Luxury Travel Insider

Our guest today is Michael Hoffmann, the Managing Director of Inn at Perry Cabin. This slice of Americana is nestled into a cove on the Eastern shores of the Chesapeake Bay, near the historic town of St. Michaels. To get here, you cross the bay on a beautiful private yacht with the wind in your hair. By the time you arrive, your stress has melted away and you can truly enjoy this historic property. Whether you choose to learn sailing, go crabbing, spend time golfing, or just relaxing - you’ll leave Inn at Perry Cabin with a new appreciation for the smaller things in life. Michael and I discuss the history of Chesapeake Bay, the roaring fireplaces, a secret trap door, and a little tidbit about the movie Wedding Crashers. 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

Hermitage is a wildly authentic collection of cottages set up against a hillside on a white sand beach, that is lapped by calm, crystal clear water. This is the place you go when you need to do nothing. After a day of soaking up the beautiful surroundings, swimming in your plunge pool while hummingbirds flit around you, or exploring the island… sounds of live music start to fill the outdoor areas and guests begin congregating to enjoy the company of each other and the warm local staff. Andy tells of his conversion from London financier to coming into his own as one of the most thoughtful hoteliers in the Caribbean. We discuss what makes Antigua so special, his philosophy on relaxation and rejuvenation, and how the team achieves such a warm, family atmosphere on property. 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. Valentina de Santis is the owner and CEO of Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como - which is often listed as one of the top hotels in Italy. The ethos of Grand Hotel Tremezzo is too much to put in one short intro. From the crystalline waters of Lake Como, to the art nouveau palace interiors, to the floating pool, and the beautifully landscaped grounds - this has got to be the birthplace of la dolce vita. What’s more - this has been a family run hotel for over 100 years and the authentic hospitality is the stuff of dreams. Valentina and I have a hilarious chat about behind the scenes details, celebrities, history, her shenanigans growing up, and what makes Italy deserve its place as one of the top destinations in 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/    See photos, show notes, and listener perks HERE.   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn

Today we’re discussing the country of Turkey - a land that has been at the crossroads of ideals both Eastern and Western, for thousands of years. While the country is known for its historical sites in Istanbul like the Hagia Sofia, and it’s Instagram perfect photos of hot air balloons in Cappadocia - there is so much more depth to explore. From enjoying the Aegean Sea by Gulet, to sipping on world class wines, to taking a roadtrip through tiny villages, or getting off the beaten path to visit the ancient ruins of Troy - Turkey will surprise you at every turn. Our guest today is my friend Karen Fedorko Sefer who by a turn of fate moved to Turkey 25 years ago and has assembled and trained some of the best guides in the country. Karen’s company, Sea Song Tours, gets our clients access to behind the scenes experiences at some of Turkey’s most famous landmarks. Karen and I discuss Turkish culture, up and coming destinations, and of course the mind-blowing history of this fantastic destination. 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 Francesco Galli Zugaro, the Founder & CEO of Aqua Expeditions - a truly visionary company that has led the way in melding expedition destinations with luxury. This is not your average cruising company - of Aqua Expeditions 4 vessels, the largest one has only 20 suites. Whether you find yourself diving with whale sharks in the Spice Islands of Indonesia, kayaking through floating villages in Cambodia, or spotting pink dolphins and macaws in the Peruvian Amazon… you can be sure that after your 9-5 adventure, you’ll be welcomed back aboard with the finest food, drinks, and comfortable beds that you’ll find anywhere in the region. Francesco and I discuss his camping trip in the Amazon inspired the vision for the company, how he personally picks antiques and decor for each room of each ship, some behind the scenes details, and what he loves about each destination. 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

If you’ve ever enjoyed a luxury, wellness, or sustainable travel experience - chances are that experience was shaped by the vision of today’s guest. Sonu Shivdasani is the owner & CEO of Soneva Resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, and the founder of Six Senses Resorts. The ideas that he’s developed over the last 25 years have forever impacted the face of luxury travel. Now as for Soneva Resorts - they are some of the finest island resorts in the world. Complete with over water bungalows, water slides, chocolate rooms, and advanced astronomy equipment. Sonu shares with me some insightful tidbits on what true luxury means for the modern traveler, the crazy story behind leasing his first island in his mid-20s, and how personal crisis has shaped today’s experience at Soneva Resorts. 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

My guest today is Narelle McDougal, GM of Silversands Grenada. Silversands was the first luxury hotel to be built on the spice island of Grenada in over 25 years. It is the antithesis to stuffy luxury set far away from the locals and boring properties that all start to look the same… and just might be the most photogenic resort in the Windward Islands. Here you can swim the longest pool in the Caribbean, walk 3 minutes down the way to a hopping beach bar, have fresh grown produce in a breezy restaurant, and lime your time away basking in the Grenadian sun. Narelle has been behind some of the most iconic hotels in the Maldives and Southeast Asia, but found herself here - on this tiny island in the Caribbean - drawn by the spirit of the people. We discuss what makes Grenada so special and some fantastic insider details about 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

Today we’re chatting about Italy, one of the most iconic destinations in the world. The country’s riches in terms of art, history, food, wine, and stunning landscapes have lured millions of visitors per year. So a true luxury experience in this part of the world means having the insider connections to get off the beaten path and experience the true heart of Italian culture. Spend your days sipping aperol while overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean sea, picking lemons from an orchard, or zooming around Rome in a classic car - all while knowing your trip is in the hands of the foremost experts on Italian travel. Our guest today is Andrea Grisdale, the owner of IC Bellagio. IC Bellagio has been designing ungoogleable experiences in Italy and curating the best guides in the game for 20 years. The company partners with top travel advisors to bring these experiences to discerning clients. Andrea and I discuss undiscovered gems in Sicily and the Dolomites, interesting stories from past guests, and how travel in Italy is changing to suit millennials and deal with crowding. 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 thrilled to have Olivia Richli on the show today, who is the General Manager of Heckfield Place in Hampshire, England. If you grew up loving Jane Austen, or reveled in Harry Potter, or binge watched Downton Abbey like I did.. This episode will fill your heart with romantic notions of the English countryside. Heckfield Place is a painstakingly restored Georgian style estate sitting on over 400 acres of rolling hills. Redefining what it means to be a hotel, Heckfield is where you go to get away from it all, be surrounded by beauty, and lavish in knowing every detail is taken care of. Everything from the artwork on the walls, to the pottery, to the grown-on-property food is locally sourced and lovingly placed. Olivia and I chat about bio-dynamic farming, the region of Hampshire, and how slowing down and taking in life is truly a skill to be cultivated.  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 Nick Yarnell, the General Manager of Six Senses Douro Valley. This hotel is one you just have to see to believe. It’s set in a completely renovated 19th century manor house, high on a hill. While lounging at the pool, doing yoga, or sipping port on the patio - you’ll look down onto the shimmering Douro River flanked by lush green, terraced mountains growing some of the most under appreciated grapes in all of Europe. This is the kind of place where doing nothing but enjoying, is an accomplishment. Where learning just one new tidbit can shape the way you think about the world. Your days will be filled with stand up paddle boarding, visiting the spa, boating, hiking, or wine tasting. Then you’ll settle back in at arguably the best hotel in Portugal for a relaxed evening celebrating your day. Nick and I discuss how Six Senses takes sustainability and wellness to another level, the friendly hospitality in this region of Portugal, and the fascinating history of the manor house. 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