Luxury Travel Insider
by Sarah Groen
Do you love travel? Are you always searching for the absolute best experiences?Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel's most iconic people. We'll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world's top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels.You'll leave each episode with an Insider appreciation for new destinations, luxury travel, and all the heart that goes into creating these magical experiences. Luxury Travel Insider is hosted by Sarah Groen, an expert in luxury travel. Sarah has traveled to 100 countries and all 7 continents, is a contributing travel columnist for CEO World Magazine, and is the owner of Bell & Bly Travel, a top travel advising firm working with executives and entrepreneurs.
Episodes
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Italy | Lungarno Collection: Italianità, Craftsmanship, and the Soul of Hospitality
Today we're heading to Italy, where the Ferragamo family has brought the same craftsmanship they're known for in fashion to a collection of hotels in Florence, Milan, and Rome. Joining me is Valeriano Antonioli, CEO of Lungarno Collection, knight of the Italian Republic, taekwondo black belt, and...
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Ghost City Tours | CEO, Tim Nealon: Experiencing History & Culture Through Ghost Stories
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,...
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Ireland | Adare Manor
Today we're winding our way down an idyllic country road in Ireland to the famed Adare Manor. Set in a charming village of thatched cottages, blooming rose gardens, and cobblestone streets, this jewel of County Limerick will have you wanting to come back over and over again. Joining me today is...
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Brush Creek Ranch | COO, Michael Williams: The Spirit of the American West and the Wyoming Dude Ranch
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...
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Panama | Expert Panel: The Tiny Country that Changed the World
Today we're chatting about Panama and all its beauty, diversity, culture, and history. Believe it or not this small country has shaped the course of our entire planet. Scientists say that the formation of the isthmus is what changed the climate to allow ideal conditions for humans to thrive, and...
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France | Île de Bendor: The Island Where Life Is Meant to Be Enjoyed
Today we're setting sail to a tiny, storied island off the coast of Provence - Île de Bendor, once the private playground of pastis pioneer Paul Ricard. Joining me is Arnaud Zannier, founder of Zannier Hotels, who spent five years bringing this island back to life. We talk about everything from…
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Hawaii | Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Today, we're being whisked away to the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian islands. This incredible destination offers so much more than just stunning beaches. It's a place where you can experience everything from lush rainforests to snow-capped volcanoes and explore a vibrant…
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New Zealand | Beyond the Bucket List: The Power of Meaningful Adventure
Today we're in for some adventure. We'll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we'll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot. Joining me today to chat all things New…
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Bolivia | Expert Panel: Lost Civilizations, Silver Empires, and Sacred Landscapes
Today we're heading to a country that defies easy description - salt flats that mirror the sky, ruins that predate the Inca by centuries, and a capital city so high it feels like its own atmosphere. Joining me are two people who know Bolivia not as visitors, but as hosts - Sebastian Villena…
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St. Barths | Eden Rock: Old World Glamour in The Caribbean
Today we're headed to the magical island of St. Barths. While enjoying vibrant turquoise seas, beautiful hikes in the mountains, and powdery white sand may feel very Caribbean, there's another undercurrent at play here. The vibe is decidedly French, and the world class food, shopping, and…
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Seychelles | Tomas Cochrane: Island Hopping in the Garden of Eden
Today we're whisking you off to a set of secluded islands in the Indian Ocean. This special place is so beautiful and remote, that it is often touted as the original Garden of Eden. Joining me to chat all things Seychelles, is our partner in the region Tomas Cochrane. Whether you're looking for a...
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Kenya | Segera Retreat, Owners Jochen & Kate Zeitz: Blending Luxury, Art, and Conservation
Today we're headed to the Laikipia region of Kenya, where the rugged beauty of the savannas meets rolling hills and stunning views of Mt. Kenya. We'll land on 50,000 acres of conserved land and enjoy everything the gorgeous Segera Retreat has to offer. Joining me to tell you all about Segera are...
