

Luxury Travel Insider
Sarah Groen
Do you love travel? Are you always searching for the absolute best experiences?
Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel’s most iconic people. We’ll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world’s top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels.
You’ll leave each episode with an Insider appreciation for new destinations, luxury travel, and all the heart that goes into creating these magical experiences.
Luxury Travel Insider is hosted by Sarah Groen, an expert in luxury travel. Sarah has traveled to 100 countries and all 7 continents, is a contributing travel columnist for CEO World Magazine, and is the owner of Bell & Bly Travel, a top travel advising firm working with executives and entrepreneurs.
Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel’s most iconic people. We’ll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world’s top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels.
You’ll leave each episode with an Insider appreciation for new destinations, luxury travel, and all the heart that goes into creating these magical experiences.
Luxury Travel Insider is hosted by Sarah Groen, an expert in luxury travel. Sarah has traveled to 100 countries and all 7 continents, is a contributing travel columnist for CEO World Magazine, and is the owner of Bell & Bly Travel, a top travel advising firm working with executives and entrepreneurs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 22, 2023 • 39min
Aerial BVI | Britnie Turner: A Life Changing Private Island
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

Mar 15, 2023 • 44min
Dolomite Mountains | Agustina Lagos Marmol: Climbing, Culture, and Cuisine
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

Mar 8, 2023 • 50min
West Africa | Expert Panel: Rituals, Traditions, and Stories from Togo, Ghana, and Benin
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

Mar 1, 2023 • 35min
English Countryside | Expert Panel: Dreamy Landscapes, Active Adventures, and Ancient Cultures
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

Feb 22, 2023 • 48min
Japan | Expert Panel
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

Feb 15, 2023 • 44min
Mongolia | Undraa Buyannemekh
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

Feb 8, 2023 • 37min
Washington DC | The Hay-Adams
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

Feb 1, 2023 • 55min
Botswana | Wilderness Destinations: Expert Panel
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

Jan 25, 2023 • 30min
Italy | Fulvio De Bonis: Falling in Love with Travel Through Art
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

Jan 18, 2023 • 42min
Wyoming | Reid Creek Lodge: A Working Ranch, Authentic Experiences, and Oregon Trail History
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