Luxury Travel Insider

Today we're heading down to the white continent of Antarctica. This vast land holds an extremely special place in my heart and this was my second trip to the continent. This time I visited by flying over from South Africa and staying at one of White Desert's beautiful camps called Echo Camp.  I took along my recording equipment and am so glad I did because I think you'll find the stories that foll...

Instead of diving into a gorgeous hotel or fabulous destination, we're jumping headlong into the nuance of family travel with my partner, and one of the world's top experts, Magali Dechelette. So often our clients think that kids need to be in their teens to enjoy Europe, or that family travel is just too difficult. So we're here today to dispel that myth. Whether you're doing a treasure hunt at t...

Today we're visiting a destination that could define the word paradox - where the city is monumental in size, but the people are still warm. Where modern art takes its cues from the fringes, while also honoring history. And the culinary scene… is recognized as one of the best in the world, yet many dishes are still prepared in the same ancient methods that they've always been.  Joining me today to...

Welcome to a very special episode of Luxury Travel Insider! As we celebrate three incredible years of this podcast, we're ready to shake things up. In a nice twist, our host, Sarah Groen, is stepping into the guest spotlight for the day. Leading the interview are two of our most treasured guests from previous shows. Valentina De Santis, the visionary owner and CEO of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passa...

Our guest today is Sven Lindblad, Founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad is the quintessential expedition company, operating 15 ships around the world and in partnership with National Geographic. If you ever fancied yourself exploring Antarctica, visiting "off the tourist track" fjords in Alaska, diving in the Galapagos with sea lions, or poking around uninhabited islands of the UK, Jap...

Today we're headed a bit off the beaten path, to Southeast Asia, and visiting the country of Lao. Lao or Laos means Land of a Million Elephants which is a symbol for prosperity - but the main draw to the country is the warm hospitality of its people.  Whether you're visiting to see spectacular waterfalls and jungle scenery, learn about the history of this melting pot country, or simply immerse int...

Today we're headed to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Picture yourself looking over the Dead Sea at sunset, or visiting the Baptism site of Jesus, or bashing along in a 4x4 in the desert of Wadi Rum. Whether you're in the mood for ancient history, religious sites, relaxation, or adventure - Jordan has it all.  I have two guests from Jordan joining me today, Mahmoud Salameh, an expert in planning...

Today's guests are Nicky Fitzgerald and Kate Fitzgerald Boyd - the mother-daughter duo who own and run Angama Mara in Kenya. Of the thousands of safari lodges across Africa, Angama Mara is always mentioned as one of the best. If you are the kind of person who loves heart-stoppingly beautiful views, this is the place for you. Not only can you lean over your balcony and be suspended over the Maasai...

Today we're making our way to one of my favorite cities in the US, Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's a magical place that inspires creativity, slowing down, and taking a breath.  Joining me to chat all things Santa Fe are brothers Isaiah and Sharif Seret. The Seret family founded, owns, and runs The Inn of the Five Graces, often thought of as one of the best hotels in America. The Inn is so special and b...

Today we're focusing on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It wasn't so long ago that I thought I might never have the ability to visit this vast country on the Arabian Peninsula. But let me tell you, things have changed!  From stunning desert landscapes, to fascinating ancient history, to an absolutely stunning and untouched sliver of the Red Sea - Saudi Arabia has always had a lot to offer… you just c...

Today we'll be floating down the Nile River in Egypt. Close your eyes for a second and just think about the power of this ancient river. Its physical power has shaped the landscape of the African continent, but its energy has shaped the entire course of human history.  One of the best ways to soak up the magnitude and importance of the Nile River Valley is to float down the river on a luxury cruis...

Today we're visiting the next frontier, looking up, and dreaming about what is possible for travel outside the confines of our amazing planet.  Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP, joins me today to talk about space tourism and why this method of exploration is so important for our planet, our fellow humans, and ourselves.  We dive into the history and future of space tourism, what experiences a...

Today we're talking about the glamorous world of private aviation - from the history of air travel since the 60s, to how the industry is focusing on sustainability, to the different uses of this type of air travel.  My guest today is George Galanopulos, the CEO of Luxaviation UK, an operator managing over 200 aircraft for all kinds of private air travel.  George tells personal stories of how he wo...

Today we're jetting off to Tuscany - land of rolling green hills, Brunello di Montalcino, and of course those gorgeous hilltop towns that seem so sweetly frozen in time. Our journey takes us to a gorgeous farmstead spitting distance from Montepulciano to chat with friends, and the owners of the famed Lupaia boutique hotel.   Heidi and Christopher Mueller have been dreaming up their perfect spot in...

Today we're discussing the fabulous destination of Croatia. If you're not dying to make a visit after hearing these amazing stories, I am just not sure that we can be friends! Whether you're sipping Istrian wines with a local, going canyoneering and white water rafting, or relaxing on a yacht while island hopping Dalmatia, you'll certainly learn all about the Croatian phrase, Polako - meaning - sl...

Today we're whisking you off to the Amalfi Coast to soak up la dolce vita. This little corner of the world boasts colorful villages clinging to the cliffs, spectacular coastal views, gorgeously prepared local foods, and a sparkle that's just hard to put into words.  Joining me today are father and son, my friends Antonio and Francesco Sersale. The Sersale's own the iconic Positano hotel, Le Sirenu...

Today we're discussing the icons of South America - Patagonia, The Atacama, and Iguazu - with one of the region's most visionary leaders - Matias de Cristobal. I lead here by telling you about the places and the people before mentioning the hotel, because paraphrasing, Matias', the focus should be on the experience that is brought to life by the surroundings and nurtured with the love of the peopl...

Today we have a special guest joining us, Niels Olsen, the Minister of Tourism of Ecuador - and one of (if not the) youngest tourism ministers to hold the position on the globe.  Ecuador holds a special place in my heart. Though the people are so warm, and it is one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet, the country is often overlooked for its neighbors like Peru or Chile.  Niel...

I'm excited today to be speaking with renaissance woman and extremely successful entrepreneur, Britnie Turner. Britnie realized her calling for giving back at a young age and decided her path forward was in building triple bottom line businesses. One of Britnie's newest ventures is Aerial Private Island in the British Virgin Islands. A true paradise, Aerial is a place you can get away, focus on di...

We're shaking it up today with a panel of experts from a very interesting region of the world, southern West Africa. Together we'll explore the countries of Ghana, Benin, and Togo, learn more about the religion of voodoo, and understand how a truly authentic experience can transform your way of thinking.  Our guests today are Alberto Nicheli, Founder of the travel company TransAfrica, Cedi Jaba, o...

Today we're whisking you away to the English Countryside. Specifically The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. This region is home to the highest peaks and the deepest lakes, yet it remains a well kept secret that I think more people should visit.  In the words local poet of William Wordsworth, "You may leave the Lake District, but once you've been, it'll never leave you."  My guests today are...

We're shaking it up today with a panel of local experts from Japan! Together we'll explore the bustling capital of Tokyo, learn about Shugendo and the Yamabushi monks, and dive deep into the cuisine of this fascinating country.  Our guests today are: Wataru Takahashi, CEO of Wondertrunk, our partner in the region. Marc Matsumoto, an author, TV Personality, and Japanese cuisine expert, and Takeharu...

Today we're discussing the country of Mongolia, and all the riches it has to offer. This is a place where "the big picture gets bigger." The home of snow leopards, wild horses, the hypnotic dunes of the silk road, and of course the warm hospitality of the Mongolian people.  My guest today is my partner in the region, Undraa Buyannemekh. Her passion for bringing the experience of Mongolia to life i...

Today we are visiting the Capitol of the United States, Washington DC! The city is our government's seat of power, yes, but it is also so much more. This is a place where history is palpable. Where great ideas became great institutions. And despite what might be boiling in the outside world, here, you can still find a sense of hope.  I'm chatting today with Nicolas Beliard, the General Manager of...

Today we're heading to the magical country of Botswana. It's a dream world where you very might well come across a gorgeous sunset, framed by a rainbow, arching over two baby leopards. Sounds fantastical, but I have actually seen it. The other things you can see in Botswana like the Eden that is Chobe and encountering San Bushmen in the Kalahari are also sure to blow you away.  My guests today are...