Luxury Travel Insider

Today we’ll be floating down the Nile River in Egypt. Close your eyes for a second and just think about the power of this ancient river. Its physical power has shaped the landscape of the African continent, but its energy has shaped the entire course of human history.  One of the best ways to soak up the magnitude and importance of the Nile River Valley is to float down the river on a luxury cruiser.  My guest today is Shamden Tamang, the head of operations for Oberoi’s new ship on the Nile, the Oberoi Zahra. And if I may say so myself, one of the best options on the river. Shamden and I discuss everything from ancient history, to the world class food aboard the Zahra, to how the small details can make a big impact on your trip.  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 visiting the next frontier, looking up, and dreaming about what is possible for travel outside the confines of our amazing planet.  Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP, joins me today to talk about space tourism and why this method of exploration is so important for our planet, our fellow humans, and ourselves.  We dive into the history and future of space tourism, what experiences are available to you right now, and how Roman is focused on bridging the gender and equality gaps in space.  This episode will help you understand the overview effect and how looking to space might be just what we need to come together back here on earth.  I hope you’ll enjoy this inspiring 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 talking about the glamorous world of private aviation - from the history of air travel since the 60s, to how the industry is focusing on sustainability, to the different uses of this type of air travel.  My guest today is George Galanopulos, the CEO of Luxaviation UK, an operator managing over 200 aircraft for all kinds of private air travel.  George tells personal stories of how he would pilot their first aircraft when the company was a startup, some crazy requests they’ve gotten from guests on board through the years, and some touching stories of how private air has helped families in need.  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 jetting off to Tuscany - land of rolling green hills, Brunello di Montalcino, and of course those gorgeous hilltop towns that seem so sweetly frozen in time. Our journey takes us to a gorgeous farmstead spitting distance from Montepulciano to chat with friends, and the owners of the famed Lupaia boutique hotel.   Heidi and Christopher Mueller have been dreaming up their perfect spot in Italy for decades. After visiting over 60 properties in the surrounding regions they finally settled on this 17th century outcropping and transformed it into a truly magical place.  We chat about everything from the renaissance battles between Siena and Florence, to the local Tuscan cheeses, to how the couple hand picked every detail in Lupaia.  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 discussing the fabulous destination of Croatia. If you’re not dying to make a visit after hearing these amazing stories, I am just not sure that we can be friends! Whether you’re sipping Istrian wines with a local, going canyoneering and white water rafting, or relaxing on a yacht while island hopping Dalmatia, you’ll certainly learn all about the Croatian phrase, Polako - meaning - slow down and enjoy life. Our guest today is Alberto Dittadi, an expert in the region and definitely someone you’d like to slow down and enjoy some Balkan wine with. We discuss insider tidbits like how to best visit Dubrovnik, secret swim spots around the islands, and the interesting differences between the American and Balkan psyche. 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

On this episode we’re headed back to Kenya to chat with Mikey Carr Hartley, owner of The Safari Collection, which includes the Instagram famous Giraffe Manor. While you’ve undoubtedly seen beautiful images of the giraffes visiting guests at breakfast time, I want to be clear that The Safari Collection and its focus on conservation runs so much deeper than a photo op. Those friendly giraffe are part of a wider conservation movement and Mikey’s other lodges like Sala’s Camp and Sasaab are in equally beautiful settings dotted across the Kenyan landscape.  We go in depth to chat about the different regions of this fascinating country, the warmth and hospitality of the people, and even dive into some of the details of pangolin conservation. Get your gin & tonics out and join me for this fun 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 whisking you off to the Amalfi Coast to soak up la dolce vita. This little corner of the world boasts colorful villages clinging to the cliffs, spectacular coastal views, gorgeously prepared local foods, and a sparkle that’s just hard to put into words.  Joining me today are father and son, my friends Antonio and Francesco Sersale. The Sersale’s own the iconic Positano hotel, Le Sirenuse. But more than that, I love that they are passionate about hospitality, family, and all the little details that take a trip from great to absolutely unforgettable.  We talk about everything from the development of the Amalfi Coast as a tourist destination, to the crazy parties thrown by their uncle Aldo, to soaking up the sun and learning how to enjoy life.  I know you’ll love this fun 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 discussing the icons of South America - Patagonia, The Atacama, and Iguazu - with one of the region’s most visionary leaders - Matias de Cristobal. I lead here by telling you about the places and the people before mentioning the hotel, because paraphrasing, Matias’, the focus should be on the experience that is brought to life by the surroundings and nurtured with the love of the people. Awasi is a collection of three small lodges, meant to blend into nature and invoke something inside you. Regardless of whether you’re set in the mountains, the desert, or the rainforest you’ll be treated to a private local guide, storytelling through local cuisine, and a handcrafted experience that only these destinations can provide. Matias shares a lot of wisdom in this episode, from his own journey to some lessons to live by. We also discuss the importance of “all local” - from handicrafts and design, to guiding, and food. And what the true definition of luxury is. Whether you’re envisioning yourself trekking Torres del Paine, seeing the salt flats in the Atacama, or wondering at the largest waterfalls in the world - I hope you enjoy this special episode with Matias de Cristobal. 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 county of Suffolk in Eastern England, otherwise known as the forgotten county. While not a lot of tourists visit this area, it is chock full of beautiful nature reserves and is known for historical ruins and quaint seaside towns.  My guest today is Harry Hunt, whose family owns a jewel of a property set on 8,000 acres of preserved nature. Wilderness Reserve is decidedly not a hotel, but rather a collection of historical buildings fully renovated into villas and homes that will invoke the countryside getaway of your dreams.  Harry and I talk about everything from fish and chips to gorgeous dinners set up in the forest, to how the family is focused on conserving the land through tourism.  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 have a special guest joining us, Niels Olsen, the Minister of Tourism of Ecuador - and one of (if not the) youngest tourism ministers to hold the position on the globe.  Ecuador holds a special place in my heart. Though the people are so warm, and it is one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet, the country is often overlooked for its neighbors like Peru or Chile.  Niels and I are hoping to change that today. He tells us the incredible story of how he became Minister, what he’s trying to do differently, and why Ecuador should be at the top of your list. We cover everything from penguins, to ancestral gastronomy, to backpacking - and I think you’ll find Niels’ ideas refreshing and fun.  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