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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.
Tim Nealon, founder and CEO of Ghost City Tours, discusses the reality of ghosts and paranormal tourism on Luxury Travel Insider. Nealon explains that 99.9% of paranormal encounters are entirely harmless and that ghost tours offer deep insights into local history, culture, and architecture rather than just cheap scares.
Recounting his experiences in the paranormal field, Tim Nealon describes a chilling multi-day stay at the Old South Pittsburgh Hospital in Tennessee where he and his colleagues faced intense psychological and physical stress. He also shares a memorable event at the St. Augustine Lighthouse where a visitor correctly described his late father, who subsequently appeared as an audio voice.
Tim Nealon identifies Savannah, New Orleans, and St. Augustine alongside Gettysburg as the top haunted hubs in the United States. He notes that these cities possess rich historical backgrounds blended with modern resident accounts that drive successful paranormal tourism.
Arnault, founder of Sanié Hotels, discusses the five-year restoration of Île de Bendor. The island, once a private playground for Paul Ricard, has been reimagined with a focus on 1960s Mediterranean glamour, evident in its vintage antiques and decor, such as the Delos building's unique poolside aesthetic. Arnault believes the island's deepest lesson is how to embrace the joy of life.
Arnault explains that Île de Bendor was a key destination for wealthy French families in the early 20th century, predating the rise of Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Purchased by Paul Ricard in 1950, it has remained in the same family and offers a less flashy, more unadulterated experience compared to its glamorous Riviera counterparts. The island is an hour's drive from Marseille Airport.
Phil Borman highlights a common misconception about New Zealand's travel time from the United States. He explains that for those on the US West Coast, it's an overnight flight, and direct flights from various US cities are increasingly available.
Phil Borman shares a surprising ecological fact about New Zealand: it has no native land mammals. He humorously refers to the country as 'the land without teeth,' contrasting it with Australia's diverse and sometimes dangerous wildlife.
Phil Borman explains the unique mix of climates and landscapes in New Zealand, citing its position in the path of the Roaring Forties winds and rapid mountain uplift 15 million years ago. This combination leads to diverse environments, from rainforests to alpine zones, sometimes within short distances.
Phil Borman reveals that New Zealand's glaciers on the Southern Alps, particularly on the west coast, extended all the way down to the ocean until about a couple of thousand years ago. This geological history contributes to the country's unique landscape, including fiords carved through subtropical rainforests.
Phil Borman highlights the incredible diversity of experiences available in New Zealand, emphasizing that one can transition from an alpine mountain setting to a pristine, unpopulated beach within a short two-and-a-half-hour drive. This allows for combining various activities and sightseeing in a single day.
Phil Borman discusses the surprising fact that New Zealand has no native land mammals, explaining that the ecosystem is dominated by birds. He shares an anecdote about surprising hikers who expect to see various mammals when on treks, only to be told to look out for birds.
Saint Barts stands out from other Caribbean islands with its distinctly French ambiance, offering a blend of Caribbean roots with world-class food, shopping, and nightlife. The island's culture is largely European, with a mix of original French settlers from Brittany and Normandy, and later European and South American residents.
Eden Rock Hotel, founded by Remy De Haan in 1953, is intrinsically linked to the development of Saint Barts. De Haan, a pilot and entrepreneur, was drawn to the island's promontory and built his home there, which became the foundation for the hotel. He attracted influential families, thus kickstarting the island's tourism.
Fabrice Moizan highlights the waterfront suite at Eden Rock Hotel as his favorite, describing it as centrally located and offering a unique elevated view of the sea with its own pool. Despite its proximity to the beach and ocean, the suite provides privacy at the back.
Saint Barts' history is marked by its unique lack of association with slavery, contributing to its distinct character in the Caribbean. Historically, the island served as a crucial stopover for ships traveling between South America and Europe, and it has been a free port and tax-free island for centuries.
Eden Rock Hotel has hosted numerous celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Rihanna, over the past few years. The hotel's management strives to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, treating them like family members and not overly focusing on security.
The Dominican Republic's beaches stand out due to the abundance of indigenous palm trees, offering a unique visual appeal compared to other Caribbean destinations. The island's natural beauty, combined with its rich culture and activities, makes it a compelling travel choice.
Stefano Battelli, Executive Director at Eden Roc Cap Cana, highlights the Dominican Republic's core appeal as its people, who are genuinely friendly and service-oriented. He notes that this welcoming nature is inherent and not something that needs to be taught to staff.
Beyond its famous beaches, the Dominican Republic offers a wide array of experiences, from active pursuits like hiking and rafting to cultural immersion in cities like Santo Domingo. The country even features mountain regions with peaks over 3000 meters, capable of experiencing snow.
A resident of the Dominican Republic assures listeners that the country is a safe destination, particularly tourist areas like Cap Cana, which is a gated community with private security. He notes that while crime exists as in any country, major violent crimes are not prevalent in tourist zones.
Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's capital, boasts a well-preserved colonial city dating back to 1492. Visitors can explore cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, and historical landmarks like the first cathedral in the Americas and the House of Columbus.
The Dominican Republic's culinary landscape includes its national dish, 'La Bandera,' a combination of rice, beans, and stewed meat. For breakfast, 'Mangú,' a mashed plantain dish served with fried onions and salami, is a popular and unique offering.
The defining characteristic of Dominican culture, according to a local, is friendliness and a genuine care for others. This is reflected in the people's natural happiness and constant smiles, whether they are business professionals or working in fields or as fishermen.