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Ocean Travel | Explora Journeys: Inside the Luxury Cruise Brand Everyone's Talking About
Today we're setting sail with Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury ocean brand built to feel less like a cruise ship and more like a boutique European resort that just happens to float. Joining me is Chris Austin, President of North America for Explora Journeys, who's been with the brand since…
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The Dominican Republic | Eden Roc Cap Cana
I'm excited for you to join me today to head to the gorgeous island of the Dominican Republic. There's something about the turquoise water fringed with the most amazing palm trees you've ever seen - that gives you a sense of calm and relaxation here. Add in the incredible history, gorgeous…
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Laos | Expert Panel
Today we're headed a bit off the beaten path, to Southeast Asia, and visiting the country of Lao. Lao or Laos means Land of a Million Elephants which is a symbol for prosperity - but the main draw to the country is the warm hospitality of its people. Whether you're visiting to see spectacular...
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Castello Di Vicarello | Owner, Neri Baccheschi Berti: Love at First Sight in Tuscany
I'm excited for you to join me today in the southern part of Tuscany, an area called Maremma, and one we haven't yet explored on the show. Here you'll find sun-kissed olive groves, pristine stretches of coastline, and of course, gorgeous wines. We're settling in at the stunning Castello di...
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Fiji | COMO Laucala Island: An Untouched Paradise
Today, we're escaping to one of the most exclusive private islands in the world— COMO Laucala. The island is tucked away in the shimmering South Pacific in the north of Fiji. This stunning destination is more than just a tropical paradise; it's a celebration of untouched beauty, sustainable…
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Uzbekistan | Expert Panel: The Heart of the Silk Road, Ancient Cities, and Local Traditions
Today we're heading to the heart of the Silk Road. Uzbekistan, full of ancient caravan cities, turquoise domes, and golden desert sands hold centuries of history that shaped the the world as we know it today. Joining me are two guests who know this region intimately. Bekhruz Kurbanov is an...
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Vienna & Prague | Expert Panel: The Fairytale Cities of Europe
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...
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Canada | Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort: The Story Behind Canada's Most Remote Luxury Lodge
Today we're venturing deep into the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, where Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort has been welcoming guests to one of the most remote and breathtaking corners of Canada for over 45 years. Joining me today are Fraser and Becky Murray, the husband and wife team behind...
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The World of Cruising | President & CEO of CLIA, Kelly Craighead: Younger Passengers, Better Value, Sustainable Practices
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...
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Beyond Vacation | Dr. Michael F. Steger, Psychologist and Academic
Today's episode is for anyone who has ever come home from a trip feeling subtly or not so subtly changed. My guest today is Dr. Michael F. Steger, Professor of Psychology and founding director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University. Mike has published over 150…
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The Dolomites | Agustina Lagos Marmol: Climbing, Culture, and Cuisine
Today we're heading to the far north of Italy to the Dolomites and Lake Garda. This magical region is full of craggy spires, sheer cliff faces, verdant valleys, and gorgeous lakes. No wonder it's recognized by UNESCO, will be the home of the next Winter Olympics, and inspires travelers from…
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Kerala | Expert Panel: Ancient Traditions, Modern Journeys
Today we're headed to Kerala, a state on India's southwestern coast where ancient backwaters meet misty mountain tea gardens, sacred temples, and spice-scented markets that have drawn travelers from across the world for thousands of years. Joining me today are Anil Pathak, our partner in the...
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Suffolk, England | Wilderness Reserve: The Simple Luxury of Stepping Back in Time
Today we're heading to the county of Suffolk in Eastern England, otherwise known as the forgotten county. While not a lot of tourists visit this area, it is chock full of beautiful nature reserves and is known for historical ruins and quaint seaside towns. My guest today is Harry Hunt, whose…
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The Great Barrier Reef | Expert Panel: Secrets of the World's Largest Living Wonder
Today we're headed to one of the most extraordinary places on the planet where we'll find the largest living structure on Earth, sand so pure it never gets hot, and water so impossibly turquoise it looks like you used a filter. Joining me today to chat all things Great Barrier Reef and…
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British Virgin Islands | Rosewood Little Dix Bay: Rockefellers, Royalty, and a Private Escape in Paradise
Today we're soaking up some island vibes in the British Virgin Islands. So, imagine yourself on the island of Virgin Gorda, with swaying palm trees in the background, a pain killer drink in hand, and some of the most stunning views in the Caribbean. Now open your eyes and you'll find yourself at...
