in Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby 2023 Robert Rinder and Monica Galetti embark on a round-the-world adventure, checking out luxury hotels around the world together.
Here’s our complete guide to the new series…
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby Release Date 2023
The opening episode of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby 2023 airs on BBC Two on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 8pm. It is an eight-part series with new episodes broadcast each week at the same time. Episodes are available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby 2023 presenters
Monica Galetti
47-year-old Monica participated in the presentation Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby since its debut in 2017. After Giles Coren announced her departure, it was revealed that Rob Rinder would be joining her in the latest installment of the investigative travelogue.
Monica, a chef of the highest class, is known to the television audience and as a judge of MasterChef: The Professionals since 2009. Monica’s other television roles include Chef abroad, saturday kitchen, Back in time for dinner and Walk with.
Rob Rinder
Rob, 45, shot to fame with ITV Judge Rinder (2014 — 2022). Since then, his television career has taken him in many different directions. He was a welcome addition to Strictly come to dance family when he competed on the show in 2016, he poignantly traces the history of his Jewish family in Who do you think you are? and he is currently a semi-regular presenter on Good morning UK.
Now the star’s career takes another exciting departure when he becomes Monica’s new companion in the fifth series of Incredible Hotels: Life Beyond the LobbyMr.
With over 20 years of experience as a criminal lawyer under his belt, Rob is well versed in not taking things at face value. This skill will help the popular TV star as he joins Monica in uncovering the behind-the-scenes secrets of high-end vacation hot spots.
WTW’s verdict on the new pairing…
There is a moment in the opening episode of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby 2023, where Rob and Monica are under the stars in the gardens of Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, watching an outdoor screening of Casablanca, when they conclude that “this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” We couldn’t agree more.
Filming locations
Shooting for Amazing hotels series five took place in eight very different destinations – Morocco, Maldives, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa, two locations in Italy and Scotland.
Rob Rinder says: “Expect everything from castles in Morocco to island paradises. In some cases, hotels are like entire countries, in others they breathe life into local communities. Some you would go for a weekend like Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco or a night like the fishing village of Nusfjord Arctic Resort at the end of the world.”
Monica Galetti says: “Yes, there is a huge collection of different types of hotels. The Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka was a truly enriching cultural experience. Kasbah Tamadot stands out for its pure vision and enough courage to create something of this size in the Atlas Mountains. They helped educate and train local people to support the hotel, which now make up its workforce. That’s really impressive.”
More detailed information on each shooting location below.
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby 2023 – Season 5 Episode Guide
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby 2023 — Episode 1 (Sunday 6 August 2023 at 8pm on BBC2)
Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco
Rob and Monica’s first eight-parter stop in 2023 is Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, where they join the local team of 140. Rob is tasked with baking bread, hiking the Atlas Mountains and trashing the stables while Monica goes shopping—twice! — and learning how to make the perfect Moroccan drink.
After learning about the history of the 102-year-old building, the duo meet with owner Richard Branson, who reveals his personal connection to the idyllic retreat. This may seem like a departure for Rob, but his curiosity, warm, easy-going manner and fully engaged attitude make him a first-rate replacement for Giles Coren and a complimentary co-host for Monica.
Episode 2 (Sunday 13 August at 8pm on BBC2)
Joali Maldives
Coming soon. See below for more information on the hotels included in this series.
Rob Rinder and Monica Galetti on Incredible Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby
Rob, how did you join the team?
“It was the best gift ever. I’m obsessed with detail, but when I stay in hotels, it’s more than meticulous attention to detail, it’s the people’s stories, which is why I love making documentaries. I mean the privilege of staying in these places and I hope viewers feel they can disappear into these extraordinary spaces. This is a wonderful getaway.
“This has got to be the best job in the world, I keep pinching myself!”
Monica, how is Rob shaping up as your new companion?
“Working with Rob is so much fun. He likes to mess around and get involved and isn’t afraid to try new things. It’s a very colorful season and I’m excited for people to see it.”
What do you think makes a hotel exceptional?
Rob: “It’s all about dedicated people, breathtaking attention to detail and a unique desire to make every guest leave feeling like they’re not in a hotel, but in a family member’s home.”
Monica: “First and foremost is the team behind it all. It’s really important that they offer warm, professional service. It’s really easy to forget about all the hard work that went into creating this experience. Secondly, I would say that the amenities and what they have to offer is at a high level. And, of course, food is extremely important to me!”
Did anything surprise you during your adventures?
Monica: “I’m constantly surprised by the places we see and how they work. I’m also really struck by the architecture of the hotels themselves and the landscapes they’re set in. You can arrive and just be blown away.”
Rob: “What surprised me is how these hotels can build part of a community. The Berber community in the Atlas Mountains, before Kasbah Tamadot opened, was on the brink of economic disaster. Now it’s the epicenter of the community.”
What memories will you take away from creating this series?
Rob: “The sunrises and sunsets and meeting a person in every hotel that makes you think about the world in a new way. I especially liked Sri Lanka. I have been to some of these countries before, but this time I have the gift of seeing communities working side by side. I was really touched.”
Monica: “I have two very special personal highlights. One was the amazing New Years celebration we had in Sri Lanka with the hotel staff. My second is the Puglia Cherry Festival, where local families in the area go out to pick cherries. They had dancing, juggling, baking and all sorts of things. They even make bracelets from the cherry seeds. This is a real celebration!”
Is there a trailer for Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby?
No trailer available yet. Please check back for updates.
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby 2023 — the hotels
Kasbah Tamadot
In the impressive Atlas Mountains, Berber cuisine and culture are on the menu when Rob and Monica visit Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning Moroccan resort. The business tycoon reveals the influence of his late mother Eve Branson on the hotel, which is staffed entirely by local people.
Joali Maldives
Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this tranquil retreat features an ice cream parlour, spa and yoga pavilion, with guests assigned a personal butler – all while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Arctic resort Nusfjord
The elegantly renovated 200-year-old fishing huts in the picturesque Norwegian village of Nusfjord make this gem a sight to behold, with Rob and Monica hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights during their stay.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Rob and Monica step back in time when they visit these luxurious, converted colonial bungalows with period furniture in the Ceylon tea region of Sri Lanka. Gold standard service and an abundance of activities, as well as a focus on the future of the region, make your stay unforgettable.
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Mountain views, luxury lodges and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences are available at this South African resort, where Rob and Monica learn how a five-star hotel can also be a force for animal conservation.
Borgo Egnatia
Built to look like a 200-year-old village in Puglia, this sprawling resort in southern Italy specializes in regional cuisine and promoting well-being, with two beaches, private pools, a golf course and a lavish spa.
Glenap Castle
Closer to home, Rob and Monica visit this Scottish getaway, set in 36 acres of gardens and woodland, which specializes in bespoke services for guests to create a fairytale experience. Tours, manicured gardens, fine dining and even sea safaris are available.
Hotel Hubertus
Nestled in the Italian Dolomites, Rob and Monica lace up their snowshoes at this family-friendly alpine resort offering seasonal activities, incredible views and a unique Heaven & Hell Spa that demands a head for the heights!
Additional information about Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby is produced by BBC Studios’ recently launched Glasgow production base Factual Entertainment, led by creative director Adeline Ramage Rooney.
The series was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning. Factual Entertainment and executive producers are Adeline Ramage Rooney and Dunk Barnes, and editor-in-chief is Patrick McMahon.
Speaking ahead of filming for the 2023 series, Adeline Ramage Rooney said: “We are beyond thrilled that Rob is embarking on this brand new series of Amazing hotels together with Monica. As an outsider to the hospitality industry and a mega fan of the finer things in life, Rob brings an authentic sense of wonder and a fresh new perspective to one of our most popular series. We can’t wait to share eight magnificent new episodes with audiences soon.”