Luxury Travel Insider

Today we're discussing one of my favorite destinations, the country of Portugal. This destination is chock full of so many amazing landscapes, tiny villages, charm, and fantastic food that you almost won't believe it. Whether you're shopping local in Lisbon with the cool kids, drinking wine under 2,000 year old olive trees in Alentejo, or noshing on a cheese plate on your private boat in the Algar...

My guest today is Jeremy Goring, CEO of the famous Goring Hotel in London. While the property is a true five star gem and impeccably English, it is also the only remaining family run luxury hotel in London. Built by Jeremy's great grandfather, Otto in 1910 - the hotel has played host to every British monarch and every prime minister since. When you stay at the Goring you'll be pampered with some o...

My guest today is Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, the third generation owner of famed retreat in southern Germany, Schloss Elmau. The property is set at the foothills of an unimaginably beautiful stretch of the Bavarian Alps, where you can hike, bike, swim, visit castles, and enjoy the spectacular views. Then you can relax in one of the 6 world-class spas and dine in a Michelin star restaurant. But these t...

Today we're discussing the magical destination of Morocco. Whether the word Morocco conjures up golden images of the Saharan Desert, the smell of scrumptious food, or intricately designed tilework in a breezy riad in Marakesh - you'd be right. But Morocco has so much more to give. The confluence of modern infrastructure and deep historical roots means you can enjoy learning about the world and you...

Today we're discussing one of my favorite countries, Colombia, and all the riches it has to offer. While it may have been known previously for it's dark past, Colombia is quickly being discovered by some of the world's most discerning travelers. It is too beautiful, too diverse, and too historical to cover in just one episode… but we give it a shot! My guest today is the lovely Cristina Consuegra,...

Today we're chatting about what I think is one of the most fascinating countries on the planet - Japan. It's on one hand a total sensory overload and on the other hand, such a refined experience that without the very best of guides, you might totally miss the point. From owl cafes in Tokyo, to powder skiing in Hokkaido, to behind the scenes with a Geisha or Samurai warrior in Kyoto - Japan is a wo...

Our guest today is Fernando Polanco, the Managing Director and Co-Owner of Hacienda Zuleta in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. Someone I've wanted to have on the show for a long time. Fernando is a storm of energy, and one of the most passionate hoteliers I've ever met. He comes from a long line of Ecuadorian patriots and Spanish explorers before that. His home, Hacienda Zuleta, was a sacred place...

Our guest is Dave Guenther, Founder & President of Roadtrips - my go to partner when planning luxury travel centered around sporting events. Dave's 30 years in business gives him insider access to events like the Olympics, the World Cup, Formula 1 Races, The Masters, The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby and more. Whatever your sport is, Dave & I can work together to get tickets before they go on sale...

Our guest today is Michael Hoffmann, the Managing Director of Inn at Perry Cabin. This slice of Americana is nestled into a cove on the Eastern shores of the Chesapeake Bay, near the historic town of St. Michaels. To get here, you cross the bay on a beautiful private yacht with the wind in your hair. By the time you arrive, your stress has melted away and you can truly enjoy this historic property...

Hermitage is a wildly authentic collection of cottages set up against a hillside on a white sand beach, that is lapped by calm, crystal clear water. This is the place you go when you need to do nothing. After a day of soaking up the beautiful surroundings, swimming in your plunge pool while hummingbirds flit around you, or exploring the island… sounds of live music start to fill the outdoor areas...

We have a very special guest joining us today. Valentina de Santis is the owner and CEO of Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como - which is often listed as one of the top hotels in Italy. The ethos of Grand Hotel Tremezzo is too much to put in one short intro. From the crystalline waters of Lake Como, to the art nouveau palace interiors, to the floating pool, and the beautifully landscaped grounds - t...

Today we're discussing the country of Turkey - a land that has been at the crossroads of ideals both Eastern and Western, for thousands of years. While the country is known for its historical sites in Istanbul like the Hagia Sofia, and it's Instagram perfect photos of hot air balloons in Cappadocia - there is so much more depth to explore. From enjoying the Aegean Sea by Gulet, to sipping on world...

Our guest today is Francesco Galli Zugaro, the Founder & CEO of Aqua Expeditions - a truly visionary company that has led the way in melding expedition destinations with luxury. This is not your average cruising company - of Aqua Expeditions 4 vessels, the largest one has only 20 suites. Whether you find yourself diving with whale sharks in the Spice Islands of Indonesia, kayaking through floating...

