This week, we’re in Delhi, a city where ancient Mughal architecture, bustling street markets, and modern energy collide. Tim and David explore Delhi’s rich history, vibrant street food, and hidden gems, as well as a must-do day trip to Agra to see the legendary Taj Mahal.

A Day Trip to Agra & The Taj Mahal 🕌✨

• How to Get There: A four-hour drive on a modern highway from Delhi, or take the Gatimaan Express train for a quicker journey.
• Taj Mahal Tips:
• Arrive early for sunrise views and fewer crowds.
• Take in the beauty from the gardens rather than getting caught in the tourist crush inside.
• Look for the incredible symmetry and reflections in the Yamuna River behind the monument.
• Unexpected Sights: Camels on the highway, a blend of centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge technology.

What to Do in Delhi 🏛🌆

• Red Fort – A Mughal masterpiece built in 1648 by Shah Jahan, the same emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal. Look for bullet holes from the 1857 War of Independence.
• Chandni Chowk & Old Delhi Markets – A chaotic yet mesmerizing experience of street food, spice markets, and historical alleyways.
• Lodhi Colony Street Art Tour – A vibrant neighborhood transformed into Delhi’s most Instagrammable street art hub.
• Hauz Khas Village – A modern shopping, dining, and nightlife district with historic ruins nearby.

Where to Eat 🍽🔥

• 🍛 Indian Accent – A fine-dining take on Indian classics, ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Signature dishes include tikka meatballs and a six-course tasting menu.
• 🍽 Loya at Taj Palace – A modern yet playful take on Indian cuisine featuring tableside preparations and an open show kitchen.
• 🥞 Juggernaut – A hidden gem for South Indian flavors in Kailash Colony, known for its authentic dosa and sambar.
• 🌶 Old Delhi Street Food Tour – The best way to explore Delhi’s famous street food with a local guide, featuring jalebi, chaat, and parathas.

Where to Stay 🏨

• 🏰 Taj Palace, New Delhi – A luxurious retreat set on six acres of greenery, perfect for escaping Delhi’s hustle after a day of exploring.
• 🌟 The Imperial New Delhi – A heritage hotel that blends colonial elegance with five-star service.
• ✨ The Leela Palace New Delhi – A lavish, palatial stay with world-class hospitality.
• Our

This week, we’re exploring Vienna, a city once at the heart of the Habsburg Empire, filled with imperial grandeur, world-class music, and rich history. Often overlooked in favor of Paris, London, or Rome, Vienna is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every traveler’s list.

Tim, a Vienna veteran, shares his latest experiences dancing in honor of Johann Strauss II, exploring historic palaces, and tasting the best Viennese cuisine.

A City Built for Dance & Music 🎶💃

• Why Vienna? Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II, Vienna is hosting special waltz-themed events and is home to a thriving ball season.
• Learn to Waltz at Elmayer Dance School – Even with zero dance experience, a short lesson at this historic Viennese dance school will have you moving gracefully in no time.

Top Attractions & Landmarks 🏰✨

• Stephansplatz – The city’s main square, a perfect starting point for exploring Vienna’s rich history.
• Hofburg Palace & The Sisi Museum – The former residence of the Habsburg dynasty, featuring a museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), one of Austria’s most fascinating historical figures.
• Schönbrunn Palace – The former summer residence of the Habsburgs, grander and more elaborate than Hofburg Palace.
• House of Strauss – A restored 19th-century dance hall, now a museum dedicated to the legacy of the Strauss family.
• New Dimensions Museum – A brand-new immersive experience showcasing Johann Strauss II’s life and music with interactive audio and visuals.

Vienna’s Christmas Magic 🎄⛸

• Vienna Christmas Markets (Rathausplatz) – Considered one of the best Christmas markets in the world, featuring:
• A beautiful ice skating circuit.
• Classic holiday treats like sausages, mulled wine, and handmade crafts.

Where to Eat & Drink 🍽️🍷

• 🍰 Palais Todesco – A historic palace-turned-café, perfect for desserts, champagne, and live piano music.
• 🍖 Restaurant Rote Bar – A Michelin-listed restaurant in the Hotel Sacher, famous for its suckling veal Wiener Schnitzel.
• 🥩 Café Central – A local favorite, serving Tafelspitz (boiled beef in broth with horseradish).

Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences 🌍

• The Plague Column – A striking monument commemorating the end of the Black Plague, blending art and history.
• Two Capitals in One Day: Day Trip to Bratislava –
• A 75-minute ferry ride from Vienna takes you to Bratislava, Slovakia.
• Explore a charming old town and a hilltop castle, making this a perfect two-for-one European trip.

Where to Stay 🏨

• 🏰 Palais Coburg – A true Viennese palace, built into the historic city walls, featuring luxurious suites and an incredible wine cellar.
• 🌟 Park Hyatt...

This week, we’re in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital—a city that blends imperial grandeur, world-class museums, walkable streets, and an unmatched food scene. Tim and David share expert insights, from where to stay, eat, and explore, plus personal travel experiences that bring Madrid to life.

Where to Stay 🏨

Whether you’re looking for historic luxury, modern design, or boutique charm, these are our top picks:

• 🌟 The Westin Palace, Madrid – Built in 1912, commissioned by the King of Spain, and a past residence of Picasso and Hemingway. Located near the Prado Museum.
• 🌆 Four Seasons Hotel Madrid – A luxurious flatiron-style landmark, home to celebrity chef Dani García’s rooftop restaurant.
• 🎶 Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid – A music-themed hotel inspired by the city’s radio station heritage, with a fantastic rooftop terrace.

What to Do 🎨🏛

• 🏛 Museo Nacional del Prado – Spain’s iconic art museum, home to Goya, El Greco, Velázquez, and Bosch’s legendary triptychs.
• 💡 Museo De La Luz Madrid – A modern interactive art space with immersive light installations, great for Instagram-worthy moments.
• 🚂 Mercado de Motores – A weekend market inside a historic train museum, blending shopping, culture, and classic locomotives.
• 🌍 Plaza Mayor – Madrid’s grandest square, a historic meeting place filled with cafés, street performers, and architectural beauty.
• ⚽ Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – Experience the electric atmosphere of a Real Madrid match and explore the team’s legendary history.

Where to Eat 🍽

• 🍷 El miniBAR – A small but highly rated local spot with classic Spanish flavors like gazpacho with Serrano ham.
• 🥘 Bestial by Rosi La Loca – A fun, vibrant tapas and paella spot, known for its playful decor, theatrical cocktails, and late-night energy.
• 🥪 Mercado de San Antón

Barcelona, a vibrant Mediterranean port city, is packed with history, culture, architecture, and incredible cuisine. Tim and David share expert insights from their many visits, covering the best places to stay, top experiences, and must-visit restaurants—with plenty of personal travel stories along the way.

Where to Stay 🏨✨

Whether you're looking for beachfront luxury, historic elegance, or city-center convenience, these top picks have you covered:

• 🌊 Hotel Arts Barcelona (Ritz-Carlton) – A 5-star beachside retreat with a stunning infinity pool and world-class service.
• 🏙 Iberostar Paseo de Gracia – A stylish mid-range hotel in the heart of Barcelona’s high-end shopping district.
• 🏰 Hotel Majestic – A historic landmark hotel dating back to 1918, featuring a rooftop pool and 1,000+ works of art.
• 🌅 W Barcelona – An architectural icon shaped like a sail, featuring a Michelin-star restaurant and vibrant poolside DJ vibes.

Things to Do 🎭🚶‍♂️

• 🚶‍♂️ Best Walking Routes:
• Paseo Marítimo – A seaside promenade built for the 1992 Olympics, perfect for biking, walking, and people-watching.
• La Rambla – Barcelona’s most famous boulevard, stretching from Plaza Catalunya to the Columbus Monument at the waterfront.
• 🎨 Iconic Architecture & Art:
• 🏛 Sagrada Familia – Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, under construction since 1882 and finally scheduled for completion in 2026.
• 🖼 Picasso Museum – Home to 4,000+ Picasso artworks, showcasing his evolution from child prodigy to artistic icon.
• 💡 Font Màgica de Montjuïc – A dazzling light & fountain show, running since 1929, perfect for an evening spectacle.

Where to Eat 🍽😋

• 🏡 Can Josep – A locals-only spot serving authentic Catalonian cuisine (think fried anchovies & blood sausage).
• 🦞 El Nacional – A glamorous food hall, blending 1920s elegance with the best of Iberian cuisine (seafood, steaks, and tapas).
• 🍝 Baccaro – A Michelin-starred Venetian restaurant, featuring handmade pasta & cozy charm.
• 🍤 Tapas 24 – A modern twist on classic tapas, with a lively atmosphere and creative Spanish dishes.

Can’t-Miss Experiences 🌟

• 🏟 Camp Nou Stadium – The home of FC Barcelona. Catch a live game or explore the FC...

Bali is so incredible that we couldn’t fit everything into just one episode! In this bonus episode, Tim and David dive into Bali’s culinary scene, best beach clubs, and unforgettable activities. From hidden food gems to world-class surf spots, get ready for the ultimate insider’s guide to Bali beyond the beaches.

• Donna – Ubud – A Latin American & Mediterranean fusion spot for when you need a break from rice. Think ceviche, paella, and milanesa in a lush, jungle-inspired setting.
• Ibu Oka – The go-to spot for Bali’s legendary babi guling (roast suckling pig).
• Milk & Madu (Canggu) – A breakfast favorite, known for fresh smoothie bowls and friendly vibes.
• Barbacoa (Canggu) – Argentinian-inspired grill house serving smoky, fire-kissed meats in a rustic setting.
• Motel Mexicola (Seminyak) – A lively Mexican eatery with tacos, tequila, and a retro party atmosphere.

If your hotel isn’t right on the beach, no worries—Bali’s beach clubs have got you covered!

• Sundays Beach Club (Uluwatu) – Ride a glass elevator down a cliff to a stunning private white sand beach with snorkeling, kayaking, bonfires, and amazing cocktails.
• Single Fin Beach Club (Uluwatu) – The ultimate surf hangout with sunset views, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere.

• Batur Natural Hot Springs – Relax in soothing thermal waters while gazing at an active volcano.
• Nusa Islands – Take a 45-minute boat ride to pristine beaches, world-class diving, and fewer crowds.
• Hiring a Private Driver for the Day – The best way to explore remote temples, hidden waterfalls, and cultural gems without the tourist crowds.
• Uluwatu Temple Fire Dance – A dramatic sunset performance with ancient storytelling and breathtaking ocean views.
• Skip the Monkey Forest 🐵 – Tim shares his traumatic past monkey encounter and why you should watch your pockets at this over-touristed attraction!

✅ Bali is a foodie paradise, blending local flavors with international dining.

✅ Beach clubs offer the best of both worlds—secluded getaways with top-tier service.

✅ Avoid the crowds by exploring beyond Bali’s tourist hotspots.

✅ Private drivers are the best way to unlock Bali’s hidden gems.

✅ Watch out for the monkeys (seriously).

🏨 Top Hotel Picks in Bali:

• Renaissance Bali Uluwatu – Cliffside luxury with breathtaking infinity pools.
• Mandapa...

🎙️ Hosted by Tim Johnson & David Brodie

Bali—an island paradise with stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and deep spiritual roots. But beneath its beauty lies a bustling tourism hub. In this episode, Tim and David explore the duality of Bali, its breathtaking experiences, and how to travel sustainably in one of the world’s most Instagrammed destinations.

🔹 Bali’s Dual Identity – A tropical dream or an overtourism hotspot?

🔹 Tim & David’s First Impressions – How Bali has changed over the years.

🔹 Where to Escape the Crowds – Hidden gems and quieter regions like Uluwatu.

🔹 Ubud & Artisanal Culture – A place to connect with traditional crafts.

🔹 Surfing in Bali – Beginner-friendly lessons in Kuta Beach.

🔹 Top Hotel Picks –

• Renaissance Bali Uluwatu: Cliffside luxury with stunning infinity pools 🌅
• Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Jungle retreat with private pools 🏡
• Kempinski Bali: Iconic 60m pool blending into the ocean 🏖️

🔹 The Gili Islands Escape – A castaway paradise just a ferry ride away! 🏝️

✅ Bali offers a mix of party hotspots, wellness retreats, and secluded getaways.

✅ Uluwatu and Ubud provide more serene experiences than bustling Seminyak or Kuta.

✅ Surfing, cultural immersion, and eco-friendly travel options abound.

✅ The Gili Islands offer a motor-free escape with world-class diving.

Tim and David return to dive into Bali’s incredible food culture, from beach clubs to warungs!

💬 Join the Conversation!

Have you been to Bali? Share your experiences with us on social media!

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Credits:

Hosted by Tim Johnson and David Brodie. Produced by Voyascape Media.

Copyright - Voyascape Media

Welcome to our first episode of 2025 and Season 12. Today, we'll be going over our first ever annual list of our 10 favourite hotels, based on David's travels to 19 countries and Tim's trips to over 20 in the past year! They dive into unique and memorable stays that range from unique options like capsules in Copenhagen to luxurious experiences such as the Four Seasons in Bora Bora. With discussions about stunning locations, exceptional service, and unforgettable dining experiences, the hosts highlight places that have inspired them and left a lasting impression. Our top hotels of 2025:

1. Four Seasons Hotel Prague: Located in the Old Town, this 5-star hotel offers views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
2. Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort in the Maldives, offering overwater villas and a world-class spa.
3. Kruger Shalati: A unique lodge in South Africa, set in a restored train on a bridge over the Sabie River, offering a distinctive safari experience.
4. Kuname Lodge: An exclusive safari lodge adjacent to Kruger National Park, providing intimate wildlife encounters.
5. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: A luxury resort in French Polynesia, featuring overwater bungalows and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
6. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island: A modern hotel built over the Yas Marina Circuit, known for its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
7. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul: A former Ottoman palace turned hotel, offering luxury accommodations along the Bosphorus.
8. Château de la Chèvre d'Or: A historic property in Èze, France, featuring panoramic views of the French Riviera and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
9. Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana: A beachfront hotel offering stunning views of Copacabana Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain.
10. CityHub Copenhagen: A modern, budget-friendly hotel in Copenhagen, featuring micro-rooms and a Scandinavian spa.

Honourable Mentions

1. Hotel 34B Paris: An affordable boutique hotel in Paris, offering complimentary minibar and access to happy hours across its chain locations.
2. Rosewood Hotel Georgia: A restored historic property in Vancouver, known for its central location and top-rated spa.
3. Fairmont Banff Springs: A grand hotel in the Canadian Rockies, resembling a castle and offering luxurious amenities.
4. The Langham Sydney: A luxury hotel in Sydney,...

In this special bonus episode, host David Brodie explores Copenhagen’s unique offerings. Join him as he:

• Experiences one of the world’s most unusual spas, CopenHot, blending industrial charm with Nordic wellness.
• Delves into the social dining movement at Kanalhuset, where communal meals meet Danish coziness.
• Uncovers the cultural roots of these experiences, from winter bathing to Denmark’s folk high schools.

Whether you're planning your first visit or rediscovering Copenhagen, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the city’s evolving culture.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

1. CopenHot Spa Experience:

• David takes us to CopenHot, located in the historic Reffen dockyard.
• Explore how the spa combines hot tubs, wood-heated saunas, and “hot tub boats” in an urban-industrial setting.
• Learn about its sustainability ethos and unique views of landmarks like CopenHill

👉 Book your CopenHot experience here: CopenHot Official Site

1. Social Dining at Kanalhuset:

• David chats with locals at Kanalhuset, a hub for communal dining in Copenhagen.
• Hear how this dining style fosters connections and its ties to Danish traditions like folk high schools.
• Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic social experience over delicious meals.

👉 Reserve your table at Kanalhuset: Kanalhuset Official Site

1. Cultural Insights:

• Dive into Danish traditions like winter bathing and communal living.
• Learn about the historical roots of social dining and its modern revival.

Featured Locations & Activities:

• CopenHot Spa: A dockyard-turned-wellness retreat offering private hot tubs, shared saunas, and even floating “hot tub boats.”
• Kanalhuset: A cozy restaurant and social hub in Copenhagen, ideal for communal dining and cultural immersion.

Special Thanks:

• Tourism Copenhagen: Thank you for your assistance in making this trip possible. Learn more about Copenhagen and plan your visit: Tourism Copenhagen.
• Music Credit: Grace Forrester’s acoustic rendition of “Leaving on a Jet Plane”

Leave Us a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps us inspire more travelers around the world.

Subscribe for More:

This season wraps up with this bonus episode, but the 2025 season is just around the corner! Look forward to new adventures, top hotel picks, and much more inspiring travel content.

Links:

• Book CopenHot
• Reserve at Kanalhuset

🔗 Follow Us & Stay Connected:

📷 Instagram: @voyascapemedia

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |...