Luxury Travel Innovators

Episode 35: Beyond the Wings: VistaJet’s Hospitality-First Approach to Luxury Travel 24.06.2026 37Min.

Leonia Qi, President of VistaJet US, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share the changes in private aviation, long associated with personalized luxury lifestyle, and how the future of the industry has less to do with aircraft and more to do with the experience in the sky and on the ground. Key topics include:Why VistaJet views itself as a hospitality company first and an aviation company second.How luxury travel is shifting from ownership and exclusivity toward experiences, community, and connection.Why wellness, sleep, and helping travelers perform at their best may be the next frontier of luxury travel. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 34: Building the Next Generation of Luxury Travel with KSL Capital Partners 10.06.2026 51Min.

May Lilley, Executive in Residence of Global Commercial for KSL Capital Partners, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share why meaningful experiences and human connection continue to define the future of luxury hospitality.Key topics include:May Lilley’s unconventional path from ski instructor to Executive in Residence at KSL Capital Partners, and the career decisions that helped share some of hospitality’s most innovative brands.Why experiential travel continues to outperform traditional luxury and the growing demand for transformational travel experiences.How AI, personalization, and emerging technologies are changing hospitality, and why human connection remains luxury travel’s most valuable differentiator. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 33: Crafting a Sense of Place in New York with The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel 27.05.2026 47Min.

Pradeep Raman, Regional Vice President and Managing Director of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to explore the evolution of modern luxury hospitality through storytelling, personalization, and a deep sense of place in New York’s Upper East Side.Key topics include:Why true luxury hospitality is rooted in personalization, empathy, and human connection.How The Surrey is blending art, gastronomy, design, and neighborhood culture into a distinctly Upper East Side experience.Why travel advisors and relationship-driven hospitality remain more important than ever in an AI-powered world.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 32: Why Slower, Smarter Travel is Defining Luxury’s Next Era 13.05.2026 22Min.

Paul Brady, News Director at Travel + Leisure, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how the next era of luxury travel is all about helping travelers feel more connected (and less overwhelmed), along every step of the journey.Key topics include:Why luxury cruise and slow travel experiences continue to surge in popularity, especially with younger travelers.How Travel + Leisure is adapting to a rapidly evolving media landscape shaped by video authenticity, and AI-powered workflows.The future of travel innovations, from community-driven hospitality experiences to the advancement of supersonic aviation.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 31: Inside Ponant’s Expanding World of Exploration 29.04.2026 42Min.

Belinda Hindmarsh, Deputy CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Ponant is redefining luxury travel by shifting focus from the ship itself to the experiences of true exploration, offering access to the world’s most remote destinations without sacrificing comfort or depth of connection.Key topics include:How Ponant is shifting perception from traditional cruising to purpose-driven, small-ship exploration that prioritized access, immersion, and meaning.Why “where you go” matters more than ever, featuring global itineraries designed around rare, hard-to-reach places.The unique space Ponant occupies between rugged expedition and refined luxury.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 30: The New Economics of Luxury Travel with Investopedia 15.04.2026 31Min.

Caleb Silver, Chief Business Editor for People, Inc and Editor in Chief of Investopedia, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss the hidden economy behind how we travel. Key topics include:Why luxury travelers aren’t spending less, but instead demanding more value.How the loyalty and rewards economy is redefining how travel is funded - and growing more and more popular each year.The way data, AI, and intent are shaping the future of travel planning, prioritizing anticipation to curate experiences. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 29: The Power of Precision and Giving Time Back in Modern Aviation with Tradewind 01.04.2026 51Min.

David Zipkin, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Tradewind Aviation, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Tradewind strives to match the quality of the journey to the quality of the destination, with hospitality and customer experience top of mind. Key topics include:How Tradewind has found its edge by focusing on short-haul regional routes.Why the brand’s success comes from measured expansion, operational efficiency and a clean understanding of where it can deliver the most value. The brand’s approach centering on removing friction for the most impactful luxury experience.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 28: The Future of Travel Storytelling with AFAR 18.03.2026 41Min.

Joseph Diaz, Co-founder of AFAR, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to reflect on the unlikely origin story behind one of travel media’s most influential brands—and the philosophy that still drives it nearly two decades later..Key topics include:How two spontaneous trips across South America and India inspired the launch of AFAR.Why human connection matters more than ever in an increasingly digital world.The way emerging technologies can help travelers turn inspiration into action. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 27: Turning the Fabric of Neighborhood Stories into Global Demand with New York City Tourism 04.03.2026 35Min.

Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism and Conventions, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss leadership, luxury, and the evolving definition of value in one of the world’s most dynamic destinations.Key topics include:How NYC Tourism is expanding the definition of high-end travel across all five boroughs, blending culture, cuisine, and community into deeply personal experiences.Why international visitors represent just 20% of arrivals but nearly 50% of visitor spend, and how New York continues to always deliver.The balance between innovation and authenticity with the incorporation of AI-informed insights and the enduring power of travel advisors.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 26: Crafting Connection in Caribbean Luxury Travel with Grace Bay Resorts 19.02.2026 35Min.

Nikheel Advani, Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer and Principal at Grace Bay Resorts, joins Adam Deflorian on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share his journey from dishwashing in Singapore to the white sand beaches of Turks and Caicos and how growing people ultimately grows a brand.Key topics include:How mentorship, culture and global experience shaped a people-first luxury philosophy.A look inside the evolution of modern Caribbean hospitality, from culinary and wine programs to multi-property growth and year-round destination strategy.Why today’s luxury is defined by emotional connection, sustainability in practice and balancing high-touch service with thoughtful innovation.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 25: The Heritage and Hospitality Approach with Gleneagles and Estelle Manor 04.02.2026 35Min.

Conor O’Leary, Group Managing Director for Gleneagles & Estelle Manor, joins Adam Deflorianon this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how a hotel with a century of history is leading the way in digital innovation with a human-first service mentality.Key topics include:Why Gleneagles is affectionately known as the “Glorious Playground” and has attracted travelers time and again throughout its 100-year history.How defining luxury as “time given back” is a pillar of the brand’s philosophy.How the brand stays cutting edge by using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 24: Shaping the Global Travel Narrative with Condé Nast Traveler 28.01.2026 41Min.

Host Adam Deflorian is joined by Erin Florio, Global Features Director at Condé Nast Traveler, for the latest episode of Luxury Travel Innovators.Key topics include:How travelers are seeking deeper and more immersive experiences in their destinations.The changing media landscape, and its influence on the way audiences discover new destinations.Emerging trends like off-season exploration and sports tourism.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 23: Excellence with Wynn Resorts, Through Both Product and People 14.01.2026 53Min.

To open Season Two of Luxury Travel Innovators, host Adam Deflorian traveled to the Sirius XM Studio at Wynn Las Vegas for a conversation with Brian Gullbrants, COO - North America.Key topics include:Wynn’s investment in its employees and how discretionary care is embedded in the company culture.How their mutually beneficial partnership with Formula 1 has helped to change the fabric of Las Vegas into the entertainment and sports capital of the world.Why human interaction will be a primary luxury component amidst the integration of AIBrought to you by https://www.azds.com/Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2026Opening by Melissa Kennedy and Ellery Ross-Reid, 2026

Episode 22: Best Of Season One 17.12.2025 20Min.

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. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Episode 21: The Power of Place with Malibu Beach Inn 02.12.2025 46Min.

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. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Episode 20: Elegance on the Water with Riverside Luxury Cruises 19.11.2025 28Min.

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!) Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Episode 19: Redefining Adventure Travel Through Connection & Innovation with Awasi 05.11.2025 27Min.

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.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Episode 18: Across Waters Less Traveled with Aqua Expeditions 21.10.2025 37Min.

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 GroupWho Aqua Expeditions competes with (hint: typically not other cruises) How the brand operates from a local-first lens, including hiring 100% local crews per destinationThe level of care and curation on each small ship, down to the hand-painted ceramic plates designed by Francisco’s wife. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Episode 17: Beyond the Screen: How Minor Hotels Captured the World’s Attention 07.10.2025 51Min.

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.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025

Episode 16: Rare and Remarkable Stays with Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels 24.09.2025 49Min.

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.Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ Follow us @azdsgroup on InstagramProduced by Brenna Darling and Chase Gohl, 2025