Award-winning travel writer Francisca Matteoli has authored over a dozen books and collaborated with the likes of National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, and Louis Vuitton, but what is now a fulfilling and celebrated career was once just a passion. Francisca was raised in a family of travelers –– in fact, her grandfather once had the bill for an entire year at the Hôtel du Louvre waived because he was such a cherished guest –– and, she’s been collecting and telling stories for her entire life. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear about her unique childhood, as well as her time traveling with her husband to areas beset with conflict and instability, like Rwanda immediately after its 1994 genocide. Listen to her speak about how she infuses the spirit of a place into her work, like her latest book, Copacabana Palace: Where Rio Starts, as well as tease what she has on the docket for her next project. And in this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa shares some of her favorite house museums and gardens, as well as an exciting new change coming to air travel.

Follow Francisca Matteoli:

Website: franciscamatteoli.com

Instagram: instagram.com/francisca_matteoli

Follow Indagare:

Website: indagare.com

Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel

Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

Follow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

Father-daughter duo Roberto and Marie-Louise Scio of the Pellicano Group sit down with Melissa to discuss the legacy and the future of their triumvirate of three iconic Italian hotels: Il Pellicano, Mezzatorre and La Posta Vecchia. The episode is full of Italian storytelling at its finest as Roberto recounts memories from his first overnight and his early days as a guest of Hotel Il Pellicano, through to his decision to purchase the hotel and to expand the collection. Marie-Louise explains how she fell very naturally into the role of Creative Director –and now CEO–merely by “making the walls talk” at Pellicano. In recognizing and preserving the property’s rich history throughout the process of bringing it up to date, she also expanded the brand into the lifestyle site ISSIMO, a digital extension of the hotel group. And for this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa highlights some of her favorite collaborations featured on ISSIMO’s site now.

Follow Pellicano Hotels:

Website: pellicanohotels.com

Il Pellicano: hotelilpellicano.com & instagram.com/hotelilpellicano

La Posta Vecchia: postavecchiahotel.com & instagram.com/lapostavecchiahotel

Mezzatorre: mezzatorre.com & instagram.com/mezzatorrehotel

ISSIMO: issimoissimo.com & instagram.com/issimo

Follow Indagare:

Website: Indagare.com

Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel

Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

Follow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

In this week’s episode, Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller, speaks with Melissa about how she found herself in what many would call their dream job. From growing up in former Bombay with a single, working mother during a time when such a thing was very uncommon, to attending university in the States, spending time in New York and returning to India only to fall deeply in love with her home-country again, Divia’s journey has been a winding one. Listen in not only to hear her story, but also to understand her vision for CNT and how - through the highly regarded publication - she strives to elevate local voices, perspectives and stories. Plus, don’t miss her recommendations for Mumbai and Goa, the latter of which she thinks is one of the most exciting cities for food right now. At the end of the episode, Melissa highlights summer in the Mediterranean, including some of Indagare’s top restaurant and shopping recommendations as well as favorite new hotel openings across the region.

Follow Divia Thani:

Instagram: instagram.com/diviathani

Follow Condé Nast Traveller:

Website: cntraveller.com

Condé Nast Traveller India: cntraveller.in

Follow Indagare:

Website: Indagare.com

Instagram: instagram.com/indagaretravel

Youtube: youtube.com/@indagaretravel

Follow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder