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 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 today for a Yachting 101 session. 

Trish Cronan and I discuss the feeling of freedom you get when enjoying a yacht charter, the many different destinations you can enjoy, the basics like cost and itinerary planning, and some fun stories from sea. 

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Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Today we’re diving into the world of Auberge Resorts with CEO Craig Reid. Whether you are skiing in Aspen, horseback riding in Costa Rica, or harvesting mushrooms with the chef before dinner - Auberge delivers an experience based kind of luxury that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Craig had a long career at some of the most storied brands in luxury travel. In talking to him, you can sense that coming to Auberge was like coming home to what he feels is the heart of hospitality - simple every day pleasures, luxury in the form of thoughtful gestures, and cultivating meaningful experiences for guests.  

Craig and I chat about off the beaten path destinations, historical landmarks, Bob Hope, and much more! 

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Today we’re diving into the paradox that is the country of Israel. In such a small nation you can be surrounded by tech entrepreneurs, holy men and women from multiple faiths, geopolitical conflict, world class nightlife, and natural wonders like the Dead Sea AND the Mediterranean Sea. 

To try to unravel some of this beautiful complexity, we have three guests on our show today. My friend and partner in the region, Yoav Gal - an expert in luxury Israel itineraries; Eyal Riess - a Rabbi in the mystical Jewish tradition of Kabbalah, and Libbi Cohen- an expert in Tel Avivian history, culture, and nightlife. 

We discuss everything from Israel’s new cultural revolution, to spiritual experiences in caves, to Bauhaus architecture - and of course hummus! 

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Today I’m whisking you away to experience the greenest of countryside, the freshest of salt air, and the purest heart of hospitality. A visit to Ireland will give you all this and much more. 

My guest today is Crothúr Murphy, a long time expert not just in tourism to Ireland, but in the history, culture, and soul of its people. Crothúr grew up here and has been showing his country off for nearly 30 years - which if you can imagine, takes a whole pot of passion at the end of the rainbow to do and do well. 

Crothúr and I discuss how Irish culture survived through 800 years of English rule, fairies and fairy trees, how to feel like a local, and more. 

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If you’ve been paying attention to the mental health and wellness space, you know that psychedelics have burst onto the scene in a big way. Major universities like Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Berkeley are studying their effects on PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more. 

Many guides and shamans in this space describe the use of psilocybin, MDMA, and other substances together with integrative therapy sessions to be equivalent to years and years of traditional therapy. 

And now, these plant medicine journeys are making their mark on luxury wellness travel. 

My guests today are Robert Grover and Gary Logan who provide private luxury retreats and create profound experiences for clients. 

We discuss their experience with these medicines, their guiding philosophies, and how they orchestrate a comfortable luxury setting. For more accessible information on the science of psychedelics I can also highly recommend the Michael Pollan interview on The Tim Ferris Show. 

Last but not least, though the substances discussed on this episode are showing great promise in the clinical studies, they are not legal in the United States and many other countries. Luxury Travel Insider and I are not condoning any illegal activity. 

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My guest today is Tom Rutherford, the Regional Director for three gorgeous Aman hotels in Southeast Asia - Amansara in Cambodia, Amantaka in Laos, and Amanoi in Vietnam. 

When you head to this region of the world, especially away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities… time just seems to slow down. Here there is enough time for the Laotian farmer to tend to the animals, the crops, break bread with his neighbors, and honor his family. There’s enough space on the beaches of Vietnam to quiet your mind, and enough grounding history in Cambodia to inspire you to get back to your purpose for being. 

Combine this atmosphere with the Aman ethos for wellness, beautiful architecture, and some of the best service in the world and you’ll understand why guests come back to these gems over and over. 

Tom and I chat about all of this, plus why now is a phenomenal time to be visiting Southeast Asia. 

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We’re talking about travel insurance and other forms of travel protection. I can’t tell you how many myths abound about this aspect of travel - from thoughts that claims don’t get paid anyway, to not fully understanding why it’s so important. 

We insure our cars, our watches, our dog’s vet bills - and even though luxury travelers are spending MUCH more on their trips than on these items… they don’t all insure. 

Over the past two years in my business I can’t tell you how valuable having travel insurance has been for our clients in the know. 

So today I’m welcoming Shannon Lofdahl and Ross Thompson, respective CEOs of Travelex and Covac Global. We did our best to illustrate this topic through some interesting stories and historical context. 

