X8 Global Luxury Travel Podcast

By: Gabriella Ribeiro and Peter Shankman
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  • Summary

  • Every week, X8 Global Luxury Travel Podcast brings you the most exotic properties in the most luxurious destinations around the world. From Monaco to the Maldives, from Bali to Borneo to Bahrain, if five stars is your minimum, you'll find them all on X8.
    Copyright 2021 Rated PG Productions
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • Luxury, Wellness & Adventure in the Heart of the Dolomites

    Luxury, Wellness & Adventure in the Heart of the Dolomites
    Mar 26 2025
    Every week, X8 Global Luxury Travel Podcast brings you the most exotic properties in the most luxurious destinations around the world. From Monaco to the Maldives, from Bali to Borneo to Bahrain, if five stars is your minimum, you'll find them all on X8! Welcome back to X8; thanks so much for joining us and for subscribing! #LuxuryTravel #Dolomites #WhereToStay This week, we unveil one of Italy’s best-kept secrets—the ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti in the breathtaking Val Gardena region of Northern Italy. Nestled in Ortisei, this historic retreat has been owned and operated by the Sononer family for over 200 years and is now managed by the seventh generation. Joining us today is General Manager, Marco Scola, who shares why ADLER is more than just a resort—it’s an alpine sanctuary where tradition, wellness, and nature come together. Ortisei, the most important village in Val Gardena, sits at the heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomite Mountains, offering visitors a year-round paradise. In winter, the region transforms into a wonderland for alpine and cross-country skiers, with ski-in/ski-out access just steps from the ADLER. Come spring and summer, the landscape bursts to life, making it the perfect setting for hiking, e-biking, and outdoor adventures. Easily accessible from Milan, Munich, Venice, and Verona, ADLER is an ideal luxury extension for any Italian or European getaway. The ADLER in Ortisei offers two distinct but connected properties: ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti – A fairytale alpine escape with 108 rooms, vast spa facilities, and a 9,000-square-meter natural oasis. ADLER Spa Resort Balance – An intimate 31-room retreat focused on holistic wellness and medical programs,with personalized health and nutrition plans guided by on-site doctors. ADLER’s spa is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor elements. Highlights include: A vast pool complex winding through the resort’s lush alpine park. 21 treatment rooms offering everything from classic massages to specialized wellness therapies. A heated indoor-outdoor pool, featuring a crystal pyramid said to channel positive energy to guests, leaving them with new strength and harmony. 24-hour fitness studio with guided activities like hiking, biking, and winter sports. Medical spa programs with tailored diet plans, starting with a personal checkup upon arrival. South Tyrol’s rich cultural history brings a unique blend of Austrian heartiness and Mediterranean finesse to ADLER’s dining experiences. Guests can savor traditional Speck & Knödel paired with fine wines, fresh seafood and handmade pasta inspired by Italy’s coastal flavors, and locally sourced ingredients showcasing the region’s farm-to-table philosophy. The ADLER boasts four seasons of adventure for guests of all ages and interests. Outdoor lovers especially have endless ways to explore Val Gardena, with year-round guided activities included in every stay. These include ski-in/ski-out access to the Dolomite ski slopes, expert ski guides, and direct booking of ski passes through the resort in winter. Daily hiking and e-biking tours through some of the Dolomites’ most stunning landscapes in the warmer months and finally a dedicated Kids Club open all day, offering fun, seasonal activities for the children. Marco, a true local, shares his go-to places for an unforgettable experience in Val Gardena. On his time off, he regularly frequents Alpe di Sius where he rides the cable car up to explore this peaceful plateau by bike. He also enjoys an early morning adventure, biking the Passo Sella & Passo Gardena. Finally, Marco tells about his favorite family spot, Monte Pana Panaraida Trail, that features a forest adventure park with interactive stations for kids. The ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti is a destination for every occasion. From romantic getaways to wellness retreats and special events like the Val Gardena hiking marathon, ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti offers an unparalleled luxury experience. Whether it’s a spa treatment under the stars, a scenic ski adventure, or a rejuvenating escape in nature, this alpine paradise promises unforgettable moments in every season. Thank you for joining us! We’ll be back the week after next with another new episode. Until then, stay safe & keep traveling! Find more info at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at info@explorateurjourneys.com. Follow us on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur
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    16 mins
  • La Sultana: Marrakech’s Hidden Gem

    La Sultana: Marrakech’s Hidden Gem
    Feb 26 2025
    X8 Global Luxury Travel Podcast brings you the most exotic properties in the most luxurious destinations around the world. From Monaco to the Maldives, from Bali to Borneo to Bahrain, if five stars is your minimum, you'll find them all on X8! Welcome back to X8; thanks so much for joining us and for subscribing! #LuxuryTravel #Morocco #WhereToStay This week, we step inside the mystical and enchanting Marrakech, Morocco to La Sultana, a truly one-of-a-kind property that blends history, culture, and luxury like no other. Today we have Lucy joining us to share why La Sultana is not just a hotel, but an immersive experience that transports guests through time and tradition. Marrakech captivates travelers with its timeless charm and magical energy. Built on the historic UNESCO-listed Medina, Lucy describes how La Sultana maintains this magical quality with its traditional riyad design- a Moroccan home style featuring open-air courtyards, lush patios, and intricate fountains to maintain a cool, serene atmosphere. La Sultana features a collection of five distinct courtyards, seamlessly weaved together to display centuries of Moroccan craftsmanship. At La Sultana, guests can experience the authentic sights, sounds, and scents of Marrakech by exploring the markets, listening to the call to prayer from the nearby Mosque, or taking in the panoramic views from the rooftop. La Sultana is like a hidden secret, where the very best of Marrakech is right outside your door! La Sultana features an exquisite spa crafted entirely from pink marble, where guests can indulge in Moroccan rituals like Hammam and traditional massages. Guests can also experience the culinary traditions of Marakech at one of La Sultana’s three exceptional dining experiences. La Table de Souk features a rooftop lunch spot with stunning views of the Medina, serving vibrant Moroccan flavors. La Table de la Sultana is a refined dinner experience offering fine dining. Finally, guests can unwind after a long day of Marrakech magic with cocktails and small plates, soaking in the city’s ambiance from the Odette Rooftop Bar and Mezzé. Guests can also participate in hands-on cooking classes, learning to prepare traditional dishes such as tagine, fresh-baked bread, and Moroccan pastries. For those travelers that like to shop, Marrakech offers everything from hand woven carpets and traditional ceramics to designer fashion and artisanal lamps from the Souk. Lucy recommends hiring a local guide to help navigate the local art of negotiation. For the adrenaline seekers, Marrakech offers sidecar tours though the Medina, ballooning over the Atlas Mountains, mountain biking through the rugged countryside or excursions to visit Berber tribes for a deeper cultural experience. For those guests looking to extend their Moroccan escape, La Sultana offers a sister property called the Oualidia, a serene retreat on the Atlantic with just 12 bedrooms and private beachside dining, surfing, paddleboarding, and immersive cooking experiences. La Sultana is known for catering to every kind of travel group- couples, multi-generational families, or those celebrating something special. La Sultana welcomes anyone in search of history, beauty, and a touch of Moroccan magic. Thank you for joining us! We’ll be back the week after next with another new episode, till then~ Stay safe & keep traveling!! You can find us and more info on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at info@explorateurjourneys.com. Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur
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    16 mins
  • The Algarve, Portugal

    The Algarve, Portugal
    Jan 15 2025

    Every week, X8 Global Luxury Travel Podcast brings you the most exotic properties in the most luxurious destinations around the world. From Monaco to the Maldives, from Bali to Borneo to Bahrain, if five stars is your minimum, you'll find them all on X8!

    Welcome back to X8; thanks so much for joining us and for subscribing!

    #LuxuryTravel #Portugal #WhereToStay

    Today we welcome Andre Romero, General Manager of the SANA Hotel in The Algarve, Portugal.

    In this episode, we turn to a place where it is always sunny and everyone is always happy, where the sun shines 300 days a year and where authentic experiences await, The Algarve. The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, famed for its beautiful beaches, redcliffs, and resorts.

    Today, we are joined by Andre Romero, the General Manager of the SANA Hotel in Albufeira. Andre introduces us to this stunning spot, which is a favorite among European travelers and has quickly become a rising destination for American travelers. The SANA is surrounded by red cliffs, pristine beaches, and beautiful ocean views.

    Andre highlights the SANA’s unique approach to multigenerational travel, boasting attractions for every member of the family. The resort offers family residences, a kid’s club, private spaces, and a diverse dining options- all within a sprawling property surrounded by pine forests and the sea.

    The SANA prioritizes sustainability by replanting forests and has reduced its paper usage. Andre shares their commitment to environmental and social responsibility, emphasizing the need for a greener travel mindset.

    Andre also gives us his “can’t miss list” of the Algarve- breathtaking beaches, savoring the fresh seafood (especially the octopus and sardines), and exploring the hidden caves that are only accessible by boat. Adventure seekers should also hike the Monchique Mountains or try their hand at windsurfing.

    But the Algarve isn’t all coastline. It is a haven for wine lovers and wellness enthusiasts. The resort offers fine dining with regional wines curated by expert sommeliers, alongside spa retreats featuring yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition programs.

    Whether you visit in the summer, between June and September, for the vibrant beaches, or in the quieter months for wellness and authentic experiences, the Algarve’s charm lies in its connection to nature, local traditions, and the kindness of its community.

    Thank you for joining us! We’ll be back the week after next with another new episode, till then~ Stay safe & keep traveling!! You can find us and more info on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at info@explorateurjourneys.com. Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur
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    18 mins

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