Travel Legends: Author Frances Mayes on Tuscany and Home

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This week on Passport to Everywhere, the focus is on the charming, mystical country of Ireland. Melissa is joined by Indagare Destinations Director John Cantrell as they swap tips for making the most of a trip to the Emerald Isle. John – with his decades of trip planning experience –– speaks about some of his favorite castle properties, top activities (don’t miss the Trinity College Library or the Ballymaloe Cookery School), and other itinerary musts. From Northern Ireland to Dublin and across to Galway, John and Melissa dive into everything you need to know before planning your visit.  

Melissa also speaks with Liam Krehbiel, the co-owner of Ballyfin, one of Ireland’s most historic and spectacular hotels. Located in County Laois (approx. 90 minutes by car from Dublin), the grand country estate was built in the 1820s. After a love at first sight experience, the property was purchased by Liam’s father in 2002, and he spent nearly a decade restoring it and shaping it into the refined 5-star luxury hotel it is today. Liam and his brother have continued their father’s legacy at Ballyfin, and the hotel remains in a class of its own with its one-of-a-kind rooms, stunning gardens, impressive art collection and romantic library. As they walk through the history of the grand yet intimate property, Liam and Melissa explore the culture and approachability of Ireland. He also reveals his favorite golf courses, speaks to the Irish art scene, shares what’s exciting him most in Dublin and more. Tune in to discover not only how this “fancy house in a Jane Austen novel” still feels warm and approachable, but also to determine what to do on your next trip to Ireland.

For more on Ireland, head to Indagare.com to check out our destination guides and sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest travel news and tips.

For more information about Liam Kreihbel and to learn more about Ballyfin and its offerings, visit www.ballyfin.com. To stay up to date with the hotel check out @BallyfinDemesne on Instagram and DemesneBallyfin on Facebook. 

To take part in the Power of Travel global survey, which enters you for a chance to win a three-night stay in Paris, click here.

Jasper Conran is one of the most celebrated and renowned British designers of our time. To name just a few career highlights… he designed the wedding dress for Lady Sarah Elizabeth Chatto, the granddaughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, clothing for Princess Diana; he created numerous sets and costumes for ballets and operas, and has designed everything from home decor to accessories and luggage. Later in his career, he turned his attention to Morocco - the subject of this episode - where he designed two historic hotels: first, L’Hotel Marrakech and, most recently, Villa Mabrouka in Tangier which just opened in June this year. In this episode, Jasper shares his storied and serendipitous career path with Melisssa; from realizing his childhood dream, receiving an unexpected Olivier Award in theater, to now finding himself immersed in the world of hospitality. 

Through poetic passion, Jasper explores how Tangier and Marrakech fuse ancient and modern culture, and how the most “marvelous thing about Marrakech is that most of the secrets are behind closed doors.” He gives a glimpse of his journey in creating the historic 19th century riad L’Hotel Marrakech in the heart of Medina, and what inspired him to later renovate the former home of Yves Saint Laurent into the award-winning Villa Mabrouka. He shares his favorite spots in Tangier including Italian writer and botanist Umberto Pasti’s garden, the places he still wants to travel, and the countries that have impacted him most (for instance, Kashmir on a houseboat with flower sellers in the rain). 

Plus, Melissa shares her latest discoveries from a recent trip she took to Florence, as well as tips for traveling with pets over the holiday season. 

For more information on our 2024 Insider Journey heading to magical Tangier, explore here.

For more information about Jasper Conran and to see his latest collections and designs, visit www.jasperconran.com. To stay up to date with Jasper and his brand, check out his personal account @jasperconran and his shop account @jasperconranlondon on Instagram. 

For more information on Villa Mabruka and to book your stay in Tangier, head to villamabrouka.com. To check out L'Hôtel Marrakech in the Medina, visit l-hotelmarrakech.com.

If you’re interested in joining the Indagare Insider Journey, Inside Tangier: Private Houses & Gardens, hosted by Melissa Biggs Bradley in May 2024, visit Indagare.com/InsiderJourneys.

You can read Indagare COO Eliza Harris’ personal reflection on her experience during the recent earthquake in Morocco and more on the non-profit, Education For All, in the article here.

For the latest news and more on Melissa’s recent discoveries, sign up for the Indagare newsletter by visiting Indagare.com.
To take part in the Power of Travel global survey, which enters you for a chance to win a three-night stay in Paris, click here.

