The Last Resort

Northstar Travel Group
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast hosted by Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. From Caribbean all-inclusives to mountainside lodges, we’ll be talking to advisors about their first-hand experiences at some of the most exciting and buzzed-about resorts around the world.

  1. The Last Resort: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

    May 28

    The Last Resort: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Fora-affiliated luxury travel advisors Jill Albino and Ronit Margolis about their recent stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. Albino and Margolis break down what makes The Retreat worth its premium price tag, with Margolis going so far as to call the property “one of the top three hotels I’ve ever been to.” The two share details on the resort’s elevated Icelandic cuisine, afternoon tea experience, complimentary spa circuit and standout service. They also cover what clients should be prepared for before they go, from the lagoon’s no-wet-hair rule and drink limit to the very real possibility of a volcanic eruption. Plus, the pair weigh in on whether one night at The Retreat is really enough. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 6th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of June.   Further resources: Jill Albino  Ronit Margolis The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland  Retreat takes Iceland's Blue Lagoon to the next level (Travel Weekly)  Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  2. The Last Resort: Atelier Playa Mujeres

    Apr 27

    The Last Resort: Atelier Playa Mujeres

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Jace Tarbell, founder of Somewhere Travel Co., about his most recent stay at Atelier Playa Mujeres, an all-inclusive just north of Cancun, Mexico.Tarbell breaks down what sets Atelier Playa Mujeres apart within the crowded all-inclusive landscape, from its standout mixology program and dining venues that could hold their own off property, to the design-forward details that he says make the resort feel “like a deep breath when you walk in.” He also addresses how the alarming Mexico headlines earlier this year affected his clients and whether bookings are bouncing back. Plus, Tarbell shares his “fantastic four” of go-to Mexico all-inclusive recommendations.Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.The 5th episode of the fourth season will be posted the last week of May. Further resources:  Jace Tarbell Somewhere Travel Co. Atelier Playa MujeresWant to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min
  3. The Last Resort: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection

    Mar 26

    The Last Resort: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Rebecca Bullen, a Smartflyer-affiliated luxury travel advisor and self-described Italy obsessive, about her recent visit to Collegio alla Querce, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Florence, Italy. Bullen makes the case for why this property deserves a spot in every Italy specialist’s toolkit, from its surprisingly accessible hillside location just 10 minutes from the city center to its sizable swimming pool, a rarity in Florence. She also shares her broader read on Italy demand, the off-season opportunity she’s increasingly pitching to clients and the upcoming Italian openings she’s watching most closely, from a Rocco Forte in Naples to Four Seasons taking over the Danieli in Venice. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 4th episode of the fourth season will be posted on April 20th. Further resources: Rebecca Bullen Travel Collegio Alla Querce, Auberge Collection Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  4. The Last Resort: SHA Mexico

    Feb 23

    The Last Resort: SHA Mexico

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Lauren Pronger, president and founder of Well Inspired Travels, about her multiple visits to SHA Mexico, the SHA brand’s first property in the Americas and what Pronger calls her “wellness Disneyland.” Pronger breaks down what sets SHA Mexico apart from other luxury wellness resorts, from its diagnostic, science-backed programming and signature hydrotherapy circuit to its deeply personalized approach. She shares insights into who makes an ideal SHA guest, how she curates experiences for her high-profile clientele, including professional athletes, and why the property’s proximity to major U.S. cities makes it a gamechanger for the Americas wellness travel market. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 3rd episode of the fourth season will be posted on March 23rd.Further resources:  Lauren Pronger Well Inspired Travel SHA Mexico  Hotels tap healthy demand for luxe longevity offerings (Travel Weekly) Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  5. The Last Resort: Prospect Berkshires

    Jan 30

    The Last Resort: Prospect Berkshires

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Erica Gragg, lead travel designer and founder of Escape Artists: Luxury Travel Advisors, about her recent visit to New York’s Hudson Valley and the Berkshires in Massachusetts, including her stay at the Prospect Berkshires. Hudson-based Gragg shares insider perspective on the region and discusses how the Prospect Berkshires and other properties deliver nature-focused experiences without sacrificing comfort. She also highlights a few favorite Hudson-area restaurants, explains which travelers might find these accessible destinations worth the journey from New York City and Boston, and shares observations on how the arrival of major brands like One&Only and Six Senses will shape the Hudson Valley's future. Currently in its fourth season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 2nd episode of the fourth season will be posted on February 23rd. Further resources: Erica Gragg Escape Artists: Luxury Travel Advisors Prospect Berkshires Glasco BLCK Creek Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  6. The Last Resort: Saffire Freycinet and Flockhill Lodge

    12/16/2025

    The Last Resort: Saffire Freycinet and Flockhill Lodge

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Karen Urosevich, founder of Well Placed Travel, about her recent visit to Australia and New Zealand and her stays at the Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania and Flockhill Lodge in Canterbury, New Zealand.Urosevich talks about how these two luxury lodges deliver personalized service that justifies their premium pricing, and shares details on the unique experiences—like shucking fresh oysters, herding sheep during lambing season and enjoying “food theater” at Flockhill’s award-winning restaurant—that made her trip especially memorable. She also offers tips on navigating these off-the-beaten-path destinations and talks about which travelers might find these remote, all-inclusive accommodations worth the journey.Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.The 1st episode of the fourth season will be posted on January 12. Further resources:  Karen Urosevich Well Placed Travel Saffire Freycinet Flockhill LodgeWant to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  7. The Last Resort: Canaves Collection

    11/10/2025

    The Last Resort: Canaves Collection

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with luxury travel advisors Limor Decter and Kim-Marie Galloway of Embark Beyond about their visits to the Canaves Collection properties on Santorini. The pair shares why Canaves Epitome has become their go-to recommendation over the traditional Caldera properties, thanks to its horizontal layout for easier mobility and sunset views at the infinity pool. They also discuss Greece’s hospitality challenges over the past summer, the logistics of island-hopping that DIY travelers often underestimate and why the Canaves team excels at creating “surprise and delight” moments for clients. Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The 12th episode of the third season will be posted on December 8. Further resources: Limor Decter Kim-Marie Galloway  Canaves Collection Tourism is starting to shake off Santorini quake scare (Travel Weekly)  Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  8. The Last Resort: W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu

    10/14/2025

    The Last Resort: W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu

    On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Stephanie Rizzolo, co-founder of Sette Travel & Lifestyle, an affiliate of Embark Beyond, about her recent visit to Sardinia’s northern coast and her stays at the W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu, Aethos Sardinia and Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel.Rizzolo reveals why the new W Sardinia is surprisingly sophisticated, shares the stark differences in beach access across luxury and lifestyle properties (some require boats!) and explains why shoulder season is the secret to experiencing this emerging Italian destination. She also discusses how Sardinia offers a fresh alternative to over-touristed hotspots like the Amalfi Coast, with Delta’s recently launched direct flight to Olbia making the destination more easily accessible.Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.The 11th episode of the third season will be posted on November 10.Further resources:  Stephanie Rizzolo Sette Travel & Lifestyle W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu Aethos Sardinia  Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel Sardinia hotels to join Belmond and Cheval Blanc portfolios (Travel Weekly) Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicense See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast hosted by Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. From Caribbean all-inclusives to mountainside lodges, we’ll be talking to advisors about their first-hand experiences at some of the most exciting and buzzed-about resorts around the world.

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