Travel That Matters

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts President Radha Arora is one of the most influential people in travel. He’s also a true connoisseur of global cuisine, and in this episode, he speaks with Bruce about some of his favorite dining destinations and go-to spots worldwide.  

Arora begins by giving us an insider’s view on a place he practically considers home: Paris. Rather than the famed Michelin-star establishments, Arora’s first stop in Paris is Le Bon Georges. At this small bistro, with its chalkboard menu and convivial atmosphere, the owners are equally as invested in the quality of their farm-to-table food as they are with making their guests feel like family. Arora also cites the more high-profile Parisian establishment, Girafe, as a favorite, if for no other reason than the views of the Eiffel Tower.

Hopping over to Italy, in Bergamo, Arora recommends the Michelin three-star restaurant Da Vittorio. Despite its Michelin status, Da Vittorio is completely unpretentious, the kind of place where you might have an appetizer of mini-hot dogs that will be the best you’ve ever had. In Rome, he says the best paccheri pasta is at Trissola. Family owned since 1910, it’s about as authentic a Roman restaurant experience as you can have.

Arora also discusses a recent visit to Crete and coming across a typical Greek taverna called the Blue Door. He goes on to cover everything from the emerging culinary destination of Croatia to the complex multicultural mix that is Hong Kong’s dining scene. Wherever he is, Arora believes a great restaurant isn’t just about being served an amazing meal, it’s about the relationships cultivated with the staff and owners. It’s the entire experience that’s important.  

Arora applies that philosophy throughout the Rosewood portfolio, from Mayakoba in Mexico—led by the dynamic chef Juan Pablo Loza—to London, Paris, Hong Kong, and beyond. He speaks with Bruce about some of the standout dining experiences—including chef-led adventures to destinations far beyond where Rosewood has hotels—that his culinary team has created. Arora also talks about what’s next from Rosewood, including new hotels and resorts in Madrid, Sao Paolo, St. Barths, and more.

Additional links for this episode available at www.curtco.com

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journeys to remote destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, and Papua New Guinea are already ultimate adventures. Add a private superyacht to the equation, and those adventures soar to a whole new level. Such trips are the specialty of EYOS Expeditions, whose CEO, Ben Lyons, speaks to Bruce about these incredible journeys, his own personal adventures, and his passion for the extreme regions EOS explores.

The primary advantage to a yacht charter over, say, a standard cruise, is that you can explore these remote destinations on your own terms. No tour schedules or set meal times—it’s all up to you and, of course, the elements. From being able to stop and watch a pod of killer whales or spend an extra night surrounded by ice, itineraries are adaptable to the individual and the situation.

EYOS helps yacht owners prepare their boats for extreme conditions before leading them on these expeditions. The company also charters expedition-ready yachts for clients who do not have their own boat. In either scenario, most of the yachts are specially equipped to break through the ice, which is where Ben says, “the real magic happens.” The ice itself comes in sizes ranging from a baseball to 17 miles long, and in an array of colors. This natural beauty is what draws Ben back again and again, but wildlife encounters also drive the journeys.

Antarctica is full of wildlife, where you are almost certain to see penguins, whales, and other creatures. Ben, however, feels that the animal encounters in the Arctic are even more special, where a longer search might lead to a single—and singularly spectacular—sighting of a polar bear on a massive sheet of ice.

Ben also discusses how he and his colleagues are witnessing the effects of climate change in the polar regions first-hand. Most evident, he says, is the lengthening of the seasons in which you can travel to these regions, with trips to the Arctic now possible in May and to Antarctica in October. He concedes the severity of the situation—and that his trips contribute to the problem by having a large carbon footprint. However, he and his colleagues are passionate about preserving these environments—it is why they do what they do—and they strive to instill that passion in their clients. EYOS internally offsets carbon emissions and encourages clients to offset their own emissions. More importantly, EYOS has helped raise approximately $5 million for conservation efforts in the area’s the company explores.

It is essential, Ben concludes, to have an unforgettable experience in these remote destinations—and to preserve them for future generations.

Additional Links:

EYOS Expeditions

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some travelers, visiting a destination isn’t just about what they can experience, but about the specific goals they set out to achieve while there. Bruce calls it Accomplishment Travel—a term he coined to describe the one-of-a-kind adventures of his friend and fellow journalist Jackie Caradonio.

