Lifestyle

Feb. 28th, 2024 Cherry blossoms are a must-see when visiting Japan, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy hanami (“viewing flowers”) during Sakura season. Traditional experiences include strolling the Philosopher’s Path, which cuts through the beautifully preserved Higashiyama District in Kyoto, to riding the Sagano Romantic Railway that passes through a tunnel of sakura trees along the

AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences, specializing in luxury long-stay residences and has relaunched of its experiential program Live It! Spanning nine cities and featuring curated activities, AKA has partnered with tastemakers and local brands to offer experiences that highlight the community and cultural aspects of travel including design, art, wellness, and

Regent Regent Seven Seas Cruises, widely regarded as the epitome of luxury ocean travel, recently celebrated the grand reveal of its latest jewel: Seven Seas Grandeur, A Heritage of Perfection. Described by Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., as “breathtaking,” to which I can attest having sailed on the spectacular

Columbia Hillen Watching the owner of Blue Duck Station deftly throw a large axe at a target and hit a bullseye was my first experience at this rustic holiday resort on North Island, New Zealand. Dan Steele, owner. Photo by Columbia Hillen It wasn’t to be my last taste of the vast expanse of the Kiwi

Feb. 23rd, 2024 There’s no place on earth like London. The most prestigious monarchy in the world, Big Ben, double-decker buses, afternoon tea, and fish and chips. The Thames River cuts through the city and gives it so much of its personality and inspiration. At the foot of the pedestrian-only Millennial Bridge that crosses the

Photo by Kimpton Harper In the vibrant pulse of Fort Worth, Texas, where cowboy heritage intertwines with contemporary sophistication, stands the Kimpton Harper Hotel. Housed in a historic 1921 landmark, the Kimpton Harper exquisitely merges the city’s rich past with an undeniably modern spirit. With luxurious accommodations, top-notch hospitality, and a prime location in the

W South Beach Iconic South Beach property maintains its stronghold as the pinnacle of luxury in Miami Nestled right by the Atlantic Ocean sits the world renowned W South Beach, a 5-star resort that embodies the essence of Miami’s vibrant culture. After undergoing a $30 million renovation in 2020—which included the redesign of 408 guest

Manasota Key Resort. Photo Jill Weinlein Kayaking next to curious dolphins is one of the many highlights guests experience while staying at Manasota Key Resort. While Miami and Fort Lauderdale are popular vacation cities in Florida, travelers seeking a slower pace beach experience will enjoy the boutique Manasota Key Resort. This hidden gem is surrounded

All Images Credit Thornbury Castle To be a king is to sit at the pinnacle of wealth, power, and privilege. Arguably the most revered kingdom is the United Kingdom which through the millennium, has remained an icon of this institution. During the Tudor dynasty of the 16th century, King Henry VIII ruled as one of the

Images courtesy of The Global Ambassador From JustLuxe Content Partner MensGear Arizona’s hot and arid climate is not exactly the best experience for anyone who drops by during summer. Locals suggest you visit around fall and winter when the temperatures are somewhat milder. There are plenty of attractions and activities to take in while in

Columbia Hillen Staff loyalty is a scarce feature of the hospitality industry these days, especially since the onset of Covid when many employees moved to other sectors. But Vasile Descultescu and Daniela Ciuca, have served the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest and its owner, George Copos, faithfully over the decades. Knowing them both since they began

Courtesy of Casa Velas Nestled within an upscale residential neighborhood, just a short five-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta airport, the AAA Four Diamond Casa Velas  stands as a serene, adults-only boutique resort exemplifying standards in the luxury all-inclusive sector. As part of the prestigious Velas Resorts portfolio—renowned for being the only chain with four properties in U.S. News

When you embark on a journey to Prague, a city that effortlessly marries history with modern charm, your choice of accommodation plays a pivotal role in shaping your experience. In this magical city of spires, where each cobblestone holds the secrets of centuries past, The Julius Prague stands as an unrivaled symbol of opulence and

Columbia Hillen Sipping cocktails in an underground 100-year-old bank vault reminiscent of a glamorous speakeasy is a rare treat, but that’s what friends and I enjoyed in the heart of Old Town Bucharest.  Columbia Hillen Long before it was renovated and opened as a stately hotel by Lithuania-based Apex Alliance Hotel Management (AAHM) more than two

San Francisco’s iconic Palace Hotel They don’t make hotels like this anymore. With its 11-foot ceilings, wide hallways, Italian marble columns, and crystal chandeliers, San Francisco’s Palace Hotel is the embodiment of everything the City by the Bay was and continues to be: elegant, sophisticated, chic, contemporary, and inclusive. Few hotels in the nation can claim such

Hotel Californian If you’re looking to relax and recharge this winter, look no further than a sunny escape at the pristine Hotel Californian in charming Santa Barbara. Perfectly situated a stone’s throw from the beach in the famed Funk Zone, the 121-room boutique hotel oozes designer elegance thanks to its striking decor by Martyn Lawrence

Photo courtesy of Dom Pedro Lisboa Sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference during a hotel stay, mine at the 5-star Dom Pedro in Lisbon was when friendly sales director, Paulo Almeida, kindly organized baggage in my absence at late notice easing my stress following travel difficulties. Not to mention long-time staff member

Courtesy of Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos There’s a seemingly endless array of luxury options for indulgent Los Cabos, Mexico getaways, but none are as lavish as the Billionaire Buyout offered by the stylish oceanfront sanctuary, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. The brand new, adults-only 79-suite property has curated an unforgettable three-night stay for two

Even before its stunning new refresh, the Inn at the Presidio qualified as one of San Francisco’s best hospitality secrets. Tucked within the bucolic and pastoral national park site, with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the Inn has served as my R&R “go-to” for nearly a dozen years. It offers a serene escape surrounded by 1,500

Columbia Hillen Gazing at groves of beech and oak and garden paths ablaze with flowers while water trickled melodiously in a nearby fountain and pigeons swept after breadcrumbs I’d tossed them created one of my many memorable moments on Madeira’s Quinta da Bela Vista. Columbia Hillen Nestled quietly in a historic setting on two acres