Conrad Hotels & Resorts has launched a series of short documentary videos designed to introduce travelers to the spirit and culture of cities around the world. The series, called Conrad Connections, spotlights influential local personalities who serve as curators, sharing the stories, places and experiences that define their hometowns.
Each curator is chosen for their role in shaping local culture and bringing authenticity to the viewer’s experience. The contributors represent a wide range of creative and professional fields, including gastronomy, fashion, media, industrial design and architecture. By collaborating with respected local figures, Conrad aims to give travelers a more personal and meaningful connection to the destinations they visit.
“Conrad properties worldwide enable guests and visitors to find meaningful connections with the cultures that surround them,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands at Hilton Worldwide. “We are thrilled to tap into these local influencers and respected members of social and professional circles to inspire our guests and enrich their travel experiences.”
The Conrad Connections series features opinion leaders and cultural ambassadors from several major cities. In New York, contributors include Heather Tierney, Christina Lessa, Sascha Lewis and Joe Doucet. Miami’s episodes feature Elysze Held, Lee Schrager, Anthony Spinello and Omar Lopez-Chahoud. Tokyo’s segments showcase Yosuke Suga, Masamichi Toyama and Akiko Ogawa. In Seoul, the series highlights Choi Jeon Hwa, Jia Choi, Woochi Jeon and Ju Young Lee. Each short documentary concentrates on the curator’s unique perspective and the local traditions, innovations and neighborhoods that informed their work.
The first release in the series profiles Jia Choi, one of South Korea’s most respected food critics and the founder of O’ngo Food Communications, a prominent culinary school and culinary tour operator based in Seoul. Her episode explores the dynamic interplay between traditional Korean cuisine and contemporary culinary trends, tracing how classic techniques, regional ingredients and modern creativity coexist in today’s dining scene. Viewers are guided through markets, kitchens and neighborhood restaurants to see how culinary heritage is being preserved and reinvented.
The format of Conrad Connections emphasizes authenticity and local knowledge. Rather than broad travel overviews, each short documentary focuses on curated experiences—hidden gems, signature dishes, design influences and cultural practices—that reveal deeper layers of a city. The curators act as informal guides, inviting viewers to experience a destination through the eyes of someone who lives and works there, which helps create more memorable and informed travel choices.
Conrad’s approach reflects a broader trend in luxury and lifestyle hospitality toward localized, experience-driven travel. Travelers increasingly seek meaningful engagement with a destination’s culture, wanting recommendations that go beyond standard tourist paths. By working with credible local personalities, Conrad seeks to provide guests with trustworthy, engaging content that can shape their itineraries and enrich their stays.
The Conrad Connections documentaries are produced as short-form video pieces to be easily consumed by travelers planning trips or by hotel guests looking for inspiration while on property. Each episode is intended to be both informative and visually engaging, featuring interviews, on-location scenes and curated recommendations. The series offers a practical way for viewers to discover neighborhood highlights, culinary experiences and cultural activities directly from people who know the city best.
This curated content can be especially useful for visitors who want to explore beyond well-known attractions and experience a city’s contemporary culture—its restaurants, designers, artists and local traditions. By focusing on individual curators and their personal connections to place, Conrad Connections delivers a more intimate portrait of a destination.
Conrad Hotels & Resorts continues to develop the series with contributors across its global portfolio of destinations, aiming to expand the range of cities and voices represented. The project supports the brand’s mission of helping guests establish meaningful connections with the people and places they visit, and it provides a valuable resource for travelers seeking authentic, insider perspectives.
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