Lifestyle

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

In the institutional Hardens restaurant guides, the ratings are broken down into three separate categories: Food, Service and Atmosphere. Three vital ingredients to any successful recipe in the world of hospitality. As the Three Musketeers do, they rely on each other for that perfect storm. One lagging could pull down the enjoyment of the other

Images courtesy of Studio Lotus From JustLuxe Content Partner MensGear The aptly named Villa in the Woods by Studio Lotus seems to float among the forest as it sits nestled in verdant trees in the Kumaon range in the Himalayas. The studio built it as part of a housing project focused on creating a self-sufficient

Courtesy of Urban Cowboy Hotels Opening soon is the first Denver outpost for Urban Cowboy Hotels, the brand’s Westernmost historic boutique property. Located in the Capital Hill neighborhood of the Mile High City, Urban Cowboy’s 16 unique suites are housed in a historic Queen Anne style Guided Era Mansion that’s been lovingly restored and reimagined. Three

Provided by property. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, Casa Nossa stands as a beacon of traditional Portuguese hospitality and charm. This boutique accommodation, steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, offers a unique blend of comfort, elegance, and cultural richness. Prepare to journey to Casa Nossa and explore the essence of this hidden

Photo by St. Regis Venice The joyous rush of the holidays might be a distant memory, but Venice, Italy remains as undoubtedly the most romantic floating city, and savvy travelers are seeking ways to experience the magic of Venice “offseason.”  With fewer tourists, the city reveals its true heart, inviting you to savor local delicacies,

(credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts) For those who want to prioritize their wellness to start 2024, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts have exclusive experiences around the world that aim to invigorate the mind, body and soul. From ancient treatments in the Blue Zone of Costa Rica at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo Costa Rica

Courtesy of Place III Hotels A tree grows in London…in an unexpected place. Where a drab car park once stood, Central London’s most exciting new luxury hotel has recently sprouted. As the very first property from hospitality disrupters Place III Hotels, The BoTree planted its roots at the intersection of Soho, Marylebone, and Mayfair, and

The St. Regis Bar, San Francisco I’ve been writing about San Francisco hotels for nearly a decade, yet I’d never experienced the pleasure of a St. Regis San Francisco stay, until now. The hotel’s elegant front entrance is tucked discreetly along Minna St., giving it what I would call an “under-the-radar gem” designation. It’s not

AKA Beverly Hills Now that Awards season is here, AKA Beverly Hills is offering a new Glitz and Glam Experience through March 10, 2024, for guests looking to be treated like a VIP. It’s a special package for guests seeking an immersive luxury stay with movie star benefits while in Los Angeles.  Touted as one of

(credit: Rosewood Phnom Penh) Occupying the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower, Rosewood Phnom Penh soars over 600 ft above the capital’s central Monivong Boulevard and Freedom Park. Offering unobstructed panoramic views of the city, as well as the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, the hotel is located in the heart of the central

All Images Credit Seven Rooms Villadorata There is no such thing as a hidden gem anymore.  This worn-out cliché was ruined decades ago with the rise of social media and the Instagrammers and TikTokkers that have made the most special places passé. Today it seems that the exceptional destinations around the world have been over-exposed

St. Ermin’s Hotel A Luxury Oasis in Central London’s Historic Core Nestled within London’s vibrant heart, St. Ermin’s Hotel stands as a shining flagship among 4-star luxury accommodations. This historical gem near St. James Park in Westminster seamlessly marries opulence with espionage history, offering travelers a remarkable stay in one of London’s most iconic hotels.

The Regent Seven Seas Grandeur – Photo Jill Weinlein Recently in the Port of Los Angeles, the premier Regent Seven Seas Grandeur arrived at the World Cruise Center to welcome almost 750 guests on an inaugural West Coast cruise. Touted as ‘The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet’ in 2023, Regent Seven Seas lives up to its name in service,