Luxury Travel Insider

Today we’re headed a bit off the beaten path, to the world’s largest island of Greenland. Though often called the land of ice and snow, in the summer you can find wildflowers, berries, beautiful fjords, and a robust local culture.  Whether you’re looking to escape the frenzy of cities and popular tourist destinations, have an interest in marine life, or are fascinated by having an authentic experience with Inuit culture - Greenland is for you.  Our guest today is Colby Brokvist, the lead Expedition Leader for Natural Habitat’s trips in Eastern Greenland. This part of the island is far less visited than the west, and Colby tells us how that makes for amazing natural experiences as well as cultural immersion.  We chat on everything from Viking escapades, to the food, to some incredible wildlife 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  

My guest today is Kelly Craighead, President & CEO of CLIA - one of the travel industry’s most important associations representing all things cruises! Before running CLIA, Kelly was the senior government representative for all travel and tourism matters at the Department of Commerce.  So if you’re interested in travel trends and what’s new in the cruise industry, you’re in for a treat!  Kelly and I chat about everything from how millennials are the fastest growing generation for cruise travel, to sustainability on the oceans, to fabulous new destinations you can reach by ship.  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  

Javier Echecopar, a Costa Rica travel expert, and his 15-year-old daughter, Fiore, share fascinating family travel insights. They explore the enchanting bioluminescence and diverse landscapes that make Costa Rica a top destination. With tales of thrilling zip-lining and emotional experiences like tree planting, they emphasize the importance of local culture and community. Fiore offers a unique teen perspective on adventures and highlights family-friendly activities that can inspire deeper connections and unforgettable memories.

Today we’re visiting a country passionate about music, food, and enjoying life. While those passions are shared across the country, otherwise it is extremely diverse. The landscapes range from tropical beaches, to rainforest, to waterfalls, and more. The cities are huge and vibrant. The people are from cultural backgrounds as different as Japanese and African.  Joining me to chat all things Brazil are three experts in the region. Joe Sandillo, our partner in Brazil; Fabio Delantonia, a chef and expert in the culinary history of Brazil; and Micael Amarancci a passionate musician, cultural expert, and law and politics scholar.  The four of us chat about everything from the slave roots of Brazilian music, to understanding the history of the country through food, to the under-appreciated areas of Brazil that we think you should visit.  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 deep into one of the most iconic cities in Italy. As a favorite of art lovers, history buffs, and appreciators of beauty the world over, Florence almost needs no introduction. But behind the fact that the renaissance started here, behind all the contributions of the Medici and Leonardo and Michelangelo - there is the beating soul of Firenze.  My guests today are Michela Babini, President of The Place of Wonders; Claudio Meli, General Manager of my home in Florence, The Place, and Marco Cini, the owner of Arca Cashmere. While we dive deep and laugh a LOT, what you’ll find that these three guests have in common is a deep love for craft, tradition, and of course, the city of Florence.  We dive into why the city is what it is today, why craftsmanship is so important to preserve in Italy, and how this crew can make your next trip to Florence truly magical.  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 headed deep into the American West to discover magical deserts, epic adventures, impossibly big skies, and wildlife you just can’t see anywhere else in the world. This is a land of contrasts - from the hottest desert, to the largest trees; from the longest canyon, to the world’s most epic super volcano. And aside from the natural wonders, we’ve got surfers, cowboys, Native Americans, and a melting pot of cultures in between.  My guest today is Kevin Jackson, our partner for ultra-luxury, special experiences across the western part of the US. If you can dream it up, we can plan it. Kevin and I chat about everything from mountaineering to visiting with a Navajo Code Talker, to private luxury camps set up in beautifully remote landscapes.  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 dazzling city of Bangkok. We’re greeted by ornate temples, bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, chic rooftop bars, and quaint floating markets.  In this city that never sleeps, every moment is an adventure and every nook and cranny whispers echoes of ancient Thai culture.  My guest today is Nick Downing, General Manager of the gorgeous Siam Hotel, nestled right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. We chat about everything from the prior King to modern pop culture, from quiet canals to crazy traffic. 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 indulging in fine cuisine, going behind the scenes of couture fashion houses like Chanel and Dior, and delving into some of the world’s most important traditions in art. Paris, the City of Light, has always been at the forefront of luxury, indulgence, and craftsmanship.  Joining me to chat on all things art, fashion, and history are my friends Leah Walker and Philippe Hertzberg, two of our partners for ultra-special experiences in Paris.   We discuss everything from art history, to the nostalgic periods of the Belle Epoch and the 20s, to fine jewelry houses and mixology.  Grab a flute of your finest champagne, and enjoy this Parisian 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  

In this engaging discussion, Robert-Jan Woltering, Managing Director of De L’Europe Hotel, shares heartfelt stories of guest connections and culinary experiences. Fashion designer Ronald Van der Kemp highlights the emotional depth of sustainable couture, emphasizing the importance of personalized designs. They explore Amsterdam's rich cultural legacy, from its maritime history to its vibrant LGBTQ acceptance. The joys of celebrating the city’s 750th anniversary and the allure of its picturesque canals are brought to life, urging travelers to fully immerse themselves in this unique destination.

Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of majestic palaces, sprawling deserts, and colorful festivals.  Whether you’re hot air ballooning, riding a camel, or enjoying the fabulous food - Rajasthan, the largest state in India - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.  We have a fun show for you today, with my friend and partner in the region, Anil Pathak and historian, hotelier, and arts enthusiast, Aman Nath. We chat about everything from the Maharajas, to how locals see the meaning of life, to the more off the beaten path ways to experience this unique culture.  I hope you enjoy this colorful 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