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.

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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.

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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 friend Steinar Soerli is the fifth-generation owner of the wildly luxurious Amot in Western Norway, and we are joined by Kesia Yansen, the General Manager of the property.

We'll hear their stories about the transformation of this homestead into a luxury destination, explore the breathtaking fjords of the region, and learn more about the local community and homegrown cuisine.

Get ready to be captivated by Norwegian hospitality as we discover the magic of the destination on this episode of Luxury Travel Insider!

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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 joined by Sara Gardiner, owner of Matetsi Victoria Falls, a beautiful lodge just minutes from the Falls and surrounded by incredible wildlife. Sara and I chat about the legends that shaped local understanding of the Falls, what those first explorers must have felt when they encountered this massive curtain of water, the rewilding of the Matetsi reserve, and her favorite ways for travelers to experience both the adventure and the quiet magic of this region.

I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with Sara Gardiner.

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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 Senses Krabey Island.

Together, we explore Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat, from Khmer worldviews and traditions to the experiences that define life on this island, including wildlife encounters, bioluminescent waters, and the quiet moments that stay with guests long after they leave.

Please enjoy this relaxing episode of Luxury Travel Insider.

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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 as a way to escape mental overload, to how people are using trips to mark life moments. We go deep on the evolution from wellness travel to overall wellbeing travel and the expansion of where and when our clients are traveling.

It's a fun, forward looking conversation, but a very practical one, grounded in what we're actually seeing happen in the world right now.

Grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy this deep dive into the trends that will define how we travel in 2026.

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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 notice the details, and yes…. To have opinions. And because we're friends, nothing is off limits. Together we dish on everything from our favorite destinations of the year, to top hotels, safari moments, food obsessions, and those "I can't believe this is my job" moments.

But before we dive in, I want to say thank you. Thank you for listening for another year, for sharing the show with friends and family, for sending in your thoughts and feedback, and for trusting me and Bell & Bly Travel with your most important experiences. It's such an honor to inspire your adventures!

So please enjoy this year's Besties episode and here's to an incredible 2026 filled with meaningful experiences and memorable travel.

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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 partners in Chile and Iceland, Mauricio Vergara and Erling Aspelund. Two countries often described as lands of fire and ice, in opposite hemispheres, celebrating the same holidays in very different ways.

We talk about family traditions, food, lights, Santas, bonfires, and New Years rituals, plus what it's really like to experience Christmas and New Years as a traveler in each destination.

So grab a festive drink, settle in, and enjoy this global holiday celebration on Luxury Travel Insider.

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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, and offers days spent exploring quiet islands by wooden boat, tasting seafood pulled straight from the sea, and soaking up landscapes that genuinely lift your spirit.

Ellen and I chat about the folklore of Chiloé, its UNESCO listed treasures, the power of art and nature to boost happiness, and the behind the scenes stories that make Refugio so special.

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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 the seeds for the island's long tradition of individuality, artistry, and living life on one's own terms.

Joining me to explore all of this is David Mulin, the General Manager of Six Senses Ibiza, a stunning sanctuary focused on wellness, sustainability, and creativity.

We discuss what makes northern Ibiza so distinct, the rituals and experiences that capture the soul of the property, and how the island's bohemian history still shapes everything from its food to its community to its energy.

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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