The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein: Episode Summary - "Living the Dream: Island Escape"

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Dan Rubinstein

In the episode titled "Living the Dream: Island Escape," Dan Rubinstein explores the allure of island living, delving into diverse experiences across the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Through engaging conversations with industry experts and creative minds, Dan uncovers the nuances of relocating, designing, and thriving in island environments.

1. Embracing Greek Island Living with Alexia Scheinman

Guest: Alexia Scheinman, Chief Brand and Strategy Officer at Pembroke and Ives

Dan Rubinstein opens the episode with a detailed discussion with Alexia Scheinman, who shares her transformative journey from managing a high-end interior design firm in New York to embracing a serene life in Athens and the island of Serifos in the Aegean Sea.

• Transition to Greece:
  Alexia explains, "I can do many of those things remotely. And that really gave me the kind of ticket to be able to jump on a plane and come and live out my dream in Athens" (04:04).

• Life in Athens vs. New York:
  She describes Athens as "the vibrancy and the grittiness of New York City paired with a Mediterranean climate and lifestyle" (05:22), highlighting the balance between a bustling city atmosphere and the tranquility of nature.

• Challenges of Island Renovation:
  Discussing the complexities of building and renovating on Serifos, Alexia notes, "It's complicated and it's difficult. And I guess in some ways that's a good thing. Otherwise more people would be doing it" (07:25). She emphasizes the importance of local expertise due to limited resources on small islands.

• Choosing the Right Greek Locale:
  When asked about selecting the ideal Greek island or mainland location, Alexia provides insightful criteria, such as proximity to the mainland and accessibility. She advocates for exploring less-touristy areas like the Peloponnese region, specifically Mani, describing it as "incredibly beautiful... extraordinarily underrated" (15:17).

• Day-to-Day Life Adjustments:
  Highlighting the simplicity of living on Greek islands, Alexia shares, "The biggest activity of your day could be going to buy what you need at the supermarket and making your way home" (17:21), underscoring a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

• Cultural Integration and Challenges:
  She discusses the duality of Greek hospitality and bureaucratic challenges, stating, "the aspect of sharing a meal together... but dealing with the bureaucracy... it's very difficult" (19:29).

• Culinary Favorites:
  Alexia indulges in her favorite Greek dishes, such as grilled white fish with horta and fava with Greek salad, expressing her love for the simplicity and freshness of the local cuisine (21:58).

2. Elevating Caribbean Culture with Marc Forel

Guest: Marc Forel, Founder of 10 to 1 Rum

Transitioning from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Dan engages with Marc Forel to explore the vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit shaping modern Caribbean living.

• 10 to 1 Rum’s Mission:
  Marc articulates his vision for 10 to 1 Rum, aiming to "elevate [rum] and celebrate Caribbean culture" by introducing a cleaner, additive-free spirit that reflects authentic terroir (25:26).

• Brand Philosophy and Naming:
  The name "10 to 1" symbolizes unity and community, inspired by the original Caribbean Federation of ten countries. Marc explains, "10 to 1 is a brand based on this idea of community, strengthen numbers." (28:10).

• Distinctiveness of Trinidad and Tobago:
  He differentiates Trinidad and Tobago from other Caribbean islands, highlighting its unique geological ties to South America, industrial economy centered on oil and gas, and its rich cultural mosaic comprising Black, Indian, Chinese, Syrian, Lebanese, and European heritage (29:21).

• Perfect Weekend in Trinidad and Tobago:
  Marc outlines an ideal itinerary, blending the metropolitan energy of Port of Spain with the rustic charm of Tobago’s beaches. Key highlights include the Savannah Roundabout, Maracas Beach, and Ariapita Avenue (32:10).

• Post-Pandemic Island Migration Trends:
  Discussing the rise in remote working and nomadic lifestyles, Marc observes a shift towards more curated, amenity-rich options in the Caribbean. He cites Barbados as a leader in facilitating extended stays through visa schemes and infrastructure support (37:08).

• Top Caribbean Destinations for Remote Living:
  While advocating for Barbados due to its robust infrastructure and policy support, Marc also praises Tobago’s untouched beaches and authentic local experiences (37:34).

• Practical Advice for Aspiring Island Dwellers:
  Marc advises prospective island residents to deeply understand the specific cultures and nuances of each island, emphasizing that the Caribbean is not a monolith. He recommends building local connections to navigate real estate and integrate smoothly (40:05).

3. Designing Mallorca with Roc and Villa Interiors

Guests: Stefan Relic and Paolo Valcic, Founders of Roc and Villa Interiors

Shifting focus to the Mediterranean, Dan converses with Stefan Relic and Paolo Valcic, a dynamic designing couple dedicated to renovating and developing interiors on Mallorca with a blend of contemporary minimalism and respect for historical architecture.

• Background and Relocation to Mallorca:
  Stefan, originally from a small Croatian island, and Paolo, born in Croatia but raised in Belgrade, Serbia, share their journey from Barcelona to Mallorca. Their collaboration began with personal renovation projects that garnered media attention, leading to the establishment of Roc and Villa Interiors (43:34).

• Design Philosophy:
  Paolo emphasizes their passion for "renovating historical buildings and houses in Mallorca," striving to fuse contemporary design with original historical elements. They aim to differentiate their work by balancing creativity with commercial viability, ensuring each project retains its unique character without compromising marketability (49:19).

• Mallorca’s Real Estate Landscape Post-Pandemic:
  Observing Mallorca's rise in popularity, especially among Americans due to increased direct flights, Stefan and Paolo note the island’s enhanced real estate market. Palma’s recognition as a top quality-of-life city and the influx of foreign investments have made Mallorca a sought-after destination (51:49).

• Ideal Week in Mallorca and Beyond:
  While acknowledging that seven days are insufficient to explore Mallorca fully, they recommend a balanced itinerary encompassing Palma, picturesque towns, pristine beaches, and a brief excursion to Ibiza for a taste of its vibrant nightlife (55:15).

• Cultural Integration and Local Perception:
  Discussing the Mallorcan people, Stefan describes locals as "protective yet incredibly kind and warm," highlighting a cultural dynamic that values community and heritage. Paolo extends this appreciation to Spanish people overall, praising their openness, zest for life, and welcoming nature (58:07).

• Navigating the Real Estate Market:
  The couple shares insights into sourcing historical properties, often relying on off-market deals and local connections. They highlight the challenges of finding properties that meet their high standards but emphasize the rewarding outcomes of their selective approach (53:22).

Conclusion: Embracing the Island Dream

"Living the Dream: Island Escape" encapsulates the multifaceted allure of island living, from the historical depths of Greek and Caribbean islands to the modern, design-centric lives in Mallorca. Through the stories of Alexia, Marc, Stefan, and Paolo, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with relocating to and thriving in island paradises. Whether it's the serene simplicity of Greek life, the vibrant cultural tapestry of Trinidad and Tobago, or the harmonious blend of history and modernity in Mallorca, the episode serves as an inspiring guide for those contemplating their own island escapes.

Notable Quotes:

• Alexia Scheinman:
  "Athens is the vibrancy and the grittiness of New York City paired with a Mediterranean climate and lifestyle." (05:22)

• Marc Forel:
  "10 to 1 is a brand based on this idea of community, strengthen numbers." (28:10)

• Paolo Valcic:
  "We just don't want to suppress the creativity and the sense of style that we have for the sake of the property being more commercial." (50:53)

• Stefan Relic:
  "People from the island are very specific in some kind of way. They are protective because the island is a small piece of land." (58:07)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of "Living the Dream: Island Escape," providing listeners with valuable insights into the diverse experiences of island living across different cultures and landscapes.