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Do you love travel? Are you always searching for the absolute best experiences? Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel’s most iconic people. We’ll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world’s top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels. You’ll leave ...
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Today’s episode is a little different — and very special. Not only are we celebrating five incredible years of Luxury Travel Insider… but I am, for the first time ever, inviting YOU to come on the show. To celebrate this five-year milestone, I’m inviting three of our listeners to join me as guests for a special anniversary episode. If you love the …
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Today we’re headed south to the tiny but intriguing country of Belize. Nestled into Central America surrounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras - Belize will capture your imagination. Experience dense rainforest, the second largest barrier reef in the world, phenomenal wildlife, and ancient Mayan culture and history. Joining me today is Martin Kr…
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Today we’re in for some adventure. We’ll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we’ll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot. Joining me today to chat all things New Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boor…
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Today, we're headed deep off the beaten path to a forgotten island in Indonesia called Sumba. While it’s twice as large as Bali and has only 700,000 inhabitants - Sumba has barely any tourism to the island. If it’s starting to sound TOO remote, don’t worry because we uncovered a luxury gem, or as our guest, James McBride, would call it - geographic…
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Today, we're venturing off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known gems of Greece. Picture yourself wandering through the picturesque streets of Tinos, soaking in the stunning views of Folegandros, and discovering the ancient beauty of Meteora. From the charming towns of Syros to the vibrant culture of Thessaloniki, we'll uncover hidden treasur…
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Today we’re visiting my personal favorite destination in the Caribbean. The beaches beckon with white powdery sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and the easiest drinking rum punch in the islands. Add in some amazing resorts, and this is the stuff of your vacation dreams. Joining me to talk all things Turks & Caicos is the COO of Grace Bay Resorts,…
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Today we’re enjoying wide open skies, magical rivers, and the jagged peaks of the Madison mountain range. Sprinkle in a little cowboy culture, love for the land, and a much needed break from the hustle and bustle.. And we’ll find ourselves in Big Sky, Montana. Today I’m joined by my friend Serge Ditesheim, the General Manager of the highly anticipa…
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Today, we’re heading to one of the world’s most magical cities—Venice. Imagine wandering through winding canals, admiring centuries-old architecture, and indulging in traditional ciccheti and a select spritz. Whether you're here for the art, the food, or the timeless beauty, Venice has something special waiting for you. I’m joined by two incredible…
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Today we’re heading to the capital of Spain, a city in Europe that is certainly having a moment. To sum it up, a quote from Lope de Vega says, “When you are in Madrid, you are among friends.” So, joining me today to explore this charming capital city, is my friend, Friedrich von Schönburg, the General Manager of the beautiful Rosewood Villa Magna. …
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Today we are headed to a magical slice of Oman called the Musandam Peninsula. This part of the country is completely isolated from the rest of the mainland and so has maintained its wild natural beauty and authentic culture. Joining me today is Diletta Guarino, the General Manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay, recently named one of the 50 Best Hotels in…
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Today we’re heading to the bustling, yet beautiful metropolis of Hong Kong. Instead of telling you about it in my own words today, I have a couple quotes that I think really sum it up: Journalist Peter Lindberg “Life in Hong Kong transcends cultural and culinary borders, such that nothing is truly foreign and nothing doesn’t belong.” And then a lit…
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Today… we’re going skiing! And we’re doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it’s looking pretty darn good from a value perspective right now. The Euro and Dollar are currently on par…
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Today, we're escaping to the breathtaking Garden Isle of Kauai. With its emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches, Kauai offers a serene escape like no other. We're checking into the stunning 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, where eco-conscious design meets upscale comfort. Joining us is Nicholas Gold, the VP of Operations on property. We'll …
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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 sen…
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I’m excited for you to join me today to head to the gorgeous island of the Dominican Republic. There’s something about the turquoise water fringed with the most amazing palm trees you’ve ever seen - that gives you a sense of calm and relaxation here. Add in the incredible history, gorgeous resorts, world class golf courses - and you’re truly on vac…
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Today, we’re headed to the vibrant and historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, enjoying the rhythm of cumbia music in the distance, or setting sail on turquoise waters to visit nearby islands. Joining me today are three incredible guests who know this city inside and out: my p…
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Today, we’re diving into the trends that are shaping the way travelers are exploring the world. I’m joined by my good friend Jonathan Epstein, the CEO of Celebrated Experiences, one of our partners for curating authentic and luxurious travel experiences in Europe. Jonathan and I discuss everything from the growing demand for slow, intentional trave…
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Today we’re setting off on a journey through the misty glens and rugged coastlines of Scotland—a land where history and legend intertwine. Joining me today are Christopher Sleigh and Euan House, two incredible storytellers and partners of ours in the region. Together, we unravel the history of the clan structure, explore the difference between a ta…
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My guest today is my friend Sam Chamberlain, CEO of the Americas for Ponant Explorations - one of the most interesting expedition cruising companies out there. Whether you dream of experiencing the world’s most technical luxury icebreaker, enjoying the company of penguins, having fabulous French food on board, or exploring typical destinations in n…
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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 …
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Welcome to the 2024 besties episode of Luxury Travel Insider. I’ve invited two of my best friends, Kristen Sandvig and Hao Tang, to join me to dish on all things travel. All three of us are professional travelers, spending up to a third of our years out of the country. It’s our job to be discerning… and maybe a little snobby! So, in this unfiltered…
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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 …
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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. This year I’m chatting about holiday traditions with Samuel Dabinett, the GM o…
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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, wi…
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Today we’re discussing the country of Peru, and all the riches it has to offer. While many people think of Peru synonymously with Machu Picchu, the country is twice the size of Texas and has so much more to offer. After exploring the incredible culture of the Incas and modern day Peruvians living in the Andes, you can also visit the Amazon, enjoy s…
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Today, we’re escaping to one of the most exclusive private islands in the world— COMO Laucala. The island is tucked away in the shimmering South Pacific in the north of Fiji. This stunning destination is more than just a tropical paradise; it’s a celebration of untouched beauty, sustainable luxury, and authentic Fijian culture. Joining me is Gary H…
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Today we are taking a very special trip into the heart of Norwegian Fjordland. And when I say the heart, I don’t just mean the heart of the land. Because today we’re chatting with two locals who are so enthusiastic about welcoming you to their homeland, that you can’t help but feel the love. My friend Steinar Soerli is the fifth-generation owner of…
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Today we’re headed to Greece - land of crystalline seas, fabulously fresh food, and the cradle of democracy. My guests today are Yann Gillet and Jerome Colson, General Managers of the highly anticipated One&Only Aesthesis and One&Only Kea Island. I love this episode because we explore some lesser visited areas of Greece - the glamorous Athenian Riv…
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Today, we're being whisked away to the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian islands. This incredible destination offers so much more than just stunning beaches. It's a place where you can experience everything from lush rainforests to snow-capped volcanoes and explore a vibrant culture that's deeply connected to the land. We're checkin…
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In honor of Halloween, today’s show is all about legends, ghost stories… and the beautiful city of Prague. My guest today is Katerina Sedlakova, one of the top guides in the city. She shares how storytelling in Prague has been a way to pass down lessons and legends for generations. We cover ghosts and ghouls as well as the history of the city and w…
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I’m excited for you to join me today to head back to my favorite city, the eternally beautiful Rome. There’s something about this place that draws you in, makes you feel alive, and gives you a deeper perspective on the passing of time. We’re checking into one of the top new hotels in the world, The Bulgari Rome. The hotel is situated right next to …
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Today we’re headed to a small country, nestled in the heart of Europe. Austria surprises and then charms its visitors with stunning Alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and elegant imperial architecture. Whether you’re searching for the perfect apple strudel, want to hike in hills filled with the “Sound of Music,” or experience the famous cof…
