
Advertise on podcast: Stay In Good Company
Rating
5from
This podcast has
133 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Mollie ReeseExplicit
No
Date created
2022/11/26
Latest episode
2026/02/05
Average duration
45 min.
Release period
22 days
Description
Stay In Good Company is a podcast series sharing the stories of families behind independently owned and operated stays and experiences across the world. From the history of the places to the personal visions for the businesses. From the variety of experiences offered to the attention to details that make each stay truly unique. Stay In Good Company captures the fond memories and traditions, past advice and future excitement of these places. Introducing a global audience of mindful slow travelers to the welcoming hospitality of family raised and run homestays.
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S9. | E10. | Tuscany, Italy | Samantha Lamanna And Luca Invernizzi Trade The Intensity Of Noma For The Quiet Rhythm Of Farm Life And Family
2026/02/05
"Of course we're gonna have a menu that's constantly changing, we're following nature. And your ingredients when they're at their peak, your dish is gonna be at its peak. So why put something on a menu that maybe is out of season already two months ago. And that also challenges us to think outside the box, to be creative, which is something that we're taking back from Noma because the creativity there goes beyond what you may imagine.”
We’re in great company with Samantha Lamanna and Luca Invernizzi, the chefs and visionaries behind Tenuta Lamanna, who spent four formative years at Noma in Copenhagen before stepping away to pursue their own hospitality dream.
Now they are cultivating a soon-to-be agriturismo and restaurant nestled in the Tuscan countryside between mountains and sea, where rolling vineyards meet olive groves and family values take root. Here, they are building not just a place to stay and dine, but a deliberate return to what matters most—land, community, and the art of slowing down.
In this episode, Samantha and Luca invite us into their formative first year of learning to let the land lead, building a restaurant rooted in seasonality and creativity, and discovering that the greatest plans are the ones flexible enough to change with the seasons.
Top Takeaways
[2:25] Two different childhoods on opposite sides of the world, yet both shaped by family kitchens and the belief that food is where it all begins.
[5:10] At Noma, one of the world's most competitive and intentional kitchens, Samantha and Luca discovered a partnership that grew with the seasons—a foundation that would carry them through everything ahead.
[12:15] A family dream deferred by life's twists and turns for many years became a reality overnight when they least expected it.
[19:10] From minute-by-minute timelines in the Noma kitchen to learning that a farm moves even while you sleep—Samantha and Luca are discovering that the greatest lesson is not planning, it is listening to what nature asks of you each day.
[25:10] What you see and hear as a guest will shift with the seasons—olive harvests, winter hibernation, budding vines. But you are guaranteed one constant—integration into the daily rhythm of a working farm.
[29:25] Apartments with kitchens to cook on your own, a restaurant for shared meals, harvest seasons that welcome anyone willing to learn and teach—Tenuta Lamanna is building a place where you can escape the city, pass through, or stay rooted in community.
[32:40] For Samantha and Luca, seasonality will dictate the menu, hyper-local ingredients will take center stage, and Noma's creative philosophy will continue to guide them. But do not expect Italian food—expect something born from their hands, their curiosity, and the land itself.
[37:30] Six family members, six different minds, each with their own expertise—wine tastings, olive oil courses, cooking classes, harvest experiences—all designed so guests can savor memories and carry a taste of Tenuta Lamanna home.
[40:15] Medieval piazzas, crystal lakes, mountain bike trails, farmers markets alive with passion—Samantha and Luca have become tourists in their own backyard, eager to share what they're discovering.
[45:15] At Tenuta Lamanna sustainability is not just philosophy, it is practice—nothing wasted because everything comes full circle, from kitchen to animals to land and back again.
Notable Mentions
Noma in Copenhagen, DK
Massa Marittima
Follonica
Lago dell'Accesa
South Italian Sugo
North Italian Polenta Taragna
Visit For Yourself
@tenutalamanna | @samantharosella | @lucaainve
S9. | E9. Masseria Moroseta | Puglia, Italy | Giorgia Goggi Invites Guests To Discover Endless Creativity In The Rhythm Of Seasons And The Generosity Of Puglian Land
2026/01/22
“They make their own wine or olive oil. They have fruit trees. They are so willing to share, to make you taste, to invite you for lunch and dinner, to teach you something. It's a very generous, open approach that was very new for me. It should be normal and obvious, but it's not. It's no longer like this in big cities.”
We’re in great company with Giorgia Goggi, the Head Chef of Masseria Moroseta—who along with her friends turned family, became the stewards behind this modern farmhouse in Ostuni. Here they have curated an elegant but familiar environment, a place created for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere between nature, good food, design and beauty.
A white stone house standing proudly on a ridge overlooking the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by five hectares of organic olive groves, Masseria Moroseta embodies the essence of Puglia—a unique land, a clear sky, warm scents and simple flavors distilled into every detail.
In this episode, Giorgia shares how slowing down to the rhythm of seasons, trusting ingredient-driven creativity, and gathering around a table with strangers who become friends, reminds us why we fell in love with cooking, travel, and community in the first place.
Top Takeaways
[1:55] From childhood family meals to professional calling, Giorgia transformed her greatest passion into her life's work—finally finding the creative freedom to make her voice heard.
[5:00] In Puglia, Giorgia discovered what she didn't know was missing—a landscape where centuries-old olive trees, generous neighbors, and ingredients alive with flavor make creativity not just possible, but inevitable.
[10:10] Carlo Lanzini envisioned Masseria Moroseta as a classical Puglian farmhouse—a simple, purposeful design born from agriculture where every space served the land—then reimagined it for today with reverence for tradition and place.
