Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

Located along California’s Highway 1 on the cliffs of Big Sur lies Post Ranch Inn, one of the most extraordinary eco-hotels in the world. Surrounded by sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains, it’s a sanctuary for the soul—an ideal place for relaxation, rejuvenation or romance. Mike Freed, the co-founder of the legendary property, joins Melissa to explore the story behind the nature-inspired hotel, which was originally a cattle ranch and multi-generation homestead. Mike is a leader in sustainability; he co-chairs the Visit California Luxury Initiative and the Task Force for Sustainable Tourism. He’s also a founding member of the nonprofit Regenerative California, which aims to make California the world’s first regenerative economy, as well as Beyond Green, a diverse portfolio of hotels and lodges that meet globally recognized sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Mike shares how he applies community, culture and nature to every decision and the ways he’s woven sustainability into the guest experience. He also explores the power of tourism, the impact of social media, the evolving idea of luxury and his insider tips for making the most of a visit to Big Sur. Plus — don’t miss his Big Sur book and movie recommendations before your next trip.  Follow the Post Ranch Inn on Instagram: instagram.com/postranchinn [https://www.instagram.com/postranchinn/] Follow Indagare Website: indagare.com [https://indagare.com/] Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel [https://instagram.com/indagaretravel] Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel [https://youtube.com/@indagaretravel] Follow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder [https://instagram.com/indagarefounder]

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa became the first team to summit Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. Their historic feat turned the pair into an international symbol of adventure, courage and teamwork. Joining Melissa for this special episode of Passport to Everywhere are the duo’s sons, Peter Hillary and Jamling Tanzing Norgay, who have carried on their families’ legacy. Peter Hillary is an author, motivational speaker, expedition leader and mountaineer, and he first ascended Everest in 1990. Since then, he’s completed the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Jamling Tenzing Norgay is a climber, mountain guide, author and motivational speaker. He became the star of the IMAX documentary Everest when he summited the mountain in 1996.  While on location for a film shoot in Nepal for Indagare’s partnership with Bank of America, the two spoke with Melissa and shared stories passed down from their fathers’ daring expeditions. They reveal insights into their fathers’ background: Tenzing grew up raising yaks and ran away from his village to answer what he describes as the “calling of the Mountain;” for Edmund “it was love at first sight” on a school trip in the outdoors. They explore inspiring lessons of leadership, the impact of tourism on Mount Everest and the work of their foundations that give back to Nepalese communities. Plus, tune in to discover firsthand accounts at Buckingham Palace, Jamling’s dangerous experience while filming Everest and their advice for becoming a great climber.  For more on the work of Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, check out the Himalayan Trust [https://himalayantrust.org]and the Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation [https://tenzingsherpafoundation.com]. Follow Peter: instagram.com/_peterhillary [https://www.instagram.com/_peterhillary/] Follow Jamling: instagram.com/jamlingtenzing [https://www.instagram.com/jamlingtenzing/] Follow Indagare Website: indagare.com [https://indagare.com] Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel [https://instagram.com/indagaretravel] Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel [https://youtube.com/@indagaretravel] Follow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder [https://instagram.com/indagarefounder]

Chef Yannick Alléno is widely known as one of the world’s greatest chefs. He’s dedicated his career to reinventing French cuisine across 17 international restaurants, which have earned a total of 16 Michelin. He joins Melissa to talk about his London debut Pavyllon and its dedicated Bar Antoine at the Four Seasons Park Lane. Chef Yannick has infused his creativity into Pavyllon, transforming it into one of the most coveted reservations in London (which earned its first Michelin star within six months of opening). Originally from the outskirts of Paris, Chef Yannick details how growing up in France influenced his perspective on food and how a trip to Japan changed his approach in the kitchen. He reveals his advice for aspiring chefs and shares details on how he revolutionized the foundation of French cuisine by using techniques like “extraction,” which allows dishes to be both flavorful and healthy. He also shares his thoughts on the evolution of dining and how he continues to innovate for the future.  To discover more: Website:  yannick-alleno.com/fr/ [https://www.yannick-alleno.com/fr/] pavyllonlondon.com [https://www.pavyllonlondon.com/] fourseasons.com/london [https://www.fourseasons.com/london/] Instagram: instagram.com/yannickalleno [https://www.instagram.com/yannickalleno/] instagram.com/pavyllon_london [https://www.instagram.com/pavyllon_london/] instagram.com/fslondon [https://www.instagram.com/fslondon/] instagram.com/barantoinelondon [https://www.instagram.com/barantoinelondon/] Follow Indagare Website: indagare.com [https://indagare.com/] Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel [https://instagram.com/indagaretravel] Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel [https://youtube.com/@indagaretravel] Follow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder [https://instagram.com/indagarefounder]

A trip to Japan isn’t complete without a stay at a ryokan, and Gora Kadan [https://indagare.com/lodging/gora-kadan] in Hakone National Park captures this authentic experience in a world-class way. A 90-minute drive outside of Tokyo, the luxurious, traditional Japanese inn was originally a summer retreat of the Imperial family, and it now attracts both local and international travelers from all over the world. Melissa is joined by Ryutaro Hashimoto, the CEO of Gora Kadan and co-head of Japan at Star Asia, and Malcolm MacLean, the founder and current managing partner of Star Asia. Hashimoto San has spent almost a decade at Star Asia and became the CEO of Gora Kadan in 2017. Malcolm has over 24 years of experience in real estate investment in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He studied economics at Cambridge University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics and law from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Malcolm and Hashimoto San share their insight into not only Gora Kadan but Japan as a whole—including onsen baths, tea ceremonies, the safe culture and why Japan has the best skiing in the world. They also explore why investment in Japan continues to grow and reveal impactful cultural insights. Plus, don’t miss their must-visit restaurants and some exciting news for future openings in Mount Fuji [https://indagare.com/activity/day-trip-mount-fuji] planned for 2025.  Follow Gora Kadan Website: gorakadan.com [http://www.gorakadan.com] Instagram: instagram.com/gorakadan [http://www.instagram.com/gorakadan] X: twitter.com/gorakadan [https://twitter.com/gorakadan] Follow Indagare Website: indagare.com [https://indagare.com] Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel [https://instagram.com/indagaretravel] Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel [https://youtube.com/@indagaretravel] Follow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder [https://instagram.com/indagarefounder]

Villa La Coste, located just outside Aix-en-Provence in the South of France, has become one of the most legendary hotels in the world. Melissa sits down with Paddy McKillen, the mastermind behind the 28 suite boutique hotel to explore its varied history. Villa La Coste sits on the grounds of the extraordinary 600-acre estate, Château La Coste, where one also finds an open-air contemporary art museum and winery.  The property is a labor of love – a product of Paddy’s passion for art and architecture and thoughtful collaboration with his closest friends, who also happen to be some of the world’s most renowned artists. Paddy shares what he believes is the key to hospitality success, and the passion it takes to serve others. In this Passport to Everywhere archival episode, discover how a 300-year-old winery in the South of France was transformed into an incredible contemporary art park with a boutique 5-star hotel — and learn the reasons why Melissa returns year after year.