Luxury Travel Insider

Today we are visiting the Capitol of the United States, Washington DC! The city is our government’s seat of power, yes, but it is also so much more. This is a place where history is palpable. Where great ideas became great institutions. And despite what might be boiling in the outside world, here, you can still find a sense of hope.  I’m chatting today with Nicolas Beliard, the General Manager of The Hay-Adams. The property sits literally… right next to the White House and its location is famous for having been a hub of intellectual activity for more than 100 years.  Nicolas and I talk about everything from great spots to get out and go hiking, to the best museums, to The Hay-Adams’ history and famous past guests.  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 heading to the magical country of Botswana. It’s a dream world where you very might well come across a gorgeous sunset, framed by a rainbow, arching over two baby leopards. Sounds fantastical, but I have actually seen it. The other things you can see in Botswana like the Eden that is Chobe and encountering San Bushmen in the Kalahari are also sure to blow you away.  My guests today are an amazing panel of safari and Botswana experts. We have Attorney Vasco who grew up on a farm outside of Maun and is now the head guiding manager for Wilderness Safaris in Botswana, Craig Glatthaar who has spent countless years in the bush and helps market all of Wilderness’ projects to North America, and Vince Shacks who is a true expert in conservation.  We talk in depth about what makes Botswana special, how Wilderness Destinations is set up perfectly to showcase this country, and the group tells some fantastic stories of wildlife and crazy encounters.  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 talking about the intersection of art and travel. Understanding the art of a country, whether that be renaissance paintings, local craftsmanship, or even beautifully presented food - is a way to truly uncover the soul of a people. To paraphrase Chuck Klosterman, art and love are really the same thing: they’re about recognizing and appreciating yourself in others.   My guest today is my friend Fulvio De Bonis. Fulvio is an art historian, guide, and owner of one of the top luxury travel companies in Italy. We chat about his childhood in Rome, his philosophy that all of life is art, and some insanely special travel experiences that can get even the non-art lover excited about the subject.  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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

My guest today is Andrea Nicholas Perdue, CEO of Wagonhound Holdings and the visionary behind Reid Creek Lodge in Southeast Wyoming.  If you’re a fan of the show Yellowstone, Reid Creek Lodge is the stuff of your dreams. Nestled against a mountain range, far from the grip of your technological worries, this is a place where you can truly get back to what’s important. Camp out with your family, spend time with ranch hands caring for the horses, or just learn what it means to play, slow down, and enjoy.   Andrea and I discuss everything from what goes into managing a working ranch, to some fun Oregon Trail history, to how true hospitality is the new definition of luxury. 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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we’re headed to the magical island of St. Barths. While enjoying vibrant turquoise seas, beautiful hikes in the mountains, and powdery white sand may feel very Caribbean, there’s another undercurrent at play here. The vibe is decidedly French, and the world class food, shopping, and nightlife blends gorgeously with the island's Caribbean roots.  My guest today is Fabrice Moizan, GM of the famous Eden Rock Hotel in St. Barths. Fabrice is himself French but has lived on the island for almost a decade. We talk about the blended roots of St. Barths, the feeling you get when you step into Eden Rock, and all that this little island has to offer.  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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we are visiting the Himalayan region of India, birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda, and famed location of the ashrams visited by The Beatles and in Eat Pray Love.  My guest today is Mahesh Natarajan, the COO of Ananda, a destination spa resort set in the foothills of the Himalayas. Ananda is one of those rare places where you can experience both total physical and spiritual transformation while enjoying a luxurious setting.  In addition to deep wellness and spa experiences, Ananda is also a great jumping off spot to explore the region. Mahesh and I chat about everything from the core principles of Ayurveda to art, and local culture.  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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today’s show is about Alaska and two of it’s top luxury lodges, Winterlake and Tutka Bay Lodge. But it’s also about so much more! Our guest is owner and chef, Kirsten Dixon and after our recording I was asking her to be my mentor!  Alaska is a destination that captures the imaginations of people from all over the world. It’s pristine beauty and rugged wilderness have so much to teach us. Travel has always been near and dear to my heart because it helps us to feel small, to realize how wide the world is around us - and Alaska is the perfect place to experience this.  Kirsten reminds us all to drink up the bright and shiny parts of life and shares her experiences of Alaska with us. We discuss everything from wildlife and helicopter adventures, to story telling with shots of vodka, to cooking with your heart and soul.  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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist.  Chatting holiday traditions with me today are Stevie Christie, of Wilderness Group in Scotland, Fulvio De Bonis CEO of Imago Artis in Italy, and Alon Siedner, CEO of Travex in Israel.  Fulvio takes us back to his childhood in Italy, Alon explains the cultural and historical context of Hanukkah in Israel, and Stevie takes us on a wild ride for Hogmanay, the New Years Eve celebration in Scotland.  What you’ll learn from this episode… is there are no strangers in the world, only friends you haven’t met yet.  So my friends, I hope you have a joyous holiday season ahead, be safe, thank you for listening! 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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we’re chatting about one of my favorite countries for active travelers, Iceland! While luxury in other countries may mean five star hotels and spas, true luxury in this corner of the world looks more like private guides inviting you into their homes, having parts of the other-worldly landscape all to yourself, horseback riding to a private picnic near a waterfall, or helicoptering up to hike on a glacier. Our guest today is Erling Aspelund, Owner of Iceland Encounter. After many years working in the corporate world in the US, Erling and his family traveled home to pursue their passion for travel and design a better Icelandic travel experience. Today Iceland Encounter is probably the top luxury travel company in Iceland. Erling and I discuss secret hikes, the fabulous landscapes and wow moments he’s created for travelers. We also touch on how the Icelandic culture lends itself to working together, and how that will help the country recover quickly post-Covid. 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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we’re discussing the Eternal City of Rome. Of all the places in the world that I’ve been, this city holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a gorgeous open air museum. It has a heart and soul to it, created by thousands of years of messy yet beautiful human history.  We also have a very special guest with us today, my friend Andrea Spalletti who owns and runs Villa Spalletti Trivelli in the heart of the city. The Villa is Andrea’s family home, built in the late 1800s and as we talk a bit about it, you’ll come understand Roman and Italian history in a new light.  Andrea and I chat on everything from Italian wines, to hidden archeological ruins in the city, to up and coming neighborhoods that still feel Roman. 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, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn