Luxury Travel Insider

Our guest today is my friend Hytham Atwan, owner and CEO of Nubia Tours in Egypt.

Egypt is certainly not a destination that needs an introduction, but if you haven’t thought much about it - I want you to know that it’s more than the pyramids of Giza and getting your Insta photo air kissing the sphinx. It’s a complicated country - where to see it RIGHT, you need to have relationships on your side. Otherwise you’ll miss that dinner in the home of a local and access to otherwise “roped off” areas of the pyramids, or find yourself on a crowded Nile cruise being herded around vs a private experience.

Hytham and I discuss some tidbits on insider experiences you can have in Egypt, why it’s such an important destination, some Celebrity guests Hytham has entertained, and how the country is a microcosm of our wider world.

See show notes, photos, and listener perks HERE.

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

I’m so excited today to be chatting with the CEO of a place that is near and dear to my heart, Canyon Ranch.

Canyon Ranch is a pioneer in the wellness industry, a place where you can get away from the stress of everyday life and focus on what is most important. That focus is different for everyone who visits the ranch - whether you need a mental break from work, you’re focused on improving your health, or you’re interested in finding spirituality - Canyon Ranch will mold itself around you and help you find the way.

It doesn’t hurt that their locations are set in the gorgeous desert of Tucson, amidst the Redwood trees of Woodside, and the iconic foliage of the Berkshires.

Joining me today is Jeff Kuster, who came to lead the Canyon Ranch brand in a roundabout way. He was actually a guest in Tucson, there focused on himself and what he wanted to do next in his career. And the rest... is history.

Jeff and I discuss how small changes can make a huge impact on your life, some of his favorite memories of past guests, and how wellness has evolved over the decades.

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

We have a very special guest joining us today. Valentina de Santis is the owner and CEO of Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como - which is often listed as one of the top hotels in Italy.

The ethos of Grand Hotel Tremezzo is too much to put in one short intro. From the crystalline waters of Lake Como, to the art nouveau palace interiors, to the floating pool, and the beautifully landscaped grounds - this has got to be the birthplace of la dolce vita.

What’s more - this has been a family run hotel for over 100 years and the authentic hospitality is the stuff of dreams.

Valentina and I have a hilarious chat about behind the scenes details, celebrities, history, her shenanigans growing up, and what makes Italy deserve its place as one of the top destinations in the world.

See photos, show notes, and listener perks HERE.

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

I’m excited for you to join me today in a less often visited area of the Amalfi Coast. High up on the cliffs, overlooking the azure waters of the Med, sits the charming town of Ravello. Take in the smells of roses, lemons, and fresh sea breezes while learning about some of the richest history on the coast.

We’re settling into the historic Palazzo Avino owned and run by my friends, Mariella Avino and her sister Attilia Avino. We talk about how Ravello has remained a hidden gem and why it has always been a haven for celebs like Jackie Kennedy, Orson Wells, and Humphrey Bogart.

We also chat about the history of the Palazzo, the best ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast, local art, and more.

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn

The date of recording for today’s show is February 7th, 2024. That’s important because our show today is very topical and time sensitive.

As some of you may know there has been a crackdown on organized crime and drug trade in Ecuador over the past month. Sadly for me and my friends and partners in the region, this crack down and the resulting sensationalization from the media has resulted in many visitors cancelling trips to this beautiful country... at exactly the time that Ecuadorians need visitors the most.

Joining me today are Stephanie Bonam Carter, the owner of Galapagos Safari Camp, Fernando Polanco Plaza, the owner of Hacienda Zuleta who you’ll recognize from past shows, and my friend Clark Kotula who is an expert in the region and works with top properties across Latin America.

We start the episode talking about the situation and the history, but please listen through to the parts where we discuss daily life in Ecuador, how things are just as they’ve always been, and all the positive things that are happening in the country.

I’m a bit emotional after recording this episode because I want you all to know that at the end of the day, travel, like life, is imperfect. You have to go to a place to experience it, to understand the nuances, and to know the heart of a people. It upsets me when the media portrays one side of a situation, thereby hurting locals, and in this case, some of my dear friends.

So please listen to this episode with an open heart and an open mind.

Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com

Connect with me on Social:

Instagram

LinkedIn