The Conscious Check In

Sign up to our newsletter What is the future of the luxury hotel concierge in a world of AI, personalization, and rising traveler expectations? In this conversation, Amy Wald speaks with Michelle Exarhos, President of Les Clefs d’Or Denmark and an experienced luxury hotel concierge , about why concierge service remains one of hospitality’s most powerful differentiators. Michelle shares how she bui...

How can the cruise industry use sustainability as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance exercise? In this Seatrade panel, Amy Wald is joined by Steve Jones (ORCA) , W i ll Pearson (Ocean Bottle) , Alex Schultz (4ocean) , and Tony Rossi (TerraCycle) to explore how the cruise sector can turn sustainability into guest value, operational progress, and stronger brand trust. From ocean conserva...

Subscribe to our Newsletter How are sustainable travel and transformational travel reshaping the future of hospitality? In this episode, Amy sits down with Dan Christian, founder and host of the Travel Trends Podcast and a longtime travel industry executive, for a wide-ranging conversation on sustainable travel, storytelling, traveler behavior, and what’s next for the industry. Dan shares why sust...

Subscribe to our newsletter How can travelers experience the fragile wonder of the Galapagos more sustainably — and still feel the once-in-a-lifetime magic of the “Darwin Effect”? In this episode of The Conscious Check-In, Amy sits down with Stephanie Bonham-Carter, co-founder of Galapagos Safari Camp, to explore how sustainable Galápagos travel can protect one of the world’s most fragile ecosyste...

What if the problem with sustainable travel isn't the intention — it's the language? In this episode of The Conscious Check-In, Amy sits down with Richard Lindberg, co-founder of One Planet Journey, to explore a concept called deep travel — a philosophy built around why you travel, not just where. Richard breaks down the difference between sustainable, responsible, regenerative, and deep travel, u...

What if the future of luxury travel wasn’t defined by excess—but by what it protects? Sustainable luxury travel is evolving—and nature-based tourism is leading the shift. In this conversation with Beks Ndlovu of African Bush Camps, we explore how safari tourism supports local communities, wildlife conservation, and the future of meaningful travel. In this episode of The Conscious Check-In , Amy Wa...

How can sustainable hospitality and wellness at sea transform the cruise guest experience? Hospitality veteran Jason Gelineau joins host Amy Wald to explore how sustainable hospitality is evolving across the cruise industry—from empathetic, people-first leadership onboard to real-world environmental action. Jason shares lessons from 30+ years at sea, including crew wellbeing, operational resilienc...

How do sustainable luxury hotels stay profitable, authentic—and truly regenerative? Amy Wald sits down with Hans from the Cayuga Collection to unpack how small, remote, sustainable luxury hotels can thrive operationally and deliver unforgettable guest experiences. They explore Cayuga’s management model, “luxury rewilded” philosophy, passive wellness, and concrete tactics for reducing waste without...

Can sustainable hospitality be true luxury? Inside The Ranch at Laguna Beach. Amy Wald sits down with Kurt Bjorkman, COO of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, to explore sustainable hospitality as a driver of luxury guest experience and real operational ROI. From bamboo room keys and plastic-free initiatives to community stewardship, Beyond Green certification, and “nature as our economy,” Kurt shares act...

Can bamboo architecture redefine sustainable hospitality and eco luxury travel? Award-winning eco-resort designer Louis (Louie) Thompson, CEO of Nomadic Resorts (  ⁨@Sixsenseshotels⁩  ,  ⁨@PlayaViva⁩  ) joins Amy to explore how bamboo, biomimicry, and biophilic design are transforming sustainable hospitality. From manta ray-inspired treehouses in Mexico to modular, nature-posit...

How Pelican Grand earned Green Key Global certification—and elevated sustainable hospitality. GM TJ Pierri of Pelican Grand Beach Resort (Fort Lauderdale) joins Amy to unpack how a legacy-driven, guest-first approach can power sustainable hospitality. From achieving Green Key Global certification to electrifying team and guest transport with Circuit, turtle-safe beach operations, and energy effici...

How sustainable hospitality elevates luxury at Staypineapple Chicago—inside a certified, dog-obsessed boutique icon. Host Amy Wald sits down with Bethann, General Manager of Staypineapple Chicago, to explore how a historic Loop landmark delivers sustainable luxury without compromise. From Green Key certification and adaptive reuse to plastic-free water programs, elevated in-room amenities, and dig...

How can storytelling and GSTC standards move sustainable hospitality from checkbox to culture? Documentary filmmaker and GLP Films founder Rob Holmes joins host Amy Wald to explore how authentic storytelling, destination stewardship, and GSTC-aligned practices can accelerate the shift toward sustainable travel destinations worldwide. From accessibility on the Oregon Coast to the groundbreaking Pal...

Craving eco luxury travel that changes lives and protects places? Start here. Adventure luxury meets purpose-driven travel. Amy sits down with Kevin Jackson and Maxie Johnson of EXP Journeys, a B Corp adventure operator designing bespoke, conservation-forward experiences across the American Southwest and beyond. From helicopter-only lunches atop Tower Butte to Navajo-led cultural immersions and re...

Can a luxury Amazon cruise actually protect wildlife and empower local communities? In this episode on sustainable luxury travel, we explore how Delfin Amazon Cruises and Relais & Chateaux are redefining regenerative tourism in Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Host Amy Wald sits down with tropical biologist and sustainability lead Gabriela Orihuela of Delfin Amazon Cruises to unpack wha...

Can luxury and sustainable hospitality truly coexist—and even drive profitability? Step into Casa di Langa in Piedmont, Italy, for a masterclass in sustainable luxury hotels, storytelling, and community impact. In this episode, we explore how a Beyond Green property brings regenerative design, local heritage, and guest delight together—without compromise. This Conscious Check-in takes you to north...

Indulgence and impact can coexist, especially when your safari is designed to give back. This episode shows how nature-based tourism can deliver bucket-list safaris while creating real impact for wildlife, communities, and the planet. Go beyond the Big Five with a purpose-driven look at modern safaris. Amy sits down with Liesel van Zyl, Head of Positive Impact at Go2Africa (a B Corp) to explore ho...

Can luxury and sustainable hospitality truly thrive together? In this episode, we unpack how the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality program is redefining five-star service through responsible hospitality—without sacrificing guest experience or profitability. Legendary hotelier Hervé Houdré—creator and global ambassador of Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality—joins Amy to explore how sustai...

Discover how The Palms Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach integrates sustainability into its core identity, proving that eco-conscious hospitality is more than a trend — it's a continuous journey. Join marketing and sustainability director Tanya Morariu as she candidly shares the challenges, successes, and impactful guest experiences that come with leading a truly green luxury hotel. This conversation o...

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Conscious Check-in as Costas Christ, a pioneer of eco-tourism and sustainable travel, shares his groundbreaking journey transforming the tourism industry. Discover how sustainability not only protects our planet but also enhances profitability and creates lasting benefits for communities and businesses alike. Discover: How early observations in Kenya led Co...

Join Amy Wald in this inspiring episode of the Conscious Check-in as she sits down with Bria Guishard, General Manager of Long Bay Resort in the British Virgin Islands. Discover how Bria blends authentic hospitality with thoughtful sustainability initiatives to create a luxurious yet eco-conscious guest experience. Learn how community engagement, resilient leadership, and innovative practices defi...

Anegada is unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Flat, wild, and naturally resilient—this coral island has preserved its beauty not because of development, but in spite of it. In this special episode, I visit Anegada Beach Club and with Bunchie who know the island best. We explore: What makes Anegada geologically and culturally rare How tourism is being balanced with protection Why remoteness may...

In this insightful conversation, Greenluxe founder Amy Wald sits down with global travel influencer and digital marketing expert Scott Eddy to explore what truly drives loyalty and emotional connection in hospitality today. From storytelling and sustainability to personal branding and ROI, Scott shares lessons from decades of experience that hoteliers, marketers, and entrepreneurs alike can apply...