“ It has to mean something to you in order for it to mean something to anybody else. And that's all we're dealing with really. We're giving people the most authentic version of what we see as hospitality that we can give.  For us it's a very simple equation of giving what we really would like to receive.”

We’re in great company with Gem Boner and Thom Scherdel, the tastemakers behind Restaries, a collection of contemporary accommodations and event spaces located on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, where epic woodlands meet serene sea fronts. Here, they have curated not just a place to stay, but a deliberate pause from the ordinary grind. 

Set on the grounds of a 16th-century Suffolk farm with a rich history spanning cider production to New World Music distribution, Paradise Farm has always been about creating experiences that bring people together.

In this episode, Gem and Thom discuss how they've learned that luxury comes not from ostentation but from time, connection, and the simple art of making every guest feel genuinely welcomed home.

Top Takeaways

[1:50] After years of telling other brands' stories—from Topshop showrooms to Soho House events—Gem and Thom discovered that their greatest collaboration would be both personal and professional—creating the hospitality experience they'd always wished existed.

[9:10] From bubbling cider production to spinning vinyl records, Paradise Farm has always been about creating experiences that bring people together—a legacy Gem and Thom honor as they write their own chapter in this 500-year story of craft, culture, and community.

[16:05] Perfectly positioned among Suffolk's coastal heritage, rolling farmland, and vibrant independent towns, Paradise Farm's 10 secluded acres offer everything from tree-lined tranquility to quick beach escapes and the kind of brilliant stargazing that inspired their very name. 

[20:50] Each accommodation honors its original purpose while embracing “Mother Nature's color palette,” championing sustainable brands and local ceramicists whose stories are shared through Restaries’ Rest & Read series.

[25:20] “We adapt the land to cater for every need"—from romantic proposal setups in candlelit spaces to pizza-making in lush gardens, from woodland cocktails classes to communal dining experiences—Gem and Thom create the art of play and discovery through genuine hospitality.

[29:15] Restaries’ "marketing team" of Pedigree Pygmy goats, Valais Blacknose sheep, and Kune Kune pigs offer guests real things and real feelings—from naughty goats greeting arrivals to calm alpacas that respond to chilled energy.

[33:00] Kitchen garden beginnings meet seasoned culinary takeovers and locally acclaimed producers—as Restaries becomes the home for London chefs looking to escape the city to craft woodland dining experiences with seasonal Suffolk produce.

Notable Mentions

Design & That interior design

Colors of Arley fabrics

Pophams ceramics

Verden scents

Somerset Grill

Chef @WasteNotRowen 

Fen Farm Dairy 

Flint Vineyard

The Suffolk

The Black Dog Deli

Pinch

Alde Cafe

Greyhound Inn

Thorpeness village

The Gunton Arms

Earsham Street Deli

Focus Organic

The Southwold Flower Company

Black Lines Drinks

Visit For Yourself

Restaries Website | @restaries

“  So what I really want from Fowlescombe is actually that you come away feeling like you've stayed with a friend—if that friend was an amazing cook, had really beautiful guest rooms, and was a fantastic host—who'd looked after you really well and who'd really made the effort to show you around. Because actually there's nothing better than visiting a place with a friend, seeing it through their eyes and feeling like you've seen something a bit different.”

We’re in great company with Caitlin Owens, the proud new owner and managing director of Fowlescombe Farm, a quietly luxurious and restorative rural retreat of just ten beautifully designed suites, nestled at the heart of a 450-acre regenerative farm, set close to the wilds of Dartmoor in Devon.

Dating back to 1537, rich with ghost stories and Sherlock Holmes lore, this historic estate became the perfect canvas for Caitlin to realize her childhood dream of owning a hotel when she returned home to the English countryside ready to pave her own path. 

In this episode, Caitlin takes us through her philosophy of doing luxury differently—learning from her time at Four Seasons but choosing intimacy over opulence, inviting overnight guests to participate in farm rhythms while opening her table to the local community, and pioneering regenerative hospitality that cares for land, nourishes guests, and sustains her family business.

Top Takeaways

[2:00] Caitlin's childhood dream of owning a hotel found its home when she returned during lockdown to rediscover the beauty of Devon’s countryside and the opportunity within her family’s farm. 

[8:50] The estate, owned by the Fowle family since 1537, sits among Dartmoor's mystical landscape—rich in folklore, witchcraft history, haunting tales of ghostly hounds, and the backdrop for a Sherlock Holmes best seller.

[16:20] Rather than replicate Four Seasons' luxury through choice and opulence, Caitlin built Fowlescombe around removing decisions—curating an intentional experience that feels like staying with a trusted friend who takes care of every detail.

[21:20] Caitlin's favorite season brings the energy of new calves and lambs, bees buzzing through wildflowers, savory wild garlic scenting the woods, and the surprising sweetness of gorse on the moorland.

[23:50] Every suite designed by creative director Paul Glade prioritizes tactile luxury—soft wool from their own flock, stone quarried on the farm, English oak, and layered fabrics that invite guests to touch and connect with the sense of place. 

[27:50] From childhood books to wellies in every size, every object at Fowlescombe has a story and is chosen intentionally so guests can connect to the place and carve out their own space on the farm.

[31:30] Overnight guests harvest eggs and make bread with the chefs, while local dinner guests tour the gardens before sharing the communal table—creating connections to the farm and community through food.

[39:20] Caitlin envisions a future where the community of people wanting to do luxury differently grows, and the concept of regenerative practices extends beyond farming to hospitality itself.

Notable Mentions

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Visit For Yourself

Fowlescombe Farm Website | @fowlescombe

“  I feel like Berlin is a city where anything is possible, while never quite achieving polished glamor. And that's its charm. There is no steep hierarchy to enter the art scene, or any scene to be honest. And that is what we wanted to reflect here in Château Royal Berlin, this kind of openness and uniqueness.”

We’re in great company with Kirsten Landwehr, co-founder and curator of Château Royal, an enchanting and eccentric boutique hotel in the heart of Berlin Mitte, where craftsmanship and reinterpretation have revived what was once en vogue during the city's former golden ages, now adorned with contemporary art and convivial hosts.

Rooted in Berlin’s creative pulse, Kirsten and her husband, restaurateur Stephan Landwehr of Grill Royal fame, have transformed two historic buildings into a living gallery—one that celebrates design, culture, and the art of gathering. With her background in art and photography curation, Kirsten’s vision marries history and modernity with effortless elegance.

In this episode, Kirsten shares how she’s shaped Berlin’s art and hospitality scenes—revealing her philosophy on collecting, creating soulful spaces, and honoring the ever-evolving spirit of her city.

Top Takeaways

[2:00] As a child, Kirsten always dreamed of a bigger and better world. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she decided to set out and steward that world herself. 

[4:00] How Kirsten and her husband, Stephan, with their shared appreciation for Berlin's creative energy and culinary artistry, fed and fueled the birth of Berlin’s contemporary art scene through their cult classic restaurant, Grill Royal. 

[7:00] Hear the turbulent history of two historic buildings in the heart of Berlin Mitte, steps away from the Brandenburg Gate—from being the center of the Golden Twenties to falling into disrepair after WWII, from being used for surveillance during the GDR to housing the studios of squatting artists after the Berlin Wall.  

[9:00] As Kirsten and Stephan breathed new life into these buildings, curating what would become Château Royal Berlin, they set out to create a space that was “decidedly cosmopolitan, yet unimaginable in any other city.”

[10:20] Today, Château Royal Berlin is full of life and conviviality—as locals and travelers, artists and guests, fill the space with their own perspectives and fresh ideas. 

[11:45] With 93 guest rooms to design and a deep personal determination that no two would be the same, Kirsten invited her artist community to fill their spaces. What then became #93Rooms93Artists, was a permanent home for these artists to proudly showcase their work, host their own guests and welcome in new friends.

[14:30] At Restaurant Château Royal, a creative menu and curated atmosphere proves food can be fancy while still being familiar and fresh.

