesThis is your permission to ditch the algorithm and plan with intention. To look past the White Lotus drama and find the stillness, soul, and sophistication that real Thailand offers — especially when you know where to look.THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF:You want to do Thailand without doing what everyone else is doingYou care about your travel footprint and your luxury standardYou want intentional, elevated experiences — not trendsWhether you're planning a honeymoon, group trip, solo reset, or building your 2025 mood board — this episode gives you the map, the mindset, and the receipts.LISTEN NEXT:Ep 5: Don’t Book That Rio Trip Yet — Where Brazil’s Elite Actually StayEp 3: Formentera — The Mediterranean’s Quiet-Luxury Alternative to IbizaEp 1: Egypt’s Inflation-Driven Luxury Hack — Why Luxor Should Be on Your RadarSTAY CONNECTED:Podcast: The Upgrade EditEmail: theupgradeeditpodcast@gmail.comInstagram & TikTok: @theupgradeeditSubstack & Patreon: Show notes, hotel picks, island guides & insider extrasWe’re Fed and Ciara — your favorite unfiltered luxury travel duo — and this is The Upgrade Edit.

If your Rio trip starts and ends in Copacabana, you played yourself. That five-star hotel you’re eyeing? Probably overpriced, overrun, and in the wrong neighborhood entirely. In this episode of The Upgrade Edit, we’re breaking down the real luxury side of Rio de Janeiro — the one that doesn’t show up on postcards but absolutely should be on your itinerary.We’re talking beach meets mountain, samba meets sustainability, and yes — luxury meets reality. Because Rio is that girl, but only if you move correctly.Fed and Ciara are here to save you from the biggest mistake travelers make in Brazil: thinking it’s all beaches, carnival, and caipirinhas. Don’t get us wrong — the culture is alive and the beaches are beautiful. But if you’re not intentional, you’ll miss the real magic. The luxury being built — and rebuilt — in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:Where to actually stay in Rio — and why 80% of travelers get it wrongThe truth about Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Santa Teresa, and JoáRio’s luxury renaissance in 2025 — new hotels, design collabs, global eventsBrazil’s infrastructure upgrades: safety, airports, high-end accessWhy the biggest risk in Rio isn’t crime — it’s playing it safeThe favela tourism debate: what’s respectful, what’s exploitative, what to avoidThis episode is your blueprint for doing Rio like someone who knows better. Ciara shares how she plans meaningful, high-touch experiences that don’t strip the soul out of a place. Fed walks you through Rio’s luxury wave — from fashion to surf championships to new investments.We also get into the real cost of visiting Brazil:What to expect for food, transport, and five-star hotels in 2025The safest, most stylish neighborhoodsWhat to skip, what to splurge on, and what locals know that tourists don’tBut this isn’t just about hotels and restaurants.It’s about context.Rio isn’t just trending — it’s transforming. Brazil’s economy is growing, the government is investing, but income inequality still defines daily life. That contrast between indulgence and reality is part of what makes Rio feel so alive — and so complex. We’re not shying away from it. We’re diving in.We get real about:The dos and don’ts of nightlife — how to find real parties safelyWhy Brazilian Portuguese ≠ Spanish — and how to show up respectfullyEco-tourism and what Brazil’s coastal regions are doing rightWhen to flex, and when to turn the jewelry all the way downWe spotlight hidden corners luxury travelers are finally discovering. Think cliffside mansions in Joá. Santa Teresa’s boutique hotels. Sunrise on Ipanema, sunset samba in Lapa — if you’re doing it right.Ciara shares solo travel tips (yes, you can do Rio solo — with a strategy). Fed unpacks how content creators have warped Brazil’s image — and how to build a trip that centers real connection, not just IG highlights.Whether you want to party all night or reset in the hills with a caipirinha and a view, Rio has something for you. But you need to go in informed — not just inspired.THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF:You’re tired of basic beach vacations and want rhythm and depthYou’ve been side-eyeing Rio because of safety rumorsYou crave a destination that blends nature, luxury, culture, and chaosYou want to travel with awareness and joyWe’re giving you nuance, green lights, and must-knows — with context.LISTEN NEXT:Ep 4: Marrakesh Unfiltered — Luxury Meets Culture in North Africa’s Most Iconic CityEp 6: Ko Samui, Thailand — White Lotus Lied. Here’s Where the Thai Elite Actually GoEp 2: Turks & Caicos — What the Gram Doesn’t Show You About Real Costs and Quiet LuxurySTAY CONNECTED:Podcast: The Upgrade EditEmail: theupgradeeditpodcast@gmail.comInstagram & TikTok: @theupgradeeditSubstack & Patreon: Travel breakdowns, hotel recs, and exclusive extrasWe’re Fed and Ciara — your favorite unfiltered luxury travel duo — and this is The Upgrade Edit.