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Today we find ourselves on “The Ice” deep in the heart of Antarctica. And I mean the interior of Antarctica, land of majestic mountains, the Emperor Penguin, and the magnetic south pole. 

Though you once had to go on months long expeditions to reach these destinations, you can now fly five hours on a Gulfstream from Cape Town and experience all the Great White has to offer from the comfort of a luxury camp. 

Our guest today is Patrick Woodhead - founder and CEO of White Desert, the logistics and hospitality company that can make all this happen. But Patrick’s vision for White Desert comes from his years of being a true explorer, visiting some of the most remote places on the planet. 

We chat about what it takes to be an explorer, how all of us can infuse that spirit into our daily lives, some of Patrick’s craziest experiences, the Antarctic experience, and baby Emperor Penguins.

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Today we’re chatting with Bob Lepisto, President of Sea Dream Yacht Club. SeaDream owns two mega yachts, each with about 50 cabins. The biggest no no when talking about SeaDream is to call it a cruise! 

Bob has been with the company for 20 years so we get to chat about the history of the cruise industry and how with SeaDream they wanted to start something different. Something where you wouldn’t have to organize your own yacht and all the work that goes along with that, but where you’d still get the yachting experience. 

SeaDream sails around the Caribbean and Mediterranean and gets you access to gorgeous spots that you couldn’t otherwise see on a cruise ship. The company is famous for its super friendly crew and world class cuisine as well. 

Bob and I talk about some of his favorite destinations, parties in the mid-Atlantic, and a few insider tidbits as well. 

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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 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, Grand Hotel Son Net. 

We discuss everything from local cuisine, to architecture, to the modern melting pot that is Mallorca. 

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We’re shaking it up today with a panel of food and beverage experts from one of our favorite hotel brands, Belmond! Together we’ll explore the skill and hard work that goes into creating some of your favorite drinks - from the shorelines of Italy to the palaces of St. Petersburg. 

Our guests today are:

Tommaso Mansi and Nikita Yurin. Tommaso is the head bar manager at the stunning Belmond Caruso hotel situated along the Amalfi Coast. He is also a local and an expert in lemon production, one of the key ingredients in any good cocktail in this region. 

Nikita is the head vodka and caviar sommlier at Belmond’s luxurious hotel in St. Petersburg, Grand Hotel Europe - a spot which also boasts the oldest continually used restaurant in all of Russia. 

What I love about this episode is hearing Nikita and Tommaso speak so passionately about their crafts. Imagine all that passion poured into something as simple as a drink or a set of caviar. To me it demonstrates another way that people in the hospitality industry show real love and caring for their guests. 

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Imagine looking up at a blanket of stars, the sound of the ocean lapping, and the smell of sea air mixed with sweet pine. Then picture another scene - crowds squealing with excitement, bulls rushing by, and a cup of sangria refreshing your soul. 

Today we’re discussing the country of Spain - a place so diverse it may as well be a hundred different destinations in one! Whether you’re here to focus on world class gastronomy, experience local festivals, or just relax in the sun, this dynamic country has it all. 

Our guest today is Elena Florez, our partner and Spanish luxury travel expert. Elena explains for us how Spain became such a melting pot of cultures, how that’s affected the country today, and describes some fabulous destinations and experiences. 

Make up a plate of jamon and manchego, and enjoy this fun chat with Elena Florez. 

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Today we’re discussing the iconic destination of New Zealand. Known for sweeping vistas, life-giving hiking, sumptuous food and wine, and ridiculous adventure activities.

Though famous for towns like Queenstown - the real magic of New Zealand happens when you get to have vast open spaces all to yourself. With the right planning and guides, that can happen quite easily!

Our guest today is my friend Sarah Farag, Owner and Director of Southern Crossings New Zealand. The company has been around for 34 years and hosts everyone from your everyday traveler to celebrities and royals. Sarah is also the only New Zealander recognized as a Conde Nast Traveler Specialist.

Sarah and I discuss her favorite destinations, what makes Kiwi hospitality so memorable, and some unimaginable wow moments they’ve created for travelers like you.

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Today we’re talking about a particular type of travel that is gaining popularity around the world - villa rentals. 

In the past this kind of travel was reserved for the uber wealthy and very well connected. Finding amazing villas in Italy or San Tropez was a nightmare, and imagine renting something so expensive sight unseen or with one photo sent you  in black and white and via fax machine! 

Then came the advent of home rental websites which have really opened up this type of travel to the every day person… but for our luxury travelers, these options that have not been vetted by a professional are often not suitable. 

Enter the world of vetted villa rentals. I spend a lot of time working with partners who personally inspect villas around the world so we can provide them to our clients. I wanted to bring on one of those experts to talk through what makes this kind of travel special. 

Laura Blair founded In Villas Veritas before the rise of online home rentals and shares lots of insider tidbits with us. 

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Today we’re headed to Provence in Southern France to be well, soak up the sun, and inhale the scent of lavender. 

This special region has so much to offer, from intense outdoor activities to easy bike rides, to impressionist history, and of course a refreshing glass of rose’. 

Our guest today is Alain Bachmann, the GM of a special property near Luberon called Coquillade. This gem was originally built in the 11th century and much of that history is preserved. Today, it’s a haven for all kinds of travelers, from those who are training for cycling races to those who are just here to enjoy the gorgeous countryside and the spa. 

Alain and I discuss what makes Provence so special, why artists like Van Gogh were taken with the area, and some of the special foods you might find on a journey here. 

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Today we’re touching down in the Alps… the Swiss Alps to be precise. In this most stunning of landscapes we’ll encounter over 7,000 lakes, four different spoken languages, some of the world’s best chocolate, and an abundance of charming villages and towns. 

Switzerland is a mecca for cultural tourists, spa goers, and anyone who appreciates the majestic outdoors. 

My guest today is Mario Wuersch, Swiss himself and an expert in luxury travel to the country. Mario’s company has been around since 1865 and we discuss what travel was like back then, how it’s evolved, and discover some insider tips about visiting. 

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Our guest today is Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises - a small ship cruise line that focuses on sailing vessels… yes.. With actual sails! 

Imagine yourself on deck of one of these magical ships, pulling out of port, the 1492 Conquest of Paradise song playing, sails unrolling, and heading into the open ocean. What nostalgia for a time gone by!

Except on Windstar you’re also met with every modern comfort, fabulous destinations like Tahiti, The Black Sea, Iceland, and the Mediterranean, and an in depth exploration of the world. 

Chris and I chat about the special bonds formed between guests and crew members on small ship sailings, the role of communities in sustainability, and the massive operation behind a sailing vessel this large. 

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Today we’re chatting about Panama and all its beauty, diversity, culture, and history. 

Believe it or not this small country has shaped the course of our entire planet. Scientists say that the formation of the isthmus is what changed the climate to allow ideal conditions for humans to thrive, and today that same isthmus boats a certain canal that has a lot to do with making your daily Amazon purchases happen! 

Now as for travel - Panama is your oyster. Whether you’re coming for surfing, for cloud forests, to learn about indigenous culture, or for history - Panama can provide it all.  

We have two guests today - Jonathan Zelcer, Panamanian and expert in luxury travel to Panama, and Ben Loomis, owner of famed beach resort Isla Palenque. 

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Today we travel to a very special corner of the world, called Gleneagles. Set amongst lush, green, Scottish countryside in the shadow of Stirling Castle, Gleneagles drips with history, elegance, and flair.

Over the last one hundred years this estate has hosted Presidents, Lords, celebrities, Wimbledon champs, and of course the everyday luxury traveler like you and me. Whether you are visiting for rest and relaxation, to experience the falconry and gundog school, or to dine at the best restaurant in Scotland - Gleneagles has something for you. 

Our guest today is Conor O’Leary, Managing Director of all of Gleneagles’ operations across Scotland. He tells us about the beautiful countryside, some fun stories of past guests, and what you can expect from a visit. 

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Today we’re exploring the country of Australia, famous for its icons like the Sydney Opera House, the Outback, and the Great Barrier Reef. The dazzling landscape is fit for the movies from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.

To try to understand the country at a deeper level, we have three guests with us today. My friend and partner in the region, Stuart Rigg - an expert in luxury Australia itineraries, Charlie Carlow - the owner of the fabulous Wild Bush Luxury Lodges, and Clarence Slockee a musician, dancer, well known horticulturist, sometimes television show host, and of course proud Aboriginal man.