Notable Mentions

Director Edward Berger

Artist & Art Collector Damien Hirst

Château Royal’s Guide to Berlin

Saint Charles Apothecary

Venini Lamps & Chandeliers 

Visit For Yourself

Château Royal Berlin Website | @chateauroyalberlin 

“ For many of our guests, they normally say, ‘It's not just a stay, it's a memory in the making.’ It’s a place where time slows down and where the ordinary, what do you say, becomes something truly extraordinary.”

We’re in great company with Maria Oldenbjerg, the fairy godmother, formally known as the Hotel Director, of the Nimb Hotel in the heart of Copenhagen—where with the enchanting Tivoli Gardens as its lush backdrop, Nimb presents an unparalleled combination of subtle Scandinavian urban luxury, Danish design, meticulous service, and top-tier gastronomy, all infused with a touch of Tivoli enchantment. 

Born in 1909 within a Moorish-inspired "Bazaar," this architectural gem began as the vision of culinary entrepreneurs Vilhelm and Louise Nimb, who transformed their restaurant into the heartbeat of Copenhagen's dining scene. Today, as the only hotel nestled within Europe's oldest amusement park and recognized among Small Luxury Hotels' elite "Finest Collection" and “Considerate Collection,” Nimb continues to redefine what it means to create authentic and sustainable luxury experiences that blur the lines between heritage and innovation.

As seasons change, and ours begins with this episode, Maria invites the young, and the young at heart, to discover how she transforms ordinary moments into something truly magical—where “hygge” isn't just a travel trend, but a way of welcoming the world home.  

Top Takeaways

[2:00] The Phone Call That Changed Everything: After her first hotel shift, Maria called her mother excitedly: "I found my dream job. I want to become a general manager one day." That clarity eventually led her home to Nimb, the luxury hotel she'd always admired.

[6:00] Where Dreams Take Root: In 1909, visionaries Vilhelm and Louise Nimb built their Moorish palace within Tivoli Gardens - Europe's oldest amusement park - bringing the entire world to Copenhagen so Danes could taste and travel without leaving home.

[15:30] The Garden That Never Sleeps: Guests wake to the quiet serenity of the pristine grounds as they anticipate the day’s crowds. And after a day of excitement, guests retreat to find the soothing musical performances and twinkling lights linger like memories into the night.

[16:00] Seasons of Wonder: The hotel breathes with Tivoli's rhythms - Easter treasure hunts, Halloween face painting, Christmas stockings crafted by Danish artisans, each moment woven into memory-making magic.

[18:30] Rooms That Hold Stories: Each of Nimb's 38 spacious rooms and suites whispers secrets through understated luxury and timeless elegance, from handpicked antiques set against modern Danish design to complimentary “hygge bars" filled with local Danish delicacies.  

[24:00] Culinary Theater: Dining at Nimb goes beyond the dish and becomes a storytelling medium, from Nimb Brasserie's French favorites to the Japanese Pagoda's rotating Michelin-starred chef residencies.

[27:00] The Science of Renewal: A hidden wellness sanctuary redefines urban wellness - blending cutting edge technology with globally inspired ancient techniques - replenishing weary travelers with a sense of vitality.

[38:40] Living Poetry: Peacocks wander as symbols of grace, their presence so beloved that feathers now adorn linens and inspire children's toys.

Notable Mentions

Danish Design

• Geismars bedding

• Toni fixtures

• Bang & Olufsen audio

• Artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen

• Flowers by Nimb

Frederiksberg, Copenhagen

Amager Strandpark

Danish Smørrebrød

Visit For Yourself

Nimb Hotel Website | @nimbcopenhagen

“If I go to the good Hopi Indian quote, ‘We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.’ I sit in reflection of that and I hope the future generations will lead with heart and they'll be guided by the values that built this legacy to date. That they honor the past by innovating with purpose and with integrity. Everybody's always got to remember that stewardship is a sacred trust, and one that turns heritage into hope.”

We’re in great company with Shan and Bronwyn Varty, the mother and daughter duo behind Londolozi, who, with their family’s one hundred years of history, are pioneering one of South Africa’s original private game reserves as a living model of conservation development. 

Here, they are nurturing a Futuristic African Village, a prototype for village consciousness where wild animals and people alike, live together in dignity and harmony, with each other and the land. It is with an abundance mindset that they have chosen to share this land and legacy with worldly guests, committing to excellence in ecotourism with their accredited Relais & Châteaux status. 

In celebration of Mother’s Day, in this episode, Shan and Bron paint for us a picture of luxury in its purest form—with time as the artist, the senses as the medium, and Mother Nature as the muse. 

Top Takeaways

[2:10] With 100 years of family history living on this land, the Varty’s roots run deep and strong as they grow and evolve with their environment.

[4:50] The name Londolozi is Zulu for ‘Protector Of All Living Things,’ reflecting their ambitious conservation ethic in stewarding our human relationship with the natural world. 

[7:00] They say “it takes a village to raise a child,” and there is sincere truth in that there is a power of resilience in community, as both Shan and Bron learned early on. 

[12:30] “When you live in nature, you live in an ecosystem of connection, not comparison.”

[15:15] How meditative design is a way of practicing presence, learning to get out of the way and allow nature to lead, creating a sense of place that meets you where you are. 

[20:00] Londolozi’s Camps are a collection woven together with a “Golden Thread”—each with their own significance, but all along a journey through legacy and luxury. 

[29:15] The Varty’s are proud “Artists of Experiences”—curating luxury safaris for every chapter of life—from first-time safaris to multigenerational family trips, from honeymoons to wellness, with photography and more in store,

[36:40] The “Ripple Effect” stands for Restoration, Innovation, Protection, People, Leadership, Education.

[41:00] Rather than creating something new, Shan and Bron are celebrating 100 years of history by bringing back the old, polishing and preserving along the way.

[46:15] Mother Nature’s wisdom is in embracing a state of flow that changes with the seasons—recognizing that mothering is not something that is done, it is something that is felt—and can only be done so by slowing down. 

Notable Mentions

Nelson Mandela

Maya Angelou

The Leopards of Londolozi

Peter Reed Linens

Land Rover

Sesaties, South African Kebabs 

Good Work Foundation

Tracker Academy 

Healing House

Visit For Yourself

Londolozi Website | @londolozi

Images courtesy of Londolozi Game Reserve

"There were four things that I thought were really important. The first one was to be humble and confident. Number two, be open-minded, but have a point of view. The third point was to know there is no substitute to working hard. Last but not least was to embrace change and challenges.”

We’re in great company with Sylvia Wong, the Owner of The Roundtree Amagansett, where she meticulously polished a hidden gem into an award-winning luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Hamptons that pays homage to Amagansett’s historic farmsteading legacy while embodying the spirit of this iconic east coast destination.

Her journey from corporate law executive to passionate first-time hotelier exemplifies a dream transformation—inspired by her global travels to create a rarefied Hampton's experience where guests can truly live like locals.

In this episode, Sylvia shares her inspiring career pivot, the challenges of opening during a pandemic, and how she crafted an authentic home-away-from-home experience that keeps guests returning season after season.

Top Takeaways

[1:40] How Sylvia's corporate career took her to hidden corners of the world where she embraced diverse cultural expressions through architecture and design and found a motherly instinct for nurturing guest experiences. 

[5:05] It all began with a single raised hand in a meeting, a serendipitous stop on the Jitney shuttle, and Sylvia's unwavering determination to master the art of hospitality—despite having no industry experience whatsoever.

[9:30] Steps from Main Street, Sylvia discovered an unassuming property with centuries of stories hidden beneath its weathered shingles and expansive grounds.

[17:20] At The Roundtree Amagansett, luxury whispers rather than shouts—as guests discover thoughtful complimentary amenities designed to create moments of surprise and delight from sunrise to starlight. 

[30:40] Why Sylvia’s sense of fulfillment is not found through financial means—it is in seeing genuine happiness wash over her guests' faces as they share their stories and experiences.

[34:40] There is much creativity and collaboration yet to come—from new culinary offerings to seamless wellness incorporations to thoughtfully designed spaces where families and friends can gather to create their own Hampton traditions for generations to come.

Notable Mentions

il Buco al Mare

Balsam Farms

Amber Waves Farm, Market & Cafe

LongHouse Reserve

Parrish Art Museum

South Fork Bakery

Frette linens & Matouk towels

The Maker fragrances 

RUMOR Rosé 

Wölffer Estate Vineyard

The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Rhode Island

Visit For Yourself

The Roundtree Amagansett Website | @theroundtreeamagansett

“It also gave birth to our hospitality program, which was another way to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities so that we could create a conversation around ranching and really a whole community on the ranch beyond the team that was working the land.  And today it's very similar to what that original lease mandated. That we really look at land multi-dimensionally and it's become really integral to our mission.”

We’re in great company with with Tess Leach, Co-Owner and Head of Business Development at Ranchlands, whose mission is to promote the conservation of rangelands, the ranching legacy, and the quality of life for people living and working on ranches in the American West, by providing unforgettable hospitality experiences that connect guests with the natural world and rich heritage of ranching. 

Ranchlands recently set up a permanent base camp at Paintrock Canyon Ranch in Wyoming—set amidst 80,000 acres of varying landscapes from red sandstone cliffs to an acclaimed fishing creek, with sprawling meadows giving way to wildlife aplenty—inviting guests to immerse themselves in the everyday adventures of their home on the range. 

As we celebrate Earth Day with this episode, Tess tells a hopeful tale of her life and legacy she shares with her friends and family, in “working together to live with the land,” inviting us all to see the world around us from a different perspective.     

Top Takeaways

[1:50] Raised on a Southern Colorado ranch, Tess discovered early that ranching was as much about sharing the land with curious visitors as it was about cattle operations, instilling a lifelong passion for helping others connect with the rural land she called home.

[5:10] Ranchlands was born from a single line in a Colorado state lease agreement that mandated educational opportunities for school children, sparking a multi-dimensional approach to land management that would grow to include hospitality, conservation, and a mission to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.

[7:55] Paintrock Canyon Ranch transformed from an intangible dream into reality thanks to its generous previous owners, becoming a basecamp that embodies everything Tess’s family had imagined but never thought possible to own.

[14:25] Guests can immerse themselves in the rhythms of western life through three distinctive journeys: intimate Ranch Vacations where days on horseback blend into fireside evenings, transformative Workshops where passions are kindled alongside master craftspeople, and adventurous Pack Trips that lead riders deep into wilderness terrain where few modern travelers ever venture.  

[21:10] At Ranchlands, conservation isn't just a philosophy but a daily practice woven into everything from their mobile, seasonal camps that give the land essential rest periods to their adaptive grazing plans that shift with nature's rhythms—creating an immersive classroom where guests witness firsthand how thoughtful stewardship and economic sustainability work in harmony.

[23:50] Beyond the guest experience, Ranchlands' Mercantile weaves a tapestry of meaningful partnerships—from the transformative collaboration with inmates at Colorado Correctional Institute who craft their leather goods, to family-run knife makers who still send paper receipts by mail—creating a marketplace where every purchase tells a story of connection and purpose.

[28:15] The horizon holds two new chapters for Ranchlands: their nonprofit Collective, building bridges between urban and rural communities through education and storytelling, and the expansion of their breathtaking Paintrock Canyon Ranch campus, soon inviting guests to experience this extraordinary landscape in new, immersive ways.

Notable Mentions

Denver Tent Company

Wyoming Raw Milk

Greybull Valley Produce

Ranchlands In The City, event at Filson in NYC

Visit For Yourself

Ranchlands Website | Stay at Paintrock Canyon Ranch | @ranchlands

“You learn firsthand from us about our history, about our traditions, about why things are done in a certain way. Where we go as locals, which restaurants we go to, what we eat, what we do in our spare time. It's the art and the pleasure of giving, I feel very proud and honored and lucky to live where I live. And I want to share that experience with as many people as possible so they can take a little bit back with them wherever they go home to.”

We’re in great company with Mar Suau, the second-generation owner of Son Brull, a rural sanctuary of relaxed luxury in the heart of the Mediterranean. What was once an 18th-century monastery is now a Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and olive groves—the quintessence of what is authentically Mallorcan. 

And for those looking to adventure beyond their stay, Mar is also the founder of The Ventourist, where she curates select active experiences across Spain and invites guests to go beyond Son Bull to discover the best of Spain—exploring incredible landscapes and uncovering local secrets.

In this episode, Mar shares with us a peek inside an island life she has always known, yet one many of us only ever dream of—a truly genuine host with a humble pride and passionate responsibility as she considers the legacy she hopes to leave behind.   

Top Takeaways

[2:15] Born into hospitality, Mar was practically raised in hotels alongside her brothers—spending weekends and holidays in her father's properties, playing imaginary 'hotel' as a child, and watching guests return year after year as they became like family.

[5:15] How a crumbling monastery captured Mar's father's imagination for years until fate finally allowed him to rescue this abandoned jewel—unveiling during renovation the whispered secrets and hidden treasures behind its walls. 

[9:25] As the last independent luxury hotel owned and operated by locals on an island increasingly claimed by international brands, Mar carries her family legacy forward with a bittersweet pride—honored to preserve genuine Mallorcan hospitality and hopeful for a more authentic future.

[13:30] From dawn to dusk at Son Brull, guests drift between moments of peaceful solitude among the gardens to convivial encounters with local life.

[17:45] Once sustaining monks with its bounty, Son Brull's rejuvenated land now flourishes again after decades of abandonment—from olive groves to orchards, beehives to vineyards—all creating a living tapestry inviting guests to embrace the timeless rhythm of Mallorcan terroir.

[24:40] Through The Ventourist, Mar extends her hospitality beyond Son Brull's walls by crafting tailormade active journeys across Spain—all guided by her belief that sharing her homeland through local eyes is 'the art of giving,' allowing travelers to carry authentic pieces of Spanish life home.

Visit For Yourself

Son Brull Website | @sonbrull 

The Ventourist Website | @the_ventourist

“I like to say sometimes we are an analog experience. Everybody today is talking about digitalization, which is indeed important. But the digital means can never, ever replace the human connection between two people. We are artisans of memories. It's the software of our hotels. The hardware is in the beauty, how they look, but it would be completely empty and without soul if it was not about the people.”

We’re in great company with Ingrid Koeck, a Partner of Torel Boutiques in Portugal where her passion as an “Artisan of Memories” lies in crafting unique places. By infusing soul into remarkable structures with Portuguese artistry and interior design she intentionally creates a profound human connection with curious travelers turned guests.

With a growing collection of prestigious Portuguese boutique hotels sprinkled across Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley and soon the Azores, Torel Boutiques embody excellence around every corner—from the service to the amenities, the gastronomy to the ambiance, the distinctive moments turned memories. 

In this episode, Ingrid’s natural storytelling captivates us as she weaves a narrative of her own life’s travels, painting for us a picture of the passion she found in Portugal, the home she created there, and the tales of cultural heritage she continues to capture in this convivial chapter. 

Top Takeaways

[2:05] Ingrid’s life is full of many colorful chapters—from growing up in her grandmother's rural Austrian bed & breakfast to spending a decade with the UN across Africa and the Middle East—a story where diverse cultures have shaped her profound curiosity of and appreciation for authentic human connection.

[7:05] Through life's unexpected turns, Ingrid learned to balance her need for both adventure and stability—evolving from a fearless young traveler to seeking her European roots and creating her own hospitality business where meaningful connections happen on her terms.

[12:15] Shaped by the resilient women in her family, Ingrid's defining traits of curiosity and courage allow her to embrace new challenges with the unwavering confidence that no matter what happens, she can always take care of herself.

[20:05] Through Torel Boutiques' thoughtfully designed spaces, Ingrid honors her grandmother's wisdom that true hospitality creates memories based not on things, but on how guests feel when personally connected.

[25:00] Celebrate a legacy of Portuguese royalty with Torel Palace Lisbon and indulge in Michelin star gastronomy at 2Monkeys.

[25:35] Honor the writers of Portuguese literature with Torel Palace Porto and study your senses at BLIND.  

[26:40] Discover a history of Portuguese expeditions with Torel 1884 and sip on a vault of fine wines at Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine.

[27:40] Savor the heritage of Portuguese vineyards at Torel Quinta da Vacaria and taste the terroir at Schistó.

[31:30] Craft artisanal traditions such as soap making at Torel Saboaria. 

[35:55] Embrace the timeless tranquility of Portugal through nature-inspired sanctuaries at Calla Wellness & Spa—from Douro Valley's wine therapy to Lisbon's exotic chocolate-infused sanctuary.

[39:20] Uncover a hidden gem at Torel Terra Brava shining soon on the Azores Islands.

Visit For Yourself

Torel Boutiques Website 

Lisbon: @torelpalace_lisbon 

Porto: @torelpalace_porto | @torel1884 | @torelavantgarde | @torelsaboaria

Douro Valley: @torelquintadavacaria 

Azores: @torelterrabrava

“Culturally, it's so important because a lot of experiences are just the same all over the world. Hotels, theaters, cinemas, music—it's so mainstream today that we all consume pretty much the same thing. But culinary-wise, there's still this chance to create and cook something that's so local on the level of experience that you can really understand and feel the landscape, the seasons, the culture, and the history of the country. So I'm super happy to be in that field because I think we're one of the last kinds of handcrafts that are still very present in the city.”

We’re in great company with Niklas Ekstedt, the Swedish Chef famously known around the world for reigniting the ancient way of cooking over fire in Scandinavia at his restaurant Ekstedt in Stockholm, where he has been recognized by The Best Chef Awards and a recipient of a Michelin Star. 

After an acclaimed culinary career as a young chef, Niklas found himself returning to his roots, curiously unearthing forgotten techniques and a sophisticated Scandinavian culinary heritage that challenged the Mediterranean supremacy he felt ready to challenge. What may have started as a small spark in his fire-forged restaurant ultimately created a movement where ancient methods meet modern gastronomy.

In this episode, Niklas warmly welcomes us to savor a taste of this nearly lost artform, sparking our curiosity about what other ancient rituals we should unearth and giving us the courage to begin our own adventures. 

Top Takeaways

[2:50] Amid the forests of northern Sweden, young Niklas's tastes were shaped by Sámi playmates, parents who embraced nature's bounty, and wilderness that would one day call him back to cooking by fire.

[5:05] From his rural roots to culinary stardom, Niklas traveled through Chicago kitchens, befriended René Redzepi in Copenhagen, trained at legendary elBulli, then returned to Sweden where, barely into his twenties, he opened his first restaurant and was met with celebrity chef status…that is before he discovered his true flame.

[9:30] In a secluded island kitchen outside Stockholm, Niklas found himself captivated by primitive cooking methods, discovering a forgotten Nordic culinary sophistication that would become the foundation of his revolutionary fire-forged restaurant.

[16:05] Stepping into Ekstedt, guests embark on a primal sensory journey where crackling flames illuminate the darkness, birchwood smoke perfumes the air, and the kitchen's ancient fire elements transform seasonal Nordic ingredients into dishes that evoke both a forgotten past and an innovative future, creating an experience that transcends mere dining to become a connection with Sweden's culinary heritage.

[25:20] Niklas continues to foster community through Tyge & Sessil, an intimate space celebrating hidden gem natural wines, and Hillenberg, a neighborhood brasserie where humble Scandinavian cooking creates an accessible entry point to his Nordic culinary philosophy. 

[28:00] See Stockholm through Niklas's eyes—travel metro stations turned art installations, discover museum treasures without spending a krona, go island hopping by boat, and embrace the Swedish “Allemansrätten” right to roam.

Notable Mentions 

Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago

Norwegian explorer & writer, Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki expedition

Skepparholmen Nacka outside Stockholm

“Kardemummabullar” traditional Swedish Cardamom Buns for a daily “Fika” 

Alice Waters, pioneer of the “farm-to-table” movement in America

A Taste From Afar

Cookbooks by Niklas Ekstedt

• Ekstedt: The Nordic Art of Analogue Cooking 

• Food from the Fire

• Scandinavian Classics

• Happy Food

Visit For Yourself
Ekstedt Website | @ekstedtrestaurant | @niklasekstedt