Jules Perowne's Unpacked

The travel industry stands at a fascinating crossroads where artificial intelligence meets wanderlust. With ChatGPT now serving 2.5 billion daily prompts and rapidly approaching Google's search volume, travellers are increasingly turning to AI for everything from Scottish road trip itineraries to hotel recommendations. But as algorithms become our new travel advisors and Google transforms into an AI-powered answer engine, a critical question emerges: what happens to the irreplaceable human touch that makes travel truly magical?In this episode of Unpacked, Jules sits down with Anant Sharma, Founder & CEO of Matter of Form and Chris Hughes, CEO of Navigator, to explore how AI is reshaping the way we dream, book, and experience travel.We ask: what happens when tech meets taste, and where does that leave the magic of human intuition, imperfection, and a truly brilliant travel adviser?

Mexico, and Latin & South America more widely, is now a serious player in the global travel landscape. A land of style, design and art; jungles and snow-capped volcanos; sumptuous cuisine, and with beaches to end all beaches. And with ultra-high net wealth soaring, and 78 million inbound travellers a year, investment in luxury hospitality is surging. Elsewhere the figures from outbound travellers are equally staggering, with Mexican travellers spending $11 Billion on trips in 2024. Shooting the breeze with Jules, Unpacked welcomes Mary Holland, the South African-born New York correspondent for Monocle magazine and contributor to the Financial Times, WSJ Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler, whose global perspective perfectly captures this southern hemisphere shift. And Javier Arredondo, Vice President of Sustainability at Virtuoso and former architect of Latin America's luxury travel media landscape, who brings insider knowledge of how this transformation is reshaping the industry. We’re also pleased to announce the launch of our brand-new Unpacked newsletter. Complementing our podcast, expect dispatches filled with curiosity, candour, and jet-set irreverence. Subscribe via this link: Unpacked Newsletter

Five years on from the world-shaping events of the pandemic, London isn't just surviving; it's thriving.Jules sits down with Paula Fitzherbert, Global Head of Communications at Maybourne, whose hotels in the capital include Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley. And Annie Fitzsimmons, National Geographic Author and Travel Expert. An American with a deep love of London, her knowledge and insights are a match for any top concierge… From indie shops and comedy clubs; to a Peckham rooftop cinema and a Mayfair chippy; to the simple joy of the Afternoon Tea Bus; and the world’s most unlikely housemates: Handel and Hendrix. London is a cultural, spiritual and gastronomic feast. If only we knew it… 

 The 220,000-acre Wildland project in the Scottish Highlands is one of the largest conservation projects in Europe.  Its ambitious 200-year vision is centred on allowing nature to heal and thrive, and to rekindle living, working glens.  Hand-in-hand, cottages, bothies and even castles are being artfully restored – and invite you to come and stay.    Fresh from their own adventure there, Jules and sustainable travel expert Fran Kellet were blown away by what they saw. In this latest episode of Unpacked, they’re joined by Joe Dunn, Wildland’s Director of Built Development, and Ruth Kramer, interior designer and creator of Wildland’s ‘Scandi-Scot’ aesthetic.   Discover more at wildland.scot     

Fresh from the Unpacked kitchen, Jules Perowne brings you the restaurateurs’ restaurateur Jeremy King, creator of Le Caprice, The Wolseley, Arlington, The Park – and, coming soon, his relaunch of Simpson’s in the Strand, where the trollies will roll once again.   He’s joined by seasoned writer Maria Shollenbarger, the FT’s HTSI Travel Editor, a discerning voice in global dining and travel, and possessor of one of the world’s most cultured palates. Together they talk trends, fashionable food allergies, delicious un-Instagrammable specials, and why London is still the culinary capital of the world.           

Buckle up, the latest instalment of the Unpacked podcast has just landed. In this episode, CEO of Perowne International, Jules Perowne sits down with two industry powerhouses: John Arlidge, aviation expert and senior writer for The Sunday Times, and Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels. Together they dive straight in, unpacking the unstoppable rise of leisure travellers, the unexpected resurgence of long-haul destinations, and delivering an unfiltered insight into how aviation and hospitality are tackling sustainability. Their conversation also covers: the importance of emotional intelligence in service, the danger of overdevelopment, and the emergence of alternative travel experiences. With insights from both a seasoned travel commentator and a leader in the world of luxury hospitality, our episode offers a compelling glimpse into the future of global travel in 2025 and beyond. Expect candid ratings of the best carriers, a reality check on supersonic flight prospects, and the inside track on how to make it into the hallowed ‘Group Zero’.

When the King of Party Planning, Johnny Roxburgh met the Queen of Events, Antoinette Lettieri, fireworks were bound to go off—and they didn’t disappoint. Our latest episode of Unpacked is a laugh-out-loud affair, offering a golden insider’s view into the glamorous (and occasionally chaotic) world of elite party planning. From high-maintenance clients and wedding day disasters to top tips for hosting unforgettable events (spoiler: it’s all about the guests) and why having a doctor on speed dial is a must, no detail is too big—or too outrageous. Trust us, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. You can see more of the brilliant work which Johnny and Antoinette do by following them on Instagram: @johnnyroxburghdesigns and @antoinette_lettieri

 In our latest episode, Jules welcomes design royalty to the Unpacked studio. Martin Brudnizki is a master of untrammelled interior design, bringing a mesmeric sense of locality, opulence and sheer joy to the world’s most desirable hotels. Alongside him is the incomparable Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director of the ultra-influential Conde Nast Traveler. Her perception and insights are required reading (and now listening) for anyone who yearns for the authentic and the exquisite.    Together, they explore the key facets and trends of hotel design, the drive for sustainable hospitality and the search for that elusive design breakthrough: a hook next to your shower.           You can find more information about the hotels discussed in the episode here: La Fantasie Paris - https://www.lafantaisie.com/The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury Hotel - https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-bloomsbury-hotelSingita Lodges - https://singita.com/Le Grand Mazarin - https://www.legrandmazarin.com/The Broadwick Soho - https://www.broadwicksoho.com/Passalacqua Como -  https://www.passalacqua.itLe Sirenuse - https://sirenuse.itHotel Endsleigh - https://thepolizzicollection.com/hotel-endsleigh/Angama Mara - https://angama.com/stay/angama-mara/ The Hotel Bellevue des Alpes - https://www.scheidegg-hotels.ch/ Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Miami - https://www.fourseasons.com/surfside/

Ep5: Has the hospitality sector’s rapid growth led to a moment of reflection? Are travellers still getting value for money? Where will we be travelling to next year and do those countries even want us?Jules Perowne is joined by Annie Fitzsimmons, Editor in Chief at Embark Beyond and National Geographic travel expert, alongside Emily Jane Johnston, a leading voice on Instagram for travel, fashion, and food.They explore the rising trend of solo travel among women, why AI can enhance but never replace the human touch in travel, and the growing appeal of "Coolcations" – escapes from the busy crowd. All this and more discussed on our latest episode of “Unpacked”.

Ep 4: “The reality of flying today. The good, the bad and the ugly” Jules Perowne removes belts and shoes with air mile zillionaires Mark Ellwood of the luxury bible Robb Report, and Colin Nagy, Skift columnist and Head of Brand strategy at Instagram.  Over no more than 100ml of wine, they discuss everything from the app that airlines don’t want you to use… IVs for jet lag… customer service from the sublime to the monstrous... and why terrorists don’t pack scented candles.