We discuss everything from off the beaten path destinations, to indigenous species, to the uniquely Australian concept of “mateship.”

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Today, we embark on a journey to a place shrouded in mystery — mesmerizing Easter Island. Nestled in the heart of the vast Pacific Ocean, this remote paradise beckons with its Moai statues, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.

I previously thought a visit to Easter Island would be mostly focused around seeing the famous statues, but I now understand that this destination is so much more. When you think of the remoteness of the people and their reliance on the land, and weave in the history of struggle and limited natural resources - this far flung land provides a case study as a microcosm for the rest of the world. And you’ll hear in this episode how it literally blew my mind. 

Joining me today are Matias Alamo and Pepe Huke, General Manager, and Lead Guide of Explora, the top luxury lodge on the island. We dive into everything from the vibrant Rapa Nui Culture to the amazing experiences you can have on the island today. 

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I’m excited to uncover the Puglia region of Italy with you today. 

While visiting Puglia, you might feel like you’re stepping back into the Italy seen in the movies of the 50s and 60s. You’ll stroll through charming villages, meet locals who still do things the traditional way, sample ultra fresh burrata cheese and olive oil, and of course enjoy the gorgeous waters of the Adriatic.

Our guest today is Aldo Melpignano, owner and managing director of the famed Borgo Egnazia hotel and several other spots in his family’s collection.

Aldo and I discuss how finding these hidden gems of Italy is not only exciting, but also is an important link in promoting sustainable tourism. We also hear all about his gorgeous property, some celebrity stories, and insider tips as well.

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Today we’re whisking you away to a vast and varied land. Where you’ll find lush rainforests, Arctic tundra, mountain peaks over 19,000 feet, cosmopolitan cities, great open plains, vivid turquoise lakes, and rugged coastal beauty.

Where is this magical land you might ask? Look no further than our beautiful neighbor to the north, Canada. 

My guest today is Marc Telio, founder and CEO of Entree Destinations, who has been exploring his country through the eyes of travelers for nearly 30 years. 

We chat about everything from how to learn about and honor First Nations cultures when visiting Canada, to over the top fishing trips, to the mosaic of cultures and foods in the country. 

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My guest today is Audeline Witjaksono, the Regional Director for several Aman hotels in Asia, as well as GM of Amanpulo in the Philippines.

Just speaking with Audeline and soaking up the vibes from her location calmed me and brought my always on the go energy down a couple notches… so imagine actually being there! Amanpulo is set on a far flung private island, nestled in the western part of the Philippines, yet it is surprisingly easy to get to from Manilla. And while you’d expect (and get!) powder fine sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and warm ocean breezes… you’ll also experience a deep sense of place, Filipino hospitality, adventure sports, wildlife, and more.

Audeline and I chat about kite boarding, the culture of the Philippines, respecting nature, and of course the world class Aman service.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Here’s the inside scoop on this episode. In late 2021 I traveled to the Galapagos and thought it would be fun to try something new on the pod. 

My goal was to capture the stories of locals, guides, and even some of the wildlife through sounds and live experiences. 

So what you’re about to hear is a compilation of interviews, live sounds from our explorations, and hopefully a whole lotta inspiration! 

We discuss what makes the Galapagos utterly unique in the world, what it was like for some of our guides to grow up without electricity, cross the Pacific in a canoe, and bike ride across South America. But most importantly - these special folks share the lessons they hope visitors to these enchanted islands walk away with.

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Robert Bowe is one of the top guest experience managers at Ashford Castle in Western Ireland. Ashford may be an 800 year old castle, but it’s also a modern day icon in the world of luxury travel.

Driving up to the castle, you’ll feel like you’re in Camelot - you’ll first see the lush green grounds set next to the ocean. Then you’ll discover the history, the secret passageways, and the fine silks and antiques throughout the property. It sounds like it could be stuffy - but it’s not. The service comes from the heart and makes it feel like coming home.

Robert is your typical Irishman, with loads of great stories to tell (really, we could have gone on for hours!) and an amazing charm. We discuss little known stories about the castle, what keeps guests coming back year after year, and a little celebrity gossip too!

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Today we’re headed into the heart of Burgundy for an education on French cuisine and hospitality. 

We’ll start by meeting an infinitely interesting cast of characters - first, my guest Bérangère Loiseau. Then we’ll learn about her mother, Dominique (a biochemist turned top hotelier) and finally, Bérangère’s world-famous chef of a father, Bernard Loiseau. 