Potter, author, and renowned global designer Jonathan Adler joins Melissa to talk about travel style and design. Jonathan has created one of the leading design labels of our time through his colorful and modern American glamor patterns and designs. He left his day job in film to pursue his passion for pottery, and 10 years later opened his first store in SoHo. His namesake brand is now a leading global design company with stores in Chicago, New York and a new location in London. With humor, Jonathan shares his unexpected path to success with Melissa. He reveals how following his love for pottery redirected his life with  purpose, as well as his inspiration behind the design of the iconic Parker Palm Springs in California, and who he identifies as his favorite muse. 

In this episode, Melissa and Jonathan explore the idea of re-inventing oneself, both stylistically and in one’s career. Jonathan also shares the story behind his work with Aid to Artisans and how he stumbled into love with Peruvian weaving. As Jonathan says, “modern, clean design with soulful craft is about the magic” and Jonathan delivers magic through charm and wit. He also shares his favorite places to travel, including an intense enthusiasm for everyone to experience Japan, and where he wants to go next. Melissa ends the episode by sharing Jonathan’s favorite favorite hotels with design in mind.

For more information about Jonathan Adler and to view his collections and retail locations, visit www.jonathanadler.com. For Jonathan’s latest updates, and to see more of his Modern American Glamour vision, follow him on X, @jonathanadler, Instagram @jonathanadler and TikTok @jonathanadler. For more information on the hotels mentioned in today’s episode and for the latest travel news and hotel openings, visit Indagare.com to sign up for our newsletter.

Kristine Tompkins is the former CEO of Patagonia and the co-founder and president of Tompkins Conservation. Recently profiled by the prolific Academy-award winning duo Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Versalyi in the National Geographic documentary Wild Life, Kris’s daring, adventurous, bold endeavors with her husband Doug Tompkins continue to create ripples of lasting change. After serving as the CEO of Patagonia for 20 years, she uprooted her life and moved to Chile for her love of Doug and the wild landscape of Patagonia. They set out on a journey of creating and expanding 15 national parks and two marine parks in Argentina and Chile, and are celebrated as two of the most successful national park philanthropists today. After Doug tragically passed away in 2015, Kris has carried on his legacy through entrepreneurial, heart-driven activism.

On today’s episode, Kris details the daunting undertaking of creating and expanding national parks in Chile and Argentina, explains her remarkable rewilding efforts, and gives a glimpse of what it was like to have a film made about her life. She reveals how she became the CEO of Patagonia, and paints a moving picture of life in Chile. Kris and Melissa also explore the concept of nature-based tourism, the power of traveling to national parks for both the individual and the world, and the motivations for moving forward during harsh times. In this raw, informative and inspiring interview, Kris reminds us all of why we have an underlying longing for something wild. Tune in to learn the national parks she recommends visiting, discover her favorite outdoor activities, and listen to her advice for leading an extraordinary life. Melissa also shares a round-up of the top hotels Indagare members are booking in 2023.

For more information about Kristine Tompkins and her philanthropy work with Tompkins Conservation, visit www.tompkinsconservation.org. To follow Kris, her conservation efforts, and the latest adventures of the wild, check out @kristine_tompkins and @tompkins_conservation on Instagram. Wild Life, the National Geographic documentary starring Kris and Doug Tompkins, is available to stream on Huluand Disney+. To explore all Patagonia has to offer, check out our destination guides on Indagare.com. If you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer for more details. 

Frances Mayes is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Under the Tuscan Sun, which was turned into the beloved romantic movie starring Diane Lane in 2003. As the film just celebrated its 20th anniversary, Frances joins Melissa to talk about how her love for Italy transformed her own life while also capturing the attention of women ready to make a change around the world. Plus, with her newly released book, A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home, she explores the mysterious concept of home and what it encompasses, from the homes we build to the countries we visit. She explains how “the house protects the dreamer” and the value of a home in magnifying creativity. 

In the episode, Frances also shares the story of how Under the Tuscan Sun was turned into a film through a serendipitous meeting with the director of The Talented Mr. Ripley, and the story behind how the iconic farmhouse Villa Bramasole became her home. She shares special insights into her life in Italy, as she's written countless memoirs and novels on the country. She discloses some of her favorite destinations and regions (including where to eat bread comparable to cake), and details how Italy differs from anywhere else in the world. They talk about the art of travel, beauty, the unexpected gifts of writing, and how to get under the skin of a place to really experience it. Plus- don’t miss Melissa’s latest intel from her trip to Rome as well as Frances’ favorite secret spots and cities to add to your list. 

