Today we travel to a very special corner of the world, called Ballyfin. Set amongst lush, green, rolling foothills, an hour outside of Dublin, Ballyfin drips with history, beauty, and charm. Over the last two hundred years this mansion has been a family home, hosted glamorous parties for nobility, and used as a boarding school before falling into disrepair. In the early 2000s the future of one of Ireland's finest houses was looking incredibly bleak. Enter, our guest today - Jim Reynolds, an arch...
Jul 27, 2021•42 min
We’re heading to Southern California today, to be whisked away from all our worries and unhealthy influences at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. Cal-a-Vie is situated in a sun-dappled valley just north of San Diego. When arriving here you’ll be greeted by lavender fields, sunflowers, and vineyards and then treated to some of the best service and luxury accommodations in the industry. Though the property was rated Travel & Leisure’s #1 Destination Health Spa in North America - it’s more than just a spa....
Jul 23, 2021•36 min
Today we’re journeying to the historic lands of Germany. What was once a country of independent principalities, is today a major European power. But those individualistic roots still shine through - in the art of winemaking outside Geisenheim, in the intricate porcelain craftsmanship of Saxony, and the friendly competition to make the best local variety of sausages. Whether you’re coming to Germany for medieval castles, racecars, the underground hip hop of Berlin, or perhaps some Oktoberfest rev...
Jul 20, 2021•32 min
I’m thrilled to take you back to New Zealand today, the home of the worlds most magnificent landscapes, the cuddliest kiwi birds, and heart-pumping adventure activities. Specifically we’re learning about some of the country’s top luxury lodges - Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers on the North Island and Matakauri near Queenstown. Whether you’re helicoptering to an alpine lake for a special picnic, exploring the Cliffs of Hawks Bay by can-am, or golfing one of the top 100 golf courses in the world ...
Jul 16, 2021•34 min
Today we’re discussing the regions of Normandy and Brittany - a land that has hosted Vikings, Celts, and Roman Invaders. While Normandy is certainly steeped in the emotional remains of WWII - it is also a beautiful reminder of the freedom we all enjoy today. Digging a bit deeper here you can find delicate lace, superbly fresh mussels, ancient megalithic ruins and medieval works of art. If there’s one thing that rings true about the Bretons and the Normans - it’s that they continue to honor their...
Jul 13, 2021•37 min
Today we’re discussing three gorgeous landscapes dotted across the country of Chile, with one of the owners of the iconic Tierra Hotels, Ellen Marie Guidera. Tierra Hotels are more truly lodges than hotels - with gorgeous architecture built to blend into the landscape, the friendliest local guides to make your stay unforgettable, and world class spas built to wow. Regardless of whether you’re set in Patagonia overlooking the mountain landscape, Chiloe exploring local villages on the lake, or in ...
Jul 09, 2021•31 min
I’m so excited to take you around the world to the fascinating destination of China. In a country so vast and so varied - you could presumably stay for months and still barely scratch the surface. So here to help us decode what a trip to China could look like, is Mei Zhang. Mei grew up in the western city of Dali in the Yunnan province. After graduating from Harvard Business School, and working at McKinsey, she decided to help travelers experience her homeland in a different way. In this episode...
Jul 06, 2021•37 min
We’re headed to the countryside today, deep in the heart of Vermont to chat with John Graham, the Managing Director of Twin Farms. Thinking of Vermont conjures up images of fall foliage glinting fiery orange, red, and gold. You might also smell sweet maple syrup or warm apple cider, and imagine yourself in an historic general store, covered bridge, or barn. At Twin Farms, one of the most talked about hotels in America, you can experience all this and much more. The 300 acres making up the farm w...
Jul 02, 2021•31 min
Today we’re discussing the multi-faceted destination of Mexico. If you’re not reevaluating what you think you know about Mexico by the end of this episode we’ll have to have a chat! Whether you’re witnessing the miracle of the monarch butterfly migration, hiking the Copper Canyon, eating mole in Oaxaca, or swimming with whale sharks - you’ll be enchanted by the Mexican culture and all the diversity this country has to offer. A true luxury experience in Mexico isn’t just about glitzy hotels in th...
Jun 29, 2021•36 min
I’m thrilled to take you on a journey around the world to the countries of Zambia and Madagascar today. While most safari goers think first of South Africa or maybe Kenya - Zambia offers a wilder experience. One where you can dip your toes in the sand of the African bush, experience wildlife eye to eye, and immerse yourself in untouched wilderness. Then trading one wild place for another, you can fly to Madagascar to enjoy one of the most luxurious private islands in the world, while catching gl...
Jun 25, 2021•46 min
Today we’re headed back to Costa Rica - but this time deep into the jungles of Turialba and the Osa Peninsula. Our guests today are Luz Caceres and Roberto Fernandez - owners of Pacuare Lodge and Lapa Rios. Both lodges offer incredible experiences like white water rafting to check-in, close up encounters with nature, and insights into indigenous culture and sustainability. Lapa Rios is set in the most biologically intense place on EARTH, and Pacuare is so deep in the jungle that Roberto had to t...
Jun 22, 2021•41 min
I’m excited to welcome our guest today, Vincent Billiard, the General Manager of the fabulous Rosewood Hotel de Crillon in the beating heart of Paris. With it’s official designation as a Palace Hotel - a marker of the finest service and luxury anywhere in the city, you’d think Hotel de Crillion could err on the extremely traditional side. But it doesn’t. It has all the trappings of 5* service, along with an incredible history, contemporary design, and a sense of warmth designed to bring you in, ...
Jun 18, 2021•33 min
Today we’re diving into the paradox that is the country of Israel. In such a small nation you can be surrounded by tech entrepreneurs, holy men and women from multiple faiths, geopolitical conflict, world class nightlife, and natural wonders like the Dead Sea AND the Mediterranean Sea. To try to unravel some of this beautiful complexity, we have three guests on our show today. My friend and partner in the region, Yoav Gal - an expert in luxury Israel itineraries; Eyal Riess - a Rabbi in the myst...
Jun 11, 2021•52 min
I’m excited to have Alejandro Bataller with me today, to discuss his family business - SHA Wellness - a beautiful property set on the cliffs of the Mediterranean coast near the charming villages of Alicante, Spain. SHA is actually a hybrid between a top notch luxury hotel and a cutting edge medical and wellness clinic. The vision came when Alejandro’s father saw a doctor who focused on nutrition and natural therapies that cured him from a lifelong ailment. He wanted top notch treatments from man...
Jun 08, 2021•41 min
We’re shaking it up today with a panel of some of the world’s top concierges to spill some insider tidbits. In this episode you’ll visit the iconic cities of Tokyo, Paris, and Buenos Aires, and step into the glossy world of Park Hyatt - one of the top luxury brands in the travel world. Dominique Guidette, a past president of Le Clefs d’Or and top concierge at Park Hyatt Paris joins us and tells some hilarious stories of guest requests. Adrian Fautt joins us from the Park Hyatt Tokyo in the exact...
Jun 04, 2021•58 min
Today we travel to a private atoll in French Polynesia called Tetiaroa. Here you’ll find The Brando, a world famous resort composed of 35 luxury villas surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon. The island was bought decades ago by Marlon Brando, who once said “Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe.” So if this island left a famous actor completely speechless, imagine what it will do for you. Years later as the resort was developed, Brando’s deep passion for the island and early ...
Jun 01, 2021•34 min
Today we’re taking a journey to one of the happiest countries in the world, Costa Rica. Costa Rica has 5% of the world’s biodiversity, 99% of its power comes from renewable energy, and 98% of its population is literate. It’s certainly a country that punches far above its weight. Whether you’re coming for surfing, to see sloths and toucans, or to find yourself alone meditating in a rainforest - Costa Rica can provide it all. We have two guests today - French/Moroccan Entrepreneur, turned hotelier...
May 28, 2021•52 min
Today we’re headed to South Africa and Zimbabwe to speak with Robert More, the founder and owner of the More Family Collection. Robert’s collection includes famous safari lodges like Lion Sands and Marataba, city hotels like Cape Cadogan, and now two boutiques near Victoria Falls. Robert tells stories of growing up on the land, camping with friends, close calls with crocodiles, and community ties. It was these memories that inspired some amazing guest experiences like romantic treehouse accommod...
May 25, 2021•41 min
In this special episode, we’re diving deep into a lesser known region of Portugal, The Alentejo. Here to discuss this hidden gem with me are hoteliers José António Uva and Gonçalo Pessoa. José was an investment banker in London before returning home to cultivate land that had been in his family for eight generations. He ended up turning part of the farm into Barrocal, a gorgeous modern farm house hotel smack in the middle cork plantations, white washed villages, and two thousand year old olive t...
May 21, 2021•35 min
I’m excited to have my new friend, Lucie Weill on the show today. After a career in fashion at Givenchy, Lucie left to join her father (founder of the French equivalent of CNN) to create a beautiful getaway in the South of France. Lily of the Valley is set on a cliff, surrounded by gorgeous Cypress trees, overlooking the glimmering Mediterranean Sea. While St. Tropez is known for being flashy and indulgent, here you can relax, soak up the natural beauty, and strive for that ever elusive thing we...
May 18, 2021•30 min
There’s a saying in Russian… Better to have 100 friends than 100 rubles. And until I spoke with today’s guest - I didn’t truly understand the depth of meaning in that statement. Here to discuss the country of Russia with me is Greg Tepper. Greg has spent the last 30 years opening the eyes of visitors to one of Russia’s best kept secrets - the warmth of the Russian people once you’re part of their inner circle. Greg explains how the typical stereotypes of Russians are only surface level, and how,...
May 14, 2021•46 min
If you’re the kind of luxury traveler who’s always looking for hidden gems, I’ve got one for you today! We’re chatting with mother-daughter team, Claudia Bosch and Katina Jongezoon, who own and manage Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Casa Palopo is a colonial style home set on a gorgeous lake, surrounded by the peaks of lush, green volcanic mountains. During a stay here you might find yourself relaxing poolside with a cocktail inhaling the gorgeous views, paragliding over the lake suspe...
May 11, 2021•37 min
Our guest on this episode is Markos Chaidemenos, co-owner and Managing Director of Canaves Oia luxury properties in Santorini, Greece. Canaves is a collection of 6 of the top luxury properties in Santorini, all set in the whitewashed town of Oia, overlooking the sapphire Aegean Sea. After a day of wine tasting, bike riding around the island, or visiting centuries old ruins you can relax in your private plunge pool with a glass of champagne overlooking one of the most iconic views in the world. A...
May 07, 2021•28 min
Today we’re diving deep into the history, culture, and passion that make Sonoma County, California such a special place. While known for being the birthplace of Californian wine, Sonoma has so much more to offer. From beautifully wild coastlines and Redwood Forest groves to some of the freshest produce, oysters, and creameries found anywhere in the world. We have two guests today, Paul Sloan - owner of Smallvines Wines and Joe Bartolomei - owner of Farmhouse Inn - a family run, luxury boutique h...
Apr 30, 2021•44 min
My guest today is Nicholas Clayton, the CEO of Capella Hotel Group, a constellation of some of the finest hotels in the world. Whether you experience a Capella stay in Singapore or Sydney, Bangkok or Bali - you’ll be treated like a star. The team at Capella Hotels goes out of their way to help you engage deeply with the culture around you. From the design elements and local foods served within the hotel, to connecting you with locals outside the hotel. And you don’t have to take my word for it. ...
Apr 27, 2021•38 min
I’m so excited to have my friend, Christine Gaffney on the show today to talk about the Nordic Region of Scandinavia, Greenland, Iceland, and Finland. Mention of the Nordic region might conjure up images of Vikings, Fjords, Northern Lights, and Ice Hotels - and you’ll be sure to find all of that goodness when you visit. But the key to a fabulous experience is going deeper - finding secret spots to call your own, enjoying the world class cuisine, and taking home with you perhaps the most importan...
Apr 23, 2021•43 min
My guest today is Jose Koechlin, the Founder and President of the iconic Inkaterra Hotels in Peru. Jose’s life's work has been to preserve the biodiversity of his country. Starting with media projects like movies and documentaries, Jose realized he could use public interest to fund deep and meaningful research and conservation efforts. Whether you stay deep in the heart of the Amazon with experienced researchers, enjoy the trappings of a 16th century home of a conquistador in Cusco, or tuck into...
Apr 20, 2021•39 min
Not only today’s guest is the Founder and Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, some of my favorite properties in all of Europe, but he’s also been Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II herself! Rocco Forte Hotels are able to achieve the very rare combination between extreme sense of place, luxury service, and amazing design. The company is also family owned and run - with Sir Rocco’s sister doing design, his son selecting locations, and daughters building the vision for bar, culinary, and spa services. When...
Apr 13, 2021•25 min
Today we’re heading to the magnificent country of India. With a full quarter of the earth’s population living in South Asia - a visit here is a must if you intend to understand the world today. India in particular is a continent unto itself - so different from tip to top that you could spend months here and only scratch the surface. We have two guests today, Shonali Datta - the Managing Director of Banyan Tours and Jaisal Singh - the founder and owner of Sujan - a collection of luxury wilderness...
Apr 09, 2021•51 min
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 Algarve - you’ll be appreciating the one thing that makes Portugal so special - the warmth and hospitalit...
Apr 02, 2021•41 min
