Holiday Special | Holiday Traditions from Australia, Argentina, and Sweden
Luxury Travel Insider
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. This year I’m chatting about holiday traditions with Samuel Dabinett, the GM of the famed Park Hyatt Sydney, Urban Axelsson from Swedish Lapland, and Gustavo Brana, from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Urban shares stories from the Arctic Circle, while Samuel and Gustavo tell us how it feels to celebrate Christmas and...
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French Polynesia | Raphael Bernard: Getting to the Heart of Tahiti
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of turquoise lagoons, emerald-green islands, and coral-fringed shores. Whether you’re diving with sharks, climbing the ridge of a volcanic peak, or relaxing in your overwater bungalow - French Polynesia, or Tahiti for short - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. We have a fun show for you today, with my friend and partner in the region, Raphael Bernard. Raphael has lived on a couple different islands in the archipelago and eats and breathes it every day. We talk about everything from the local stereotypes of each island, to the...
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Peru | Silvia Rico: PachaMama, Indelible Experiences, and a Layer Cake of Cultures
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re discussing the country of Peru, and all the riches it has to offer. While many people think of Peru synonymously with Machu Picchu, the country is twice the size of Texas and has so much more to offer. After exploring the incredible culture of the Incas and modern day Peruvians living in the Andes, you can also visit the Amazon, enjoy some of the top restaurants in the world, and learn about any of the other FIFTY indegenous groups dotted across the country. My guest today is my partner in the region, Silvia Rico. Her passion for bringing the experience of Peru to...
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Fiji | COMO Laucala Island: An Untouched Paradise
Luxury Travel Insider
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. Learn more at Connect with me on Social:
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Norwegian Fjordland | Åmot: Fjords, Food, and Folklore
Luxury Travel Insider
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 luxury destination, explore the...
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Greece | One&Only Aesthesis and One&Only Kea Island: A Preview
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re headed to Greece - land of crystalline seas, fabulously fresh food, and the cradle of democracy. My guests today are Yann Gillet and Jerome Colson, General Managers of the highly anticipated One&Only Aesthesis and One&Only Kea Island. I love this episode because we explore some lesser visited areas of Greece - the glamorous Athenian Riviera set 25 minutes from the city center and the northernmost island of the Cyclades. Jumping straight into the heart and soul of Greek culture and these authentic destinations, Yann, Jerome and I discuss everything from why...
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Hawaii | Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Luxury Travel Insider
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, the...
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Halloween Special | Ghost Stories From Prague
Luxury Travel Insider
In honor of Halloween, today’s show is all about legends, ghost stories… and the beautiful city of Prague. My guest today is Katerina Sedlakova, one of the top guides in the city. She shares how storytelling in Prague has been a way to pass down lessons and legends for generations. We cover ghosts and ghouls as well as the history of the city and why it’s a beautiful place to visit. So Insiders, I wish you a very Happy Halloween season full of spooky stories, crisp fall evenings, and dreams of travels to come. Learn more at Connect with me on Social:
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Rome | The Bulgari Rome
Luxury Travel Insider
I’m excited for you to join me today to head back to my favorite city, the eternally beautiful Rome. There’s something about this place that draws you in, makes you feel alive, and gives you a deeper perspective on the passing of time. We’re checking into one of the top new hotels in the world, The Bulgari Rome. The hotel is situated right next to the mausoleum of Agustus and is attracting jet set and celebrity guests from around the globe. Our guest is my friend Vincenzo Falcone, and we chat about everything from Roman urban planning to exquisite details and hidden secrets...
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Austria | Expert Panel: Culture, Coffee, Cuisine, and Countryside
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re headed to a small country, nestled in the heart of Europe. Austria surprises and then charms its visitors with stunning Alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and elegant imperial architecture. Whether you’re searching for the perfect apple strudel, want to hike in hills filled with the “Sound of Music,” or experience the famous coffee culture, operas, or Viennese Balls - Austria has something for almost everyone. My guests today are Thomas Bachinger, our expert on all things Vienna; Christoph Reiter from the Salzburg region, and Michael Bode who is a cheese...
info_outlineThe date of recording for today’s show is September 12, 2024. That’s important because our show today is topical and a little time sensitive.
I started this In The Now format of episode to highlight certain countries and destinations who have experienced events (whether internally or externally) that have disrupted their tourism numbers.
A few weeks ago I was chatting with my good friend Haytham Atwan, who is one of our top partners in Egypt. He mentioned that tourism in Egypt took a 60% hit due solely to the conflict happening in Israel and Palestine. Knowing that tourism is a major source of support for the Egyptian people, this really hurt to find out.
So we put together this episode to give you some background on the history of tourism to Egypt and how things are in the country today from locals who experience it every day.
Haytham joins me as well as the enthusiastic Egyptologist, Henry Ayoub. We talk about everything from the Arab Spring, to State Department ratings, to the smiling faces of children you’ll see greeting you all throughout your trip to Egypt. If you’ve been on the fence about visiting this spectacular country, I hope hearing this episode will help you decide.
On another very personal note, I’d like to dedicate this episode to my dear friend Clark Kotula. Avid listeners will remember that Clark was a guest on two past shows, and was the driving force behind our first “In The Now” Episode on Ecuador. Clark - though you are gone, you inspire me every day, and I will keep using this platform to honor your memory and inspire travel across the corners of our beautiful earth.
I hope you listen to this episode with an open heart and an open mind.
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