Explore every episode of the podcast The Last Resort
Dive into the complete episode list for The Last Resort. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
The Last Resort: Saseka Tented Camp and Matetsi Victoria Falls
30 sept. 2026
00:32:58
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Karen Urosevich, founder of Well Placed Travel, about her recent stays at Saseka Tented Camp in South Africa's Greater Kruger and Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where her trip ended with a surprise proposal on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Urosevich explains how her now-fiance secretly worked with their travel partner and Matetsi to plan the big moment, and why those same experts talked him out of proposing during a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. She also weighs in on Saseka, including her candid take on why three nights of twice-daily game drives is plenty for most clients. And lastly, she shares what the trip taught her about advising safari clients, from when VIP airport greeters aren’t always worth it to why it pays to ask how tall clients are before booking regional flights.
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 10th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of October.
The Last Resort: Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
24 août 2026
00:31:59
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Leah Smith Fulenwider, COO of Coastline Travel Group, about her recent stay at Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Mexico.
Smith Fulenwider talks about what it means to stay at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property and why Siari's mountaintop setting and design are perfect for seclusion and privacy. She shares details on the resort’s four miles of swimmable beach, the Mexican-inspired influences featured across each of its restaurant concepts and the “treehouse” feel of Siari’s guestrooms, which are surrounded by lush jungle. She also weighs in on the resort's ideal clientele, current Mexico travel demand and why she describes the Reserve concept as “understated luxury.”
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 9th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of September.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Amanda Veldman Doyle, owner of AVD Global, about her recent stay at the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.
Veldman Doyle talks about what sets the adults-only Grand Velas Boutique property apart from its larger, family-friendly sister resort, the Grand Velas Los Cabos, next door. She shares details on the property's more intimate, residential feel and serene adults-only pool scene, as well as standout culinary favorites like Loto Robata Grill's Japanese-Mexican fusion menu. She also weighs in on the resort's wellness programming, the case for an all-inclusive stay versus a traditional European plan property in Cabo, and why she believes that "if you are a luxury hotel junkie and you have not been to Cabo, you are really missing out."
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 8th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of August.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski chats with Amanda Khazem, owner of the Fora-affiliated agency Wanders and Travel, about her recent visit to Nihi Rote, a recently opened luxury resort on Indonesia's remote Rote Island.
Khazem talks about the multi-leg journey required to reach the all-inclusive property, why that very remoteness is part of the appeal and how the resort’s onsite Rote Hospitality Academy helps create a uniquely personal guest experience.
She also breaks down pricing, ideal length of stay and which travelers are the best fit for this adventure-leaning, off-the-beaten-path property.
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 7th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of July.
The Last Resort: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
28 mai 2026
00:36:08
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Fora-affiliated luxury travel advisors Jill Albino and Ronit Margolis about their recent stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland.
Albino and Margolis break down what makes The Retreat worth its premium price tag, with Margolis going so far as to call the property “one of the top three hotels I’ve ever been to.” The two share details on the resort’s elevated Icelandic cuisine, afternoon tea experience, complimentary spa circuit and standout service. They also cover what clients should be prepared for before they go, from the lagoon’s no-wet-hair rule and drink limit to the very real possibility of a volcanic eruption. Plus, the pair weigh in on whether one night at The Retreat is really enough.
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 6th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of June.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Jace Tarbell, founder of Somewhere Travel Co., about his most recent stay at Atelier Playa Mujeres, an all-inclusive just north of Cancun, Mexico.
Tarbell breaks down what sets Atelier Playa Mujeres apart within the crowded all-inclusive landscape, from its standout mixology program and dining venues that could hold their own off property, to the design-forward details that he says make the resort feel “like a deep breath when you walk in.” He also addresses how the alarming Mexico headlines earlier this year affected his clients and whether bookings are bouncing back. Plus, Tarbell shares his “fantastic four” of go-to Mexico all-inclusive recommendations.