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Corsica | Expert Panel: The Mountain in the Sea That Defies Expectations
Today, we're heading to Corsica, a rugged island in the Mediterranean where the scent of wild herbs drifts through the air. Though it's part of France, Corsica feels entirely its own, shaped by centuries of independence, Italian influence, and a deep connection to land and tradition. There's a...
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Kenya | The Safari Collection
On this episode we're headed back to Kenya to chat with Mikey Carr Hartley, owner of The Safari Collection, which includes the Instagram famous Giraffe Manor. While you've undoubtedly seen beautiful images of the giraffes visiting guests at breakfast time, I want to be clear that The Safari...
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Jamaica | Tryall Club: From Island Roots to Luxury Retreats
Today we're heading to the lush island nation of Jamaica. While the country is often associated with beaches and resorts, it's also a place with a deep and complex history, a strong sense of identity, and a rhythm of life that you feel the moment you arrive. Joining me today is Kenton Jones,...
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Slovenia | Expert Panel: Europe's Most Diverse Hidden Gem
Today we're heading to Slovenia, a country that somehow packs alpine peaks, emerald rivers, vineyard-covered hills, and a slice of the Adriatic all into one incredibly compact destination. It's one of Europe's most diverse landscapes, yet still feels refreshingly under the radar. Joining us today...
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Madagascar | Miavana: A Different Planet on Earth
Today we're taking you somewhere truly off the map, to a remote archipelago off the northeastern coast of Madagascar, where wild nature and ultra-luxury somehow coexist. Think pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Joining us is Damian Jardine,...
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Italy | Sardinia: Turquoise Waters, Ancient Worlds, and Hidden Culture
Today, we're visiting an under the radar destination with some of the most beautiful coastline in the entire Mediterranean… Sardinia. Think turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean, rugged mountains, ancient civilizations, and a culture that feels entirely its own. I'm joined by the wonderful...
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French Riviera | Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Old Hollywood, Artists, and the Jet Set
Today we're heading to the French Riviera and one of the most legendary hotels in the world, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Perched on the edge of Cap d'Antibes, this region has been attracting artists, writers, and the international jet set for more than 150 years. With a history that spans from Belle...
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Memento Mori for Travelers | Author, Jodi Wellman: Letting the Reality of Time Change How You Explore
Today's episode is perfect for you if you need a little kick in the pants to make space for your life's experiences. So many of us intuitively feel that travel changes us - that it makes us more alive, more curious, more connected and our guest today will help illuminate some of that for us. Jodi...
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Hong Kong | Expert Panel: Skyscrapers, Street Rituals, and the City Between Worlds
Today we're heading to one of the most complex, energetic, and endlessly fascinating cities in the world. Hong Kong. The city is layered, fast moving, deeply local, and full of contrasts. Towering skylines and quiet temples. Global finance and everyday rituals. World class dining and wild,...
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Love & Romance | Epic African Journeys for Couples
Today we're wrapping up our Romantic Travel series with a destination that can reset your nervous system and your relationship at the same time. We're talking Africa, from epic safaris and wildly romantic lodges, to the winelands, beaches, and adventures that make this continent feel like nowhere...
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Love & Romance | Nostalgia and New Experiences in the World's Most Romantic Cities
Today we're romanticizing everyday life, finding inspiration through art and beauty, and leaning into a little nostalgia in two of the world's most iconic cities. Joining me are two true insiders from Paris and Rome: Leah Walker of Garnier Creations and Fulvio de Bonis of Imago Artis. We discuss...
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Love & Romance | A Private Atoll for Reconnection: Inside Tetiaroa and The Brando
As part of our February series on romantic travel, today we're focusing on tropical destinations. We dive into why this type of destination has the power to help us reconnect, slow down, and be fully present with the people we love. We're heading back to French Polynesia, to the private atoll of...
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Love & Romance | Honeymoons: How Travel Becomes Part of Our Love Stories
February feels like the perfect moment to talk about trips designed to celebrate love. Honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals, babymoons, and the journeys couples take when they want to reconnect, not just get away. All month long, we're exploring romantic travel in its many forms. Not just where...
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Norwegian Fjordland | Åmot: Fjords, Food, and Folklore
Today we are taking a very special trip into the heart of Norwegian Fjordland. And when I say the heart, I don't just mean the heart of the land. Because today we're chatting with two locals who are so enthusiastic about welcoming you to their homeland, that you can't help but feel the love. My...
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Zimbabwe | Matetsi: Exploring the Power, Myths, and Magic of Victoria Falls
Today we are heading to Victoria Falls, one of the most awe inspiring places on the planet. Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, this is a place where mist hangs in the air, the earth vibrates beneath your feet, and nature puts on a show unlike anywhere else in Africa. I am...
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Cambodia | Six Senses Krabey Island: Resilience, Ritual, and Remote Island Luxury
Today we're heading to Cambodia, a country shaped by ancient civilizations, deep spirituality, and an extraordinary sense of resilience and warmth. Our focus is a private island retreat where jungle and sea set the rhythm of daily life. Joining me is Ateeb Shreshta, the General Manager of Six...
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Travel Trends | Redefining How We Explore in 2026
Today, we're diving into the trends that are shaping the way travelers are exploring the world. I'm joined by my good friend Jonathan Epstein, of Celebrated Experiences, one of our partners for curating authentic and luxurious travel experiences in Europe. We're diving into everything from travel...
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The Besties Reunite | Expert Panel
Joining me this year are Hao Tang and Simon Jones. The Besties episode is where we get together for a very honest, very fun year in review conversation. All three of us are professional travelers, spending an incredible amount of time on the road each year. It's our job to be discerning, to…
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Holiday Special | Holiday Traditions from Chile and Iceland
Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years may be celebrated around the world, but how they look and feel can be completely different. From snow and darkness to sunshine and summer evenings, culture and landscape shape the season in powerful ways. This year, I'm chatting about holiday traditions with our...
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Chile | Refugia Chiloé: Where Sea Legends Meet Contemporary Soul
Today we are heading to Chiloé, a misty island world in southern Chile where nature, mythology, and culture come together in the most enchanting way. I am joined by my friend Ellen Guidera, from the owning family of Refugia Chiloé. This beautiful lodge blends contemporary design with local craft,...
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Ibiza | Six Senses: Art, Ritual, and Renewal
Today we're heading to the northern tip of Ibiza, a part of the island that feels worlds away from the dance floors and beach clubs you might picture. Long before Ibiza was known for nightlife, the island became a refuge in the 1940s for writers, artists, and free thinkers. This influx planted…
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Orient Express | La Dolce Vita Reimagined: Inside Italy's Most Romantic Hotel & Train
Today we're viewing Italy in a different light, from a sweet Palazzo in Rome to a romantic train journey that glides through green hills and azure coastlines. It's the Italy of poetry and piazzas, of espresso and elegance, of that ineffable thing the world calls La Dolce Vita. Joining me today…
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Lily of the Valley | Owner, Lucie Weill: Wellness in St. Tropez, Mediterranean Charm, and the Luxury of Good Health
I'm excited to have my new friend, Lucie Weill on the show today. After a career in fashion at Givenchy, Lucie left to join her father (founder of the French equivalent of CNN) to create a beautiful getaway in the South of France. Lily of the Valley is set on a cliff, surrounded by gorgeous…
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About this show
Do you love travel? Are you always searching for the absolute best experiences?Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel's most iconic people. We'll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world's top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels.You'll leave each episode with an Insider appreciation for new destinations, luxury travel, and all the heart that goes into creating these magical experiences. Luxury Travel Insider is hosted by Sarah Groen, an expert in luxury travel. Sarah has traveled to 100 countries and all 7 continents, is a contributing travel columnist for CEO World Magazine, and is the owner of Bell & Bly Travel, a top travel advising firm working with executives and entrepreneurs.
Hosted by
Sarah Groen