Expert skills: ornithology, research, worldwide expeditions
Location: the Pyrenees

Although he’s originally from Zaragoza, Spain, and a resident of the tiny village of Villanúa in the heart of the Pyrenees, you’re more likely to find Javier Cotín on an expedition through Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions. He has traveled the globe, hitting all seven continents in his pursuit of feathered friends—and contributed to numerous research projects and publications in the field of ornithology along the way.

He got his Master’s degree in Norway and his PhD in Barcelona, in addition to working in conservation biology in places like Australia, the Seychelles, Costa Rica, and the Galápagos Islands.

“My deep knowledge and firsthand experience make me a premier guide for those seeking an unparalleled birding adventure,” says Cotín, who has an expertise in guiding high-profile clients, including celebrities and business leaders, on exclusive birding expeditions that can be “meticulously tailored to meet the discerning standards of luxury clientele, ensuring privacy, comfort, and exceptional service.”

Book him for a private, guided birding experience via the contact form on his website.

Danielle Zaslavskaya Matzon

Expert skill: caviar
Location: NYC

Danielle Zaslavskaya Matzon, the vice president of brand partnerships at Marky’s Caviar, is NYC’s resident egghead.

“I grew up surrounded by this business, which gave me the chance to experiment with caviar and enjoy it in unique, understated ways,” she says. “This experience has equipped me with knowledge that I can share with others in a more accessible and approachable manner.”

She offers a private caviar experience at Marky’s Upper East Side location with a curated selection of sturgeon caviar, with caviar sourced from Marky’s own Sturgeon Aquafarms in Bascom, Fla. (the exclusive producer of otherwise banned Beluga caviar within the U.S.).

To book the experience with Matzon, send an email to [email protected] three weeks in advance.

Ramesh Krishnan

Expert skill: Japanese culture
Location: Tokyo

When Ramesh Krishnan, aka “RamKy,” moved to Japan, he wasn’t impressed with with the local tours. “They were incredibly scripted and cookie-cutter, the content was very shallow, and predictably the guides wouldn’t be prepared to break away from the shrines-palaces-temples-gardens-food loop. And, any deeper questions I’d ask would be unanswered or side-stepped,” he says.

Today, RamKy is fixing that. When he isn’t working as a researcher at the National Economics University in Japan, he’s running the tour company Japan Unfiltered, which touches topics other brands aren’t willing to touch.

“My well-traveled guests are looking to understand Japan,” he says. “To do that one has to look at the small things, stop by and smell the roses. For instance, why are there no trash cans in Japan? Why and how do kids go to school in Japan alone from the age of four? Why is there a statistically insignificant rate of violent crime in the world’s largest city, Tokyo? Understanding the small things opens up new dimensions to Japan that guests wouldn’t even have contemplated before. And, this deepens their appreciation of how truly unique Japan is.”

He has a long list of high-end clientele, including Hollywood A-listers, top business professionals, hedge-fund managers, diplomats, and bureaucrats. And he creates customizable private tours all across the country. To book RamKy, send him an email at tokyo.ramesh123@gmail.com.

Noah DiPasquale

Expert skill: golf, networking
Location: 16 countries and 46 US states

Noah DiPasquale is the ultimate caddy. He gives golfers the keys to the worlds most exclusive courses via his company Epic Golf Club.

“I was a leader in the technology space for more than 15 years in sales and consulting,” he says. “In 2018, I realised my dream of blending technology with my passion for golf and created Epic Golf Club.”

Utilising a private membership model, the Epic Golf gives its members access to over 1,200 courses by allowing members to access each others clubs.

“I wanted to experience even more private courses, and in trying to do so, I discovered a gap in the market that soon became my mission to fill,” says DiPasquale.

To book a meeting through Epic Golf Club and discuss their private golf society, reach out through the website.

Isaac Mpuchane

Expert skills: safari, photography
Location: Botswana

Isaac Mpuchane has been a private guide for nearly a decade, specializing in wildlife in Botswana and photography tours. His passion for wildlife, patience, and photography know-how is truly unmatched. Bookable via Desert & Delta, he’s hosted British Royals, celebrities, and plenty of VIPs on their quest to get the perfect shot.

On a recent private safari, Mpuchane abruptly stopped our vehicle, signaling us to be quiet and listen. He pointed out the distress calls of distant birds and monkeys. Without a word, we were off, whipping through the African bush. As we emerged through the greenery, we saw a pack of wild dogs playing in a small water hole. It was a rare sight—so rare that researchers plaster their contact info around the airport, urging visitors to send any footage they might’ve captured of the wild dogs. Mpuchane’s knowledge and passion—about everything from animal bones to dung beetles—will enhance any trip.

“My curiosity began in childhood,” he says, remembering a white rhino sighting in the Gaborone Game Reserve. “I loved the outdoors and often liked to listen to the sounds, the smell, and the presence of fascinating little things and I felt a strong connection to the land. Those early encounters sparked a lifelong curiosity about nature.”

Book Mpuchane directly through Desert & Delta Safaris by emailing marketing@desertdelta.com. Follow him on Instagram at @isak_naturephotography

Alex Bogaard

Expert skill: photography
Location: Cle Elum, Washington

Hate viewing your trip through a camera lens or from a phone screen? Professional photographer Alex Bogaard of Alex Bogaard Photography snaps those special moments for guests, so they can live in the moment.

“I’ve cultivated a career as a photographer driven by an unwavering passion for capturing extraordinary journeys in remote, untouched locales,” says Bogaard. “My expertise is in luxury adventure photography, where I document individuals as they immerse themselves in their passions—whether fly fishing in the secluded Hoh Rainforest, navigating hidden trails, or exploring landscapes that demand a rugged resilience.”

He offers to guided photography experiences for clients seeking more than a traditional shoot.

“With extensive expertise in navigating challenging terrains and a deep commitment to crafting artistic visuals, I provide a one-of-a-kind experience, curating stunning, enduring memories that honor each client’s unique journey,” he says.

He’s familiar with guests “who expect the pinnacle of quality”—from industry-leading equipment, to an impeccable, seamless experience in the most captivating, untamed environments, he says. To book Bogaard, reach out to him directly at alex@alexbogaard.com or through his website.

Dave Asprey

Expert skill: human optimisation and biohacking
Location: Austin, Texas

Dave Asprey has a serious resume. He created the exclusive “brain optimisation” retreat in the Pacific Northwest, 40 Years of Zen. He’s considered the father of biohacking, and a four-time New York Times bestselling author. He’s the founder and CEO at Danger Coffee. And Asprey is the expert in zen.

“When I was 14, I had arthritis in both of my knees,” he says. “By the time I was in my mid 20s, I weighed 136 kilograms. Not only was I overweight, I also had ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Asperger’s, and chronic anxiety. It felt like my brain was broken, but you would never know it because I had already made US$6 million in Silicon Valley.”

Asprey decided to make a change. He worked with masters in Nepal and Tibet, and took “loads of nootropics.” “However,” he says, “the one thing that made the biggest difference for me was neurofeedback.”

Neurofeedback, by the way, “involves gluing electrode sensors to your head which transmit signals to a computer. Then you consciously work on your brain while receiving real-time feedback from the computer. The goal of neurofeedback is to make your brain work better by training it to be self-aware.” Got it?

He says the process revved up his brain function and filled gaps.

“I also learned how to remain calm and focused in any situation, and how to ensure I was making conscious decisions from the right place, rather than unconsciously making decisions that were ultimately not in my best interests,” he says.

Ready to hack your brain? Asprey works with high-profile clients, including celebrities, pro athletes, and CEOs. To schedule a call, send a message through the contact form.

This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by Pexels