Luxury Travel Insider

Today we are heading to Chiloé, a misty island world in southern Chile where nature, mythology, and culture come together in the most enchanting way. I am joined by my friend Ellen Guidera, from the owning family of Refugia Chiloé. This beautiful lodge blends contemporary design with local craft, and offers days spent exploring quiet islands by wooden boat, tasting seafood pulled straight from the sea, and soaking up landscapes that genuinely lift your spirit. Ellen and I chat about the folklore of Chiloé, its UNESCO listed treasures, the power of art and nature to boost happiness, and the behind the scenes stories that make Refugio so special. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we're heading to the northern tip of Ibiza, a part of the island that feels worlds away from the dance floors and beach clubs you might picture. Long before Ibiza was known for nightlife, the island became a refuge in the 1940s for writers, artists, and free thinkers. This influx planted the seeds for the island's long tradition of individuality, artistry, and living life on one's own terms. Joining me to explore all of this is David Mulin, the General Manager of Six Senses Ibiza, a stunning sanctuary focused on wellness, sustainability, and creativity. We discuss what makes northern Ibiza so distinct, the rituals and experiences that capture the soul of the property, and how the island's bohemian history still shapes everything from its food to its community to its energy. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we're viewing Italy in a different light, from a sweet Palazzo in Rome to a romantic train journey that glides through green hills and azure coastlines. It's the Italy of poetry and piazzas, of espresso and elegance, of that ineffable thing the world calls La Dolce Vita. Joining me today are my friends Simone Giorgi, General Manager of the stunning Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, and Marco Girotto, General Manager of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the new luxury train that's redefining slow travel across the country. We chat about the deeper meaning of La Dolce Vita for Italians, the artistry behind reviving a legendary brand, hidden corners of Rome and of the rails, and what makes travel through Italy as emotional as it is beautiful. So pour yourself a Campari Spritz or a glass of Franciacorta, and enjoy this gorgeous journey on Luxury Travel Insider. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

I'm excited to have my new friend, Lucie Weill on the show today. After a career in fashion at Givenchy, Lucie left to join her father (founder of the French equivalent of CNN) to create a beautiful getaway in the South of France. Lily of the Valley is set on a cliff, surrounded by gorgeous Cypress trees, overlooking the glimmering Mediterranean Sea. While St. Tropez is known for being flashy and indulgent, here you can relax, soak up the natural beauty, and strive for that ever elusive thing we all call "balance." Lucie and I discuss the designer Philippe Starck, Lily of the Valley's definition of "healthy," and how her family has been enjoying this unique slice of heaven for 50 years. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we're heading to the Tuscan coast - to the chic seaside town of Forte dei Marmi, where marble mountains meet golden beaches and life revolves around la dolce far niente - the sweet art of doing nothing. My guest today is my friend, Salvatore Madonna, owner of the beautiful Hotel Byron. Salvatore grew up here and believes true luxury is rooted in authenticity - in people, place, and the effortless rhythm of Italian life. We chat about everything from the vintage vibe of Forte dei Marmi to the easy pace of nearby Lucca. And of course Carrara - where marble from this small corner of Tuscany has brought beauty to the world, a fitting legacy from a place where beauty is simply a way of life. I hope you enjoy this sunny episode of Luxury Travel Insider. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of taking you halfway across the world, we're taking you inside Bell & Bly Travel - to share what it's like to work here, what makes our culture so special, and announcing a brand-new role on our team. If you've ever been curious about what it's like to work in the travel industry - this will give you a little taste! I'm joined by two of the most wonderful humans I know - our General Manager, Rachael Armstrong, and one of our Senior Coordinators, Ana Manrique. Rachael runs our award-winning design team and is an operations guru. While Ana has been promoted twice in just three years, and brings more enthusiasm to planning travel than anyone I've ever met! Click for the hiring role on this link https://dynamitejobs.com/company/bellblytravel/remote-job/client-growth-partnerships-manager Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

This year, we're taking our ghostly adventures to one of the most storied and mysterious cities in the world - Rome. My guest today is Cristiana Ventura, an art historian, archaeologist, and one of the top guides in the Eternal City. Together, we explore the city's most famous ghosts - emperors, noblewomen, and executioners - and uncover what these stories say about the Roman soul itself. Because in a city built on layers of history, myth, and faith, the veil between the living and the dead feels just a little thinner. Cristiana leaves us with a beautiful reflection - that in Rome, as in life, you can't have light without shadow. To truly see the beauty of this city, you must also understand its darkness. So wherever you are this Halloween season - whether you're lighting a candle, wandering under the full moon, or dreaming of your next Roman holiday - I hope you enjoy this special episode of Luxury Travel Insider. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

We're taking you on a journey today to the inspirational country of Rwanda. While not often first on the list of most travelers, those who make it here are absolutely captivated by the people, who have rebuilt their lives and their country so authentically. After a warm welcome, visitors to this nook of Africa will then be further blown away by likely the most impactful wildlife experience of their lives - sitting face to face with an endangered Mountain Gorilla. And, luckily for these travelers, they can do it in style at One & Only's two gorgeous properties - Gorilla's Nest and Nyungwe House. Today we have two very special guests, Craig Storkey who runs One & Only Rwanda, and Propser Uwingeli who is the Chief Park Warden of Volcanos National Park. Prosper and Craig both share their love of Rwanda, how and why conservation is thriving in the country, and some incredible experiences with the amazing Great Apes. I hope you enjoy this magical episode of Luxury Travel Insider. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we're venturing to one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth - the Arctic. Where ice meets ocean, wildlife roams freely, and every moment feels extraordinary. There's a saying amongst explorers: "In the far north, every moment feels like a first." Joining me to inspire your first journey to the Arctic are Cindy Hopkins, a photographer who has spent over 30 years capturing the Arctic's beauty, and Captain Ettiene Garcia, the first mariner to reach the North Pole of Inaccessibility - a point so remote even seasoned explorers dream about it. Together we chat about luxury icebreakers, rare wildlife encounters, unforgettable itineraries, and the stories that make this part of the world so magical. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we're taking you on a journey to the mystical land of Java, in Indonesia. I'm joined by Jann Hess, the General Manager of Amanjiwo, who'll give us a glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and spiritual energy of the island. Nestled in the heart of Central Java, Amanjiwo is surrounded by ancient temples, lush rice paddies, and beautiful mountains that all work together to invoke a sense of awe. Jann and I discuss the complex history and culture of the island, spiritual experiences you can have while visiting, and of course the amazing Javanese cuisine. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating episode of Luxury Travel Insider. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn