Boarding Group A

What is the modern grand tour? What are the benefits of slowing down and lengthening travel, and how do you make a destination immersive instead of exhausting?

This week, Gaby, Jill, and Angela discuss why time is the ultimate luxury when it comes to travel, and the difference between seeing a place versus box checking. They share how to experience the depths of a region, whether it be a week in Italy or six months in Southeast Asia, and why leaving gaps in your itinerary is essential for longevity when traveling.

The group also debunks the travel myth that you have to do it all. They share how if you try to see it all and do it all you end up doing nothing, and why the best thing for your trip can be to leave something out for the next time you visit. Plus, they discuss how to travel deeply in one region, drawing on their recent experiences in Sweden.

What To Know:

• Time is luxury: consider leaving the back half of your trip unplanned to do more of what you loved.
• Combine beach, country, and city to see the depths of a country.
• Seeing a place vs. checking boxes: focus on making memories and be okay with intentionally leaving something out for the next trip.
• If only traveling for a week of two, the group recommends a 3 night minimum in a destination.
• Down time: don’t over book.. On long trips, have planned downtime at a spa or enjoy the experiences of your hotel.
• Traveling with kids? Look for a kids or sports camp in the local area.
• Sweden: Start in Gothenburg, stay in the archipelago or visit for the day, then end at Ett Hem in Stockholm.
• Thailand: the perfect country to acclimate to traveling to Southeast Asia for the first time.

Follow along on Instagram: @boarding_group_a

What makes a destination or hotel feel like you? Is it art and design? Food? A certain level of luxury? Or maybe something that’s a little harder to put your finger on?

Jill adores dreamy locations and intentionally designed spaces that make her not want to leave the property. She seeks unpolished and unpaved paths to experience the natural and aesthetic beauty of locations––but with shopping nearby, of course.

Angela seeks properties that are adorned in curated luxury and driven by anticipatory service while being deeply rooted in the surroundings. From tiny family owned properties to the Four Seasons, sense of place, warmth, and feeling welcomed are her travel musts.

Gaby is drawn to art and history lead travel where luxury meets authenticity. She has a high/low philosophy; grab a bottle of wine in Paris for a picnic lunch on the Point Neuf then return to an exquisite hotel room after a phenomenal dinner.

The group discussed the one thing all travelers love––food. They rank their favorite food destinations, like an unforgettable bite of tuna in Japan and Nosara Costa Rica that changed the way Jill eats.

And hotel of the week, Gaby and Jill recount their recent experience in Sweden staying at two non-traditional, uniquely brilliant hotels.

What To Know:

• Leave time for discovery: keeping just one to two hours free in your trip and you can stumble on the next great thing.
• Hotels matter: even if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time in your room, the right hotel can shape your whole experience.
• France and Portugal: fresh, interesting takes on vegetarian food.
• Japan: beyond the obvious extraordinary seafood is gyoza, soba noodles, and more that satisfies the whole family.
• Hotel(s) of the week — Ett Hemm: a private residence transformed into a hotel that is steeped in Scandinavian aesthetics and situated in a peaceful, residential part of Stockholm. Pater Noster: a totally isolated cottage retreat in the outer archipelago off Sweden’s west coast nestled on a private island accessible by a boat ride across the sea.

Follow along on Instagram: @boarding_group_a 

Is traveling off-season the secret to a better vacation? Or does saving money mean sacrificing good weather, great restaurants, and the experiences that made you want to visit in the first place?

This week, Gaby, Jill, and Angela discuss the pros and cons of off-season travel, from quieter European cities and festive winter getaways to the unpredictable weather of Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. They share why February in Japan, winter in Florence, and Christmas week in Marbella can be surprisingly wonderful—and why it's important to understand what will actually be open when you arrive.

The group also explores how to choose the right destination for the season, when shoulder season offers the best of both worlds, and why the right timing can completely change your experience. Plus, they head to the Dolomites for a closer look at one of their favorite wellness destinations, a hotel that delivers unforgettable scenery, exceptional food, and a little something for everyone.

What to Know

• Japan in February: Consider what you want to experience and how the season will shape your trip before deciding when to go.
• Paris and Florence in winter: Visiting outside peak season can mean fewer crowds and a different experience of these popular cities.
• Tuscany in January and Lake Como in March: Shoulder and off-season travel can come with trade-offs, so research what will be open and what conditions to expect.
• Marbella at Christmas: Think about how seasonal timing may affect the kind of trip you’re hoping to have.
• Weather matters: Monsoon and hurricane seasons, as well as extreme heat, can affect your plans. Research the risks before booking.
• Beat the crowds: When visiting popular attractions, going early can help you avoid the busiest times.
• Hotel of the Week — Forestis: This mountain retreat in the Dolomites is featured alongside other Alpine hotel recommendations, including Sensoria Dolomites and Hotel Tyrol.

Follow along on Instagram: @boarding_group_a

Has Instagram ruined the joy of discovering a place for yourself? On this episode of Boarding Group A, Gaby Brechner, Jill Albino, and Angela Marini discuss how social media and AI are changing luxury travel—and why the most memorable experiences might be the ones you won't find on your feed.

From overcrowded Nantucket streets to restaurants designed for the perfect photo op, the hosts explore what happens when destinations go viral and whether true luxury is becoming less about exclusivity and more about authenticity, privacy, and being present. They also discuss how travel advisors can use AI as a starting point while bringing the local knowledge, personal connections, and thoughtful customization that technology can't replicate.

Plus, Angela shares how she helped honeymooners stranded by Mount Etna's volcanic ash find a way home, and the hosts spotlight Hotel Manapany in St. Barts, a beachfront retreat where exceptional hospitality, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere make the experience.

In this episode:

• How Instagram and TikTok are changing the way we travel—and the destinations we choose.
• Why the best luxury experiences may be the ones that stay off social media.
• What ChatGPT and Claude are actually good for in travel planning
• Why getting to know your clients is the key to creating truly bespoke itineraries.
• How to handle a travel disruption when flights are canceled and the clock is ticking.
• Hotel of the Week: Hotel Manapany, St. Barts.

What to Know

Hotels & Properties

• Hotel Manapany — St. Barts
• Cheval Blanc St-Barth — St. Barts
• Eden Rock – St Barths — St. Barts
• Le Fouquet's — discussed in the context of a St. Barts stay
• The Ivy — Los Angeles

Destinations

• Nantucket, Massachusetts — How social media is changing the character of a beloved summer destination.
• Sorrento and Taormina, Italy — Finding memorable local restaurants and experiences beyond the usual recommendations.
• Positano, Italy — A popular destination navigating the challenges of increased attention.
• Rome, Italy — When the perfect photo opportunity competes with experiencing a historic landmark.
• Sicily, Italy — Navigating flight disruptions caused by Mount Etna's volcanic ash.
• Patagonia, South America — How local experts can elevate an AI-generated itinerary into a more distinctive adventure.
• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France — A Riviera destination the hosts discuss in the context of low-key luxury.
• Lofoten, Norway — A remote destination where thoughtful tourism and the right traveler fit matter.
• Osaka, Japan — Discovering traditional artisans and experiences through personal connections.
• St. Barts — A destination where choosing the right hotel, beach, and atmosphere can make all the difference.

Follow Boarding Group A on Instagram at @boardinggroupa. And remember: luxury is personal. It's whatever feels exceptional to you.

What if you only have four or five nights—but still want a trip that feels like a real escape?

This week Gaby, Jill, and Angela share their favorite destinations for a quick luxury getaway, from a Portuguese island in the Atlantic to the beaches of Anguilla and the mountains of New Mexico.

Gaby recently spent four nights in Madeira, flying nonstop from New York, and came home convinced that the island deserves a spot on the quick-trip list. She compares the historic Reid’s Palace with the newer Reserve at the Savoy, shares her favorite experiences on the island, and explains why Madeira could be an especially good option for families, independent travelers, or a festive winter escape.

Jill’s ideal five-night trip combines Albuquerque and Santa Fe, starting at Los Poblanos and then heading north to Santa Fe. She makes the case for getting outside the city, soaking at Ten Thousand Waves, exploring the local food and design scene, and taking in the art and landscapes that make the region so special.

