Hotels

Jun. 7th, 2022 “Out of Many One People.” This is Jamaica’s multiracial roots-driven national motto that is represented on the country’s Coat of Arms. It is this spirit of togetherness—of united “oneness” irrespective of race, class, religion age or gender—that has helped Jamaica endure as a revered tourism destination decade after decade. Indeed, this hugely hospitable 4,411 square mile Caribbean Island attracts throngs of visitors to its cities, coasts, rivers and mountain ranges each year. One of my personal favorite regions attracting tropics-oriented travelers the world over is Montego Bay. As Jamaica’s second largest city, this revered destination has evolved into…

Jun. 1st, 2022 At the turn of the 19th century, as it is today, London was a thriving metropolis where travelers from around the world came to visit. They arrived by train at King’s Cross which is still the bustling hub that connects London to Paris via the termination of the Eurostar. A stone’s throw from the Kings Cross station is London’s most rebellious new luxury hotel. The recently opened Megaro Hotel is deliciously cheeky, uber stylish and, most of all, unforgettable.   As busy commuters and arriving passengers from the King's Cross and St. Pancras station emerge from their subterranean…

Loews Miami Beach HotelAfter enduring two summers of uncertainty, Loews Hotels & Co, the brand behind 26 hotels and resorts across the United States and Canada, is celebrating seasonal travel, in-person connectivity, and the art of authenticity with a summer-long immersive program dedicated to inclusion in ALL forms: Summerfest by Loews Hotels. As part of Loews’ commitment to “welcoming you like family,” the brand has curated warm weather offerings designed to appeal to guests of all ages, abilities, and lifestyles. Summerfest by Loews Hotels kicks off June 1, 2022 and runs through Labor Day. Available in most destinations across the portfolio, the program…

Columbia HillenPlain revolving entrance doors disguise the sheer elegance within at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles-Trianon Palace. Beyond them is a long gleaming marble-floored corridor adorned by flower bouquets, glistening Murano chandeliers and display cases filled with perfumes. The hotel - interiors designed by Fiona Thompson - blends elements of Art Deco with contemporary furnishings and Ancien Regime-style grandeur such as grand columns and gold leaf. Columbia HillenFor those wishing to enjoy the uplifting ambience created by natural light flooding through floor-to-ceiling windows, armchairs stretch the entire length of the corridor. The reception and concierge desks are located discreetly out of…

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Palazzo della Gherardesca Lobby. Photo: Peter VitaleThe Duomo. Palazzo Vecchio. The Uffizi Gallery. Florence's list of most desired destinations also includes a slightly less obvious but equally impressive locale - the Renaissance-era Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Every bit as historic and extraordinary as its host city's marquee attractions, this gorgeous former 16th century convent and 15th century palace features everything for which visitors to The City of Lilies pilgrimage – art, history, architecture, culture, and cuisine. It’s all here in one stunning package.  Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Palazzo della Gherardesca Lobby Alcove. Photo: Barbara KraftIf lodging elsewhere…

(credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection)Nestled along the dramatic Kohala Coast and in the piko, or center, of five great mountains, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is an inspiring spiritual haven defining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii. Mauna Lani, meaning “mountain reaching heaven”, is set on soulful lands once cherished by the greatest of Hawaiian royalty marked by royal fishponds, lush tropical gardens and an alluring beach to catch the sunset.  The resort feels like its own private enclave and is spread out across 32 acres including 295 rooms, 38 suites and five private…

May. 12th, 2022 A recent, super chic renovation of the already elegant Four Seasons Hotel Milano reveals an urban sanctuary wholly befitting of its location in the heart of Italy’s fashion capital. Located on iconic Via Gesu in the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Quadrilateral) - Milan’s famed fashion and design district - the hotel and its discreet entrance are flanked by some of the most desirable names in retail: Cartier, Brioni, Goyard, and Acqua di Parma. Just around the corner on famed Via Napoleone one finds Fendi, Versace, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Brunello Cucinelli, and virtually every other high end retailer one might summon…

Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace, Sofitel Rome Villa BorgheseAs a guest at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, one undoubtedly finds contentment while ensconced in the chic luxury of this Borghese Garden bordering hotel. Located on a quiet street in one of the poshest regions of the Eternal City, the hotel is a sanctuary within the hustle and bustle just beyond its doors, and is within walking distance of Rome’s greatest attractions. A map is all one requires for exploration and discovery. But imagine how much more satisfying a stay might be if one’s exploration were led by an expert in his or her…

(credit: courtesy of Visit Huntington Beach)With 10 miles of uninterrupted, wide golden sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean, Huntington Beach provides an iconic beach getaway on the West Coast. Just 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 95 miles north of San Diego, the dynamic coastal city has near-perfect outdoor weather (between 60-90 degrees) and almost year-round sun with 281 days of sunlight per year. It officially received its moniker of Surf City USA® in 1991 and plays host to professional sporting events such as the U.S. Open of Surfing and offers numerous spots for locals and travelers to test…

Courtesy of The Little NellWith as many prismatic sparkles as freshly fallen snow or sunlight glinting off the flowing Roaring Fork River, The Little Nell Aspen is a AAA Five-Diamond property known the world over. Located at the base of the mountain, The Little Nell personifies all things luxury: from the amenities to service, fine dining to ski-in-ski-out location for a perfect Colorado destination vacation. My first time staying at the hotel, I was not only impressed by the property and offerings, but felt right at home with the approachable mountain attitude and friendliness of everyone on property.  Upon entering…