Stay In Good Company

“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

“And so all of our activities, all of our food, all of our ethos gets you to a place of just absolute peace. With that peace, you can find whatever it is that you're needing to break through. And once you break through, you can serve more than just your own problems. You can start solving these problems in the world.”

We’re in great company with Britnie Faith Turner, the Founder and Owner of The Aerial, BVI, a private island experience with the best views in the British Virgin Islands that acts as a force for good. What appears as an all-inclusive eco-resort goes well beyond just that—serving as an incubator for positive transformation, delivering a never-before-seen kind of luxury for its guests.

Yet The Aerial, BVI is only a small piece in Britnie’s larger plan to build numerous businesses that are for purpose, not for profit. As Britnie tells of the serendipitous beginnings of each, the story reveals a theme of elevating people and places through the pursuit of excellence.  

In this episode, as we celebrate Women’s History Month around the world, Britnie encourages us all to travel the world and discover our own ‘Aerial’—that higher perspective where we realize we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.  

Top Takeaways

[2:00] From humble beginnings living in her car while working for free, Britnie developed an eye for excellence—as she witnessed third-world poverty alongside first-world despair, realizing her mission would take her far beyond material success.

[4:50] How an unexpected vision led Britnie to turn from mindful revitalization of dangerous neighborhoods to journey to find an island sanctuary where she would invite visitors to awaken their own transformational potential. 

[10:10] Britnie grew up self-admittedly hating wealthy people, yet before long, she sought out to surround herself with some of the richest people on the planet—finding this sense of discomfort and dreaming contagious.

[15:00] Buying and building on a private island is not as easy as one might imagine—and yet even through a devastating divorce, two category-five hurricanes that annihilated the BVI, and a grand opening that coincided precisely with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Britnie’s faith was unwavering.  

[24:15] Inspired by personal passions, chance encounters, and loved ones, Heal the Heroes transforms troubled veterans and first responders into humanitarian operators—creating an 'army of good' that has rescued over 8,400 people from trafficking and disasters. 

[30:25] From sunrise to sunset, The Aerial, BVI captures the sacred healing properties of the Island—sharing it with guests through locally sourced cuisine, uniquely created accommodations, and an abundance of wellness activities. 

[35:20] Why “Purpose Luxury” is the perfect blend of excellence and impact, and how the future of luxury travel provides those who have everything and yet nothing, with the one thing that some seek and everyone deserves—peace.  

Notable Mentions 

The Virgin Way by Richard Branson

Redemption Ranch

Elevate Summits

Visit For Yourself

The Aerial, BVI Website | @theaerialbvi

Aerial Recovery Website | @aerialrecoverygroup

Britnie Turner Website | @britnieturner

"The feeling I hope people will have on this farm is that deep sense of safety and surrender. The feeling of being deeply nurtured and nourished. That feeling you get from visiting your great aunt or your grandmother. That one elderly female family member where you go when you just want to be deeply nourished and you feel completely at ease and safe. All your worries just sort of dissolve instantly.”

We’re in great company with Fleur and Nicole, partners in life and in profession who serendipitously found and meticulously stewarded Sterrekopje Farm in South Africa, a biodiverse farm and soulful sanctuary where curiosity blooms, creativity flourishes, and laughter is ever-present.

Here, they have carefully curated a community of chefs, farmers, holistic practitioners, and artists to share, teach and connect with guests– in an environment where every ritual, every bite, every breath is a chance to celebrate the gifts of Mother Nature, from 'soil to soul'.

In this episode, as we celebrate Women’s History Month around the world, Nicole and Fleur share with us their serendipitous story, their thoughtful travel tastes, their everyday rituals—providing us with the fertile ground and nourishing energy we crave to pursue our own dreams and desires. 

Top Takeaways

[1:45] A story of how two Dutch women, since early childhood, fell in love with travel to cultures beyond their familiar Western world and how a serendipitous flight became fate that would lead them on their next big adventure together. 

[6:30] How Nicole knew Sterrekopje Farm, ‘the bright star above the little mountain,’ was the sanctuary she had been searching for—a beloved family farm dating back to the 17th century that once produced wine and olives and was in need of nurturing back to health. 

[10:15] Over the course of five years, Nicole and Fleur have grown alongside the farm itself—transforming monoculture into biodiversity, harvesting their first honey, and witnessing a beautiful season of abundance that extends beyond the land to the guests who visit—which today flourishes as a wild, fertile sanctuary.

[13:20] Nicole reminds us all, “What is so important is to get people out of their heads and into their bodies because we're living so much in our heads these days. And to really connect with your body—that opens the ability to connect to other people, but also to yourself and to nature.”

[16:50] Close your eyes and listen as Fleur transports us all to a day in the life at Sterrekopje Farm, painting a stunning picture with a palette of serene senses. 

[22:00] What some may call “a beautiful mess,” is intentionally a curated collection of fabrics and antiques from a multitude of cultures—creating not a standard hotel with sterile rooms, but a soulful place with personal sanctuaries.  

[27:20] Discover what makes Sterrekopia a playground for adults to relearn the art of play—a place where curiosity and creativity blossom.

[32:20] Here, ‘farm to table’ tastes more like ‘soil to soul’ as Nicole and Fleur invite their guests to satiate conscious indulgences and savor communal dining experiences.

Notable Mentions 

Jennica Arazi of Marbella Club in Spain

Visit For Yourself

Sterrekopje Farm Website | @sterrekopjefarm

“Arthur went to Dublin and he used the 100 pounds to pay for the 9000 year lease in St. James's Gate. So when you go to the storehouse in Dublin now, you'll see that the first 10 years of his brewing career in Dublin was brewing an ale, and that was the ale that his father taught him in Cashel. If it was not for the Archbishop of Cashel, we would not have Guinness. And therefore, we consider ourselves the Godfather of Guinness.”

We’re in great company with Adriaan Bartels, the award-winning General Manager of Cashel Palace, a magnificent regal manor in the bountiful heart of Ireland, Tipperary’s Golden Vale. With origins in the 18th century, the manor is meticulously restored and exquisitely reimagined as a five-star luxury hotel, enveloped in nature and overlooked by ancient history.

Here, a tapestry of timeless hospitality, proud Irish heritage, and sustainable modern practices are seamlessly woven together for guests to experience Cashel Palace in all its glory – from its notable thoroughbred horse breeding ties to its acclaimed humble beginnings of Guinness.   

In this episode, Adriaan reminds us what it is about our ties to and dreams of Ireland – from the rich soil to the flowing spirits to the convivial music – that inspire so many of us to paint the world green on St. Patrick’s Day. Sláinte!

Top Takeaways

[2:45] How Irish hospitality thrives on genuine curiosity, with locals eagerly connecting you to their world by finding those delightful threads that make strangers feel like distant family.

[6:40] From archbishops to aristocracy, from country leaders to leading ladies, from a hundred pounds to the first Guinness pints, Cashel Palace boasts a rich and illustrious history of notable hospitality dating back to 1732. 

[10:20] Adriaan learned to wear many hats during Cashel Palace’s transformation – at one moment an architect, the next an interior designer, soon after a general manager – all the while learning to balance Irish traditions and heritage with innovation for modern travelers and times. 

[19:45] Watch and listen as Cashel Palace transforms from a buzzing hub of daytime activity and attentive service to an intimate evening retreat complemented with fireside drinks, creating the perfect atmosphere for guests to unwind.

[23:40] Local produce and purveyors are always in season at Cashel Palace as their commitment to sustainability sets the table for some of Ireland’s most flavorful bounty – from the native Irish bee’s wild honey to the centuries-old mulberry tree’s fruit jam.

[28:50] Cashel Palace is the crown jewel of the equine world and its owners, The Magnier Family, have been at the very heart of Ireland’s rich tapestry of thoroughbred racing and breeding legacy for generations – which is why they invite guests to experience exciting programming and exclusive access to some of the most prestigious racing farms in the world.

[32:30] From Cashel Palace's doorstep, Tipperary's Golden Vale reveals its soul through untouched small-town authenticity – ancient pubs with crackling fires and quaint shops nestled in a landscape that captures Ireland's timeless pastoral beauty.

[35:40] For those travelers seeking a climate sanctuary growing rarer in our warming world, you might just discover that the true pot of gold at the rainbow's end is Ireland’s emerald-green landscape.

Notable Mentions 

Rock of Cashel

The Story of Guinness

Guinness Brewery, Dublin

Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle

Larkins Bar & Restaurant on Lough Derg

Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen 

Donoghue’s Traditional Irish Bar

The Origins of Halloween

Skellig Michael Island from Star Wars 

Visit For Yourself

Cashel Palace Website | @cashelpalace 

Give the Palace a Call | +3536262002

“I think we're right where we want to be. People say to me, ‘You've succeeded in hospitality. What's your next project? What do you want to do?’ And I said, ‘No, this ranch is a diamond and I'm just going to continue to polish it.’”

We’re in great company with Jim Manley, the Dreamer behind and Owner of The Ranch at Rock Creek, an award-winning all-inclusive ranch destination set amidst Montana’s unspoiled beauty that preserves the spirit of the Wild West, while celebrating nature’s bounty.

It all started with young Jim Manley's Wild West obsession that took him from Wall Street success on a 20-year quest that finally materialized as The Ranch at Rock Creek—proving some childhood dreams refuse to fade with time.

Today, Jim chooses to share that dream with his worldly guests, which has matured into the world’s first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Relais & Châteaux ranch—expanding the frontiers of experiential travel, or as he coins it, “adults at play.”

In this episode, Jim shares with us why he believes the best souvenir is a great story, one that's lived and not just bought. 

Top Takeaways

[1:30] How it all started for Jim as a child, hypnotized by cowboys galloping across his TV screen in a cramped New Jersey home, sparking a dream that he carried with him into adulthood. 

[4:30] It would take 20 years of searching, a long list of criteria, many doubters, and yet even more patience and perseverance, before Jim found an old mining and cattle ranching pocket of Philipsburg, Montana that would become The Ranch at Rock Creek.

[9:40] Rejecting the beachside boredom of traditional getaways, Jim set out to create America's only truly inclusive luxury ranch—where adults rediscover their playful spirits through countless activities—all without the interruption of constantly opening their wallets. 

[20:05] What is “high end ranch food,” you ask? While it’s not fussy, it is certainly local and seasonal, fresh and quality—best paired with good conversation in great company around the table. 

[24:30] Sustainability has taken root since The Ranch at Rock Creek’s inception, and it only grows stronger over time—from local sourcing to community engagement, from eliminating single use plastics to encouraging guests to embrace walking and biking about the land. 

Visit For Yourself

The Ranch at Rock Creek Website | @theranchatrockcreek

Give the Ranch a Call | 1.877.786.1545

“I would suggest getting lost. I would suggest getting lost on the small inland roads to discover the breathtaking views, the old abandoned villages, the endless fields of lavender, just to wander around.  And I would actually do the same with the boat. So I would also get lost in the multitude bays, and go to the local fisherman’s restaurant because he will do his best to give you the best fresh fish that he caught that morning.”

We’re in great company with Maud Truchi, the visionary behind and proud owner of Maslina Resort, her love letter to the Mediterranean inspired by the astonishing landscape, authentic people, and untouched cultural heritage she found on the Croatian island of Hvar.  

When Maud stepped foot on the island of Hvar for the first time after her own worldly travels and successful career, she realized this was the place of her childhood dreams - a place she desired to call home, create a hotel, and welcome travelers to discover what mindful luxury in the heart of the Mediterranean may feel like.

In this episode, Maud shares her admiration and appreciation for this genuine sense of place and its people - inviting us all to come and live a meaningful experience that will broaden our horizon and open our minds.  

Top Takeaways

[1:45] From the beginning, Maud has traveled the world - collecting rich experiences and cultivating deep friendships - that have inspired who she is and what she creates today. And yet, her biggest lesson along the journey remains having a ‘lighthouse’ to always guide her back home.

[7:00] Was it the unspoiled beauty of nature, the genuine warmth of the people or the villages frozen in time, that left Maud breathless? Perhaps it was the blend of the three that called Maud to want to create something meaningful, yet preserve and protect something original.

[12:20] “ I really realized then, that something bigger than me was created. Because you can only do as much as you can, but then you cannot make people feel good. They feel good because of everything that surrounds them. I think that when you are true to yourself and are authentic, at the end of the day, they feel it.”

[16:00] From sunrise yoga stretches to sunset cocktails paired with endless views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, guests flow through their day with mindful moments of wellness, seaside swimming, and dining under the stars - creating a natural rhythm that invites them to truly unwind.

[21:30] Wellness is around every corner and engrained in every experience at Maslina Resort - inspired by the heritage of healing and Mediterranean lifestyle found on Hvar.

[24:45] The “Mediterranean Diet” is not a fad, it is a way of life on the island of Hvar - with the seasonal produce and fresh caught fish, the onsite olive orchards and local vineyards influencing the daily menu, not the other way around. 

[30:50] The future for Maud and Maslina Resort is centered around mindfulness - mindful luxury, mindful growth, mindful experiences, mindful sustainability, mindful mentorship - only continuing to evolve in a slow yet nurtured way. 

Notable Mentions

El Nido Resorts, Philippines

COCO-MAT Mattresses

Nohrd Fitness Equipment

Ager, Stari Grad Plain, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Gregada, Croatian Poached Fish

Peka, Croatian Veal Dish

Explore River Cetina, Brač Island, Split, Omiš

Diana Popescu of Epoque Hotel, Bucharest

Adine Roode of Jabulani Safari, South Africa

Laure Pertusier of Saint James Paris, France

Shan Varty of Londolozi, South Africa

Visit For Yourself

Maslina Resort Website | @maslinaresort

“If you go to buy a beautiful men's suit from a famous brand, you can go to Tokyo, New York, London or in Rome, and it would be the same because it's a brand, okay? So why do you travel? But in Florence, you go to a great tailor who will do a beautiful suit. You decide the textile, you decide the buttons and all the details that you love. And this is a unique piece just for you. And this is what we create every day, for every guest, in a different way. This is the sense of place.”

We’re in great company with Claudio Meli, the General Manager of The Place Firenze and Michela Babini, the Director of The Place of Wonders Foundation, who together, are tailoring their spirit of hospitality and their curated senses of the guest experience for a new generation of immersive travelers, dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of Italian craft. 

Here, The Place Firenze extends a warm Tuscan welcome, well deserving of their international awards and recognitions as a timeless classic reinventing made-to-measure hospitality - where every detail is inspired by the enduring beauty and traditional artisanship they are proud to have in their beloved city. 

In this episode, Claudio and Michela delight in the tales and testimonials that continue to unfold as they create a new home for us as travelers to visit in Florence - while curating the next generation of artisans and makers molding Italian craft into a modern day Renaissance.    

Top Takeaways

[3:40] What makes The Hospitality Experience one precious thread woven between hospitality and experience, one family with a long history of curating hotels, one collection of new ideas? Three hotels strongly rooted in remarkable places - Londra Palace in Venice, Borgo dei Conti in Umbria, and The Place Firenze. 

[4:50] Claudio's love for Florence radiates as he shares stories of his beloved city - a rare treasure where Renaissance masterpieces line the streets and Tuscan vineyards roll just beyond, creating an enchanting blend of art and terroir that has inspired generations.

[18:10] The Place Firenze is “deeply connected to its daily life, artistic heritage and lively cultural scene in this vibrant Tuscan city,” from the Scagliola tabletops to the Ginori porcelain table settings, from the Pamploni engraved silver glasses the Spaghetto al Pomodoro and Negroni Experience savored in such company.  

[28:30] Michela’s passion speaks for itself as she shares how The Place of Wonders Foundation breathes life into Italy's cultural heritage by connecting curious travelers with master artisans in Florence, Venice, and Perugia, while nurturing the next generation of craftspeople through dedicated scholarship programs. 

[32:50] From designing zero kilometer sneakers in Florence to molding glass beads in Murano to weaving on ancient looms in Umbria - the foundation is creating an immersive journey for travelers and the next generation of makers alike - where traditional techniques meet contemporary innovation in workshops that have shaped Italian artistry for centuries.

[41:15] Both Claudio and Michela agree there is so much left to be discovered in and around Florence, but it will take a future with more guests seeking slow travel, slow food, and slow moments, to really uncover those hidden gems. 

