Travel Bros Pod

Travel Bros Pod

All things luxury hotels where we spend an hour+ breaking down everything you need to know about specific luxury hotel properties. A weekly podcast about luxury travel and how to make it better for your vacations. We cover a new luxury hotel each week from areas such as Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, California, Florida, Europe, the rest of the USA, and Asia.  

  1. 4D AGO

    Caribbean Luxury Coming Soon: 8 New Hotels You Need to Know! 🏝️

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Joey and Jamie are diving deep into the massive wave of luxury hotel openings transforming the Caribbean. From private island "Maldives-style" bungalows in Belize to the "cursed" expensive history of a brand-new Waldorf Astoria, we’re breaking down where you should—book your future vacation. We also discuss the "Waikiki-fication" of popular islands, the rise of branded residences, and why you might want to wait six months after a grand opening before checking in.   Book Your Next Escape with The Travel Bros  When you book through us, we provide great VIP benefits like free breakfast, $100+ property credits, and priority upgrades—at no extra cost to you! It could be these properties mentioned here or many others around the world.  Ready for the "First Class" treatment? Unlock Exclusive Luxury Perks & Book Your Trip Today:  http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus  New Hotels Mentioned Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Caye Chapel (Belize) – Private island with overwater bungalows, set for 2027. Waldorf Astoria Turks and Caicos Dellis Cay(Turks & Caicos ) – A 175-key luxury resort built on the site of a former Mandarin Oriental "ghost resort," opening 2028. Bvlgari Resort and Mansions (Cave Cay, Bahamas) – Ultra-exclusive Exumas retreat featuring a full-service marina, set for 2029 Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Cartagena (Colombia) – Historic conversion in the  Getsemaní neighborhood, opening May 15, 2026. Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) – Massive 2,000+ room all-inclusive "mega-resort" with a water park, soft opening June 1, 2026. Mandarin Oriental (St. James Point, Grand Cayman) – Ground-up build away from the Seven Mile Beach crowds, estimated Q1 2028 Bay Gardens Sapphire Sands Villa (St. Lucia) – Boutique 27-key luxury villa concept, opening "any day now" in early 2026 Montage Cay Bahamas (Abacos, Bahamas) – A 50-suite private island sanctuary featuring its own seaplane service, aimed for late 2026.  YouTube Chapters 0:00 – Introduction: Episode 65 & The 6-Month Buffer Rule  2:10 – Four Seasons Belize: Overwater Bungalows & $500M Budgets  8:14 – Waldorf Astoria Turks & Caicos: The Legend of a failed mega resort 14:57 – Bvllgari Bahamas: Ultra-Luxury in the Exumas  23:47 – Four Seasons Cartagena: Cities First Ultra Luxury Hotel 30:50 – Moon Palace Punta Cana: The Next Baha Mar?  38:28 – Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman: Escape Seven Mile Beach  44:18 – Travel Update: Cancelled Middle East Tour & St. Lucia Villas  47:17 – Montage Cay: Seaplanes & The Resurgence of the Abacos 56:24 – Final Thoughts: The Turks & Caicos Airport Crisis

    1h 4m
  2. FEB 27

    Should You Stop Booking Hotel Rooms in Vail? Why We Choose Vail Residences at Cascade Village

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In Episode 64, the Travel Bros are back with a mix of hotel horror stories and luxury ski reviews! Jamie recently returned from the Vail Residences at Cascade Village (attached to the Grand Hyatt Vail), and we’re breaking down everything you need to know about these multi-family luxury condos.These condos range from 2 to 5 bedrooms and provide full access to Grand Hyatt amenities like the pool, hot tubs, and ski valet. ✨ Exclusive Perks from Booking Hyatt Prive with Us 🍳 Daily Complimentary Full Breakfast (2 People per Bedroom at Gessner)  💳 $100 On-Property Credit ⬆️ Complimentary Room Upgrade Subject to availability ⏰ Early Check-In & Late Check-Out Subject to availability 🛎️ Book with us: http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 00:00 - Intro & Episode 64 Kickoff 00:42 - Late Checkout Controversy in Mexico 05:51 - Live Reaction: The Hotel Coffee Maker "Underwear" Video  09:12 - Review: Vail Residences at Cascade Village (Grand Hyatt)  11:43 - Real Talk: Handling Issue at Vail Residences at Cascade Village 14:52 - Why Book Hyatt Prive? Extra Benefits for Groups & Families  19:11 - The Warming Hut: Après-Ski Churros & S'mores  20:12 - Ski-In/Ski-Out: Is Vail Too Challenging for Beginners?  21:49 - Vail vs. Beaver Creek: The Best Choice for Beginning Skiers  24:05 - Dining in Vail: Makoto, Red Lion, & Blue Moose Pizza  31:32 - Comparing Sonnenalp Vail vs. Four Seasons Vail 43:12 - Local Tips: The Best Coffee & Breakfast Burritos in Town  46:14 - Spring Break Planning & Closing Thoughts TLDR Hotel Horror: A viral Reddit post sparked debate after the Westin Puerto Vallarta denied a late checkout to a guest during a cartel emergency Coffee Maker PSA: Do NOT use hotel coffee makers for anything but coffee—apparently, cleaning underwear in them is an old "trick" some travelers use. Vail Residences Review: These condos range from 2 to 5 bedrooms and provide full access to Grand Hyatt amenities like the pool, hot tubs, and ski valet. Condo Pro-Tip: They provide luxury robes, but you must bring your own slippers/slides as the hotel won't supply them to the Cascade residences. The "Warming Hut": A standout feature at the lift where guests get complimentary daily treats like hot apple cider and s'mores. Skiing Advice: For beginners, Beaver Creek is superior because it funnels all skiers back to the same area, whereas Vail is massive and easy to get lost in.

    48 min
  3. FEB 20

    The Best Luxury Hotel Brand You’ve Never Stayed At: Shangri-La Explained

    https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In Episode 63 of the Travel Bros Podcast, Joey and Jamie pull back the curtain on Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. While many Western travelers are loyal to Marriott or Hilton, Shangri-La offers a distinct "Eastern" luxury experience that focuses on local integration and warm service. Joey shares some unique nuggets such as that Shangri-La Hotels created the hotel scent concept.  ✨ We break down the Luxury Circle Program—an exclusive program that allows us to get you VIP treatment, including: ⬆️ Confirmed room upgrades within 24 hours of booking. 🍳 Full daily breakfast for two (including in-room dining!). 💳 $100+ property credits for food or spa services. ⏰ VIP Welcome Amenities and flexible check-in/out. From the 15-acre botanical sanctuary in Singapore and the former palace of Roland Bonaparte in Paris to the high-altitude infinity pools in London and the $1,000-a-night treehouse villas in Boracay, we explore the best properties in the portfolio for families, couples, and business travelers alike. Ready to book your next stay with Luxury Circle benefits Book with us at: https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 00:00 – Intro: Why You Should Know Shangri-La 01:30 – Brand DNA: Eastern vs. Western Luxury 02:45 – The Pioneer of "Scent Branding" 03:27 – The Luxury Circle Program: Perks & Benefits 05:01 – Why In-Room Dining Breakfast is a Game Changer 06:47 – Shangri-La Singapore: The Garden Flagship & Secret Tunnels 10:43 – Shangri-La Paris: Living in Prince Roland Bonaparte’s Palace 15:19 – Shangri-La The Shard, London: Binoculars & Romeo the Fox 21:23 – Island Shangri-La Hong Kong & The "Horizon Club" Advantage 25:35 – Shangri-La Boracay: Affordable Treehouse Villas & Private Speedboats 32:41 – Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius: Barefoot Luxury 35:27 – Shangri-La Yanuka Island, Fiji: Private Island on a Budget 40:21 – Shangri-La Tokyo: Proximity to Tokyo Station & Large Rooms 45:03 – How to Book with the Travel Bros TLDR Shangri-La hotels focus on integrating local culture into their properties. The Luxury Circle Program offers significant benefits for travelers. Shangri-La Singapore is known for its unique urban retreat experience. Shangri-La Paris provides a palace-like stay with Eiffel Tower views. The Shard London offers modern luxury with stunning city views. Shangri-La Hong Kong is family-friendly with excellent skyline views. Boracay is considered one of the best beach hotel properties in Asia. Le Toussrok Mauritius offers a more affordable luxury experience. Yanuka Island Fiji provides a private island getaway with great amenities. Shangri-La Tokyo is a convenient base for exploring the city.

    46 min
  4. FEB 13

    The BEST Beach Resort in Florida - JW Marriott Marco Island

    https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode of Travel Bros, host Joey Redmond is joined by special guest Kelsey Graves, a  travel content creator and host of the Trip Tales podcast. Kelsey shares her expert insights on the JW Marriott Marco Island, a massive beachfront resort that feels more like Hawaii than Florida. Whether you are planning a family vacation with five kids or a quiet adults-only escape, this episode covers everything from secret room-booking hacks to where to find the best caviar on the island. Additional Marriott Luminous Benefits Booking with Us: $100 Property Credit  Room upgrade (subject to availability at check-in) Complimentary breakfast daily (2 per bedroom)  Welcome amenity and note from property4 *Other Exclusive Travel Agent Rates +  Promos  00:00 – Introduction: Meet Kelsey Graves from Trip Tales 03:11 – First Impressions: The Polynesian-style "Wow" factor 06:13 – Navigating the Property: Family Tower vs. Adults-Only side 08:54 – Pool & Beach Tips: Dealing with the $55 resort fee and chair "snagging" 11:03 – Room Hacks: How to fit a family of five in standard rooms 13:48 - One Bedroom Lanai Suite  15:50 - Breakfast Buffet at Maia 17:10 Paradise by Sirene Adults Only Tower and Dining 20:36 10k Alley (Arcade, Bar, Mini Golf, Etc..)  23:00 Dining at Ario (Fine Dining Steakhouse)  25:20 Quinn's Beachside 27:35 Kane's Tiki Bar 29:18 The Memorable Sunsets at JW Marriott 33:40 Spa by JW  39:00 Flight Connectivity to Marco Island  42:40 Local Tips and Activities on Marco Island 47:45 Marco Golf And Garden 49:01 Snook Inn Marco Island 51:00 More Local Tips and our Endless Conclusions  TLDR Resort Fees: Expect a $55/day resort fee, which includes an umbrella and four beach chairs. The beach is exceptionally wide, which helps with crowds Bring water shoes due to lots of shells on the beach This island has way less traffic than 30A or other Florida hot spots Manicured landscaping and waterfalls give it a distinct Polynesian/Hawaiian feel 747 rooms across two main towers, plus a 94-room adults-only tower Marco Island is a barrier island south of Naples, Florida Kelsey Graves:, our guest is the Host of Trip Tales, a podcast where guests share the highs and lows of their real-world travels. Follow her on Instagram for more Marco Island expertise. Facebook Group Suggested:  Marco Island Life

    1h 11m
  5. FEB 6

    Don’t Book Grand Cayman Until You Watch This! (Best Hotels & Tips)

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Thinking about a trip to the Cayman Islands? In Episode 61 of the Travel Bros podcast, Joey Redmond and Jamie Haas dive deep into why Grand Cayman is one of their favorite destination in the Caribbean. From Seven Mile Beach to the best-connected airport in the region (GCM), we cover everything you need to know before you book.  We break down the island’s top luxury properties—including the Ritz-Carlton and the family-favorite Kimpton Seafire, Westin Grand Cayman, Palm Heights, and the new Grand Hyatt Cayman Islands that might (or might not) open soon. We also share essential tips on driving on the left, navigating "outrageous" resort fees, and the best local spots for dining and activities. If you want extra VIP Benefits & More at any of these hotels mentioned above, please feel free to fill out our form and reach out:  https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus ***Apologies in advance, we have some weird sync issues with audio/video that creep in and get worse towards the end of the video. Did our best to fix them but please still enjoy the episode***   00:00 – Welcome to Cayman Islands 02:50 – Flights & Logistics: Why GCM is the best airport in the Caribbean  06:40 – Ramblings about Cayman Islands and Currency  07:24 – Getting Around: Rental car tips and driving on the left side  10:02 – Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman: Recent renovations and the "Stars" program perks  14:35 – Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa: Why it’s the best choice for families with kids  16:37 Kimpton Seafire Family Suite with Bunk Beds 22:15 – Hotel Indigo: A newer, budget-friendly alternative to Kimpton 23:47 – Westin Grand Cayman: The best "bang for your buck" on Seven Mile Beach  26:30 – Grand Hyatt Cayman: Predicting the opening date for this massive new hotel project  34:31 – Palm Heights: A boutique, retro-vibe retreat for an adult-focused getaway  39:03 – Island Activities: Turtle Center, Stingray City, and Hydrofoil boards  43:56 – Local Run Club (Run Club Cayman)  TLDR Cayman Islands is known for its excellent airport and infrastructure. Direct flights are available from various U.S. cities to Cayman Islands. Culinary diversity in Cayman includes both local and Michelin-star restaurants. Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman is a top luxury choice with great amenities. Kimpton Seafire offers a more private and family-friendly experience. Westin Grand Cayman provides good value for its location and amenities. Grand Hyatt Cayman Islands is an upcoming property with modern features. Palm Heights is a boutique hotel with a unique Caribbean vibe. Stingray City is a must-visit attraction for families. Cayman Islands has great grocery store options compared to other islands in the Caribbean

    50 min
  6. JAN 30

    Best Hotels in Switzerland You NEED to Know Before Booking 🇨🇭

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode of the Travel Bros Podcast, hosts Joey Redmond and Jamie Haas break down the best luxury hotels in Switzerland—from iconic city hotels to jaw-dropping alpine retreats. Joey brings summer travel experience, Jamie brings winter ski expertise, and together they cover Switzerland from every angle. Whether you’re planning a Swiss ski trip, a summer lake getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury vacation, this episode is packed with real-world insights, hotel pros & cons, pricing expectations, and honest opinions you won’t find in a brochure. 00:00 – Welcome to Switzerland 🇨🇭 | Travel Bros Intro 01:05 – Getting to Switzerland: Flights, Trains & Rental Cars 03:14 - Park Hyatt Zurich Review (Location & Who It’s For) 04:30 - Shocking Price of Cheeseburgers 05:00 - Park Hyatt Zurich Ambassador Suite Tour 07:30 - Luxury Car Spotting in Zurich 09:28 Four Seasons Geneva Overview (Historic Lakefront Hotel) 13:33 Riffelhaus 1853 Zermatt (True Ski-In / Ski-Out) 16:00 Sledging in Zermatt (Better Than Skiing?) 17:30 The Omnia Zermatt Review (Most Modern Hotel) 20:20 Cervo Hotel - Alternative Option in Zermatt 23:27 Dolder Grand Zurich Review (Views, Spa & Art Collection) 27:02 Summer in Zurich: River Floating (Flussbad Au-Höngg) 29:34 Lucerne Museum of Transportation 30:05 Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa 33:40 Park Hotel Vitznau (Romantic Luxury Escape) 35:48 Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne (Best City Hotel) 37:10 Carlton Hotel St. Moritz Review 40:00 St. Moritz Ice Car Event & Winter Culture 42:40 Watch a Swiss League Soccer Game! 44:00 Final Switzerland Travel Tips and Thoughts 🏨 Hotels Covered in This Episode Zurich Park Hyatt Zurich The Dolder Grand Geneva Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva Zermatt Riffelhaus 1853 (ski-in / ski-out) The Omnia Zermatt Cervo Mountain Resort Lucerne & Lake Lucerne Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa Park Hotel Vitznau Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne St. Moritz Carlton Hotel St. Moritz 🎿 What We Talk About Best luxury hotels by city & region Ski season vs summer travel in Switzerland Why Switzerland is expensive (and where it’s worth it) Transportation tips: trains vs renting a car Skiing in Zermatt & St. Moritz (plus lift ticket pricing) Family-friendly vs romantic luxury hotels Swiss hotel minimum stay rules (very important!) Unique experiences like sledging, river swimming & alpine spas ✨ Travel Advisor Perks Booking with Us! When you book with us, many of these hotels include: Daily breakfast for two $100+ hotel credits Room upgrades (when available) Early check-in & late checkout VIP welcome amenities Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you: https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 📝  NOTEPAD and Links! River Floating in Zurich:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/biuDP2MeN3U3gCRJA JAPAN Hotels You Need to Know! https://youtu.be/9v3i9tfyEKw?si=iWAAjNcf_Bz6EIDu Italy Hotels You NEED to Know in 2025 https://youtu.be/vxpqBxQItj0?si=8XVuu43PWIKDuI-k Grand Hotel Victoria (Lake Como Hotel Mentioned in Episode)  https://youtu.be/pAGwN5Pa8oo?si=VA5x1LfiMRm5PSw7

    46 min
  7. JAN 23

    How to Instantly Upgrade Your Luxury Vacation

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode, Joey and Jamie share luxury travel tips and vacation upgrades that elevate your experience from the airport to the resort. They break down the best luxury vacation upgrades, including luggage shipping services, fast-track airport and customs clearance, private airport meet-and-greet services, luxury airport lounges and suites, private transfers, exclusive cabanas, and private tours. They also discuss why professional travel photography is one of the most underrated ways to capture unforgettable luxury travel memories. Whether you’re planning a luxury vacation, high-end travel experience, or VIP getaway, this episode covers smart luxury travel splurges that save time, reduce stress, and help you travel like a pro. Topics Covered: • Luxury travel tips and hacks • Best luxury vacation upgrades • VIP airport services & fast track customs • Private transfers and exclusive tours • Luxury resorts, cabanas, and airport suites • Capturing memories with travel photography 00:00 Enhancing Luxury Vacations 101 01:05 Luggage Shipping Services 02:45 Fast Track Through Customs 06:00 PUJ Airport VIP Service and Lounge 7:45 Going to Private Tours vs Group Tours 11:08 Private Airport Meet & Greet and Lounge 14:30 Private Airport Transfers (Hotel Car Service?) 19:25 Private Suite Experience (LAX, ATL, MIA, DFW, CDG) 22:20 Cabanas and Loungers: Maximizing Comfort 24:30 Photoshoots on Vacation  Jamie and I would love to help you book your next luxury trip with exclusive VIP benefits and we can work to add any of these things mentioned above as well. Please just fill out our form and we will get back to you ASAP:  https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus

    30 min
  8. JAN 16

    Inside Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica | Where Jungle, Ocean & Luxury Meet

    http:/www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode of the Travel Bros Podcast, hosts Joey Redmond and Jamie Haas take you inside the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, one of the most anticipated luxury resorts in Costa Rica. Set on a secluded stretch of coastline, this stunning property features 148 guest rooms and 40 expansive suites, blending modern luxury with Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Joey and Jamie break down the different room categories, standout amenities, and signature design elements, including outdoor soaking tubs, sweeping ocean views, and 18 resort-style pools designed for ultimate relaxation. They also discuss what makes this Waldorf Astoria truly unique and if you’re considering a luxury escape to Costa Rica or simply want an inside look at one of the country’s newest five-star resorts, this episode is a must-watch. Interested in an amazing turn key Costa Rica adventure or booking the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica through Hilton for Luxury Program? Fill out our form below.  Hilton for Luxury Benefits:  Daily complimentary breakfast (2 people per room) $10 USD property credit once per stay A complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability) Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) Earn Double Hilton Honors points!!! http:/www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 00:00 Introduction to Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica 00:45 Adventure Opportunities in Costa Rica 03:14 Overview of the Hotel's Location and Beach Access 04:02 Ocean View Room Features 07:00 Booking Benefits with Hilton for Luxury with Us 8:20 Room Types on Property and Ideas 12:50 My Service Mishaps and Check-In Debacle 15:00 Tico Taca - Breakfast and Main Dining Location 19:00 La Finca  20:37 Monkeys and Wildlife at Waldorf Astoria 21:35 The Terrace Bar  26:00 Buena Nota Cafe 29:15 Fitness Center Dining Options and Drink Prices 26:48 Fitness Center and Pools Overview 32:36 Little Kids Club and Teen Room Amenities 34:00 Talking Pools Pools Pools and the Beach and Snorkeling Experiences 44:13 Final Thoughts and Hotel Pricing TLDR  This property just opened in 2025. All beaches in Costa Rica are public. Every room has a humongous oversized shower. The coffee at Buena Nota Bakery is amazing. You can get free kayaks and a snorkeling tour on property There are 18 public pools across this property. The monkeys make their way kind of across the property during the day Pricing is starting to trend down and find a good value place in the market in 2026

    49 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

All things luxury hotels where we spend an hour+ breaking down everything you need to know about specific luxury hotel properties. A weekly podcast about luxury travel and how to make it better for your vacations. We cover a new luxury hotel each week from areas such as Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, California, Florida, Europe, the rest of the USA, and Asia.  

You Might Also Like