Luxury Travel Insider

Today we're winding our way down an idyllic country road in Ireland to the famed Adare Manor. Set in a charming village of thatched cottages, blooming rose gardens, and cobblestone streets, this jewel of County Limerick will have you wanting to come back over and over again. 

Joining me today is Brendon O'Connor, the General Manager of Adare Manor, which recently won the Conde Nast award for Best Resort in Europe. Brendan and I chat about everything from the potato famine to genealogy, to hidden secrets of the Manor, and the incredible local food and culture. If y...

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 something new, and connect with those around you.

Michael...

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 forests, to learn about indigenous culture, or for hi...

Today we're setting sail to a tiny, storied island off the coast of Provence - Île de Bendor, once the private playground of pastis pioneer Paul Ricard.

Joining me is Arnaud Zannier, founder of Zannier Hotels, who spent five years bringing this island back to life.

We talk about everything from the island's glamorous past, hosting the likes of Jacques Cousteau and, more recently, George and Amal Clooney, to what it took to reimagine an entire island. Arnaud also shares why he believes the deepest lesson Bendor can teach a visitor is simply how to e...

Today, we're being whisked away to the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian islands. This incredible destination offers so much more than just stunning beaches. It's a place where you can experience everything from lush rainforests to snow-capped volcanoes and explore a vibrant culture that's deeply connected to the land.

We're checking into the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Joining us to share his insights is Charlie Parker, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of this iconic resort. 

We chat about the history of the island and what makes it unique, t...

Today we're in for some adventure. We'll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we'll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot. 

Joining me today to chat all things New Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boorman. Phil spent his entire life leading far flung experiences around the globe until deciding to come home and show off his country to adventurous travelers. 

We chat about how to have meaningful experiences as a to...

Today we're heading to a country that defies easy description - salt flats that mirror the sky, ruins that predate the Inca by centuries, and a capital city so high it feels like its own atmosphere.

Joining me are two people who know Bolivia not as visitors, but as hosts - Sebastian Villena, whose family founded Crillon Tours and who now leads A&K Bolivia, and Javier Loza, one of the most knowledgeable guides I've had anywhere in the world.

We talk about everything from Potosí's silver-fueled rivalry with London and Paris, to a l...

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 a decade. We talk about the blended roots of St. Barths, the feeling you get w...

Today we're whisking you off to a set of secluded islands in the Indian Ocean. This special place is so beautiful and remote, that it is often touted as the original Garden of Eden. 

Joining me to chat all things Seychelles, is our partner in the region Tomas Cochrane. 

Whether you're looking for a far flung, relaxing, tropical paradise, or a more active adventure complete with interesting wildlife, hiking, and island hopping - the Seychelles really has something for almost everyone. 

Tomas and I chat about the different personalities of the various islands, the...

Today we're headed to the Laikipia region of Kenya, where the rugged beauty of the savannas meets rolling hills and stunning views of Mt. Kenya. 

We'll land on 50,000 acres of conserved land and enjoy everything the gorgeous Segera Retreat has to offer. 

Joining me to tell you all about Segera are its owners Jochen and Kate Zeitz. Jochen has been the CEO of companies like Puma and Harley Davidson but his passion lies in Africa and the culture and arts of its people. Kate is an accomplished television, movie, and documentary producer and was captured by...

Today we're setting sail with Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury ocean brand built to feel less like a cruise ship and more like a boutique European resort that just happens to float.

Joining me is Chris Austin, President of North America for Explora Journeys, who's been with the brand since before a single ship existed and has watched the vision go from blank pages to a fleet at sea.

We talk about everything from what changed in the ships' design, to the off the beaten path ports, to the corners of the ship guests stumble onto...

I'm excited for you to join me today to head to the gorgeous island of the Dominican Republic. There's something about the turquoise water fringed with the most amazing palm trees you've ever seen - that gives you a sense of calm and relaxation here. Add in the incredible history, gorgeous resorts, world class golf courses - and you're truly on vacation. 