Notable Mentions

Fabbri Pasta Artigianale

Laudemio Olio Extravergine Di Oliva 

Fattoria di Maiano

 Piazzale Michelangelo

View from the Church of San Miniato

Trattoria Sergio Gozzi

Santo Spirito or the “Oltrarno” on the other side of the Arno

Ristorante La Giostra

Museo del Novecento

Castello di Ama Chianti Winery

Visit For Yourself

The Place Firenze Website | @theplacefirenze

The Place of Wonders Website | @theplaceofwonders.foundation

The Hospitality Experience Website | @the.hospitality.experience

“ Every time I'm really surprised that on arrival, people after one night say, ‘Oh, it was so quiet. I slept until 10 o'clock in the morning. There was nothing around.’ And it is nature all around. Even if you open the window, you can listen only to the birds, and that is it.”

We’re in great company with Stéphanie Gombert, the soul of Château de la Treyne, a luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel and Michelin Star restaurant that stands high above the Dordogne River in France. Here, Stéphanie and her husband, Philippe, welcome guests from around the world to savor the "art-de-vivre" with a touch of happiness in this medieval gem they call home. 

Over the past 40 years, the Gombert family has delicately refined this crown jewel, inspired to keep the castle alive through seasonal cultural events and timeless heritage pieces - sharing its beauty and local bounty with their guests and visitors.

In this episode, Stéphanie paints a picture that is a modern day masterpiece showcasing the best of hospitality and the freshest of gastronomy, set in the charming context of the Dordogne. 

Top Takeaways

[1:35] Born in Germany, Stephanie's life took a romantic turn when she fell in love in Paris, later embarking on a remarkable restoration journey transforming Château de la Treyne from a modest bed & breakfast into the five-star luxury hotel and historic monument that it is today.

[4:10] Stéphanie takes us back in time to the 14th century when the earliest written records mention what was then the fortress of La Treyne, and how the château has evolved over generations since.

[10:00] Beyond its medieval castles, the Dordogne Valley is known for its terroir making it a desired destination for those who enjoy French delicacies such as foie gras, truffles, goat cheese and lamb – paired with some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Bordeaux wines straight from the source. 

[12:20] With Philippe’s esteemed role as the former International President forRelais & Châteaux, Stéphanie is proud to steward this passion for craft, commitment to the guest experience, and promotion of the diversity of culinary and hospitality traditions that is shared with the association’s 580 independent hotels and restaurants around the world.  

[15:40] There is a world to discover outside the château’s walls – from formal gardens with centuries-old trees to vegetable gardens with chickens and pigs, from canoeing and fly fishing to hiking and biking – just be sure to pack a picnic.

[26:10] The future for Château de la Treyne is as bright as the night sky above the Dordogne Valley and full of seasonal swallows and buzzing bees, thanks to Stéphanie and her team’s commitment to the nature that surrounds them. 

Notable Mentions

• Dordogne Valley Prehistoric Caves
• Moulin de Cougnaguet
• Martel Medieval City
• Souillac Abbey Town
• Chartreuse de Calès 
• Le Château du Bastit
• Bernardaud Porcelain in Limoges 
• Christstollen, a German Christmas Fruit Bread
• Linzer Torte, a German Austrian Lattice Pastry

Visit For Yourself
Château de la Treyne Website |@chateaudelatreyne

“  We’re very lucky that we've inherited this wonderful backdrop, but everything that we do is based around socializing and how we can use these spaces with our friends and our family. Yes, we like to party, the Irish love to party. So, that extends not just within the interiors, but into the grounds.”

We’re in great company with James Fennell, the proud steward of Burtown House and Gardens in County Kildare, Ireland, an 18th-century Georgian Villa that he and his family have called home - growing their food and nourishing their soil naturally for over 150 years. 

For decades, this has been an ever evolving project - inspired by personal travels and created for travelers to discover - a historic property turned haven for flora and fauna. Today, three generations of the Fennell family welcome guests to come and experience their bounty of creativity and wellbeing, their blend of sustainability and heritage.

In this episode, James, a modern day Renaissance man, tells a tale of success out of struggle, and paints a picture of prosperity - for this place and the people who seek out to experience it. 

