Beyond

Annie Fitzsimmons
  • 0,0 (0)
  • STEDER OG REISELIV

A travel podcast that goes BEYOND travel, and talks about things no one else is talking about.  From two highly opinionated travel vets: Jack Ezon, co-founder of $300 million travel company Embark Beyond; and longtime luxury travel editor and expert Annie Fitzsimmons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 24. FEB.

    Milan, Giulia Molteni, and the Hottest Week in Design

    In the first ten minutes, Jack and Annie talk art, permanence, and the psychology of design decisions. Annie is still trying to buy a rug (four years and counting), Jack argues that not everything has to be forever. They also zoom out to where to find trusted travel intel when editorial lines feel increasingly blurred...and a quick mention of Embark's growth to $350 million. Plus, a recurring argument about one particularly unfortunate hotel photo in Wengen. Then, they both sit down in Milan with Giulia Molteni, CMO of Molteni&C, inside the brand’s newly opened palazzo showroom. As a third-generation leader of one of Italy’s most historic design houses (and the granddaughter of one of the founders of Salone del Mobile) Giulia talks about innovation versus heritage, why the first question in any home project should be emotional rather than aesthetic, and how Molteni keeps the legacy of Gio Ponti alive through exclusive re-editions. They also discuss why Milan has become one of the most important global capitals for design. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  2. 23. JAN.

    The 2026 Travel Pulse, with Veronica Bocelli

    January starts with a little existential whiplash but then it’s turned into a travel and trends forecast. In the first half, Jack and Annie start planning for 2026 and look back on surprises of the last month: Dubai’s glow-up (Jack likes to say it’s the new winter St. Tropez); client shifts like less alcohol and the most-requested feature of the moment: a padel court. Annie shares her latest obsession, Estelle Manor in the English countryside, plus a quick New York trip (Faena has the best bar in NYC right now and the Waldorf’s public spaces are incredible). In the second half, Jack sits down with Veronica Bocelli at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park for a meaningful conversation about how the Andrea Bocelli Foundation scaled its mission through education and music, and how philanthropy, community, and culture intersect in the Bocellis’ Italy world, like Forte dei Marmi — including how Embark clients can access exclusive, invitation-only Bocelli concerts and gala experiences in Italy. Stay tuned for how they met at the very end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  3. 11.12.2025

    2026 Hot Hotels & Destinations

    Jack and Annie give a recap of ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) Cannes (only a small bit of gossip this year), plus favorite hotel openings and destinations for 2026 from the Q4 trends report and why sustainability is the word of the quarter, but not in the way you're thinking. And at the end, listen for Jack's big tip on how to save 50% on airfare to Japan and add on a trip to Amanpulo at the same time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  4. 20.11.2025

    The Big Fall Update, Just Us

    Jack and Annie check in after a buzzing trip to Milan (“Salone is the new Art Basel”) and break down why the city is on fire right now. They swap hotel notes–the Park Hyatt Milan bar playlist really is that good–before diving into Annie’s new Roman obsession, the Orient Express La Minerva, and the fabulous hotel in Germany where she got the best Botox of her life (“a tiny but exquisite facelift”). They also debate the credibility of the World’s 50 Best list (and all the lists) and why Annie loved the glamour of it and being surrounded by hotel obsessives. Plus, at the end, Annie interviews Jack about his favorite things to do and why Monaco always calls him back.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  5. Surprise, Delight, Disrupt: Omer Acar on Hospitality

    14.09.2025

    Surprise, Delight, Disrupt: Omer Acar on Hospitality

    Jack and Annie check in live from Hotel Lutetia in Paris, swapping honeymoon ideas for Taylor Swift (think Royal Malewane, Cape Town, Singita, and Kisawa), their own fall goals (half marathons, stylists, Africa trips, and launching lifestyle experiences), and why travel is the ultimate way to activate passions. Then, a conversation with Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Fairmont, one of the top minds in global hospitality, and one of Jack's major inspirations. He shares why he makes his bed every day (even in hotels), how luxury brands should surprise, delight, and disrupt, and the lessons he’s learned leading some of the world’s most iconic hotels. Omer talks passion, curiosity, inspiration, his favorite thing about living in New York City, and the TV show that has him hooked. Just don't try to find him on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  6. 03.09.2025

    Live from Botswana, All You Need to Know

    Recorded live at Wilderness Mombo camp in the heart of Botswana, Annie Fitzsimmons and safari expert and Embark Safaris founder Justin Huff, share the unforgettable moments and reasons that make Botswana unlike anywhere else on earth. From leopard sightings under a double rainbow to the great elephant crossings of the Linyanti River, this conversation dives into why Botswana isn’t just a safari–it’s a soul-shifting experience. Whether you’re dreaming of your first safari or seeking the masterclass of safari travel, this episode reveals the stories, places, and perspectives that will change how you see the wild forever. With an introduction from Jack Ezon and Annie Fitzsimmons. Justin Huff - “Botswana isn’t just a safari–it’s an aura, a pulse. Once you’re tuned to it, you’re never the same.”  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  7. 20.08.2025

    The Ultimate Editor of Food & Wine, with Eli Zabar

    Over the decades, Eli Zabar has built a mini‑empire on the Upper East Side that includes Eli’s Market, an artisan bread bakery, a wine shop, and restaurants, all driven by his obsessive pursuit of quality and what satisfies him. He is the youngest son of Louis and Lillian Zabar, founders of Zabar’s on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. In 1973, he struck out on his own, opening E.A.T., a gourmet food shop and café on Madison Avenue, inspired by the grand food halls he admired in London and Paris. Episode Description Jack and Annie open with a Virtuoso Week highlights reel, including Jack's biggest tip for the Fashion Week of Travel to not sleep - "The real business is done on the dance floor and the bar…People do business with people, not products.”  Favorite finds include mocktail bars and islands in Saudi Arabia; Barbara Muckermann on hiring archivists for Kempinski and finding out they invented wine by the glass; TCS around the world plane journeys; the ever-growing train travel trend (so excited for Aurora Australis in Australia); and more. Then, a delicious interview with Eli Zabar, whose Upper East Side empire has been feeding New Yorkers for over 50 years.  How “being the ultimate editor” guides his curatorial instincts (“the biggest mistake is listening to the customer"), and how he brings intentionality to every loaf of bread, wine pairing, and sandwich. "I'm not looking for the best, I'm looking for what satisfies me, what I find pleasing."How Eli's editing instinct compares to the need for department stores to revolutionize and have a voice/be an editor ("Are you the Barneys of food?" Jack asks) Eli's thoughts on wine ("I don't like the cabernet or merlot grape, so I don't sell anything that has those grapes in it") and restaurants ("I love small places where it's one person's notion and they're doing it the way that I like") Eli gives some of his favorite hotels and Jack tries to be a matchmaker with new options for him - but it's tough when he loves his own bed so much. We might get him to The Arts Club in London. Musings on how to attract younger customers and what his twin sons are doing (even though they disagree on bagels) The secret to marriage with Devon Fredericks, the original owner of Loaves and Fishes in the Hamptons What Eli thinks are the two best sandwiches of all time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  8. 07.08.2025

    What's Going On? Everyone Is Asking

    The Embark Q3 Trends Report will launch on Friday, August 8th. Jack and Annie talk about the report and key highlights, analyzing the current state of luxury travel as we enter Q3 which is typically the industry’s strongest season, but this year is marked by shifts in demand and guest behavior.  This is rich but restrained...and is it a vibecession? A data-informed look at what’s happening now, and what’s next, in global luxury travel based on what we are seeing.  Also discussed: the stunning renovation of the Belmond Hotel Splendido, the brand-new Waldorf-Astoria New York, and the life-changing Hyrolox hair treatment (for Annie). Plus: How to layer AI with EI (Emotional Intelligence) Who is traveling and what they're spendingDestination breakdown: Paris is outperforming expectations post-Olympics, while London is still in decline (why?). The French Riviera has overtaken Italy as the top summer destination, and Greece is emerging as a "value." Group trips are exploding, solo travel among women is on the rise, and experiences are increasingly passion-driven including mahjong, en plein air (painting outdoors), and art.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
Se alle (21)

Trailer

Om

A travel podcast that goes BEYOND travel, and talks about things no one else is talking about.  From two highly opinionated travel vets: Jack Ezon, co-founder of $300 million travel company Embark Beyond; and longtime luxury travel editor and expert Annie Fitzsimmons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Informasjon

  • Skaper
    Annie Fitzsimmons
  • År i produksjon
    2024 - 2026
  • Episoder
    21
  • Vurdering
    Ren
  • Copyright
    © Annie Fitzsimmons
  • Vis nettsted
    Beyond

Kanskje du også liker