If you've ever enjoyed a luxury, wellness, or sustainable travel experience - chances are that experience was shaped by the vision of today's guest. Sonu Shivdasani is the owner & CEO of Soneva Resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, and the founder of Six Senses Resorts. The ideas that he's developed over the last 25 years have forever impacted the face of luxury travel. Now as for Soneva Resorts -...

My guest today is Narelle McDougal, GM of Silversands Grenada. Silversands was the first luxury hotel to be built on the spice island of Grenada in over 25 years. It is the antithesis to stuffy luxury set far away from the locals and boring properties that all start to look the same… and just might be the most photogenic resort in the Windward Islands. Here you can swim the longest pool in the Car...

Today we're chatting about Italy, one of the most iconic destinations in the world. The country's riches in terms of art, history, food, wine, and stunning landscapes have lured millions of visitors per year. So a true luxury experience in this part of the world means having the insider connections to get off the beaten path and experience the true heart of Italian culture. Spend your days sipping...

I'm thrilled to have Olivia Richli on the show today, who is the General Manager of Heckfield Place in Hampshire, England. If you grew up loving Jane Austen, or reveled in Harry Potter, or binge watched Downton Abbey like I did.. This episode will fill your heart with romantic notions of the English countryside. Heckfield Place is a painstakingly restored Georgian style estate sitting on over 400...

My guest today is Nick Yarnell, the General Manager of Six Senses Douro Valley. This hotel is one you just have to see to believe. It's set in a completely renovated 19th century manor house, high on a hill. While lounging at the pool, doing yoga, or sipping port on the patio - you'll look down onto the shimmering Douro River flanked by lush green, terraced mountains growing some of the most under...

Our guest today is Ellen Bettridge, President and Global CEO of Uniworld River Cruises. Uniworld has 1200 employees and 21 ships and counting - and it's also the first cruise line to be featured on our show. But In my opinion, sailing with Uniworld is more like being in a floating boutique hotel than being on a cruise line. While the average ocean cruise takes 5,000 passengers - Uniworld ships clo...

Today we're discussing the British Isles - known for the pomp and circumstance of the British Royals, fascinating wartime history, beautiful landscapes and villages so cute you could pinch them! The magic of the UK, Ireland, and Scotland isn't in finding something new (it's all, in fact, very OLD) but in discovering it in new ways and unpeeling those onion layers.  Our guest today is my friend Nic...

Our guest today is Kenton Jones, the General Manager of Sir Richard Branson's islands in the BVIs which include Necker Island. Richard Branson purchased the deserted island in the late 70s. Over the next several years he built a personal retreat on the island which truly became a family home. Ideas like Virgin Galactic were born here, along with gatherings of some of the greatest humanitarians in...

My guest today is Sven Von den Brook, the GM of Aman Sveti Stefan, a property nestled on the darling coastline of Montenegro. If you love a modern blend of history and luxury, you've got to add this property to your list. The hotel comprises an entire island and part of the mainland that made up a 15th century fishing village, a home of former Queen Maria, and a government run hotel in the time of...

Our guest today is Salvatore Ferragamo, the owner and CEO of Il Borro, an iconic estate in the heart of Tuscany. The property has a 1,000 year history and its walls have seen historical characters like the Medicis, Alessandro dal Borro, European Royalty, German occupational forces during WW2, and of course now - Italy's most famous fashion family, The Ferragamos. Today Il Borro is an oasis of char...

Our guest today is Michael Mesdag, owner of Galapagos Safari Camp. Michael and his wife, Stephanie Bonam Carter bought the land on a whim almost 20 years ago, and set out to create a luxury experience that still maintains the raw beauty of the Galapagos. With just 9 gorgeous tents and a comfortable lodge - this is THE place to unwind and connect with nature. If you're lucky enough to experience th...

Our guest today is my friend Hytham Atwan, owner and CEO of Nubia Tours in Egypt. Egypt is certainly not a destination that needs an introduction, but if you haven't thought much about it - I want you to know that it's more than the pyramids of Giza and getting your Insta photo air kissing the sphinx. It's a complicated country - where to see it RIGHT, you need to have relationships on your side....