Luxury Unpacked

In this episode of Luxury Unpacked, host Fiona Dalton sits down with Steve Richards, managing director of AmaWaterways Australia and New Zealand, to unpack a category carrying an image that has not caught up with the product.

River cruising is still described in some quarters as slower, quieter, a holiday for a certain age. Richards has spent two and a half years championing a different view, and the numbers now do a lot of the arguing for him. The average AmaWaterways river cruiser is in their 50s. On the dedicated wine sailings it is younger again. The line was the first to put bicycles on board.

Fiona, who has run a river cruise company herself, is not an easy audience, and that is what makes this a useful conversation rather than a brand tour. They work through the myths one at a time: who actually books a river cruise now, how much there is to do in a day, what luxury means on a ship where the hardware can only be so grand, and why the food comes from within 15 kilometres of the riverbank and the freezers hold nothing but ice cream.

They also get practical. Balcony or window, and when the difference is worth paying for. What really happens when ships raft up three deep in Vienna. Solo staterooms with no supplement, and the seating trick at dinner that does more for solo travellers than any of it. Laundry, dietaries, and how far ahead to book.

Then there is the scale story. AmaWaterways is heading from 31 ships to more than 50 by 2032, with vessels on the Nile, the Mekong, the Chobe in Botswana and the Magdalena in Colombia, a river no passenger ship had worked since the coffee barges of the 1960s. Seven years of research went into putting one back.

For the traveller who has written river off, and for the advisor fielding that objection from a client, this is a useful 42 minutes on how far the category has moved and how much of the old script is now out of date.

Start planning at amawaterways.com/au

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Read more about this episode Rolling on the River: The rebirth of luxury river cruising with AmaWaterways' Steve Richards here

Discover more from the Karryon Podcast Network:

Into the Hearts of Canada here

The Karryon Check-In with Matt Leedham here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcast Network original show, hosted by Fiona Dalton and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many Countries and Nations in which this show is made and travels, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Correction: In this episode we mistakenly used the wrong pronouns for G Flip. G Flip uses they/them pronouns and we sincerely apologise for the error.

Show Notes: In this episode of Luxury Unpacked, host Fiona Dalton sits down with Tom Kiely, CEO of Visit West Hollywood, to unpack a destination that knows exactly what it is.

West Hollywood is a city of around 35,000 residents, incorporated in 1984 in part to protect its LGBTQIA+ community. Four decades on it is one of the most recognised names in inclusive luxury travel, with a concentration of hotels, restaurants, galleries and design showrooms that would be remarkable in a city ten times its size.

Fiona describes it as luxury with an edge, and that is the thread that runs through the conversation. Tom talks about what inclusive luxury actually feels like on the ground for a guest, rather than in a marketing campaign, and where the genuine article separates from the tokenism. They walk the difference between the media narrative around Los Angeles and the experience a visitor actually has in WeHo. And they get practical: the hotel landscape from the Sunset Tower to Kimpton La Peer, The Andaz, The London West Hollywood and Ian Schrager's PUBLIC on the Strip; the restaurants worth the booking; a neighbourhood you can genuinely walk; and a currency story that makes this an unusually good moment for Australians to be looking at the United States.

For the traveller weighing up a European city break against the West Coast, and for the advisor whose clients want to feel welcome as much as they want a good room, this is a useful half hour on why West Hollywood is a destination in its own right, and not simply a suburb of Los Angeles.

Start planning at visitwesthollywood.com

Also mentioned in this episode: The Sunset Strip · Pacific Design Center · LA Pride

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Read more about this episode The Welcome Effect: How West Hollywood inspires travellers to live more boldly

Discover more from the Karryon Podcast Network:

Into the Hearts of Canada here

The Karryon Check-In with Matt Leedham here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcast Network original show, hosted by Fiona Dalton and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many Countries and Nations in which this show is made and travels, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Welcome to Luxury Unpacked Season Two with Fiona Dalton.

In a compelling two-part discussion, this episode of Luxury Unpacked delves into the intricate tapestry of luxury travel, featuring insights from industry leaders Michael Londregan and Yvonne Verstandig.

Michael Londregan’s segment is a sophisticated exposition on the philosophy of Virtuoso, where he argues for the unparalleled advantages of engaging a human travel advisor in an era dominated by digital platforms.

Transitioning to Yvonne Verstandig, the discussion shifts towards the practical applications of this philosophy in her travel agency, Y Travel. Yvonne’s innovative approach centres around the profound question of why we travel, rather than merely where we wish to go.

Thank you for listening, thank you for believing in the power of travel, and here’s to the journeys that stay with us long after we’ve returned.

Read more about this episode here

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Find your Virtuoso Advisor at virtuoso.com

Discover more from the Karryon Podcast Network:

Into the Hearts of Canada here

The Karryon Check-In with Matt Leedham here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcast Network original show, hosted by Fiona Dalton and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many Countries and Nations in which this show is made and travels, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Welcome to the Luxury Unpacked Season One Wrap Party — a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate what we’ve learned from ten incredible conversations about the world of modern luxury.

From Portofino to the Polar Regions, from the wellness sanctuaries of Thailand to the red heart of Australia, we’ve explored one big question: what does luxury really mean today?

And as it turns out there’s no single answer — just a thousand beautiful interpretations.

Hear from all of our fabulous Season 1 guests, as we share the highlights and takeaways from this standout series.

And while Season One may be wrapped, the conversation is far from over.

Season Two of Luxury Unpacked is already on the horizon — and we’ll keep exploring the stories, trends and people redefining the future of luxury travel.

Until then — thank you for listening, thank you for believing in the power of travel, and here’s to the journeys that stay with us long after we’ve returned. 

Cheers to Season One!

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

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Discover more from Karryon Podcast's: Listen to Into The Hearts Of Canada here

And The Karryon's Check In here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcasts original podcast, hosted by Fiona Dalton, produced by Cassie Walker and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

In the finale of Karryon's season 1 of Luxury Unpacked, hosted by Fiona Dalton, we head to the skies for a practical, advisor-led guide to flying in style.

Answering the question, would you be able to book Premium Economy, Business or First Class for your next long-haul journey from Australia?

Seasoned experts join Fiona to explore the options. David Brandon, from Luxury Travel Advisory at Savenio, brings the advisor’s lens, and Dennis Bunnik, from Bunnik Tours and the popular YouTube channel Dennis Bunnik Travels, offers the frequent flyer and airline reviewer's perspective.

Together, they dig deep on: 

• When Premium Economy makes sense
• Why Business is often the "sweet spot"
• When First Class is worth the splurge
• Tips for smart upgrades, points use and earlybird deals
• What’s coming next in the world of luxury air travel

Whether you fly often or dream of upgrading, this episode will help you choose smarter, not just spend more.

Read more about choosing the right seat here

Learn more about Savenio here

Learn more about Bunnik Tours here

Watch Dennis's flight reviews on YouTube here

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about this episode here

Discover more from Karryon Podcasts: Listen to Into The Hearts Of Canada here

And the Karryon's Check In here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcasts original podcast, hosted by Fiona Dalton, produced by Cassie Walker and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

In this episode of Luxury Unpacked, host Fiona Dalton sits down with two long-time friends and industry leaders — Lisa Pile, Vice President & General Manager Asia Pacific at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Deb Corbett, CEO Asia Pacific at Ponant Explorations Group — for a warm and insightful conversation designed to help affluent travellers make confident choices.

Together, they unpack the myths and misconceptions about cruising, share insider tips from decades of experience, and highlight the diverse styles of luxury and expedition cruising available today. Whether you’re dreaming of an all-inclusive voyage across iconic seas or an intimate expedition to the world’s most remote corners, this episode will give you the practical advice and inspiration you need to choose the luxury cruise that’s right for you.

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about this episode here

Discover more from Karryon Podcasts: Listen to Into The Hearts Of Canada here

And The Karryon's Check In here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcasts original podcast, hosted by Fiona Dalton, produced by Cassie Walker and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

In this episode of Karryon Podcast's Luxury Unpacked, with Fiona Dalton, and the second in our ‘Wellness is the New Wealth’ series — we step inside one of the world’s most revered wellness sanctuaries: Kamalaya.

Set on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Kamalaya has become a global icon in transformative travel. It’s more than a retreat — it’s a place of deep return: to purpose, to healing, to self.

General Manager and Wellness Director of Kamalaya Gopal Kumar, joins us for a deep and inspiring conversation, not only about the benefits of the Kamalaya experience, but leaving us all with motivation to make improvements to our every day, in travel and at home.

Learn more about Kamalaya here

Listen to Part 1 of How Wellness Is The New Wealth with Penny Spencer here

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about this episode here

Discover more from Karryon Podcast's: Listen to Into The Hearts Of Canada here

And The Karryon's Check In here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcasts original podcast, hosted by Fiona Dalton, produced by Cassie Walker and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

In this opening episode of our wellness mini-series, of Karryon Podcast's Luxury Unpacked host Fiona Dalton is joined by Penny Spencer of Spencer Travel Wellness.

The two leaders in the travel industry explore how luxury travel is being redefined by a rising demand for holistic, transformational experiences. As wellness becomes the new benchmark of affluence, we discuss the evolution of wellness travel, the types of experiences Penny is curating, and why personalisation and purpose now matter more than prestige.

Backed by recent market insights and years of front-line client engagement, Penny offers a compelling view into the future of luxury travel — one rooted in nourishment, longevity, and intention.

Make sure to subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here to get Part 2 of this mini-series first

Note, the Global Wellness Economy statistics noted in this episode have since changed since the time of recording, read more: https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/press-releases/the-global-wellness-economy-reaches-a-new-peak-of-6-3-trillion-and-is-forecast-to-hit-9-trillion-by-2028/

Find out more about Spencer Travel Wellness here

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about this episode here

Discover more from Karryon Podcast's: Listen to Into The Hearts Of Canada here

And The Karryon's Check In here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcasts original podcast, hosted by Fiona Dalton, produced by Cassie Walker and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

In this episode of Karryon Podcast's Luxury Unpacked, host Fiona Dalton celebrates the vital role of the luxury travel advisor.

With over three decades of experience, recognition as Luxury Travel Advisor of the Year 2023, and personal travel to more than 50 countries, seasoned advisor, Jo Kennedy brings deep expertise to the conversation. We’ll explore how trusted advisors act as strategists, connectors, and dream-makers, delivering once-in-a-lifetime journeys and measurable 'return on life.'

We also discuss how Jo leverages her Virtuoso membership and Travel Associates’ black book of global contacts to unlock extraordinary access, exclusive experiences, and value for her clients.

Connect with Jo Kennedy here

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about this episode here

Discover more from Karryon Podcast's: Listen to Into The Hearts Of Canada here

And The Karryon's Check In here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcasts original podcast, hosted by Fiona Dalton, produced by Cassie Walker and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.

Australian luxury travel is at a pivotal juncture, redefinition of what constitutes luxury in the modern era. In this episode of Karryon Podcast's Luxury Unpacked, our host Fiona Dalton is joined by two prominent figures in the industry, Drew Klusker and Penny Rafferty, to unravel the threads of this evolving narrative.

Together, they explore how luxury travel in Australia is a significant step away from mere extravagance and opulence and leans towards a model that values authentic experiences and sustainable practices. The concept of 'barefoot luxury,' which champions a more grounded, meaningful approach to travel that resonates with the contemporary traveler’s quest for genuine connection.

Learn more about Luxury Lodges:

www.linkedin.com/company/luxury-lodges-of-australia

www.facebook.com/LuxuryLodgesOfAustralia/

www.instagram.com/luxurylodgesofaustralia/

www.youtube.com/user/LuxuryLodgesOfAust

Learn more about The Tailor:

https://www.instagram.com/thetailortravel/  

https://www.facebook.com/TheTailorTravel  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thetailor/  

https://www.youtube.com/user/thetailortravel/featured 

Subscribe to the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about the Luxury Unpacked Podcast here

Read more about this episode here

Discover more from Karryon Podcast's: Listen to Into The Hearts Of Canada here

And The Karryon's Check In here

Visit: karryon.com.au for more from Karryon

Luxury Unpacked is a Karryon Podcasts original podcast, hosted by Fiona Dalton, produced by Cassie Walker and executive produced by Matt Leedham.

Karryon acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which Karryon Media is made and the lands you are listening from today.