Luxury Travel Insider

Our guest today is Michael Williams, COO of Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming. Brush Creek is a working ranch with hundreds of years of history and 30,000 acres of stunning forest, rivers, grasslands, and mountains. This is the ultimate playground for all kinds of travelers - from first time visitors who have never seen a horse, to experienced ranch hands. From huge family gatherings to intimate honeymoons. When you visit Brush Creek, the outside world melts away so you can get back to nature, learn something new, and connect with those around you. Michael and I discuss what goes on behind the scenes of a huge operation like Brush Creek, some very special stories from past guests, and what makes the old west the perfect place to experience true hospitality.  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

Our guest today is Ellen Bettridge, President and Global CEO of Uniworld River Cruises. Uniworld has 1200 employees and 21 ships and counting - and it’s also the first cruise line to be featured on our show.  But In my opinion, sailing with Uniworld is more like being in a floating boutique hotel than being on a cruise line. While the average ocean cruise takes 5,000 passengers - Uniworld ships clock in at about 120!  After you unpack and relax into one of the finest made beds in the world, you can watch the world by by from the top deck with a drink in hand, have a chef prepared dinner of locally sourced food and plan for the next day. Depending on where you’re sailing your choices will range from hiking and biking, to private history or museum tours, to wine tasting with a wine maker and more.  Ellen herself is a truly involved leader - though she’s held top exec positions across the cruise industry, she told me off air that she still keeps letters from guests in her desk and sails with repeat customers every year.  We discuss everything from the private art collection on board each ship, to new destinations, to the lemon chicken recipe that is Ellen’s favorite. If you’ve ever been curious about river cruising - you’ll love hearing all this detail. 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

On today’s show we’re not visiting a particular hotel, city, or even country. We’re looking up. Up, past the layers of our atmosphere and in - to space. While space has historically been reserved for elite astronauts, we have now reached the age where this dream can become reality for more and more people. My guest today is Blair Rich, President and Chief Business Officer of the commercial side of Virgin Galactic. The company is the world’s first commercial spaceline dedicated to the mission of Space for All.  If you’ve never heard of the Overview Effect, I hope this episode will help you understand why getting more and more people to space can have a profound impact on our world. Most astronauts report being forever changed and seeing the world as a borderless planet where earthly conflicts seem pointless.  Blair and I discuss why space travel is so important, what your experience as an astronaut with Virgin Galactic will be like, the amazing events and community you’ll get to be a part of, and some fun stories about the company and of course Richard Branson. 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  

This time we’re heading to the Sabi Sands and Kruger in South Africa for the safari of a lifetime! In the Kruger area, I saw more prides of lion than I ever have anywhere else, and in the Sabi Sands had ultra-close up encounters with leopard.  On this trip, I also visited all of Singita’s South Africa lodges, including Ebony Lodge, Boulders, Lebombo, and Sweni. I reveled in my private plunge pool, was stunned by the decor and gorgeous pops of color, thoroughly enjoyed the strong cocktails, and of course stood inspired by Singita’s amazing guides and team members.  Since I’m in the field for this episode vs. sitting in the studio, you’ll hear some of the sounds of an actual game drive and enjoy conversations with one of our extremely accomplished wildlife guides, the cooking school chef, and Singita’s K9 anti-poaching expert.  We discuss so much in this episode from crazy wildlife stories, to Nelson Mandela, to becoming one of Africa’s first female guides, to giving back to the community. I hope you enjoy this very 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/  Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Covac Global.   Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

In honor of Halloween, today’s show is all about ghosts and the paranormal!  My guest is Tim Nealon, Founder and CEO of Ghost City Tours, the largest ghost tour company in the world. In addition to entertaining hundreds of thousands of visitors on his ghost tours, Tim is an expert ghost hunter, cryptozoologist, software designer, and reptile conservationist.  We talk about everything from theories on ghosts, to the Loch Ness monster, to why ghost tours are amazing experiences even for non-believers.  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 so thrilled today to be speaking with travel writer and guru, Wendy Perrin. Wendy first came on the show a year ago, so I wanted to have her back to talk about updated trends, advice for parents traveling with kids, some of her personal favorites, and more.  If you haven’t heard of Wendy, she had an illustrious 25 year career at Conde Nast Traveler, is a published author, and runs WendyPerrin.com. She is renowned for her encyclopedic knowledge of travel and of course willingness to share.  I think you’ll find our chat refreshing, inspiring, and most importantly… 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

Today we’re transporting ourselves to the world of Red Carnation Hotels. If you haven’t heard of this hotel group, it’s probably because each of their properties is so unique and special that they don’t carry a brand name. Iconic spots come to mind like Ashford Castle and The Egerton House, which offer ultra personalized service with a family atmosphere.  My guest today is Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director of the entire collection. Jonathan and his team are focused on every little detail at these boutique hotels. We cover how they’re picky about which local purveyors provide everything from the smoked salmon to the soaps. We also dive into their philosophy of “Make Travel Matter” and small ways in which your travel dollars can support local communities while giving you a truly authentic experience.  Jonathan’s passion for these beautiful, quirky, and globally inspired hotels shines throughout our conversation. I hope you take away some travel inspiration from this 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 visiting Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. We’ll explore the bustling city, the desert landscape, the incredible man-made achievements, and the melting pot culture.  Our guests today are Emanuela Setterberg, GM of one of our favorite hotels in Dubai, One & Only The Palm and Tom Roelens, GM of the soon to open and highly anticipated, Atlantis The Royal.  While the properties are just 5 kilometers apart, they are worlds away from each other in terms of experience. From the calm oasis environment of The Palm to the glitz and glamor of The Royal. But… it’s what they have in common that is so special - the true heart of Emirati hospitality is on display. 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 diving into the special country of Argentina. Spanning from the tropics all the way down to Antarctica - this magical landscape has something for everyone. Here you can hike some of the tallest mountains in the world, learn and dance tango with locals, cheer on the Argentinian soccer team, and sip some of the finest wines in our hemisphere.  My guest today is the very accomplished Maita Barrenechea, Argentinian entrepreneur and philanthropist, and my partner in the county.  We talk about everything from fly fishing and glaciers, to cowboy culture and steak.  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 started working on the concept for Luxury Travel Insider in May 2020… right about when my business Bell & Bly Travel was falling apart due to Covid. It was a completely devastating time for our industry.  My team and I spent our days unraveling trips we had worked so hard to plan and our clients had been so highly anticipating. My friends, hoteliers and destination experts, were closing their doors without knowing if they’d ever open them again.  With some free time on my hands, I couldn’t just sit and wait. I had to feel I was doing something to help my travel industry family. I had always wanted to tell travelers about the insider stories that I am so privileged to hear every day… but I wasn’t quite sure how. Being a podcast lover and needing a project to keep my mind occupied, I decided to give it a shot. I read a quote one day that said, “you have to be willing to be bad at something in order to get good at it.” So I held that up as my mantra and I dove in.  Guests on the show were all too happy to have an excuse to talk about their love of travel and destination instead of belaboring the issues facing us all from Covid.  The show took off, and we started to have guests asking us if they could appear on the show.  Today we are the top podcast on luxury travel and I honestly could never have anticipated this. In listening back to the nearly 150 episodes I cried, I got goosebumps, and I laughed.  In today’s episode I’m compiling for you some of our favorite moments from the show. Bits that inspire me, remind me that humans are truly good, and showcase the fact that travel makes the world a better place.  I hope you enjoy this anniversary 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