Travel Legends: Sir Richard Branson

This week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa is joined by legendary entrepreneur and adventurer Sir Richard Branson. Renowned for his trailblazing spirit, Branson has carved a name for himself in diverse industries such as music, aviation, hotels, and even space exploration. The episode delves into his remarkable journey, starting from his early days when he left school at 16 to launch his own magazine, to starting Virgin Records later Virgin Airlines and the Virgin Limited Edition hotel group, and bringing us to the current day as he celebrates the opening of his new hotel in Mallorca. Branson's reputation as a risk-taker and visionary stems from his ability to turn the seemingly impossible into reality. The conversation highlights his incredible adventures, from a circumnavigation of the globe in a  hot air balloon and exploring space to ambitious adventures with his family around the world. Then, with the opening of his new hotel in Mallorca, Son Bunyola, Melissa also highlights some of the amazing shops, experiences, and restaurants that you can experience in Mallorca on this week's Destination Hacks!If you want more information on the restaurants, shops and places mentioned in this week’s episode, click on the links below:  Banyalbufar: Son Bunyola - The Virgin Limited Edition hotel located on the northwest coast of Mallorca opening June 16th Deià:La Residencia - Belmond hotel that’s also home to several restaurant options offering fine-dining, scenic views, and culinary experiencesCa's Patró March - Tiny cliffside restaurant for a meal with a viewPalma:Cortana - Clothing store by Designer Rosa Esteva from Mallorca who creates dresses that capture the essence of the MediterraneanCarmina - Men’s hand-crafted shoe store run by fourth-generation shoemakersAlpargatería La Concepción - Artisan shoe store where you can find Mallorcan, Menorcan and Ibizan espadrillesLa Rosa Vermutería - Vermutería offering local, authentic tapas and vermouthCeller Pagès - Restaurant that opened in 1956 serving traditional Mallorcan cuisine and seasonal dishesLa Bodeguilla - Typical Spanish tavern with a tapas barFornet de la Soca - Centuries-old pastry shop where you can order the ensaïmada, a traditional dessert Pollensa:Teixits Vicens - Family-run textile factory and shop incorporating the technique of ikat where you can find handcrafted, colorful traditional Mallorcan fabricsSanta María del Camí:Textil Bujosa -Third-generation family business incorporating the technique of ikat where you’ll find handcrafted, colorful traditional Mallorcan fabricsBinissalem:Con Alma Design -Studio led by a husband-wife duo who create custom furniture pieces from olive tree wood and colorful Mallorcan tile boards named after different Balearic Islands Alcúdia:Maca de Castro - Michelin star, fine-dining restaurant for an elegant meal with a lovely terrace If interested in learning more about traveling to space, here is the book mentioned by Sir Richard Branson: The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution  by Frank White