Luxury Travel Insider

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 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  

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  

Today we're heading to Mexico's Riviera Maya, where jungle meets Caribbean Sea and where SHA has opened its newest sanctuary for health and healing. If luxury is about rare treasures, then perhaps the greatest luxury of our time is longevity — not just adding years, but adding vitality, clarity, and purpose to our lives. I'm joined by Alejandro Bataller, Vice President of SHA and the second-generation visionary behind this family-run brand. We chat about everything from behind-the-scenes stories of building SHA Mexico, to the treatments you can't find in the US, to the growing global fascination with living not just longer, but better.  Alejandro also shares insider details on the SHA philosophy, how their approach stands apart from other retreats, and inspiring stories of guests whose lives have been transformed. I hope you enjoy this interesting conversation with Alejandro Bataller.   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 celebrating our 5th birthday — five years, 260 episodes, countless destinations, and some of the most inspiring voices in travel. When I started this show back in 2020, I never could have imagined the incredible community that would form around it, or how many of you would join me each week to dream, to learn, and to reflect on the meaning of travel. So to mark this milestone, I wanted to do something a little different. Instead of a hotelier, a guide, or a travel CEO, I invited three of our most dedicated listeners — Max, Torey, and Nikhil — to join me. Each of them brings their own stories: from safari sunsets and personalized luxury touches, to family adventures and how travel has shaped their careers and worldviews. In today's episode, we'll swap favorite destinations, share insider hotel moments, reflect on lessons travel has taught us about life, and even dive into some Luxury Travel Insider trivia.  Above all, this episode is a celebration of you — the listeners — and of the idea that travel, when done with intention, connects us more deeply to ourselves, to each other, and to humanity. So grab a glass of champagne, settle in, and let's celebrate five incredible years 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 heading to the sun-drenched island of Mallorca, a place where rugged mountains meet the sparkling Mediterranean and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. There's a reason creative souls like Joan Miró and Robert Graves made this island their home—it's a place that inspires art, reflection, and a slower, richer way of living. Joining me from the hillside village of Deià, at the legendary Belmond La Residencia, is General Manager Thomas Moons. We explore the island's layered history, local traditions, and hidden corners that many visitors never see. Thomas also shares insider details about the property and its stunning art collection.  So get out the olive oil and crusty bread, imagine taking a deep breath of that Mediterranean air, and enjoy this new 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 heading to Ireland's wild and wonderful southwest, to a place where cascading waterfalls meet Kenmare Bay. At the heart of this magical corner of Kerry is Sheen Falls, Ireland's original five-star lodge and one of the world's first Two MICHELIN Key Hotels. Set on a private 300-acre estate, Sheen Falls blends elegance with the raw beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Imagine yourself slowing down and enjoying falconry on the lawns, exploring the wine cellar, fishing for salmon, or staying in a traditional thatched cottage. Joining me today is General Manager Brian Loughnane. We talk about the culture of County Kerry, the history that shapes the people here, the magic of Kenmare, and how Sheen Falls is redefining escapism in Ireland. I hope you enjoy this enchanting journey on today's episode of Luxury Travel Insider. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Luggage Forward. 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 through one of the most fascinating and dynamic countries in the world—South Korea. From the bustling streets of Seoul to tranquil temples and breathtaking peaks, South Korea offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend ancient history with cutting-edge pop culture. Whether you're a foodie eager to discover authentic Korean cuisine, a history buff fascinated by the deep past, or someone looking for spiritual enlightenment in the mountains, this episode has it all. Joining me today are David Mason, a renowned expert on Korean culture and spirituality; Joe McPherson, a food lover and founder of ZenKimchi; and James Jin, an incredible guide who knows how to craft the perfect Korean adventure. We'll explore everything from Korean spirituality to the latest in K-pop, share some unforgettable food moments, and uncover the real Korea, far beyond the typical tourist paths. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Luggage Forward. 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