[11:35] A day in the life of a Head Chef shifts with the seasons—winter's quietude, spring's renewal, summer's full energy—a rhythm that honors both the land's cycles and the creative space needed to truly innovate.
[15:35] With only six rooms and intentionally unscheduled days, guests naturally surrender their itineraries to discover what matters most—a leisurely breakfast, a nap in the afternoon sun, wine at sunset—the very rhythm that defines the Moroseta lifestyle.
[22:15] Each Puglian ingredient holds infinite possibilities ensuring Giorgia's work is never finished, always evolving.
[25:35] Through workshops, Giorgia steps away from behind the counter to sit as an equal among friends—rediscovering the joy that first drew her to cooking, while guests transform from strangers into a community bound by shared meals and stories.
[29:30] Rather than expanding rooms, Moroseta expanded possibilities—holiday villas for friends, boat tours along the Adriatic, restaurant collaborations—each experience another lens through which guests discover the richness of Puglia, always rooted in the same care and intention.
Notable Mentions
Studio Andrew Trotter
Tortellini en Brodo
Nocino Liqueur
Visit For Yourself
Masseria Moroseta Website | @masseriamoroseta
@morosetakitchen | @moroseta_homes | @moroseta_boats
S9. | E8. Mukima Manor | Mount Kenya, Kenya | Anna Campbell Honors Her Mother's Legacy While Creating A Sanctuary For Wildlife, Wellness, And The Wild At Heart
2026/01/08
“Everything got quiet and all that noise went away. And I remember being like, ‘Hang on to this, Anna, because you're so clear in this is what the plan is. Don't let the world's noise steal that from you.’ So it's been there in the back of my head while we've been pulling the hotels out of the sinking sand. When we're ready, we're gonna pivot and this is gonna be a place for healing.”
We're in great company with Anna Campbell, a passionate conservationist and wellness advocate who has transformed her late mother's vision into one of Kenya's most enchanting boutique hotel experiences, Mukima Manor—a sanctuary for wildlife and wellness—in one of the country's most breathtaking safari regions.
Anna shares how she's stewarding this century-old manor and accompanying 300 acres of rewilded land as both a love letter to her mother's legacy and a haven where guests can slow down, reconnect, and restore.
In this New Year's episode, we explore what it means to set intentions not through resolutions but through presence—grounding ourselves in nature's rhythms, opening up to strangers who become companions in adventure, and remembering that true wellness lives at the intersection of wild exploration and quiet healing.
Top Takeaways
[1:55] Anna's Kenyan childhood was beautifully untamed. Listen as she shares stories that instilled an innate respect for the land, a joy in recognizing that less truly is more.
[4:25] Remembering Anna’s mother Leslie as a force of nature—brave, creative, and surefooted in ways that seemed almost effortless, taking risks that others might have called bonkers.
[7:30] With such optimism and pride, Anna speaks of her mother and husband—honoring Leslie's creative legacy while relying on Shawn's unwavering strength, the kind of partnership that turns what could have been insurmountable challenges into a love letter to both past and future.
[15:35] The profound experience of caring for her mother sparked Anna's passion for health and wellness—turning heartbreak into healing by creating a sanctuary where others can restore themselves.
[19:25] Mukima Manor's mornings arrive with birdsong, cool mountain air, the crackle of leaves underfoot, and mist rising off the lake—a sensory wake-up call that reminds you why this rewilded sanctuary feels so alive.
[23:30] Living sustainably isn't a compromise, it's an alignment—a quiet luxury where guests consume only what's clean and kind, from chemical-free shampoos to carrots pulled straight from the garden, because wellness begins at the source.
[26:30] Mukima Manor's adventures are yours to choose, tailored so no two days (or family members) need follow the same path.
[30:00] Wellness isn't just clean eating and meditation, it's beautifully multifaceted—which is exactly what Anna's upcoming retreats at Mukima Manor aim to celebrate.
[33:05] For those craving both beach and bush, Anna offers the best of Kenya—intimate hospitality that feels like staying with your most adventurous friend who knows all the hidden gems.
Visit For Yourself
Mukima Manor Website | @mukimamanorhouse
The Cabanas Lamu Website | @thecabanaslamu
S9. | E7. Arctic Bath | Harads, Sweden | Maarten & Peter Invite Travelers To Discover What Truly Matters When Winter Slows You Down In The Arctic
2025/12/23
“The idea behind Arctic Bath was born at Treehotel. And I think this is also an important part of the story. How new crazy things inspire other crazy people to do crazy things that nobody says is possible. We are not competing with each other, we are completing each other—working together and bringing people to each other. That's the way that we work with tourism in this area.”
We're in great company with Maarten Raes and Peter Engström, two of the original visionary partners behind Arctic Bath, a one-of-a-kind hotel, spa, and restaurant floating on the serene Lule River in Swedish Lapland, where frost-covered forests transform with the seasons and the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic landscape.
Here, they have reimagined what luxury means—not through excess, but through authenticity, nature, and slow travel. What makes Arctic Bath so extraordinary is the quiet conviction behind it—the grit it took to build something real, a team committed to genuine hospitality, and a philosophy that proves luxury is found in connection, not consumption.
In this winter episode, we discover how slowing down in the Arctic teaches us what truly matters—and why some of the most meaningful travel experiences happen when we stop rushing and start listening.
Top Takeaways
[9:50] The story behind Arctic Bath's iconic circular main building meant to mimic timber logs jamming in rapids—and how architect Bertil Harström designed it as a visual tribute to the Lule River's legacy.
[15:20] Amidst construction delays, a pandemic six weeks after opening, and countless late nights fixing things behind the scenes, Peter quietly delivered a serene sanctuary for their first season of worldly guests.