Top Takeaways

[1:40] James’ childhood growing up at Burtown House was a contrast of grandeur and hardship - growing up in a beautiful yet crumbling estate, living in the basement while grand rooms sat unused - all while recognizing and refining this ‘diamond in the rough’, as he took the painstaking steps of preserving his family’s historic home.

[8:20] It was a modern-day fairy tale for James and Joanna - friends at first as they patiently waited for the stars to align - falling in love with each other and the beauty of other cultures as they traveled the world pursuing photography and interior design careers until fate called them home.  

[15:50] James always had a vision for Burtown, yet it is a vision that is ever-evolving to this day. Realizing early on that restoring its natural beauty and bounty was not enough, it needed to be shared.

[20:00] Whether guests are coming for a taste of what is in season at the Green Barn Restaurant, to stroll through the gardens for a special gathering, to pack a picnic full of their favorite finds from Jo’s Pantry, or to settle in for the night in the Stable Yard - there is a touch of rustic elegance woven throughout their experience, with big flavors and bright flowers abound. 

[35:30] With their three talented children coming of age and all creatives in their own rights, James and Jo are busy setting the stage for them within the family business - bringing about new projects from bespoke cask whiskey called Burtown Bonded to sustainable cabins and sculpture gardens to fruit orchards and a boutique stay at their sister property in Portugal.     

Notable Mentions

Visit For Yourself

Burtown House Website | @burtown_house

“  If you love Dirty Dancing and you've never been to Mountain Lake Lodge, you do get that sense that you have arrived at Kellerman's. The big stone iconic lodge from the movie, it's timeless. Right? There's no way to improve the lodge, it is a forever kind of place. But what you see is the place refreshed.” 

We’re in great company with Heidi Stone, the President and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge, the “Miracle on the Mountain” as locals call it. It was Heidi’s visionary role in this classic comeback story that saved a nearly forgotten gem, transforming it into the timeless, thriving, and award-winning lodging destination it is today.

Set amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and nestled in the middle of a nature preserve, this historic mountain lodge provides the ultimate rustic retreat with a rich history to pair with its romantic setting.

In this episode, Heidi shares how her endless desire to fix things led her to Mountain Lake Lodge, where she has fought to keep the Dirty Dancing spirit alive, ensuring that the story doesn’t end there. 

As we begin Season 8 of our series, Heidi exemplifies the resilience and resourcefulness -  characteristics shared amongst many of our guests - that are necessary in this profession. Perhaps Johnny Castle said it best, “nobody puts Baby in a corner.”  

Top Takeaways

[1:45] Sometimes it takes learning from the big brands to realize that you were destined to build and create for yourself, as Heidi learned throughout her hospitality career from Disney to today. 

[6:00] If the grounds and the halls of Mountain Lake Lodge could talk, there would be so much to share about its illustrious past dating back to 1851. Listen as Heidi takes us back in time to a few of those pivotal moments set against the backdrop of American history. 

[8:10] Many associate and can already picture Mountain Lake Lodge as Kellerman’s Mountain House, the backdrop for the iconic romantic drama dance film, Dirty Dancing which has remained an 80’s cult classic to this day. 

[10:40] “ I really find a tremendous amount of satisfaction from fixing things, saving things, turning things around. There's just a tremendous amount of soul satisfaction when you take something that's severely broken and you turn it into this alive, vibrant, living, breathing thing.”

[20:50] Mountain Lake Lodge offers activities for all ages to stay and play - from lacing up our hiking boots to set off on a hidden gem excursion, to rolling up our sleeves in the artist studio, to popping popcorn while we relive the set of “Dirty Dancing” - there is always something special in season.  

[28:20] The future of Mountain Lake Lodge will speak to all your senses - from new seasonal flavors and local ingredients on the menu to the opening of a full-service spa set in the soothing natural surroundings.

[31:00] Heidi shares a powerful message we all should hear, as professionals in hospitality or travelers who choose to spend our money on these experiences - that there should be a sense of camaraderie, not competition, when small businesses form a collective which empowers a louder voice with more stories to be shared. 

Notable Mentions

Jennifer Grey as Frances “Baby” Houseman 

Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle 

Pawpaw Fruit Tree

Cascades Trail 

Visit For Yourself
Mountain Lake Lodge Website | @mtnlakelodge