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 5th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of May.
The Last Resort: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection
26 mars 2026
00:32:22
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Rebecca Bullen, a Smartflyer-affiliated luxury travel advisor and self-described Italy obsessive, about her recent visit to Collegio alla Querce, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Florence, Italy.
Bullen makes the case for why this property deserves a spot in every Italy specialist’s toolkit, from its surprisingly accessible hillside location just 10 minutes from the city center to its sizable swimming pool, a rarity in Florence. She also shares her broader read on Italy demand, the off-season opportunity she’s increasingly pitching to clients and the upcoming Italian openings she’s watching most closely, from a Rocco Forte in Naples to Four Seasons taking over the Danieli in Venice.
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 4th episode of the fourth season will be posted on April 20th.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Lauren Pronger, president and founder of Well Inspired Travels, about her multiple visits to SHA Mexico, the SHA brand’s first property in the Americas and what Pronger calls her “wellness Disneyland.”
Pronger breaks down what sets SHA Mexico apart from other luxury wellness resorts, from its diagnostic, science-backed programming and signature hydrotherapy circuit to its deeply personalized approach. She shares insights into who makes an ideal SHA guest, how she curates experiences for her high-profile clientele, including professional athletes, and why the property’s proximity to major U.S. cities makes it a gamechanger for the Americas wellness travel market.
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 3rd episode of the fourth season will be posted on March 23rd.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Erica Gragg, lead travel designer and founder of Escape Artists: Luxury Travel Advisors, about her recent visit to New York’s Hudson Valley and the Berkshires in Massachusetts, including her stay at the Prospect Berkshires.
Hudson-based Gragg shares insider perspective on the region and discusses how the Prospect Berkshires and other properties deliver nature-focused experiences without sacrificing comfort. She also highlights a few favorite Hudson-area restaurants, explains which travelers might find these accessible destinations worth the journey from New York City and Boston, and shares observations on how the arrival of major brands like One&Only and Six Senses will shape the Hudson Valley's future.
Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 2nd episode of the fourth season will be posted on February 23rd.
The Last Resort: Saffire Freycinet and Flockhill Lodge
16 déc. 2025
00:31:41
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Karen Urosevich, founder of Well Placed Travel, about her recent visit to Australia and New Zealand and her stays at the Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania and Flockhill Lodge in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Urosevich talks about how these two luxury lodges deliver personalized service that justifies their premium pricing, and shares details on the unique experiences—like shucking fresh oysters, herding sheep during lambing season and enjoying “food theater” at Flockhill’s award-winning restaurant—that made her trip especially memorable. She also offers tips on navigating these off-the-beaten-path destinations and talks about which travelers might find these remote, all-inclusive accommodations worth the journey.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 1st episode of the fourth season will be posted on January 12.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with luxury travel advisors Limor Decter and Kim-Marie Galloway of Embark Beyond about their visits to the Canaves Collection properties on Santorini.
The pair shares why Canaves Epitome has become their go-to recommendation over the traditional Caldera properties, thanks to its horizontal layout for easier mobility and sunset views at the infinity pool. They also discuss Greece’s hospitality challenges over the past summer, the logistics of island-hopping that DIY travelers often underestimate and why the Canaves team excels at creating “surprise and delight” moments for clients.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 12th episode of the third season will be posted on December 8.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Stephanie Rizzolo, co-founder of Sette Travel & Lifestyle, an affiliate of Embark Beyond, about her recent visit to Sardinia’s northern coast and her stays at the W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu, Aethos Sardinia and Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel.
Rizzolo reveals why the new W Sardinia is surprisingly sophisticated, shares the stark differences in beach access across luxury and lifestyle properties (some require boats!) and explains why shoulder season is the secret to experiencing this emerging Italian destination. She also discusses how Sardinia offers a fresh alternative to over-touristed hotspots like the Amalfi Coast, with Delta’s recently launched direct flight to Olbia making the destination more easily accessible.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 11th episode of the third season will be posted on November 10.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Joe Casciola, founder of New Orleans-based Destinations Travel Advisors, about his recent visit to Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands.
