On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Michelle McSorley, a concierge travel advisor with Favorite Grampy Travels, and Jamie Biesiada, a Travel Weekly senior editor and host of the Trade Secrets podcast, about their recent visits to the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel at Universal Studios Resort. McSorley and Biesiada share why the luxury property’s direct access to Universal Epic Universe is a gamechanger, as well as offer details on the hotel’s park vi...
Jun 09, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 6
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Amy Nidds, a travel consultant with VWT by Chase Travel, about her recent visit to the Hotel Balzac in Paris. Nidds reveals why this intimate 58-room hotel with Eiffel Tower views delivers an experience that feels like “your own apartment in Paris,” complete with a concierge team willing to go the extra mile to secure “impossible” restaurant reservations. She confirms that luxury European travel demand remains “crazy,” with cli...
May 12, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 5
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Limor Decter, a luxury travel/lifestyle advisor and writer with Embark Beyond, about her recent visit to the Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection in Los Cabos, Mexico. Decter dishes on private beach dinners, whale watching from ocean-facing balconies and personalized service that she said makes her feel like she’s “coming home.” Plus, get her perspective on Cabo’s evolution as a luxury destination, with...
Apr 14, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 4
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Julie Boller, a luxury travel advisor with Atlas Wander Travel, about her recent visit to the Sheen Falls Lodge in Co. Kerry, Ireland. Boller talks about the property’s dramatic landscapes, spacious accommodations perfect for couples and multi-generational families and diverse experiences, from falconry to helicopter tours of the Ring of Kerry. She also shares insider tips on how to craft the perfect 10- to 14-day Irish i...
Mar 10, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 3
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Anna Gilbert, founder and lead travel designer at Upannaway, about her recent visit to Angama’s luxury safari lodges and camps in Kenya. Gilbert shares her first impressions of Angama’s flagship Angama Mara lodge, more recently opened Angama Amboseli property and the brand’s intimate Angama Tented Camp. She shares details on some of her most memorable moments, including a peaceful hot air balloon ride over the...
Feb 10, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 2
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Sarah Groen, owner and CEO of Bell & Bly Design, about her recent visit Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Groen shares details on the historic property’s iconic floating pool, Riva boats and Michelin-worthy dining experiences, while also explaining what makes the Grand Hotel Tremezzo distinct from its sister Lake Como property, Passalacqua. She also offers insider tips on prime shoulder season timing, unique alt...
Jan 13, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 1
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Amber Rose Powers, a luxury travel advisor with Fora X, about her recent visits to the Mandarin Oriental Canouan and Soho Beach House Canouan. Powers takes listeners to Canouan, a hidden Caribbean gem where “billionaires go to get away from millionaires.” She shares her experience at two distinctly different properties: the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental, with its marble suites and butler service, and the laid-back yet sophistica...
Dec 09, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 12
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Abbey Meyer, CEO of Missouri-based Sky High Travel, about her recent visit to the Hotel Xcaret Arte near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Meyer describes how the adults-only Xcaret all-inclusive stands apart with its art-filled interiors, diverse cuisine and what she boldly claims is “the most incredible spa in all of Mexico.” While the resort commands premium pricing, she also explains how the included access to immersive cultural acti...
Nov 11, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 11
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Jill Albino of Jill Albino Travel and Gabrielle Brechner of Watch Our Step Travel about their recent visit to the Botania Relais & Spa on the Italian island of Ischia. Albino and Brechner share details on the property's intimate atmosphere, unique villa-style accommodations and standout culinary experiences, including a “dessert pasta” that’s prepped tableside. They also highlight Ischia's potential as a less crowded alternat...
Oct 14, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 10
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Julie Shotmeyer, CEO of Jet Set Getaways, about her recent visit to The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Northeastern Florida. Shotmeyer shares her insights on the resort's beachfront location, expansive accommodations and Club Level—which she says is the best Ritz-Carlton Club Level she’s ever experienced. She also talks about the property's diverse appeal for various traveler types and why it’s a potential fit for clients looking ...