Angela heads to the Caribbean with a five-night itinerary in Anguilla, flying into St. Martin and taking a boat across to the island. She shares her favorite hotels, beaches, restaurants, and the joys of renting a little car and simply beach-hopping your way around the island.

And Gaby has another destination on her radar: Stockholm, where she makes the case for one of her favorite city hotels, the Grand Hôtel, and talks about why Sweden—and the wider Nordics—can be such a great alternative to hot European destinations in the summer.

Four nights. Five nights. One very important question: Where would we go?

Plus: why you should always travel with an AirTag, the Madeira restaurant that may be one of Gaby’s top meals of the past five years, and the hotel cat who personally escorted Jill to her room.
 

What to Know

Madeira

• Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel
• The Reserve at Savoy Palace
• Savoy Palace
• Gazebo
• Funchal
• Madeira’s cable cars
• Black sand beaches
• Boat trips
• 4x4 Jeep tours

New Mexico

• Los Poblanos
• Bishop’s Lodge
• Ten Thousand Waves
• St. Francis Hotel
• Santa Fe
• Albuquerque
• Madrid, New Mexico
• Taos
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
• Ghost Ranch
• Santa Fe Opera

Anguilla

• Cap Juluca
• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
• Belmond La Samanna
• Veya
• Blanchards
• Leon’s
• Moke rentals
• St. Martin to Anguilla boat transfer

Stockholm

• Grand Hôtel Stockholm
• The Flag Suite
• Ett Hem
• Villa Dagmar
• Hotel Diplomat
• Stockholm Stadshotellet
• Södermalm
• Fotografiska

Jill takes us through Thailand and Bali, from the riverside Capella Bangkok and 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai to Rosewood Phuket, Trisara, the Ritz-Carlton Bali, and Viceroy Bali. Along the way, the hosts check in on which properties are best for families, honeymooners, and multigenerational trips—and why the way a hotel is designed can completely change how a stay feels.

Angela then takes us to southeastern Sicily, where she discovers some lesser-known properties around Noto and Ragusa, including Il San Corrado di Noto and Baglio Occhipinti. And one small hotel makes a particularly big impression, thanks not just to its beautiful setting and thoughtful design, but to the people who bring the place to life.

That leads to a bigger conversation about what makes a hotel have soul. A beautiful room isn't enough. Neither is a famous name or a great restaurant. For the hosts, true luxury comes from the people, the personal connections, and the feeling that you actually matter to the place.

Plus, Gaby shares a real-time travel dilemma involving a family's plans to visit Normandy on the anniversary of D-Day—and the tricky balance between giving clients your best advice and letting them make their own decisions.

And the travel Myth of the Week: Should you pre-book your airport transfer, or just take an Uber?

What to Know:

Thailand & Bali

• Capella Bangkok
• 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
• Rosewood Phuket
• Trisara
• The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
• Viceroy Bali

Sicily

• Il San Corrado di Noto
• Seven Rooms Villadorata
• Q92 Noto Hotel
• Baglio Occhipinti
• Villa Igiea
• Noto
• Ragusa
• Palermo

What does The White Lotus get right about luxury travel—and what does it get completely wrong?

Gaby, Jill, and Angela kick things off with one of their favorite luxury travel obsessions: The White Lotus. They discuss the real hotels behind the show, what the series gets right about luxury hospitality, and why travelers shouldn't assume everything they see on screen actually happened at the hotel they're booking.

Then they're staying closer to home: New York City.

As longtime New Yorkers and travel advisors, the hosts build the ultimate weekend in the city for a mother and teenage daughter visiting from Chicago. Think fashion, vintage shopping, museums, Broadway, afternoon tea at The Plaza, Central Park, great restaurants—and plenty of ideas beyond the obvious tourist stops.

They debate where they'd stay, from The Fifth Avenue Hotel to Crosby Street Hotel and Soho Grand, and share some of their favorite spots in SoHo, Williamsburg, the West Village, and beyond.

Plus, this week's Hotel of the Week, Hotel Esencia in Mexico, where the hosts talk about private beaches, turtle nesting, personalized service, complimentary minibars, and the little details that can turn a beautiful hotel into a truly memorable one.

