In this episode, Tom meets up with Melissa Rodway who is an author, travel storyteller, and creator of an awesome travel podcast. Melissa shares compelling travel stories from her journeys and experiences. These are stories that are rich with culture, connection, and real human encounters. Known for her thoughtful and direct method of writing and storytelling, Melissa reflects on the people she meets while traveling and how their perspectives shape her own understanding of their countries and cultures. She shares how those visits and experiences impact her and her decisions about where to travel next.

From remote locations to busy cities, Melissa reveals why travel should be as meaningful as possible and how to make that happen. Her travel experiences fuel her creativity as an author and inspire her continued passion for new travel adventures, new cultural connections, and truly authentic living.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Real travel experiences and the inspirations that they create.
• Heartfelt insight into what makes travel experiences truly meaningful.
• How real experiences with locals and other travelers helps one to tap into the deep cultural roots of a country and how human connections transform every journey.
• How travel sparks self-discovery and authenticity.
• A look at how meaningful travel can shift your mindset and influence the way you show up in your everyday life.
• Why the curiosity, openness, and gratitude found in the people you meet is so critical to a fulfilling life.
• How to infuse aspects of travel and culture into your home to create authentic places where you can escape to the beauty and wonder of these amazing locations without leaving home.

Stay Connected with Melissa!

Fly Travel Radio Podcast

Shooting From The Hip (An excellent and relatable introduction!)

Melissa on Instagram

Her Book: The People You Meet

Email: [email protected]

Stay Connected with Tom!

Cerulean Bay

Design Your Own Tropical Escape At Home!

Tropical Design At Home on YouTube

The Cabana Lounge Newsletter

Send me a text!

Support the show

Through an unexpected pairing of the tropics and the moons of our outer solar system, Tom meets with Amanda Falkenberg, the creator of The Moons Symphony, to explore new connections between the amazing beauty of far-off lunar worlds and tropical escapes at home. 

In this episode, Amanda breathes life and emotion into these amazing moons as she captures the beauty and the grandeur of these distant worlds that belong to our neighboring planets. Amanda introduces us to a whole new concept of natural beauty, one that pairs wonderfully with the peace and tranquility of the tropics to create a whole new experience at home, one that is truly a new source of inspiration for imagery, design, and relaxation at home. Discover how symphonic and choral sound combined with beautiful imagery can transport you from the sunny beaches of the tropics to dramatic lunar landscapes which will leave you filled with a mystical calm, all without leaving home.

In this episode:

• How The Moons Symphony sparks the imagination, inspires creativity, and promotes peace and relaxation at home.

• The connection between music, nature, and your physical and mental well-being.

• Behind-the-scenes insights from composer Amanda Falkenberg.

• Upcoming events and educational opportunities including LUNAR.

• Samples of Amanda’s work which brings the moons, Enceladus, Miranda, and Europa to life.

Whether you are dreaming of a moonlit beach in Bali or are wondering about the beauty of our distant moons and planets, this conversation is sure to spark your imagination and creativity when creating a relaxing personal retreat at home. Be sure to check out The Moons Symphony and Amanda’s upcoming projects including LUNAR (Learning Under New Artistic Regimes)!

Links mentioned in this episode:

The Moons Symphony

LUNAR

The Cabana Lounge Newsletter

Tropical Design At Home Interior Design Program

Send me a text!

Support the show

Dreaming of a amazing getaway in the South Pacific? Check out Tahiti in French Polynesia for that peaceful and intoxicating tropical vibe! In this episode, Tom explores the world of Tahitian-inspired interior design and how you can bring the serene beauty of Tahiti and its surrounding islands into your living space. From natural textures and bold colors to the handcrafted details of tiki and locally inspired art, you’ll learn how to capture the beauty of Tahitian design influences right at home.

But he doesn’t stop at design inspiration. Tom also takes you on a virtual escape to Tahiti with an in-depth review of 5 of the best luxury resorts in the Tahitian islands. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a peaceful vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements that make Tahitian interiors feel timeless, tranquil, and inviting

Tom’s top picks for resorts in the Tahitian islands and what makes each unique

Whether you want to bring in some South Pacific tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed

Tropical Designs At Home Interior Design Program

Subscribe to The Cabana Lounge newsletter

Keep the faith with Tom at Keep Praying, Stay Strong!

Check out these amazing resorts in Bali for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

Here's the blogpost!

1. Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

2. Le Bora Bora

3. La Taha'a Resort

4. Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

5. Le Tikehau Resort

Send me a text!

Support the show

Dreaming of an awesome tropical getaway in Central America? Consider the hidden gem that is Belize! It is an absolutely beautiful place and is full of inspiration you can use to create that peaceful tropical escape at home. In this episode, Tom explores the relaxed tropical beauty of Belize and how different cultural influences have come together to create the truly unique look and style that only comes from Belize. Tom also reviews 5 of the top adults-only resorts in the country. With natural materials and textures that are blended with indigenous Mayan and European design influences, these resorts are excellent examples of modern luxury living in tropical style which provide endless inspiration for tropical design in your own home as you create your own personal tropical escape.

Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a peaceful vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements in Belizean resort interiors which help to create seamless transitions between interiors and exteriors. 

Specific details which make each of these resorts truly unique.

Whether you want to bring in some calming tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed

Tropical Designs At Home Interior Design Program

Subscribe to The Cabana Lounge newsletter

Keep the faith with Tom at Keep Praying, Stay Strong!

Check out these amazing resorts in Belize for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

1. Matachica Resort & Spa

2. Coco Plum Island Resort

3. PUR Boutique Cabanas

4. Caribbean Beach Cabanas

5. St. George’s Caye Resort

Send me a text!

Support the show

Dreaming of a amazing getaway in Bali or just craving that peaceful, exotic vibe at home? In this episode, Tom explores the world of Balinese-inspired interior design and how you can bring the serene beauty of Bali into your living space. From natural textures and handcrafted details to soothing wood tones and the sound of water, you’ll learn how to capture the beauty of Balinese design influences right at home.

But he doesn’t stop at design inspiration. Tom also takes you on a virtual escape to Bali with an in-depth review of 5 of the best luxury resorts in Bali. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a peaceful vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements that make Balinese interiors feel timeless, tranquil, and inviting

Tom’s top picks for resorts in Bali and what makes each unique

Whether you want to bring in some exotic Asian tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed

Tropical Designs At Home Interior Design Program

Subscribe to The Cabana Lounge newsletter

Keep the faith with Tom at Keep Praying, Stay Strong!

Check out these amazing resorts in Bali for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

1. The Kayon Jungle Resort

2. The Royal Purnama

3. Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa

4. Bale Nusa Dua

5. Spa Village Resort at Tembok

Send me a text!

Support the show

Dreaming of an awesome tropical getaway in Central America? Consider Costa Rica! It is an absolutely beautiful place and is full of inspiration you can use to create that peaceful tropical escape at home. In this episode, Tom explores the remote tropical beauty of Costa Rica and how different styles of interior design have inspired the construction of 5 of the top adults-only resorts in the country. With natural materials and textures that are blended with contemporary and linear design, these resorts are excellent examples of modern luxury living in tropical style which provide endless inspiration for tropical design in your own home as you create your own personal tropical escape.

Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a peaceful vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements in Costa Rican resort interiors which help to create seamless transitions between interiors and exteriors 

Specific details which make each of these resorts truly unique

Whether you want to bring in some calming tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed

Tropical Designs At Home Interior Design Program

Subscribe to The Cabana Lounge newsletter

Keep the faith with Tom at Keep Praying, Stay Strong!

Check out these amazing resorts in Costa Rica for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

1. Oxygen Jungle Villas

2. Rancho Pacifico

3. Secrets Papagayo

4. Jardin del Eden

5. Nayara Springs

Send me a text!

Support the show

Dreaming of a getaway in Bali or just craving that peaceful, exotic vibe at home? In this episode, Tom explores the world of Balinese-inspired interior design and how you can bring the serene beauty of Bali into your living space. From natural textures and handcrafted details to soothing wood tones and the sound of water, you’ll learn how to capture the beauty of Balinese design influences right at home.

But he doesn’t stop at design inspiration. Tom also takes you on a virtual escape to Bali with an in-depth review of 5 of the best luxury resorts in Bali. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a peaceful vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements that make Balinese interiors feel timeless, tranquil, and inviting

Tom’s top picks for resorts in Bali and what makes each unique

Whether you want to bring in some exotic Asian tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed

Tropical Designs At Home Interior Design Program

Subscribe to The Cabana Lounge newsletter

Keep the faith with Tom at Keep Praying, Stay Strong!

Check out these amazing resorts in Bali for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

1. The Kayon Jungle Resort

2. The Royal Purnama

3. Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa

4. Bale Nusa Dua

5. Spa Village Resort at Tembok

Send me a text!

Support the show

Dreaming of a Thai getaway or just craving that peaceful, exotic vibe at home? In this episode, Tom explores the world of Thai-inspired interior design and how you can bring the serene beauty of Thailand into your living space. From natural textures and handcrafted details to soothing wood tones and the sound of water, you’ll learn how to capture the beauty of Thai design influences right at home.

But he doesn’t stop at design inspiration. Tom also takes you on a virtual escape to Thailand with an in-depth review of 5 of the best adults-only luxury resorts in Thailand. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a child-free vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements that make Thai interiors feel timeless, tranquil, and inviting

Tom’s top picks for adults-only resorts in Thailand and what makes each unique

Whether you want to bring in some exotic Asian tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

 Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed:

Tropical Designs At Home Interior Design Program:

Subscribe to The Cabana Lounge newsletter:

Check out these amazing Thai resorts for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

1. The Layana Resort & Spa

2. Explorar, Koh Samui

3. The Shore At Katathani

4. Beyond Khaolak

5. Bangsak Village

Send me a text!

Support the show

When you think of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday seasons, palm trees and island breezes might not be the first things that come to mind. But why not? Infusing the tropics into the upcoming holidays is fun, and it keeps tropical inspiration and dreams alive! In this episode, we explore how to bring a touch of the tropics to your favorite holidays, creating celebrations that are fresh, joyful, and uniquely yours.

From carving pineapples and watermelons instead of pumpkins for a Halloween glow, to swapping out pine trees for palm trees or even creating trees made from driftwood for Christmas, Tom shares some creative ways to reimagine seasonal traditions. This episode also serves as a preview of his upcoming YouTube video in which he will provide some cool visual examples! He also shares how it’s been a tough week to stay focused and shares a few reminders about how important love for each other is in this world, regardless of personal differences, especially after this particularly difficult week.

So if you’ve ever wished you could trade the cold and the snow for the warmth of a sandy beach, or you just want your holidays to feel more relaxed and laid back with a touch of the tropics, this episode encourages you to think outside of the box and get creative so you can celebrate your favorite holidays in some fun new ways!

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing on YouTube, leaving a review, and sharing it with your fellow travel enthusiasts. Your support helps us create more exciting content for you!

Links mentioned in the show!

The Cabana Lounge Newsletter

Tropical Design At Home: Learn how to create your own personal tropical escape!

Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram!

Contact Tom at [email protected]

Send me a text!

Support the show

As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, many people dream of escaping the winter chill for the warmth and beauty of the tropics. In this episode, Tom dive's into why fall and winter are the ideal seasons to book your tropical vacation. From lower travel costs to quieter destinations, Tom explores the benefits of choosing a tropical getaway during the cooler months and how to make the most of your time in paradise.

In This Episode:

Why Fall & Winter Are Ideal for a Tropical Getaway

During the cold weather months, go south of the equator! Tom shares his experiences from his trips to Matangi Private Island Resort in Fiji and explains what to look for even if Fiji is not on your list of places to visit.

Lower Travel Costs

Learn how traveling during the off-peak seasons (fall and winter) can lead to more affordable flights and accommodations.

Less Crowds, More Relaxation

Say goodbye to crowded beaches and overbooked resorts. We discuss how fall and winter vacations tend to be quieter, offering a more peaceful and private tropical experience.

Activities to Enjoy in the Tropics

Whether it’s snorkeling in warm waters, enjoying cultural visits and events, or hiking in amazing tropical scenery, Tom talks about what you can do on Matangi Island and what to look for wherever you decide to go.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing on YouTube, leaving a review, and sharing it with your fellow travel enthusiasts. Your support helps us create more exciting content for you!

Links mentioned in the show!

Kava Ceremonies in Fiji

Matangi's Resort Website (it's beautiful!)

The Cabana Lounge Newsletter

Tropical Design At Home: Learn how to create your own personal tropical escape!

Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram!

Contact Tom at [email protected]

Send me a text!

Support the show