Wander & Wonder | Travel, Art, and the Science of Happiness
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re wrapping up our special series on the intersection of positive psychology and travel, and we’re doing it with one of the most inspiring voices in the field. James Pawelski is the Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He’s also a philosopher, Fulbright Scholar, and the founding director of the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project, which explores how art, music, literature, and sacred experiences can help us live more vibrant and meaningful lives. James and I first connected through my studies at Penn, where he opened my...
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Luggage Forward | The Art of Effortless Travel
Luxury Travel Insider
Today, we’re exploring the art of effortless travel with Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of . If you’ve ever wished for a smoother, stress-free journey, you’re going to love this one. Audrey and I discuss everything from packing mistakes and hacks to the rise of seamless travel experiences. We chat on how the definition of luxury travel has shifted, especially with millennials and Gen Z becoming the main travel buyers. Plus, we talk about why it’s not just about where you go, but how you get there that shapes your trip. Audrey also shares some fun, behind-the-scenes stories and insights...
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France | Les Bateaux Belmond
Luxury Travel Insider
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 experiences all the way. Jonathan and I discuss why this method of travel is so...
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The Dolomites | Aman Rosa Alpina
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re headed to a region where three cultures collide, where jagged limestone peaks take your breath away, and where ancient legends are still passed down over dinner. We’re in the Dolomites — specifically, the quiet, breathtaking valley of San Cassiano. Joining me is my friend Hugo Pizzinini, third-generation hotelier and owner of the newly reimagined Aman Rosa Alpina. Hugo and his family have lived in this valley for nearly a century, and their hotel has long been a hidden gem of the Alps. Hugo and I chat about everything from growing up in this magical corner of Italy, to...
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Vancouver Island | Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge: Into the Wild
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re venturing off the beaten path—way off—to a remote corner of Vancouver Island, where Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge invites you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with something deeper. Set between ancient rainforest and the icy waters of Clayoquot Sound, this lodge pairs rugged adventure with refined luxury in a way that few places on Earth can. Think heli-accessed sea caves, Michelin Key dining in the wilderness, and the possibility of spotting a black bear before breakfast. Joining me is General Manager Sarah Cruse. We talk about everything from the ancient trees, to...
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Paris | Le Bristol: Insider Details From a Century of Elegance
Luxury Travel Insider
Today we’re stepping into the world of understated glamour, playful elegance, and celebrating 100 years of Parisian magic at Le Bristol Paris. Opened in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, this legendary Palace hotel has quietly hosted history— from movie stars to fashion icons and modern-day royals. And through it all, Le Bristol has remained a joyful, ever-evolving symbol of true French hospitality. Joining me is Managing Director Luca Allegri, and we’re diving into what makes this icon so beloved—from rooftop swims and hidden ateliers to heartwarming guest stories and the subtle magic...
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Basque Country: A Journey into Soul, Sea, and Culture
Luxury Travel Insider
Today, we’re venturing to a corner of Europe that feels like a world all its own - the Basque Country. Straddling Spain and France, this is a place where ancient traditions meet avant-garde cuisine, where surfers ride some of the best waves in Europe, and where you can hear one of the oldest living languages on the continent. There’s a saying in Basque, “Izena duenak izana du,” which means, “That which has a name, exists.” The Basque Country is a place that names its mountains, its winds, its waves – and by doing so, keeps its ancient identity alive. Joining me today is Frederic...
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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...
info_outlineToday, 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 famous horses.
James and I talk about the culture of the island which has persisted for thousands of years, the stunning landscape, and how NIHI’s philosophy of organic growth has led to this one of a kind experience.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this interesting episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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