Stories

One of India’s leading travel writers and insiders, Fiona Caulfield, answers our questions about India and shares her expert knowledge—with everything from how she started as a female entrepreneur in the travel space and what she wishes more people understood about India, to the inside-scoop on her upcoming Indagare Insider Journeys and her must-visit shops and markets in Jaipur. Her popular Love Travel guides are a favorite amongst discerning travelers to India.

In honor of the 4th of July, we’re re-airing one of our most popular archival episodes exploring the Grand Canyon National Park. Melissa met expert Grand Canyon guide and outdoor adventurer Geno Kelly on a trip to Sedona. As a retired firefighter, Geno has been studying, hiking, rafting and guiding the Grand Canyon for over 45 years and has visited the nation’s wonder thousands of times. In this conversation, he shares mesmerizing stories of the unique geology, wildlife, archeology and history of the Grand Canyon. Tune in to unravel the layered history of the Grand Canyon and discover Geno’s tips for making the most of a trip including where to stay, where to eat and what activities to do. Plus - Melissa shares East Coast getaways you’ll want to check out this summer.

Lightning Round with Geno Kelly

• Favorite 4th of July activity? Pool and BBQ with friends
• Favorite restaurant in Sedona? The Table in Oak Creek Canyon Junipine Resort
• Favorite hotel in Sedona? Enchantment Resort for its incredible canyon views
• Favorite spot at the Grand Canyon? Throne Room at the bottom Deer Creek Falls - Yavapai Point from the top south Rim
• A fact about the Grand Canyon people would be surprised to learn? As you go hiking down the trails you will gain 5* F for every 1000 ft you descend into the canyon. If it is 80* F at the top it will be 105* F at the bottom.

Steve Schwartz is the founder, CEO and Master Blender of Los Angeles-based tea company, Art of Tea. Through the brand's 20 year existence, he’s worked with a number of big names, including Vera Wang, The Peninsula Hotels, and Wolfgang Puck restaurants, and he published his debut book, Art of Tea: A Journey of Ritual, Discovery and Impact, in 2022. During this episode, Steve shares how tragedy launched his unexpected journey into Ayurvedic healing which then led him to discover the art –– and science –– of tea. He shares stories from his encounters with tea farmers in Israel, Thailand, Laos and beyond. Tune in to hear Steve debunk misconceptions around tea, to get his top tea recommendations and to learn how tea serves as a window to other cultures. Plus - Melissa reveals her latest intel from a recent trip to London including exciting restaurants, new hotels and noteworthy shops.

Lightning Round with Steve Schwartz

• Favorite place in the world to source tea? Kyoto Prefecture or working with our monks in South India depending on the season.
• Favorite hotels you stay in while traveling? The Boca Raton and The Peninsula Tokyo
• A tea you recommend for sleep? Sleep
• A tea you recommend for wellness? Matcha+
• Best time of day to drink tea? Early morning for tea or sunset for tisanes
• Best hotel for afternoon tea? Hotel Bel-Air
• Favorite food and tea pairings? Dark Chocolate and our Earl Grey Creme
• Favorite restaurant in Los Angeles? Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington Gardens
• Favorite tea tradition in various cultures? Adding fresh lemon verbena to high quality loose leaf black tea is something I learned from working with farmers in Israel and the Middle East.

Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley is just back from two weeks in the South of France, as the coast starts to prepare for the high season. Get her report on what to know—including cultural highlights not to miss and more.

Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley shares the five reasons why Vienna is the city to be in this fall.

Painter, sculptor and ceramicist Agnès Sandahl shares her South of France favorites.

This fall, Indagare is partnering with Krug on three extraordinary small-group trips—Indagare Journeys: Discovering the Krug Single Ingredient. Each trip allows you to be part of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences and rare cuvée tastings with top chefs Matt Kammerer, Cassidee Dabney and Nathan Rich at three of Indagare’s favorite boutique hotels.

Indagare is always scouting for the newest best restaurants, classic spots and neighborhood gems that feel like a special find. Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Athens, for any occasion.

Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley shares her report on what to know in the South of France—including hotel and restaurant news and more.

Indagare’s Kathryn Nathanson shares her St. Tropez discoveries.

Get Indagare’s Kathryn Nathanson’s matchmaker for St. Tropez.

Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Martha’s Vineyard, for any occasion.

Indagare's Trey Ross highlights a trip through Transylvania—and how the region goes far beyond stories of Dracula.

From Jackson Hole, Deer Valley and Vancouver to Puglia, Mallorca, Zurich and Biarritz, Indagare members are setting off on exciting adventures and getaways to some of the most beautiful summer locales on earth. Get the highlights and inspiration for your next trip.

Fashion icon and designer Trina Turk shares the lessons she learned in creating her optimistic, colorful line at the age of 34. She explores how growing up in California influenced her dreamy brand and her favorite destinations in the golden state. She also reveals her favorite flea markets in Los Angeles, her love for Palm Springs, tips for vintage shopping and more. Together, Melissa and Trina explore some of the places they’re most excited about - from Mexico City to South America - and dive into Trina’s joy of architectural tours while traveling (hint: Hollyhock House). She also reveals why she believes brick and mortar stores are “due for an upswing” and tips for aspiring fashion designers. Plus- don’t miss this week’s Indagare Insight on Melissa’s California Road Trip recommendations!

Lightning Round with Trina Turk

• Favorite place for a drink with friends in Los Angeles? Dada on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park with the entrance in the back. It's chic and chill—with a delicious kumquat and fennel margarita.
• What items are always in your carry-on? For long flights: Dark chocolate, Laneige lip sleeping mask, silicone earplugs, an eye mask, and a good book.
• Do you have a favorite travel ritual? The week before a trip, as I come across clothing and accessories I’d like to take, I pile them on the bed in my guest bedroom, then make the final edit the day before departure. Many travel articles talk about packing an all-neutral travel wardrobe, but I can’t do it! I always pack a few colorful, unusual, pieces that spark conversation and make for memorable photos.

California Girl and fashion icon Trina Turk is known and loved for her bold prints and affinity for all things mid-century modern. She splits her time between the Los Angeles creative enclave of Silver Lake and homes in Palm Springs and the Sea Ranch (a Sonoma Coast hideaway for architecture fiends). Here, she shares her favorite places to eat, shop and explore in each.

Indagare Founder Melissa Biggs Bradley outlines six reasons to embark on a safari to Rwanda.

Indagare Founder Melissa Biggs Bradley reflects on the people she met on an inspiring Indagare Journey to Rwanda.

Join Indagare Insider Journeys: Discover the Krug Single Ingredient Culinary Experiences

Krug Champagne has continued to set new standards for quality, creativity, and excellence since 1843 when Joseph Krug laid the foundation for the globally recognized Champagne house. In this week’s episode, Melissa is joined by Olivier Krug, sixth generation of the Krug family and current Director of the House. The two dive into Krug’s techniques and innovations, including the Krug Single Ingredient, an initiative founded in 2015 that invites chefs from around the world to craft recipes around each Krug Grande Cuvée and Krug Rosé Édition. This year’s ingredient, Flower, will be highlighted in three upcoming Indagare Insider Journeys. Each bespoke itinerary includes exclusive gastronomic journeys and affords guests the opportunity to taste some of Krug’s rarest cuvées. Together, Melissa and Olivier discuss these special trips, the Krug Family House in Reims, the stringent tasting criteria and more. Plus on this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa and Olivier reveal champagne tips and insider knowledge you won’t want to miss including the proper glass from which to drink it… Spoiler: it’s neither a flute nor a coupe!

Lightning Round with Olivier Krug

• Favorite song or type of music to pair with a glass of Krug Champagne? Much like music, Krug champagnes have a fullness of flavors and aromas in which everyone can find something to stir the melody, much in the way anyone can enjoy the universal language of music. Each year, the House invites and works closely with Krug Lover artists from different universes and from all over the world. From traditional rhythms to modern beats, from stereo to multidimensional sound experiments, I am moved by any music as long as they are passionate artists.
• Favorite restaurant in Reims? L'Assiette Champenoise holds a special place in my heart because I have known Arnaud Lallement for many years. Arnaud is the creative force and the Chef behind all the menus at the Krug Family House. Naturally, this has fostered a strong and enduring relationship between Maison Krug and L'Assiette Champenoise. It’s always a pleasure to go enjoy a gastronomic journey there.

Summer is here, with delightful new hotels welcoming travelers for their first season. Whether you prefer to spend your days by the beach, pool or lake, these properties offer plenty of places for catching up on your reading, sipping something chilled and enjoying all of your favorite outdoor activities. These are a few of the places on our radar.

Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Istanbul, for any occasion.

Melissa shares some of the items that she stocks up on in European pharmacies and why.

Daisy Knatchbull, creator of London's popular retailer The Deck, shares her favorite shops, restaurants and things to do in her hometown.

Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley shares highlights and special moments from a birthday trip to London with her daughter.

The Largo's Experience Curator Matilde Barroso shares her Insider's Guide to Porto with local recommendations for places to eat, shop, explore and more.