Sep 09, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 9
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Pamela Schein Murphy, a Fora-affiliated luxury travel advisor and founder of The Wandrist, about her recent visit to the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl near Salzburg, Austria. Schein Murphy dishes on the newly opened lakefront property, which she describes as having an “adult summer camp” feel. She also raves about Lake Fuschl’s Caribbean-like turquoise waters and the property’s Saint-Tropez-esque beach club, which serves up an especial...
Aug 12, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 8
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Fora-affiliated advisors Nancy Deane, Kim Hannum, Pamela Schein Murphy, Claudia Riegelhaupt and Louisa Vann, who have joined forces to attend fam trips together as part of a “fam pod.” The quintet recently visited the U.K., combining a London trip with a stay at Estelle Manor, a 108-room country estate and private members’ club in Oxfordshire. The group shares a few insights on their London experiences, which included site visits...
Jul 08, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The Last Resort: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Brandon White, owner of Share the Magic Travel, to talk about his recent visit to the Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. White shares the inside scoop on the recently opened 301-room all-inclusive, set amid mountains, black sand beaches and lush rainforests. He also talks about the property’s many amenities—including its 11 dining venues and multiple pool areas—and ...
Jun 10, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 6
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Megan McCaffrey-Guerrera, owner of Bella Vita Travels, to talk about her recent visit to the Cali Mykonos in Greece. McCaffrey-Guerrera talks about why the 40-suite Cali Mykonos offers plenty of romantic, off-the-beaten path charm, and why she’s confident that once she gets clients in the door, “they're going to go back every year.” McCaffrey-Guerrera also shares an update on Greece travel demand this summer and makes mention of ...
May 13, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 5
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Mark Gerling, owner of Gerling Travel, and Sarah Bogaczyk, owner of Connections Luxury Travel, to talk about their recent visit to The Shore Club Turks & Caicos. Gerling and Bogaczyk talk about why the Long Bay Beach property is a great fit for everyone from families to couples, as well as larger multigenerational groups. The pair also discuss why the resort’s villa product offers plenty of “wow factor,” as well as share a fe...
Apr 08, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 4
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Courtnie Nichols, CEO and founder of TravelBash, about her recent visit to luxury Jamaican resort GoldenEye. Jelski and Nichols talk about why the property, a longtime celebrity favorite, is ideal for a buyout or big celebration, as well as for leisure travelers looking for a laid-back, but still luxe, getaway. Nichols also shares her thoughts on Jamaica’s appeal as a high-end destination and why recent U.S. advisories related to...
Mar 11, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 3
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Carolyn Consalvo, a senior travel advisor with Andrew Harper, about her recent visits to two country estates in the U.K.: The Newt and Heckfield Place. Jelski and Consalvo talk about why The Newt and Heckfield Place are best paired with a city trip to London, and why garden aficionados find themselves flocking to The Newt in particular. Consalvo also clarifies a few misconceptions that U.S. travelers might have about a U.K. count...
Feb 12, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 2
The Last Resort: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Kristi Mackedanz, travel advisor and founder of KM Travel Designs, about her recent visit to the Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets near Cancun, Mexico. Jelski and Mackedanz talk about the property’s unique arrival experience, which Mackedanz describes as a true “wow” moment, as well as why a pairing a stay at the Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets with a visit to sister propert...
Jan 08, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 1
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Leah Winck, owner of Journey On Travel, and Rebecca East, travel advisor at Life Styled Group, about their recent visits to the Four Seasons Resort Bali At Jimbaran Bay and sister property the Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan. Winck and East talk about how both resorts excel at incorporating authentic cultural experiences and what it’s like to take a raft transfer from the Jimbaran Bay property to the Sayan resort. The pair also...
