Alejandro Bataller is the Vice President of AB Living and the SHA Wellness Clinic, one of the best wellness clinics in the world. Since its founding, SHA has led the way in innovative, holistic health.  The clinic has won numerous awards, including being named “World´s Best Wellness Clinic” from World Spa Awards and “Best Medical Spa International” from Conde Nast Traveller and Tatler. Born in Argentina with Spanish-Italian roots, Alejandro has led a fascinating life in international business. He’s been awarded the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from Gentleman magazine, as well as the “Young Entrepreneur of the Year”  Award from the Spanish Association of Young Entrepreneurs. He joins Melissa to explore the story of the SHA Wellness Clinic, a deeply personal journey tied to his father’s cancer diagnosis. They explore the limitless possibilities of living and maintaining optimal health, and the cutting-edge medical and natural therapies shaping SHA’s future. Alejandro reveals why SHA stands apart in the oversaturated wellness space — and why the world of wellness is here to stay.  Plus, don’t miss exciting updates about the company’s second location in Mexico that opened last year.  

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instagram.com/shawellness
instagram.com/shawellness_mexico
instagram.com/shawellness_spain

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Louise Leakey is a third-generation paleoanthropologist and National Geographic Explorer who has spent much of her life searching for humanity's origins in Kenya. Growing up in East Africa, her family has contributed enormously to understanding our African origins through their work in both Kenya and Tanzania. Louise earned her PhD in Biology from the University College London and is an anthropology research professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a research associate at the National Museum of Kenya. She directs the palaeoanthropological expeditions of the Koobi Fora Research Project, and her team’s discoveries have changed our understanding of the diversity in the hominin fossil record. Louise joins Melissa to explore why she studies the past—and what it tells us about our future. She shares stories of growing up in the field surrounded by scientists and researchers (she was actually the youngest person to discover a hominid fossil at the age of five). She also reveals some of her most exciting fossil finds, the importance of the Nairobi National Museum, stories from the field (including jackals stealing her shoes), why it's essential to safeguard scientific collections and her hopes for the human species.

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Instagram: instagram.com/louiseleakey

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/louiseleakey

Website: leakeyjourneys.org

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/leakey-journeys-and-expeditions/

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Located along California’s Highway 1 on the cliffs of Big Sur lies Post Ranch Inn, one of the most extraordinary eco-hotels in the world. Surrounded by sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains, it’s a sanctuary for the soul—an ideal place for relaxation, rejuvenation or romance. Mike Freed, the co-founder of the legendary property, joins Melissa to explore the story behind the nature-inspired hotel, which was originally a cattle ranch and multi-generation homestead. Mike is a leader in sustainability; he co-chairs the Visit California Luxury Initiative and the Task Force for Sustainable Tourism. He’s also a founding member of the nonprofit Regenerative California, which aims to make California the world’s first regenerative economy, as well as Beyond Green, a diverse portfolio of hotels and lodges that meet globally recognized sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Mike shares how he applies community, culture and nature to every decision and the ways he’s woven sustainability into the guest experience. He also explores the power of tourism, the impact of social media, the evolving idea of luxury and his insider tips for making the most of a visit to Big Sur. Plus — don’t miss his Big Sur book and movie recommendations before your next trip. 

Follow the Post Ranch Inn on Instagram: instagram.com/postranchinn

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Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa became the first team to summit Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. Their historic feat turned the pair into an international symbol of adventure, courage and teamwork. Joining Melissa for this special episode of Passport to Everywhere are the duo’s sons, Peter Hillary and Jamling Tanzing Norgay, who have carried on their families’ legacy. Peter Hillary is an author, motivational speaker, expedition leader and mountaineer, and he first ascended Everest in 1990. Since then, he’s completed the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Jamling Tenzing Norgay is a climber, mountain guide, author and motivational speaker. He became the star of the IMAX documentary Everest when he summited the mountain in 1996. 

While on location for a film shoot in Nepal for Indagare’s partnership with Bank of America, the two spoke with Melissa and shared stories passed down from their fathers’ daring expeditions. They reveal insights into their fathers’ background: Tenzing grew up raising yaks and ran away from his village to answer what he describes as the “calling of the Mountain;” for Edmund “it was love at first sight” on a school trip in the outdoors. They explore inspiring lessons of leadership, the impact of tourism on Mount Everest and the work of their foundations that give back to Nepalese communities. Plus, tune in to discover firsthand accounts at Buckingham Palace, Jamling’s dangerous experience while filming Everest and their advice for becoming a great climber. 

For more on the work of Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, check out the Himalayan Trust and the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation.

Follow Peter: instagram.com/_peterhillary

Follow Jamling: instagram.com/jamlingtenzing

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Chef Yannick Alléno is widely known as one of the world’s greatest chefs. He’s dedicated his career to reinventing French cuisine across 17 international restaurants, which have earned a total of 16 Michelin. He joins Melissa to talk about his London debut Pavyllon and its dedicated Bar Antoine at the Four Seasons Park Lane. Chef Yannick has infused his creativity into Pavyllon, transforming it into one of the most coveted reservations in London (which earned its first Michelin star within six months of opening). Originally from the outskirts of Paris, Chef Yannick details how growing up in France influenced his perspective on food and how a trip to Japan changed his approach in the kitchen. He reveals his advice for aspiring chefs and shares details on how he revolutionized the foundation of French cuisine by using techniques like “extraction,” which allows dishes to be both flavorful and healthy. He also shares his thoughts on the evolution of dining and how he continues to innovate for the future. 

To discover more:

Website: 
yannick-alleno.com/fr/
pavyllonlondon.com
fourseasons.com/london

Instagram:
instagram.com/yannickalleno
instagram.com/pavyllon_london
instagram.com/fslondon
instagram.com/barantoinelondon

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Website: indagare.com

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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A trip to Japan isn’t complete without a stay at a ryokan, and Gora Kadan in Hakone National Park captures this authentic experience in a world-class way. A 90-minute drive outside of Tokyo, the luxurious, traditional Japanese inn was originally a summer retreat of the Imperial family, and it now attracts both local and international travelers from all over the world. Melissa is joined by Ryutaro Hashimoto, the CEO of Gora Kadan and co-head of Japan at Star Asia, and Malcolm MacLean, the founder and current managing partner of Star Asia. Hashimoto San has spent almost a decade at Star Asia and became the CEO of Gora Kadan in 2017. Malcolm has over 24 years of experience in real estate investment in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He studied economics at Cambridge University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics and law from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Malcolm and Hashimoto San share their insight into not only Gora Kadan but Japan as a whole—including onsen baths, tea ceremonies, the safe culture and why Japan has the best skiing in the world. They also explore why investment in Japan continues to grow and reveal impactful cultural insights. Plus, don’t miss their must-visit restaurants and some exciting news for future openings in Mount Fuji planned for 2025. 

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Website: gorakadan.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gorakadan

X: twitter.com/gorakadan

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Villa La Coste, located just outside Aix-en-Provence in the South of France, has become one of the most legendary hotels in the world. Melissa sits down with Paddy McKillen, the mastermind behind the 28 suite boutique hotel to explore its varied history. Villa La Coste sits on the grounds of the extraordinary 600-acre estate, Château La Coste, where one also finds an open-air contemporary art museum and winery.  The property is a labor of love – a product of Paddy’s passion for art and architecture and thoughtful collaboration with his closest friends, who also happen to be some of the world’s most renowned artists. Paddy shares what he believes is the key to hospitality success, and the passion it takes to serve others. In this Passport to Everywhere archival episode, discover how a 300-year-old winery in the South of France was transformed into an incredible contemporary art park with a boutique 5-star hotel — and learn the reasons why Melissa returns year after year. 

The iconic St. Regis celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, and to help tell its epic story, Melissa is joined by three key members of the brand: Amanda Nichols, the global brand leader of St. Regis; Octavia Marginean-Tahiroglu, the general manager of The St. Regis New York; and Israel Kelly, who’s been on the frontlines of the respected butler team for 29 years. Together, they discuss how the prestigious collection of hotels set a new standard for luxury hospitality, starting with the opening of The St. Regis New York in 1904. From the Astor family’s original vision to the rich traditions that still thrive today, the three explore how this timeless legacy evolved over the years, including renovations that preserve its cultural heritage, the ever-refined service of the butler team and what the future has in store. Tune in to discover the secrets behind this timeless brand and what makes the flagship truly special (hint: a famous morning cocktail was crafted on site).

Follow St. Regis

Website: st-regis.marriott.com

Instagram: instagram.com/stregishotels

Follow The St. Regis New York

Website: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycxr-the-st-regis-new-york

Instagram: instagram.com/stregisnewyork

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Bill Bensley is an avid traveler, visionary architect, interior designer, artist and landscape designer. After studying landscape architecture at Harvard, he left for Asia in the early 80s and founded his company BENSLEY in 1989. He now has offices in Bangkok and Bali, and his team has crafted over 200 extraordinary projects spanning 30 countries. He brings a creative, curious approach to his work on iconic hotels, resorts, spas, homes and palaces around the world. Melissa and Bill explore the inspiration behind Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal, Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia and Capella Ubud in Bali—as well as one of his new, exciting projects in the Republic of the Congo. He shares how curiosity took him on his unexpected career journey and how travel has impacted his landscape architecture and design style. He also reveals how he approaches each project while respecting Mother Nature, the local surroundings and communities and his work through the Shinta Mani Foundation (including daring stories of the rangers of the Wildlife Alliance). Bill’s philosophy is simple, yet revolutionary—tune in to discover how he’s creating lasting change in the world of design and regenerative tourism. 

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Website: bensley.com

Instagram: instagram.com/billbensley

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Website: shintamani.com/mustang

Instagram: instagram.com/shintamanimustang

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Website: shintamani.com/wild

Instagram: instagram.com/shintamaniwild

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CEO and founder of the Canadian foundation Shorefast, Zita Cobb is also the creator and innkeeper of the Fogo Island Inn. Located in the subarctic on an island off an island, or as Zita says, “far away from far away,” the Fogo Island Inn remains one of the most captivating hotels in the world. A daughter of a local fisherman, Zita grew up on the island and returned home after paving a successful path in business with the aim of giving back. The powerful, wild geography of the Labrador current, the unique culture of the island and a forward-thinking business model has shaped the hotel’s identity. In this Passport to Everywhere archival episode, Zita shares her inspiring hospitality vision, what one can expect on Fogo Island, her thoughts on AI and her approach to regenerative tourism. 

Zita says that Fogo Island is “genetically predisposed to hospitality,” and if you want to experience the magic of Fogo for yourself, explore our Insider Journey happening in 2025.

Follow Fogo Island Inn

Website: fogoislandinn.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/fogoislandinn

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Website: indagare.com

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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