Luxury Travel Insider

My guest today is Ben Trodd, an SVP of Global Sales and Marketing at the amazing Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. While you may have heard of these gorgeous properties dotted around the world, what you might not know is that founder Isadore Sharp started off by building a motel in Toronto. Mr. Sharp says something profound about the company that we discuss in this episode. He says, “There was no vision, there was no grand dream – but there has always been a consistent thread, and that is service.” So while Four Seasons Hotels are now set in gorgeous locations and high design buildings, the only way to describe the brand is that it’s more of a feeling.. The consistent service, the ability to be yourself… that keeps many of its loyal guests (myself included) coming back for more.  Ben and I discuss amazing locations around the world, the Four Seasons Private Jet experience, how they’re using technology to drive service, and more.  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 to whisk you off today to two of my favorite cities in Europe, Prague and Vienna. I think the travel world sometimes forgets that Vienna was once the center of European power, while its sister to the north is the birthplace of bohemian culture.  To paraphrase Karl Kraus, while the streets of other cities are paved with asphalt, the streets of these two cities are quite literally paved with culture.  Here to discuss Vienna and Prague with us are Gwen Kozlowski, my partner in the region, and Kamila Karen, one of the top local guides in all of Prague.  Both Gwen and Kamilla tell tear-inducing stories of families during the war, share wistful images of coffee shops and pubs, and truly impart a sense of what it’s like to visit this part of the world.  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 have a very special guest joining us today, our first repeat guest on the show, in fact! You may remember Valentina de Santis who joined us to discuss her famed hotel Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como.  Well she’s back! And this time to tell us about the jewel box of a hotel that she just finished building called Passalacqua. This revival of an 18th century villa, might be one of the most stunning properties I’ve ever had the luxury of staying in. And on top of that, the family owned atmosphere, relaxed vibe, and local community truly bring to life the concept of dolce far niente. Valentina and I chat about everything from the insane amount of Murano glass adorning the hotel, to the Italian craftsmen that designed every tiny bit, to the local gelateria owner who moved to the village for love. You’ll also get a smattering of celebrities, famous opera composers, and of course all of Valentina’s charm.  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’s show is about hospitality, the great change that is underway at hotels, and how Covid and generational shifts are changing what it means to be luxury.  My guest today is the CEO and Founder of Ellis Adams Group, a consulting firm specializing in helping luxury hotel brands design jaw dropping customer experiences, build memorable hotel spaces, and keep up with new trends.  Chris tells personal stories of his time working in hotels and crazy experiences helping new hotels open. We also dive into everything from QR codes, to the Ladies & Gentlemen of the Ritz Carlton, to pink elephants.  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  

Ernest Hemingway once said, “In order to write about life, first you must live it.” And as we all know, he went to live his life in the vibrant country of Cuba.  Now, Cuba has both dramatically changed and stayed the same since Hemingway departed in 1960, but nonetheless it still offers one of the best travel experiences in the world. Here you can combine authentic interactions with locals, great food, beautiful beaches, and of course all the rum and cigars you can stomach.  Joining me today is the always intriguing David Lee, Owner and Founder of Cultural Cuba, our partner in the country. David and I chat about everything from the politics and legalities of entering Cuba to grabbing a bite with a local Cuban entrepreneur, and all the amazing experiences in between.  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 Michael Ungerer, the CEO of Explora Journeys, one of the best known travel companies that has yet to formally launch!  If you haven’t heard of Explora yet, you soon will. They are pioneering a new niche in ocean going travel, so much so that they don’t actually refer to it as cruising. The family owned company has started from scratch, learning from tens of thousands of next generation luxury travelers what they might want in a mega-yacht experience.  Explora Journeys launches in 2023 with Explora I, where you can expect a focus on health and wellness, truly immersive experiences, anchoring near off the beaten path destinations, and the largest suites in the industry.  Michael talks to us about the vision for the company, some fun tidbits of what it’s been like to grow a new luxury brand during Covid, and a few insider hints at what to expect next. 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 mixing things up a bit to hear how you can bring the luxury hotel experience into your own home.  Darcy Guttwein has spent two decades building a lifestyle concept she calls Hotels to Home. She’s traveled the world taking inspiration from luxury hospitality brands and figured out a way to incorporate many of the aspects that you love about traveling into the everyday.  Darcy and I discuss simple and affordable “hacks” to creating this lifestyle, all the way to elaborate and elegant changes that can be made to the home.  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 excited today to be speaking with two amazing travel and remote work experts, Matt Kepnes and Dan Andrews. Matt is the founder of the successful blog, Nomadic Matt and is a New York Times bestselling author of two books. Dan hosts the successful podcast, Tropical MBA, co-founded Dynamite Circle to connect and empower digital entrepreneurs, and also founded Dynamite Jobs.  Both of our guests have spent years as digital nomads. This episode is a bit of a departure from our typical shows but I think it holds some golden lessons and amazing insights for us all.  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

This time I’m taking you to Singita’s Pamushana Lodge in remote, Southeast Zimbabwe. Perched high on a sandstone ridge, overlooking a shimmering lake full of hippos, this is one of the most inspirational safari destinations I have ever had the privilege of visiting.  The lodge is set on the Malilangwe Reserve which is now famous for its rhino and ecological conservation efforts, its absolutely awe inspiring anti-poaching team, and of course the world class service of Singita.  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 an authentic conversation with our accomplished guide Tengue and the Lodge Manager, Valerie. Both are local Zimbabweans and I was truly honored to spend this time with them.  We discuss so much in this episode from the area’s spectacular growth in rhino population, to specialty cocktails, to hyper-inflation, to Zimbabwean culture. I hope you’ll enjoy this exciting 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

Our guest today is Malik Fernando, Founder and Managing Director of Resplendent Ceylon, a collection of luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. It’s hard to even call Malik’s properties hotels. They’re more like beautiful places to rest your head wrapped into a full on experience of living life and diving into Sri Lankan culture. From the palm fringed shores of Cape Weligama, to relaxing on a working tea plantation in the mountains, to being on safari at Wild Coast Tented Lodge - you can’t get more immersed than this. Malik’s father is a famous figure in Sri Lanka, having founded Dilmah Tea which is exported to over 100 countries around the world. When Sri Lanka opened up to tourism, Malik noticed an increasing number of tea drinkers reaching out to ask to come visit… so he renovated some bungalows and invited them to come along. Today his 3, and soon to be 4 hotels are the top luxury options in the country. Malik and I discuss why Sri Lanka is such an underrated destination. He also tells insider stories about the building of the lodges, their passion for community development, and why true luxury is about feeling pampered AND being immersed in the 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/    See photos, show notes, and listener perks  HERE. Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn