Today we’re chatting about Panama and all its beauty, diversity, culture, and history. Believe it or not this small country has shaped the course of our entire planet. Scientists say that the formation of the isthmus is what changed the climate to allow ideal conditions for humans to thrive, and today that same isthmus boats a certain canal that has a lot to do with making your daily Amazon purchases happen! Now as for travel - Panama is your oyster. Whether you’re coming for surfing, for cloud ...
Feb 23, 2022•41 min
Today we travel to a very special corner of the world, called Gleneagles. Set amongst lush, green, Scottish countryside in the shadow of Stirling Castle, Gleneagles drips with history, elegance, and flair. Over the last one hundred years this estate has hosted Presidents, Lords, celebrities, Wimbledon champs, and of course the everyday luxury traveler like you and me. Whether you are visiting for rest and relaxation, to experience the falconry and gundog school, or to dine at the best restaurant...
Feb 16, 2022•25 min
Today we’re exploring the country of Australia, famous for its icons like the Sydney Opera House, the Outback, and the Great Barrier Reef. The dazzling landscape is fit for the movies from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. To try to understand the country at a deeper level, we have three guests with us today. My friend and partner in the region, Stuart Rigg - an expert in luxury Australia itineraries, Charlie Carlow - the owner of the fabulous Wild Bush Luxury Lodges, and Clarence Slockee a music...
Feb 09, 2022•37 min
I’m excited to uncover the Puglia region of Italy with you today. While visiting Puglia, you might feel like you’re stepping back into the Italy seen in the movies of the 50s and 60s. You’ll stroll through charming villages, meet locals who still do things the traditional way, sample ultra fresh burrata cheese and olive oil, and of course enjoy the gorgeous waters of the Adriatic. Our guest today is Aldo Melpignano, owner and managing director of the famed Borgo Egnazia hotel and several other s...
Feb 02, 2022•38 min
Today we’re whisking you away to a vast and varied land. Where you’ll find lush rainforests, Arctic tundra, mountain peaks over 19,000 feet, cosmopolitan cities, great open plains, vivid turquoise lakes, and rugged coastal beauty. Where is this magical land you might ask? Look no further than our beautiful neighbor to the north, Canada. My guest today is Marc Telio, founder and CEO of Entree Destinations, who has been exploring his country through the eyes of travelers for nearly 30 years. We ch...
Jan 26, 2022•39 min
My guest today is Audeline Witjaksono, the Regional Director for several Aman hotels in Asia, as well as GM of Amanpulo in the Philippines. Just speaking with Audeline and soaking up the vibes from her location calmed me and brought my always on the go energy down a couple notches… so imagine actually being there! Amanpulo is set on a far flung private island, nestled in the western part of the Philippines, yet it is surprisingly easy to get to from Manilla. And while you’d expect (and get!) pow...
Jan 19, 2022•43 min
Here’s the inside scoop on this episode. In late 2021 I traveled to the Galapagos and thought it would be fun to try something new on the pod. My goal was to capture the stories of locals, guides, and even some of the wildlife through sounds and live experiences. So what you’re about to hear is a compilation of interviews, live sounds from our explorations, and hopefully a whole lotta inspiration! We discuss what makes the Galapagos utterly unique in the world, what it was like for some of our g...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 8 min
Robert Bowe is one of the top guest experience managers at Ashford Castle in Western Ireland. Ashford may be an 800 year old castle, but it’s also a modern day icon in the world of luxury travel. Driving up to the castle, you’ll feel like you’re in Camelot - you’ll first see the lush green grounds set next to the ocean. Then you’ll discover the history, the secret passageways, and the fine silks and antiques throughout the property. It sounds like it could be stuffy - but it’s not. The service c...
Jan 05, 2022•22 min
Today we’re headed into the heart of Burgundy for an education on French cuisine and hospitality. We’ll start by meeting an infinitely interesting cast of characters - first, my guest Bérangère Loiseau. Then we’ll learn about her mother, Dominique (a biochemist turned top hotelier) and finally, Bérangère’s world-famous chef of a father, Bernard Loiseau. Along the way we’ll learn interesting tidbits on what it takes to become a 3 Michelin Star Chef, how Chef Bernard Loiseau changed the culinary w...
Dec 29, 2021•41 min
Today we’re discussing the historical destination of Malta. This small chain of islands in the Mediterranean Sea has been smack dab in the middle of African, Arab, and European conquests for over 7,000 years. If the word Malta conjures up cute white puppies and James Bond like movie scenes, I think you’ll find that’s not quite the truth. Our guest today is Damon Camilleri Allan, our partner in planning trips to this island nation. We discuss everything from village feasts, to The Order of Malta,...
Dec 22, 2021•28 min
Today’s show is about the evolution of travel - from the golden age of plane travel starting in the late 40s, to the excesses of the 80s, to the rapid changes brought about by the internet, 9/11, and the Covid-19 Pandemic. My guest today is one of the most influential people in the luxury travel world, Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso Travel. Matthew tells stories of how travel planning was done before the internet and explains what Virtuoso is and why every luxury traveler should know about it...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Imagine yourself standing in a huge square… light glinting off gilded gates adorned with sun shaped medallions. The scent of lemon trees and orange blossoms fills the air. You’re surrounded by the spirit of some of the most important historical figures who have ever lived. When you realize you’re not in a dream, you’ll see that you’re standing at the Palace of Versaille. And shortly thereafter, be whisked away to a private 12 room hotel on the grounds of the palace called Le Grand Contrôle. Our ...
Dec 08, 2021•38 min
This week we’re exploring the most remote corners of the world. In Antarctica - heading deep into the continent to uncover the South Pole. In the Pacific - diving the depths of the Mariana Trench, and in the tropics - visiting uninhabited islands that few people have ever stepped foot on. All this and more can be had with the advent of Expedition Yachting - the ability to charter a private vessel complete with all the bells and whistles, and have it all to yourself. Ben Lyons, the CEO of EYOS Ex...
Dec 01, 2021•40 min
I’m so excited today to be speaking with travel lover and true renaissance man - Bill Bensley. If you haven’t heard of Bill, you’ve CERTAINLY heard of some of the hotels he’s designed. World renowned projects like Capella Ubud, Four Seasons Tented Camp, Shinta Mani and more. Before any of these were notable on the world’s stage, before any of them were even built - Bill was there. Soaking in the curve of the land, the angle at which the moon shines, and the direction from which the wind blows. H...
Nov 17, 2021•43 min
We’re taking you on a journey today to the inspirational country of Rwanda. While not often first on the list of most travelers, those who make it here are absolutely captivated by the people, who have rebuilt their lives and their country so authentically. After a warm welcome, visitors to this nook of Africa will then be further blown away by likely the most impactful wildlife experience of their lives - sitting face to face with an endangered Mountain Gorilla. And, luckily for these travelers...
Nov 10, 2021•54 min
Today we find ourselves strolling along the coastlines of Taormina, the historical walkways of Palermo, and in the shadow of the gorgeous Mt. Etna. I’m so excited to be chatting with my friend, Barbara Iaccarino to dive into the fascinating island of Sicily. Any mention of Sicily conjures up mafiosos eating cannoli and stunning coastal vistas - but Barbara helps us go a bit deeper and to understand the melting pot of cultures that have influenced this region over thousands of years. We chat abou...
Nov 03, 2021•34 min
I’m so excited today to be chatting with the CEO of a place that is near and dear to my heart, Canyon Ranch. Canyon Ranch is a pioneer in the wellness industry, a place where you can get away from the stress of everyday life and focus on what is most important. That focus is different for everyone who visits the ranch - whether you need a mental break from work, you’re focused on improving your health, or you’re interested in finding spirituality - Canyon Ranch will mold itself around you and he...
Oct 27, 2021•37 min
Today we’re soaking up some island vibes in the British Virgin Islands. So, imagine yourself on the island of Virgin Gorda, with swaying palm trees in the background, a pain killer drink in hand, and some of the most stunning views in the Caribbean. Now open your eyes and you’ll find yourself at the Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that this isn’t just a shiny new resort taking up space on a pristine island. It was designed by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller and ...
Oct 20, 2021•31 min
I’m so thrilled today to be speaking with travel Guru, Wendy Perrin. When I first met Wendy, I was totally fan-girling, and was even more surprised when I asked her to come on the show and she enthusiastically and quickly said.. Yes! I’ve since found that this enthusiasm defines Wendy. From her desire to help promote travel, to excitement about learning new things, to helping people of all backgrounds and statures. If you haven’t heard of Wendy, she had an illustrious 25 year career at Conde Nas...
Oct 13, 2021•51 min
Today we’re visiting the most bio geographically diverse country in the European Union to explore dazzling waterfalls, UNESCO protected medieval villages, snow capped mountains, and sandy black sea beaches. But you may have never heard of these treasures as they are all hidden in plain sight, behind the large as life myth of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Romania is a country not of vampires and werewolves, but of resilient people living amongst some of the most spectacular natural beauty on the contine...
Oct 06, 2021•39 min
Today you’ll come face to face with a polar bear, see a herd of twenty elephants passing by your picnic setup, and hear the wings flap of 500,000 monarch butterflies. The topic of today’s show is nature travel, and my guest is Ben Bressler, Founder and CEO of Natural Habitat Adventures - a company that achieves their mission of conservation through helping you explore the wilderness. Whether you’re in India tracking tigers, or just in your own backyard enjoying the wonders of a tiny hummingbird,...
Sep 29, 2021•47 min
Imagine yourself floating in crystal clear, turquoise waters with fringes of palm trees rustling in the breeze, and not a soul in sight. This may sound like a fantasy but it happens with regularity in the Maldives. This gorgeous chain of atolls sprawling across the Indian Ocean is one of the best places on the planet to disconnect and feel immersed in nature. And when you’ve had your fill of relaxing you can dive with whale sharks, surf some of the best breaks in the world, and dine in underwate...
Sep 22, 2021•43 min
I’m excited to take you to one of my favorite countries today, the Sultanate of Oman. Located on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, this hidden gem boasts rugged mountain ranges bursting with roses, terraced orchards of pomegranates, vast sand dune deserts, and date palm fringed oases dotted with crystal clear limestone pools of water. One of the best ways to experience Oman is by camping and spending time with a local guide. So our guest today is Taimur Al-said, the owner of Hud Hud Travels. Ta...
Sep 15, 2021•32 min
We’re shaking it up today with a panel of experts on one of my favorite countries, Thailand! Together we’ll explore the bustling capital of Bangkok, stunning national parks, and the culture of this fascinating country. Our guests today are: James Beard Award Winning Chef, Andy Ricker, who lives in Chiang Mai and is an expert in Northern Thai cuisine. Oh, and he showed Anthony Bourdain around the area in an episode of Parts Unknown. Next we have Ake Rittinapakorn, who is a scholar and expert in S...
Sep 08, 2021•58 min
Today we’re whisking you away on a captivating journey aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express. With a history dating back to 1883, this train route has transported aristocrats and historic figures like Tolstoy, Trotsky, Marlene Dietrich, and Lawrence of Arabia. Many of the cars of the Venice Simplon are original cars from the 1920s and all are painstakingly restored to preserve the charm of the day. Our guest today is Pascal Deyrolle, who started as a cabin steward on the train 30 years ago an...
Sep 01, 2021•37 min
Today’s show is about Alaska and two of it’s top luxury lodges, Winterlake and Tutka Bay Lodge. But it’s also about so much more! Our guest is owner and chef, Kirsten Dixon and after our recording I was asking her to be my mentor! Alaska is a destination that captures the imaginations of people from all over the world. It’s pristine beauty and rugged wilderness have so much to teach us. Travel has always been near and dear to my heart because it helps us to feel small, to realize how wide the wo...
Aug 25, 2021•45 min
Today we’re traveling the globe searching for unexpected experiences, off the grid lodges, and truly customized adventure activities. One of my favorite places to look for this unique combo is to my friends at Eleven Experience. With Eleven you don’t have to sacrifice the comforts of luxury to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and unique cultures. With lodges in remote parts of Patagonia, New Zealand, Iceland, France, the Bahamas, and the US - they’ve got your adventure...
Aug 18, 2021•35 min
Today we’re whisking you away to Scotland, the land of castles, whiskey, and tartan. But there’s more to experience here than just the typical stereotypes. Whether you’re coming for magnificent neolithic ruins, to cycle across the country, or to revel in some of the most authentic festivals you’ll find anywhere in the world - Scotland has something for everyone. Our guests today are Paul Easto and Stevie Christie - experts of course on Scotland, but also on active adventures around the country l...
Aug 11, 2021•50 min
Our guest today is Robin West, Vice President and GM of Seabourn Expeditions - one of the first ultra-luxury companies to dive into expedition cruising. Whether you find yourself in a state-of-the-art submarine, basking in the Northern Lights, enjoying a gourmet meal onboard, exploring the untouched coastlines of Greenland, or indulging in a world-class spa treatment - you’ll be unmistakably Seabourn. Robin and I discuss how Seabourn’s new expedition ships were custom made for this unique type o...
Aug 03, 2021•48 min
With Canada re-opening its borders soon to tourism, I’m excited to welcome our first Canadian guest on the show. We’re headed into the countryside of Quebec today to chat with Jason Stafford of Manoir Hovey, one of the top hotels in all of Canada. Though it’s set in French Canada, Manoir Hovey was actually designed after George Washington’s estate by a businessman from Georgia in the year 1900. In wondering how this could be, I unraveled the fascinating history of the town of North Hatley, where...
Jul 30, 2021•30 min