Along the way we’ll learn interesting tidbits on what it takes to become a 3 Michelin Star Chef, how Chef Bernard Loiseau changed the culinary world, and how the family turned their passion for food and hospitality into one of the top hotels in France - Le Relais Bernard Loiseau. 

Bérangère and I also discuss the glitz and glamour of old Burgundy, why this is the perfect stop on your route across France, and how to enjoy the French art of living.

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Today we’re discussing the historical destination of Malta. This small chain of islands in the Mediterranean Sea has been smack dab in the middle of African, Arab, and European conquests for over 7,000 years.  

If the word Malta conjures up cute white puppies and James Bond like movie scenes, I think you’ll find that’s not quite the truth. 

Our guest today is Damon Camilleri Allan, our partner in planning trips to this island nation. We discuss everything from village feasts, to The Order of Malta, to the interesting melting pot that is the Maltese culture. 

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Today’s show is about the evolution of travel - from the golden age of plane travel starting in the late 40s, to the excesses of the 80s, to the rapid changes brought about by the internet, 9/11, and the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

My guest today is one of the most influential people in the luxury travel world, Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso Travel. 

Matthew tells stories of how travel planning was done before the internet and explains what Virtuoso is and why every luxury traveler should know about it. We also discuss the benefits of travel, how we can think about sustainability as we come out of Covid, and how high end luxury travelers actually have more in common with backpackers than you might think. 

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Imagine yourself standing in a huge square… light glinting off gilded gates adorned with sun shaped medallions. The scent of lemon trees and orange blossoms fills the air. You’re surrounded by the spirit of some of the most important historical figures who have ever lived. 

When you realize you’re not in a dream, you’ll see that you’re standing at the Palace of Versaille. And shortly thereafter, be whisked away to a private 12 room hotel on the grounds of the palace called Le Grand Contrôle.

Our guest today, is Julien Révah, the General Manager of this new experience from Airelles. When staying with Julien and his team, you’ll have access to after hours tours of the palace and private tours of the Petit Trianon. 

Julien and I chat about the restoration of this wing of Versailles, the amazing experiences you can have (think: Versailles period costume dinners!), and how this nook of the world played a part in changing history. 

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This week we’re exploring the most remote corners of the world. In Antarctica - heading deep into the continent to uncover the South Pole. In the Pacific - diving the depths of the Mariana Trench, and in the tropics - visiting uninhabited islands that few people have ever stepped foot on.

All this and more can be had with the advent of Expedition Yachting - the ability to charter a private vessel complete with all the bells and whistles, and have it all to yourself.

Ben Lyons, the CEO of EYOS Expeditions, joins us today to tell stories of the rich and famous gone yachting, why this kind of travel is so important for the world, and to open our eyes to the possibility of exploration.

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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 episode because we dive into what makes Montenegro such a juicy country to visit but also into some touching stories about guests and beautiful experiences. 

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I’m so excited today to be speaking with travel lover and true renaissance man - Bill Bensley. If you haven’t heard of Bill, you’ve CERTAINLY heard of some of the hotels he’s designed. World renowned projects like Capella Ubud, Four Seasons Tented Camp, Shinta Mani and more.

Before any of these were notable on the world’s stage, before any of them were even built - Bill was there. Soaking in the curve of the land, the angle at which the moon shines, and the direction from which the wind blows. He takes his inspiration and genius from the natural world, melds his ideas with a story or fairy tale, and creates hotels that are the stuff of dreams.

Bill and I chat about some of his favorite destinations, the heart and soul that goes into designing a hotel, his tips for mastering a new passion, and much much more.

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We’re taking you on a journey today to the inspirational country of Rwanda. While not often first on the list of most travelers, those who make it here are absolutely captivated by the people, who have rebuilt their lives and their country so authentically. 

After a warm welcome, visitors to this nook of Africa will then be further blown away by likely the most impactful wildlife experience of their lives - sitting face to face with an endangered Mountain Gorilla. 

And, luckily for these travelers, they can do it in style at One & Only’s two gorgeous properties - Gorilla’s Nest and Nyungwe House. 

Today we have two very special guests, Craig Storkey who runs One & Only Rwanda, and Propser Uwingeli who is the Chief Park Warden of Volcanos National Park. 

Prosper and Craig both share their love of Rwanda, how and why conservation is thriving in the country, and some incredible experiences with the amazing Great Apes. 

I hope you enjoy this magical episode of Luxury Travel Insider. 

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Today we find ourselves strolling along the coastlines of Taormina, the historical walkways of Palermo, and in the shadow of the gorgeous Mt. Etna.

I’m so excited to be chatting with my friend, Barbara Iaccarino to dive into the fascinating island of Sicily.

Any mention of Sicily conjures up mafiosos eating cannoli and stunning coastal vistas - but Barbara helps us go a bit deeper and to understand the melting pot of cultures that have influenced this region over thousands of years.

We chat about everything from family adventures, to local handicrafts, to WWII, to the Sicilian Kiss!

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I’m so excited today to be chatting with the CEO of a place that is near and dear to my heart, Canyon Ranch.

Canyon Ranch is a pioneer in the wellness industry, a place where you can get away from the stress of everyday life and focus on what is most important. That focus is different for everyone who visits the ranch - whether you need a mental break from work, you’re focused on improving your health, or you’re interested in finding spirituality - Canyon Ranch will mold itself around you and help you find the way.

It doesn’t hurt that their locations are set in the gorgeous desert of Tucson, amidst the Redwood trees of Woodside, and the iconic foliage of the Berkshires.

Joining me today is Jeff Kuster, who came to lead the Canyon Ranch brand in a roundabout way. He was actually a guest in Tucson, there focused on himself and what he wanted to do next in his career. And the rest… is history.

Jeff and I discuss how small changes can make a huge impact on your life, some of his favorite memories of past guests, and how wellness has evolved over the decades. 

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Today we’re soaking up some island vibes in the British Virgin Islands. So, imagine yourself on the island of Virgin Gorda, with swaying palm trees in the background, a pain killer drink in hand, and some of the most stunning views in the Caribbean. 

Now open your eyes and you’ll find yourself at the Rosewood Little Dix Bay. 

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that this isn’t just a shiny new resort taking up space on a pristine island. It was designed by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller and has a rich history including Queen Elizabeth and families who have visited every year since the early 1960s. 

I chat with General Manager Andreas Pade about that history, little known facts, and what sets this destination apart from others. 

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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I’m so thrilled today to be speaking with travel Guru, Wendy Perrin. When I first met Wendy, I was totally fan-girling, and was even more surprised when I asked her to come on the show and she enthusiastically and quickly said.. Yes! 

I’ve since found that this enthusiasm defines Wendy. From her desire to help promote travel, to excitement about learning new things, to helping people of all backgrounds and statures.

If you haven’t heard of Wendy, she had an illustrious 25 year career at Conde Nast Traveler, is a published author, and runs WendyPerrin.com. She is renowned for her encyclopedic knowledge of travel and of course willingness to share. 

Wendy and I talk about why travel is so important in this day and age, some upcoming trends to look out for, and share our favorite destinations, hotels, and splurge-worthy experiences.  

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Today we’re visiting the most bio geographically diverse country in the European Union to explore dazzling waterfalls, UNESCO protected medieval villages, snow capped mountains, and sandy black sea beaches.

But you may have never heard of these treasures as they are all hidden in plain sight, behind the large as life myth of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Romania is a country not of vampires and werewolves, but of resilient people living amongst some of the most spectacular natural beauty on the continent. Our guest today is one of these people - Raluca Spiac, who after a successful business career abroad, came home to rediscover her own country and share it with the world.

We discuss everything from the Danube Delta, to Prince Charles, to slow travel, and more.

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Today you’ll come face to face with a polar bear, see a herd of twenty elephants passing by your picnic setup, and hear the wings flap of 500,000 monarch butterflies.

The topic of today’s show is nature travel, and my guest is Ben Bressler, Founder and CEO of Natural Habitat Adventures - a company that achieves their mission of conservation through helping you explore the wilderness.

Whether you’re in India tracking tigers, or just in your own backyard enjoying the wonders of a tiny hummingbird, there is an awe in observing the natural world that can teach us something precious about life.

Ben and I chat about the first time he realized tourism could be a driving force for conservation, some incredible experiences he’s had in the wild, and how just being in nature and taking it all in can be one of the most powerful tools for sustainability.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Imagine yourself floating in crystal clear, turquoise waters with fringes of palm trees rustling in the breeze, and not a soul in sight. 

This may sound like a fantasy but it happens with regularity in the Maldives. This gorgeous chain of atolls sprawling across the Indian Ocean is one of the best places on the planet to disconnect and feel immersed in nature. And when you’ve had your fill of relaxing you can dive with whale sharks, surf some of the best breaks in the world, and dine in underwater restaurants. 

Our guest today is Alex Chambers, my partner in the Maldives, who has lived in and traveled to the region regularly for the past 30 years. We discuss how the islands have changed since the tourism boom, sustainability, and some unimaginable luxury experiences.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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I’m excited to take you to one of my favorite countries today, the Sultanate of Oman.

Located on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, this hidden gem boasts rugged mountain ranges bursting with roses, terraced orchards of pomegranates, vast sand dune deserts, and date palm fringed oases dotted with crystal clear limestone pools of water.

One of the best ways to experience Oman is by camping and spending time with a local guide. So our guest today is Taimur Al-said, the owner of Hud Hud Travels. Taimur specializes in luxury camp set ups so that whether you’re a couple or a big family or a huge group of friends - you can have this experience in comfort.

We discuss everything from the Sultan, to trying Omani food streetside, to the gorgeous natural beauty of the countryside.

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I can’t tell you how excited I have been for this trip and to be recording our first “On Location” episode of Luxury Travel Insider. 

While I love all my trips, this one is really special because Japan is brand new for me! Yep - I’ve been to over 100 countries and all 7 continents twice or more, but this is my first time here. 

I was supposed to visit in 2020 but of course the Pandemic had other plans. Now all of a sudden, Japan is one of our top destinations this year at Bell & Bly Travel, so I just needed to see it for myself! 

This week I’ll be recording some of my impressions of the country, my favorite experiences, and answering some of your questions too. 

Pour a glass of your favorite Japanese whisky and join me on this adventure to Tokyo & Kyoto!

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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We’re shaking it up today with a panel of experts on one of my favorite countries, Thailand! Together we’ll explore the bustling capital of Bangkok, stunning national parks, and the culture of this fascinating country.

Our guests today are:

James Beard Award Winning Chef, Andy Ricker, who lives in Chiang Mai and is an expert in Northern Thai cuisine. Oh, and he showed Anthony Bourdain around the area in an episode of Parts Unknown.

Next we have Ake Rittinapakorn, who is a scholar and expert in Southeast Asian arts, antiques, and textiles, and can get our clients access to a royal family private retreat.

Finally, Belinda Shillcock, expert on all up and coming destinations in Thailand and the regional managing director for Abercrombie & Kent, overseeing all of Southeast Asia.

What I love about this episode is hearing these three souls speak passionately about food, tourism, and arts - and use their respective mediums to dive deep into the heart of what Thailand is all about. I learned a lot about how to be a true traveler from this episode, and I hope you do too.

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Today we’re whisking you away on a captivating journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express.

With a history dating back to 1883, this train route has transported aristocrats and historic figures like Tolstoy, Trotsky, Marlene Dietrich, and Lawrence of Arabia. Many of the cars of the Venice Simplon are original cars from the 1920s and all are painstakingly restored to preserve the charm of the day.

Our guest today is Pascal Deyrolle, who started as a cabin steward on the train 30 years ago and is today the General Manager in charge of all train operations.

Pascal tells some great stories, and we discuss how the Venice Simplon transports you back in time, how the outside world will fade away, and how you can reconnect with what’s important.

All aboard for this fascinating chat about Belmond’s Venice Simplon Orient Express.

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Today’s show is about Alaska and two of it’s top luxury lodges, Winterlake and Tutka Bay Lodge. But it’s also about so much more! Our guest is owner and chef, Kirsten Dixon and after our recording I was asking her to be my mentor!

Alaska is a destination that captures the imaginations of people from all over the world. It’s pristine beauty and rugged wilderness have so much to teach us. Travel has always been near and dear to my heart because it helps us to feel small, to realize how wide the world is around us - and Alaska is the perfect place to experience this.

Kirsten reminds us all to drink up the bright and shiny parts of life and shares her experiences of Alaska with us. We discuss everything from wildlife and helicopter adventures, to story telling with shots of vodka, to cooking with your heart and soul.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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