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Today I’m inviting you out on a luxury yacht to swim in crystal clear coves, smell the scent of lavender, and enjoy a cocktail under the pink skies of sunset. We’re setting out to explore the Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia and enjoy all the culture, food, wine, and beauty they have to offer. Our guests today are my friends in the region…
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Today we’re headed to the Laikipia region of Kenya, where the rugged beauty of the savannas meets rolling hills and stunning views of Mt. Kenya. We’ll land on 50,000 acres of conserved land and enjoy everything the gorgeous Segera Retreat has to offer. Joining me to tell you all about Segera are its owners Jochen and Kate Zeitz. Jochen has been the…
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Welcome to Luxury Travel Insider’s birthday episode for this year! We published our first episode this month four years ago. So today I wanted to celebrate how far we’ve come, the who’s who list of industry experts we’ve had on the show, and thank you for all of your support so far. We’re not stopping anytime soon so please keep your feedback and i…
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The date of recording for today’s show is September 12, 2024. That’s important because our show today is topical and a little time sensitive. I started this In The Now format of episode to highlight certain countries and destinations who have experienced events (whether internally or externally) that have disrupted their tourism numbers. A few week…
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Today we’re headed a bit off the beaten path, to the world’s largest island of Greenland. Though often called the land of ice and snow, in the summer you can find wildflowers, berries, beautiful fjords, and a robust local culture. Whether you’re looking to escape the frenzy of cities and popular tourist destinations, have an interest in marine life…
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My guest today is Kelly Craighead, President & CEO of CLIA - one of the travel industry’s most important associations representing all things cruises! Before running CLIA, Kelly was the senior government representative for all travel and tourism matters at the Department of Commerce. So if you’re interested in travel trends and what’s new in the cr…
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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 al…
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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 …
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Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cities in Italy. As a favorite of art lovers, history buffs, and appreciators of beauty the world over, Florence almost needs no introduction. But behind the fact that the renaissance started here, behind all the contributions of the Medici and Leonardo and Michelangelo - there is the beating soul…
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Today we’re headed deep into the American West to discover magical deserts, epic adventures, impossibly big skies, and wildlife you just can’t see anywhere else in the world. This is a land of contrasts - from the hottest desert, to the largest trees; from the longest canyon, to the world’s most epic super volcano. And aside from the natural wonder…
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Today we’re heading to the dazzling city of Bangkok. We’re greeted by ornate temples, bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, chic rooftop bars, and quaint floating markets. In this city that never sleeps, every moment is an adventure and every nook and cranny whispers echoes of ancient Thai culture. My guest today is Nick Downing, General Manager of …
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Today we’re indulging in fine cuisine, going behind the scenes of couture fashion houses like Chanel and Dior, and delving into some of the world’s most important traditions in art. Paris, the City of Light, has always been at the forefront of luxury, indulgence, and craftsmanship. Joining me to chat on all things art, fashion, and history are my f…
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Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cities in Europe. Imagine picturesque canals, historic buildings, and a modern vibe all its own - and come with us on a journey to Amsterdam. My guests today are Robert-Jan Woltering, the Managing Director of the iconic De L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam and Ronald Van der Kemp - fashion designer and …
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Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of majestic palaces, sprawling deserts, and colorful festivals. Whether you’re hot air ballooning, riding a camel, or enjoying the fabulous food - Rajasthan, the largest state in India - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. We have a fun show for you today, with my friend and partner in the region,…
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I’m excited for you to join me today in a less often visited area of the Amalfi Coast. High up on the cliffs, overlooking the azure waters of the Med, sits the charming town of Ravello. Take in the smells of roses, lemons, and fresh sea breezes while learning about some of the richest history on the coast. We’re settling into the historic Palazzo A…
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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 t…
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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 E…
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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 no…
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