Luxury Travel Insider

Not only today’s guest is the Founder and Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, some of my favorite properties in all of Europe, but he’s also been Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II herself! Rocco Forte Hotels are able to achieve the very rare combination between extreme sense of place, luxury service, and amazing design. The company is also family owned and run - with Sir Rocco’s sister doing design, his son selecting locations, and daughters building the vision for bar, culinary, and spa services. When you stop into a Rocco Forte hotel, it might be like visiting a Forte family home. With everything, including much of the staff, hand selected by the family. Located in the heart of Europe’s major cities like Rome, Berlin, Brussels, and London, you’ll be hard pressed to find better locations with more interesting history. Sir Rocco and I discuss how he blends family and work, some behind the scenes stories of the different properties, and some crazy guest requests. 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 magnificent country of India. With a full quarter of the earth’s population living in South Asia - a visit here is a must if you intend to understand the world today. India in particular is a continent unto itself - so different from tip to top that you could spend months here and only scratch the surface. We have two guests today, Shonali Datta - the Managing Director of Banyan Tours and Jaisal Singh - the founder and owner of Sujan - a collection of luxury wilderness camps which provide the perfect backdrop to see tigers, leopards, and reconnect with nature. Jaisal and Shonali weigh in on intriguing new experiences, misconceptions about India, and tell some fantastic stories about tigers, temples, and traditions. 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 one of my favorite destinations, the country of Portugal. This destination is chock full of so many amazing landscapes, tiny villages, charm, and fantastic food that you almost won’t believe it. Whether you’re shopping local in Lisbon with the cool kids, drinking wine under 2,000 year old olive trees in Alentejo, or noshing on a cheese plate on your private boat in the Algarve - you’ll be appreciating the one thing that makes Portugal so special - the warmth and hospitality of its people. Our guest today is Luis Sousa, a former tax lawyer turned passionate advocate of all things Portugal. Together with his wife, Luis left his job and started a company to show off all that his country has to offer. We discuss off the beaten path destinations, ungoogleable experiences, and of course some of Luis’ favorites.  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

My guest today is Jeremy Goring, CEO of the famous Goring Hotel in London. While the property is a true five star gem and impeccably English, it is also the only remaining family run luxury hotel in London. Built by Jeremy’s great grandfather, Otto in 1910 - the hotel has played host to every British monarch and every prime minister since. When you stay at the Goring you’ll be pampered with some of the best service in the world, experience one of the largest private gardens in London, and soak up the history with a cocktail before dining in a Michelin starred restaurant. Jeremy and I discuss the property’s famous sheep, Her Majesty the Queen, riding in the Cardinal-mobile behind the Pope, and many more fun stories from the hotel. 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

My guest today is Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, the third generation owner of famed retreat in southern Germany, Schloss Elmau. The property is set at the foothills of an unimaginably beautiful stretch of the Bavarian Alps, where you can hike, bike, swim, visit castles, and enjoy the spectacular views. Then you can relax in one of the 6 world-class spas and dine in a Michelin star restaurant. But these trappings of typical 5* hotels are not what defines Schloss Elmau. We talk a lot about contradiction in this episode but after reflecting on what Dietmar says, I think the place is more about intense individuality. Each visitor experiences Elmau in a different way. For intellectuals coming to meet others in lively discussion the property boasts the biggest hotel bookstore in the world, for music lovers, Elmau is the 2nd largest promoter of classical music in Germany and hosts almost 200 concerts per year. And families, outdoor enthusiasts, spa lovers, couples - Dietmar has made it possible for you to create your own experience as well. We discuss everything from Angela Merkel to fine dining, German-Jewish relations to the ideal pool temperature, and from WWII history to the architecture of King Ludwig II. 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 magical destination of Morocco. Whether the word Morocco conjures up golden images of the Saharan Desert, the smell of scrumptious food, or intricately designed tilework in a breezy riad in Marakesh - you’d be right. But Morocco has so much more to give. The confluence of modern infrastructure and deep historical roots means you can enjoy learning about the world and yourself by making a visit. Our guest today is Hicham Alaoui, a former Google employee and Harvard Business School student, who like me, turned his passion into his business. We discuss Moroccan culture, common misperceptions, and ungoogleable experiences.  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 one of my favorite countries, Colombia, and all the riches it has to offer. While it may have been known previously for it’s dark past, Colombia is quickly being discovered by some of the world’s most discerning travelers. It is too beautiful, too diverse, and too historical to cover in just one episode… but we give it a shot! My guest today is the lovely Cristina Consuegra, Co-owner and founder of Galavanta Travel. She’s a local to the Cartagena region and is just bursting with pride to tell you about her country. We talk about the main destinations of Cartagena and Medellin, but we also dive into some of the lesser known gems like the Amazon, the coffee regions, precolombian history and more. So sit back with a glass of wine, and envision yourself surrounded by Afro-Colombian beats, arepas and other tasty Colombian dishes, and the sound of the ocean lapping at your feet.  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 chatting about what I think is one of the most fascinating countries on the planet - Japan. It’s on one hand a total sensory overload and on the other hand, such a refined experience that without the very best of guides, you might totally miss the point. From owl cafes in Tokyo, to powder skiing in Hokkaido, to behind the scenes with a Geisha or Samurai warrior in Kyoto - Japan is a world unto itself. Our guest today is Avi Lugasi, a long time resident of Japan and owner of my go to partner in the country, Windows to Japan. Avi specializes in going deep - and understanding the tiny nuances of the most intricate crafts (he did after all spend 3 years in a zen Buddhist monastery and earned 2 blackbelts in archery). Avi and I discuss the ins and outs of finding excellent guides in Japan, how memorable experiences are created person to person, and how harmony is such an important aspect of the Japanese 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/    Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Our guest today is Fernando Polanco, the Managing Director and Co-Owner of Hacienda Zuleta in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. Someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for a long time. Fernando is a storm of energy, and one of the most passionate hoteliers I’ve ever met. He comes from a long line of Ecuadorian patriots and Spanish explorers before that. His home, Hacienda Zuleta, was a sacred place for the Caranqui indegenous tribes for hundreds of years, the building itself was initially constructed on orders of the Spanish King, Charles the II, and THEN Fernando’s great grandfather and grandfather, both past Presidents of Ecuador, made the hacienda into their home and a working farm. If you are lucky enough to visit this slice of heaven and living history, you’ll likely meet Fernando or his Aunt Margarita. During the days you’ll horseback ride, explore the Caranqui ruins, hike, tour the cheese factory, or even visit the equator line. Then after exploring you’ll tuck into the most amazing food, enjoy a night cap by the fireplace with your friends and maybe Fernando’s dog, and enjoy a cozy night of relaxation. Fernando and I discuss why mainland Ecuador should be on everyone’s travel wishlist, the unbelievable diversity the country has to offer, and the deep history of his land, family, and how they’ve given back over the years.  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 is Dave Guenther, Founder & President of Roadtrips - my go to partner when planning luxury travel centered around sporting events. Dave’s 30 years in business gives him insider access to events like the Olympics, the World Cup, Formula 1 Races, The Masters, The Superbowl, The Kentucky Derby and more. Whatever your sport is, Dave & I can work together to get tickets before they go on sale, secure the best rooms in the most coveted hotels, and get you insider access to the VIP parties. Dave & I discuss how luxury sports travel is so much more than just visiting a stadium, the serendipitous experiences you can have at these world class events, and how the world of sports brings people together in a way that politics never could. 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