Luxury Travel Insider

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 the island's glamorous past, hosting the likes of Jacques Cousteau and, more recently, George and Amal Clooney, to what it took to reimagine an entire island. Arnaud also shares why he believes the deepest lesson Bendor can teach a visitor is simply how to embrace the joy of life.

So pour yourself a glass of rosé, settle in, and enjoy this sun-soaked 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/

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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 culture that's deeply connected to the land.

We're checking into the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Joining us to share his insights is Charlie Parker, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of this iconic resort.

We chat about the history of the island and what makes it unique, the local art and cultural center, Haualai's 1.8 million gallon swimmable aquarium, and so much more.

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/

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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 Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boorman. Phil spent his entire life leading far flung experiences around the globe until deciding to come home and show off his country to adventurous travelers.

We chat about how to have meaningful experiences as a tourist, life lessons learned from adventures, and how New Zealand gives you the time and space to slow down and enjoy.

If you're looking for a sense of meaning, luxury, and unique experiences all wrapped into one - this is the episode for you. I hope you enjoy this fun chat, on 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/

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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, whose family founded Crillon Tours and who now leads A&K Bolivia, and Javier Loza, one of the most knowledgeable guides I've had anywhere in the world.

We talk about everything from Potosí's silver-fueled rivalry with London and Paris, to a law giving nature legal rights, to waking up on the other worldly Uyuni salt flats and the ancestral healers of Lake Titicaca.

So settle in for this rich 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/

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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 nightlife blends gorgeously with the island's Caribbean roots.

My guest today is Fabrice Moizan, GM of the famous Eden Rock Hotel in St. Barths. Fabrice is himself French but has lived on the island for almost a decade. We talk about the blended roots of St. Barths, the feeling you get when you step into Eden Rock, and all that this little island has to offer.

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/

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Covac Global.

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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 far flung, relaxing, tropical paradise, or a more active adventure complete with interesting wildlife, hiking, and island hopping - the Seychelles really has something for almost everyone.

Tomas and I chat about the different personalities of the various islands, the history, pirate inspired treasure hunts, and of course some of the gorgeous hotels.

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/

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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 its owners Jochen and Kate Zeitz. Jochen has been the CEO of companies like Puma and Harley Davidson but his passion lies in Africa and the culture and arts of its people. Kate is an accomplished television, movie, and documentary producer and was captured by the landscapes here and the drive to show the world its beauty.

Kate, Jochen, and I chat about everything from rhino conservation, to building the lodge, to immersing in the harmony and balance that is Africa.

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/

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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 before a single ship existed and has watched the vision go from blank pages to a fleet at sea.

We talk about everything from what changed in the ships' design, to the off the beaten path ports, to the corners of the ship guests stumble onto and can't stop talking about.

Maybe pour yourself a glass of rose, settle in, and enjoy this episode about slowing down, and what the ocean teaches us about time.

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/

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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 resorts, world class golf courses - and you're truly on vacation.

My guest today is Stefano Baratelli, the Executive Director at Eden Roc Cap Cana. This resort is one that has been special for so many of our clients, so I was excited to share it with you too. Stefano and I chat about the culinary focus of the property, the culture of the island, and some over the top New Years parties.

Have fun with this sun and sand episode, and when you're ready to stay, don't forget that you get extra perks for booking through Bell & Bly Travel. Enjoy!

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/

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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 waterfalls and jungle scenery, learn about the history of this melting pot country, or simply immerse into the authentic culture - Lao is a place that captures hearts.

My guests today are Tara Gujadhur who runs the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Lao, Rachel O'Shea who founded the Laos Buffalo Dairy, and JB Richards our partner in the region and expert in all things Southeast Asia.

We chat about everything from the importance of preserving traditional crafts, to the process of making cheese from buffalo milk, to amazing experiences you can have getting to know the locals.

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

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