For more information about Frances Mayes and to view her book collection, guides, and events visit www.francesmayesbooks.com. To stay up to date with Frances and her travels and writing, follow her on Instagram @francesemayes. Frances’ newest release, A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home, is available to purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Penguin Random House. Under the Tuscan Sun, the movie starring Diane Lane adapted from Frances’ memoir, is available to stream on Amazon Prime, Disney +, and Apple TV. For more on Italy and to explore Indagare’s favorite cities, hotels, and restaurants in the country, visit Indagare.com. If you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to start planning your Italian getaway.

Jochen Zeitz is a business leader, author, agent of change and the founder of Segera Retreat, the luxury lodge sitting on 50,000 acres in Laikipia, Kenya. At the young age of 30, he was appointed CEO of Puma where he turned the almost bankrupt brand into a global phenomenon. Years later, he followed his passion for art and conservation, and opened the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town (Zeitz MOCAA) and the award-winning luxury eco-lodge Segera Retreat. He also started the B Team with Sir Richard Branson bringing together entrepreneurs to create long-term, global impact. He currently serves as the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Harley Davidson, a reflection of his passion for extraordinary brands and motorcycle riding. He co-wrote The Manager and the Monk: A Discourse on Prayer, Profit, and Principles and lives with the belief that business is a vehicle for good. His list of accomplishments is long, but his humility remains. It’s easy to see why he was listed by Conde Nast Traveler in 2019 as one of “The 44 People Changing the Way We Travel”. 

In this episode, Jochen shares his multifaceted journey of transforming iconic brands into models of change. Through a life that defies conventional boundaries, he explains how tourism can serve as a conservation model and how he turned his vision of Segera into reality (it took 13 years for him to find a location that felt like home). He also reveals the fascinating story behind building a contemporary art museum in South Africa and explores the initiatives of the Zeitz Foundation, including the creation of an all-female ranger’s unit dedicated to protecting endangered rhinos. Listening to Jochen is inspiring as he reminds us of the power of tourism to change lives, and he instills hope through rewilding projects. 

Plus- in Indagare Insights this week, Melissa will share details from our latest Indagare Sentiment Survey where we pulsed in with our Indagare community of travelers and collected their feedback and attitude on travel today, as well as her safari packing tips.

For more information about Jochen Zeitz and the conservation work of the ZEITZ foundation, visit zeitzfoundation.org.

To learn more about the Kenyan wildlife refuge at Segera Conservancy, the all-female ranger unit protecting rhinos, and what to expect during a stay at Segera, visit www.segera.com. 

For more information about the B Team and to view its mission, history and leaders, visit https://bteam.org.

To explore the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) and its exhibitions in Cape Town, South Africa visit www.zeitzmocaa.museum. 

For more information about The Long Run and its environmental initiatives around the world, visit  www.thelongrun.org. 

Jochen’s book with Anselm Grün, The Manager and the Monk: A Discourse on Prayer, Profit, and Principles, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and AbeBooks.

For more packing lists and our insider guide to Kenya, visit Indagare.com and be sure to check out our Indagare review of Segera Retreat. If you’re already an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to start planning your next safari. 

For a deeper dive into the current travel trends shared by Melissa in today’s episode, view the findings in our Indagare Sentiment Survey.

New York Times Bestselling Author Anna Kloots joins Melissa to talk about her new memoir, My Own Magic: A Reappearing Act, which details her travels around the world entwined in a coming of age story. After her marriage ended at the age of 30, Anna decided to fulfill her lifelong dream and move to Paris.  In this heartfelt episode, she shares her journey with Melissa and explores why travel serves as a vehicle for finding confidence and rediscovering the magic within. Anna also shares what living in the “real Paris” is like, including a very romantic love story with her neighbor…yes, it is even better than Emily in Paris, as well as the challenges she faced moving during the height of the pandemic while losing her brother-in-law to Covid-19. She reminds us all through her daring, adventurous story that failure creates growth and that our dreams are always within reach. 

Anna has traveled to over 83 countries across six continents and has been featured in Travel & Leisure, The Los Angeles Times, Coastal Living and more. From Joshua Tree, Bali and, of course, Paris - in this episode, Anna also gives a glimpse at what makes these places so transformative and special. Plus- don’t miss Anna’s personal, insider recommendations for some of her favorite restaurants, small museums, bakeries and shops in Paris. 

For more information about Anna Kloots, to stay up-to-date with her book events, read about her travels, and purchase her city guides including “Paris Comme Moi,” head to www.annakloots.com. To check out Anna’s travel & lifestyle content, follow her on Instagram @annakloots.

Anna’s book, My Own Magic: A Reappearing Act, is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books-A-Million, and BookShop.

For more details about Paris along with other destination spotlights, visit Indagare.com to sign up for our newsletter and learn more about our membership. If you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to begin planning your Parisian adventure. 

Bestselling author and hospitality entrepreneur Chip Conley founded the Modern Elder Academy to change the way we think about aging and happiness, and to help people navigate through midlife. The Modern Elder Academy (MEA) has gained international attention for its campus in Baja attracting midlife seekers from around the world with guest teachers like Richard Rhor, Michael Franti and Pico Iyer. Chip’s goal is to help others reimagine their lives and discover how to work through transitions, cultivate purpose and own wisdom through experiential curriculums, workshops and wellness retreats. MEA is opening a Santa Fe campus next March.

Chip previously served as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy where he was given the title “Modern Elder” for being someone who is as curious as he is wise. From studying the Gross National Happiness in Bhutan to going on a listening tour to 16 countries while at Airbnb, Chip has led a life of discovery. In today’s episode, he details his fascinating journey from starting Joie de Vivre Hospitality at only 25-years-old to helping Airbnb go from a start-up to a billion dollar valuation. As a philosopher, writer and psychologist; he shares his secrets with Melissa for running a successful company. He also reveals the insights he’s discovered on aging through decades of experience and gives a sneak peak at his 7th book, Learning to Love MidLife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, coming out next year.  Plus Melissa and Chip talk about the upcoming Indagare Journey at MEA’s private beachside enclave in Baja, California taking place next November. To learn more about the Insider Journey, click here.

For more information about Chip Conley and his work on navigating midlife visit www.chipconley.com and follow him on Instagram @chipconley. To learn more about Modern Elder Academy, the workshops, and retreats visit www.modernelderacademy.com and follow MEA Instagram @modernelder. 

To pre-order Chip’s newest book Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, launching January 2024, check out Amazon, BookShop, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, or Porchlight. 

For what to expect on the Indagare Insider Journeys trip Finding Your Flow in Midlife and Beyond at the MEA Campus in Baja, California, click here.

Dian Fossey was an American conservationist and primatologist known for her work studying endangered mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda, where she worked from 1966 until her murder in 1985. Dian’s book, Gorillas in the Mist, which was published two years before her death, chronicles her scientific work. It was later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Sigourney Weaver, which turned Dian Fossey into a household name. 

To this day, Dian’s legacy continues, carried out by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and its remarkable CEO Dr. Tara Stoinski. The Fund itself raises money for conservation, brings awareness, and provides protection to gorillas and our planet’s ecosystem while empowering communities to do the same.

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund—its new, multi-acre, eco-friendly facility—is located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, situated along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a hub for scientific research and ecological preservation, where students and researchers are given the tools to better understand individual gorillas, who share 98 percent of our DNA. The campus has an exhibit available for public viewing, which is a must-do when in Volcanoes, and private, behind-the-scenes tours can also be arranged.

Tara’s held a fascination for animals from a young age, and for over two decades has been at the forefront of gorilla conservation. Initially as a scientist and, for nearly a decade, as the CEO of the Dian Fossey Fund. In this episode, she discusses the challenges of gorilla conservation, how special it is to experience seeing the primates firsthand, and the evolution of the fund. 

Plus, Melissa is joined by Indagare Productions Director, Kathryn Nathanson to share what you need to know before your gorilla trek. Listen for valuable planning tips, what to expect through the trek, and what to wear. 

For more information about The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, visit gorillafund.org where you can make a donation, adopt a gorilla, take the gorilla personality test, and view details about the organization’s mission and what to expect on a site visit to its newest facility, The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. For the latest updates and fascinating gorilla facts, be sure to follow The Dian Fossey Fund on Instagram @savinggorillas.

For more details on planning a gorilla trek and for the latest news and travel tips, visit Indagare.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter and learn more about our membership. And, if you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to start planning your journey to Rwanda.