My guest today is Stefano Baratelli, the Executive Director at Eden Roc Cap Cana. This resort is one that has been special for so many of our clients, so I was excited to share it w...

Today we're headed a bit off the beaten path, to Southeast Asia, and visiting the country of Lao. Lao or Laos means Land of a Million Elephants which is a symbol for prosperity - but the main draw to the country is the warm hospitality of its people. 

Whether you're visiting to see spectacular waterfalls and jungle scenery, learn about the history of this melting pot country, or simply immerse into the authentic culture - Lao is a place that captures hearts. 

My guests today are Tara Gujadhur who runs the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Ce...

I'm excited for you to join me today in the southern part of Tuscany, an area called Maremma, and one we haven't yet explored on the show. Here you'll find sun-kissed olive groves, pristine stretches of coastline, and of course, gorgeous wines. 

We're settling in at the stunning Castello di Vicarello for a chat with my friend, and the owner, Neri Baccheschi Berti who in a surprising turn of events, tells us how he was actually born inside the castle during its renovation! 

Neri and I chat about his family, how they came to fall in...

Today, we're escaping to one of the most exclusive private islands in the world— COMO Laucala. The island is tucked away in the shimmering South Pacific in the north of Fiji. This stunning destination is more than just a tropical paradise; it's a celebration of untouched beauty, sustainable luxury, and authentic Fijian culture.

Joining me is Gary Henden, General Manager of COMO Laucala Island. Gary and I chat about the island's unique history, untouched waterfall hikes, golf, diving, the warm local hospitality, and more. 

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the...

Today we're heading to the heart of the Silk Road. Uzbekistan, full of ancient caravan cities, turquoise domes, and golden desert sands hold centuries of history that shaped the the world as we know it today.

Joining me are two guests who know this region intimately. Bekhruz Kurbanov is an archaeologist and guide born and raised in Uzbekistan, Luca Lasser who has nearly 20 years of experience working in Central Asia and who runs Kalpak Travel with his wife, a native of Kyrgyzstan. 

We talk about everything from the conquerors who left their mark on this l...

I'm excited to whisk you off today to two of my favorite cities in Europe, Prague and Vienna. I think the travel world sometimes forgets that Vienna was once the center of European power, while its sister to the north is the birthplace of bohemian culture. 

To paraphrase Karl Kraus, while the streets of other cities are paved with asphalt, the streets of these two cities are quite literally paved with culture. 

Here to discuss Vienna and Prague with us are Gwen Kozlowski, my partner in the region, and Kamila Karen, one of the top lo...

Today we're venturing deep into the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, where Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort has been welcoming guests to one of the most remote and breathtaking corners of Canada for over 45 years.

Joining me today are Fraser and Becky Murray, the husband and wife team behind Nimmo Bay - a place that started as a family fishing lodge and has evolved into a world-renowned luxury wilderness destination focused on bears, whales, helicopters, and some seriously incredible food.

We talk about everything from the hydroelectric system powering the lodge off a waterfall, to...

My guest today is Kelly Craighead, President & CEO of CLIA - one of the travel industry's most important associations representing all things cruises! Before running CLIA, Kelly was the senior government representative for all travel and tourism matters at the Department of Commerce. 

So if you're interested in travel trends and what's new in the cruise industry, you're in for a treat! 

Kelly and I chat about everything from how millennials are the fastest growing generation for cruise travel, to sustainability on the oceans, to fabulous new destinations you can reach by ship. 

Loo...

Today's episode is for anyone who has ever come home from a trip feeling subtly or not so subtly changed.

My guest today is Dr. Michael F. Steger, Professor of Psychology and founding director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University. Mike has published over 150 scholarly articles and created two of the most widely used measures of meaning in the world, and somehow makes all of it feel like a conversation you'd want to have over dinner.

We unpack what meaning actually is significance, coherence, and purpose and then bring it...

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 for the Dolomites in particular always kept her coming back and she's n...

Today we're headed to Kerala, a state on India's southwestern coast where ancient backwaters meet misty mountain tea gardens, sacred temples, and spice-scented markets that have drawn travelers from across the world for thousands of years.

Joining me today are Anil Pathak, our partner in the region, and Manoj Vasudevan, an award-winning guide and photographer who has led everyone from Anthony Bourdain to National Geographic journalists through this remarkable region.

We talk about everything from how the spice trade shaped Kerala's identity, to experiencing the backwaters without the crowds, to what this place reveals about...

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 that will invoke the countryside getaway of your dreams. 

Harry and I...

Today we're headed to one of the most extraordinary places on the planet where we'll find the largest living structure on Earth, sand so pure it never gets hot, and water so impossibly turquoise it looks like you used a filter.

Joining me today to chat all things Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays are Rebecca Hamey, General Manager of Qualia, a luxury resort on Hamilton Island and Scotty Bowen, a Master Reef Guide and skipper.

We cover everything from the reef's ancient indigenous history, to the honest truth about coral bleaching and what's giving scientists...

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 has a rich history including Queen Elizabeth an...

Today, we're heading to Corsica, a rugged island in the Mediterranean where the scent of wild herbs drifts through the air. Though it's part of France, Corsica feels entirely its own, shaped by centuries of independence, Italian influence, and a deep connection to land and tradition.

There's a phrase often used to describe the island: a mountain in the sea. And it's not just poetic, it's literal. Nearly two thirds of Corsica is mountainous, which has shaped everything from how people live to the fiercely independent spirit the island is known for today.

Joining me...

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 equally beautiful settings dotted across the Kenyan landscape. 

We go in depth to chat a...

Today we're heading to the lush island nation of Jamaica. While the country is often associated with beaches and resorts, it's also a place with a deep and complex history, a strong sense of identity, and a rhythm of life that you feel the moment you arrive.

Joining me today is Kenton Jones, Managing Director of The Tryall Club, a 2,200-acre private villa community just outside Montego Bay. It blends classic Jamaican hospitality with one of the most expansive and personalized resort experiences in the Caribbean.

We discuss what makes Jamaica so culturally rich, how...

Today we're heading to Slovenia, a country that somehow packs alpine peaks, emerald rivers, vineyard-covered hills, and a slice of the Adriatic all into one incredibly compact destination. It's one of Europe's most diverse landscapes, yet still feels refreshingly under the radar.

Joining us today to help unpack what makes this country so unique, are my partners in the region, Živa Vincetič and Mattej Valencic.

We chat about Slovenia's fascinating history and cultural identity, the landscapes that define it, from the Julian Alps to its famous karst caves, and of course the incredible experiences from ou...

Today we're taking you somewhere truly off the map, to a remote archipelago off the northeastern coast of Madagascar, where wild nature and ultra-luxury somehow coexist. Think pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

Joining us is Damian Jardine, the General Manager of Miavana, one of the most exclusive private island resorts in the world.

We talk about what makes Madagascar feel like an entirely different planet, from cutie its lemurs and chameleons to its landscapes. We also chat about the intention behind building Miavana, and what it...

Today, we're visiting an under the radar destination with some of the most beautiful coastline in the entire Mediterranean… Sardinia. Think turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean, rugged mountains, ancient civilizations, and a culture that feels entirely its own.

I'm joined by the wonderful Lucia Achena, a Sardinia expert and one of our partners in the region, to help us peel back the layers of Sardinia and discover the best ways to experience both its glamorous coastline and its deeply authentic interior.

So whether you're dreaming of sailing the Emerald Coast, exploring ancient ruins, or ju...

Today we're heading to the French Riviera and one of the most legendary hotels in the world, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Perched on the edge of Cap d'Antibes, this region has been attracting artists, writers, and the international jet set for more than 150 years. With a history that spans from Belle Époque creatives to Old Hollywood and the Cannes Film Festival, it's a place that feels truly timeless.

My guest today is Philippe Perd, the longtime Managing Director of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Philippe and I chat about the spirit of the French Riviera, the fascinating history of the p...

Today's episode is perfect for you if you need a little kick in the pants to make space for your life's experiences. 

So many of us intuitively feel that travel changes us - that it makes us more alive, more curious, more connected and our guest today will help illuminate some of that for us. Jodi Wellman is a speaker, author of the book, You Only Die Once, fellow Penn graduate, and founder of Four Thousand Mondays. Jodi's work centers on a powerful idea: that our time on this earth is limited and precious. And when we r...

Today we're heading to one of the most complex, energetic, and endlessly fascinating cities in the world. Hong Kong. 

The city is layered, fast moving, deeply local, and full of contrasts. Towering skylines and quiet temples. Global finance and everyday rituals. World class dining and wild, unexpected nature just beyond the city streets.

Joining me today are two people who know Hong Kong from very different, deeply personal perspectives. Gerald Hatherly, who has lived in Hong Kong for decades and helped shape how travelers experience Asia, and Yim Tom, a Hong Kong based artist whose w...

Today we're wrapping up our Romantic Travel series with a destination that can reset your nervous system and your relationship at the same time. We're talking Africa, from epic safaris and wildly romantic lodges, to the winelands, beaches, and adventures that make this continent feel like nowhere else on earth.

Joining us today is one of my partners in the region, Tamsyn Fricker. Hailing from South Africa, Tamsyn has spent her career designing once in a lifetime journeys across the continent. We chat about what makes Africa so powerful for couples, our favorite regions and properties, and...

Today we're romanticizing everyday life, finding inspiration through art and beauty, and leaning into a little nostalgia in two of the world's most iconic cities.

Joining me are two true insiders from Paris and Rome: Leah Walker of Garnier Creations and Fulvio de Bonis of Imago Artis. We discuss how world-class cities just have a way of making romance feel effortless. Whether you're wandering along a river, lingering over an indulgent meal, or experiencing something new - timeless moments like these bring couples closer together in ways everyday life rarely allows. 

So pour yourself a g...

As part of our February series on romantic travel, today we're focusing on tropical destinations. We dive into why this type of destination has the power to help us reconnect, slow down, and be fully present with the people we love.

We're heading back to French Polynesia, to the private atoll of Tetiaroa, and home to The Brando. It's a place where nature sets the pace, privacy is built into the experience, and connection tends to happen without trying.

And today, I'm honored to be chatting with Richard Bailey, the owner of this famed hotel...

February feels like the perfect moment to talk about trips designed to celebrate love. Honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals, babymoons, and the journeys couples take when they want to reconnect, not just get away.

All month long, we're exploring romantic travel in its many forms. Not just where couples go, but why and how travel has always played such a powerful role in love stories.

Today's episode is our big picture conversation. We're talking about the history of honeymoons, how romantic travel has evolved, what couples are craving right now, and the design details that turn a...

Today we are taking a very special trip into the heart of Norwegian Fjordland. And when I say the heart, I don't just mean the heart of the land. Because today we're chatting with two locals who are so enthusiastic about welcoming you to their homeland, that you can't help but feel the love. 

My friend Steinar Soerli is the fifth-generation owner of the wildly luxurious Amot in Western Norway, and we are joined by Kesia Yansen, the General Manager of the property.

We'll hear their stories about the transformation of this homestead into a l...

Today we are heading to Victoria Falls, one of the most awe inspiring places on the planet. Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, this is a place where mist hangs in the air, the earth vibrates beneath your feet, and nature puts on a show unlike anywhere else in Africa.

I am joined by Sara Gardiner, owner of Matetsi Victoria Falls, a beautiful lodge just minutes from the Falls and surrounded by incredible wildlife. Sara and I chat about the legends that shaped local understanding of the Falls, what those first explorers must...