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Welcome to Season 4 of Travel Stories with Moush everyone! In this inspiring episode, we're joined by travel visionary Haitham Mattar - a pioneer in tourism leadership and the CEO of IHG Hotels (Middle East, Africa and West Asia). From shaping Ras Al Khaimah into an adventure hub to transforming Saudi Arabia's tourism story, Haitham shares powerful insights, incredible travel stories, and a peek into his new book "Pots, Pans, and Five-Year Plans."Destination Highlights:Saudi Arabia, Red Sea Cruise Experience – Haitham joined the first-ever cruise ship to sail in the Red Sea post-pandemic. He visited untouched islands like Sindalah, witnessed crystal-clear waters and vibrant corals and cruised past the Wadi ad-Disah, believed to be where Moses split the sea. He also believes that Saudi Arabia is a tourism powerhouse in the making.AlUla, Saudi Arabia - A “living museum” with tombs carved into mountains, echoing the Nabataean civilization. According to Haitham, it's a stargazing paradise and one of the most peaceful, spiritual places on earth.Petra, Jordan – A must-visit destination.Lebanon – He celebrates the ancient city of Byblos, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and loves the buzz of Beirut, with its diversity, gastronomy and the unique way expats adopt Lebanese culture. The rich history, stunning Mediterranean coastline and enduring charm of Lebanese villages is what makes the country even more special.Oman – An underrated gem according to Haitham. He believes that Oman has major untapped potential in sustainable and adventure tourism.Island of Palau – A sustainability model and a standout example of tourist accountability and community-first tourism.Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman - A hidden gem offering tranquility, indulgent spa experiences, and adrenaline sports like paragliding. https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/middle-east-africa/oman/zighy-bay/Agra, India – Haitham is deeply moved by the Taj Mahal and the profound story of love behind it. He also highlights the Agra Fort as an underrated gem, rich in Mughal architecture and history.Six Senses Barawara, Rajasthan, India – A place where he would like to keep going back to and one that holds a very special place in his heart. https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/india/fort-barwara/Connect with Haitham at:haitham.mattar@ihg.comThank you everyone for tuning in today. I hope our conversations have fueled your wanderlust and inspired you to explore the world in new and exciting ways. Please don't forget to hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcasting channel to keep up with our latest episodes. I would love to know what you think…what kind of travel stories and guests you would like me to cover. So, please do leave a comment, a rating or a review. Do follow me on Instagram and find out who's joining me next week. I'm at @moushtravels. You can also find all the episodes and destinations mentioned by all the guests on my website www.moushtravels.com as well as on the episode show notes. Thanks for listening and until next time safe travels and keep adventuring. "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels and align your brand with our audience."Connect with me on the following:Instagram @moushtravelsFacebook @travelstorieswithmoushLinkedIn @Moushumi BhuyanYou Tube @travelstorieswithmoush
Join co-host Tiffany Eslick on a journey to Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, where she sits down in their organic garden with Executive Chef Walter Butti and Chef Marco Pohlner, Chef de cuisine for Sense on the Edge, situated 290 meters above the Gulf of Oman. They talk about their revamped 12-course dining menu as well as the property's commitment to sustainability, with a focus on local produce.
In this episode, we're diving deep into IHG One Rewards—a hotel program that often flies under the radar but has serious potential. From practical Holiday Inns to luxury Kimptons and InterContinentals, we're sharing our experiences using IHG points and free-night awards, how we earn them, and why buying IHG points (yes, buying!) can actually be a smart move. What Even Is IHG? Before diving into points and miles, most of us didn't even know IHG was the brand behind properties like Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, and InterContinental. Jess shares how she earned free IHG stays back in the day by mailing in 90 index cards, and Pam tells how she thought Crowne Plazas were the height of luxury before she knew the full IHG lineup. IHG Credit Cards: What to Know Alex breaks down the three different IHG credit card options and how their benefits stack up so you can decide which one might work best for you. She also outlines two of the unique benefits that make two of these cards a great deal: getting a fourth night free on award stays and earning free-night certificates you can top up. Buying IHG Points Can Actually Make Sense Pam shares why she regularly buys IHG points—especially during 100% bonus sales—for heavily discounted stays at high-end IHG properties. She calls it a “no-brainer,” and Jess agrees—IHG is one of the only programs where buying points often makes sense. Where We've Used IHG Points and Awards From a Kimpton in Barcelona, to airport Holiday Inns, to a Crowne Plaza in Bruges, we share how we've stretched our points and free-night certificates. Jess highlights how easy it is to top off a 40k free-night certificate online, and Alex reminds everyone about the best ways to book longer stays for couples. We also discuss: IHG status levels Using certificates online (a breeze!) The IHG brands we love most Our dream stays: Six Senses, Kimpton in Sydney, and Hotel Indigo Galápagos Links: All About IHG Credit Cards: All About IHG Credit Cards - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/ Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Our intro to IHG 03:00 – What cards we've had and what we recommend 06:45 – The best perks and status levels with IHG cards 09:30 – Why we buy IHG points (and how it saves $$$) 13:30 – Free-night certificates and how to use them wisely 18:00 – Where we've stayed using IHG points and awards 21:00 – The brands we love: Kimpton, Indigo, InterContinental 26:00 – Favorite past stays + the IHG hotels we want to try next If you've been sleeping on IHG, take another look. Whether you're after practical one-night stays or a luxury resort getaway, there's more value here than you think.
The founder and CEO of MARK shares the 10 year story of how this iconic London building has been transformed In this episode, we explore one of London's most ambitious regeneration projects—The Whiteley. With C C Land as the chief investor, the project is repurposing a historic shopping centre into a world-class mixed-use destination, featuring luxury homes, premium retail, and the UK's first Six Senses hotel. Our guest, Marcus Meijer, founder and CEO of MARK, shares exclusive insights on: The vision behind The Whiteley's transformation C C Land's pivotal role in securing investment and driving the project Challenges of delivering major regeneration projects The future of London's real estate market Don't miss this episode! Listen now
Today we are headed to a magical slice of Oman called the Musandam Peninsula. This part of the country is completely isolated from the rest of the mainland and so has maintained its wild natural beauty and authentic culture. Joining me today is Diletta Guarino, the General Manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay, recently named one of the 50 Best Hotels in the world. The resort takes wellness and sustainability seriously and is designed to feel like you're in an Omani village or home. Diletta and I discuss how this part of the world is a haven for getting back to yourself, interacting with a nearly untouched local culture, and treating your body, mind, and spirit to activities like paragliding, boating, and hiking. Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn
A midair collision between an American Eagle regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport led to flight disruptions and ongoing search and rescue operations, with the FAA and NTSB launching an investigation. Columnist Colin Nagy highlights a shift in the hospitality industry away from post-Covid extravagance, praising brands like Capella, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Six Senses, and Siro for their innovation. Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines has renewed its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines, but Spirit remains uninterested, preferring its own bankruptcy exit plan. An American Eagle regional jet collided midair with an Army Blackhawk helicopter in Washington, D.C. The hospitality industry is seeing a reduced appetite for post-Covid excess and conspicuous consumption Frontier Airlines announced on Wednesday that it's making another bid to acquire the struggling Spirit Airlines Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Understatement der Luxusklasse im alten geschichtsträchtigen Palazzo mitten in Rom
We recently published Issue 11 https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/journal-of-biophilic-design-1 of the Journal of Biophilic Design which had a focus on Hotels and leisure and to celebrate this, we are thrilled to have Louis Thompson, Founder of Nomadic Resorts with us on this podcast.Nomadic Resorts were one of the finalists in the 2023 Stephen Kellert Biophilic Design award. We were delighted to partner with Living Future Europe to co-publish the book of winners and shortlisted entries of the 2023 Stephen Kellert Biophilic Design Award.In a world increasingly dominated by concrete and steel, one man is on a mission to rekindle our innate connection with the natural world. Louis, founder of Nomadic Resorts, is pioneering a revolutionary approach to architecture that seamlessly blends human habitats with the surrounding environment. Louis' journey began not in the halls of design schools, but in the remote corners of the Indian Ocean. After studying European politics, he found himself drawn to the hospitality industry, honing his skills at the luxury resort operator Six Senses. It was here that he discovered his true calling – to create spaces that not only cater to the needs of guests, but also nurture their well-being and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world."I've always believed in that inherent human need to interact with the natural environment," Louis explains. "The principles of biophilic design and biomimicry have been at the core of our work from the very beginning."This philosophy has manifested in a series of breathtaking projects that have earned Nomadic Resorts international acclaim. The Playa Viva Bamboo Tree Houses in Mexico, a finalist for the 2023 Stephen Kellert Biophilic Design Award, exemplifies this approach. Perched atop a remote Pacific coast beach, the structures are designed to immerse guests in the sights, sounds, and scents of their surroundings."Our client had a very clear vision," Louis recalls. "He didn't want air conditioning – he wanted people to truly feel their environment, to smell the salt air and hear the crashing waves."Leveraging the natural airflow and the insulating properties of bamboo, the team created a series of lightweight, permeable structures that seamlessly integrate with the landscape. Elevated on coconut tree trunks and sheltered by a parabolic roof, the tree houses offer a sense of refuge and privacy while maintaining a deep connection to the outdoors."It wasn't just a question of biomimicry," Louis explains. "We wanted to create a biophilic experience that would evoke specific emotions and feelings in the guests – a sense of being hidden away, yet able to take in the breathtaking vistas around them."The project's success has been a testament to Louis' belief that the technologies we use to facilitate our lives can often be detrimental to our innate connection with nature. By embracing the genius loci, or "spirit of the place," Nomadic