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...

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...

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...

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...

We’re taking another trip to Paris to learn more about the 2024 summer games, and about the history of the games in general.  Our guest is Dave Guenther, Founder & President of Roadtrips - my go to partner when planning luxury travel centered around sporting events. And the partner I am traveling with to the Summer Games in Paris next year as well.  As you can imagine, we are both THRILLED for next year and we chat all about the history of the Olympics, the new sporting events we’ll see...

Today we’re heading back to Africa to spend some time in Namibia. If you don’t know much about Namibia - you’re about to be wowed. Whether it’s the massive sand dunes glowing in the sunset, the diversity of culture, or the uber unique wildlife that gets you - Namibia is sure to capture your heart.  My guest today is Tristan Cowley, a born and raised Namibian and owner of Ultimate Safaris. We speak in depth about everything from desert adapted elephants, to art galleries in Windhoek, to...

Today we’re visiting a country that I think is truly under-appreciated. A tropical paradise dotted with volcanoes, this destination is easy to get to and boasts amazing wildlife, interesting culture, and lots of active adventures.  Joining me to chat all things Nicaragua are three experts in the region. Clark Kotula, who studied Nicaraguan politics and history and is also my partner in the region; Vera Bonilla from Rancho Santana on the Pacific Coast, and Adriana Beer from Yemaya Reefs on...

Today we’re headed well off the beaten path, to the area nestled between the North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea. The secluded Faroe Islands boast rugged cliffs, emerald green landscapes, puffins galore, and a vibrant local culture for such a small population.  You might come here for the hiking or the bird life, but what you’ll leave with is a sense of peace, having experienced the luxurious feeling of being on the edge of the world.  Our guests today are our partners in the region,...

Today we visit the magical country of Nepal. Known for soaring mountain peaks, gorgeous valleys, and the warmth of its people, Nepal is a country that captures hearts and minds like no other.  My guest today is Sangita Shrestha, owner of Dwarika’s Hotel and Dwarika’s Resort, properties that have a deep purpose and mission to preserve Nepal’s cultural heritage.  Sangita and I chat about Nepali hospitality, her work with children after the earthquake, and some fantastic experiences for...

Today we’re headed back to New Zealand to uncover a hidden gem in the Wellington region. This southernmost part of the North Island is known for its elegant villages, boutique wineries, rural farmlands.  My guest today is Richard Rooney, the GM of luxury lodge Wharekauhau. The lodge is set right on the banks of Palliser Bay and brings together all the elements of old New Zealand. The miles of rugged coastline and the working sheep farm will take you back to simpler times and remind you...

Today we’re winding our way down an idyllic country road in Ireland to the famed Adare Manor. Set in a charming village of thatched cottages, blooming rose gardens, and cobblestone streets, this jewel of County Limerick will have you wanting to come back over and over again.  Joining me today is Brendon O’Connor, the General Manager of Adare Manor, which recently won the Conde Nast award for Best Resort in Europe. Brendan and I chat about everything from the potato famine to genealogy, to...

Today we’re headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of.  Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we’re diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate.  One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Private Island boasts exclusive over-water villas, a Troon golf course, water park for kids, and some of the friendliest service you’ll find...

I’m excited for you to join me today in the southern part of Tuscany, an area called Maremma, and one we haven’t yet explored on the show. Here you’ll find sun-kissed olive groves, pristine stretches of coastline, and of course, gorgeous wines.  We’re settling in at the stunning Castello di Vicarello for a chat with my friend, and the owner, Neri Baccheschi Berti who in a surprising turn of events, tells us how he was actually born inside the castle during its renovation!  Neri and I chat...

Today we’re venturing into the Atlantic, making stops on the islands of The Azores and Madeira. Imagine stunning verdant volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and temperate weather all year round. Don’t forget incredible food and a unique expression of Portuguese culture.  My guests today are Filipe Fraga from Madeira and Beatriz Sousa from The Azores. We chat about the differences and commonalities between these two destinations, the unique environment, and the authentic experiences...

My guest today is Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and President of AmaWaterways. AMA has been sharing its passion for river cruising around the world for more than 20 years, but Rudi has a deep history going back to the very beginnings of this type of travel.  Rudi shares with us the history of river cruising, his fascinating personal history, some entrepreneurial stories from the early days of AMA, and more.  We also hear about his favorite stops along some of the world’s most famous waterways,...

Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of turquoise lagoons, emerald-green islands, and coral-fringed shores.  Whether you’re diving with sharks, climbing the ridge of a volcanic peak, or relaxing in your overwater bungalow - French Polynesia, or Tahiti for short - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.  We have a fun show for you today, with my friend and partner in the region, Raphael Bernard. Raphael has lived on a couple different islands in the archipelago and eats and...

The date of recording for today’s show is February 7th, 2024. That’s important because our show today is very topical and time sensitive.  As some of you may know there has been a crackdown on organized crime and drug trade in Ecuador over the past month. Sadly for me and my friends and partners in the region, this crack down and the resulting sensationalization from the media has resulted in many visitors cancelling trips to this beautiful country… at exactly the time that Ecuadorians need...

Today we’re headed to the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. While all three countries are different in culture and in language, what they share is having borne witness to the same history and the courage to protect their individual identities through centuries of tumult.  This is a fascinating region of the world to visit, not only because of the history, but because of the unspoiled coastlines and forests, charming traditions, and world class cities.  My guests today are...

Today we’re peeking into the world of survival travel - taking trips to learn important survival skills and putting them into practice in a real life setting. If you’ve ever been curious about truly getting back to nature,  this episode is for you!  My guests today are my friends Tom Williams and Roman Chiporukha. Tom started an experience company called Desert Island Survival and was the recent winner of the hit survival reality show, Alone UK. Roman has been a past guest of the show and...

Today we’re whisking you off to a set of secluded islands in the Indian Ocean. This special place is so beautiful and remote, that it is often touted as the original Garden of Eden.  Joining me to chat all things Seychelles, is our partner in the region Tomas Cochrane.  Whether you’re looking for a far flung, relaxing, tropical paradise, or a more active adventure complete with interesting wildlife, hiking, and island hopping - the Seychelles really has something for almost everyone.  ...

This week we’re up to something a little different. I invited three of my travel industry friends to join me in conversation about some of our favorite hotels of the year, some of our biggest travel pet peeves, and some of the lessons we hope our followers, clients, and guests will take home with them from their next trips.  Joining me today are Wendy Blandon, Hao Tang, and Simon Jones. All four of us are professional travelers, spending up to one third of the year out of the country. It’s...

Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist.  Chatting holiday traditions with me today are Cristina Consuegra, our partner in Colombia; Helmut Kugler, our partner in Germany, and Malik Fernando, the owner and MD of the Resplendent Ceylon properties in Sri Lanka!  ...

Joining us today for the second time is Matthew Upchurch, one of the most influential people in the world of luxury travel, and the CEO of Virtuoso. Last time Matthew joined us, we had an insightful conversation about the history of travel, so this time around I thought we’d focus on the future of travel.  We delve into topics as diverse as AI, the impact of technology on trust, the richness of having friends around the world, intergenerational collaboration, and more.    Learn more at...

I’m thrilled to take you on a journey today over to Africa, and to bits of Asia and South America too. But the core of our conversation will be about the fine balancing act between land, people, and wildlife.  Joss Kent, the CEO of andBeyond and former CEO of Abercrombie & Kent joins me today to explain how the three of these elements can and do work in concert to truly make the world a better place.  We discuss everything from pangolin conservation, to extreme encounters with wildlife,...

Today… we’re going skiing! And not just in Colorado, or Utah, or California - but all over the world from Chile, to Japan, to Italy and France. Our guests today are the brother and sister team, Rick Reichsfeld and Richelle Blanken. The duo grew up skiing competitively, both raced in college, and then Richelle even raced professionally. When Richelle left the national team - brother and sister teamed up to find a way to make a living from helping others experience the joy of skiing around the...