[19:10] The Michelin Key arrived not for the rooms, the architecture, or the food alone—but for the intangible thing guests keep trying to describe—the genuine warmth of a team that chose to create something real.
[21:45] Three ways to experience Arctic Bath: Land and Suite cabins offer spacious luxury, while floating Water rooms let you swim from your bed in summer and listen to the ice sing beneath you in winter.
[24:45] The sauna and cold plunge ritual—rooted in centuries of Nordic living—transforms guests and locals alike, awakening something so natural that no manufactured wellness experience at home can replicate.
[27:10] Each plate at Arctic Bath tells a story—of the river, the forest, the northern lights—translating the landscape into something guests can taste compliments of the relationships with local fishermen, farmers, and herders.
[29:40] A winter day unfolds: dogsledding or snowshoe hiking with locals, Sámi stories shared around an open fire, a luxurious Swedish spa experience—and if you're fortunate, the Northern Lights dancing above in the endless night sky.
[32:45] Arctic Bath's sustainability runs deeper than awards—it's woven into every choice, a commitment to nurturing the small businesses and community that make this place possible.
Notable Mentions
Nordic Collection
Treehotel in Swedish Lapland
Visit For Yourself
Arctic Bath Website | @arcticbath_sweden
S9. | E6. Beaumier | Across Europe | Anna Fedou Invites Travelers To Discover Soulful Luxury Hotels Rooted In Place, Culture, And The Art Of Living Differently
2025/12/11
“ Beaumier is a story that began truly 10 years ago if we go back to the beginning of the portfolio. But this story of implementing soulful luxury properties and beautiful environments, really rooted in the local culture—it's less than five years old. We're a very young brand, I would say.”
We're in great company with Anna Fedou, Brand & Marketing Director of Beaumier Hotels, a curated collection of ten soulful luxury properties woven across Europe's most enchanting landscapes—from Provence and the Riviera to the Alpine peaks and Ibiza.
Beaumier is built on a philosophy of "the art of living differently"—a belief that true hospitality begins not with grand gestures, but with listening—to the landscape, to the people who call it home, to the history woven into its walls. Rather than imposing a predetermined style, each property emerges as an act of discovery, honoring its surroundings while breathing new life into them with the spirit of a curious explorer and the care of a devoted steward.
In this winter episode, Anna shares how her own multicultural upbringing—shaped by movement between cultures and meaningful family moments—informs Beaumier's approach to creating spaces where guests feel genuinely at home, offering us timely lessons in slowing down, belonging, and the kind of intentional living we all crave as the holidays approach.
Top Takeaways
[1:50] How Anna's childhood spent traveling between France, Portugal, Spain, and London—punctuated by magical family holidays discovering the world together—became the compass that would eventually guide her career in creating meaningful, connected experiences for others.
[6:40] What began as a small collection of Alpine ski hotels transformed into a spirit of adventure named Beaumier—seeking out hidden architectural treasures and breathing new life into them with intention and reverence.
[19:40] At Beaumier, guests reconnect with nature and themselves through thoughtfully curated spaces where design, storytelling, and “happy accidents” become conversation starters that spark joy regardless of cultural background.
[24:15] Winter Properties: L'Alpaga in Megève, Les 3 Vallées in Courchevel, Le Val Thorens and Le Fitz Roy in Val Thorens—all provide distinctive perspectives and experiences of the French Alps—while the Grand Hotel Belvedere in Wengen is a historic hideaway in the Swiss Alps.
[26:00] Summer Properties: Capelongue, Le Moulin and Le Galinier show different sides of Provence—while Les Roches Rouges sits peacefully overlooking the Côte d'Azur, and Petunia dispels the myth of Ibiza.
[30:55] What ties together ten distinct properties across Europe isn't a playbook—it's a commitment to locally sourced cuisine, genuine human connection, and a deeply personal approach to wellbeing that honors what each guest truly needs to feel whole.
[35:50] A first glimpse into Wengen's revival through Grand Hotel Belvedere—a revitalized property breathing new life into a sleeping beauty destination that's been beautifully unchanged for decades, inspiring the entire community to awaken alongside it.
Visit For Yourself
Beaumier Website | @beaumierhotels
Bon Voyage by Beaumier
S9. | E5. Serenbe | Atlanta, Georgia | Steve Nygren Proves That Changing The World Begins In Your Own Backyard With His Award-Winning Biophilic Community
2025/11/25
“Generally you have to choose one and drive to the other. You have to choose either a rural setting or an area that has all these services with it—you walk to the schools, the hospitality, the shops, the medical services. And so one of the key things is it's all here—you just decide which door you're gonna go out.”
We’re in great company with Steve Nygren, the visionary behind, and steward of Serenbe, an award winning biophilic community on the edge of Atlanta that connects its residents and guests to nature and each other. A place where fresh air, fresh food, and fresh ideas flourish.
Whether you come for a weekend escape at The Inn at Serenbe or envision making it home for a lifetime, this community offers a living model of how we can reconnect with what matters most.
In this Thanksgiving episode, Steve reminds us that if we want to change the world, we can start in our own backyards—sharing how his family's dedication to protecting their land has blossomed into a movement inspiring communities around the globe to live in harmony with nature.
Top Takeaways
[1:45] Listen as Steve’s story comes full circle, from farm roots through urban hospitality ownership, ultimately back to the land where he planned to raise his family—only to discover it was threatened by urban sprawl and desperately in need of a creative solution.
[4:30] “ The effort was to not convince one side to come over to the other, but rather find a solution where each group could get more, that we could get a higher value for the land than they had ever thought they could, and to preserve more of it than we ever thought possible.”
[11:10] With English countryside villages and European hamlets as his blueprint, Steve built Serenbe on four essential components—art for inspiration, agriculture for nourishment, health and wellness for vitality, and education for growth.
[15:10] Across 2,000 acres of biophilic community design, Serenbe's miles of nature trails weave together homes, restaurants, and arts businesses while immersing visitors in rich sensory experiences around every corner.
[20:30] At The Inn at Serenbe, guests can experience community life firsthand through a selection of rooms and cottages that offer both modern luxury and authentic connection to the land, complete with farm-to-table dining and access to all of Serenbe's wellness amenities.
[22:30] Guests can dine and drink in good company across Serenbe's spectrum of culinary offerings—from refined seasonal menus to casual bites around the community—with every dish celebrating locally sourced ingredients grown under the nurturing care of neighbors.
[25:25] Serenbe's amenities and activities celebrate both relaxation and exploration, offering everything from rejuvenating yoga classes to horseback riding adventures, and charming community experiences like feeding farm animals and listening to live music.
[28:50] At its core, biophilic design embraces living in harmony with nature as a community to achieve well-being, sustainability and prosperity, creating spaces where this principle can flourish for individuals, the places we live, and the world around us.
[30:10] Serenbe's future embraces a vision of "free range kids" and elders living in harmony together, applying Blue Zone principles to create a lifestyle that values longevity, community, and the richness of multigenerational living.
Notable Mentions
Last Child In The Woods by Richard Louv
Atlanta Beltline
New York City High Line
Start In Your Own Backyard by Steve Nygren
Visit For Yourself
Serenbe Website | @serenbe
Steve Nygren Website
S9. | E4. Restaries | Suffolk, England | Gem & Thom Transform A Historic Suffolk Farm Into Contemporary Retreats Away From The Ordinary Grind
2025/11/13
“ It has to mean something to you in order for it to mean something to anybody else. And that's all we're dealing with really. We're giving people the most authentic version of what we see as hospitality that we can give. For us it's a very simple equation of giving what we really would like to receive.”
We’re in great company with Gem Boner and Thom Scherdel, the tastemakers behind Restaries, a collection of contemporary accommodations and event spaces located on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, where epic woodlands meet serene sea fronts. Here, they have curated not just a place to stay, but a deliberate pause from the ordinary grind.
Set on the grounds of a 16th-century Suffolk farm with a rich history spanning cider production to New World Music distribution, Paradise Farm has always been about creating experiences that bring people together.
In this episode, Gem and Thom discuss how they've learned that luxury comes not from ostentation but from time, connection, and the simple art of making every guest feel genuinely welcomed home.
Top Takeaways
[1:50] After years of telling other brands' stories—from Topshop showrooms to Soho House events—Gem and Thom discovered that their greatest collaboration would be both personal and professional—creating the hospitality experience they'd always wished existed.
[9:10] From bubbling cider production to spinning vinyl records, Paradise Farm has always been about creating experiences that bring people together—a legacy Gem and Thom honor as they write their own chapter in this 500-year story of craft, culture, and community.
[16:05] Perfectly positioned among Suffolk's coastal heritage, rolling farmland, and vibrant independent towns, Paradise Farm's 10 secluded acres offer everything from tree-lined tranquility to quick beach escapes and the kind of brilliant stargazing that inspired their very name.
[20:50] Each accommodation honors its original purpose while embracing “Mother Nature's color palette,” championing sustainable brands and local ceramicists whose stories are shared through Restaries’ Rest & Read series.
[25:20] “We adapt the land to cater for every need"—from romantic proposal setups in candlelit spaces to pizza-making in lush gardens, from woodland cocktails classes to communal dining experiences—Gem and Thom create the art of play and discovery through genuine hospitality.
[29:15] Restaries’ "marketing team" of Pedigree Pygmy goats, Valais Blacknose sheep, and Kune Kune pigs offer guests real things and real feelings—from naughty goats greeting arrivals to calm alpacas that respond to chilled energy.
[33:00] Kitchen garden beginnings meet seasoned culinary takeovers and locally acclaimed producers—as Restaries becomes the home for London chefs looking to escape the city to craft woodland dining experiences with seasonal Suffolk produce.
Notable Mentions
Design & That interior design
Colors of Arley fabrics
Pophams ceramics
Verden scents
Somerset Grill
Chef @WasteNotRowen
Fen Farm Dairy
Flint Vineyard
The Suffolk
The Black Dog Deli
Pinch
Alde Cafe
Greyhound Inn
Thorpeness village
The Gunton Arms
Earsham Street Deli
Focus Organic
The Southwold Flower Company
Black Lines Drinks
Visit For Yourself
Restaries Website | @restaries
S9. | E3. Fowlescombe Farm | Devon, England | Caitlin Owens Welcomes Guests To A Regenerative Retreat Where Luxury Means Connection, Not Choice
2025/10/30
“ So what I really want from Fowlescombe is actually that you come away feeling like you've stayed with a friend—if that friend was an amazing cook, had really beautiful guest rooms, and was a fantastic host—who'd looked after you really well and who'd really made the effort to show you around. Because actually there's nothing better than visiting a place with a friend, seeing it through their eyes and feeling like you've seen something a bit different.”
We’re in great company with Caitlin Owens, the proud new owner and managing director of Fowlescombe Farm, a quietly luxurious and restorative rural retreat of just ten beautifully designed suites, nestled at the heart of a 450-acre regenerative farm, set close to the wilds of Dartmoor in Devon.
Dating back to 1537, rich with ghost stories and Sherlock Holmes lore, this historic estate became the perfect canvas for Caitlin to realize her childhood dream of owning a hotel when she returned home to the English countryside ready to pave her own path.
In this episode, Caitlin takes us through her philosophy of doing luxury differently—learning from her time at Four Seasons but choosing intimacy over opulence, inviting overnight guests to participate in farm rhythms while opening her table to the local community, and pioneering regenerative hospitality that cares for land, nourishes guests, and sustains her family business.
Top Takeaways
[2:00] Caitlin's childhood dream of owning a hotel found its home when she returned during lockdown to rediscover the beauty of Devon’s countryside and the opportunity within her family’s farm.
[8:50] The estate, owned by the Fowle family since 1537, sits among Dartmoor's mystical landscape—rich in folklore, witchcraft history, haunting tales of ghostly hounds, and the backdrop for a Sherlock Holmes best seller.
[16:20] Rather than replicate Four Seasons' luxury through choice and opulence, Caitlin built Fowlescombe around removing decisions—curating an intentional experience that feels like staying with a trusted friend who takes care of every detail.
[21:20] Caitlin's favorite season brings the energy of new calves and lambs, bees buzzing through wildflowers, savory wild garlic scenting the woods, and the surprising sweetness of gorse on the moorland.
[23:50] Every suite designed by creative director Paul Glade prioritizes tactile luxury—soft wool from their own flock, stone quarried on the farm, English oak, and layered fabrics that invite guests to touch and connect with the sense of place.
[27:50] From childhood books to wellies in every size, every object at Fowlescombe has a story and is chosen intentionally so guests can connect to the place and carve out their own space on the farm.
[31:30] Overnight guests harvest eggs and make bread with the chefs, while local dinner guests tour the gardens before sharing the communal table—creating connections to the farm and community through food.
[39:20] Caitlin envisions a future where the community of people wanting to do luxury differently grows, and the concept of regenerative practices extends beyond farming to hospitality itself.
Notable Mentions
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Visit For Yourself
Fowlescombe Farm Website | @fowlescombe
S9. | E2. Château Royal Berlin | Berlin, Germany | Kirsten Landwehr’s Decidedly Cosmopolitan Boutique Hotel Champions Contemporary Art And A Convivial Atmosphere
2025/10/17
“ I feel like Berlin is a city where anything is possible, while never quite achieving polished glamor. And that's its charm. There is no steep hierarchy to enter the art scene, or any scene to be honest. And that is what we wanted to reflect here in Château Royal Berlin, this kind of openness and uniqueness.”
We’re in great company with Kirsten Landwehr, co-founder and curator of Château Royal, an enchanting and eccentric boutique hotel in the heart of Berlin Mitte, where craftsmanship and reinterpretation have revived what was once en vogue during the city's former golden ages, now adorned with contemporary art and convivial hosts.
Rooted in Berlin’s creative pulse, Kirsten and her husband, restaurateur Stephan Landwehr of Grill Royal fame, have transformed two historic buildings into a living gallery—one that celebrates design, culture, and the art of gathering. With her background in art and photography curation, Kirsten’s vision marries history and modernity with effortless elegance.
In this episode, Kirsten shares how she’s shaped Berlin’s art and hospitality scenes—revealing her philosophy on collecting, creating soulful spaces, and honoring the ever-evolving spirit of her city.
Top Takeaways
[2:00] As a child, Kirsten always dreamed of a bigger and better world. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she decided to set out and steward that world herself.
[4:00] How Kirsten and her husband, Stephan, with their shared appreciation for Berlin's creative energy and culinary artistry, fed and fueled the birth of Berlin’s contemporary art scene through their cult classic restaurant, Grill Royal.
[7:00] Hear the turbulent history of two historic buildings in the heart of Berlin Mitte, steps away from the Brandenburg Gate—from being the center of the Golden Twenties to falling into disrepair after WWII, from being used for surveillance during the GDR to housing the studios of squatting artists after the Berlin Wall.
[9:00] As Kirsten and Stephan breathed new life into these buildings, curating what would become Château Royal Berlin, they set out to create a space that was “decidedly cosmopolitan, yet unimaginable in any other city.”
[10:20] Today, Château Royal Berlin is full of life and conviviality—as locals and travelers, artists and guests, fill the space with their own perspectives and fresh ideas.
[11:45] With 93 guest rooms to design and a deep personal determination that no two would be the same, Kirsten invited her artist community to fill their spaces. What then became #93Rooms93Artists, was a permanent home for these artists to proudly showcase their work, host their own guests and welcome in new friends.
[14:30] At Restaurant Château Royal, a creative menu and curated atmosphere proves food can be fancy while still being familiar and fresh.
Notable Mentions
Director Edward Berger
Artist & Art Collector Damien Hirst
Château Royal’s Guide to Berlin
Saint Charles Apothecary
Venini Lamps & Chandeliers
Visit For Yourself
Château Royal Berlin Website | @chateauroyalberlin
S9. | E1. Nimb | Copenhagen, Denmark | Maria Oldenbjerg Redefines Luxury As Quiet Elegance And Playful Authenticity Within Tivoli Gardens
2025/10/02
“ For many of our guests, they normally say, ‘It's not just a stay, it's a memory in the making.’ It’s a place where time slows down and where the ordinary, what do you say, becomes something truly extraordinary.”
We’re in great company with Maria Oldenbjerg, the fairy godmother, formally known as the Hotel Director, of the Nimb Hotel in the heart of Copenhagen—where with the enchanting Tivoli Gardens as its lush backdrop, Nimb presents an unparalleled combination of subtle Scandinavian urban luxury, Danish design, meticulous service, and top-tier gastronomy, all infused with a touch of Tivoli enchantment.
