Luxury Travel Insider

Luxury Travel Insider

Do you love travel? Are you always searching for the absolute best experiences? Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel’s most iconic people. We’ll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world’s top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels. You’ll leave each episode with an Insider appreciation for new destinations, luxury travel, and all the heart that goes into creating these magical experiences. Luxury Travel Insider is hosted by Sarah Groen, an expert in luxury travel. Sarah has traveled to 100 countries and all 7 continents, is a contributing travel columnist for CEO World Magazine, and is the owner of Bell & Bly Travel, a top travel advising firm working with executives and entrepreneurs.

Episodes

July 16, 2025 48 mins

Today we’re stepping into the world of understated glamour, playful elegance, and celebrating 100 years of Parisian magic at Le Bristol Paris. Opened in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, this legendary Palace hotel has quietly hosted history— from movie stars to fashion icons and modern-day royals. And through it all, Le Bristol has remained a joyful, ever-evolving symbol of true French hospitality.

Joinin...

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Today, we’re venturing to a corner of Europe that feels like a world all its own - the Basque Country. Straddling Spain and France, this is a place where ancient traditions meet avant-garde cuisine, where surfers ride some of the best waves in Europe, and where you can hear one of the oldest living languages on the continent.

There’s a saying in Basque, “Izena duenak izana du,” which means, “That which has...

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Today, we’re continuing our exploration of the fascinating intersection between positive psychology and travel and I couldn’t be more excited to have one of the leading minds in the field with us. 

Shige Oishi is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the most cited psychologists in the world. With over 200 journal ...

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My guest today is a bit of a renaissance man. Jim Manley is the Chairman of Atlantic Pacific Capital… and also the VERY hands on owner of one of the top properties in all of the United States - The Ranch at Rock Creek.

Located in a hidden valley, nestled against a sparkling clear creek, in the heart of Western Montana, Ranch at Rock Creek is the only Forbes 5 Star guest ranch in the world.

Whether you spend your days fly fishing, h...

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Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most enchanting ways to experience Japan - staying at a ryokan. If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping on tatami mats, slipping into a steaming onsen, or savoring a multi-course kaiseki dinner crafted with local, seasonal ingredients - a ryokan stay is the ultimate expression of Japanese hospitality and tradition.

To help us explore this beautiful corner of J...

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June 11, 2025 44 mins

Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It’s a spot where everything feels alive and you can’t help but be wowed by the humanity of it all. 

Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand new Peninsula Istanbul. We discuss everything from Turkish cuisine, to the contemporary art scene, to the speci...

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Today, I’m kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you’ve ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there’s actually science behind that. And over the past year, I’ve been studying it deeply through my master’s at Penn — not just as a travel professional, but as a human who believes that ...

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Today we’re headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of. 

Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we’re diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate. 

One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Private Island boasts exclusive over-water villas...

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Today’s episode is a little different — and very special.


Not only are we celebrating five incredible years of Luxury Travel Insider… but I am, for the first time ever, inviting YOU to come on the show.

To celebrate this five-year milestone, I’m inviting three of our listeners to join me as guests for a special anniversary episode.

If you love the show, if travel has inspired you...

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May 14, 2025 45 mins

Today we’re headed south to the tiny but intriguing country of Belize. Nestled into Central America surrounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras - Belize will capture your imagination. Experience dense rainforest, the second largest barrier reef in the world, phenomenal wildlife, and ancient Mayan culture and history. 

Joining me today is Martin Krediet, the General Manager of Turtle Inn. This property is...

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May 7, 2025 50 mins

Today we’re in for some adventure. We’ll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we’ll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot. 

Joining me today to chat all things New Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boorman. Phil spent his entire life leading far flung experien...

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April 30, 2025 40 mins

Today, we're headed deep off the beaten path to a forgotten island in Indonesia called Sumba. While it’s twice as large as Bali and has only 700,000 inhabitants - Sumba has barely any tourism to the island. 

If it’s starting to sound TOO remote, don’t worry because we uncovered a luxury gem, or as our guest, James McBride, would call it - geographically opulent. 

James is the CEO of NIHI Sumba...

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April 23, 2025 50 mins

Today, we're venturing off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known gems of Greece. Picture yourself wandering through the picturesque streets of Tinos, soaking in the stunning views of Folegandros, and discovering the ancient beauty of Meteora. From the charming towns of Syros to the vibrant culture of Thessaloniki, we'll uncover hidden treasures and authentic experiences.

Joining me today are my frien...

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April 16, 2025 49 mins

Today we’re visiting my personal favorite destination in the Caribbean. The beaches beckon with white powdery sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and the easiest drinking rum punch in the islands. Add in some amazing resorts, and this is the stuff of your vacation dreams. 

Joining me to talk all things Turks & Caicos is the COO of Grace Bay Resorts, Nikheel Advani. We talk about what true luxury means, the...

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Today we’re enjoying wide open skies, magical rivers, and the jagged peaks of the Madison mountain range. Sprinkle in a little cowboy culture, love for the land, and a much needed break from the hustle and bustle.. And we’ll find ourselves in Big Sky, Montana. 

Today I’m joined by my friend Serge Ditesheim, the General Manager of the highly anticipated One & Only Moonlight Basin. This will be One & Only’s ...

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April 2, 2025 53 mins

Today, we’re heading to one of the world’s most magical cities—Venice. Imagine wandering through winding canals, admiring centuries-old architecture, and indulging in traditional ciccheti and a select spritz. Whether you're here for the art, the food, or the timeless beauty, Venice has something special waiting for you.

I’m joined by two incredible locals, Giovanna Santini and Nicole Zennaro, who share the...

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March 26, 2025 44 mins

Today we’re heading to the capital of Spain, a city in Europe that is certainly having a moment. To sum it up, a quote from Lope de Vega says, “When you are in Madrid, you are among friends.” 

So, joining me today to explore this charming capital city, is my friend, Friedrich von Schönburg, the General Manager of the beautiful Rosewood Villa Magna. We dive deep into the history and culture of the city, the...

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March 19, 2025 41 mins

Today we are headed to a magical slice of Oman called the Musandam Peninsula. This part of the country is completely isolated from the rest of the mainland and so has maintained its wild natural beauty and authentic culture.

Joining me today is Diletta Guarino, the General Manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay, recently named one of the 50 Best Hotels in the world. The resort takes wellness and sustainability se...

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Today we’re heading to the bustling, yet beautiful metropolis of Hong Kong. Instead of telling you about it in my own words today, I have a couple quotes that I think really sum it up: 

Journalist Peter Lindberg “Life in Hong Kong transcends cultural and culinary borders, such that nothing is truly foreign and nothing doesn’t belong.”

And then a little tongue in cheek from British writer Jonat...

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March 5, 2025 54 mins

Today… we’re going skiing! And we’re doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it’s looking pretty darn good from a value perspective right now. The Euro and Dollar are currently on par and lift tickets and lessons are massively cheaper in Europe than in th...

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