Casciola shares insights on the property’s dramatic comeback following Hurricane Irma’s devastation in 2017, revealing how the eight-year closure has resulted in a completely reimagined resort with renovated accommodations and revamped dining concepts. He discusses the resort’s beachfront positioning, which allows guests to literally step from their rooms onto pristine sand, and the 22,000-square-foot Falcons Nest villa that he calls “celebrity-worthy.” He also shares why he believes the property offers exceptional value for today’s luxury villa clients.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The tenth episode of the third season will be posted on October 13.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Marc Telio, owner of Vancouver-based Entree Destinations, about his recent visit to the Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest.
Telio talks about what makes this intimate nine-cabin property stand out among luxury wilderness lodges, from its signature helicopter salmon fishing experiences to its innovative floating docks with wood-burning saunas. He also discusses his process for managing soft adventure expectations, navigating the destination’s seasonality and crafting mountain-to-ocean itineraries that may start in Whistler and end with seaplane arrivals at Nimmo Bay.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The ninth episode of the third season will be posted on September 8.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Philippa (Pip) Clarke, head of Caribbean for U.K.-based Hummingbird Travel, about her recent visit to Curtain Bluff in Antigua.
Clarke reveals why this Antiguan resort’s approach to all-inclusive luxury—complete with multiple sommeliers, rotating a la carte menus and pickleball—keeps families and couples returning year after year. She also discusses topics like dinnertime dress codes and how Curtain Bluff successfully maintains these types of traditional elements, while continuing to evolve with changing guest expectations. Additionally, Clarke shares her process for matching clients to the right Caribbean property, especially when working with those “vague inquiries” that simply ask for “all-inclusive in the Caribbean.”
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The eighth episode of the third season will be posted on August 11.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Michelle McSorley, a concierge travel advisor with Favorite Grampy Travels, and Jamie Biesiada, a Travel Weekly senior editor and host of the Trade Secrets podcast, about their recent visits to the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel at Universal Studios Resort.
McSorley and Biesiada share why the luxury property’s direct access to Universal Epic Universe is a gamechanger, as well as offer details on the hotel’s park views, dining options and themed How To Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites. The pair also touch on how Universal Studios’ latest hotel and park expansions may change guest patterns, potentially extending Universal stays from quick add-ons to full-week experiences.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The seventh episode of the third season will be posted on July 14.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Amy Nidds, a travel consultant with VWT by Chase Travel, about her recent visit to the Hotel Balzac in Paris.
Nidds reveals why this intimate 58-room hotel with Eiffel Tower views delivers an experience that feels like “your own apartment in Paris,” complete with a concierge team willing to go the extra mile to secure “impossible” restaurant reservations. She confirms that luxury European travel demand remains “crazy,” with clients not only booking Paris but often pairing the city with stays in Provence or Normandy. Nidds also shares her must-do recommendations, including the 30-seat Hemingway Bar and where to find the best chocolate mousse in Paris.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The sixth episode of the third season will be posted on June 9th.
The Last Resort: Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
14 avr. 2025
00:19:43
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Limor Decter, a luxury travel/lifestyle advisor and writer with Embark Beyond, about her recent visit to the Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Decter dishes on private beach dinners, whale watching from ocean-facing balconies and personalized service that she said makes her feel like she’s “coming home.” Plus, get her perspective on Cabo’s evolution as a luxury destination, with insights on seasonal pricing, flight connectivity improvements and the market’s expanding appeal beyond just sea and sand.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The fifth episode of the third season will be posted on May 12.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Julie Boller, a luxury travel advisor with Atlas Wander Travel, about her recent visit to the Sheen Falls Lodge in Co. Kerry, Ireland.
