Eugene Levy proves even the most reluctant travelers can get an experience of a lifetime.
The Reluctant Traveler, streaming on Apple TV+, is not your typical travel show. For starters, its host, award-winning actor and comedian Eugene Levy candidly dislikes traveling. However, that doesn’t stop him from staying at some of the most stunning hotels worldwide. The series follows Eugene “reluctantly” stepping out of his comfort zone, trying new adventures and culinary flavors, and learning a little bit about himself along the way.
From exploring a private island in the Maldives to venturing the canals of Venice, Eugene gains a newfound appreciation for each destination he visits. Through his travels, he learns about history, nature, art, food, and more from the local guides he is paired with — and the phenomenal resorts are just an added bonus.
Here is our guide to the eight luxurious hotels featured in The Reluctant Traveler, and how you can experience them yourself with our help.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – Rovaniemi, Finland
The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers a luxury once-in-a-lifetime experience nestled in the Arctic Circle. Guests stay in a sleek GlassHouse with a modern Scandinavian design and private saunas. Cozy up and enjoy panoramic views of the northern lights and midnight sun from the comfort of your own bed.
For a true Finnish experience, try floating on wintery waters under the arctic skies. Levy agreed to this activity only after a vodka tasting which provided some liquid courage.
Book with Ourisman Travel for:
- A complimentary bottle of wine by a private outdoor fire pit
- VIP status
Nayara Tented Camp – La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Nayara Tented Camp is in the center of Costa Rica’s most popular destination infamous for its abundance of wildlife – over 500,000 species to be exact. Each tent is on stilts to maximize the stunning volcanic views and rainforest views. Every suite is designed to invite relaxation and mindfulness to your stay. Enjoy a personal infinity pool and outdoor shower while surrounded by the Costa Rican wilderness.
Nayara is proof that you can build an extraordinarily unique and luxurious hotel that compliments its natural surroundings and beautifully coexists with nature.
If you want to live ‘Pura Vida’, book your stay with Ourisman Travel for Virtuoso Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Venice, Italy
The Gritti Palace’s stunning artistic interior design is noticeably inspired by Venice’s regular ranking as the most beautiful city on Earth. The historic 5-star hotel dates back to 1475 and overlooks the Grand Canal in the heart of the lagoon city. Each suite offers parallels between historic elegance and renewed Venetian style. Levy is captivated by the furniture and art in his room dating back to the 17th century.
Book your stay with Ourisman Travel for STARS Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during the stay (applicable in Club Del Doge restaurant only)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Amangiri – Canyon Point, Utah
Located in the heart of the red-rock country and the 900-acre desert near Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, Amangiri is one of the most secluded desert resorts in the world. Named “peaceful mountain” for a reason, Amangiri invites guests to soak in the surrounding landscape through the spacious indoor-outdoor patios of all 34 suites. Marwan, one of the hotel’s leading architects, describes the design decisions as “making simplicity luxurious”.
Whether you want to challenge your fear of heights and walk across the “stair across the sky”, take a private plane, helicopter, or balloon tour through the vast canyon landscape, or simply unwind with yoga on the rocks or grounding rituals, Amangiri ensures every guest, even reluctant travelers, are able to experience the desert oasis in its entirety.
Book your stay with Ourisman Travel for Virtuoso Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily continental breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during the stay
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – Maldives
Known for its unique concept of providing guests with “anything, anytime, anywhere”, Kudadoo Maldives resort is your chance to escape to a truly all-inclusive private island with exceptional client service. Resort hosts go above and beyond for even the most discerning travelers and Kudadoo sets a new standard for hotel luxury. To begin your journey, the only way to arrive at the island of Kudadoo is via seaplane which will be waiting for you upon your arrival at Maldives International Airport.
Although surrounded by some of the most beautiful waters in the world, Levy made it apparent he would not partake in water activities. Therefore, his personal butler, assigned to each guest at Kudadoo throughout their stay, sent him to the world-famous underwater restaurant 5.8, an underwater sound bath, and even went as far as to deliver golf clubs with biodegradable golf balls on the beach after Levy mentioned a love for the sport.
Kudadoo is a great honeymoon, family destination, and beyond. Take advantage of the truly unlimited all-inclusive benefits, such as elite culinary experiences, snorkeling, and diving at one of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world, various water sports, spa treatments with crystal clear views, yacht excursions, and more.
For even more added benefits, book with Ourisman Travel for:
- One complimentary lunch for two at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant
- VIP status
Kruger Shalati, The Train on the Bridge – Skukuza, South Africa
When you think of an African safari, lodges and camps most likely come to mind which is why Kruger Shalati, an all-inclusive train carriage sanctuary, is a particularly rare opportunity to experience South African wildlife.
Situated on one of Africa’s largest nature preserves, Kruger National Park hosts all of the big five species– healthy populations of elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos. If you want to observe and celebrate the enthralling wildlife South Africa has to offer, doing so from a 1,000-foot bridge gives you views no lodge on ground level can compete with.
There are only 24 carriage suites ensuring each guest gets to discover nature’s finest creations uninterrupted. Although car excursions are an exhilarating way to see wildlife up close, nothing beats watching them from an overhanging pool on your own private deck.
Book with Ourisman Travel for VIP status during your stay.
Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina – Lisbon, Portugal
Perched on top of one of the 7 famous hills in Lisbon, Verride Palacio de Santa Catarina is a historic palace turned hotel. Its maximalist design was intentional – to preserve as much of the old palace as possible. Have a gastronomic experience dining at the Suba restaurant, rooftop bar, or winter garden. Before heading out into the bustling town, the hotel recommends guests practice a moment of mindfulness from their private balcony while soaking up the Portuguese sun.
Book with Ourisman Travel for:
- Complimentary daily breakfast for up to two guests
- VIP status
Hoshinoya Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan
Levy describes Hoshinoya Hotel as “a mix of luxury, high tech, and traditional Japanese simplicity”. Even though the hotel is in the heart of the action of Tokyo’s city center, as soon as you step inside Hoshinoya’s doors, you are transported to a tranquil escape. Each of its 17 floors functions as a 6-room ryokan, an exclusive estate accessible only to the guests staying on that floor. To encourage some R&R after a busy day in the city, Hoshinoya offers two bath halls fed by natural hot springs directly below the hotel’s surface. The hotel also offers a surplus of traditional Japanese activities such as morning Kenjutsu practice, a Japanese tea ceremony, a Tokyo cruise ride, and more.
Book with Ourisman Travel for Virtuoso Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served via Room Service
- Complimentary Tea Ceremony Experience for up to two guests (must have a minimum value of $100 USD equivalent)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Whether you’re a reluctant traveler or an expert globe trotter, there is an overabundance of beautiful hotels and resorts around the world eager to be explored. If you are interested in traveling to any of the above destinations, book your stay with Ourisman Travel for added amenities and benefits. If you love the location but prefer to explore other nearby hotels, check out a map of our preferred hotels here. You can also fill out a travel request form to customize any request.
