Luxury Travel Insider

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 articles and books to his name — including his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions — Shige has spent decades researching happiness, meaning, and cultural influences on well-being. In today’s episode, we unpack what psychological richness really means, how it differs from happiness and meaning, and how travel is one of the very best ways tap into this powerful dimension of life.  If you’ve ever felt that travel enriches your life in unexpected ways, this episode is for you. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of curiosity and perspective shifts with one of the foremost experts on the subject.  Let’s dive in!  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com [http://www.luxtravelinsider.com]   Connect with me on Social: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/sarahgoesglobal] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahngroen/]

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, horseback riding, sipping whiskey in the Silver Dollar Saloon, or relaxing in the spa - one thing is clear. Ranch at Rock Creek is a place where you can get away from it all, connect with those around you, and get back in touch with your inner child. Jim and I discuss how his childhood dream led to this magical experience, how Montana is the “last best place,” and why America’s most expensive hotel is worth the price tag.  Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels [https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels] If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ [https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/]    Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com [http://www.luxtravelinsider.com]   Connect with me on Social: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/sarahgoesglobal] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahngroen/]

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 Japanese culture, I’m joined by two very special guests: Ms. Ritsuko Nakamura, the okamisan, or head of Ryokan Kurashiki, and Ms. Kumi Sato, the okamisan of Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen. In Japan, the okami-san holds a deeply respected role, preserving centuries-old customs and caring for guests with a level of warmth and grace that words alone can’t fully capture. It’s rare to hear directly from these remarkable women, so while they may have been a little nervous, they were truly excited to share with you. I hope you’ll lean in and savor this unique chance to hear about Japan’s ryokan tradition. We talk about what makes a ryokan stay so transformative, from the seasonal beauty outside your window to the artful simplicity within. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, or simply curious about the Japanese art of slowing down, this episode is for you. Let’s step inside. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels [https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels] If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ [https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/]  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com [http://www.luxtravelinsider.com]   Connect with me on Social: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/sarahgoesglobal] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahngroen/]

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 special elements that Peninsula has brought to the city.  And as a special bonus for this episode, Jonathan is offering VIP meet and greet, a yacht arrival experience, and an upgrade to a suite for the first listener to book the property through Bell & Bly Travel!  Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels [https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels] If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ [https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/] Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com [http://www.luxtravelinsider.com]   Connect with me on Social: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/sarahgoesglobal] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahngroen/]

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 travel can be truly transformative. To launch this series, I’m so honored to welcome one of my mentors and dear friends, Leona Brandwene. Leona is the Associate Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she helps lead the renowned MAPP program. She’s also a master teacher, a coach, a mom, and someone who lives and breathes this work in such an authentic and inspiring way. In this conversation, we explain the basics of positive psychology. And then we explore how travel sparks awe, builds agency, strengthens relationships, and helps us find deeper meaning. If you’ve ever felt that your best self shows up on the road, this episode will give you language, insight, and maybe even a few ideas to bring that feeling into everyday life. Let’s dive in. Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com [http://www.luxtravelinsider.com]   Connect with me on Social: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/sarahgoesglobal] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahngroen/]