Boller talks about the property’s dramatic landscapes, spacious accommodations perfect for couples and multi-generational families and diverse experiences, from falconry to helicopter tours of the Ring of Kerry. She also shares insider tips on how to craft the perfect 10- to 14-day Irish itinerary and chats about why her clients are consistently booking back-to-back Irish adventures.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The fourth episode of the third season will be posted on April 14.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Anna Gilbert, founder and lead travel designer at Upannaway, about her recent visit to Angama’s luxury safari lodges and camps in Kenya.
Gilbert shares her first impressions of Angama’s flagship Angama Mara lodge, more recently opened Angama Amboseli property and the brand’s intimate Angama Tented Camp. She shares details on some of her most memorable moments, including a peaceful hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara and getting the chance to bond with her guides over Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton songs. She also offers candid insights about Angama’s most distinctive features, from the brand’s exceptional accommodations to their unique photography studio.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The third episode of the third season will be posted on March 10.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Sarah Groen, owner and CEO of Bell & Bly Design, about her recent visit Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Groen shares details on the historic property’s iconic floating pool, Riva boats and Michelin-worthy dining experiences, while also explaining what makes the Grand Hotel Tremezzo distinct from its sister Lake Como property, Passalacqua. She also offers insider tips on prime shoulder season timing, unique alternatives to water activities and how her clients prefer to combine Lake Como with other European stops.
Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The second episode of the third season will be posted on February 10.
The Last Resort: Mandarin Oriental Canouan and Soho Beach House Canouan
09 déc. 2024
00:24:04
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Amber Rose Powers, a luxury travel advisor with Fora X, about her recent visits to the Mandarin Oriental Canouan and Soho Beach House Canouan.
Powers takes listeners to Canouan, a hidden Caribbean gem where “billionaires go to get away from millionaires.” She shares her experience at two distinctly different properties: the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental, with its marble suites and butler service, and the laid-back yet sophisticated Soho Beach House, both of which have recently reopened after Hurricane Beryl. Powers shares highlights from her trip, from communal “jetty dinner” experiences to catamaran excursions through the nearby Tobago Cays and talks about how these two Canouan resorts successfully blend authentic Caribbean charm with world-class hospitality.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The first episode of the third season will be posted on January 13.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Abbey Meyer, CEO of Missouri-based Sky High Travel, about her recent visit to the Hotel Xcaret Arte near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Meyer describes how the adults-only Xcaret all-inclusive stands apart with its art-filled interiors, diverse cuisine and what she boldly claims is “the most incredible spa in all of Mexico.” While the resort commands premium pricing, she also explains how the included access to immersive cultural activities and Xcaret’s surrounding eco-parks justify the investment for adventurous travelers. Jelski and Meyer also talk broader luxury all-inclusive demand in Mexico, what the current pricing picture looks like and whether all-inclusive supply is starting to outpace demand.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 12th episode of the second season will be posted on December 9.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Jill Albino of Jill Albino Travel and Gabrielle Brechner of Watch Our Step Travel about their recent visit to the Botania Relais & Spa on the Italian island of Ischia.
Albino and Brechner share details on the property's intimate atmosphere, unique villa-style accommodations and standout culinary experiences, including a “dessert pasta” that’s prepped tableside. They also highlight Ischia's potential as a less crowded alternative to popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast, as well as discuss the island’s accessibility, with its proximity to Naples and Capri making it an attractive addition to a broader Italian itinerary.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The 11th episode of the second season will be posted on November 11.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Julie Shotmeyer, CEO of Jet Set Getaways, about her recent visit to The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Northeastern Florida.
Shotmeyer shares her insights on the resort's beachfront location, expansive accommodations and Club Level—which she says is the best Ritz-Carlton Club Level she’s ever experienced. She also talks about the property's diverse appeal for various traveler types and why it’s a potential fit for clients looking for an alternative to Florida destinations like Naples or West Palm Beach. Shotmeyer caps off the chat with an update on current leisure travel trends and the U.S. destinations her clients are buzzing about.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The tenth episode of the second season will be posted on October 14.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Pamela Schein Murphy, a Fora-affiliated luxury travel advisor and founder of The Wandrist, about her recent visit to the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl near Salzburg, Austria.
Schein Murphy dishes on the newly opened lakefront property, which she describes as having an “adult summer camp” feel. She also raves about Lake Fuschl’s Caribbean-like turquoise waters and the property’s Saint-Tropez-esque beach club, which serves up an especially tasty octopus. Schein Murphy also talks about why the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl offers a refreshing alternative to Europe's overcrowded hotspots—and might be the perfect option for clients seeking to escape the continent's scorching summer temps.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The ninth episode of the second season will be posted on September 9.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Fora-affiliated advisors Nancy Deane, Kim Hannum, Pamela Schein Murphy, Claudia Riegelhaupt and Louisa Vann, who have joined forces to attend fam trips together as part of a “fam pod.” The quintet recently visited the U.K., combining a London trip with a stay at Estelle Manor, a 108-room country estate and private members’ club in Oxfordshire.
The group shares a few insights on their London experiences, which included site visits to properties within the Firmdale Hotels and Maybourne portfolios, before diving into their stay at Estelle Manor, which they say puts a “really fresh and fun” spin on the country estate concept. They talk about the property's Bridgerton-esque charm, its adults-only main house and how the property’s membership club component elevates the guest experience. The advisors also delve into the benefits of traveling together as part of a fam pod, and how their established group dynamic allows for more focused and productive familiarization trips.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The eighth episode of the second season will be posted on August 12.
The Last Resort: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
10 juin 2024
00:24:22
The Last Resort: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Brandon White, owner of Share the Magic Travel, to talk about his recent visit to the Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
White shares the inside scoop on the recently opened 301-room all-inclusive, set amid mountains, black sand beaches and lush rainforests. He also talks about the property’s many amenities—including its 11 dining venues and multiple pool areas—and why St. Vincent's off-the-beaten-path allure makes it a prime spot for adventure-loving couples.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The seventh episode of the second season will be posted on July 8.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Megan McCaffrey-Guerrera, owner of Bella Vita Travels, to talk about her recent visit to the Cali Mykonos in Greece.
McCaffrey-Guerrera talks about why the 40-suite Cali Mykonos offers plenty of romantic, off-the-beaten path charm, and why she’s confident that once she gets clients in the door, “they're going to go back every year.” McCaffrey-Guerrera also shares an update on Greece travel demand this summer and makes mention of a few up-and-coming Greek hotspots that are quickly becoming traveler favorites.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The sixth episode of the second season will be posted on June 10.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Mark Gerling, owner of Gerling Travel, and Sarah Bogaczyk, owner of Connections Luxury Travel, to talk about their recent visit to The Shore Club Turks & Caicos.
Gerling and Bogaczyk talk about why the Long Bay Beach property is a great fit for everyone from families to couples, as well as larger multigenerational groups. The pair also discuss why the resort’s villa product offers plenty of “wow factor,” as well as share a few tips on how to maximize a client’s stay at Shore Club Turks & Caicos with a luxury yacht add-on and shuttle service to a neighboring sister property.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The fifth episode of the second season will be posted on May 13.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Courtnie Nichols, CEO and founder of TravelBash, about her recent visit to luxury Jamaican resort GoldenEye.
Jelski and Nichols talk about why the property, a longtime celebrity favorite, is ideal for a buyout or big celebration, as well as for leisure travelers looking for a laid-back, but still luxe, getaway. Nichols also shares her thoughts on Jamaica’s appeal as a high-end destination and why recent U.S. advisories related to Jamaica travel have done very little to dissuade her clients from planning travel to the island.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The fourth episode of the second season will be posted on April 8.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Carolyn Consalvo, a senior travel advisor with Andrew Harper, about her recent visits to two country estates in the U.K.: The Newt and Heckfield Place.
Jelski and Consalvo talk about why The Newt and Heckfield Place are best paired with a city trip to London, and why garden aficionados find themselves flocking to The Newt in particular. Consalvo also clarifies a few misconceptions that U.S. travelers might have about a U.K. country estate experience, as well as the role modern pop culture—from Downton Abbey to Saltburn—has played in making country estates cool again.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The third episode of the second season will be posted on March 11.
The Last Resort: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets
08 janv. 2024
00:22:43
The Last Resort: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Kristi Mackedanz, travel advisor and founder of KM Travel Designs, about her recent visit to the Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets near Cancun, Mexico.
Jelski and Mackedanz talk about the property’s unique arrival experience, which Mackedanz describes as a true “wow” moment, as well as why a pairing a stay at the Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets with a visit to sister property Impression Moxche By Secrets near Playa del Carmen makes for a winning combination. The pair also chat about how this luxury all-inclusive has changed the Isla Mujeres lodging landscape and why Mexico travel more generally remains perpetually in demand.
Currently in its second season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
The second episode of the second season will be posted on February 12.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Leah Winck, owner of Journey On Travel, and Rebecca East, travel advisor at Life Styled Group, about their recent visits to the Four Seasons Resort Bali At Jimbaran Bay and sister property the Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan.
Winck and East talk about how both resorts excel at incorporating authentic cultural experiences and what it’s like to take a raft transfer from the Jimbaran Bay property to the Sayan resort. The pair also chat about how the two very distinct properties can easily be paired together as part of a Bali vacation and why U.S. demand for long-haul destinations like Bali remains robust.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Linda Sergeant, founder of Far and Away Luxury Destinations, an affiliate of In The Know Experiences, about her recent visit to the Kisawa Sanctuary on Mozambique’s Benguerra Island.
Sergeant talks about the Kisawa Sanctuary’s expansive, residential-style accommodations, robust wellness offerings and why this under-the-radar property has potential to become “one of the world's best hotels.” Sergeant also shares why many U.S. travelers are no longer putting off booking trips to bucket list destinations like Africa and why last-minute travel planning remains a major obstacle for advisors.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
Episode Title: The Last Resort: Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Syreeta Grose, owner of Grose Travel Services Meetings and Events, and Tim Flatz, owner and senior advisor for Discovery Travel, about their recent visits to the new Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya in Mexico.
Grose and Flatz talk about the property’s status as the first adults-only Margaritaville Beach Resort in the Karisma Hotels & Resorts portfolio, and chat about highlights like the best pool bar for grabbing a custom cocktail (where Flatz discovered his new go-to, a Coconut Mojito) and their experience with the resort’s glow-in-the-dark pickleball offering. They also touch on the fact that group business—from destination weddings and bachelorette parties to family reunions—remains red hot this year and discuss why a slowdown during “low season” may be a thing of the past.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to SmartFlyer-affiliated travel advisor Sarah Lopez and Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin about their recent visits to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Lopez and Tobin talk about 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s prime position along Kauai’s famed North Shore and why the property offers an ideal wellness retreat-style experience, without being an “in your face” wellness destination. The pair chat about some of their favorite amenities at the resort, from delicious bagels at the property’s Neighbors cafe venue to complimentary access to electric Audi e‑tron vehicles. Lopez also discusses the negative impact that the recent Maui wildfires have had on Hawaii bookings as a whole.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Deb Swacker and Claire Herzog, who are both independent travel advisors affiliated with Fora Travel, about Sage Lodge, a Montana mountain resort located 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.
