There are countless reasons to love travel, but for many people, the magic of a great hotel experience drives their passion. Marriott International’s Senior Vice President of Luxury Brands, Chris Gabaldon, joins Bruce Wallin to talk about some of the more than 130 new Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and other hotels that his company will be opening in the coming months and years—but also about his personal love for hotels and travel.

Gabaldon points out that many historic hotels, such as the St. Regis New York, have lived through multiple wars, pandemics, and other human tragedies. Their presence today, he says, is comforting, landmarks that have stood the test of time and continue to bring guests and staff together. But for Gabaldon, the primary draw of travel is to explore something new. He does not need it to be a glamorous experience; he wants it to be different and something he hasn’t seen before. In the last year, traveling for him has been about getting in the car and driving up the New England coast to discover smaller towns he’s never visited before.

Gabaldon believes that our newfound love of local travel isn’t going away anytime soon. We are going to continue to see an increase in travel to the ‘second-tier cities.’ But he also believes that bucket-list travel is starting to reemerge. 

Of the many new openings in Gabaldon’s portfolio of brands—which, in addition to Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, includes the Luxury Collection, W Hotels, and more—he’s particularly excited about the upcoming W properties in Rome and Nashville. The brand, he says, is going through a rebirth, and he’s eager to see the new design come to life. He also cites the St. Regis Chicago, which will be the city’s tallest hotel, and Ritz-Carltons in Mexico City, the Riviera Maya in Mexico, the Maldives, and Paradise Valley in Arizona. In the Luxury Collection—which he describes as incredibly localized hotels that have much more freedom with their design, culinary, and culture to truly become immersed in the destinations—he talks about new properties in Tasmania, Budapest, and Nashville.  

Finally, Gabaldon discusses the launch of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. He speaks to the challenges of launching a cruise brand during a pandemic and how there have been several unforeseen factors such as the disruption of the supply chain. Despite these hurdles, the brand is on course to launch in May of 2022 and in so doing, he says, will usher in a unique experience on the seas.

Additional Links:

W Rome

W Nashville

the St. Regis Chicago 

Ritz-Carlton Mexico City

Ritz-Carlton Cancun

Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, Arizona

The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

Matild, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest

The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

-----------------------------------

Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

There are countless reasons to love travel, but for many people, the magic of a great hotel experience drives their passion. Marriott International&rsquo;s Senior Vice President of Luxury Brands, Chris Gabaldon, joins Bruce Wallin to talk about some of the more than 130 new Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and other hotels that his company will be opening in the coming months and years&mdash;but also about his personal love for hotels and travel.
Gabaldon points out that many historic hotels, such as the St. Regis New York, have lived through multiple wars, pandemics, and other human tragedies. Their presence today, he says, is comforting, landmarks that have stood the test of time and continue to bring guests and staff together. But for Gabaldon, the primary draw of travel is to explore something new. He does not need it to be a glamorous experience; he wants it to be different and something he hasn&rsquo;t seen before. In the last year, traveling for him has been about getting in the car and driving up the New England coast to discover smaller towns he&rsquo;s never visited before.
Gabaldon believes that our newfound love of local travel isn&rsquo;t going away anytime soon. We are going to continue to see an increase in travel to the &lsquo;second-tier cities.&rsquo; But he also believes that bucket-list travel is starting to reemerge.&nbsp;
Of the many new openings in Gabaldon&rsquo;s portfolio of brands&mdash;which, in addition to Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, includes the Luxury Collection, W Hotels, and more&mdash;he&rsquo;s particularly excited about the upcoming W properties in Rome and Nashville. The brand, he says, is going through a rebirth, and he&rsquo;s eager to see the new design come to life. He also cites the St. Regis Chicago, which will be the city&rsquo;s tallest hotel, and Ritz-Carltons in Mexico City, the Riviera Maya in Mexico, the Maldives, and Paradise Valley in Arizona. In the Luxury Collection&mdash;which he describes as incredibly localized hotels that have much more freedom with their design, culinary, and culture to truly become immersed in the destinations&mdash;he talks about new properties in Tasmania, Budapest, and Nashville.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Finally, Gabaldon discusses the launch of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. He speaks to the challenges of launching a cruise brand during a pandemic and how there have been several unforeseen factors such as the disruption of the supply chain. Despite these hurdles, the brand is on course to launch in May of 2022 and in so doing, he says, will usher in a unique experience on the seas.
Additional Links:
<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/romwv-w-rome/">W Rome</a>
<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnawn-w-nashville/">W Nashville</a>
the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chixr-the-st-regis-chicago/">St. Regis Chicago&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/mexico/mexico-city/hotel-overview">Ritz-Carlton Mexico City</a>
<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/mexico/cancun?scid=47c60d99-4097-4275-b508-e5e7609c555d&amp;ppc=ppc&amp;pId=ustbppc&amp;nst=paid&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzOqKBhAWEiwArQGwaMZCbiMEevJeZLL6kWz30jKq2WPzBTcgO_c_i-g7vxlEil0YHGqGmhoCTEsQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Ritz-Carlton Cancun</a>
<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/maldives-fari-islands#Villas">Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands</a>
<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/arizona/paradise-valley">Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley</a>, Arizona
<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hbalc-the-tasman-a-luxury-collection-hotel-hobart/">The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart</a>
<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/budlc-matild-palace-a-luxury-collection-hotel-budapest/">Matild, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest</a>
<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnalj-the-joseph-a-luxury-collection-hotel-nashville/">The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville</a>
<a href="https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=1064612570&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzOqKBhAWEiwArQGwaJGe_QEPjVstyoAau6MAZo_6ZpJS9Bc4icTsu1GQDjO7GrgEajkP_hoCiK8QAvD_BwEhttps://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=1064612570&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzOqKBhAWEiwArQGwaJGe_QEPjVstyoAau6MAZo_6ZpJS9Bc4icTsu1GQDjO7GrgEajkP_hoCiK8QAvD_BwE">Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection</a>
-----------------------------------
Learn more about the podcast: <a href="https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters">https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters</a>
Hosted by: Bruce Wallin
Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone
Music by: Joey Salvia
A CurtCo Media Production

Travel That Matters (named one of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2022 by Men’s Journal) explores the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences and destinations with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Bruce’s remarkable guests share inspiring, life-shaping stories about their adventures and cultural explorations, as well as travel tips and recommendations for the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, activities, and more. Their travel tales and insights cover everything from where to find delicious foods and ingredients and the most luxurious resorts and hotels, to the most fascinating modern cultural experiences and historical explorations.

The show’s special Master Chef episodes highlight the travels and tastes of the world’s top chefs, from culinary adventures through Africa with Marcus Samuelsson and exploring remote corners of Japan with Daniel Boulud, to discovering insider spots in Australia with Curtis Stone and relaxing and rejuvenating with Nina Compton on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll even hear stories about great travelers like Anthony Bourdain and get souvenir recommendations, from traditional handicrafts to unique local delicacies.

Episodes of Travel That Matters span the globe, from Sicily, Italy, to Oaxaca, Mexico, to Tel-Aviv, Israel, and beyond. Listeners also learn about the greatest activities around the United States—award-winning wine tasting, the best new restaurants, epic hiking trails, secret skiing and surfing spots, and charming boutiques in places like Healdsburg and Napa Valley (California), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and New Orleans (Louisiana).

Listen to Travel That Matters every other Tuesday and gain insider knowledge to impactful adventures, extravagant hotels, top chefs, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.

Travel That Matters (named one of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2022 by Men’s Journal) explores the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences and destinations with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Bruce’s remarkable guests share inspiring, life-shaping stories about their adventures and cultural explorations, as well as travel tips and recommendations for the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, activities, and more. Their travel tales and insights cover everything from where to find delicious foods and ingredients and the most luxurious resorts and hotels, to the most fascinating modern cultural experiences and historical explorations.
The show’s special Master Chef episodes highlight the travels and tastes of the world’s top chefs, from culinary adventures through Africa with Marcus Samuelsson and exploring remote corners of Japan with Daniel Boulud, to discovering insider spots in Australia with Curtis Stone and relaxing and rejuvenating with Nina Compton on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll even hear stories about great travelers like Anthony Bourdain and get souvenir recommendations, from traditional handicrafts to unique local delicacies.
Episodes of Travel That Matters span the globe, from Sicily, Italy, to Oaxaca, Mexico, to Tel-Aviv, Israel, and beyond. Listeners also learn about the greatest activities around the United States—award-winning wine tasting, the best new restaurants, epic hiking trails, secret skiing and surfing spots, and charming boutiques in places like Healdsburg and Napa Valley (California), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and New Orleans (Louisiana).
Listen to Travel That Matters every other Tuesday and gain insider knowledge to impactful adventures, extravagant hotels, top chefs, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.

Explore the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Each episode will inspire you with fascinating stories about unique, life-shaping journeys—and connect you to the remarkable people who make them possible. Gain insider access to extravagant hotels, impactful adventures, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.

Travel That Matters

Travel That Matters (named one of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2022 by Men’s Journal) explores the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences and destinations with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Bruce’s remarkable guests share inspiring, life-shaping stories about their adventures and cultural explorations, as well as travel tips and recommendations for the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, activities, and more. Their travel tales and insights cover everything from where to find delicious foods and ingredients and the most luxurious resorts and hotels, to the most fascinating modern cultural experiences and historical explorations.

The show’s special Master Chef episodes highlight the travels and tastes of the world’s top chefs, from culinary adventures through Africa with Marcus Samuelsson and exploring remote corners of Japan with Daniel Boulud, to discovering insider spots in Australia with Curtis Stone and relaxing and rejuvenating with Nina Compton on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll even hear stories about great travelers like Anthony Bourdain and get souvenir recommendations, from traditional handicrafts to unique local delicacies.

Episodes of Travel That Matters span the globe, from Sicily, Italy, to Oaxaca, Mexico, to Tel-Aviv, Israel, and beyond. Listeners also learn about the greatest activities around the United States—award-winning wine tasting, the best new restaurants, epic hiking trails, secret skiing and surfing spots, and charming boutiques in places like Healdsburg and Napa Valley (California), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and New Orleans (Louisiana).

You might enjoy Travel That Matters if you also enjoy one of these other podcasts: Travel with Rick Steves, Zero to Travel Podcast, Condé Nast Traveller Podcast, Know Before You Go Travel Show, Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast, Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler, or Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast.

Listen to Travel That Matters every other Tuesday and gain insider knowledge to impactful adventures, extravagant hotels, top chefs, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.

Travel That Matters (named one of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2022 by Men’s Journal) explores the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences and destinations with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Bruce’s remarkable guests share inspiring, life-shaping stories about their adventures and cultural explorations, as well as travel tips and recommendations for the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, activities, and more. Their travel tales and insights cover everything from where to find delicious foods and ingredients and the most luxurious resorts and hotels, to the most fascinating modern cultural experiences and historical explorations.
The show’s special Master Chef episodes highlight the travels and tastes of the world’s top chefs, from culinary adventures through Africa with Marcus Samuelsson and exploring remote corners of Japan with Daniel Boulud, to discovering insider spots in Australia with Curtis Stone and relaxing and rejuvenating with Nina Compton on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll even hear stories about great travelers like Anthony Bourdain and get souvenir recommendations, from traditional handicrafts to unique local delicacies.
Episodes of Travel That Matters span the globe, from Sicily, Italy, to Oaxaca, Mexico, to Tel-Aviv, Israel, and beyond. Listeners also learn about the greatest activities around the United States—award-winning wine tasting, the best new restaurants, epic hiking trails, secret skiing and surfing spots, and charming boutiques in places like Healdsburg and Napa Valley (California), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and New Orleans (Louisiana).
You might enjoy Travel That Matters if you also enjoy one of these other podcasts: Travel with Rick Steves, Zero to Travel Podcast, Condé Nast Traveller Podcast, Know Before You Go Travel Show, Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast, Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler, or Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast.
Listen to Travel That Matters every other Tuesday and gain insider knowledge to impactful adventures, extravagant hotels, top chefs, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.

Travel That Matters | Luxury Travel Recommendations by Master Chefs, Travel Industry Leaders, and Adventurers

There’s a lot going on in luxury travel in 2022, and Marriott International’s Chris Gabaldon has a bird’s-eye view of what’s new, what’s hot, and where we should go next. He speaks with Bruce about upcoming hotels, the soon-to-launch Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and what people are looking for as they venture back into the world of travel.

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