The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s wildest corner, a place travelers often hear about yet rarely experience with full clarity. In this episode, Kathleen Hall of Explore the Americas unpacks the region’s energy, logistics, and the practical nuances travel advisors need to confidently guide clients to visiting. She breaks down seasonality shifts, how to approach flights and boat transfers, and the realities of staying in a remote rainforest environment. Kathleen compares regions within the peninsula, details which experiences belong where, and explains how client type and comfort level shape the perfect itinerary. Travel Advisors will walk away with a clear blueprint for when to send clients south, how to set expectations, and what makes the Osa Peninsula a transformational alternative to Costa Rica’s more traditional routes.
Anguilla’s hotels span everything from cliffside hideaways to wide-beach resorts, and the client fit changes dramatically from one property to the next. Travel Advisors Emily Deutschman of Puffin Nest Travel Co. and Caitlin Fogle of ProTravel share firsthand insights from recent stays and site inspections across seven distinct hotels. They highlight the key trade-offs in layout, beach access, room design, service style, and onsite amenities. Their comparisons reveal clear patterns in client profiles, from families who need space and swimmable water to couples seeking privacy and a strong sense of place. Tune in for practical clarity on when to choose each hotel and how to confidently match clients to Anguilla’s very different coastal experiences.
Syros offers a refined, culturally rich side of the Cyclades that many travelers overlook, blending neoclassical beauty with a year-round local heartbeat. This episode features destination expert Christina Papavlasopoulos, co-founder of Myths + Muses, who shares how Travel Advisors can confidently position Syros for clients seeking a deeper, more intentional Greek island experience. She breaks down when to go, how long to stay, and what to do — from textile-museum dinners and neoclassical cooking classes to quiet coves, historic villages, and immersive arts experiences. Christina also explains how architecture, local commerce, and Syros’s Venetian past shape the island’s distinctive feel, and how it pairs seamlessly with nearby islands such as Tinos and Mykonos. Travel Advisors walk away with clear guidance on client fit, itinerary flow, and the logistics that make Syros both accessible and rewarding.
Northern Sardinia reveals a side of Italy that feels both luxurious and understated, with rugged coastlines, turquoise coves, and hotels that blend naturally into the landscape. Travel Advisors Brittany Pigorini of Unfolded Travels and Stephanie Rizzolo of Sette Travel unpack seven standout hotels across the Costa Smeralda, drawing from firsthand stays and site visits. They compare how each property fits different travelers, from families to couples to design-focused clients. Their discussion reveals how rustic charm, price point, and access shape the client experience, and where the island’s authentic character still shines through.
Gain insights on how to position Sardinia to your clients, where to encourage splurging, and how to match the right hotel to the right traveler.
Stretching from Barcelona to the French border, Costa Brava reveals a side of Spain where medieval villages meet turquoise coves and coastal trails wind between fishing towns. In this episode, Sam Lister, founder and CEO of TaylorMade, joins to unpack what makes Catalonia’s northeastern coast such a rewarding destination for Travel Advisors to understand. He contrasts Costa Brava’s boutique, value-rich stays and rugged landscapes with the glitz of Mallorca, offering insight into client fit and seasonal flow. From inland gastronomy and vineyard visits to sailing, hiking, and pottery villages, Sam outlines how to build itineraries that balance culture, relaxation, and adventure. Travel Advisors will come away knowing when to go, how long to stay, and how to position Costa Brava as a refined yet accessible Mediterranean escape.
Learn more at: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-costa-brava
Mentioned Hotels:
Hostal de la Gavina - https://www.lagavina.com/
Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa - https://www.mastorrent.com/
Los Cabos brings together two contrasting coastlines and an array of resorts that redefine the all-inclusive experience. Travel Advisors Megan Amelio of Marvelous Mouse Travels and Dana Lewis of Endless Destinations Travel unpack a full lineup of hotels from Hyatt Ziva and Dreams to Grand Fiesta Americana, Live Aqua, Hard Rock, Nobu, Grand Velas, and the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Together, they compare what sets each property apart, from authentic hacienda style and swimmable beaches to sophisticated design and family dynamics. They reveal how to distinguish vibe, client fit, and value across this dense hotel market. Travel Advisors will walk away with clear frameworks for pairing travelers to the right Los Cabos stay, from relaxed luxury to full-throttle energy.
For show notes and more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-stay-guide-los-cabos
Featured Hotels:
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/hyatt-ziva-los-cabos/sjdif
Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/mexico/los-cabos-suites-golf-resort-spa
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos https://www.fiestamericanatravelty.com/grand-fiesta-americana/hoteles/grand-fiesta-americana-los-cabos-all-inclusive-golf-and-spa
Live Aqua Private Residences Los Cabos https://www.fiestamericanatravelty.com/en/live-aqua/hotels/live-aqua-private-residences-los-cabos
Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/zoetry/mexico/casa-del-mar-los-cabos Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resorthttps://www.hiltonloscabos.com
Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos https://www.hardrockhotels.com/los-cabos/
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos https://loscabos.nobuhotels.com/
Grand Velas Los Cabos https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos https://loscabosboutique.grandvelas.com/
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal https://www.waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com/
Grand Cayman blends barefoot luxury with polished Caribbean style, offering Travel Advisors a full spectrum of hotel experiences along the island’s famous Seven Mile Beach. In this episode, Michelle Orr of Master Travel and Andrea Duvall of Andrea Duvall Travel Design share firsthand insights from recent stays and site visits across the island, including Hotel Indigo, The Westin, Black Urchin, Palm Heights, Kimpton Seafire Resort Spa, and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. They compare each property’s setting, guest experience, and ideal client fit, from design-driven boutique stays to all-encompassing family resorts. Their perspective highlights how beach access, aesthetics, service, and social atmosphere define each hotel’s sweet spot. Travel Advisors will come away with clear, experience-based guidance to match every client type confidently in Grand Cayman.
For show notes and more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-stay-guide-grand-cayman
Featured Hotels:
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman - https://grandcayman.hotelindigo.com/
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa - https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gcmmi-the-westin-grand-cayman-seven-mile-beach-resort-and-spa
Black Urchin - https://www.blackurchin.com/
Palm Heights - https://palmheights.com/
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa - https://www.seafireresortandspa.com/
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman - https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/grand-cayman
Amsterdam’s hotel scene is as diverse as its canals, boutique charm meeting modern luxury at every turn. In this Stay Guide episode, travel advisors Kate Sullivan (Anthology Travel), Kaleigh Kirkpatrick (The Shameless Tourist), and Flaminia Chapman (Flaminia Travel) share firsthand insights from a wide range of Amsterdam’s top stays. From the art-filled Andaz and the historic InterContinental Amstel to the timeless Waldorf Astoria and highly anticipated Rosewood Amsterdam, they reveal which hotels shine for families, which deliver modern edge or canal-side romance, and what trade-offs to know before booking. Whether your clients want boutique intimacy or grand-hotel polish, this episode will help you match them with the perfect Amsterdam fit.
Learn more at: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-stay-guide-amsterdam
Hotels mentioned in this episode:
Hotel TwentySeven – https://www.hoteltwentyseven.com
Ambassade Hotel — https://ambassade-hotel.nl
Canal House Amsterdam — https://www.canalhouse.nl
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht —https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/amsaz-andaz-amsterdam-prinsengracht
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam —https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/amsterdam/amsha/hoteldetail
De L’Europe Amsterdam — https://www.deleurope.com
The Dylan Amsterdam — https://www.dylanamsterdam.com
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam — https://www.sofitel-legend-thegrand.com
Few islands capture travelers’ imaginations quite like Santorini. Its dramatic caldera views, whitewashed villages, and volcanic history make it one of the most iconic destinations in the world. In this episode, travel expert Seetha Ramathan, owner of Curated Greece, joins to share firsthand insights that help advisors match clients to the right part of the island. From the lively energy of Fira to the romantic seclusion of Imerovigli and the beachside calm of Perissa, Seetha explains how each area suits a different traveler type. She also covers when to visit, how to avoid cruise crowds, and unique experiences that bring Santorini to life beyond the postcard views.
Learn more about The Hivemind Podcast: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast
Learn more about Seetha and Curate Greece: https://www.curatedgreece.com/
Casablanca and Rabat are often treated as quick stopovers—but these cities reveal Morocco’s modern pulse and authentic daily life. In this episode, Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui, Co-Founder of Experience Morocco and The Travel Collection, shares insights to help travel advisors understand how and when to include them in client itineraries. From Casablanca’s modern architecture, art galleries, and standout dining to Rabat’s green spaces, street art, and NGO community, this conversation gives advisors clarity on which travelers will appreciate each city and how to present them as meaningful additions to a Morocco journey.
Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-rabat-and-casablanca
Few destinations capture travelers’ imaginations like Lake Como—but choosing the right hotel here is far from simple. In this episode, Whitney sits down with travel advisors Sarah Sirzyk and Ciarán Ritter of Exploratory Travel to share firsthand insights from a packed fam trip through Lake Como. From the ultra-private Passalacqua to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, plus family-friendly options like Grand Hotel Victoria, they walk through the strengths, trade-offs, and client profiles for seven properties. Whether your clients are splurging on serenity, looking for buzzy energy, or need a classic four-star fit for families, this Stay Guide gives you clarity on how to confidently guide travelers through Lake Como’s diverse hotel scene.
Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-stay-guide-lake-como
Featured Hotels:
Passalacqua https://www.passalacqua.it/
Grand Hotel Tremezzo https://www.grandhoteltremezzo.com/
Grand Hotel Victoria Menaggio https://www.grandhotelvictoria.it/
Hotel Royal Victoria Varenna https://www.royalvictoria.com/
Vista Palazzo Lago di Como https://vistalagodicomo.com/
Villa Flori https://www.hotelvillaflori.it/
Hotel Metropole Suisse https://www.hotelmetropolesuisse.com/
Placencia, Belize, offers boutique properties that feel worlds apart from the typical Caribbean resort. In this episode, travel advisors Lee Friedman and Sarah Hollander walk through their hands-on insights on four standout hotels — The Ellysian Boutique Hotel, Chabil Mar Villas, Turtle Inn, and Itz’ana Resort & Residences. From condo-style villas built for groups to intimate beachfront hideaways, from properties with full AC to ones more reliant on natural sea breezes, this conversation gives advisors clarity on which clients will thrive at each property — and which details (like AC, sea walls, beach access) to flag ahead of time.
Learn more at: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-stay-guide-belize
Hotels Discussed in this episode:
Seville embodies what travelers imagine when they think of ‘classic Spain’—flamenco, tapas, Moorish palaces, and lively plazas. Sam Lister, Founder & CEO at Tailormade, shares why this southern city is both a cultural icon and a versatile base for travel advisors planning Spain. From must-sees like the Cathedral and Alcázar to unique experiences like flamenco jam sessions, tapas in local barrios, and art restoration studios, Sevilla offers something for every client profile. Learn how to structure itineraries, when to avoid the summer heat, and why 4–5 nights in Seville unlock both the city and its rich day-trip options, from Córdoba to Ronda, Cádiz, and jamón farms.
Learn more at: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-seville
Liguria may be best known for Cinque Terre, but travel advisor and Italy expert Ashley Emala reveals the western side of this coastal region is an underrated gem. From beaches in San Remo and Alassio to medieval hill towns, Genoa’s grand palazzi, and unique food experiences, Liguria offers a blend of relaxation and discovery. Ashley shares insights on accessibility from other major Italian cities, when to visit, and what types of clients are best suited for this area—whether families, travelers craving vacation vibes, or those seeking a more local Italian experience. Tune in for more about why this region remains more affordable than Italy’s more famous coasts.
Find show notes at: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-liguria
With hundreds of resorts across Riviera Maya, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Lori Gold joins Whitney to spotlight the hotels that rise above the noise — from adults-only luxury at Atelier Playa Mujeres and Secrets Playa Blanca, to wellness-focused stays like Palmaïa and the immersive all-inclusive experiences at Hotel Xcaret and Impression Isla Mujeres. This conversation unpacks the differences in dining, spas, beaches, and room layouts, giving you clarity on which Riviera Maya hotels are best suited for each type of traveler.
Find links and resources at: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-stay-guide-riviera-maya
Explore More Mexico – Courses, masterclasses, and resources for travel advisors: exploremoremexico.com
Hotels mentioned in this episode:
In this episode, dive into all things Lake Como with luxury travel advisor Brittany Pigorini of Unfolded Travels and founder of La Dolce Guida. Gain insider knowledge on what to know before planning Lake Como, including the best times to visit, why logistics and hotel selection are critical, and how to set client expectations around activities, dining, and transportation. From alternatives to crowded Bellagio to uncovering authentic villages and unique experiences, this conversation equips travel advisors with practical tips to match clients with the right Lake Como experience and deliver seamless Italy itineraries.
Learn more at: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-lake-como
Learn more about La Dolce Guida Lake Como Tours - www.ladolceguida.com
Explore Brittany’s travel agency - Unfolded Travels
The Hivemind Podcast brings together the collective wisdom of travel advisors, supplier partners, and destination experts to make you feel more confident, prepared, and connected. Each episode delivers practical insights you can put to work right away — from understanding which hotels best fit which clients, to breaking down the nuances of a destination, to sharing pro tips that help you save time and streamline your business inside The Hive platform. Think of it as your shortcut to the knowledge that builds trust with clients and helps your business grow.