Adam Deflorian looks back on the incredible inaugural year of Luxury Travel Innovators with a special “Best Of” episode, featuring some of his favorite moments from Season One.
Key themes throughout Season One include:
How experiential travel is a top trend across the hospitality industry.
The importance of human connection as AI innovation initiatives take center stage.
Why inspiring guests to explore the world is a major focus for many brands.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Adam Deflorian is joined by Gregory Day, President of Hospitality at Mani Brothers and Managing Director of Malibu Beach Inn to unpack the shifting expectations of modern travelers and the creative innovations redefining luxury hospitality.
Key topics include:
The evolution of Malibu Beach Inn and the resilience of the Malibu community.
Shifts in guest demographics and rising expectations for personalization in travel.
Adhering to the philosophy that each individual property informs its own business model.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Adam Deflorian is joined by Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Collection, Americas on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how setting up an environment of authenticity creates a personalized experience for both travelers and travel advisors involved in the brand.
Key topics include:
Why river cruising is a flexible and relaxing travel experience for those looking for adventure without the hassle.
How ship crews and private butlers go above and beyond to create memorable moments for guests onboard.
The story behind Jen’s NHL Championship ring from the Colorado Avalanche and her bucket list concert venues (hint: she lives 15 minutes from one of them!)
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Nicolas Peluffo, CEO of Awasi, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators for a deep dive into the ongoing technological investments transforming the brand, freeing up human interaction with travelers.
Key topics include:
The extensive preparation process for private guides to create customized excursions itineraries for guests.
How investing in cloud-based systems is ushering in a new era for Awasi.
What an Awasi adventure looks like in some of the most remote destinations in South America.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Francesco Galli Zugaro, Owner of Aqua Expeditions, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Aqua Expeditions develops their river and coastal destinations to appeal to the luxury traveler looking for authentic adventure.
Key topics include:
Their recent acquisition by Ponant Expedition Group
Who Aqua Expeditions competes with (hint: typically not other cruises)
How the brand operates from a local-first lens, including hiring 100% local crews per destination
The level of care and curation on each small ship, down to the hand-painted ceramic plates designed by Francisco’s wife.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Joining Adam Deflorian is Ian Di Tullio, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Minor Hotels, for a conversation about the rapid growth of the brand following the success of having three properties host season three of HBO’s The White Lotus.
Key topics include:
The rapid growth of the brand, with expansion upwards of 600 properties worldwide.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences at remote destinations, including river cruises on Mekong River, elephant sanctuaries in Northern Thailand & sunset barbeques post-camel ride in Abu Dhabi.
How technology is continuing to evolve for the better in the travel industry.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Today in the LTI Studio, Adam Deflorian is joined by Michael Crawford, the new CEO of Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels, for a conversation about combining authentic adventures with team members fueled by passion and expertise for getaways to some of the most remote destinations in the world.
Key topics include:
Goals for the brand moving forward, including work on a refreshed singular brand name for the portfolio by the end of the year.
What a journey through the Australian countryside looks like within the diverse range of Baillie properties.
Strategies on developing property teams to surprise and delight guests, creating generational brand loyalty.
Stories from Mike’s background as the former President of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and a Senior Executive for The Walt Disney Company.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Chris Allison, Vice President of Americas & New Zealand for Tourism Australia. Our conversation showcases the vast offerings of Australia as a destination, and highlights the importance of the travel advisor community in bringing visitors to the country for bucket-list vacations.
Key topics include:
The success of Come and Say G’day and how the next iteration of the global campaign features partnerships with icons like Robert Irwin.
Why every itinerary to Australia should include an element of the indigenous experience for true authenticity.
How each region of the country offers something unique, from wine country to coral reefs.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Leo Ghitis, CEO and Co-Founder of Nayara Resorts. Our conversation offers an inspiring outlook on human-focused hospitality and provides a fascinating insight into how Nayara is paving the way for ecotourism.
Key topics include:
How Nayara focuses on developing people (rather than “training”) to create opportunities in rural areas.
Why sustainability is a passion and priority for all Nayara destinations, some of which are 100% carbon neutral.
The process of bringing a forest back to an overcultivated mountain in Costa Rica, including planting over 40,000 trees and plants.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Hotels. Considered the oldest hospitality company in the world, Kempinski heralds a new golden era into the luxury travel industry with the brand’s first female CEO at the helm.
Key topics include:
The historical significance of the company, which began in 1897.
Kempinski’s approach to optimizing digital experiences for the consumer and the AI bot.
How creating desire is really the essence (and challenge!) of luxury travel.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Joining Adam Deflorian at Virtuoso Travel Week is Misty Belles, Vice President of Global Public Relations for Virtuoso. With travel advisors spanning the globe, Virtuoso leads the charge in maintaining human connection while still utilizing innovative technology.
Key topics include:
The role of the travel advisor in the changing industry landscape.
Why personalization is key to success for the high-end traveler.
Ecotourism and sustainability travel and why Virtuoso continues to prioritize these branches of the industry.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Stephen Beaumont, President of Kohler Hospitality, joins Adam Deflorian during HITEC for a conversation about the history of Kohler and a look into the future with AI-integrated technology for a seamless guest experience.
Key topics include:
The uniqueness of Kohler, a privately-owned, family-owned and operated brand and the synergy between their properties in Wisconsin and St. Andrews.
How art, design and authentic experiences are integral to the success of their portfolio.
Why AI-integration and being a leader in the technology space as it relates to hospitality is essential for future success.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Post-Edit Audio Engineer: Jack Wegert, 2025
Joining Adam Deflorian at HITEC, Shrikant Shenoy, Chief Information & Strategy Officer for Adeera Hospitality, discusses the new hotel management brand wholly owned by PIF and how it hopes to lead the way in innovation, while honoring its rich hosting heritage.
Key topics include:
Origins of Adeera, and how the nomadic beginnings of Saudi Arabian society influence modern-day hospitality.
How Adeera is utilizing AI technology to create hyper-personalized guest experiences as well as to attract a younger generation of talent.
What it’s like to visit and live in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Post-Edit Audio Engineer: Jack Wegert, 2025
Jan Arnold, Vice President of Sales for Rocco Forte Hotels, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss the exquisite portfolio of Rocco Forte destinations and how this fourth-generation family owned and operated business sets the tone for luxury travel.
Key topics include:
The deeply rooted family-focus company culture encouraged by Sir Rocco Forte.
Their recent investment by PIF (Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund).
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered by their properties, including one in Rome that literally unlocks the Vatican.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Post-Edit Audio Engineer: Jack Wegert, 2025
With views of the Pacific from Hotel Casa del Mar’s penthouse suite, Adam Deflorian sits down with Charlie Lopez-Quintana, Vice President and Managing Director of ETC Hotels, to explore how to embody hospitality from the heart.
Key topics include:
How this third-generation family business has created a beloved, long-term luxury brand through employee loyalty and timeless hospitality.
The inspiring ways Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar supported the local community during the Palisade fires.
Why simplicity, emotional connection and thoughtful design are the gold standard for luxury hotels.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Senior Editorial Director of Travel + Leisure, Nina Ruggiero, discusses how to inspire readers to explore the world with Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators.
Key topics include:
The print-digital relationship at Travel + Leisure and why human-created content is vital to remain connected to readers.
Changes in the way people consume media and differentiating between social media platforms.
Top destinations from a true travel expert, as well as insights into the rise of pet-friendly hospitality.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Adam Deflorian welcomes Greg Kennealey, CEO of Peregrine Hospitality, to the new AZDS Podcast Studio for the inaugural video recorded episode of Luxury Travel Innovators.
Key topics include:
Why the travel industry is particularly resilient, which feels especially relevant during the current economic climate.
How Peregrine values an "ownership" mentality in all levels of the hospitality business.
Greg’s “crawl, walk, run” approach when it comes to AI Innovation.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
In episode five of Luxury Travel Innovators, Adam Deflorian travels to Pendry Park City to talk with longtime AZDS client and friend, Chris Hamaway, about what truly differentiates an ultra-luxury hotel and resort experience.
Key topics include:
Why storytelling is an essential part of establishing an authentic hospitality experience.
The way Montage and Pendry properties compliment each other and how “quiet luxury” shows up for both brands to help cultivate the Montage International brand.
Chris’ penchant for fly-fishing expeditions provide the perfect example of how the blend of camaraderie and hospitality create worthwhile experiential travel.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
In the fourth episode of Luxury Travel Innovators, Adam Deflorian talks with James Henderson about why community is one of the best parts of traveling and how experiential travel is increasingly popular with Exclusive Resorts members.
Key topics include:
A deep dive into the portfolio growth over the years of Exclusive Resorts and what being a part of the world’s foremost members-only club is like.
How AI positively affected the rollout of the Exclusive Resorts app to provide a more connected experience for members.
Why disconnecting from the digital landscape and living in the moment while traveling is the current trend in the industry.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025
Episode three of Luxury Travel Innovators includes a discussion with Adam Deflorian, JD O’Hara, and Albert Herrera about top travel destinations (current + emerging) and why AI can’t replace travel advisors.
Key topics include:
AI Innovation in the Travel Agent Community
The “White Lotus” effect on the emerging top travel destinations.
How the definition of luxury travel is evolving towards bespoke experiential-style travel, with a rise of popularity in the wellness travel space as well.
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Produced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025