On this episode we’re headed back to Kenya to chat with Mikey Carr Hartley, owner of The Safari Collection, which includes the Instagram famous Giraffe Manor. While you’ve undoubtedly seen beautiful images of the giraffes visiting guests at breakfast time, I want to be clear that The Safari Collection and its focus on conservation runs so much deeper than a photo op. Those friendly giraffe are part of a wider conservation movement and Mikey’s other lodges like Sala’s Camp and Sasaab are in equal...
May 31, 2023•49 min
Today we’re headed to France to learn about slowing down, enjoying life, and soaking it all in. Let’s jump on board a river barge to explore the back waterways of some of the most iconic regions of this beautiful country. Our guide for the day is Jonathan Foschini who runs guest experience for Les Bateaux Belmond, the most luxurious barge experience in France. Now whether we choose to float in Champagne, Burgundy, or Provence we’ll be treated to the finest wines, chef prepared meals, and custom ...
May 17, 2023•47 min
Today we're taking you on a journey to the mystical land of Java, in Indonesia. I’m joined by Jann Hess, the General Manager of Amanjiwo, who'll give us a glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and spiritual energy of the island. Nestled in the heart of Central Java, Amanjiwo is surrounded by ancient temples, lush rice paddies, and beautiful mountains that all work together to invoke a sense of awe. Jann and I discuss the complex history and culture of the island, spiritual...
May 10, 2023•43 min
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 Sirenuse. But more than that, I love that they are passionate about hospitality, family, and all the little...
May 03, 2023•37 min
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 people. Awasi is a collection of three small lodges, meant to blend into nature and invoke something insi...
Apr 19, 2023•45 min
Today we’re heading to the county of Suffolk in Eastern England, otherwise known as the forgotten county. While not a lot of tourists visit this area, it is chock full of beautiful nature reserves and is known for historical ruins and quaint seaside towns. My guest today is Harry Hunt, whose family owns a jewel of a property set on 8,000 acres of preserved nature. Wilderness Reserve is decidedly not a hotel, but rather a collection of historical buildings fully renovated into villas and homes th...
Apr 05, 2023•31 min
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. Niels and I are hoping to change that today. He tells us the incredible story of how he became Minister, w...
Mar 29, 2023•38 min
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 discovering your life’s purpose, and reset your wellness. You might find yourself kissing a zebra, kit...
Mar 22, 2023•39 min
Today we’re heading to the far north of Italy to the Dolomites and Lake Garda. This magical region is full of craggy spires, sheer cliff faces, verdant valleys, and gorgeous lakes. No wonder it’s recognized by UNESCO, will be the home of the next Winter Olympics, and inspires travelers from around the world. My guest today is my partner in the region, Agustina Lagos Marmol. Before starting her company, Agustina was an intrepid mountain guide - taking guests climbing all over the world. Her love ...
Mar 15, 2023•44 min
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, one of the preeminent bead makers in all of Africa, and Egbatao Djato, a top guide in the region and e...
Mar 08, 2023•50 min
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 Matt Loveland and Ben Walker who are avid outdoor enthusiasts, fantastic guides, and partners of mine ...
Mar 01, 2023•35 min
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 Kato, a Yamabushi Monk who is dedicated to promoting his culture in a way that can help people aroun...
Feb 22, 2023•48 min
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 is contagious. We discuss everything from misconceptions about the country, to differing concepts of w...
Feb 15, 2023•44 min
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 The Hay-Adams. The property sits literally… right next to the White House and its location is famous ...
Feb 08, 2023•37 min
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 an amazing panel of safari and Botswana experts. We have Attorney Vasco who grew up on a farm outsid...
Feb 01, 2023•55 min
Today we’re talking about the intersection of art and travel. Understanding the art of a country, whether that be renaissance paintings, local craftsmanship, or even beautifully presented food - is a way to truly uncover the soul of a people. To paraphrase Chuck Klosterman, art and love are really the same thing: they’re about recognizing and appreciating yourself in others. My guest today is my friend Fulvio De Bonis. Fulvio is an art historian, guide, and owner of one of the top luxury travel ...
Jan 25, 2023•30 min
My guest today is Andrea Nicholas Perdue, CEO of Wagonhound Holdings and the visionary behind Reid Creek Lodge in Southeast Wyoming. If you’re a fan of the show Yellowstone, Reid Creek Lodge is the stuff of your dreams. Nestled against a mountain range, far from the grip of your technological worries, this is a place where you can truly get back to what’s important. Camp out with your family, spend time with ranch hands caring for the horses, or just learn what it means to play, slow down, and e...
Jan 18, 2023•42 min
Today we’re headed to the magical island of St. Barths. While enjoying vibrant turquoise seas, beautiful hikes in the mountains, and powdery white sand may feel very Caribbean, there’s another undercurrent at play here. The vibe is decidedly French, and the world class food, shopping, and nightlife blends gorgeously with the island's Caribbean roots. My guest today is Fabrice Moizan, GM of the famous Eden Rock Hotel in St. Barths. Fabrice is himself French but has lived on the island for almost ...
