The Last Resort

The Last Resort: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Fora-affiliated luxury travel advisors Jill Albino and Ronit Margolis about their recent stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. Albino and Margolis break down what makes The Retreat worth its premium price tag, with Margolis going so far as to call the property “one of the top three hotels I’ve ever been to.” The two share details on the resort’s elevated Icelandic cuisine, afternoon tea experience, complimentary spa circuit and standout service. They also cover what clients should be prepared for before they go, from the lagoon’s no-wet-hair rule and drink limit to the very real possibility of a volcanic eruption. Plus, the pair weigh in on whether one night at The Retreat is really enough. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 6th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of June.   Further resources: Jill Albino [https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/jill-marie]  Ronit Margolis [https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/ronit-margolis] The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland [https://www.bluelagoon.com/accommodation/retreat-hotel]  Retreat takes Iceland's Blue Lagoon to the next level [https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Retreat-takes-Iceland-Blue-Lagoon-to-the-next-level] (Travel Weekly)  Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited? Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com [TheLastResort@travelweekly.com] Theme Song: Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeod License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Last Resort: Atelier Playa Mujeres

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Jace Tarbell, founder of Somewhere Travel Co., about his most recent stay at Atelier Playa Mujeres, an all-inclusive just north of Cancun, Mexico. Tarbell breaks down what sets Atelier Playa Mujeres apart within the crowded all-inclusive landscape, from its standout mixology program and dining venues that could hold their own off property, to the design-forward details that he says make the resort feel “like a deep breath when you walk in.” He also addresses how the alarming Mexico headlines earlier this year affected his clients and whether bookings are bouncing back. Plus, Tarbell shares his “fantastic four” of go-to Mexico all-inclusive recommendations. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 5th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of May.  Further resources:  Jace Tarbell * Somewhere Travel Co. [https://thesomewheretravel.com/] Atelier Playa Mujeres [https://atelierdehoteles.com/offers-and-deals-atelier-playa-mujeres] Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited? Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com [TheLastResort@travelweekly.com] Theme Song: Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeod License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Last Resort: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Rebecca Bullen, a Smartflyer-affiliated luxury travel advisor and self-described Italy obsessive, about her recent visit to Collegio alla Querce, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Florence, Italy. Bullen makes the case for why this property deserves a spot in every Italy specialist’s toolkit, from its surprisingly accessible hillside location just 10 minutes from the city center to its sizable swimming pool, a rarity in Florence. She also shares her broader read on Italy demand, the off-season opportunity she’s increasingly pitching to clients and the upcoming Italian openings she’s watching most closely, from a Rocco Forte in Naples to Four Seasons taking over the Danieli in Venice. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 4th episode of the fourth season will be posted on April 20th. Further resources: Rebecca Bullen Travel [https://www.rebeccabullentravel.com/] Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Collection [https://auberge.com/collegio-alla-querce/] Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited? Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com [TheLastResort@travelweekly.com] Theme Song: Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeod License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Last Resort: SHA Mexico

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Lauren Pronger, president and founder of Well Inspired Travels, about her multiple visits to SHA Mexico, the SHA brand’s first property in the Americas and what Pronger calls her “wellness Disneyland.” Pronger breaks down what sets SHA Mexico apart from other luxury wellness resorts, from its diagnostic, science-backed programming and signature hydrotherapy circuit to its deeply personalized approach. She shares insights into who makes an ideal SHA guest, how she curates experiences for her high-profile clientele, including professional athletes, and why the property’s proximity to major U.S. cities makes it a gamechanger for the Americas wellness travel market. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 3rd episode of the fourth season will be posted on March 23rd. Further resources:  Lauren Pronger * Well Inspired Travel [https://www.wellinspiredtravels.com/] SHA Mexico [https://shawellness.com/en/locations/sha-mexico/]  Hotels tap healthy demand for luxe longevity offerings [https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hotels-tap-healthy-demand-longevity-offerings] (Travel Weekly) https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hotels-tap-healthy-demand-longevity-offeringsWant to share feedback on the last resort you visited? Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com [TheLastResort@travelweekly.com] Theme Song: Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeod License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Last Resort: Prospect Berkshires

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Erica Gragg, lead travel designer and founder of Escape Artists: Luxury Travel Advisors, about her recent visit to New York’s Hudson Valley and the Berkshires in Massachusetts, including her stay at the Prospect Berkshires. Hudson-based Gragg shares insider perspective on the region and discusses how the Prospect Berkshires and other properties deliver nature-focused experiences without sacrificing comfort. She also highlights a few favorite Hudson-area restaurants, explains which travelers might find these accessible destinations worth the journey from New York City and Boston, and shares observations on how the arrival of major brands like One&Only and Six Senses will shape the Hudson Valley's future. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 2nd episode of the fourth season will be posted on February 23rd. Further resources: Erica Gragg * Escape Artists: Luxury Travel Advisors [https://escapeartiststravel.com/about/erica/] Prospect Berkshires [https://www.prospectberkshires.com/] Glasco BLCK Creek [https://stayglasco.com/glasco-blck-creek/] Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited? Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com [TheLastResort@travelweekly.com] Theme Song: Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeod License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.