Travel That Matters

Dr. Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund President, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, joins Bruce to discuss the fascinating scientific and conservation work the organization does in the mountains of Rwanda, as well as the fund’s brand-new Ellen DeGeneres Campus—a facility that will not only change how we study and protect mountain gorillas but also enhance what is already one of the world’s epic travel experiences. Continuing the work of the legendary Fossey—who was murdered in Rwanda in the 1980s—Stoinski and her team of scientists have piloted what is one of the rare success stories for a critically endangered species. The foundation has monitored six generations of mountain gorillas over the years, and in that time the estimated population in the wild has gone from 240 specimens to more than 600. Stoinski discusses why mountain gorillas—which also reside in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda—are so important to protect, including the fact that they are the “gardeners” of the rainforest, helping to take care of these critical ecosystems through their foraging. She also talks about poaching, snares, and some of the other challenges gorillas face, as well as the effective measures the Rwandan government has taken over the past years to ensure their recovery. Stoinski also talks about one of the most impactful travel experiences you can have—and one that is sure to convince anyone that mountain gorillas must be protected. Learn More: Go2Africa: https://www.go2africa.com/ Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: https://gorillafund.org/ ----------------------------------- This episode was first published in March of 2022. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey Salvia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Robert Sutton didn't always know he wanted to travel through 124 countries and be the best exotic food trader, but we're glad he did! This episode is packed with the most interesting stories, like where vanilla is really from and how it grows in its natural state, what the most potent and natural antioxidant on the face of the earth is, what volcanoes have to do with the best culinary destinations in the world, what herb is the secret ingredient to staying active over the age of 100 and where to find it, where tomatoes are from (hint: it's not Italy), and more. You'll also learn what John's number one destination recommendation is for top ingredients and cuisine, where John draws the line on if a place is too dangerous to visit at that time, and how John got started in this line of work that brings him across valleys and deserts in search of unique items that chefs and people use all over the United States. Listen to the end because you'll also hear from Claudia Hanna, Mediterranean Culinary/Lifestyle Expert and host of If This Food Could Talk. She teaches us all about olives and olive oil, including why there's no difference between a green and black olive, takes us through a day on Cyprus (it sounds magical), and gives us tricks of the trade for getting off the beaten path while traveling. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey Salvia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“From a hidden region of Colombia to a high-profile hotel debut in London, this episode is for adventurers, foodies, escapists, and big-city lovers—basically anyone who cherishes travel and is interested in exploring new places,” Bruce says. Throughout the episode, you will hear the insights and advice of luxury travel leaders whom Bruce Wallin, Travel That Matters host and award-winning travel writer and editor, surveyed at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week, the world’s leading luxury travel conference. You’ll also hear the reactions and analysis of Bruce and his guest, fellow travel journalist Jackie Caradonio. While the better-known locations were not forgotten, like New York City, Boston, London, and Tokyo, Bruce and Jackie take listeners to Lamu and Ko Yao Yai, Riga and Dubrovnik, and far beyond. Listeners of this Travel That Matters episode will be ahead of the travel curve, discovering new hot spots to visit before they’re on everyone’s vacation radar. Some of the destinations will shock you! Plus, listeners learn things like which country has the largest variety of bird species, where the first Blue Zone was, where the 2026 Olympic Winter Games will be held, how you can cycle over 900 miles across six prefectures, and other unique facts about this beautiful world we love to explore. --- Travel That Matters would like to thank Virtuoso, the leading global network of luxury travel advisors, for including us at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. You can find out more details about all of the locations mentioned in the episode, below: Dolomiti Superski - https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/home Sella Ronda ski circuit - https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Experience/Sellaronda-Grande-Guerra Via ferrata mountaineering circuit - https://www.dolomitemountains.com/en/resources/dolomites-tips/via-ferrata-climbing-the-iron-paths-of-the-dolomites Rosa Alpina - https://www.aman.com/resorts/rosa-alpina Hotel Cristallo - https://www.hotelcristallo-altabadia.it/en Hotel de Lën - https://hoteldelen.it/en/hotel-de-len/ Alpinn Food Space & Restaurant - https://alpinn.it/en/ Hotel Ciasa Salares - https://www.ciasasalares.it/en/ Jannah Lamu - https://www.jannahlamu.com/ White Sand Villas Zanzibar - https://www.whitesandvillas.com/ The Surrey - https://www.corinthia.com/new-york/ Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi - https://www.tatiananyc.com/ The Hispanic Museum & Library - https://hispanicsociety.org/ Good Food Festival Dubrovnik - https://tzdubrovnik.hr/lang/en/news/good_food_fest/index.html Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica - https://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/ Hacienda Altagracia, Auberge Resorts Collection - https://aubergeresorts.com/altagracia/stay/ Nayara Springs - https://nayarasprings.com/ Rocco Forte Hotels, Liscia di Vacca - https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/liscia-di-vacca-sardinia/ Nordic Luxury - https://www.nordicluxury.is/ Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino - https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/costa-navarino/messenia Kempinski Grand Hotel Riga - https://www.kempinski.com/en/grand-hotel-kempinski-riga Seabourn Cruises - https://www.seabourn.com/en/us Raffles Boston - https://www.raffles.com/boston/ Raffles London at the OWO - https://theowo.london/ Four Seasons Hotel Boston - https://www.fourseasons.com/boston/ The Newbury Boston - https://www.thenewburyboston.com/ O Ya - https://www.o-ya.restaurant/ ICAA New England - https://www.classicist-ne.org/ Grace by Nia - https://www.gracebynia.com/ Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas - https://www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-yai-phuket 62 Nord - https://www.62.no/en Secret Atlas - https://www.secretatlas.com/ Pacific Cycling Road Japan - https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/bicycleuse/good-cycle-japan/national_cycle_route/pacific_en.html Tswalu Kalahari Reserve - https://tswalu.com/ Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel - https://www.belmond.com/hotels/africa/south-africa/cape-town/belmond-mount-nelson-hotel/ Rebecca Masri - Little Emperors...

"I came to Thailand when I was just a teenager and chose never to leave," said guest Bill Heinecke, collector car enthusiast, experiential traveler, and billionaire founder and chairman of Minor International PCL, which owns and operates hotel brands including Anantara and Tivoli. Host and award-winning travel writer and editor Bruce Wallin guides Bill through his stories of the incredible aspects of different corners of the globe, starting with Thailand. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the idyllic beaches of Krabi, Bill shares his insider tips on the best places and things to go, see, and eat in the amazing country he now calls home. Bill demystifies long-held beliefs and cliches about Thailand that are untrue; he talks about the country's unique food culture, like its fresh produce markets, street food, and fine dining options (including the location of a Michelin-starred food stall); and he reveals where you should visit as a first-time visitor vs. a veteran visitor to Thailand. Bill goes on to share his other journeys from around the world, like where he's seen the most amount of wild dolphins in his life and where in Africa you can have breakfast with giraffes and zebras and then go spend the day having one of the world’s great wonders virtually to yourself. He focuses his attention on the most interesting destinations that are not easy to get to, saying, "The most interesting places you want to go to are the places that you can't get to very easily." But don't worry; Bill guides listeners through how to reach these hidden gems. This episode is packed with useful information for adventure, specifically luxury adventure, in places like Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia), Papa New Guinea, Mae Hong Son (Thailand), Krong Siem Reap (Cambodia), Quy Nhon (Vietnam), Pemba (Mozambique), and more. For an unbeatable experience, you can't go wrong pairing your trip with some of the great stays: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue https://www.nh-collection.com/en/hotel/nh-collection-new-york-madison-avenue Anantara Royal Livingstone (Victoria Falls) https://www.anantara.com/en/royal-livingstone Avani Quy Nhon Resort https://www.avanihotels.com/en/quy-nhon Avani Pemba Beach https://www.avanihotels.com/en/pemba Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro (Tented Camps Tanzania) https://www.elewanacollection.com/the-manor-at-ngorongoro/at-a-glance See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Bruce Wallin explores the transformative power of travel with guest Esme Benjamin, a wellness and travel journalist and host of the podcast The Trip That Changed Me. They start by talking about wellness programs in Italy (The Ranch) and Cuba (Mhai Yoga). We learn why Fiuggi water has been celebrated for its healing powers and why Cubans are gathering in public spaces dancing nearly every evening. Then we learn about the trip that changed Esme, a year-in-the-making five-month-long road trip across the United States with her husband and corgi dog. She starts by telling us the things that happened in her life that led her to take this life-altering adventure. We hear about her path through the following incredible places: Black Hills & Badlands (South Dakota), Glacier National Park and Bozeman (Montana), Cody (Wyoming), Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park, Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa (Colorado), Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Canyon (Arizona), Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana), San Francisco and Los Angeles (California), and more! At the end of her trip, Esme got a BIG surprise. Esme's story is a reminder that travel can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. To listen to Esme's podcast The Trip That Changed Me, click here and look out for the episode with our host Bruce coming soon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trip-that-changed-me/id1488501080 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Richard Sandoval was and still is an instrumental force in the proliferation and elevation of Latin American cuisine across the globe. Born and raised in Mexico City—and once an aspiring professional tennis player—his journey into the world of culinary delights began early, setting the stage for a lifetime of epicurean exploration. In this week’s episode, Travel That Matters sends you from the vibrant streets of Mexico City to surprising corners of the globe, showcasing Chef Sandoval’s adventures in authentic Mexican cuisine. Serbia, Dubai, Malta, Lima, Denver—he takes us on a whirlwind tour of flavors and shares several of his favorite spots worldwide. Don’t forget to stick around for the wrap, where Bruce shares why everyone is talking about Mexico City, and why you should consider it for your next travel adventure. A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to the MGallery Cures Marines and The Purist: Retreat and Spa for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the The Purist: Retreat and Spa at the MGallery Cures Marines, visit www.lescuresmarines.com. To learn more about Richard Sandoval or any of his many projects, check out: https://www.richardsandoval.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Jackson of Stonestreet Estate Vineyards and Jackson Family Wines (Kendall-Jackson) joined Bruce to talk about all things wine, including why Healdsburg, California, is the best wine town to visit in America, the truth about how the family business got started (and how it was pretty much a “catastrophe”), and other wine destinations he loves and why you should visit them. Should Sonoma Valley be your first choice over Napa? Before revealing what regions the Jackson family feels represent the future of wine (and why a shift in wine regions proves climate change is real), Chris talks about what makes Stonestreet Estate and its 54,000 acres so unique, what wines you'll taste on the Stonestreet Mountain Excursion, why Stonestreet releases wines five years of age minimum, and how the Jackson family makes decisions centuries, if not decades, out. He then takes us on a wild tour of McLaren Vale and gives us a taste of his top spots in Italy and Oregon. Impress your fine-wine-loving friends by sending them this earthy and elegant episode! A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of "Travel That Matters" can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences, including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anne-Cecile Degenne is the executive corporate chef for Accor’s Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems hotel brands, overseeing more than 100 boutique restaurant concepts around the globe. Her work and personal travels—which include trekking through Mongolia for two months—have given her a unique perspective on global cuisine, which she shares in this fun and informative interview with Bruce. Classically trained in France, Anne-Cecile has taken her talents from the Caribbean and New York to Korea and Vietnam. She shares her tips and tricks on how to discover the best authentic food culture in every new city she visits, as well as some of the lessons she’s learned about kitchen culture in different countries and how it has influenced her as a chef and traveler. Anne-Cecile also talks about a number of the exciting new hotel and restaurant projects from Accor, including a new Sofitel in Benin, an MGallery in Nairobi, and a Sofitel Legend in Panama. Finally, Chef Degenne tells a story about her most memorable meal in Korea, one that many people might get pretty squeamish about! Thank you to Accor for being the exclusive sponsor for this episode. To learn more about any of the hotels, food concepts, or upcoming projects mentioned today, visit https://group.accor.com/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Including a long list of restaurants in New Orleans, Nina Compton (James Beard award winning Saint Lucian chef currently living in New Orleans and 2nd place winner of Top Chef) gives listeners of this "Travel That Matters" episode countless travel tips for culinary destinations, including Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. As Saint Lucia is her home country, she dives deep into tasty local spots most tourists don't know about, what her Saint Lucian family eats for Christmas, and how her journey to becoming a chef started in Saint Lucia. (Fun fact: Nina's dad was the first Prime Minister of independent Saint Lucia!) Now she's been calling New Orleans home for over 8 years and gives us insider tips of where to eat and what types of food you can find in New Orleans, if you know what to look for. She also gives chef recommendations of what to order at her restaurant, Compere Lapin. Of course, she also talks about her experience on Top Chef, and much more. In the wrap, Bruce sits down with John Cox, preeminent contemporary Bahamian artist and executive director of arts and culture at Baha Mar. John tells us about the Bahamas Culinary & Arts festival at Baha Mar this October and why the Bahamas (and all of the Caribbean) is an exciting place to be as an artist right now. A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef Series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel and the Frame Brasserie for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel, visit pullmanparistoureiffel.com. Also, check out framebrasserie.com to book your Eiffel-tower-view table today. Relevant Links: Bywater American bistro https://bywateramericanbistro.com/ Compere Lapin (New Orleans) http://comperelapin.com/ Addis Nola (Ethiopian New Orleans) https://www.addisnola.com/ Dakar (Senegalese New Orleans) https://www.addisnola.com/ Jewel of the South (Cocktails New Orleans) https://www.jewelnola.com/ Marjie’s Grill (New Orleans) https://www.marjiesgrill.com/ Fritai (Haitian New Orleans) https://fritai.com/ Fond Doux (Saint Lucian Resort) https://fonddouxresort.com/ Baha Mar Culinary Arts Festival https://bahamar.com/bahamas-culinary-arts-festival/ Alice Yard (Trinidad Art Collective) https://www.instagram.com/aliceyardinsta/ Fresh Milk (Barbados Art Collective) https://www.instagram.com/freshmilkbarbados/?hl=en To learn more about Nina Compton or any of her projects, check out https://www.instagram.com/ninacompton/?hl=en To learn more about John Cox, check out: https://www.instagram.com/iamjohnedwardcox/?hl=en See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii, Burgundy, Australia, and California are just some of the places internationally known chef, TV host, entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author and chef-owner Curtis Stone talks about on this episode of "Travel That Matters" with award-winning travel writer and editor Bruce Wallin. Curtis shares insider tips on all the amazing, unknown places in Australia he’s been to and what's special about the Australian cuisine and the traditions that accompany it. Curtis goes into detail about the foods and ingredients you need to eat when you’re in Australia and where to find them, because you won’t find them anywhere else. Everyone knows Italy has delicious food, but Curtis shares tips on where to find new culinary experiences beyond the hot spots like Rome, Florence, and Sicily. In fact, he provides an actionable step you can take to find authentic food in all of the countries you’re visiting and shares advice on how to plan your next vacation. Curtis also tells listeners about his latest projects and the new spots where you can find his delicious cooking. In the wrap, Bruce sits down with acclaimed Michelin starred Chef George Mendes. Chef Mendes joins Raffles Boston, opening later this summer, as chef to open the signature restaurant Amar and lead the culinary program, which also includes a sleek day to night bar and terrace, and a street side cafe. He was previously the executive chef at the New York Michelin-starred restaurant Aldea. To learn more about Raffles Boston and the culinary program, visit https://www.raffles.com/boston To learn more about Curtis Stone or any of his projects, visit https://www.curtisstone.com/ To find out more about George Mendes. visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mendes-31b3281bb/ A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of "Travel That Matters" can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to Accor and Girafe restaurant by Paris Society for sponsoring this episode of Travel That Matters. To learn more about Girafe, visit https://girafe-restaurant.com/ Links and mentions: https://www.mauderestaurant.com/https://www.gwenla.com/https://www.marquesderiscal.com/en/marques-de-riscal-reservahttps://www.belmond.com/hotels/north-america/mexico/riviera-maya/belmond-maroma-resort-and-spa/https://www.indianstar.com.au/https://www.eatplaytopangasocial.com/https://www.raffles.com/boston/dining/amar/https://www.raffles.com/boston/dining/long-bar-and-terrace/https://paris-society.com/en/table/girafe/ Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Gourdet is an American chef, writer, restaurateur, and former finalist on the twelfth and seventeenth seasons of Top Chef. His first restaurant Kann was named America’s best new restaurant at the 2023 James Beard awards. Gregory shares his experience on Top Chef and how it inspired him to travel around the world. We also get a sneak peek of his work guiding global travel experiences with Modern Adventure. We learn about what part of the world Gregory is most passionate about right now. We hear what trendy country in South America is unlike any other place on earth in terms of unique ingredients and flavor. Gregory shares one of his favorite travel experiences up in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. He also shares his thoughts on why his restaurant Kann has been so well received. We learn about Haiti and why Gregory thinks it’s poised to become a hot travel destination again. We find out what his “last meal” would be if he had to pick only one! Gregory shares his favorite nonfood-related trip, and why it’s such an ultra experience. Finally, we hear what and where Gregory’s best meals of the year have been. In the wrap, Bruce welcomes chef Wayne Brown to the show. Wayne heads up operations of Carte Blanched – Ennismore’s in-house F&B development and concepting studio. We learn what goes into the concept development with Carte Blanched projects. Wayne also shares how Carte Blanched tailors each concept to its unique region and culture. We get a sneak peek into an exciting upcoming mixology project opening in Barcelona. We hear more about the new Mondrian Singapore Duxton food concepts coming to life, and how “the greatest butcher in the world” Dario Cecchini is building their new restaurant Bottega Di Carna. Finally, Wayne shares some interesting stories about his travels to Asia, and how those trips led him to who he is today. To learn more about Gregory Gourdet or any of his projects, visit https://gregorygourdet.com/ To find out more about Wayne Brown and Carte Blanched, visit https://carte-blanched.com/ A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef Series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to Accor and the Mondrian Singapore Duxton for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Mondrian Singapore Duxton and their Bottega Di Carna restaurant visit https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining Links and mentions: https://modernadventure.com/https://picanteriasdelperu.com/https://kannrestaurant.com/https://sousolbar.com/https://www.tatiananyc.com/https://book.ennismore.com/nightlife/skybar/condesahttps://book.ennismore.com/restaurants/cleohttps://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxtonhttps://book.ennismore.com/hotels/hyde/ibiza/dininghttps://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey Salvia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gail Simmons has served as a permanent judge on Bravo’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef since the show’s inception in 2006. She is also a food journalist, cookbook author, mother of two, and avid global traveler. In this episode, we hear some of Gail Simmon’s insights on judging Top Chef contestants and dishes, but she mainly talks about how travel has shaped her career and life. We learn about her time working on a kibbutz in Israel, and her firsthand knowledge of why the country has such a unique culinary scene and culture. She also talks about her love of Australia, why the country’s food scene is so exciting, and how she found the perfect neighborhood spot in Melbourne. Gail also shares why she goes back to South Africa again and again, and how safaris have been such an influential experience throughout her life. As for her favorite food destination, Gail goes into her love of Japan and some of her great culinary adventures in the country. She also talks about how important traveling with her family has been—and will continue to be—for her. In the wrap, Bruce sits down with acclaimed Israeli chef Uri Jeremias at his Efendi Hotel in the Old City of Akko. The man behind the famed restaurant Uri Buri, Uri shares his insights about what makes Israel such a special destination for food, history, and more. To learn more about Gail Simmons or any of her projects, visit http://gailsimmons.com/. To find out more about Uri Jeremias and his Efendi Hotel and Uri Buri restaurant in the Old City of Akko, visit https://efendi-hotel.co.il/?lang=en. A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines, including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to www.Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible deals—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to Accor and Raffles Doha for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Raffles Doha or its new ALBA restaurant from chef Enrico Crippa, visit https://www.raffles.com/doha/dining/alba-by-enrico-crippa/. Kann (Portland) https://kannrestaurant.com/ ARU (Melbourne) Thai https://aru.net.au/ Cumulus (Melbourne) https://www.cumulusinc.com.au/ Kruger National Park https://www.krugerpark.co.za/ Six Senses Shaharut https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/shaharut Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey Salvia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highly decorated chef and owner of prestigious restaurants all over the world Daniel Boulud starts off this episode of Travel That Matters by telling us what and how he prepared one of the best meals host Bruce ever had the night before this interview was recorded. The two go on to discuss Daniel’s experience working in a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe as well as why Daniel thinks his hometown of Lyon, France, is such a great travel and food destination. They also discuss their shared love of Bahamian food and what makes the seafood culture so unique. Then, Daniel names some of his favorite countries to travel and eat his way through, and why he thinks they’re so distinguishable from the rest. Daniel is a lover of philanthropy and shares some of the ways he likes to give back both globally with his chef colleagues and nationally with his family. Daniel also shares a sneak peek of his first west coast restaurant opening soon. Finally, the two chat about the importance of family travel and sharing unique foods with their children at a young age. To learn more about Chef Daniel Boulud or any of his projects, visit https://www.danielboulud.com/ A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to Accor and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk and Brasserie Boulud, visit https://www.sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com/restaurants-bars/brasserie-boulud/ Mentions: Restaurant Del Pescatore: https://www.dalpescatore.com/it LA MEUNIÈRE: https://www.lameuniere.fr/ Le Suprême: https://lesupremelyon.fr/fr Café Boulud The Bahamas: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/baha-mar/dining/cafe-boulud Le Pavillon NYC: https://lepavillonnyc.com/ Le Gratin: https://www.legratinnyc.com/ Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey Salvia This interview with Chef Daniel Boulud took place at the Rosewood Baha Mar resort in The Bahamas. https://bahamar.com/hotels/rosewood/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Amanda Freitag, well known for being a judge on Food Network’s “Chopped,” shares what unique item she collects during her travels around the world, her experiences as a chef, what restaurant was getting live frogs in a box in the morning and selling out before end of day, what she appreciates about Italian food that might surprise you, where she wants to travel to next, her suggestion for the best pizza in the US, and her favorite food cities in the US and what makes them so great. Amanda shares her thoughts on "what grows together goes together” and the new canned and bottled cocktail movement. Also, Bruce gives Amanda his suggestion for her next food trip. But that's not all! We also have a segment with famous Bahamian chef Simeon Hall Jr., a local legend and avid travel enthusiast. Simeon highlights how food plays a crucial role in travelers visiting the Bahamas and connecting people to his local culture and history. He provides valuable tips and restaurant suggestions for travelers looking to experience the country through its unique food. Chef Simeon also shares his must-try dishes for anyone visiting the Bahamas who is looking to get an authentic experience. To learn more about Amanda Freitag or any of her projects, visit https://www.amandafreitag.com/ To find out more about Chef Simeon Hall Jr, visit https://www.simeonhalljr.com/ A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to www.stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to Accor and Bōkan London for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Bokan Restaurant and bar, visit http://bokanlondon.co.uk/. The interview with Chef Simeon Hall Jr took place at the Rosewood Baha Mar resort in The Bahamas. See www.omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel That Matters is back! The first episode of the brand-new Master Chef series features Marcus Samuelsson, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, philanthropist and food activist. Marcus shares with us what he eats at ballpark stadiums, where goes to buy his spices and sauces in LA, and the differences in food and culinary scenes across the continent of Africa. Marcus also shares why food lovers should consider Sweden as a top destination. Marcus goes on to recount some wonderful stories from his experience in filming with Anthony Bourdain, as well as how filming No Passport Required (PBS) really exposed him to the bounty of food cultures across the U.S. (and what his favorite food cities are now.) Finally, Marcus talks about the impact one of the country’s most cherished food writers, Jonathon Gold, had on the food scene in Los Angeles and beyond. To learn more about Marcus's restaurants, recipes, and recordings, check out: https://marcussamuelsson.com/. A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef Series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to Accor and Fairmont Grand del Mar for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters Master Chef series. To learn more about Fairmont Grand del Mar and its Michelin-three-star restaurant, Addison, visit fairmont.com. This interview took place at the Rosewood Baha Mar resort in The Bahamas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From planes to plates, this special podcast season of Travel That Matters with Bruce Wallin, award-winning travel editor, takes you on a culinary adventure around the globe. This brand-new Master Chef series features some of the best chefs and food personalities in the world and the global ventures that shaped them all. You’ll hear what it takes to create stunning hand-made pasta from the distinguished chef Daniel Boulud, get an inside look into the sights, smells, and tastes from around the world that inspired chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Gregory Gourdet, and learn about the best food cities in the United States, including where to find the best pizza (hint: it’s not in New York), from celebrity chef Amanda Freitag! You’ll also hear from Gail Simmons, Curtis Stone, Chris Jackson, Simon Hall Jr., and many more. The new Master Chef series from Travel That Matters showcases the “who’s who” of the culinary world and gives you a taste of how global travel makes food magical. Episode 1 of Travel That Matters Season 3 will be released on April 25. Hit the follow button (+) wherever you get podcasts and don't miss new episodes every other Tuesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philippe starts by sharing his favorite family destination, the little-known Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean. Part of Mauritius, Rodrigues is a rare find in today’s world, a place that has truly preserved its historic culture, beautiful land- and seascapes, and laid-back island lifestyle. Next, Philippe talks about a decision he and his wife made when their two sons were young. They created a family policy by which each of the boys could choose a vacation destination anywhere in the world when they turned 10 and 20. The boys have both researched and selected their destinations in great detail, leading their parents so far on adventures through Vietnam, California, and Rwanda. Philippe believes that empowering his children in this way has led to greater engagement for them as well as better travel experiences for him and his wife. One common theme to Philippe’s family trips is food. He believes the power of food is transcendental to cultures and that his children’s education has benefitted from the many different flavors they’ve tasted around the world. The country that has stood out the most in terms of food is Japan, which, for many reasons, Philippe believes is one of the best destinations for families with teenagers. Regarding the age of children and how that informs travel decisions, Philippe sees the experience as a progression with stepping stones along the way. Younger kids especially need downtime, and there is a ceiling to the number of cultural experiences they can enjoy and absorb. For older children, Philippe suggests allowing them to pick the itinerary for an entire day during your trips. The Zuber's frequently do this on vacations, where each member of the family is responsible for one day’s planning, budgeting, and scheduling. He says it has led to a bit of friendly competition and a host of new experiences that would never have come to fruition otherwise. It also allowed the family members who weren’t in charge of the day’s itinerary to truly relax during their off days. Philippe also dives into his family’s life-changing experience in Rwanda, where One&Only operates two resorts, Gorilla’s Nest and Nyungwe House. He then gives us the inside scoop on some of the company’s other new resorts, from the spectacular Mandarina in Mexico—where Bruce interviewed him in person—to properties in Montenegro, Athens, Greece’s Kéa Island, and Big Sky, Montana. Links: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/ Bruce's email: bruce@curtco.com Bruce's IG: @Brucewallintravel ----------------------------------- Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters Hosted by: Bruce Wallin Produced by: AJ Moseley Music by: Joey Salvia A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Times travel columnist Elaine Glusac is an expert at something that has become increasingly essential for travelers: finding the best alternatives to the world’s most popular destinations. She joins Bruce to dive into the top spots for experiencing everything we love about over-touristed spots—minus the crowds. Elaine starts by giving us a behind-the-scenes look into the New York Times’ “52 Places” article, an annual feature that explores the newspaper’s picks for the year’s most compelling destinations. One spot Elaine has suggested several times for the list—the Great Lakes region—has never made the cut. The Chicago native tells us why she thinks the world’s largest freshwater system is so deserving, and why it’s such an interesting and important destination for travelers to consider right now. A couple of Elaine’s other recent stories for the Times cover the concept of alternative destinations, including “Driving Iceland’s Overlooked North,” in which she recounts her family’s adventure in the country’s rarely visited Diamond Circle—a region that offers at least as much natural wonder and drama as the bustling Golden Circle. Her “Go Here, Not There” article—the inspiration for this episode of Travel That Matters—offers up a number of other great options for those looking for all the thrills without all the people. Starting with Europe, Elaine suggests Montenegro instead of Venice or Dubrovnik. The small country south of Croatia has incredible shorelines, well-preserved ancient cities, and the deepest rafting canyon in Europe, among other attractions. She also thinks travelers should consider Brittany the next time they visit France, for a more locals’ perspective on the country. Moving beyond Europe, Elaine shares her favorite spots for winter sports in Canada, including a network of ice-skating trails in the flooded forests of Quebec. She also discusses Panama (instead of Costa Rica) and its Chagres National Park; Dunedin, New Zealand, where the wildlife resembles that of the Galapagos; and much more. Throughout it all, her inspiring insights and tales are sure to make you think differently about travel—and start seeking out more alternative destinations. Links & Notes: Diamond CircleGo Here, Not ThereWhere Trails Are for Skating, Not HikingInstagramhttps://www.casabonay.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic ----------------------------------- Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters Hosted by: Bruce Wallin Produced by: AJ Moseley Music by: Joey Salvia A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We might as well call this “The Big Book of Mexico” episode, because it’s filled with a lifetime of adventures, insider spots, and authentic luxury hotels throughout the country. Our guest is Zachary Rabinor, the founder and president of Journey Mexico, a unique luxury travel company that takes clients far beyond the country’s well-known beach destinations. Not that he doesn’t appreciate Mexico’s great beach resorts—he’s been living in Puerto Vallarta for almost 20 years, and he joins Bruce in person from the town they both call home for this special episode. Zachary is the perfect person to lead us on a whirlwind tour of Mexico’s cultural, natural, and culinary riches, from Campeche and Chiapas in the south to the Copper Canyon and Baja wine country in the north. If you love Mexico like we do—or even if you’re just slightly curious about the country—this episode is a must listen! Learn More: Journey Mexico HACIENDAS: Hacienda De San Antonio: https://haciendadesanantonio.com/ Hacienda San Gabriel De Las Palmas https://www.haciendasangabriel.com/en/ Casa De La Real Aduana http://www.realaduana.com/ COSTALEGRE Four Seasons Tamarindo https://www.fourseasons.com/tamarindo/ XALA https://www.luxury-frontiers.com/project/xala/ COPPER CANYON Copper Canyon Train: https://chepe.mx/en/ CAMPECHE Calakmul Biosphere Reserve Jaguar Observation https://www.calakmul.org/html/learn.html PUEBLA Banyan Tree https://www.banyantree.com/mexico/puebla Cartesiano https://cartesiano360.com/en/ La Purificadora https://www.lapurificadora.com/ Wallin Wrap-Up I’m just going to assume that hearing from Zach got you very excited to visit Mexico. And now that you’re coming down here to visit, you’re going to need a few ideas about where to stay, so I thought I’d share some of my personal favorite hotels and resorts around the country. Now, Mexico really does have some of the best hotels in the world, and one that I’d say has kind of been the standard bearer over the years is Las Ventanas in Los Cabos. There are so many great beach resorts in Cabo—you’ve got One & Only Palmilla, Esperanza, Zadun, Pedregal—and you really can’t go wrong at any of them. But I’ve visited Las Ventanas a few times over the years, and I’m just always blown away by how good it is—the feel, the ambience, the service is spectacular. Another Rosewood resort that is right up there with anything is Rosewood Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya. We’ve talked about this place before on the show, and it’s this very peaceful sanctuary in the mangroves and along this great stretch of beach. The food is really a standout here. Other spots I love on the Riviera Maya—the Hotel Escencia and the Belmond Maroma. Both on incredible beaches—like that soft white-sand beach Caribbean dream beach. Escencia is a very chic designer type place, while the Belmond is a little more classic Mexican in style. That one is closed for the next couple years for renovations, and I’m curious to see how that turns out. Closer to where I’ve been based here in Puerto Vallarta, Zach briefly mentioned Las Alamandas, which is a truly magical place. It’s on the Costalegre, south of Vallarta, and like Zach said, this area just hasn’t been developed like other coastal regions, so you have these huge pieces of land with only one small resort or a few homes. Alamandas is on 2,000 acres, it’s got four private beaches, and there are less than 20 suites. Definitely one of my favorite hideaways. Another one that came up in our conversation is Hacienda de San Antonio. This place is a working hacienda in the foothills of the Colima Volcano. Honestly, I don’t even know how to describe it. You just have to go check out their website, look at how incredible the photos and videos are, and then trust me that it really is that incredible. Unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. Another hacienda property I love is Hacienda de los Santos in northern Mexico. Not a place that’s very easy to get to, but it’s in a great town called...

CEO of Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas and sustainability pioneer Neil Jacobs leads us on a journey to Oman, Israel, Brazil, India, and beyond, as he explores some of his company’s off-the-beaten-path properties—and how each is making sustainable tourism fun in its own unique way. Neil, who speaks six different languages, is an ideal guide for a global journey. He speaks with Bruce about how his ability to communicate in locations worldwide opens up new experiences and often leads to his most cherished travel moments. He believes that a visit to a Six Senses property should leave people in a better place than when they arrived—and that the company’s hotels should have an equally positive impact on their local communities and environments. Six Senses’ Earth Lab is a progressive initiative that includes everything from onsite water bars (the company produces all of its drinking water at the hotels and doesn’t use any plastic bottles) to farms where guests can interact with the properties’ chickens, cows, ducks, goats, and even camels. Six Senses also offers a range of adventurous activities at its hotels and resorts—including a check-in by hang glider at Zighy Bay Resort on the Musandam Peninsula in Oman. From the Six Senses Shaharut in Israel, guests can set off on desert excursions, while India’s Ranthambore National Park is a venue for adventure at Fort Barwara, a 14th-century fort in Rajasthan that recently opened as a Six Senses resort. Six Senses also opened Six Senses Botanique in Brazil, in an area Neil refers to as “the Hamptons of Sao Paulo.” For a spiritual twist on Spain, travelers can take refuge at the Six Senses Ibiza, set in an area of northern Ibiza popular with shamans and healers. Future locations for Six Senses include a remote corner of Iceland, home to waterfalls, ravines, mountains, and even an elf playground! A new hotel in Rome, a short walk away from the Trevi Fountain, is opening this year. Neil also talks about Six Senses’ upcoming projects in the Galapagos and Saudi Arabia, the latter of which he concedes is a controversial topic in the travel industry. Stick around to hear Bruce’s take on Saudi Arabia in the Wallin Wrap-Up, where he invites you to share your opinion on the subject on his Instagram page (@brucewallintravel) or via email, bruce@curtco.com. LEARN MORE: Six Senses Group Six Senses Ibiza in Spain Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman Six Senses Shaharut in Israel Six Senses Botanique in Brazil Six Senses Fort Barwara in India Bruce on Instagram ----------------------------------- Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters Hosted by: Bruce Wallin Produced by: AJ Moseley Music by: Joey Salvia A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.