The daughter of a hotel general manager, Jackie grew up in hotels, but it was at childhood sports camps where she started developing a travel style all her own. Whether it was tennis, equestrian, or cheerleading camp, Jackie always set out to learn something new, improve an existing skill, and compete with others and herself. Today, she applies that same goal-oriented approach to her travels as an editor, writer, and photographer for Departures (former travel director), Robb Report (former senior editor), Travel & Leisure, and many other top publications.   

Accomplishment Travel can encompass everything from physical feats to deep cultural dives. Jackie’s favorite example of the former is the time she ran the Lewa Safari Marathon—an especially challenging race for a first-time marathoner. The route cuts through the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, starting at 5,000 feet and featuring some 7,000 feet in elevation gains. Endurance wasn’t the only challenge she faced, however—the race was delayed because a lion killed an impala on the route. The thrilling setting and course attracted some of the world’s most famous runners, and Jackie found herself running alongside the likes of Eliud Kipchoge, who holds the world record for fastest marathon.  

On the more cultural side of Accomplishment Travel, Jackie discusses a trip she took to Jordan to research women’s issues. As a Western woman, she typically would not have been allowed unchaperoned visits with other women without a male present. On this particular journey, however, she found herself in Wadi Rum with a woman chaperone and visiting with women and families in rarely touristed regions of the country. She was surprised at how liberal thinking has started to trickle out into these more remote regions, including women expressing the desire to start a career and not get married. It was a behind-the-curtain view of the country’s women that few get to see.

Jackie also talks about trips to Cape Town to become an expert on contemporary African art, to the mountains of Malibu to complete an extreme fitness program, and much more. She discusses the next destinations she has her eye on—from Amangiri’s Camp Sarika in the Utah desert to Angama Safari Camp in Kenya. Wherever the destination, she says that setting out with specific goals can make travel more meaningful not just for the participant, but for the places you visit and the people you meet. 

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are countless reasons to love travel, but for many people, the magic of a great hotel experience drives their passion. Marriott International’s Senior Vice President of Luxury Brands, Chris Gabaldon, joins Bruce Wallin to talk about some of the more than 130 new Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and other hotels that his company will be opening in the coming months and years—but also about his personal love for hotels and travel.

Gabaldon points out that many historic hotels, such as the St. Regis New York, have lived through multiple wars, pandemics, and other human tragedies. Their presence today, he says, is comforting, landmarks that have stood the test of time and continue to bring guests and staff together. But for Gabaldon, the primary draw of travel is to explore something new. He does not need it to be a glamorous experience; he wants it to be different and something he hasn’t seen before. In the last year, traveling for him has been about getting in the car and driving up the New England coast to discover smaller towns he’s never visited before.

Gabaldon believes that our newfound love of local travel isn’t going away anytime soon. We are going to continue to see an increase in travel to the ‘second-tier cities.’ But he also believes that bucket-list travel is starting to reemerge. 

Of the many new openings in Gabaldon’s portfolio of brands—which, in addition to Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, includes the Luxury Collection, W Hotels, and more—he’s particularly excited about the upcoming W properties in Rome and Nashville. The brand, he says, is going through a rebirth, and he’s eager to see the new design come to life. He also cites the St. Regis Chicago, which will be the city’s tallest hotel, and Ritz-Carltons in Mexico City, the Riviera Maya in Mexico, the Maldives, and Paradise Valley in Arizona. In the Luxury Collection—which he describes as incredibly localized hotels that have much more freedom with their design, culinary, and culture to truly become immersed in the destinations—he talks about new properties in Tasmania, Budapest, and Nashville.  

Finally, Gabaldon discusses the launch of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. He speaks to the challenges of launching a cruise brand during a pandemic and how there have been several unforeseen factors such as the disruption of the supply chain. Despite these hurdles, the brand is on course to launch in May of 2022 and in so doing, he says, will usher in a unique experience on the seas.

Additional Links:

W Rome

W Nashville

the St. Regis Chicago 

Ritz-Carlton Mexico City

Ritz-Carlton Cancun

Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, Arizona

The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

Matild, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest

The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Few hotels combine exclusivity, luxury, and sustainability like the Brando does. In the first of our miniseries focusing on the best hotels and resorts in the world, we take a closer look at this remarkable private island property set on the Teti'aroa atoll near Tahiti.

