Luxury Travel Insider

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

I’m excited today to be speaking with renaissance woman and extremely successful entrepreneur, Britnie Turner. Britnie realized her calling for giving back at a young age and decided her path forward was in building triple bottom line businesses. One of Britnie’s newest ventures is Aerial Private Island in the British Virgin Islands. A true paradise, Aerial is a place you can get away, focus on discovering your life’s purpose, and reset your wellness. You might find yourself kissing a zebra, kiteboarding, or enjoying the company of guests who are setting out to change the world.  Britnie and I talk about everything from manifesting, to Sir Richard Branson, to how her island has already begun to change lives.  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 far north of Italy to the Dolomites and Lake Garda. This magical region is full of craggy spires, sheer cliff faces, verdant valleys, and gorgeous lakes. No wonder it’s recognized by UNESCO, will be the home of the next Winter Olympics, and inspires travelers from around the world.  My guest today is my partner in the region, Agustina Lagos Marmol. Before starting her company, Agustina was an intrepid mountain guide - taking guests climbing all over the world. Her love for the Dolomites in particular always kept her coming back and she’s now cycled, hiked, or skied almost every inch of the region.  We discuss everything from the ancient Ladin culture, to World War I history, to incredible mountain adventures finished off with gourmet meals and fabulous wine. 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 shaking it up today with a panel of experts from a very interesting region of the world, southern West Africa. Together we’ll explore the countries of Ghana, Benin, and Togo, learn more about the religion of voodoo, and understand how a truly authentic experience can transform your way of thinking.  Our guests today are Alberto Nicheli, Founder of the travel company TransAfrica, Cedi Jaba, one of the preeminent bead makers in all of Africa, and Egbatao Djato, a top guide in the region and educated scholar on both Western and West African cultures.  What I love about this episode is how passionate all three are about the region and about sharing their experiences with visitors. 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 away to the English Countryside. Specifically The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. This region is home to the highest peaks and the deepest lakes, yet it remains a well kept secret that I think more people should visit.  In the words local poet of William Wordsworth, “You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.”  My guests today are Matt Loveland and Ben Walker who are avid outdoor enthusiasts, fantastic guides, and partners of mine working with Wilderness England. We talk about everything from the famed Coast to Coast hike, to sailing the British Isles, to the local heritage and culture of this region.  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 shaking it up today with a panel of local experts from Japan! Together we’ll explore the bustling capital of Tokyo, learn about Shugendo and the Yamabushi monks, and dive deep into the cuisine of this fascinating country.  Our guests today are: Wataru Takahashi, CEO of Wondertrunk, our partner in the region. Marc Matsumoto, an author, TV Personality, and Japanese cuisine expert, and Takeharu Kato, a Yamabushi Monk who is dedicated to promoting his culture in a way that can help people around the world.  What I love about this episode is hearing each of these experts speak about their passions and seeing how similar threads in Japanese culture continue to arise. Whether it be patience and expertise in all arenas, or a focus on beauty, or a simple mantra to stay in the present - it’s a portrait that will certainly make you want to uncover all that is Japan.  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/  Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Cozy Earth.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

Today we’re discussing the country of Mongolia, and all the riches it has to offer. This is a place where “the big picture gets bigger.” The home of snow leopards, wild horses, the hypnotic dunes of the silk road, and of course the warm hospitality of the Mongolian people.  My guest today is my partner in the region, Undraa Buyannemekh. Her passion for bringing the experience of Mongolia to life is contagious. We discuss everything from misconceptions about the country, to differing concepts of wealth across the world, to creating experiences that can broaden your perspective.  Whether you’ve been to Mongolia or you’re just curious about it, this episode is sure to teach you something new.  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/  Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Cozy Earth.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn