Loudoun Destination Restaurant Program restaurant whose menu features many estate-grown ingredients. There’s plenty to do on the property, and there’s always Middleburg and great wineries nearby.... Read More
Budgeting for summer travel can be difficult. Extra expenses like meals, entertainment, and incidentals can quickly turn a planned bargain vacation into a bank-busting trip. So to avoid hidden fees and sticker shock, some savvy travelers are turning to all-inclusive vacations.... Read More
When’s the last time you had a date night or romantic luxury getaway? After years of dating or marriage, sometimes the spontaneity of new love and planning to do something out of the ordinary falls by the wayside. Terri McFarland, founder of Romantic Date Experiences, has created a high-end date program that lets couples rediscover the wonder they had in the beginning by... Read More
The Four Seasons Milan, a luxury hotel located inside Italy’s second largest city was once a 15th century convent. Today, this beautiful urban retreat, situated around a lovely garden setting, attracts visitors from all over the world... Read More
The past couple of years have been an exciting time on the Paris hotel scene with several new grand palace hotels either opening or undergoing revitalization projects (the Ritz and the Prince de Galles are both currently under renovation). One of the most hotly anticipated of these new hotels was the... Read More
Way down in the southern hemisphere at the bottom of the world is a five-star hotel in Tasmania dedicated to showcasing the works of the area's finest artists. Located on the waterfront in Hobart, Australia’s smallest capital, the Henry Jones Art Hotel is an architectural success story—a story where old meets new, where history meets the present while paying homage to both.... Read More
At the Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos, travelers should count on staying in an ocean view room. Not because a garden view features unsightly overgrown landscaping and not because the hotel doles out complimentary upgrades to guests as generously as it hands out... Read More
Celebrity Cruises announced in April that their new 1,600-square-foot Reflection Suite aboard one of its Solstice Class ships, Celebrity Reflection, would include a very unique, all-glass shower. They weren’t kidding—the space ship looking feature actually juts out over the edge of the ship’s 14th deck. With so much talk surrounding this new amenity, the luxury cruise line decided to release some renderings so potential travelers could see what they’re in for.... Read More
It’s time to make a spectacle of yourself. Again. On an island. But this time, it will be Spectacle Island to be exact. Take a quick 15-minute cruise aboard Boston’s Best Cruises departing from Long Wharf North and sail out to the beautifully preserved... Read More
Without a doubt the Olympic Games are about tradition, from the lighting of the torch that ignites the host nation, to the signing of the national anthems. This year’s summer games, taking place in London, are no exception. Aside from the games, which themselves carry a long, rich history, it is the country that hosts the games that is also allowed to... Read More
As the second largest city in Australia (second only to Sydney), Melbourne is known for its vibrant coffee culture, multi-cultural culinary scene, avant-garde street art, and sophisticated hotels. It’s a beautiful city that was well-planned and artfully designed. As one guide put it, “Melbourne had the luxury of being a planned city since it was not a convict state.” And as far as svelte hotels go, the Crown Towers stands in a class of its own as arguably one the best, if not the best hotel in Melbourne.... Read More
With year-round beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, trails, and outdoor activities, San Diego is a fantastic destination for couples and families alike. If you’re planning a family vacation this summer and sunny San Diego is your destination, take a look below to learn about a few of the area’s best family hotels.... Read More
While there are many luxury hotels in Thailand, where else but the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle can you be riding elephants in the jungle one minute and the next soaking in a hand-hammered copper bathtub in your own private deluxe tent?... Read More
Once you experience it or even encounter the phrase “Holistic Gym,” it seems the only natural progression. Think about it, because it makes sense. Firm Body Evolution (“FBE”) in West Hollywood claims the first of its type in the country, infusing futuristic advances in muscle fitness and fat banishment. Meanwhile, applying the same types of technological efficiencies to holistic... Read More
With the countdown on for the London Olympics, revelers are looking for the suavest places to celebrate the Games. The Fringe 2012 is going to be top of the list for many. The exclusive pop-up private members’ club, which is due to open on July 20, will be set in a stunning... Read More
Los Cabos, which is situated at the southernmost tip of California’s Baja Peninsula, is the number one celebrity hotspot in Mexico, attracting A-listers such as Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney and more.... Read More
In terms of raw natural beauty, there are few places in Ireland more stunning than Donegal in the northwest and few places better for starting one’s journey of discovery than the Silver Tassie Hotel and Spa.... Read More
As one of the top luxury cruise lines, Crystal Cruises is always looking to enhance upon their already diverse and enriching on-board entertainment. And just like that, out of thin air, comes a new industry-first program called “Magic Castle at Sea.” Master Magician Rich Bloch, along with several other skilled magicians from the famous private magicians’ club in Hollywood, the Magic Castle, will be putting on one-of-a-kind shows that will stun and surprise.... Read More
This past Saturday marked the opening of the 16th annual Bridgehampton Polo season, widely regarded among Manhattan’s social set as one of the most important events of the summer. Whether to admire the sportsmanship or just to admire the glamorous crowd, fashionable Manhattanites flocked to the East End destination for... Read More
You may have heard of Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes, both exquisite destinations in the South of France, but not many will have heard of Cap Estel—and therein lies one of the French Riviera luxury hotel's many charms. Without any obvious signs or directions, with an imposing gate and visible high security, Cap Estel makes privacy and discretion a big priority, which might explain its A-list status on the Cote d’Azur.... Read More
Thinking about a trip to Wine Country? Forget what the tourist guides say, and get the best memories—and best bottles—using these practical pointers from insiders. We asked a wine writer, wine region rep, and two estate professionals to help.... Read More
Leave it to Barneys New York to make a statement! The luxury brand unveiled its newly redesigned shoe floor this week at its Madison Avenue flagship and took the celebratory occasion to announce their support of marriage equality with the Perfect Pairs Campaign. For the first... Read More
Londoners are gearing up to receive the Olympic Flame, which is heading to the capital on Saturday. Almost 1,000 people will carry the relay torch around 200 miles of the capital’s streets before its final journey down the River Thames on Her Majesty The Queen’s Rowbarge, Gloriana. The Flame will travel... Read More
If you’re looking for a luxury villa rental in Costa Rica that is so secluded most don’t even know about it, then you want to check out Hacienda Santa Inés. Located 5,000 feet above sea level and just 20 minutes outside of the capital city of San Jose, Santa Inés is great for family and friends or for the solo traveler looking to recharge and get back to nature.... Read More
Loch Lomond is one of the most popular Scottish tourism destinations and the De Vere Cameron House provides stately accommodations and a convenient base from which to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. The property is located 20 minutes from Glasgow International Airport and 40 minutes from Glasgow city center.... Read More
Things are not always what they seem, and Morocco is a luxurious travel destination that has been branded in a way that doesn’t do it justice. Morocco is always billed as a destination with sand dunes as far as the eye can see, and camel rides to dinners in the desert. The Real Housewives TV show and The Sex and the City movie release did little to dispel such images—and instead, simply added Manolo Blahniks to the mix.... Read More
The city of Milan, which is renowned for being a world-leader in luxury brands, fashion, and high end lifestyle, will be the locale of the 39th European Bentley dealership. The luxury automobile company is looking... Read More
New York City has the Hamptons. Los Angeles has Palm Springs. But San Francisco has Napa, the lush wine-filled "Tuscany" of America and the Bay Area escape for over 4 million visitors a year. Recently, I departed from the frenzy of San Fran's Union Square to one of Napa's largest retreats. Here are the highlights:... Read More
Once a quiet fishing village, the stunning stretch of beach along Lang Co Bay in central Vietnam has been transformed into a luxury resort, Banyan Tree Lang Co, due to open November 2012. For the adventure minded traveler, the new Banyan Tree resort is a destination to behold.... Read More
“The World’s Best Restaurant” is set to open a pop-up venue at the luxurious Claridge's hotel during the London 2012 Games. Noma, the Copenhagen eatery, which has been given the prestigious title by Restaurant magazine for the past three years, will serve a five-course lunch and dinner menu for... Read More
Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has just unveiled the newly renovated Crystal Symphony, the first step in completing a $65 million, five-year plan to redesign every room aboard the award-winning ship.... Read More
Once considered to be on the outskirts of civilization, Tasmania is still an island at the bottom of the world. But that hasn’t prevented Australia’s smallest and most remote state from taking center stage by being at the cutting edge of luxury hotels.... Read More
Located on San Francisco’s Folsom Street, Qi Ultra Lounge is set to open its fluid, sensual venue to the public sometime this month, showcasing an ambiance that hints at ancient Eastern spirituality. The space was designed by Interior Passion Inc., a design and architecture company specializing in spaces that reflect a specific kind of energy.... Read More
Meaning 'field of the horse rider' in the original Welsh Caemarchog, Knightsfield has been in owner Steve Greenow's family for over 170 years and dates back further still to the late eighteenth century. Curling up on the distressed leather sofa beside the sitting room fire, with nothing but crackling logs and the sound of the wind against the drystone walls for company, it feels as though this quintessentially Welsh farmhouse has always stood here.... Read More
Elegance, authenticity and excitement are the chief ingredients that make The Restaurant at the Setai a world class dining venue and a culinary tour de force. Imagine a restaurant that offers all of your favorite Southeast Asian dishes under one roof and prepares them so well that you leave saying you've never tasted better!... Read More
Around the corner from The White House, blocks from the historic monuments, and just a short Metro ride to the Georgetown shopping district sits a little piece of France in downtown Washington, DC. Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square is tucked into the heart of the nation’s capital, offering four-star accommodations, fine dining, and impeccable service all with a modern French flair that the brand has become synonymous with.... Read More