Born in 1909 within a Moorish-inspired "Bazaar," this architectural gem began as the vision of culinary entrepreneurs Vilhelm and Louise Nimb, who transformed their restaurant into the heartbeat of Copenhagen's dining scene. Today, as the only hotel nestled within Europe's oldest amusement park and recognized among Small Luxury Hotels' elite "Finest Collection" and “Considerate Collection,” Nimb continues to redefine what it means to create authentic and sustainable luxury experiences that blur the lines between heritage and innovation.
As seasons change, and ours begins with this episode, Maria invites the young, and the young at heart, to discover how she transforms ordinary moments into something truly magical—where “hygge” isn't just a travel trend, but a way of welcoming the world home.
Top Takeaways
[2:00] The Phone Call That Changed Everything: After her first hotel shift, Maria called her mother excitedly: "I found my dream job. I want to become a general manager one day." That clarity eventually led her home to Nimb, the luxury hotel she'd always admired.
[6:00] Where Dreams Take Root: In 1909, visionaries Vilhelm and Louise Nimb built their Moorish palace within Tivoli Gardens - Europe's oldest amusement park - bringing the entire world to Copenhagen so Danes could taste and travel without leaving home.
[15:30] The Garden That Never Sleeps: Guests wake to the quiet serenity of the pristine grounds as they anticipate the day’s crowds. And after a day of excitement, guests retreat to find the soothing musical performances and twinkling lights linger like memories into the night.
[16:00] Seasons of Wonder: The hotel breathes with Tivoli's rhythms - Easter treasure hunts, Halloween face painting, Christmas stockings crafted by Danish artisans, each moment woven into memory-making magic.
[18:30] Rooms That Hold Stories: Each of Nimb's 38 spacious rooms and suites whispers secrets through understated luxury and timeless elegance, from handpicked antiques set against modern Danish design to complimentary “hygge bars" filled with local Danish delicacies.
[24:00] Culinary Theater: Dining at Nimb goes beyond the dish and becomes a storytelling medium, from Nimb Brasserie's French favorites to the Japanese Pagoda's rotating Michelin-starred chef residencies.
[27:00] The Science of Renewal: A hidden wellness sanctuary redefines urban wellness - blending cutting edge technology with globally inspired ancient techniques - replenishing weary travelers with a sense of vitality.
[38:40] Living Poetry: Peacocks wander as symbols of grace, their presence so beloved that feathers now adorn linens and inspire children's toys.
Notable Mentions
Danish Design
Geismars bedding
Toni fixtures
Bang & Olufsen audio
Artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen
Flowers by Nimb
Frederiksberg, Copenhagen
Amager Strandpark
Danish Smørrebrød
Visit For Yourself
Nimb Hotel Website | @nimbcopenhagen
S8. | E15. Londolozi | Kruger National Park, South Africa | Shan & Bronwyn Varty Share A Motherly Instinct, Nurturing Mother Nature For Future Generations
2025/05/08
“If I go to the good Hopi Indian quote, ‘We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.’ I sit in reflection of that and I hope the future generations will lead with heart and they'll be guided by the values that built this legacy to date. That they honor the past by innovating with purpose and with integrity. Everybody's always got to remember that stewardship is a sacred trust, and one that turns heritage into hope.”
We’re in great company with Shan and Bronwyn Varty, the mother and daughter duo behind Londolozi, who, with their family’s one hundred years of history, are pioneering one of South Africa’s original private game reserves as a living model of conservation development.
Here, they are nurturing a Futuristic African Village, a prototype for village consciousness where wild animals and people alike, live together in dignity and harmony, with each other and the land. It is with an abundance mindset that they have chosen to share this land and legacy with worldly guests, committing to excellence in ecotourism with their accredited Relais & Châteaux status.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, in this episode, Shan and Bron paint for us a picture of luxury in its purest form—with time as the artist, the senses as the medium, and Mother Nature as the muse.
Top Takeaways
[2:10] With 100 years of family history living on this land, the Varty’s roots run deep and strong as they grow and evolve with their environment.
[4:50] The name Londolozi is Zulu for ‘Protector Of All Living Things,’ reflecting their ambitious conservation ethic in stewarding our human relationship with the natural world.
[7:00] They say “it takes a village to raise a child,” and there is sincere truth in that there is a power of resilience in community, as both Shan and Bron learned early on.
[12:30] “When you live in nature, you live in an ecosystem of connection, not comparison.”
[15:15] How meditative design is a way of practicing presence, learning to get out of the way and allow nature to lead, creating a sense of place that meets you where you are.
[20:00] Londolozi’s Camps are a collection woven together with a “Golden Thread”—each with their own significance, but all along a journey through legacy and luxury.
[29:15] The Varty’s are proud “Artists of Experiences”—curating luxury safaris for every chapter of life—from first-time safaris to multigenerational family trips, from honeymoons to wellness, with photography and more in store,
[36:40] The “Ripple Effect” stands for Restoration, Innovation, Protection, People, Leadership, Education.
[41:00] Rather than creating something new, Shan and Bron are celebrating 100 years of history by bringing back the old, polishing and preserving along the way.
[46:15] Mother Nature’s wisdom is in embracing a state of flow that changes with the seasons—recognizing that mothering is not something that is done, it is something that is felt—and can only be done so by slowing down.
Notable Mentions
Nelson Mandela
Maya Angelou
The Leopards of Londolozi
Peter Reed Linens
Land Rover
Sesaties, South African Kebabs
Good Work Foundation
Tracker Academy
Healing House
Visit For Yourself
Londolozi Website | @londolozi
Images courtesy of Londolozi Game Reserve
S8. | E14. The Roundtree Amagansett | Hamptons, New York | Sylvia Wong Transformed Her Corporate Experience Into Creating A Local's Haven
2025/05/01
"There were four things that I thought were really important. The first one was to be humble and confident. Number two, be open-minded, but have a point of view. The third point was to know there is no substitute to working hard. Last but not least was to embrace change and challenges.”
We’re in great company with Sylvia Wong, the Owner of The Roundtree Amagansett, where she meticulously polished a hidden gem into an award-winning luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Hamptons that pays homage to Amagansett’s historic farmsteading legacy while embodying the spirit of this iconic east coast destination.
Her journey from corporate law executive to passionate first-time hotelier exemplifies a dream transformation—inspired by her global travels to create a rarefied Hampton's experience where guests can truly live like locals.
In this episode, Sylvia shares her inspiring career pivot, the challenges of opening during a pandemic, and how she crafted an authentic home-away-from-home experience that keeps guests returning season after season.
Top Takeaways
[1:40] How Sylvia's corporate career took her to hidden corners of the world where she embraced diverse cultural expressions through architecture and design and found a motherly instinct for nurturing guest experiences.
[5:05] It all began with a single raised hand in a meeting, a serendipitous stop on the Jitney shuttle, and Sylvia's unwavering determination to master the art of hospitality—despite having no industry experience whatsoever.
[9:30] Steps from Main Street, Sylvia discovered an unassuming property with centuries of stories hidden beneath its weathered shingles and expansive grounds.
[17:20] At The Roundtree Amagansett, luxury whispers rather than shouts—as guests discover thoughtful complimentary amenities designed to create moments of surprise and delight from sunrise to starlight.
[30:40] Why Sylvia’s sense of fulfillment is not found through financial means—it is in seeing genuine happiness wash over her guests' faces as they share their stories and experiences.
[34:40] There is much creativity and collaboration yet to come—from new culinary offerings to seamless wellness incorporations to thoughtfully designed spaces where families and friends can gather to create their own Hampton traditions for generations to come.
Notable Mentions
il Buco al Mare
Balsam Farms
Amber Waves Farm, Market & Cafe
LongHouse Reserve
Parrish Art Museum
South Fork Bakery
Frette linens & Matouk towels
The Maker fragrances
RUMOR Rosé
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Rhode Island
Visit For Yourself
The Roundtree Amagansett Website | @theroundtreeamagansett
S8. | E13. Ranchlands | Hyattville, Wyoming | Tess Leach Tells A Campfire Story Of A New Frontier Where We Work Together To Live With The Land
2025/04/24
“It also gave birth to our hospitality program, which was another way to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities so that we could create a conversation around ranching and really a whole community on the ranch beyond the team that was working the land. And today it's very similar to what that original lease mandated. That we really look at land multi-dimensionally and it's become really integral to our mission.”
We’re in great company with with Tess Leach, Co-Owner and Head of Business Development at Ranchlands, whose mission is to promote the conservation of rangelands, the ranching legacy, and the quality of life for people living and working on ranches in the American West, by providing unforgettable hospitality experiences that connect guests with the natural world and rich heritage of ranching.
Ranchlands recently set up a permanent base camp at Paintrock Canyon Ranch in Wyoming—set amidst 80,000 acres of varying landscapes from red sandstone cliffs to an acclaimed fishing creek, with sprawling meadows giving way to wildlife aplenty—inviting guests to immerse themselves in the everyday adventures of their home on the range.
As we celebrate Earth Day with this episode, Tess tells a hopeful tale of her life and legacy she shares with her friends and family, in “working together to live with the land,” inviting us all to see the world around us from a different perspective.
Top Takeaways
[1:50] Raised on a Southern Colorado ranch, Tess discovered early that ranching was as much about sharing the land with curious visitors as it was about cattle operations, instilling a lifelong passion for helping others connect with the rural land she called home.
[5:10] Ranchlands was born from a single line in a Colorado state lease agreement that mandated educational opportunities for school children, sparking a multi-dimensional approach to land management that would grow to include hospitality, conservation, and a mission to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.
[7:55] Paintrock Canyon Ranch transformed from an intangible dream into reality thanks to its generous previous owners, becoming a basecamp that embodies everything Tess’s family had imagined but never thought possible to own.
[14:25] Guests can immerse themselves in the rhythms of western life through three distinctive journeys: intimate Ranch Vacations where days on horseback blend into fireside evenings, transformative Workshops where passions are kindled alongside master craftspeople, and adventurous Pack Trips that lead riders deep into wilderness terrain where few modern travelers ever venture.
[21:10] At Ranchlands, conservation isn't just a philosophy but a daily practice woven into everything from their mobile, seasonal camps that give the land essential rest periods to their adaptive grazing plans that shift with nature's rhythms—creating an immersive classroom where guests witness firsthand how thoughtful stewardship and economic sustainability work in harmony.
[23:50] Beyond the guest experience, Ranchlands' Mercantile weaves a tapestry of meaningful partnerships—from the transformative collaboration with inmates at Colorado Correctional Institute who craft their leather goods, to family-run knife makers who still send paper receipts by mail—creating a marketplace where every purchase tells a story of connection and purpose.
[28:15] The horizon holds two new chapters for Ranchlands: their nonprofit Collective, building bridges between urban and rural communities through education and storytelling, and the expansion of their breathtaking Paintrock Canyon Ranch campus, soon inviting guests to experience this extraordinary landscape in new, immersive ways.
Notable Mentions
Denver Tent Company
Wyoming Raw Milk
Greybull Valley Produce
Ranchlands In The City, event at Filson in NYC
Visit For Yourself
Ranchlands Website | Stay at Paintrock Canyon Ranch | @ranchlands
S8. | E12. Son Brull & The Ventourist | Mallorca, Spain | Mar Suau Is Building A Bridge Between The Traveler And The Island Destination She Calls Home
2025/04/17
“You learn firsthand from us about our history, about our traditions, about why things are done in a certain way. Where we go as locals, which restaurants we go to, what we eat, what we do in our spare time. It's the art and the pleasure of giving, I feel very proud and honored and lucky to live where I live. And I want to share that experience with as many people as possible so they can take a little bit back with them wherever they go home to.”
We’re in great company with Mar Suau, the second-generation owner of Son Brull, a rural sanctuary of relaxed luxury in the heart of the Mediterranean. What was once an 18th-century monastery is now a Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and olive groves—the quintessence of what is authentically Mallorcan.
And for those looking to adventure beyond their stay, Mar is also the founder of The Ventourist, where she curates select active experiences across Spain and invites guests to go beyond Son Bull to discover the best of Spain—exploring incredible landscapes and uncovering local secrets.
In this episode, Mar shares with us a peek inside an island life she has always known, yet one many of us only ever dream of—a truly genuine host with a humble pride and passionate responsibility as she considers the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
Top Takeaways
[2:15] Born into hospitality, Mar was practically raised in hotels alongside her brothers—spending weekends and holidays in her father's properties, playing imaginary 'hotel' as a child, and watching guests return year after year as they became like family.
[5:15] How a crumbling monastery captured Mar's father's imagination for years until fate finally allowed him to rescue this abandoned jewel—unveiling during renovation the whispered secrets and hidden treasures behind its walls.
[9:25] As the last independent luxury hotel owned and operated by locals on an island increasingly claimed by international brands, Mar carries her family legacy forward with a bittersweet pride—honored to preserve genuine Mallorcan hospitality and hopeful for a more authentic future.
[13:30] From dawn to dusk at Son Brull, guests drift between moments of peaceful solitude among the gardens to convivial encounters with local life.
[17:45] Once sustaining monks with its bounty, Son Brull's rejuvenated land now flourishes again after decades of abandonment—from olive groves to orchards, beehives to vineyards—all creating a living tapestry inviting guests to embrace the timeless rhythm of Mallorcan terroir.
[24:40] Through The Ventourist, Mar extends her hospitality beyond Son Brull's walls by crafting tailormade active journeys across Spain—all guided by her belief that sharing her homeland through local eyes is 'the art of giving,' allowing travelers to carry authentic pieces of Spanish life home.
Visit For Yourself
Son Brull Website | @sonbrull
The Ventourist Website | @the_ventourist
S8. | E11. Torel Boutiques | Across Portugal | Ingrid Koeck’s Collection Of Hotels Are “Artisans Of Memories” Crafting Indelible Charm And Human Connection
2025/04/10
“I like to say sometimes we are an analog experience. Everybody today is talking about digitalization, which is indeed important. But the digital means can never, ever replace the human connection between two people. We are artisans of memories. It's the software of our hotels. The hardware is in the beauty, how they look, but it would be completely empty and without soul if it was not about the people.”
We’re in great company with Ingrid Koeck, a Partner of Torel Boutiques in Portugal where her passion as an “Artisan of Memories” lies in crafting unique places. By infusing soul into remarkable structures with Portuguese artistry and interior design she intentionally creates a profound human connection with curious travelers turned guests.
With a growing collection of prestigious Portuguese boutique hotels sprinkled across Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley and soon the Azores, Torel Boutiques embody excellence around every corner—from the service to the amenities, the gastronomy to the ambiance, the distinctive moments turned memories.
In this episode, Ingrid’s natural storytelling captivates us as she weaves a narrative of her own life’s travels, painting for us a picture of the passion she found in Portugal, the home she created there, and the tales of cultural heritage she continues to capture in this convivial chapter.
Top Takeaways
[2:05] Ingrid’s life is full of many colorful chapters—from growing up in her grandmother's rural Austrian bed & breakfast to spending a decade with the UN across Africa and the Middle East—a story where diverse cultures have shaped her profound curiosity of and appreciation for authentic human connection.
[7:05] Through life's unexpected turns, Ingrid learned to balance her need for both adventure and stability—evolving from a fearless young traveler to seeking her European roots and creating her own hospitality business where meaningful connections happen on her terms.
[12:15] Shaped by the resilient women in her family, Ingrid's defining traits of curiosity and courage allow her to embrace new challenges with the unwavering confidence that no matter what happens, she can always take care of herself.
[20:05] Through Torel Boutiques' thoughtfully designed spaces, Ingrid honors her grandmother's wisdom that true hospitality creates memories based not on things, but on how guests feel when personally connected.
[25:00] Celebrate a legacy of Portuguese royalty with Torel Palace Lisbon and indulge in Michelin star gastronomy at 2Monkeys.
[25:35] Honor the writers of Portuguese literature with Torel Palace Porto and study your senses at BLIND.
[26:40] Discover a history of Portuguese expeditions with Torel 1884 and sip on a vault of fine wines at Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine.
[27:40] Savor the heritage of Portuguese vineyards at Torel Quinta da Vacaria and taste the terroir at Schistó.
[31:30] Craft artisanal traditions such as soap making at Torel Saboaria.
[35:55] Embrace the timeless tranquility of Portugal through nature-inspired sanctuaries at Calla Wellness & Spa—from Douro Valley's wine therapy to Lisbon's exotic chocolate-infused sanctuary.
[39:20] Uncover a hidden gem at Torel Terra Brava shining soon on the Azores Islands.
Visit For Yourself
Torel Boutiques Website
Lisbon: @torelpalace_lisbon
Porto: @torelpalace_porto | @torel1884 | @torelavantgarde | @torelsaboaria
Douro Valley: @torelquintadavacaria
Azores: @torelterrabrava
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