Dec 11, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 10
The Last Resort: Kisawa Sanctuary On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Linda Sergeant, founder of Far and Away Luxury Destinations, an affiliate of In The Know Experiences, about her recent visit to the Kisawa Sanctuary on Mozambique’s Benguerra Island. Sergeant talks about the Kisawa Sanctuary’s expansive, residential-style accommodations, robust wellness offerings and why this under-the-radar property has potential to become “one of the world's best hotels.” Serge...
Nov 13, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Episode Title: The Last Resort: Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Syreeta Grose, owner of Grose Travel Services Meetings and Events, and Tim Flatz, owner and senior advisor for Discovery Travel, about their recent visits to the new Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya in Mexico. Grose and Flatz talk about the property’s status as the first adults-only Margaritaville Beach Resort in the Karisma Hotels & Resorts port...
Oct 05, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 8
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to SmartFlyer-affiliated travel advisor Sarah Lopez and Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin about their recent visits to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Lopez and Tobin talk about 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s prime position along Kauai’s famed North Shore and why the property offers an ideal wellness retreat-style experience, without being an “in your face” wellness destination. The pair chat about some of ...
Sep 11, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 7
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Deb Swacker and Claire Herzog, who are both independent travel advisors affiliated with Fora Travel, about Sage Lodge, a Montana mountain resort located 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Swacker and Herzog talk about the property’s accommodations, including its family- and group-friendly Ranch Houses, which each have four bedrooms and sleep up to 16. They also discuss food and beverage highlights—including an Old Fashi...
Aug 11, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 6
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Maurice Smith, founder of Eugene Toriko, and Courtnie Nichols, CEO and founder of TravelBash, about Namron Hospitality’s La Valise Tulum in Mexico. Smith and Nichols talk about the property’s Instagram-worthy “rolling beds” and key differences between the resort’s beachfront wing and more recently added jungle accommodations, as well as why the La Valise Tulum is a perfect launchpad for couples seeking peace and privacy, but also...
Jul 07, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 5
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Stacey Kaplan, a travel consultant with Tzell Travel Group, and Suzanne Ferrando, a travel advisor with Elli Travel Group, about the Salamander Hotels & Resorts-managed Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club on Anguilla’s Rendezvous Bay. Kaplan and Ferrando chat about key updates made at the recently revamped property, which was previously flagged as the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa. Additionally, they touch on their favorit...
Jun 11, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 4
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Tony Adler, president and CEO of Cruise and Resort Inc., and Kristy Adler, executive vice president and COO of Cruise and Resort Inc., about the Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxche all-inclusives in Mexico. They talk about key differences between the two sister properties, their favorite culinary experiences across both resorts and what sets the ultra-luxe Secrets Impression concept apart from other high...
May 05, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 3
On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Holly Ward, a destination wedding and honeymoon specialist and Sandals & Beaches Resorts exclusive agent with Alpha World Travel, and Addison Jaynes, founder and CEO of the Sandals & Beaches Resorts-focused concierge service Reliant Destinations USA, about their visits to the recently opened Sandals Royal Curacao and recently refreshed Sandals Royal Bahamian. They discuss some culinary highlights across both resorts, from...
Apr 06, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 2
On the first episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks to Heather Bull, vice president at Peacock Travel Group, and Dawn Koutsky, owner of Wish to Wander Travel, about their recent visit to the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. They discuss the ease of flying in and out of Cancun these days, a few of the property’s design and culinary highlights and several reasons the Playa Hotels & Resorts-managed Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is a great option for destinat...
Mar 20, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1
We're introducing The Last Resort, a new monthly hospitality-focused podcast hosted by Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. From Caribbean all-inclusives to mountainside lodges, we’ll be talking to advisors about their first-hand experiences at some of the most exciting and buzzed-about resorts around the world. Stay tuned for The Last Resort's first episode, which will go live next week. We'...
Mar 13, 2023•1 min