The vision for the resort began with Teti'aroa’s owner—and French Polynesia’s most famous resident—Marlon Brando. After falling in love with French Polynesian culture, Brando bought his own piece of paradise in 1967. After years of enjoying the biodiverse beauty of the multi-islet atoll—which is protected by a coral reef that encircles the islets—he decided that Teti'aroa had to be shared.

In 1999 Brando began working with Richard Bailey, an American hotelier living in Tahiti. Bailey, who is also the founder of the nonprofit Teti'aroa Society, at first struggled to reconcile Brando’s “crazy ideas” about how to build a self-sustaining resort that did more good than harm. But he eventually embraced the then-pioneering concepts of Brando—whom he calls one of the “first earth champions”—and went to work building a resort unlike anything the world had ever seen.

Bailey joins Bruce to share Brando stories and how the actor’s vision comes to life at the Brando, which opened in 2014. Thanks to features like a seawater air-conditioning system, solar power, and coconut oil, the resort today is carbon neutral from an energy standpoint—and yet still delivers one of the most exclusive and luxurious vacation experiences on Earth. 

The true luxury in Bailey’s eyes comes from being in a location where you are secluded and can enjoy the island’s beauty, history, and culture. The resort of course has a world-class spa, a wide range of water sports, first-rate cuisine, and even its own private plane and airstrip, but for many guests of the property’s 35 villas—each of which has its own private pool and beach area—the immersive view of the island through archeological tours and jungle walks are what connects them to the Brando. The resort has hosted everyone from celebrities to former U.S. Presidents, all enjoying this unique resort both for its exclusivity and ecological mission, which is best summed up by Marlon Brando’s son, who said, “Save Teti'aroa, save the world.” 

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruce speaks with adventurer, conservationist, and Journeys by Design founder Will Jones about the best safari destinations for different types of travelers. From first timers to seasoned vets of the Sub-Saharan circuit, Jones has led clients like Ralph Lauren and other high-profile people on countless adventures that combine conservation, cultural immersion, and high-adrenaline action. With his new Off-Google trips, he is starting to take those clients deeper—and on more meaningful journeys—than ever before.

Jones, who grew up in seven different African countries, suggests travelers start with “Classic” safari destinations such as Tanzania, Botswana, or South Africa. He says travelers are “spoiled for choice” in such destinations, citing a number of luxury camps, including Great Plains Conservation’s Zarafa Camp in Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, among the options. He also suggests the wilds of northern Kenya, where a handful of exclusive buy-out villas and ranches provide perfect settings for families and multi-generational trips. These types of trips frequently include private guides and vehicles, and the ability to add private helicopters and other over-the-top amenities. However, he believes the cultural interactions—whether it’s meeting a Maasai warrior or kids at a local school—make the greatest impact on travelers, especially on children. 

Journeys by Design’s “Rare” trips take Jones’ expertise and connections to a whole new level, venturing to places like Chad, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, the company has invested in projects like Lale’s Camp in the Omo Valley, a rarely visited region where some tribes still practice infanticide. The camp has helped create jobs and an ownership stake for local communities, an example of what Jones puts forth as a “trade, not aid” model. Jones’ journeys, however, also emphasize philanthropy, particularly in the form of wildlife conservation. He works in tandem with organizations such as African Parks and the World Wildlife Foundation to help protect remote wild spaces—and gain access to those spaces for his clients.

Some of the Rare regions Jones discusses with Bruce include a new project near the “Pole of Inaccessibility” in Central African Republic where “goliath” tiger fish lurk in the rivers, and deserted islands in Eritrea where Jones didn’t see another traveler for two weeks. He shares that he has approximately 50 experiences he can take guests on that are not found on Google, but rather, reside primarily in his head. Even as an expert planner, however, he wants people to enjoy and discover what happens when you go off plan, because that, he says, is where the magic happens.  

Additional Links:

Journeys by Design 

Lale’s Camp 

Zarafa Camp (Great Plains Conservation)

Arijiju in Kenya

African Parks 

Time + Tide King Lewanika 

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are all dreaming of the next place we want to travel, and for many, Italy is at the top of their list. But is it time to reconsider our relationship with the world’s most beloved destination? On this episode of Travel That Matters, travel journalist and Italy expert Maria Shollenbarger shares her secrets on how to experience the very best of the country in a more meaningful, sustainable, and insiderly way.  

Maria was an editor at large at Condé Nast Traveler and a senior editor at Travel & Leisure before taking on her current role as the travel editor for the Financial Times’ How to Spend It. She has lived in several cities throughout Asia, Europe, and the U.S., and she’s currently based in London and Rome. She speaks with Bruce about what it was like to be in Italy at a time when other Americans weren’t able to visit, and how travelers can achieve that sense of insider access in the future.

For one, Maria recommends finding the right travel designer, someone like Emily Fitzroy of Bellini Travel. But even with an expert’s support, you need to do your research. Don’t just walk into any pizza spot in Venice; take the time to find that hidden spot that’s serving authentic Venetian cuisine. Her favorite way to enjoy Venetian fare isn’t at a restaurant at all, but rather aboard a yacht called the Edipo Re, which takes guests and top local chefs far beyond the city to explore the lagoon and Adriatic and sample local delicacies along the way.

Maria also offers up fabulous tips on Sicilian wine country, the Umbrian countryside, the island of Ischia, and more. But even with all the great insights on Italy, Travel That Matters wants more! Bruce encourages you to write to him on Twitter @TravelwithBruce or email him at [email protected] and share some of your favorite destinations and secret spots throughout Europe. We know our listeners are experts, and we want to hear from you! 

Additional links and locations mentioned in this episode:

Sujan Sher Bagh in Ranthambore

Wilderness Safaris’ Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in Namibia

Edipo Re yacht in Venice

Tasca d'Almerita

Capofaro

Villa Tasca

Regaleali

Mozia 

Mezzatorre on the island if Ischia

Corte della Maesta in Tuscia

Castello di Reschio in Umbria

Rocco Forte’s Villa Igiea in Palermo

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one knows your family like Sue Hills does. A longtime director on the TV show Who Do You Think You Are?, Hills is the founder of the genealogical travel company Ancestral Footsteps. While DNA testing and genealogical tours have become popular in recent years, Ancestral Footsteps takes you several steps further, diving deep into your family history and leading you on a personal, highly customized adventure to discover your specific origin story.

In this episode of Travel that Matters, host Bruce Wallin is joined by Sue and special guest co-host Lisa Sweetingham, a New York Times bestselling author—and Bruce’s wife—who traveled with Ancestral Footsteps to discover her family’s past. Lisa shares her story of working with Sue and her team to uncover a family mystery about her maternal grandmother, a German immigrant who was shot and killed by her Mexican American husband—Lisa’s grandfather—before he turned the weapon on himself.

While traveling with Lisa through Europe, Sue revealed information Lisa never knew about her grandparents and unraveled some of the mysteries behind the tragic murder-suicide story. Perhaps the greatest revelation came when Sue introduced Lisa to an unknown relative—a connection that required a considerable amount of research and ingenuity to make.

Bruce and Lisa speak with Sue about the extensive knowledge and planning that go into creating some of the world’s most private and personalized journeys. These are far more than tours; they are intricately researched and orchestrated experiences that bring family stories to life. Sue and her team search through archives, speak with locals, and—in Lisa’s case—even take out stories in local newspapers to glean even the tiniest details that can lead to major breakthroughs in your family story.

As with any good story, Sue saves some of the biggest reveals for last. Throughout each of her journeys, however, you will learn—and experience—fascinating tales from the past and moments in time, whether visiting the former home of a long-forgotten family member, discovering an ancestor’s signature in a dusty old archive, or even meeting a living relative you didn’t know you had.

Additional Links:

http://www.ancestralfootsteps.com/

Lisa Sweetingham's Story on her experience with Ancestral Footsteps

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts CEO Lindsey Ueberroth has visited more than 100 countries, and she oversees a company with 700-plus hotels worldwide. So where does she want to go next? Not surprisingly, Ueberroth has a long list of places she’d like to visit—and that she recommends for fellow travelers—as the world reopens.

With her lifelong experience—she grew up with parents in the travel industry—and her leadership position in the luxury space, Ueberroth has a unique perspective on how we might travel differently moving forward. She believes the concept of a bucket list is dead, with people preferring to pull the trigger on big-ticket trips now instead of putting them off for some far-off date in the future.

One big-ticket trip at the top of Ueberroth’s list is Africa, where she believes you need to visit again and again to appreciate the diversity of its destinations and experiences. She’s dreaming of heading back to Botswana in particular, where she cites the new Xigera Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta not only for its superior wildlife experience but also for its deep commitment to conservation.

Ueberroth also sees us returning to popular destinations like Greece, but with a new perspective on how to experience them. Greece was one of the first countries to reopen its boarders to tourists and has seen significant demand ever since. To avoid the crowds, Ueberroth suggests heading outside of the typical Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, and exploring less-touristed areas such as the forested mountains and coasts in the country’s northern regions, where Preferred recently added the new Aristi Mountain Resort, Greece.

Closer to home, another popular spot that’s primed for a renaissance is Puerto Vallarta, where new hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants up and down the coast are bringing a fresh energy to a classic Mexican coastal destination. For a more secluded tropical vacation, Ueberroth suggests French Polynesia, specifically the Brando Resort. The private-island resort, set on the atoll long owned by Marlon Brando, is known both for its innovative sustainability practices and its extravagant luxury.

As appealing as far-flung destinations are, however, Ueberroth believes the trend of traveling close to home will continued long after the pandemic. Her top pick? Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which she describes as a more “laid-back version of Aspen.”

Preferred has added an impressive 40 hotels to its portfolio in recent months, including La Esperanza in Grenada, Spain, and the Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei in Taipei, Taiwan. Ueberroth discusses these and other properties in the portfolio, as well as her thoughts on cities reopening and the need to be around a bustling metropolis. Now is the time, she believes, to immerse yourself in communities and embrace the many things we missed about travel.

 

Additional Links to Hotels Mentioned in this Episode: 

Beyond Green:

Bentwood Inn

Xigera Safari Lodge

Three Camel Lodge

The Brando

Aristi Mountain Resort

Preferred Hotels & Resorts:

Casa Di Langa

ModernHaus Soho

Lago Resort Menorca – Suites del Lago 5*

La Esperanza Granada

Pendry Chicago

Montage Healdsburg

Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei 

Puerto Vallarta & Surrounds

Maxwell Residences

Conrad Punta de Mita

Las Alamandas

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo

One&Only Mandarina

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extraordinary Adventure Club Founder Calum Morrison joins Travel that Matters to talk about the truly transformational travel experiences he curates for his clients. The former British Royal Marine and his team of life coaches, trainers, survival experts, and other specialists create highly personalized journeys of self-discovery for their clients—but the clients have no idea where they’re going.

After an initial retreat in a secret wilderness location, the EAC team assesses the individual’s needs and goals before crafting a long-term program of personal fulfillment. Core to that program is an extended adventure to an unknown destination—the participant usually finds out where they’re going once they arrive at the airport and are handed a large black envelope with instructions. Calum’s team has taken clients across the Sudan by camel, through Southern Africa on motorcycles, across the frozen tundra by dog sled, and into the Ecuadoran jungle, where they lived with an Amazonian tribe. Whatever the destination, the surprises continue throughout the journey.

During his conversation with Bruce, Calum shares fascinating tales of his time in combat zones, his years growing up in the Scottish Highlands, and how he came to start the Extraordinary Adventure Club. He also addresses how the uncertainty baked into the EAC’s trips plays a large part in teaching travelers to let go of their preconceived concepts. Not knowing what is going to happen next—and being okay with not knowing—is an integral part of the process.

Calum believes that where you take people is less important than what you do at the location—and that it’s essential to be able to change plans on the fly. He is clear on the fact that the EAC is not an adventure travel company; it is a personal development company that uses travel as a tool for self-improvement. Having the flexibility to adjust certain aspects of a trip to cater to an individual’s progress is essential to the process.

The EAC journeys may be life-altering trips for clients, but they are for Calum as well. He shares some of his own memorable experiences and the bonds he forms with the people who travel with him—and how they extend far beyond the trip itself.

Additional Links: 

Read about Bruce’s Extraordinary Adventure Club experience here: https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/extraordinary-adventures-clubs-life-changing-trips-2826254/ 

Extraordinary Adventure Club: https://extraordinaryadventureclub.com/ 

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.