Resorts has crafted experiences that challenge the notion of traditional hospitality."Living in air-conditioned boxes and going from one space to another through the car-filled world, I think it has divorced people from their environment. Giving people the opportunity to have an authentic connection to the natural environment is a true luxury now."This sentiment is echoed in the company's other projects, such as the tree-top dining experience in Thailand, where guests are hoisted into the canopy of an old-growth forest on a custom-designed, cable-suspended platform. The attention to detail, from the use of traditional building techniques to the integration of local craftspeople, has imbued each creation with a distinct sense of place."We've had the great fortune of working with incredibly skilled people with fantastic ideas who have really contributed very significantly to the projects we've been involved in. It's a two-way exchange, where we're learning from them, and they're learning from us."As the company expands its portfolio of biophilic designs, Louis is also exploring new frontiers, such as the development of eco-villages and modular tent structures that can be deployed in remote locations. The goal is to create self-sustaining communities that allow people to reconnect with the natural world, not just during a vacation, but as a way of life.In an age of increasing environmental challenges and mental health crises, Louis' vision for a more harmonious future offers a glimmer of hope. By designing with nature, not against it, Nomadic Resorts is leading the charge in a revolution that could transform the way we live, work, and thrive on this planet,https://nomadicresorts.comView issue 11 Hotels to read more about Louis and Nomadic Resorts inspiring designs: https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/journal-of-biophilic-design-1 Nomadic Resorts were one of the finalists in the 2023 Stephen Kellert Biophilic Design award. We were delighted to partner with Living Future Europe to co-publish the book of winners and shortlisted entries of the 2023 Stephen Kellert Biophilic Design Award. Have a look at this beautiful book full of inspiration. Download your copy free now!https://www.living-future.eu/publications/Or you can get a copy from our website https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/shop/stephen-kellert-design-award-2023
In the previous segment of UnMind, titled "the least important thing," I closed with a call for submissions; quoting myself: If you have any topics or areas of interest in Zen that you would like me to explore in 2025, please let me know. You know where I live. Having received little response, I can only assume that this podcast is not gaining much traction out there, in spite of near-weekly continuity for the past three or so years. Or that those of you who are following it don't have any topics of interest related to Zen, at least none that you would like me to take up. Or some combination of both. In this segment, the last one of the year, let me start with the obvious: the fact that actually, you do not know where I live. That is, none of us really knows what the rest of us are going through, on a year-in-year-out, day-to-day, hour-by-hour, moment-to-moment, basis, except in the most general sense. And that's okay. But we have to wonder whether everyone else is dealing with the same kinds of issues, such as anxiety over aging, sickness, and death, those personal dimensions of dukkha that Buddha taught we all face. Anxiety stems from the unsatisfactory nature of living in the face of impermanence, imperfection, and insubstantiality, universal aspects of the koan of existence. Are you feeling the angst? Can you remember when it first dawned on you that this life — which seems so substantial, so perfect in so many ways, and that we once took to be permanent — is insidiously deceptive in that regard? That the causes and conditions of it are not part of what you bargained for, opting into birth? Assuming you had any choice in the matter. Few of us would credit a claim of any real intentionality on our part that preceded birth. But in fact Buddha does, explicitly — or at least implicitly — in his explication of the Twelvefold Chain of Interdependent Origination. It is his model of how things got to be the way they are — including, most crucially, our own presence in this world of sentient being. According to this cogent analysis, we come into being owing to our very desire to exist — the desire for knowing, or consciousness itself. Considered dispassionately, how could there be any simpler explanation for life? Upholders of theism would have us believe that there is a separate intent to life, an intelligent "designer" operating behind the scenes, as author and director of its creation. The adherents of deism hold that the creator god is not directly involved, but simply got the ball rolling, perhaps by means of the Big Bang. Atheists deny outright any possibility of such disembodied intent, and agnostics try to walk the tightrope between belief and disbelief, according reality to the limitations of their senses and intellectual understanding. No woo-woo, in other words. Most religious thinkers are resistant to the idea that we are simply a fluke of some kind, the result of a secular-reductionist chain of events beginning with material elements combining physically in a random process; yielding organic chemistry; leading to one-celled organisms; finally culminating in human beings, the absolute apex of evolution, or God's greatest creation. In our human opinion, anyway. Most rationalist thinkers would probably push back on the equally simplistic notion that some creator god is to be given credit, or to be blamed, for our being here, and its corollary, that we have to pass the test of Her intent. On the one hand, this doctrine conveniently relieves us of the burden of accepting responsibility for our own existence; on the other, it tasks us with noodling out exactly what that intent might prescribe for the behaviors and attitude adjustments necessary to pass muster. One logical consequence of this notion is that we assume that our reward will be in heaven, if anywhere, but certainly not on this earth. But we cannot escape or postpone the inevitable onset or aging, sickness and death, simply because we hold to a belief, however compelling. Unless you believe in a scientific possibility of eternal life as suggested by sci-fi speculations such as technologically-enhanced consciousness, uploaded to digital hardware and/or downloaded to new bodies, or the same old carcass rejiggered with endlessly replaceable parts, grown in tanks from genetic sources. With apologies for that discursive ramble into weirder pastures, let us return to the focus of Zen on the present reality of the moment, devoid of any beliefs — religious, scientific or fantastical — that we may tend to turn to for comfort. The Heart Sutra of Buddhist liturgy — a central, condensed summary of Buddha's teaching chanted on a frequent basis in Zen centers, temples and monasteries around the world — takes us through a long litany of what might appear to the uninitiated to be a thoroughgoing denial of reality as we know it. Testimony as to what the iconic "Bodhisattva of Compassion" (Skt. Avalokiteshvara; Ch. Quanyin; J. Kannon) realized through meditation begins with the cryptic statement that s/he "clearly saw that all five aggregates are empty and thus relieved all suffering." Remember that this model of the "five aggregates" (Skt. skandhas) represented the best science of the times as to what, precisely, sentient existence consists of, in its ultimate finality. Today we would paint a much more complex picture, but Buddha had to work with the sum total of information available at the time. Then he goes on to reduce all of reality to one fundamental dyad, which, like all dual pairs, cannot be separated: Form does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does not differ from form; form itself is emptiness,emptiness itself form; sensations, perceptions, formations, and consciousness are also like this. Form, or appearance (Skt. rupa), constitutes our normal cognizance of the material world, with its near-infinite variations — the "myriad things," or "ten-thousand things" — and the names we give to them (Skt. nama), taken together as "name and form" (Skt. namarupa), "the one and the many," for short. This would be roughly equivalent to current terms such as phenomena and noumenon: particular things, and unitary sameness as their essence. This is a thread running through Zen teachings, indicating the nonduality of duality, or the "Harmony of Difference and Equality," as the famous Ch'an poem, "Sandokai," would have it. In our modern idiom, we would speak of the interchangeability of matter and energy. The other four skandhas — Sensation, Perception, Impulse, and Consciousness itself — are similarly subject to deconstruction, though their position on the spectrum of energy and the psychological plane makes for a more convoluted analysis. Suffice it to say that the prefatory phrase, "given Emptiness" (Skt. sunyatta) indicates that all five are not what they seem to be, just as solid, liquid or gaseous matter is permeated with space, as we know today. The monolog then goes on to negate all of the familiar dimensions of consciousness, including the Six Senses or realms (Skt. dhatus) of the Buddhist model of awareness: Therefore given emptiness there is no form; no sensation; no perception;no formation; no consciousness — no eyes; no ears; no nose; no tongue; no body; no mind — no sight; no sound; no smell; no taste; no touch; no object of mind; no realm of sight; no realm of mind-consciousness. That last, the non-reality of "mind-consciousness" itself, indicates that the various findings, conclusions, and recommendations for practice, as well as all broader implications of insight into reality deriving from it, must also be set aside: There is neither ignorance nor extinction of ignorance; neither old age and death nor extinction of old age and death; no suffering; no cause; no cessation; no Path; no knowledge; and no attainment. So where, we might be forgiven for asking, does that leave us? According to Zen, right back where we started. Nothing has changed; nothing that is not already real and true can be revealed by our meditation. Sitting still enough, upright enough, and long enough will simply allow us to see the delusionary aspect of our own interpretation of our own consciousness. "Until we come to no consciousness also," as the first translation that we recited at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago expressed it. Let that percolate for a moment. If indeed Buddha, or Avalokiteshvara, or any one else, can come to a state of "no consciousness" — and come back from it, alive and well — what are we to make of that? This ultimate finality is what I like to call the "singularity of consciousness" —"That of which there is no whicher," as Alan Watts, my brother's favorite commentator on all things Zen, put it. The AI summary leading off the search results (which may be the go-to virtual Zen master, or "buddha of the future," otherwise known as Maitreya) paraphrased: to describe something beyond comparison, an ultimate reality or absolute that cannot be measured or ranked against anything else Which is eerily similar to a concluding section of the longest Ch'an poem in Soto liturgy, the Hsinhsinming—Trust in Mind: No comparisons or analogies are possible in this causeless, relation-less state; take motion in stillness and stillness in motion; both movement and stillness disappear; to this ultimate finality no law or description applies. So there you have it. All things are like this, to cadge another repeat Dogenism. Let me close with best wishes for a happy new year; a happy new month; week, and/or day; happy morning, afternoon and evening; a happy hour or half; a happy minute, second, or moment. They are all equally empty. As the same poem reminds us in closing: The Way is beyond language for in it there is no yesterday no tomorrow no today.
On this week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg, Peter sits down with Neil Jacobs - CEO of Six Senses - for a discussion on the redefinition and rebirth of wellness travel. Then, a conversation with Ith Vichit on how Cambodia is now a cultural bucket list destination. And then, to start the year, Jack Ezon - Founder of Embark Beyond - on his travel predictions -- and wishlist for 2025.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg, Peter sits down with Neil Jacobs - CEO of Six Senses - for a discussion on the redefinition and rebirth of wellness travel. Then, a conversation with Ith Vichit on how Cambodia is now a cultural bucket list destination. And then, to start the year, Jack Ezon - Founder of Embark Beyond - on his travel predictions -- and wishlist for 2025.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On today's destination special, we're going to be discovering a country which, for the longest time, was out of reach for travellers, Saudi Arabia, or Saudi as it's now known. Within the travel industry Saudi has been front and centre for the past few years, with prominent features about its developments in most of the major travel magazines; the world's leading luxury hotel brands from Six Senses to Aman have been announcing impressive future openings across the country, and new tourist destinations are being developed from the Red Sea resort on the coast to Sindalah at NEOM…even a ski resort in the 3000m mountains. These are all offerings that have really intrigued the travel world, now that the doors are wide open.To be honest, I've been conflicted about making this episode. I had preconceptions about the country, which I'm sure many of you may share, and I wasn't sure how I felt about showcasing it with its own episode. However, I firmly believe in the power of travel as a force for good – tourism brings connection, understanding, and often positive change. And I also firmly believe you'll find this episode really interesting. Because if you're anything like me, you're probably very curious about destinations that feel like uncharted territory, that we don't know that much about yet. My goal is to give you more insight about the country from the travel experts who know it best so you can make up your own mind.First, we'll hear from adventurer, writer, and TV presenter Alice Morrison. Alice is like a real-life Indiana Jones – most recently, she's been exploring Saudi for her BBC series Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans, where she delves into the mysteries of this ancient civilization. She's also travelled extensively across Saudi as a solo female traveler, offering a unique perspective on what it's really like to explore the country as a woman. Then we'll be joined by Isabella Craddock, former editor of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East and the founder and editor of Near+Far Magazine. Isabella has spent years exploring Saudi's landscapes, cities, and hidden gems and she'll share her favourite spots, latest travel news, and tips for making the most of a visit.Destination Recap:Alice Morrison - Riyadh Diriyah Gate, Riyadh National Museum, RiyadhAlUlaNabatean Tombs, Hegra Jeddah Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Royal Reserves Wadi Disah Banyan Tree Hotel, AlUlaIsabella Craddock - NEOMThe Line AlUla Habitas, AlUla Maraya, AlUlaAsir Trojena Ski Resort Banyan Tree, AlUlaDar Tantora The House, AlUla Aman, Diriyah Jeddah Edition, Jeddah AL-Balad, Jeddah Sindalah, NEOM You can find out more about Saudi by reading nearfarmag.com, and you can listen more to Alice's adventures in Saudi on her podcast Alice in Wanderland. The tourist board website is another great resource if you're planning a trip. Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week's episode come and follow me on Instagram I'm @hollyrubenstein, and you'll also find me on TikTok - I'd love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there's the first 13 seasons to catch up on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever struggled to find the perfect holiday gift for someone who has it all? We've got you covered! This episode dives into luxury gift ideas, impactful philanthropy, and self-care tips to navigate the festive season. From charms to silk pajamas and red light masks, you'll find plenty of inspiration. ------------------------In today's episode, we cover the following:Intro (0:53)Creative gift ideas (11:53)Home good gift ideas (12:30)Gifts for the It Girl (19:28)Things an It Girl needs (28:29)Gifts for kids (34:05)For the person who has everything (40:00)Travel gifts (45:14)The best beauty investments (48:49)The gift of time (56:25)Philanthropy gifts (59:33)----------------------------Resources:Episode 075: Holidays the Old Money Way (Plus Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift Guide)Episode 040: The Six Senses of Luxury: Luxes Touches to Make You Feel Like a Million Bucks Episode 023: Old Money Christmas List: What to Buy for Your Rich Friend Who Has Everything Episode 005: Afford Everything You Want ----------------------------Connect with the Old Money Podcast:Web: OldMoneyPodcast.comEmail: OldMoneyPodcast@gmail.comInstagram: @OldMoneyPodcastTikTok: @OldMoneyPodcast----------------------------Copyright (c) Old Money 2024. The content presented in this podcast is intended to entertain, educate, inspire and support listeners in their personal and professional development and does not constitute business, financial, or legal advice. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services for which individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services related to the episode.
In this episode, Eric Jafari, founder of AENDRE Group, shares how stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new experiences can spark ideas that transform the way that you provide hospitality.We talk about:How blending ancient traditions with modern design can drive innovation in hospitality.The importance of immersing yourself in different cultures to challenge and expand your reality.The idea of merging different traditions and experiences, such as Scandinavian saunas and cold immersion with music and breathwork.The potential of creating natural, immersive experiences within urban settings.In this conversation, Eric and I also talk about Apple, Da Vinci, Elon Musk, Othership, Onsens (Japanese hot spring), Aman and Six Senses,Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
Stream/Download: fanlink.tv/GPLUS125 “Your Body” is an evocative techno EP that explores the complex relationship between the body and the mind. In a world where we often prioritize mental demands over physical needs, this collection of tracks delves into the consequences of this imbalance—touching on themes of self-destruction, disconnection, and the struggle for harmony. Through pulsating beats and hypnotic rhythms, the EP invites listeners to reconnect with their primal instincts, fostering a renewed love and respect for the body. Each track is a journey towards self-awareness, encouraging a mindful presence that embraces both the physical and emotional aspects of being. “Your Body” calls for a deeper connection with oneself, urging the listener to stay grounded, focus on the positive, and not allow negative emotions to overpower. It's a sonic exploration of balance, where the mind remains clear, and the body, finally, is heard. Everything we are, dream and think is the result of electrical connections between neurons. From bere the nickname "thunderbolt" was born, mixing rationality with the unexpected, the surprise and the power typical of thunder and lightning. This DJ's music has sensuality, determination and unexpected twists as its common element. his "strong dish" is certainly the selection of new hits in the vast world of house and deep, favoring soulful, jackin' and gospel sounds, with many references to the urban and hip hop world, but also tribal-exotic. His DJ sets are like "bolts out of the blue", alternating various genres and styles, generating a shocking dance, with sensual, gritty and energy-filled sounds. He has collaborated with various organizations such as RITUAL THE CLUB, RUM, SUBBACULTCHA, TRAINTEK, KLT CLUBBERS, RED LIGHT, FEMALE CUT, GORILLAZ, performing in many Roman clubs but also in Anzio and Latina. Since 2021 he has collaborated with the label BEENOISE AND THEA RÉCORDS, releasing a techno single and a deep tech EP, participating in two showcases in London, at "egg London" and "cyberdog". Since 2023 he has been a resident DJ at "campomagnetico". Since 2021 he has collaborated with several luxury hotels such as St Regis, Six Senses and Bulgari and numerous private events for big brands, such as Chopard, Glo, Velo, Peroni beer. In 2024 he took part in the Tim Summer festival and radio 105 Summer festival for the singer Aiello ©️ 2024 Gain Records | Gain Plus www.gainrecords.com #SuperTechno #WeAreWhatWePlay #Dreamtechno
Stream/Download: fanlink.tv/GPLUS125 “Your Body” is an evocative techno EP that explores the complex relationship between the body and the mind. In a world where we often prioritize mental demands over physical needs, this collection of tracks delves into the consequences of this imbalance—touching on themes of self-destruction, disconnection, and the struggle for harmony. Through pulsating beats and hypnotic rhythms, the EP invites listeners to reconnect with their primal instincts, fostering a renewed love and respect for the body. Each track is a journey towards self-awareness, encouraging a mindful presence that embraces both the physical and emotional aspects of being. “Your Body” calls for a deeper connection with oneself, urging the listener to stay grounded, focus on the positive, and not allow negative emotions to overpower. It's a sonic exploration of balance, where the mind remains clear, and the body, finally, is heard. Everything we are, dream and think is the result of electrical connections between neurons. From bere the nickname "thunderbolt" was born, mixing rationality with the unexpected, the surprise and the power typical of thunder and lightning. This DJ's music has sensuality, determination and unexpected twists as its common element. his "strong dish" is certainly the selection of new hits in the vast world of house and deep, favoring soulful, jackin' and gospel sounds, with many references to the urban and hip hop world, but also tribal-exotic. His DJ sets are like "bolts out of the blue", alternating various genres and styles, generating a shocking dance, with sensual, gritty and energy-filled sounds. He has collaborated with various organizations such as RITUAL THE CLUB, RUM, SUBBACULTCHA, TRAINTEK, KLT CLUBBERS, RED LIGHT, FEMALE CUT, GORILLAZ, performing in many Roman clubs but also in Anzio and Latina. Since 2021 he has collaborated with the label BEENOISE AND THEA RÉCORDS, releasing a techno single and a deep tech EP, participating in two showcases in London, at "egg London" and "cyberdog". Since 2023 he has been a resident DJ at "campomagnetico". Since 2021 he has collaborated with several luxury hotels such as St Regis, Six Senses and Bulgari and numerous private events for big brands, such as Chopard, Glo, Velo, Peroni beer. In 2024 he took part in the Tim Summer festival and radio 105 Summer festival for the singer Aiello ©️ 2024 Gain Records | Gain Plus www.gainrecords.com #SuperTechno #WeAreWhatWePlay #Dreamtechno
Welcome to Zee Humura Show - a podcast dedicated to sharing the beauty of Africa with you and the rest of the world. Join me as I take you on a fastpass tour of the Six Senses hotel in Africa. I'll share must-do activities inside and outside the hotel, and give you a taste of the luxury and adventure that awaits. Get ready for a quick, insightful look into these exquisite destinations in Africa! Enjoy - Humura Ruth (mailto:mbabaziruth77@gmail.com)
Let's deck the halls with boughs of wealth! The second annual episode covering the Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift Guide is here, plus the Old Money Fantasy Gift Guide (featuring a dream Kardashian X AFMKTG collab). Get tips on crafting a luxurious atmosphere and how to create balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care this holiday season. ------------------------In today's episode, we cover the following:Intro (0:06)Setting boundaries during the holiday season (9:30)Planning your six senses of luxury in December (13:27)The levels of wealth (19:00)Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift Guide (23:10)The Old Money Fantasy Gift Guide (39:37)What to expect in the next episode (52:37)----------------------------Resources:Episode 040: The Six Senses of Luxury: Luxes Touches to Make You Feel Like a Million Bucks Episode 023: Old Money Christmas List: What to Buy for Your Rich Friend Who Has Everything Episode 005: Afford Everything You Want ---------------------------Cash Consciousness 2.0 is on for all of 2025 to ensure that you meet your financial goals with the support you desire. From now until December 6th 2024 at 12:00 AM PST, jump in on the presale for the lowest price and have Amber's latest obsession delivered right to your door. Head to OldMoneyPodcast.com/Cash and let 2025 be your richest year yet!----------------------------Connect with the Old Money Podcast:Web: OldMoneyPodcast.comEmail: OldMoneyPodcast@gmail.comInstagram: @OldMoneyPodcastTikTok: @OldMoneyPodcast----------------------------Copyright (c) Old Money 2024. The content presented in this podcast is intended to entertain, educate, inspire and support listeners in their personal and professional development and does not constitute business, financial, or legal advice. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services for which individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services related to the episode.
In this episode we talk with Antoine Melon the co-founder of HOMETAINMENT. With over 30 years of international experience in launching and managing renowned restaurants and luxury hotels, Antoine Melon, has perfected "L'Art de recevoir," or the art of hosting. His career spans an impressive portfolio of high-end establishments, from Six Senses and Mandarin Oriental to Conran Restaurants, where he has developed a deep understanding of hospitality, ambiance, and exceptional service. Antoine's expertise lies in creating unforgettable experiences, merging refined hospitality with unique, personalised touches that make every event memorable. After relocating to London, Antoine brought his global experience to iconic venues such as Soho House and Artfarm (part of the prestigious Hauser & Wirth art gallery), where he continued to elevate the art of hosting in innovative and engaging ways. With HOMETAINMENT, Antoine's vision is to bring the luxury and exclusivity of high-end hospitality into the comfort of private homes or the office. Through a carefully curated network of vetted expert chefs, bartenders, and entertainers, HOMETAINMENT provides clients with unique, tailored experiences, embodying Antoine's philosophy of creating "Living Memories." Antoine's dedication to hospitality excellence and his deep passion for “L'Art de recevoir” make HOMETAINMENT an industry leader in bespoke home entertainment and event experiences. Find our more at www.hometainment.com
Florence Li is Vide President of International Sales and Marketing for Songtsam, a family-owned collection of luxury boutique hotels nestled in China's Tibetan and Yunnan regions. Growing up surrounded by hospitality, Florence honed her craft at Swiss Hotel Management School and later, by managing luxury properties with Six Senses and Taj Hotels. Susan and Florence talk about culturally rich tourism and the essence of Tibetan hospitality. Visa Tips for China: Florence demystifies the China tourist visa process and shares pro tips, including a transit visa option that lets travelers explore visa-free for up to six days in major hubs. A Cinematic Hotel Legacy: Discover how Florence's father, a former filmmaker, transformed his ancestral home into the first Songtsam boutique hotel, blending local culture with high-end hospitality. The Essence of Tibetan Hospitality: Florence shares how Songtsam's staff—many from nearby villages—deliver genuine, heartfelt service that departs from the formality of Western hospitality standards. Luxury Redefined: For Florence, luxury isn't about opulence; it's about immersing guests in local culture and creating transformative moments. From Tibetan art workshops to wellness experiences, each stay offers an emotional journey. Immersive Guest Experiences: Picture this—horseback riding, archery, Thangka painting, and even Tibetan incense-making. Florence gives a behind-the-scenes look at Songtsam's experiential offerings designed to connect guests deeply with Tibetan culture. Cultural Awareness for Travelers: She advises travelers on respectful practices like walking clockwise around Tibetan stupas, a tradition symbolizing merit accumulation. Future of Travel: Florence predicts a shift in luxury tourism toward experiences that actively support and sustain local communities, allowing travelers to make a meaningful impact. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it. Tap to give us five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.
In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan meets with Mary Alice Palmer, the Global Creative Director and Founding Principal at ROAM Interior Design. The conversation focuses on the innovative decision by HKS to spin out ROAM as a standalone design firm. Mary Alice shares insights into her career, mentorship influences, and the strategic considerations behind the successful rebranding and growth of ROAM. The discussion also highlights how this unique approach brings new value to the firm and attracts top industry talent.Takeaways: Focus on developing a high-quality portfolio that showcases your team's abilities and success stories. A great portfolio can generate positive reactions and open new opportunities.Develop a comprehensive business case and clearly articulate the value of any proposed change. Use data and strategic insights to back up your vision.Encourage initiatives that push the boundaries of traditional business models. Be open to radical ideas that might initially seem counterintuitive.Work with external consultants or brand strategists to gain fresh perspectives and objective insights that can help make a compelling argument for change.Understand that markets and team dynamics evolve. Be flexible and willing to modify strategies as necessary to stay aligned with market demands and internal goals.Support your team's development through mentoring, training, and continuous learning opportunities. Empower senior-level employees and keep them engaged with challenging projects.Publicize your successes both internally and externally. Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team to boost morale and attract new talent.Quote of the Show: “I've been down many roads in my career. I'm attracted to things that keep me curious and keep me excited and keep me feeling like I'm on an adventure.” - Mary Alice PalmerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-alice-palmer-48897462/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roaminteriordesign/ Website: https://www.roaminteriordesign.com/ Shout Outs:Baha Mar https://bahamar.com/ Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi HKS https://www.hksinc.com/ Murphy Cramer https://www.mcdesign.com/ Simeone Deary https://simeonedeary.com/ WATG https://www.watg.com/ Ritz Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ Mandarin Oriental https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/ Six Senses https://www.sixsenses.com/en/ Accor https://all.accor.com/a/en.html Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/ Waldorf Astoria https://thewaldorfus.com/ Dan Noble https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-noble-8a2989b/ Kirk Teske https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkteske/ Revit https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/architecture Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
If there is one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?“The Power of Play. The Elixir of Life - Eternal Youth. We spend billions of dollars every year trying to make ourselves look and feel younger and yet the solution is staring right at us. PLAY! For some reason, we dismiss it as childish, not important to our life's goals and conquests or we are just too busy. And yet, when we look at the science behind play the only word I can use to describe its effects on our wellbeing is POWERFUL.”___"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing" George Bernard Shaw".Imagine if your whole idea for existing as a business is to measure and improve Australians' wellbeing! Pretty cool mandate, huh?! Well, that's the aim of my guest today and he's well on the way to having an incredibly positive impact on Aussie lives. The Elixir of Life - Eternal Youth. We spend billions of dollars every year trying to make ourselves look and feel younger and yet the solution is staring right at us. Apparently, all we need to do is re-introduce PLAY back into our daily lives! Tim Jack Adams is a thought leader and speaker in the Wellness Industry. He founded GreenX7 in 2012, an innovative company that created an overarching framework for wellbeing that enables leaders, teams and organisations to thrive sustainably. Tim works with the likes of Six Senses, Alila, Australian Defence Force, Red Bull, Olympians and many of the world's top companies. He is an international keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and expert advisor on wellness for corporations in the Asia Pacific region.Though Tim's passion is PLAY! Tim founded the company Watersports Guru in 2009 in Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast. It's an ecotourism company inviting people to play in the great outdoors through fun adventures like Snorkel with the Turtles and Mindfulness in the Mangroves. Tim's mission through his companies is to improve the wellbeing of Australians and he believes PLAY plays a big part! His greatest feats of PLAY are with his wife Carly and two kids, Sonny and Frankie. Let's meet this wonderfully enthusiastic human. For more information about Tim, check out these places;-Websites: GreenX7 and Water Sports Guru and Tim Jack AdamsInstagram: @timjackadamsLinkedin: Tim Jack AdamsHead to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today's guestsConnect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCoxConnect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcoxConnect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcoxAND, if you have a burning topic you'd love people to talk more about, or know someone who'd be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- hello@michellejcox.com
In this episode, Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands in the Americas for IHG, shares her recent experience at the newly opened Six Senses resort in Grenada, highlighting the exceptional hospitality and personalized touches that made her stay memorable.Listeners will learn:How the Grenadian culture and hospitality enhanced Leanne's experience (01:26)The importance of individualized experiences in luxury travel (02:42)How Six Senses incorporates the unique elements of each location into the guest experience (04:08)The significance of wellness and sustainability in luxury travel (05:12) This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology.Check out our free masterclass with Hireology's CEO, Adam Robinson: How To Hire Great People, Faster.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
Send us a textWhat if one simple question could help save the planet? Join Phoebe as she heads to the Maldives to ask the difficult question - can travel to these islands ever really be sustainable? Learn about the unsung hero of marine conservation: underwater seagrass, which so far has been ruthlessly removed in pursuit of the 'perfect' image of paradise despite it capturing 60 times more carbon than terrestrial forests and how one resort is working to save it and get others on board. Also coming up:TV Bushcraft Expert Ray Mears talks about the importance of sound on our travels; learn how to pass time when weatherbound in a resort or hotel; discover 10 of the most endangered species and where to find them - plus how to help conservation efforts to save them; meet the woman on a mission to rewild a great swathe of South Africa; find your sole mate - with our guide to multi-activity sandals and learn all about our Wander Woman of the Month - the unsung conservationist who stared down the barrel of a gun to try to save the Mississippi - Mary Hannah Gibbs.www.Phoebe-Smith.com; @PhoebeRSmith
Juan Bremer has a deep connection to nature that has shaped his journey into the world of luxury hospitality. Growing up as the son of an ambassador, Bremer's early years were a whirlwind of cultures, spanning Moscow, Germany, and Mexico. (Today, he splits his time between Mexico and Italy.) This multicultural upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for diverse environments and languages, a foundation that continues to influence his philosophy around development.Bremer's creative spirit was evident from a young age, leading friends on adventures and conjuring up games. This innate creativity, combined with a love for the outdoors, has become the cornerstone of his work. His entry into hospitality was born from a desire to preserve the untouched beauty of Mexico's virgin beaches, and his first major project, the One&Only Mandarina via his RLH Properties company, set the stage for Xala, a 3,000-acre luxury development in the Costalegre region of Jalisco, Mexico. Found on the Pacific coastline, it will be home to residences and a Six Senses resort, slated to open in 2026.Thank you for listening! For more of our great interviews, find us at hospitalitydesign.com.
Simone Bartesaghi is an Italian award-winning filmmaker who has been recognized by the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producer) as an artist with "Extraordinary Ability in Directing”.At the age of 24 Simone received his Master's Degree in Economics at the University of Pisa, Italy. Three years later he established a successful Consulting Company specializing in Corporate Organization and Planning. In 2001 he gave up his thriving career to pursue his childhood dream.Two years later he won several prizes as the Writer/Director of short films, but the highest recognition came when he won the first and second place at the Milan International Film Festival, and became the recipient of both the Top and second Award, TWO Scholarships for THE LOS ANGELES FILM SCHOOL.Only four years after his arrival in the United States, he directed his first feature film DOWNSTREAM, that acquired a theatrical release and also received the prestigious Accolade Award.Simone's second feature RUN, a 3D film that he wrote and directed, has won several prizes including Best Screenplay and Best Emerging Director and is distributed in USA by Millennium. The movie is about the new discipline Parkour (Freerunning) with a rich cast including Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Adrian Pasdar (Heroes), Kelsey Chow (Pair of Kings) and William Moseley (Chronicles of Narnia).Simone's accomplishments and communicative skills have been recognized by many educational organization around the world and he is now an Adjunct Professor in Filmmaking at the prestigious Santa Monica College.Simone is also a published author with his book "The Director's Six Senses", an innovative, unique, and engaging approach to the development of the skills that every visual storyteller must have. The Director's Six Senses is an innovative, unique, and engaging approach to the development of the skills that every visual storyteller must have. It's based on the premise that a director is a storyteller 24/7 and must be aware of the “truth” that he or she experiences in life in order to be able to reproduce it on the big screen. Through a series of hands-on exercises and practical experiences, the reader develops the “directorial senses” in order to be able to tell a story in the most effective way.Enjoy my conversation with Simone Bartesaghi.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Vietnam's tourism industry is making positive strides, but are the current resources enough for it to reach the heights of Thailand's tourism?
As always, Six Senses' visionary Neil Jacobs has words of forward-thinking wisdom.
With the pandemic well behind us, international travel has bounced back. The World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, a major survey of the state of the sector, gives a clear picture of how things look around the world. Maksim Soshkim, who leads much of the Forum's work on the issue tells us the headlines, and Jacqueline Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure magazine, gives her take on the state of the travel scene. One of the key areas the TTDI looks at is sustainability - the impact of travel and tourism on the environment and local communities. And in this episode we hear from two people engaged in making tourism more sustainable: a hotel company taking action across its supply chain, and the head of tourism for Rwanda, where income from foreign visitors helps conserve a unique ecosystem and its endangered mountain gorillas. Speakers: Maksim Soshkin, Centre for Energy and Materials, World Economic Forum Jacqueline Gifford, Editor-in-Chief, Travel + Leisure Neil Jacobs, CEO, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Links: Travel and Tourism Development Index: wef.ch/ttdi24 Global Future Council on the Future of Sustainable Tourism: https://www.weforum.org/communities/gfc-on-sustainable-tourism/ Related podcasts: Where are the innovations that can make mining more sustainable? It's cheaper to save the world than destroy it: author Akshat Rathi on Climate Capitalism "Not just sticks of carbon" - how growing trees for the climate must also benefit biodiversity Davos 2024: Addressing the North-South Schism Thumbnail photo: Samrat Khadka on Unsplash Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts: YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts Radio Davos - subscribe: https://pod.link/1504682164 Meet the Leader - subscribe: https://pod.link/1534915560 Agenda Dialogues - subscribe: https://pod.link/1574956552 Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub
Kapil Chopra, the founder and CEO of Postcard Hotels told me the following statistics.Of the 10 million foreign tourists who visit India each year, roughly 10% - one million - are classified as luxury. “So we've kind of made entire Rajasthan and Kerala as two big sectors for one million tourists,” he said.In comparison domestic trips made by Indians was around 2.3 billion a year, a few years ago. Even if just 1% of those could be upgraded to luxury travel, that's 23 million.Chopra wants to make that happen with Postcard Hotels, his luxury boutique hotel chain. Launched in 2018 with 3 hotels, it has 9 today, and 23 in the works. He wants them all to be in what he calls the “transformational” category. What's that you ask?The first level is commodity. A bed, an air conditioner and a bathroom.The second level represent hotels that offer differentiated “products”.The third level are the luxury hotels come, differentiated by exceptional service.The fourth level is experiential. It's what Airbnb does when it offers you the ability to stay in Paris at a place that overlooks the Eiffel Tower.The fifth level is for “transformative experiences”.“When you combine all of them. If you're able to give a good product, great world class service, great experiential experiences, soak in the destination. If you add all of this together, it becomes transformational,” says Chopra.He lists three luxury hotel brands in the fifth category – Aman Resorts, Six Senses and One & Only.“And I looked at them and said, what is common? They were all founder-led. And the founders were amazing. But the founders all lost control of the brands they had built,” he says.Kapil Chopra doesn't want to join that group.Kapil also has strong opinions on why he believes the luxury hotel business has become sterile and unexciting over the years, and how Postcard is changing that image. Apart from Postcard, Kapil Chopra is also the founder of the table reservation service, discovery and payment platform, EazyDiner.Over the course of our conversation he also talks about:How luxury travel and travelers are evolving in IndiaWhy did he choose to leave the Oberoi Group at the height of his careerHow he's become calmer after starting Postcard HotelsHow he's doing fundraising, investments and expansion in way that doesn't endanger the parent companyWhy ESOPs and wealth creation needs to be more prevalent in the hospitality and travel industriesWelcome to First Principles–The weekly leadership podcast from The Ken.Let's get started.____________________If you love listening to First Principles we're sure you will enjoy reading our Sunday newsletter aptly titled First Principles as well. Sign up here, it's free.Also write to us fp@the-ken.com with your feedback, suggestions and guests you would want to see on First Principles.And if you'd like to listen to the First Principles Summer Playlist you'll find it here!____________________Also have you checked out The Ken's new app. It's packed with a lot of new features. Read all about it here. If you haven't downloaded it already here are the links to both iOS and android.
Susie Arnett is the Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas, and in this episode talks through concepts she outlined in her article "Ways to Cultivate Psychological Ownership in Your Guests," sharing how to make guests not just like, but truly love their stay.Listeners will learn:The Unlikely Strategy for Guest Engagement: Discover how adding an element of effort and co-creation can create a stronger bond between guests and their experiences.Personalization and Ownership: Understand the power of allowing guests to craft and design their own stays, leading to a deeper sense of satisfaction.Balancing Service and Involvement: Explore the delicate balance in luxury hospitality between providing service and involving guests in their own experience.Psychological Ownership: Learn how personalization can lead to guests treating the property better and feeling a stronger connection to the place.Community and Evangelism: Find out how creating a sense of community can turn guests into evangelists for your brand, especially when they feel it has contributed to their personal growth.For more insights and to learn from Susie's expertise on guest experience design, check out this episode: From MTV Producer to Leading Wellness Programming: Lessons and Observations for HospitalityMusic by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
Living a rich life isn't about high price tags—it's about creating a beautiful and comfortable life. By using her expertise in luxury branding, Amber shares the secret recipe for making a sanctuary at home using her Signature Six Senses of Luxury approach. Learn the lavish life hacks to enliven your senses and add a touch of bliss to the everyday.-------------------------In today's episode, we cover the following:Intro and what to expect this episode (0:00)The challenges of brand positioning (1:53)How real estate and hospitality relate to your personal life (5:33)Luxury sense #1: Sight (10:13)Luxury sense #2: Smell (15:08)Luxury sense #3: Sound (23:39)Luxury sense #4: Touch (29:27)Luxury sense #5: Taste (33:12)Luxury sense #6: Space (44:02)Birdie and bogey (50:06)----------------------------RESOURCESHow To Speak The Language Of Luxury with Amber Frankhuizen (Part 1) - TIQUE Talks podcast (episode 63)How To Speak The Language Of Luxury with Amber Frankhuizen (Part 2) - TIQUE Talks podcast (episode 64)----------------------------Today's episode is brought to you by Kosas—wear makeup that your skin will thank you for. Uplevel your clean beauty routine today and shop using our affiliate link to support the show. ----------------------------Connect with the Old Money Podcast:Web: OldMoneyPodcast.comEmail: OldMoneyPodcast@gmail.comInstagram: @OldMoneyPodcastTikTok: @OldMoneyPodcast----------------------------Copyright (c) Old Money 2024. The content presented in this podcast is intended to entertain, educate, inspire, and support listeners in their personal and professional development and does not constitute business, financial, or legal advice. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services for which individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services related to the episode. Produced by AFMEDIA, a division of AFMKTG
In this episode of Career on Course, host Scott Miller interviews Hotel General Manager, David Arraya, about his extensive career in the luxury hospitality industry. You'll hear how he got his start in hospitality in France, his education and early roles, as well as insights into being a hotel GM at renowned properties like Four Seasons, Auberge, and Six Senses. You'll learn about which skills and personality traits make a successful hotel GM, the typical career progression for that role, compensation packages, work-life balance considerations, and why David is bullish on hospitality as an industry going forward.Key Discussion Points:- David started off interested in computer science, but his grandmother steered him toward hospitality given his people-pleasing personality even from a young age. A formative experience was working as a bartender at a French resort which showed him that hospitality was the right fit.- Empathy, self-awareness and communication skills are critical for hotel GMs who need to keep many stakeholders happy - from owners to corporate team to guests and employees. Leadership capabilities are also key.- Typical routes to becoming a GM include starting in rooms/front desk, food & beverage, sales & marketing, or finance roles. It takes moving up over time into department head and division head positions before reaching GM.- An undergraduate hospitality degree gives an edge but is not essential. Top schools named are Cornell, UNLV, Glion and Les Roches.- Lifestyle vs luxury hotels have some different priorities, but both require guest experience curation, profit focus and people leadership from GMs.- Average GM tenure at a property is 2-3 years. So their careers tend to involve geographic moves every few years to take on new challenge.Guest Bio:David Arraya is an award-winning hotelier who has led renowned properties across 4 continents. He has held GM roles with leading hospitality brands like Four Seasons, Auberge Resorts, and Six Senses.David keynotes at conferences, hosts his own podcast, consults for hotel brands, and is writing books related to conscious hospitality. Check out his personal website here!Enjoyed this episode? Check out Scott's latest book, Career on Course: 10 Strategies to Take Your Career from Accidental to Intentional.
I find guests for Behind the Shot in a number of ways. Sometimes it's a referral from a friend, sometimes it's a cold email I send after seeing an image I just need to know more about, and now and then it's through a photographer's PR company. Regardless of how I find them, more often than not I end up being introduced to an amazing artist I wasn't familiar with beforehand. That is the case today. Jiří Lízler was brought to my attention by the folks over at Wonderful Machine, a company I think of as a PR firm, but that describes itself as "an art production agency with a network of 559 photographers in 44 countries". Whatever you see them as, they have a pool of talent that includes some of the best of the best, and they've brought me awesome guest ideas in the past. When they brought Jiří up to me two things jumped out... one was that I had never, that I recall, had an architectural shot on the show before, and the other was that Jiří's work is insanely good. I am so glad this show worked out. If, like me, you were not familiar with Jiří Lízler, let me introduce you... Jiri is a renowned Award-Winning commercial photographer from the Czech Republic, with a portfolio that features luxury hotels and high-end residential interiors. His work has been featured in international media fixtures like Conde Nast Traveller, The Telegraph, Forbes, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, The Times, Archilovers and more. From a clientele perspective, I am not sure you will find bigger names, with clients that include Microsoft, McDonald's, Chanel, Warner Bros Discovery, St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Six Senses, The Luxury Collection, and Hyatt. As I am writing this, I have the Tear Sheets page of his website in front of me, and wow. Jiri's work is truly fantastic. Join Czech based commercial photographer Jiří Lízler and me as we discuss his world of photographing hotels & resorts, travel & tourism, architecture and interiors, and more, while taking a deep dive into his photo of the pool at the Corinthia Hotel Prague, on this Behind the Shot. Connect with Jiří Website: jirilizler.com Instagram: @jirilizler LinkedIN: @jiri-lizler-hotel-photographer Jiří's Photographer Pick Rupert Peace: rupertpeace.com | @rupertpeace
Join us for an enlightening journey with Therese, a master herbalist and life coach, as she opens up about her transformative path from widowhood to empowering women through the embrace of their sensual feminine energy. Discover the barriers many women face due to a disconnection from their innate femininity and how reconnecting with this energy can lead to expansive growth in all areas of life. Therese's insights into the roles of receivership and confidence provide a unique perspective on personal and professional development. Explore the significance of authenticity, personal freedom, and the profound impact of human connections in this rich dialogue. We discuss the transformative power of meaningful relationships, the freedom found in living true to oneself, and the joy of spontaneity. The conversation culminates with a focus on building wealth through relationships, the importance of financial planning, and the strength of community in achieving generational prosperity. Therese and I celebrate the potential of our connection and the exciting future of our collaborative endeavors, all while inviting you to become part of the narrative and embrace the essence of life through our shared experiences. About Therese Therese Eve exudes an electrifying and powerful presence that leaves an indelible mark on those who feel her soulful energy. Those who've had the pleasure of an encounter with her can attest to her transformative impact. It's not uncommon to hear her remark, "I run my business from the front face of my phone," and she desires the same level of ease for her clients. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - The Power of Sensual Feminine Energy (0:12:21) - Discovering Self Through Sensuality and Integrity (0:25:03) - Principles of Ancient Egyptian Wisdom (0:29:49) - Navigating Authenticity and Personal Freedom (0:33:30) - Building Wealth Through Relationships and Legacy (0:43:46) - Power of Relationships and Human Connection (0:51:41) - Building Meaningful Connections RESOURCES Website: Visit our Official Site Newsfeed: Read our Latest Marketing and SEO Blogs Podcast: Listen on Website Premium Podcast: Get access here! SEO Glossary Toolbox: https://workandplayentertainment.myflodesk.com/seo-toolbox-glossary-book SEO Mini-Course: https://www.allthingsseo.live/course/demystifying-seo Please email me at favour@playinc.online Grab My Digital Business Card here: https://poplme.co/hash/lQZ4jOcr/2/s --------- EPISODE KEYWORDS --------- Sensual Feminine Energy, Therese, Master Herbalist, Life Coach, Widowhood, Self-Discovery, Empowerment, Innate Femininity, Confidence, Authenticity, Personal Freedom, Human Design, Passion, Joy, Loss, Ancient Egyptian Wisdom, Masculine and Feminine Energies, Community, Relationships, Wealth, Financial Planning, Investment, Generational Prosperity, Collaboration, Human Connections, Legacy, Entrepreneurship, Employment, Financial Gain, Authenticity, Personal Growth, Sensuality, Integrity, Fashion, Style, Food, Travel, Manifestor, Rest, Compassion, Nurturing, Black and Brown Men, Competition, Harmony, Self-Awareness, Non-Conformity, Comparison, Liberation, Business, Financial Stability, Maslow's Hierarchy, Self-Actualization, Time Management, Collaboration, Collective Knowledge, Production, Distribution, Healing, Unity, Village, Conversations, Empathy, Six Senses, Digital Hub, Eclectic Sacred Living, Branding, Collaboration --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wedontplay/message
This week, Tommy and Debbie are actually talking about design & decorating in honour of a special guest! Genevieve Gorder is one of America's favorite interior designers for years. She is the founder and director of the Genevieve Gorder brand, a television host, designer, producer, a home product designer, contributing author, and global ambassador for home and human rights. Gorder has appeared and been featured in several dozen lifestyle shows around the world. Currently, you can find Genevieve on Netflix, HGTV, Bravo, TLC, Amazon, numerous talk shows, and now on Crackle TV with her new show At Home with Genevieve. A two time Emmy nominee and regular design host at the White House, Genevieve has built multiple lifestyle collections for home. From rugs and textiles to wallpaper, jewelry and a full line of furniture and decor. Off Air and internet, Genevieve designs and consults for a diverse group of clients and companies. While she has guided many hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, towns and private clients towards their design dreams, her latest project will open in 2025 as a Six Senses hotel in Mexico. She travels the world with Oxfam as a Sister on the Planet ambassador, using her influence to fight global poverty, hunger and injustice with a particular focus on home and empowering women and girls. Gorder's work has been featured in numerous publications nationally and internationally. Currently you can find her on the cover and featured in the NYT best seller “In the Company of Women”. Genevieve resides with her husband and furniture designer Christian Dunbar and daughter Bebelle in Manhattan. Debbie, Tommy & Genevieve discuss their early collaborations and the impact they had on viewers and future designers. They also reflect on the success of shows like Changing Rooms and Trading Spaces, which revolutionized the design industry. The conversation explores the democratization of design and the joy of teaching and communicating design to a wide audience. Genevieve and Debbie share their passion for creativity and the importance of finding inspiration in everyday life. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of the renovation process and the joy of creating spaces that bring happiness to people's lives. They touch on the realities of television production, filming challenges, finding drama in home renovations, and appreciating the realness of the process. Topics covered: Introduction and Admiration Early Collaborations and TV Shows Passion for Design from Childhood Impact on Viewers and Future Designers The Success of Changing Rooms and Trading Spaces The Rise of Reality TV and Design Shows Early TV Experiences and Real World Diplomacy and Creativity Translating Design and Joyful Approach Teaching and Communicating Design Design as a Calling and Teaching Process Democratization of Design and DIY Breaking Barriers and Changing the Industry Taking Ownership and Creating Collections Finding Inspiration and Learning from Italy Passion for Design and Teaching Balancing Creativity and Teaching Sharing the Renovation Process The Cost of Renovations Creating Destinations The Realities of Television Filming Challenges Finding Drama in Home Renovations Appreciating the Realness Continuing the Conversation Find more information about Genevieve's collections: Jewelry: https://monyajewelry.com/pages/genevieve-gorder Rugs: https://buymymagiccarpet.com/pages/genevieve-gorder-collection Wallpaper: https://tempaper.com/collections/genevieve-gorder?gad_source=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Susie Arnett, the Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas, shares what she learned from unboxing an iPhone that can guide the way you design moments that delight your guests. Article: Unboxing the Hotel RoomListen to our other episode with Susie: From MTV Producer to Leading Wellness Programming: Lessons and Observations for HospitalityListen to more episodes on guest experience designWhat did you think about this episode? Join the Hospitality Daily community on LinkedIn and share your thoughts. If you care about hospitality, check out the Masters of Moments podcast where Jake Wurzak interviews top leaders in hospitality. His conversations with Bashar Wali and Matt Marquis are a great place to start, but also check out his solo episodes such as how he underwrites investment deals and a deep dive into GP fees you know about. Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
Why does it feel so much harder to lose weight at midlife? Well you're not imagining it, and you're not alone. What we used to do in our 20s and 30s no longer works and that can be really frustrating. More often than not we see midlifers doing the wrong things, that aren't tailored to the unique challenges we face at midlife. So in this episode we're going to share the top 5 reasons it's harder to lose weight at midlife, to give you a deeper understanding, and of course, bring some compassion to the struggles you might be experiencing. We'll also share tips on how to start making progress, because we can promise you, although it's harder to lose weight at midlife, it certainly isn't impossible, if you have the right evidence based approach… To find out more about our Ibiza Retreat at Six Senses in May, please click the below link: https://thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com/midlife-reset-ibiza/ For our FREE Masterclass: https://themidlifementors.com/masterclass Please remember, if you find the show helpful or it makes you laugh, motivates and inspires you - please do like, share and rate us. We don't run ads on the podcast or for the show, because we want to keep it as enjoyable for you to listen as possible. So if you can help us spread the word, we'd be incredibly grateful. For more information about The Midlife Mentors, click the below link: https://linktr.ee/themidlifementors.com
Susie Arnett is the Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas and one of the world's leading experts on wellness. In this episode, you'll hear what she's thinking about in this area and the opportunities it's creating in hospitality today.Articles referenced:Wellness Turns Nightlife on its HeadSpace as a Service3 Ways to Cultivate Psychological Ownership in Your Guests What did you think about this episode? Join the Hospitality Daily community on LinkedIn and share your thoughts. If you care about hospitality, check out the Masters of Moments podcast where Jake Wurzak interviews top leaders in hospitality. His conversations with Bashar Wali and Matt Marquis are a great place to start, but also check out his solo episodes such as how he underwrites investment deals and a deep dive into GP fees you know about. Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
Embark on an extraordinary journey with John Brevard—an American architect, designer, artist, and investor. Beyond the realm of design lies a captivating narrative—John's teenage encounter with meningitis wiped his memories clean, birthing profound transpersonal experiences that redefined his life's trajectory.Uncover John's visionary approach, transformative healing expedition, and the enthralling projects that mold his distinct design philosophy. Immerse yourself in his extraordinary journey, discovering beauty and purpose amidst life's challenges.Explore his remarkable insights into sustainability, including his groundbreaking project in Iceland, where a Six Senses resort seamlessly blends with nature. As the Chairman and Creative Director of this innovative venture, John meticulously pays homage to the site's ancient Viking artefacts, seeking harmony with the land's essence, even in the homes of the elves!Show Notes:[2:31] - Biomimicry in Architecture:Explore John's passion for biomimicry and its application in architecture.Delve into the materials and forms inspired by nature that influence his architectural designs.[5:31] - Star-shaped Healing Bungalows:Learn about John's innovative creation of star-shaped bungalows designed for healing.Understand how these structures impact people's well-being in distinct ways.[6:58] - Sustainable Materials and Paradoxes:Examine the materials John avoids and those he favours to maintain sustainability.Navigate the complexities and factors influencing sustainable choices in architecture.[9:18] - Transpersonal Experiences and Memory Loss:Uncover a captivating narrative as John shares his teenage encounter with meningitis.Explore the profound transpersonal experiences that emerged and reshaped his life.[12:00] - Loss of Memory:Gain insights into John's personal experience of memory loss and its impact on his life.[15:17] - Hospital Sensory Experience:Discover John's sensory journey during his time at the hospital.Explore the transcendental experiences and geometric visions that unfolded during this period.[18:00] - Six Senses Project in Iceland:Learn about John and his business partner's venture of acquiring 4000 acres in Iceland.Understand the challenges and intricacies involved in building a Six Senses resort, including land conservation and unique environmental considerations.[23:00] - Hospitality and Meaningful Experiences:Discuss the potential of hospitality in fostering more meaningful experiences.Explore how thoughtful design and service can contribute to a deeper connection with spaces.[25:00] - Harvest of the Day:Engage in a thought-provoking segment where John reflects on what simple actions could make the world a better place.Uncover his perspective on easy yet impactful contributions to global well-being.You can follow us on Instagram : @Harvestseries, or @rose.claverie for updatesand watch our filmed podcast or speakers on Youtube : Harvest Series.Sound editing by @lesbellesfrequencesTechnicians in Kaplankaya : Joel Moriasi, Hanan Yasir and teamMusic by ChambordArtwork : Pedro Vidigal & Davide d'AntonioHarvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and
How can you use photography to communicate your hospitality and grow your business?Joining us today is award-winning commercial photographer Jiri Lizler, whose work has been featured in everything from Conde Nast to Forbes to The Times and whose clients include brands from Chanel and Warner Brothers to Ritz Carlton and Six Senses. In this episode, you'll learn how to prepare for and plan a photoshoot, common misconceptions, and trends in photography that Jiri is seeing today.Follow Jiri on LinkedInVisit Jiri's websiteWhat did you think about this episode? Join the Hospitality Daily community on LinkedIn and share your thoughts. If you care about hospitality, check out the Masters of Moments podcast where Jake Wurzak interviews top leaders in hospitality. His conversations with Bashar Wali and Matt Marquis are a great place to start, but also check out his solo episodes such as how he underwrites investment deals and a deep dive into GP fees you know about. Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
Homi Vazifdar is Founder and Exec. Director of the Canyon Group, a boutique private equity company, based in Larkspur, California just of north San Francisco. The Canyon Group, which was co-founded by Vazifdar in 2005, owns and/or develops ultra-luxury resorts in exotic destinations around the world. The Company currently owns assets in North America, Latin America, Mexico and the South Pacific. The Canyon Group's resorts are managed by marquis brands such as Amanresorts, Six Senses, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Under Vazifdar's leadership, many of the Canyon Group's ultra-luxury assets have achieved high global accolades and are considered the “Best in Class” with extraordinarily high occupancies and rates. On this episode, Jake and Homi discuss:- Selling a brand for $2m per key- Building Amangiri and Amangani- How to make experiential luxury work- How to make select service hotels workLinks:CanyonHomi on LinkedIn Connect & Invest with Jake:Follow Jake on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jwurzakTake the Hospitality Investing Masterclass: https://learn.jakewurzak.com/Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Topics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:19) Homi's journey into Real Estate and hospitality(00:07:08) What is most important when you are reinventing yourself?(00:08:08) Building Canyon and the focus on ultra-luxury assets(00:27:50) Swapping federally controlled land and creating a profitable asset in remote Utah(00:48:13) How do you make a tent experience work?(00:54:10) How do you find labor and built infrastructure in these remote areas?(00:57:47) Is establishing a sense of community at a resort important?(01:03:32) How have you learned to invest and stay afloat during cycles?(01:12:36) What will be the biggest challenge in replicating this new concept?(01:14:35) Homi's select service hotel(01:20:49) What is your favorite hotel?
Louis Thompson began his hospitality career working with Six Senses. While there, he learned about the importance of sustainability, innovation, and regeneration. In 2011, after 10 years with the wellness-focused brand, Thompson founded Nomadic Resorts. It was a natural next step for the entrepreneur, who was experimenting with crafting eco-friendly resorts in remote locales. Take the Wild Coast Tented Lodge near the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. Thompson, who designed the building to blend into its natural surroundings, also trained 80 people from a neighboring fishermen's village to help with the construction. Today, Thompson is again pushing the envelope as he introduces salutogenic architecture to a new audience, where he hopes to influence mental wellbeing through design. Here, he shares his vision for the future of hospitality, including the development of niche experiences that cultivate community.
In this segment of UnMind, I would like to return to the basics of Zen, after a foray into some of the darker topics of the times, in particular the horrific conditions of global strife in which we find ourselves immersed these days. It's a bit like being trapped in the middle of a train wreck where we cannot turn our gaze away. Life has always existed on the edge of death, aging and sickness — the three cardinal marks of dukkha, or “suffering” — Buddha's sine qua non of the conditions of existence as a sentient being. But the sheer enormity of wasteful, infuriating carnage being inflicted upon human beings by other human beings in current hotspots around the globe — not to mention the local wildlife, livestock, and pet animals — has exceeded all bounds of dysfunctional perversity. It seems a vestigial throwback to more primitive times, and is beginning to look like proof positive of the apocalyptic vision of some religions: the Prince of Darkness, evil personified, indeed has dominion over the Earth, at least for now. The Great Deceiver is parading around in the guise of political leaders of supposedly enlightened government, celebrating the targeted collapse of civilization everywhere they direct their ire. In this context it may seem irresponsible, and even insane, to turn our attention to examining the fundamentals of Buddhism and Zen, which encourage studying the self, forgetting the self, and hopefully realizing the true meaning and purpose of our existence, when the people actually doing the damage are the least likely to have any such inclination to self-examination, let alone any realization of compassionate insight for others. But, as they say, when the oxygen masks drop because the airplane is losing altitude, put yours on first, or you will not be able to help others. In Zen, zazen is your oxygen mask. ZEN ≠ ZAZEN ≠ MEDITATIONZen is not equal to zazen, and zazen is not equal to “meditation” as commonly understood. Zazen is not the same as other meditations, and the term “Zen” should not be considered interchangeable with “zazen.” It may seem heretical to propose that Zen is not equal to zazen, or that zazen does not fit the Western cultural definition of meditation. But bear with me. There are so many alternative styles of meditation today that it is past time to differentiate Zen's method from the rest. And to clarify that — while Zen and zazen cannot be separated — the terms are not interchangeable. Zen is not synonymous with its meditation method, zazen, simply because there is so much more to Zen as a way of life, a philosophy, and as a formative force throughout history. This has primarily been true of the history of the East, but following its introduction to America in the late 1890s, and especially after WWII, westerners in general, and Americans in particular, have become more and more interested in Zen, along with a parallel engagement with other meditative traditions and styles, such as Yoga, as well as other Buddhist and non-Buddhist variations. Zen is known as the meditation sect of Buddhism, but zazen is not its sole method of teaching. Zen boasts an extensive literature and liturgy on buddha-dharma as experienced and expounded by its adherents, traditionally beginning with Bodhidharma's journey out of India, and tracing its evolution through China, Korea and Japan, to the Far East. However, distribution of the Buddhist canon, in the form of written sutras and commentaries, had preceded the 28th Patriarch by centuries, and his bringing Zen from the West to the East was definitely focused on the direct practice of upright sitting, or what we now refer to as zazen, or more precisely, shikantaza. Likewise, zazen and shikantaza may usefully be parsed as to their relative definitions as method and effect, respectively. More on this later. ZAZEN & MEDITATIONThe Great Sage's meditation practice inside that cave at Shaolin Monastery did not conform to the traditional style known as dhyana, or contemplation, though this is how the local punditry interpreted his “wall-gazing Zen.” But he was not contemplating the wall. Dhyana, in the classic definition, involves a subject, or mind, meditating upon an actual, tangible object — such as a tree, in one famous example (from Hokyo Zammai—Precious Mirror Samadhi): If you wish to follow in the ancient tracksPlease observe the sages of the pastOne on the verge of realizing the buddha wayContemplated a tree for ten kalpas “Ten kalpas” is a mighty long time. The entire universe passes through only four kalpas in its cycle, known variously as the empty kalpa, or kalpa of formation; the kalpa of continuance; the kalpa of decline; and the kalpa of disintegration. So ten kalpas embrace two-and-a-half cycles of universal evolution. Long time. But we digress. Generally speaking, dhyana, or contemplation meditation, continues until the observing mind finally runs out of ideas, exhausting all possible thoughts about the object; leaving a direct sensory awareness of the existential reality of what we call a “tree,” but without the overlay of conceptualization, categorization, and endless web of connections. Bodhidharma, by turning abruptly to face the wall of the mountain, was demonstrating not contemplation, but shikantaza, or “objectless meditation,” which amounts to a kind of oxymoron, in conventional terms. Meditation is typically defined as focusing our attention on something, and so inherently implies a division of subject and object. If our direct experience in zazen eventually becomes objectless, then by definition it must also become subject-less (which, tellingly, is not a recognized construction in English; thus the hyphenation). In the most salient sense, then, zazen transcends normal meditation. We might say that we transcend from the personal dimensions of posture, breathing, and paying attention to the senses, as well as the machinations of the mind — the “eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind” of the Heart Sutra — to a subtle awareness of something less definitive: meditating upon the whole, rather than any part. The observer is subsumed into the observed, like a holon in a holarchy. More on this later.“Zen” is phonetic Japanese for “Ch'an,” which is phonetic Chinese for the Sanskrit “dhyana,” one of the traditional Six Paramitas, or “perfections” of Buddhism. Thus, because the origins of Zen meditation are not conflated with dhyana, but as going beyond contemplation, “Zen” is actually a kind of misnomer. Which is a good thing, because what Zen is pointing to cannot be named. In Taoism there is a similar idea, paraphrasing: Naming is the source of all (particular) things That which is eternally real is nameless Zazen and shikantaza, as mentioned, can also usefully be parsed as to their relative functions as “method” and “effect,” respectively. Holarchy & HolonI first came across the term “holarchy” — as opposed to the more familiar “hierarchy” — in the form of a book, “The Essential Ken Wilber,” recommended by a member of the Suzuki lineage for its treatise on “integral spirituality.” The term, holarchy, was not coined by him, according to Google, which, like the old magic oracles, you can ask anything:Arthur Koestler, author of the 1967 Book “The Ghost in the Machine,” coined the term holarchy as the organizational connections between holons (from the Greek word for "whole"), which describes units that act independently but would not exist without the organization they operate within. Is a hierarchy a nested holarchy?Instead of everything being explained in terms of smaller bits and ultimate particles—which was the way science worked in the modern era—we can now think of the universe holistically, organized in a series of levels of organization in a nested hierarchy or holarchy. At each level, things are both wholes and parts.Some of the earliest examples of holarchic models may be found in the early teachings of Buddhism: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the Twelvefold Chain of interdependent co-arising, the Five Aggregates and Six Senses, and so on. My model of the Four Nested Spheres of Influence, with personal at the center, surrounded by the social sphere, then the natural world, then the universal, is also like this, a holarchy. These sets of components are not meant to be understood as entirely separate and apart from each other, but intricately interrelated, to use one of Matsuoka Roshi's common expressions. In Zen, all seemingly disparate things are also connected, the ultimate expression of the current trope: “Both things can be true at the same time.” We turn to zazen in our daily lives, in order to manifest a Zen life. Zen is the meditation sect of Buddhism, and zazen is the heart of Zen. The method of zazen is the main thing that we actually transmit, from one generation to the next. It is the same in music and other arts and sciences. No one can teach another music, as such, but someone can teach you how to play an instrument. It is up to you to find the music. Similarly, we can teach others this “excellent method” of zazen, as Master Dogen defined it. It is up to them to find the Zen.The instrument we study, and play, in zazen, is the human body and mind, our essential inheritance enabling us to wake up fully, as did Buddha. Other species are not considered to have the level of consciousness necessary and sufficient to the challenge. Dogs may have buddha-nature, but like most humans, they may never realize it. Ironically, it seems that we have to stop “playing” the instrument of body-mind — that is, give up our impulse to control everything — in order to allow it to “drop off” (J. shinjin datsuraku) to reveal our true nature, which is not limited to this body and mind. Body and mind are not separate, and, again, both can be true at the same time. That is, mind and body may seem to be of different categories, yet they are intricately inter-related.So sitting in zazen may be considered a subset of Zen, which is all-encompassing, and thus the holon of zazen is subsumed under the holon of Zen. But the necessity of zazen as central to apprehending the larger sphere of Zen, means that the two not only cannot be separated, but that the method cannot be separated from the larger effects, as in: So minute it enters where there is not gapSo vast it transcends dimensionA hairsbreadth deviation and you are out of tune This stanza from “Hsinhsinming—Trust in Mind” by Master Kanchi Sosan, indicates another holarchy, that of the transcendent “IT” of Zen, and your personal relation to it. The slightest deviation on your part, in resisting or missing the point of this all-embracing teaching, is the primary source of your suffering. This basic idea of the asymmetrical nature of the relationship — of the holon of the “I” to that of the “IT” of Buddhism — is more directly captured some 200 years later, in Tozan Ryokai's “Hokyo Zammai—Precious Mirror Samadhi: You are not it but in truth it is you In zazen, as well as in Zen writ large, we are embracing the directive from the first poem, in which Master Sosan admonishes us, paraphrasing: To move in the One WayDo not reject even the world of senses and ideasIndeed embracing them fully is identical with true enlightenment Stay tuned. * * * Elliston Roshi is guiding teacher of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center and abbot of the Silent Thunder Order. He is also a gallery-represented fine artist expressing his Zen through visual poetry, or “music to the eyes.”UnMind is a production of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center in Atlanta, Georgia and the Silent Thunder Order. You can support these teachings by PayPal to donate@STorder.org. Gassho.Producer: Shinjin Larry Little
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Mindfulness of the six senses, and removing the fetters can lead to various stages of enlightenment
Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Mindfulness of the six senses, and removing the fetters can lead to various stages of enlightenment
In the episode we explore enough-ness. When is our best good enough? When are we good enough? And when do we have enough? Not enough-ness is at the core of so much of our unhealthy thinking and behaviours. Striving and pushing to do more, be more and have more, until perhaps we're forced to stop and take stock. We share our own personal experiences in the hope that it not only makes you reflect, but helps you feel less alone. For more information about our Ibiza Retreat at Six Senses, click HERE Want to speak to us about options? Clickk HERE to book a free call. Please remember, if you find the show helpful or it makes you laugh, motivates and inspires you - please do like, share and rate us. We don't run ads on the podcast or for the show because we want to keep it as enjoyable for you to listen as possible. So if you can help us spread the word, we'd be incredibly grateful. Join our free Facebook Group: The Midlife Mentors Community - where we connect with you all on a daily basis. https://www.facebook.com/groups/themidlifementorscommunity And go to our website for more information: https://themidlifementors.com You can also find free workshops, coaching, workouts and coffee mornings at our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/themidlifementors Instagram: http://instagram.com/midlifementors Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifementors Email: team@themidlifementors.com
Our guest on this week's episode is a wealth of knowledge on all facets of the hotel and hospitality industry. He's a leader who knows how to turn a hotel into something that is truly a destination. Joining the show this week is General Manager at the upcoming Regent Santa Monica Beach, Younes Atallah!Younes sits down with Dan Ryan to discuss his time in the industry, and the role of the General Manager. Younes shares his management strategies, the importance of exceptional programming, and why collaboration is a crucial skill for any member of your team.Takeaways: Hospitality is an inherent concept of treating others with warmth and care, extending from our homes to the hotel industry. It comes from the heart and is about treating people as you would treat them in your house. Continuous improvement is essential in any talent, whether it's sports, music, or acting.In the hospitality industry, teamwork and constant challenge are essential for improving the skills and talents of staff. Relationships and being a skilled generalist are crucial in the dynamic world of hotel management. The ability to manage teams, juggle priorities, and reintroduce brands requires constant dedication and expertise. Providing exceptional programming is crucial for hotels to exceed guest expectations and create memorable experiences. Comfortable accommodations are expected by guests, but it's the added features and activities that truly make a hotel stand out. Regularly engaging with people and observing their behavior by walking around is a valuable management practice. It offers opportunities to understand their desires and motivations, leading to impactful insights and positive outcomes. The pandemic has made it increasingly difficult to find good people and talent, especially in industries like hospitality. Management teams should look to foster internal talent, and help employees grow in ways that excites them. Growing up in a family that owned a travel agency, Younes experienced hospitality from an early age. The experience led to a deep connection with the hotel industry and a career pathway shaped by a memorable vacation. Quote of the Show:“There's very, very few, if any, positions in a hotel where individual contributors actually exist.” - Younes AtallahLinks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yatallah/ Website: https://regentsantamonicabeach.com/ Shout Outs: 00:52 - California Hotel and Lodging Association: https://calodging.com/ 01:25 - Beverly Wilshire: https://www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/ 01:57 - Regent Shanghai: https://www.ihg.com/regent/hotels/us/en/shanghai/shasd/hoteldetail 02:02 - IHG: https://www.ihgplc.com/en 11:40 - Six Senses: https://www.sixsenses.com/en 11:44 - Intercontinental: https://www.ihgplc.com/en/our-brands/intercontinental 11:46 - Kimpton Hotels: https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/reservation 11:48 - Vignette Hotels: https://www.ihg.com/vignettecollection/hotels/us/en/reservation 12:53 - Carlton Cannes: https://carltoncannes.com/en/ 13:00 - Cannes Film Festival: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/ 38:06 - Regent Hong Kong: https://hongkong.regenthotels.com/ 38:12 - Regent Phu Quoc: https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/ 43:22 - Minnesota Vikings: https://www.vikings.com/ 43:45 - Four Seasons DC: https://www.fourseasons.com/washington/ 43:51 - Mark Bromley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbromley/ 43:57 - Stan Bromley 44:32 - Four Seasons San Francisco: https://www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
Homi Vazifdar is Founder and Exec. Director of the Canyon Group, a boutique private equity company, based in Larkspur, California just of north San Francisco. The Canyon Group, which was co-founded by Vazifdar in 2005, owns and/or develops ultra-luxury resorts in exotic destinations around the world. The Company currently owns assets in North America, Latin America, Mexico and the South Pacific. The Canyon Group's resorts are managed by marquis brands such as Amanresorts, Six Senses, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Under Vazifdar's leadership, many of the Canyon Group's ultra-luxury assets have achieved high global accolades and are considered the “Best in Class” with extraordinarily high occupancies and rates. On this episode, Jake and Homi discuss:- Selling a brand for $2m per key- Building Amangiri and Amangani- How to make experiential luxury work- How to make select service hotels work Links:CanyonHomi on LinkedIn Connect & Invest with Jake:Follow Jake on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jwurzakTake the Hospitality Investing Masterclass: https://learn.jakewurzak.com/Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Topics:(00:01:55) Homi's journey into Real Estate and hospitality (00:07:42) What is most important when you are reinventing yourself? (00:08:43) Building Canyon and the focus on ultra-luxury assets (00:28:24) Swapping federally controlled land and creating a profitable asset in remote Utah (00:48:47) How do you make a tent experience work? (00:54:44) How do you find labor and built infrastructure in these remote areas? (00:58:22) Is establishing a sense of community at a resort important? (01:04:00) How have you learned to invest and stay afloat during cycles? (01:13:11) What will be the biggest challenge in replicating this new concept? (01:15:11) Homi's select service hotel (01:21:23) What is your favorite hotel?
With a father in the military, the Paris-based Emlyn Brown attended 13 schools over 18 years. During high school in Munich, he traveled constantly with his family, from Italy to Cyprus and Hong Kong. He graduated from the University of Manchester in the UK with a degree in leisure and sport, and furthered his education in the field by studying sport science and psychology. That led him to his first job with Holmes Place, a health, fitness, and wellness concept, which Brown describes as the Equinox of the '90s. His seven-year journey there took him from the sales floor to eventually becoming the area director for Europe. Today, his résumé is a who's who of gamechanging wellness brands, including Six Senses, GOCO Hospitality, Resense Spa, and currently Accor, where he serves as the global senior vice president of wellbeing. Here, Brown explains how if wellbeing is done right, it can create a sense of community.
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