Jan 11, 2023•37 min
Today we are visiting the Himalayan region of India, birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda, and famed location of the ashrams visited by The Beatles and in Eat Pray Love. My guest today is Mahesh Natarajan, the COO of Ananda, a destination spa resort set in the foothills of the Himalayas. Ananda is one of those rare places where you can experience both total physical and spiritual transformation while enjoying a luxurious setting. In addition to deep wellness and spa experiences, Ananda is also a grea...
Jan 04, 2023•47 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...
Dec 28, 2022•45 min
Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist. Chatting holiday traditions with me today are Stevie Christie, of Wilderness Group in Scotland, Fulvio De Bonis CEO of Imago Artis in Italy, and Alon Siedner, CEO of Travex in Israel. Fulvio takes us back to his childhood in Ita...
Dec 21, 2022•33 min
Today we’re chatting about one of my favorite countries for active travelers, Iceland! While luxury in other countries may mean five star hotels and spas, true luxury in this corner of the world looks more like private guides inviting you into their homes, having parts of the other-worldly landscape all to yourself, horseback riding to a private picnic near a waterfall, or helicoptering up to hike on a glacier. Our guest today is Erling Aspelund, Owner of Iceland Encounter. After many years work...
Dec 14, 2022•29 min
Today we’re discussing the Eternal City of Rome. Of all the places in the world that I’ve been, this city holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a gorgeous open air museum. It has a heart and soul to it, created by thousands of years of messy yet beautiful human history. We also have a very special guest with us today, my friend Andrea Spalletti who owns and runs Villa Spalletti Trivelli in the heart of the city. The Villa is Andrea’s family home, built in the late 1800s and as w...
Dec 07, 2022•53 min
Our guest today is Michael Williams, COO of Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming. Brush Creek is a working ranch with hundreds of years of history and 30,000 acres of stunning forest, rivers, grasslands, and mountains. This is the ultimate playground for all kinds of travelers - from first time visitors who have never seen a horse, to experienced ranch hands. From huge family gatherings to intimate honeymoons. When you visit Brush Creek, the outside world melts away so you can get back to nature, learn ...
Nov 30, 2022•29 min
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 clock in at about 120! After you unpack and relax into one of the finest made beds in the world, you ca...
Nov 23, 2022•31 min
On today’s show we’re not visiting a particular hotel, city, or even country. We’re looking up. Up, past the layers of our atmosphere and in - to space. While space has historically been reserved for elite astronauts, we have now reached the age where this dream can become reality for more and more people. My guest today is Blair Rich, President and Chief Business Officer of the commercial side of Virgin Galactic. The company is the world’s first commercial spaceline dedicated to the mission of ...
Nov 16, 2022•46 min
This time we’re heading to the Sabi Sands and Kruger in South Africa for the safari of a lifetime! In the Kruger area, I saw more prides of lion than I ever have anywhere else, and in the Sabi Sands had ultra-close up encounters with leopard. On this trip, I also visited all of Singita’s South Africa lodges, including Ebony Lodge, Boulders, Lebombo, and Sweni. I reveled in my private plunge pool, was stunned by the decor and gorgeous pops of color, thoroughly enjoyed the strong cocktails, and of...
Nov 09, 2022•1 hr 26 min
In honor of Halloween, today’s show is all about ghosts and the paranormal! My guest is Tim Nealon, Founder and CEO of Ghost City Tours, the largest ghost tour company in the world. In addition to entertaining hundreds of thousands of visitors on his ghost tours, Tim is an expert ghost hunter, cryptozoologist, software designer, and reptile conservationist. We talk about everything from theories on ghosts, to the Loch Ness monster, to why ghost tours are amazing experiences even for non-believer...
Oct 26, 2022•40 min
I’m so thrilled today to be speaking with travel writer and guru, Wendy Perrin. Wendy first came on the show a year ago, so I wanted to have her back to talk about updated trends, advice for parents traveling with kids, some of her personal favorites, and more. If you haven’t heard of Wendy, she had an illustrious 25 year career at Conde Nast Traveler, is a published author, and runs WendyPerrin.com. She is renowned for her encyclopedic knowledge of travel and of course willingness to share. I t...
Oct 19, 2022•54 min
Today we’re transporting ourselves to the world of Red Carnation Hotels. If you haven’t heard of this hotel group, it’s probably because each of their properties is so unique and special that they don’t carry a brand name. Iconic spots come to mind like Ashford Castle and The Egerton House, which offer ultra personalized service with a family atmosphere. My guest today is Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director of the entire collection. Jonathan and his team are focused on every little detail at the...
Oct 12, 2022•40 min