Mint tea on a rooftop. A call to prayer echoing over terracotta walls. A motorbike flying past your table. Someone’s selling you Moroccan oil while Google Maps stops working. Welcome to Marrakesh — where the line between luxury and chaos is paper thin, and the experience is all about how you move through it.In this episode of The Upgrade Edit, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about destinations of the last five years: Marrakesh, Morocco. But this isn’t a filtered photo dump of lanterns and tiled pools. This is the real deal: the truth about how to travel Marrakesh in style and with sense. Because luxury here isn’t about perfection — it’s about immersion.We’re breaking down:Why Marrakesh is having a luxury moment — and what most people still get wrongThe difference between a high-rise hotel vs. a traditional riad — and why it mattersHow to blend in (or at least not stick out) in a conservative, Muslim-majority countryHow to shop the souks without getting hustled — and how to tip like a proCultural etiquette 101: dress codes, modesty, alcohol, and when to put your phone awayNavigating the Medina, the nightlife, and what happens when Instagram meets realityFed and Ciara unpack the magic and the madness that make Marrakesh unforgettable. From sensory overload to unexpected price tags, we’ve got the details most luxury blogs won’t touch. We’re not sugarcoating — we’re preparing you.Ciara shares how clients often underestimate the pace, noise, and cultural codes — and how she helps them book experiences that align with their values. Fed dives into the history — from colonial legacies to the Amazigh (Berber) influence — and how it shows up in the architecture, language, and rhythm of daily life.We also dig into:Royal Mansour vs. a boutique riad — what you’re actually paying forMust-visit cultural sites — and the one museum every luxury traveler must seeWhat to expect from Marrakesh nightlife (spoiler: it’s not giving Vegas)How Moroccan hospitality flexes with solar energy and natural coolingWe’re not here for the “come see how cheap Morocco is” energy. We’re here for intentional travel. Marrakesh isn’t a bargain — it’s a cultural gem. And treating it like a discount destination means missing the point. You don’t come here to replicate your life — you come to enter someone else’s rhythm. To witness the collision of ancient craftsmanship and modern elegance. To be in awe — not just entertained.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:Why you should split your stay between a riad and a resortThe best times to go (and when the desert is doing too much)How Morocco’s Amazigh culture shows up in textiles, food, and architectureThe surprising power of the dirham — and what you’ll pay for (or not)How to haggle, tip, and show respect in the souksWhere to eat, what to skip, and how to navigate the Medina without losing your mind (or your AirPods)We’re also asking bigger questions:What does it mean to enjoy luxury in a place where most locals can’t access it?How do you avoid a savior complex — or worse, a colonizer mindset?And how do you stay rooted in cultural appreciation without romanticizing struggle?This is Marrakesh with texture. Tension. Layers.A place that demands presence — and rewards you for it. If Morocco’s on your list, or you just want to travel with more context and clarity — this one’s for you.LISTEN NEXT:Ep 3: Formentera — The Mediterranean’s Quiet-Luxury Island That’s Doing It RightEp 5: Rio de Janeiro — Real Luxury, Tourist Traps & Where Brazil’s Elite Actually StayEp 6: Thailand — White Lotus Lied. Here’s the Real Luxury No One’s Talking AboutSTAY CONNECTED:Podcast: The Upgrade EditEmail: theupgradeeditpodcast@gmail.comSocials: @theupgradeedit on Instagram & TikTokPatreon + Substack: Exclusive recs, city guides, show notes & moreWe’re Fed and Ciara — your favorite unfiltered luxury travel duo — and this is The Upgrade Edit.

You’ve been Mykonos’d to death. Santorini? Played. Ibiza? Still a vibe—but let’s be real: it’s loud, packed, and overpriced. If you’re craving luxury that whispers instead of screams, it’s time to meet Ibiza’s effortlessly cool cousin: Formentera.In this episode of The Upgrade Edit, we’re pulling back the curtain on the Mediterranean’s most stylish, understated escape—and showing you why Formentera is the new it-girl of European travel. This isn’t a party recap. This is a quiet-luxury manifesto.Fed and Ciara are here to reframe how you think about island travel. Because not everyone wants bottle service and 3am beach clubs. Some of us want stillness. Space. Blue water without the bodies. Sunsets that feel like therapy. That’s Formentera—if you know how to do it right.IN THIS EPISODE:Why Formentera is not a day trip (please stop doing this wrong)The real difference between Ibiza and Formentera energy—and why it mattersHow over-tourism is shaping Europe’s coastlines—and what Formentera’s doing differentlyWhy 2025 is the perfect year to go (before it blows up even more)What quiet luxury really looks like (and why you might be doing it wrong)What you’ll spend—and why it’s still worth itThe strict rules that protect Formentera’s vibe and cultureNo cars, no high-rises, no vendors—what this island gets absolutely rightWe break down how luxury travelers are redefining their standards. Real wealth doesn’t need to shout. We’re in our linen-over-logos era. Wild coves > beach clubs. Natural wine > magnums. It’s about peace. Space. Privacy. Taste. And Formentera delivers all of it.Ciara shares what her clients are saying, why the island’s trending in luxury circles, and what travelers should know before booking. Fed explains how Formentera hits the sweet spot between access and exclusivity—and what other destinations can learn from it.We also get real about:Pricing (Capri-level costs—but cleaner, quieter, better)Getting there (no airport, no Uber, limited ferry spots—plan ahead)Getting around (you’re on a scooter or bike—it’s giving 2 wheels only)The beaches (some truly rival the Caribbean—and we name them)Where to stay for that boho-chic meets barefoot-luxury energyWhen to avoid the crowds—and how to feel like you’ve got the island to yourselfAnd we go deep on Formentera’s sustainability playbook. They’re not bending to tourists—they’re regulating cars, capping ferries, and shutting down overdevelopment. Travelers love them for it. Because when you protect your beauty, you protect your brand.This isn’t the Mediterranean of mass tourism.This is the reset you didn’t know you needed.This is exclusivity with no dress code.This is where your feed goes quiet—but your soul gets loud.So if you’ve outgrown the party scene, if you still want the design, the water, the heat—but without the chaos—Formentera is your next move. And in this episode, we’re giving you the full playbook on how to do it like the real ones do.PLUS:Which beaches give clear water and zero crowdsWhere to catch the best sunset dinner without a side of influencersThe top properties for privacy, peace, and postcard viewsHow to book ferry tickets—and what to know before you goWhy your euros go far—not because it’s cheap, but because it’s intentionalThis is your Formentera era. And we’re giving you the blueprint before everyone else catches on.LISTEN NEXT:Ep 2: Turks & Caicos Exposed — Real Costs, Hidden Fees & Quiet Luxury Beyond the Instagram HypeEp 4: Marrakesh Unfiltered — Cultural Clout, Riyadhs & the Art of Ethical ImmersionEp 5: Don’t Book That Rio Trip Yet — Real Luxury, Tourist Traps & Where Brazil’s Elite Actually StayFOLLOW FOR MORE:Podcast: The Upgrade EditEmail: theupgradeeditpodcast@gmail.comIG + TikTok: @theupgradeeditSubstack & Patreon: Show notes, booking guides, hotel picks & insider extrasWe’re Fed and Ciara—your favorite unfiltered luxury travel duo—and this is The Upgrade Edit.

White sand beaches. Turquoise water. A $15,000 invoice you didn’t see coming. Welcome to Turks & Caicos — where the views are priceless, but the receipts definitely aren’t. In this episode of The Upgrade Edit, Fed and Ciara unpack the real cost of vacationing on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful (and misunderstood) islands.We’re not here to scare you off — we’re here to smarten you up. Turks is stunning, no question. But it’s also full of hidden fees, hype-driven spending, and quiet-luxury smoke and mirrors. From $300 dinners to departure taxes, this episode is your cheat sheet for doing Turks right in 2025.We break down:The true cost of a Turks trip — and why most travelers underestimate itWhich areas to stay in (Grace Bay, Parrot Cay, Long Bay, Pine Cay) — and what each says about your vibeVillas vs. hotels — who wins for couples, solo travelers, groups, and familiesThe Beyoncé Effect, the Drake Effect, and how celebrity hype is pricing locals outWhy Turks isn’t a party island — and how to vibe without doing the mostDeparture fees, service charges, and the “surprise” costs no one budgets forWhat to skip, what to upgrade, and how to avoid rookie mistakesFed and Ciara go in on the biggest myths around Turks — from viral villas to that $100 kayak photo op. Ciara shares how she advises clients based on energy, intention, and budget, while Fed calls out the fake “quiet luxury” and reveals the real gems where the design, privacy, and price actually align.We also talk real estate booms, private chefs, the tax-free economy, and how this luxury playground is reshaping daily life for locals. Because while Turks might run on U.S. dollars, no direct tax, and nonstop development, it also means rising costs and shrinking access — even for native islanders.You’ll also learn:Where celebs stay — and where you actually shouldWhich Cays require boat transfers (and which hotels charge for it)What quiet luxury really looks like here — and how to move with presence, not performanceWhy working with an advisor can save you thousandsWhy some people leave Turks disappointed — and how to make sure you don’tLet’s be clear: we love Turks. But we’re not here to romanticize it. We’re here to help you move smarter, spend better, and sidestep the classic mistakes. Because Turks can absolutely be worth the splurge — if you show up informed.Whether you're screenshotting villas, booking a first trip, or just wondering how people afford Turks at all, this is the strategy, the math, and the truth you need. No fluff. No FOMO. Just facts.IN THIS EPISODE:Is Turks right for your travel style?How to navigate hotel vs. villa lifeWhat’s overhyped vs. what’s worth the splurgeHow to plan Turks as a solo, group, romantic, or family tripLISTEN NEXT:Ep 1: Luxury in a Crisis — How to Do Egypt Right & Why Luxor Is the Smartest Trip You Can Take NowEp 3: Ditch Ibiza — Formentera Is the Mediterranean’s Best-Kept Quiet Luxury EscapeEp 4: Marrakesh Unfiltered — Cultural Clout, Riyadhs & the Art of Ethical ImmersionSTAY CONNECTED:Podcast: The Upgrade EditEmail: theupgradeeditpodcast@gmail.comInstagram + TikTok: @theupgradeeditpodcastSubstack & Patreon: Show notes, booking resources & Fed + Ciara's personal picksWe’re Fed and Ciara — your favorite unfiltered luxury travel duo — and this is The Upgrade Edit.