Plenty has been written about St Tropez over the years—a place where fame and money collide, remaining on the ‘It’ list by leisure travelers, celebrities and royalty alike since it was popularized in the 1950s. St Tropez can be rather manic in the peak of summer, therefore being 10 minutes away by car, on the way to the famous Pampelonne beaches, is a welcome retreat. Villa Marie is one of the luxury hotels in St Tropez that is close enough to indulge in all of the town’s glory, but far enough removed in its serene surroundings to encourage proper relaxation.... Read More
Most people wouldn’t think of jetting off to the mountains of Northern Georgia for vacation, but Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is a Georgia luxury resort replete with relaxing activities to unwind and forget the stresses of everyday life. Surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort offers cozy accommodations, fine dining, championship golf, a spa, and a variety of outdoor recreation to suit every guest.... Read More
With just one week to go until the Olympic Games kicks off in London, thousands of tourists are beginning to flock to the capital. To celebrate all things 2012-related, London is showcasing its best restaurants, cafes, bars and museums, with Olympic-themed activities at every turn. Take a look at a few must-do activities in the capital.... Read More
Luxury cruise line Paul Gauguin Cruises just added another ship to its fleet, the Tere Moana, which will specialize in whisking travelers away to destinations in Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The new ship will complete a major multimillion-dollar renovation in November and set sail for its first voyage on December 29, 2012.... Read More
Built by a father-son team, luxury villa Casa Mataiza offers 40,000 square feet of gorgeous indoor and outdoor living space in Mexico’s scenic Punta Mita. The name “mataiza” lends itself from a regional tree found in the Kupuri and Careyeros area; one such tree was planted in the central plaza of the home from which three main walls branch out.... Read More
So you’re heading down to Mexico for a well deserved family vacation. You have the kids and their friends, the in-laws and the nanny all in tow. Finding a hotel that can accommodate the extensive needs of every traveler while all staying together and organized can be difficult. But what’s the alternative? Renting a luxury villa, of course. You get all the amenities and services of a five-star hotel but in a more intimate, private setting. It’s a win-win.... Read More
Luxury resorts in Dubai come in all shapes and sizes—sky-high towers in the heart of the city, expansive properties along the shoreline, and even boutique hotels set amidst lush green palms. However, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is showing guests a different side of Dubai, away from the bright lights and big city.... Read More
Here’s one of the most interesting stories we’ve heard in our travels. We recently stayed in a penthouse suite at Tropical Villa Vacations in Wailea, Maui, which is adjacent to the acclaimed Grand Wailea Resort (which is known for its children’s activity pool). You know what some people who stay at Tropical Villa Vacations in Maui do?... Read More
Faceted at the northern peak of South America and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea is the Colombian gem Cartagena. This historic city is as far from danger as any of the hot spots of the international glitterati. It's beaches, architectural charms and gourmet dining make it a "must-see" on the bucket list for the traveler in the know, as well as a popular port city for the luxury cruise ship crowd.... Read More
When many of us think about tropical vacations, the word “paradise,” or balmy, white sand beaches, one of the first places that comes to mind are the beautiful islands of Hawaii. It has almost become a cliché, however, the mixture of exotic terrain and eclectic cultural diversity found among... Read More
Among the many treasures found in Maui, the road trip to Hana has consistently ranked as one of the top things to do while visiting. The eastern coastline of the island is bordered by rolling green mountains alongside the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean.... Read More
All of Hawaii is known for its breath-taking beaches, and Maui is no exception. Kaanapali Beach, located in the Northwest region of the island, was voted “America’s Best Beach” in 2003, not only for its white sand and clear water, but for its unique cultural and geographic attractions. The beach is home to two championship golf courses... Read More
Usually when people think of luxury villas they think of pampering, relaxation, and maybe a flashy architectural appearance. Maybe they're in the heart of a famous city or off on a tropical island with sandy beaches, but the idea is usually the same. Sometimes you may want to deviate from the expected and stay somewhere that is a unique surprise.... Read More
Vomo Private Island Resort is located in Vomo, Fiji, and is exactly what it sounds like: a 30-villa luxury beach resort on a private island in the Mamanuca Islands Group. Just a 15-minute helicopter transfer from Nadi International Airport, the resort is the only hotel on the 225 acre private island. With plenty of activities, great cuisine, and breathtaking views, what’s not to love?... Read More
Indochina Sails, an extension of luxury cruise company Huong Hai Junks, boasts over ten years of experience, bringing guests from all over the world to the beauty of Halong Bay, Vietnam. Featuring tropical weather, guests aboard a cruise through the bay should expect warm, humid weather in the summer and cold, dry weather in the winters.... Read More
Thanks to a multi-million dollar renovation, The Royal Hawaiian is setting new standards of luxury on the beautiful beaches of Waikiki on the island of Oahu. No longer just "The Pink Palace" The Royal Hawaiian is now a modern resort, with chic décor and unparalleled service.... Read More
For an exotic dream vacation away from the ordinary, head to the Sofitel So Mauritius. Located in the midst of a deep blue lagoon and enveloped by lush vegetation, there is no other place in the world quite like it.... Read More
