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 to help unpack what makes this country so unique, are my partners in the region, Živa Vincetič and Mattej Valencic.

We chat about Slovenia's fascinating history and cultural identity, the landscapes that define it, from the Julian Alps to its famous karst caves, and of course the incredible experiences from outdoor adventure to wine and cuisine.

I hope you enjoy this inspiring 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

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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, the General Manager of Miavana, one of the most exclusive private island resorts in the world.

We talk about what makes Madagascar feel like an entirely different planet, from cutie its lemurs and chameleons to its landscapes. We also chat about the intention behind building Miavana, and what it really means to experience luxury in a place where nature still leads.

Hope you enjoy this 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 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 Lucia Achena, a Sardinia expert and one of our partners in the region, to help us peel back the layers of Sardinia and discover the best ways to experience both its glamorous coastline and its deeply authentic interior.

So whether you're dreaming of sailing the Emerald Coast, exploring ancient ruins, or just understanding what makes this island so unique`, I know you'll enjoy this 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 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 Époque creatives to Old Hollywood and the Cannes Film Festival, it's a place that feels truly timeless.

My guest today is Philippe Perd, the longtime Managing Director of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Philippe and I chat about the spirit of the French Riviera, the fascinating history of the property, and what it takes to steward one of the most iconic hotels on earth.

So imagine yourself on the coast, with the sea breeze drifting in, and enjoy this Riviera 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'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 Wellman is a speaker, author of the book, You Only Die Once, fellow Penn graduate, and founder of Four Thousand Mondays. Jodi's work centers on a powerful idea: that our time on this earth is limited and precious. And when we really let that sink in, it changes how we choose to live.

In this conversation, we unpack the psychology behind the Latin phrase memento mori, and how this awareness of our fragility can actually increase vitality and meaning. Then we bring it into travel. How does knowing our time is limited shift the trips we take, the experiences we prioritize, and the way we show up? How do we return home not just rested, but more alive?

So, if you've ever told yourself, "We'll take that trip someday," this episode might gently challenge that.

Let's dive in.

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

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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, unexpected nature just beyond the city streets.

Joining me today are two people who know Hong Kong from very different, deeply personal perspectives. Gerald Hatherly, who has lived in Hong Kong for decades and helped shape how travelers experience Asia, and Yim Tom, a Hong Kong based artist whose work bridges history, craftsmanship, and contemporary design.

We talk about everything from food and art to unspoken cultural rules, nature escapes, pop culture, and what Hong Kong reveals about the world when you really take the time to see it.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this interesting 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

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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 else on earth.

Joining us today is one of my partners in the region, Tamsyn Fricker. Hailing from South Africa, Tamsyn has spent her career designing once in a lifetime journeys across the continent. We chat about what makes Africa so powerful for couples, our favorite regions and properties, and the moments that deepen relationships in a way only Africa can.

So get cozy, and come with us to Africa 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

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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 how world-class cities just have a way of making romance feel effortless. Whether you're wandering along a river, lingering over an indulgent meal, or experiencing something new - timeless moments like these bring couples closer together in ways everyday life rarely allows.

So pour yourself a glass of Bordeaux or Brunello, and enjoy this Paris vs. Rome 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

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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 Tetiaroa, and home to The Brando. It's a place where nature sets the pace, privacy is built into the experience, and connection tends to happen without trying.

And today, I'm honored to be chatting with Richard Bailey, the owner of this famed hotel. We talk about everything from the early days of his partnership with Marlon Brando, to the island's deep commitment to sustainability, to unforgettable encounters with the natural world.

So settle in, and let's escape to Tetiaroa.

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

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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 couples go, but why and how travel has always played such a powerful role in love stories.

Today's episode is our big picture conversation. We're talking about the history of honeymoons, how romantic travel has evolved, what couples are craving right now, and the design details that turn a nice trip into something unforgettable.

Later this month, we'll dive into specific styles of romantic travel, from tropical escapes, to iconic city breaks, to soulful journeys through Africa. But today is about setting the stage.

Joining me for this discussion is Jim Augerinos, an expert in honeymoon travel.

So imagine yourself with a loved one somewhere beautiful, and enjoy this fun 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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