And in Travel Myth of the Week, the hosts tackle an important one: You don't have to declare your goods.

Spoiler: Yes, you do. Even your lemons.

What to Know

Italy

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

New York City

Crosby Street Hotel

Soho Grand Hotel

The Fifth Avenue Hotel

The Plaza Hotel

The Peninsula New York

The Pierre New York

The Warren Street Hotel

Mexico

Hotel Esencia

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The Museum at FIT

Tenement Museum

New York Transit Museum

Central Park

High Line

Little Island

Chelsea Market

Industry City

Casa Tua New York

Sant Ambroeus

Le Crocodile

Din Tai Fung

Serafina

American Bar

St. Theo's

Mamo

Frenchy

Dirty French

Cookshop

LoveShackFancy

Bergdorf Goodman

Aritzia

Subdued

Amarcord

Beacon's Closet

Luxury travel can mean very different things depending on your budget. This week, Gaby, Jill, and Angela break down exactly what different budgets can get you in two of the world’s most popular luxury destinations: London and Paris.

Starting at $10,000 for four nights in each city, they work their way up through $25,000 and $50,000 budgets, talking hotels, room categories, neighborhoods, service, location, and where the extra money actually makes a difference. Along the way, they share some of their favorite properties, from Firmdale hotels in London to some of Paris’s most coveted palace hotels.

Then, they tackle a travel myth that comes up constantly: “My friend said I should…”

Your friend may have loved that hotel, that restaurant, or that itinerary—but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. The hosts explain why the best travel planning starts with understanding how you like to travel, what makes you happy, and what you actually want from your trip.

Plus: this week’s Hotel of the Week, Cheval Blanc St-Barth, and a conversation about the difference between a five-star hotel and truly five-star service.

Because, as the hosts put it: luxury is about how you feel—not what it costs, and not what your friends think.

What to Know: 
 

Firmdale Hotels

Broadwick Soho

The Ned

The Berkeley

Corinthia London

The Savoy

The Emory

The Dorchester

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square

Cheval Blanc Paris

Bulgari Hotel Paris

La Réserve Paris

Le Bristol Paris

Shangri-La Paris

Le Meurice official site

Plaza Athénée

Le Grand Mazarin

Hôtel Dame des Arts

Les Jardins du Faubourg

Adele & Jules

Monsieur Georges

Cheval Blanc St-Barth

What does “luxury travel” actually mean? For hosts Gabrielle Brechner, Jill Albino, and Angela Marini, it’s not simply about the biggest suite, the fanciest hotel, or the highest price tag. It’s about creating an experience that feels exactly right for you.

In the first episode of Boarding Group A, the travel advisors pull back the curtain on how they think about luxury travel—and why the best trip can look completely different from one traveler to the next. They talk about why knowing a client matters more than knowing a destination, how they decide when a splurge is actually worth it, and why a hotel room can make or break an entire trip.

They also get into the things you won’t necessarily find online: the rooms that are worth upgrading to, the hotels that are right for one traveler but wrong for another, the value of relationships with people on the ground, and why sometimes the smartest luxury decision is to wait until you can afford to do a trip right.

Plus: their favorite hotels in Positano, why Italy keeps pulling them back, what they really think about using ChatGPT to plan travel, and the travel myths they wish clients would stop believing.

Next up: how to figure out what your travel budget should actually be.

What to Know:

Santa Caterina (Amalfi Coast, Italy): https://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Iceland): https://www.bluelagoon.com/accommodation/retreat-hotel

Le Sirenuse (Positano, Italy): https://sirenuse.it/en/

Il San Pietro di Positano (Positano, Italy): https://www.ilsanpietro.com/

Four Seasons Hotel Osaka (Osaka, Japan): https://www.fourseasons.com/osaka/

Amanoi (Vietnam): https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanoi

The George V (Paris, France): https://www.fourseasons.com/paris/

Le Meurice (Paris, France): https://www.dorchestercollection.com/paris/le-meurice

Eleven Deplar Farm (Iceland): https://elevenexperience.com/lodge-destinations/iceland/eleven-deplar-farm