Swacker and Herzog talk about the property’s accommodations, including its family- and group-friendly Ranch Houses, which each have four bedrooms and sleep up to 16. They also discuss food and beverage highlights—including an Old Fashioned with an unusual secret ingredient—and why Sage Lodge is a perfect launch pad for outdoor exploration and activities. Additionally, both advisors touch on Montana’s recent tourism boom and talk about why national park travel remains a perennial bucket list favorite.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Maurice Smith, founder of Eugene Toriko, and Courtnie Nichols, CEO and founder of TravelBash, about Namron Hospitality’s La Valise Tulum in Mexico.
Smith and Nichols talk about the property’s Instagram-worthy “rolling beds” and key differences between the resort’s beachfront wing and more recently added jungle accommodations, as well as why the La Valise Tulum is a perfect launchpad for couples seeking peace and privacy, but also easy access to nearby restaurants and nightlife. The two also talk about Tulum’s explosive growth and the destination’s diverse array of hospitality options.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
The Last Resort: Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club
11 juin 2023
00:25:12
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Stacey Kaplan, a travel consultant with Tzell Travel Group, and Suzanne Ferrando, a travel advisor with Elli Travel Group, about the Salamander Hotels & Resorts-managed Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club on Anguilla’s Rendezvous Bay.
Kaplan and Ferrando chat about key updates made at the recently revamped property, which was previously flagged as the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa. Additionally, they touch on their favorite on-property culinary options, from the resort’s D Richards steakhouse to the Tokyo Bay modern Japanese concept, and also talk about why being able to market the property’s charter flight service from New York’s Westchester County Airport and the Fort Lauderdale Airport is a “gamechanger.”
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
The Last Resort: Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxche
05 mai 2023
00:41:26
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Tony Adler, president and CEO of Cruise and Resort Inc., and Kristy Adler, executive vice president and COO of Cruise and Resort Inc., about the Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxche all-inclusives in Mexico.
They talk about key differences between the two sister properties, their favorite culinary experiences across both resorts and what sets the ultra-luxe Secrets Impression concept apart from other high-end all-inclusives in the Playa del Carmen market. Also, they touch on why the two Secrets resorts are the perfect all-inclusive products to market to their cruise die-hards.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
The Last Resort: Sandals Royal Curacao and Sandals Royal Bahamian
06 avr. 2023
00:39:14
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Holly Ward, a destination wedding and honeymoon specialist and Sandals & Beaches Resorts exclusive agent with Alpha World Travel, and Addison Jaynes, founder and CEO of the Sandals & Beaches Resorts-focused concierge service Reliant Destinations USA, about their visits to the recently opened Sandals Royal Curacao and recently refreshed Sandals Royal Bahamian.
They discuss some culinary highlights across both resorts, from favorite food truck offerings to the French fare at Sandals Royal Bahamian’s updated La Plume restaurant, and notable design elements like Sandals Royal Curacao’s sprawling infinity pool and Sandals Royal Bahamian’s revamped Coconut Grove lounge area. Ward and Jaynes also talk about their respective decisions to go all-in on the brand as Sandals-exclusive advisors.
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
On the first episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Heather Bull, vice president at Peacock Travel Group, and Dawn Koutsky, owner of Wish to Wander Travel, about their recent visit to the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
They discuss the ease of flying in and out of Cancun these days, a few of the property’s design and culinary highlights and several reasons the Playa Hotels & Resorts-managed Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is a great option for destination weddings and groups.
The pair also touch on the topic of booming interest in all-inclusive resorts, with Bull characterizing the surge in demand as “absolutely off the chart.”
The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The Last Resort is in its first season with new episodes coming out the second Monday of each month.
We're introducing The Last Resort, a new monthly hospitality-focused podcast hosted by Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. From Caribbean all-inclusives to mountainside lodges, we’ll be talking to advisors about their first-hand experiences at some of the most exciting and buzzed-about resorts around the world.
Stay tuned for The Last Resort's first episode, which will go live next week. We'll be sharing insights from two advisors fresh off a visit to the recently opened Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya in Mexico!
Our theme song is Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeod.
"Beachfront Celebration" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License