Beyond Happiness: Travel, Curiosity, and a Life Well-Lived | Professor Shige Oishi
Luxury Travel Insider
Today, we’re continuing our exploration of the fascinating intersection between positive psychology and travel and I couldn’t be more excited to have one of the leading minds in the field with us. Shige Oishi is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the most cited psychologists in the world. With over 200 journal articles and books to his name — including his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions — Shige has spent decades researching happiness, meaning, and cultural influences on...
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Ranch at Rock Creek | Owner, Jim Manley: A Dream Comes True, America's Most Expensive Hotel, and The Last Best Place
Luxury Travel Insider
My guest today is a bit of a renaissance man. Jim Manley is the Chairman of Atlantic Pacific Capital… and also the VERY hands on owner of one of the top properties in all of the United States - The Ranch at Rock Creek. Jim and I discuss how his childhood dream led to this magical experience, how Montana is the “last best place,” and why America’s most expensive hotel is worth the price tag.
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Japan | Ryokan Kurashiki and Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen
Luxury Travel Insider
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most enchanting ways to experience Japan - staying at a ryokan. If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping on tatami mats, slipping into a steaming onsen, or savoring a multi-course kaiseki dinner crafted with local, seasonal ingredients - a ryokan stay is the ultimate expression of Japanese hospitality and tradition. To help us explore this beautiful corner of Japanese culture, I’m joined by two very special guests: Ms. Ritsuko Nakamura, the okamisan, or head of Ryokan Kurashiki, and Ms. Kumi Sato, the okamisan of Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen. In...
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Türkiye | The Peninsula Istanbul
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It’s a spot where everything feels alive and you can’t help but be wowed by the humanity of it all. Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand new Peninsula Istanbul. We discuss everything from Turkish cuisine, to the contemporary art scene, to the special elements that Peninsula has brought to the city. And as a special bonus for this episode, Jonathan is offering VIP meet and greet, a yacht arrival experience, and an upgrade...
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Positive Psychology and Travel | Associate Director, MAPP Program at University of Pennsylvania, Leona Brandwene
Luxury Travel Insider
Today, I’m kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you’ve ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there’s actually science behind that. And over the past year, I’ve been studying it deeply through my master’s at Penn — not just as a travel professional, but as a human who believes that travel can be truly transformative. To launch this series, I’m so honored to welcome one of my mentors and dear friends, Leona Brandwene. Leona is the Associate...
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The Maldives | Velaa Private Island: Hospitality Done Differently
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of. Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we’re diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate. One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Private Island boasts exclusive over-water villas, a Troon golf course, water park for kids, and some of the friendliest service you’ll find anywhere. Wayne tells incredible stories of the founding of Velaa, the staff going above...
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LTI Special Announcement | From Listener to Guest: Claim Your Spot on Our Birthday Special!
Luxury Travel Insider
Today’s episode is a little different — and very special. Not only are we celebrating five incredible years of Luxury Travel Insider… but I am, for the first time ever, inviting YOU to come on the show. To celebrate this five-year milestone, I’m inviting three of our listeners to join me as guests for a special anniversary episode. If you love the show, if travel has inspired you, or if Luxury Travel Insider has played even a small part in your journey, I would be so honored to have you on the show. We’ll make you the travel celebrity of the day and talk about your travel...
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Belize | Turtle Inn
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re headed south to the tiny but intriguing country of Belize. Nestled into Central America surrounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras - Belize will capture your imagination. Experience dense rainforest, the second largest barrier reef in the world, phenomenal wildlife, and ancient Mayan culture and history. Joining me today is Martin Krediet, the General Manager of Turtle Inn. This property is owned by the Coppola family, which explains how every nook is infused with magic and interesting details. Martin and I talk about everything from whale sharks to Francis...
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New Zealand | Expert, Phil Boorman
Luxury Travel Insider
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 tourist, life...
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Indonesia | NIHI Sumba
Luxury Travel Insider
Today, we're headed deep off the beaten path to a forgotten island in Indonesia called Sumba. While it’s twice as large as Bali and has only 700,000 inhabitants - Sumba has barely any tourism to the island. If it’s starting to sound TOO remote, don’t worry because we uncovered a luxury gem, or as our guest, James McBride, would call it - geographically opulent. James is the CEO of NIHI Sumba, a gorgeous property on a beautiful swath of beach. But the big draw here is the experiences - from world class surfing, to free diving, to spending special moments with the property’s...
info_outlineToday we’re setting off on a journey through the misty glens and rugged coastlines of Scotland—a land where history and legend intertwine.
Joining me today are Christopher Sleigh and Euan House, two incredible storytellers and partners of ours in the region. Together, we unravel the history of the clan structure, explore the difference between a tartan and a kilt, take a walk through Scotland’s local food markets, and of course talk a little bit about Outlander too.
Whether you're drawn to the charm of the Highlands or the cultural pulse of its cities, this episode will inspire your next Scottish adventure!
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