Today we're stepping into the world of understated glamour, playful elegance, and celebrating 100 years of Parisian magic at Le Bristol Paris. Opened in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, this legendary Palace hotel has quietly hosted history— from movie stars to fashion icons and modern-day royals. And through it all, Le Bristol has remained a joyful, ever-evolving symbol of true French hospitality.

Joining me is Managing Director Luca Allegri, and we're diving into what makes this icon so beloved—from rooftop swims and hidden ateliers to heartwarming guest stories and the subtle magic of waking up in a suite above the City of Light.

So grab a glass of champagne—or maybe a croissant—and enjoy this très chic 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/

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today, we're venturing to a corner of Europe that feels like a world all its own - the Basque Country. Straddling Spain and France, this is a place where ancient traditions meet avant-garde cuisine, where surfers ride some of the best waves in Europe, and where you can hear one of the oldest living languages on the continent.

There's a saying in Basque, "Izena duenak izana du," which means, "That which has a name, exists." The Basque Country is a place that names its mountains, its winds, its waves – and by doing so, keeps its ancient identity alive.

Joining me today is Frederic Du Coral, who takes us deep into this interesting culture. We talk about everything from medieval history to the modern spirit of resilience that defines the region today.

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

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today, we're continuing our exploration of the fascinating intersection between positive psychology and travel and I couldn't be more excited to have one of the leading minds in the field with us.

Shige Oishi is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the most cited psychologists in the world. With over 200 journal articles and books to his name — including his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions — Shige has spent decades researching happiness, meaning, and cultural influences on well-being.

In today's episode, we unpack what psychological richness really means, how it differs from happiness and meaning, and how travel is one of the very best ways tap into this powerful dimension of life.

If you've ever felt that travel enriches your life in unexpected ways, this episode is for you. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of curiosity and perspective shifts with one of the foremost experts on the subject.

Let's dive in!

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

My guest today is a bit of a renaissance man. Jim Manley is the Chairman of Atlantic Pacific Capital… and also the VERY hands on owner of one of the top properties in all of the United States - The Ranch at Rock Creek.

Located in a hidden valley, nestled against a sparkling clear creek, in the heart of Western Montana, Ranch at Rock Creek is the only Forbes 5 Star guest ranch in the world.

Whether you spend your days fly fishing, horseback riding, sipping whiskey in the Silver Dollar Saloon, or relaxing in the spa - one thing is clear. Ranch at Rock Creek is a place where you can get away from it all, connect with those around you, and get back in touch with your inner child.

Jim and I discuss how his childhood dream led to this magical experience, how Montana is the "last best place," and why America's most expensive hotel is worth the price tag.

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

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most enchanting ways to experience Japan - staying at a ryokan. If you've ever dreamed of sleeping on tatami mats, slipping into a steaming onsen, or savoring a multi-course kaiseki dinner crafted with local, seasonal ingredients - a ryokan stay is the ultimate expression of Japanese hospitality and tradition.

To help us explore this beautiful corner of Japanese culture, I'm joined by two very special guests: Ms. Ritsuko Nakamura, the okamisan, or head of Ryokan Kurashiki, and Ms. Kumi Sato, the okamisan of Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen.

In Japan, the okami-san holds a deeply respected role, preserving centuries-old customs and caring for guests with a level of warmth and grace that words alone can't fully capture. It's rare to hear directly from these remarkable women, so while they may have been a little nervous, they were truly excited to share with you. I hope you'll lean in and savor this unique chance to hear about Japan's ryokan tradition.

We talk about what makes a ryokan stay so transformative, from the seasonal beauty outside your window to the artful simplicity within. If you're planning a trip to Japan, or simply curious about the Japanese art of slowing down, this episode is for you.

Let's step inside.

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

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It's a spot where everything feels alive and you can't help but be wowed by the humanity of it all.

Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand new Peninsula Istanbul. We discuss everything from Turkish cuisine, to the contemporary art scene, to the special elements that Peninsula has brought to the city.

And as a special bonus for this episode, Jonathan is offering VIP meet and greet, a yacht arrival experience, and an upgrade to a suite for the first listener to book the property through Bell & Bly Travel!

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

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today, I'm kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you've ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there's actually science behind that. And over the past year, I've been studying it deeply through my master's at Penn — not just as a travel professional, but as a human who believes that travel can be truly transformative.

To launch this series, I'm so honored to welcome one of my mentors and dear friends, Leona Brandwene. Leona is the Associate Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she helps lead the renowned MAPP program. She's also a master teacher, a coach, a mom, and someone who lives and breathes this work in such an authentic and inspiring way.

In this conversation, we explain the basics of positive psychology. And then we explore how travel sparks awe, builds agency, strengthens relationships, and helps us find deeper meaning.

If you've ever felt that your best self shows up on the road, this episode will give you language, insight, and maybe even a few ideas to bring that feeling into everyday life.

Let's dive in.

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today we're headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of.

Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we're diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate.

One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Private Island boasts exclusive over-water villas, a Troon golf course, water park for kids, and some of the friendliest service you'll find anywhere.

Wayne tells incredible stories of the founding of Velaa, the staff going above and beyond for guests, lavish holiday parties, and incredible experiences.

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

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today's episode is a little different — and very special.

Not only are we celebrating five incredible years of Luxury Travel Insider… but I am, for the first time ever, inviting YOU to come on the show.

To celebrate this five-year milestone, I'm inviting three of our listeners to join me as guests for a special anniversary episode.

If you love the show, if travel has inspired you, or if Luxury Travel Insider has played even a small part in your journey, I would be so honored to have you on the show. We'll make you the travel celebrity of the day and talk about your travel experiences, how it's added meaning to your life, and more.

Here's how you can apply:

• Just head to the show notes for this episode and fill out a quick form.

• You can also find the link in my Instagram bio (@sarahgoesglobal).

• Or if you prefer, shoot us an email at [email protected] with the subject line Podcast Interview, and we'll send you the form directly.

We want to hear your reflections — your favorite travel memories, what you've learned from traveling, and how you think travel changes us.

So if Luxury Travel Insider has touched your life, inspired your travels, or simply made you smile, I would love to celebrate this milestone with you.

Thank you, Insiders, for an unforgettable five years — and here's to many more adventures ahead.

Cheers, and I'll talk to you soon!

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today we're headed south to the tiny but intriguing country of Belize. Nestled into Central America surrounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras - Belize will capture your imagination. Experience dense rainforest, the second largest barrier reef in the world, phenomenal wildlife, and ancient Mayan culture and history.

Joining me today is Martin Krediet, the General Manager of Turtle Inn. This property is owned by the Coppola family, which explains how every nook is infused with magic and interesting details.

Martin and I talk about everything from whale sharks to Francis Coppola, to puppies, and Mayan Ruins. He tells some amazing stories and really gives us a sense of what it's like to visit this slice of paradise.

Please 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/

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn