Pablo Carrington is the founder and CEO of Marugal, the hotel management company in Spain that owns one of Indagare’s most beloved hotels, Cap Rocat. Originally a 19th century military fortress, the hotel opened in 2010 reflecting the essence of the island in its mystical rooms carved in rock overlooking the dazzling Mediterranean Sea. Pablo joins Melissa to share his unexpected path into the hospitality industry, and how capturing a “sense of place” became essential in offering guests an authentic experience. They explore Spain’s tumultuous history and how it’s reflected in both Cap Rocat and the bustling port of Palma, and he reveals insider travel tips, including one of his favorite textile companies on the island (Artesania Tèxtil Bujosa). Plus — don’t miss discovering why Pablo believes February is the sweetest season in the Balearics, how he approaches sustainability, why Formentera is the island that “hasn’t lost its soul” and how Spain’s diversity offers something for every traveler.

If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to listen to the episode on Hotel Vermelho, another one of Marugal’s properties in Portugal created by Christian Louboutin.

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Instagram: instagram.com/pablocarrington

Follow Cap Rocat

Website: caprocat.com

Instagram - instagram.com/cap_rocat

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Website: marugal.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/marugal

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Website: indagare.com

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Jeff Galak is an expert in decision making, consumer behavior, and consumer psychology. He’s spent decades studying how people maintain happiness and has used his findings to understand what this means for travelers. With a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Economic Theory, Master of Philosophy in Marketing, and Ph.D. in Marketing all from New York University’s Stern School of Business, Jeff now serves as an Associate Professor of Marketing at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. In this episode, Jeff reveals practical, research insights you can apply to your next vacation in order to maximize your long term enjoyment. He joins Melissa to explore the science behind designing the most gratifying travel experiences, including the basics of choice overload, why doing less is actually doing more, tips for traveling with children, itinerary planning and more.

Follow Jeff Galak

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeff-galak-768a193a

Carnegie Mellon Profile: scholars.cmu.edu/2187-jeffrey-galak

Wall Street Journal: How to Have a Great Vacation: What Science Tells Us

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Elizabeth Lesser is a spiritual coach, bestselling author, and co-founder of the Omega Institute, a specialty retreat center located in New York. She’s led multiple Insider Journeys with Indagare, including two on the Camino de Santiago. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain that has attracted pilgrims for thousands of years. Elizabeth shares her experience walking the Camino – from what she expected and how she prepared to how it surprised and transformed her. As a spiritual seeker, she explores the gift of walking and ways it can be used for meditation and prayer. She also dives into the history of the ancient route, the daily rituals, packing tips, books recommendations and what type of traveler is best fit for the journey. Plus- Melissa gives insight into the Camino and the various routes you can take, the shared humanity she’s discovered and her reflection on why the Camino is unlike walking anywhere else. 

To join Elizabeth on a spiritual journey, discover the Mii Amo Retreat she’s leading next January.

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Instagram: instagram.com/elizlesser

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Website: indagare.com

Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel

Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Plan your trip to the Camino de Santiago with Indagare: Custom-Planned Travel, Self-Planned Travel

Italian hotelier Valentina De Santis has turned dreams into reality at Passalacqua on Lake Como. Often referred to as the Italian Eloise at the Plaza, she grew up running the corridors of her family’s hotel, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and was instilled with a love for hospitality at a young age. She joins Melissa to share stories of her magical childhood, her deep rooted love for hotels and the unexpected, serendipitous journey of her family’s latest endeavor, the mystical Passalacqua. After opening in 2022, the intimate, family-owned villa was recently named the “World’s Best Hotel” by the World’s 50 Best, an achievement Valentina says goes beyond the family's wildest dreams. Through tangible passion, Valentina reveals the vision behind Passalacqua, the history of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, her advice for making the most of your time on Lake Como and the power of filling your life with beauty.

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Instagram: instagram.com/valentinadesantisss

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Website: passalacqua.it

Instagram: instagram.com/passalacqualakecomo

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Website: grandhoteltremezzo.com

Instagram: instagram.com/ghtlakecomo

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Website: indagare.com

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Plan your trip to Lake Como with Indagare: Custom-Planned Travel, Self-Planned Travel

The Managing Director of Paris je t’aime Tourist Office, Corrine Menegaux, joins Melissa to explore everything happening in Paris in anticipation of the 2024 Olympics. Paris has spent years transforming in preparation for the opening ceremony on July 26th, and Corrine shares an inside look at how Paris has invested in new initiatives to make this one of the world’s most exciting games yet. They discuss the iconic monuments hosting competitions, exciting events to look out for and how Paris plans to make sustainability a part of its Olympic hosting legacy.  She also reveals exhibitions to have on your radar, including SPOT24, the Olympics exhibition paying tribute to the six new Olympic disciplines located near the Eiffel Tower. Plus- Melissa shares tips for navigating Paris if you’re one of the lucky ones to be there in person for the global games.

Follow Paris je t'aime - Tourist office

Website: parisjetaime.com, my.parisjetaime.com

Instagram - instagram.com/parisjetaime

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Website: indagare.com

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Quick Facts

• The Olympics Opening Ceremony will be held on the Seine River on Friday, July 26th. More than 10,000 athletes will compete in 329 medal events.
• The Closing Ceremony will be held at the Stade de France on Sunday, August 11th.
• You can buy a daily metro pass for €16 and a 7-day pass for €70. 
•  The Eiffel Tower will be closed on July 26th then open throughout the remainder of the games.
• Paralympics begin on Wednesday, August 28th and take place through Sunday, September 8th. More than 4,000 athletes will compete in 549 medal events. 
• You can stream all the Olympic and Paralympic events live on Peacock.

Keep an eye out for these venues in top tourist attractions

• Place de la Concorde - cycling BMX freestyle, skateboarding, breaking, 3x3 basketball
• Grand Palais  - fencing, taekwondo
• The Champs de Mars (Eiffel Tower Stadium) - beach volleyball 
• The Hôtel de Ville (Paris’ city hall) -  starting point for the marathon race
• The Pont Alexander III bridge - finish line for the individual cycling time trials, the swimming marathon, and the triathlon
• The Château de Versailles (the Palace of Versailles) - equestrian, modern pentathlon
• Esplanade des Invalides - archery
• Seine River - triathlon and open-water swimming

Shanghai-born artist and designer Jiang Qiong Er joins Melissa to explore cross-cultural exchange and innovative art. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, Musée Guimet invited Jiang Qiong Er to put together an exquisite installation titled Guardians of Time. Before diving into the meaning behind her latest work, Jiang Qiong Er shares stories from her childhood during a unique period of China’s history and reveals how painting played a pivotal role in shaping her international life. She then describes in detail her choices on the daring project in Paris including the messages behind her mythical creatures, the meaning behind the colors, and how artificial intelligence played a pivotal role. Through monumental, visionary installations, Jiang Qiong Er has created history as she challenges the viewer to rethink and reflect on time. Discover why her exhibition is created on an urgency the world needs today, and what you can expect if visiting.

Follow Jiang Qiong Er

Website: jiangqionger.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jiang_qionger and instagram.com/qej_studio

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Website: guimet.fr

Instagram: instagram.com/museeguimet

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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In honor of the 4th of July, we’re re-airing one of our most popular archival episodes exploring the Grand Canyon National Park. Melissa met expert Grand Canyon guide and outdoor adventurer Geno Kelly on a trip to Sedona. As a retired firefighter, Geno has been studying, hiking, rafting and guiding the Grand Canyon for over 45 years and has visited the nation’s wonder thousands of times. In this conversation, he shares mesmerizing stories of the unique geology, wildlife, archeology and history of the Grand Canyon. Tune in to unravel the layered history of the Grand Canyon and discover Geno’s tips for making the most of a trip including where to stay, where to eat and what activities to do. Plus - Melissa shares East Coast getaways you’ll want to check out this summer.

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Website: enchantmentresort.com

Instagram: instagram.com/enchantment_resort

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Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Plan your trip to the Grand Canyon with Indagare: Custom-Planned Travel, Self-Planned Travel

Steve Schwartz is the founder, CEO and Master Blender of Los Angeles-based tea company, Art of Tea. Through the brand's 20 year existence, he’s worked with a number of big names, including Vera Wang, The Peninsula Hotels, and Wolfgang Puck restaurants, and he published his debut book, Art of Tea: A Journey of Ritual, Discovery and Impact, in 2022. During this episode, Steve shares how tragedy launched his unexpected journey into Ayurvedic healing which then led him to discover the art –– and science –– of tea. He shares stories from his encounters with tea farmers in Israel, Thailand, Laos and beyond. Tune in to hear Steve debunk misconceptions around tea, to get his top tea recommendations and to learn how tea serves as a window to other cultures. Plus - Melissa reveals her latest intel from a recent trip to London including exciting restaurants, new hotels and noteworthy shops.

Follow Art of Tea

Website: artoftea.com

Instagram: instagram.com/artofteala

Follow Steve on Instagram: instagram.com/steveschwarx

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Website: indagare.com

Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel

Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Fashion icon and designer Trina Turk shares the lessons she learned in creating her optimistic, colorful line at the age of 34. She explores how growing up in California influenced her dreamy brand and her favorite destinations in the golden state. She also reveals her favorite flea markets in Los Angeles, her love for Palm Springs, tips for vintage shopping and more. Together, Melissa and Trina explore some of the places they’re most excited about - from Mexico City to South America - and dive into Trina’s joy of architectural tours while traveling (hint: Hollyhock House). She also reveals why she believes brick and mortar stores are “due for an upswing” and tips for aspiring fashion designers. Plus- don’t miss this week’s Indagare Insight on Melissa’s California Road Trip recommendations!

Follow Trina Turk

Website:  trinaturk.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trinaturk

Read Trina’s Insider’s Guide to California: indagare.com/article/insiders-guide-to-california-trina-turk

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Website: indagare.com

Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel

Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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Krug Champagne has continued to set new standards for quality, creativity, and excellence since 1843 when Joseph Krug laid the foundation for the globally recognized Champagne house. In this week’s episode, Melissa is joined by Olivier Krug, sixth generation of the Krug family and current Director of the House. The two dive into Krug’s techniques and innovations, including the Krug Single Ingredient, an initiative founded in 2015 that invites chefs from around the world to craft recipes around each Krug Grande Cuvée and Krug Rosé Édition. This year’s ingredient, Flower, will be highlighted in three upcoming Indagare Insider Journeys. Each bespoke itinerary includes exclusive gastronomic journeys and affords guests the opportunity to taste some of Krug’s rarest cuvées. Together, Melissa and Olivier discuss these special trips, the Krug Family House in Reims, the stringent tasting criteria and more. Plus on this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa and Olivier reveal champagne tips and insider knowledge you won’t want to miss including the proper glass from which to drink it… Spoiler: it’s neither a flute nor a coupe!

Follow Krug Champagne

Website: krug.com

Instagram: instagram.com/krugchampagne

Facebook: facebook.com/krugchampagne

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Website: indagare.com

Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel

Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

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