It's official; Nicaragua has arrived as a destination. Fox News recently reported that tourism increased more than eight percent in the first five months of 2014, a "sustainable increase" according to executive president of Intur, Mayra Salinas. For travelers who look for untouched and often remote places with sparse tourism, this means the time to explore Nicaragua is now. ... Read More
The beautiful city of Stockholm, Sweden has cool hotels, old ones and even properties on boats. But it only has one Grand Hôtel, an iconic, historic, ultra-luxe property personifying everything a truly great five-star hotel in a European capital should be. Which is why the likes of President Obama, Justin Bieber (not to mention some of the smartest, most distinguished and important people in the entire world since 1901), and Nobel Prize laureates have stayed there while in town to receive their honors.... Read More
On Wednesday, November 19, the BMW Group officially announced its partnership with Relais & Châteaux at the Opéra Garnier in Paris, to celebrate the hotelier's 60th anniversary year. Globally, the hospitality brand includes 520 hotels and gourmet restaurants in more than 60 countries. With this new joint venture, guests will be able to experience unique events, gourmet festivals and exclusive trips and invitations.... Read More
Plenty of luxury boutique hotels around the world are filled with good art, but there are two in the city that are art galleries in themselves. In a trend of making beautiful hotels from buildings that originated for other purposes, this country excels in taking the usual and turning it into the spectacular.... Read More
Since the first Grace Hotel opened in Greece’s Cyclades Islands in 2007, the name has been synonymous with the very best in boutique luxury. Now the haute hospitality group has brought their signature style to New England with the acquisition and rebranding of three of the region’s most iconic inns: Vanderbilt Hall in Newport, the Mayflower Inn and Spa in Connecticut, and the legendary White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. ... Read More
Rome is one of the world’s great art destinations thanks to unparalleled collections like the Vatican Museums, the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj and the Villa Borghese, not to mention all the ancient sites around the forum. However, one of the city’s luxury hotels is an art destination in and of itself.... Read More
Previously Red Lion Fifth Avenue, Motif Seattle is a phoenix from the ashes of its former self. Re-imagined by designers such as Jordan Christianson and architect Ankrom Moisan, the local flare and sense of community are incorporated into everything from the textiles to the letterhead.... Read More
There’s a lot of planning that goes into New Year’s Eve each year—what to wear, where to best celebrate, who you’re going to kiss at midnight—these are the questions that plague us as December rolls around. While some like quiet nights at home with their beau, we’d rather have that one-of-a-kind-movie-worthy type of event.... Read More
Singapore was my first venture into Asia, and although a seasoned traveler, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from the city that requires prescriptions for chewing gum and is a second home to many affluent business travelers (thanks, in part, to their many private banks). That being the case, the five-star Conrad Centennial Singapore seemed a smart choice for accommodations—as it caters to corporate travelers—to get a sense of what business guests can expect.... Read More
If you’re planning on staying at Hotel Amigo, Brussels this holiday season, you may notice a very distinct style and décor taking place in their ground-stone lobby. This year, designing the Christmas decorations for the property is Belgian designer Diane Von Furstenberg and her creative team. The space will pay homage to the history of fashion and will have that one-of-a-kind DVF feel to it.... Read More
Tucked away in the idyllic Ballantyne community of South Charlotte, and conveniently located just 18 miles from Uptown and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge takes southern hospitality to a whole new level. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, is one of the only properties in Charlotte to have earned the prestigious Forbes Four-Star Award.... Read More
The five-star Belmond Grand Hotel Europe has unveiled six new grandiose suites created by Tihany Design, just in time for the property’s 140th anniversary next year. Designed to complement the historic hotel’s neo-baroque décor, the five new accommodations and the presidential suite are inspired by 20th century Russian artists and have been created from 19 first-floor rooms.... Read More
Ever since Charles Dickens immortalized London as the 1840’s setting of the classic A Christmas Carol, ye olde English capital has been the world’s most ideal place to celebrate a traditional Yuletide. Just being in London’s city center in the wintertime elicits nostalgic excitement thanks to the cheerful buzz on the streets, in the shops, the restaurants, at the special holiday productions and with the warm holiday hospitality of hoteliers who delight in creating special feasts, experiences and memories for guests.... Read More
Winter is coming. No seriously, it’ll be here before we know it. And luckily (for those of you who got that previous reference), it’s not bringing death and doom with it, but rather white wonderlands in some of our favorite ski destinations.... Read More
After checking out of the Alvear Palace Hotel in Argentina, I made my way over to the Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau on Avenida Alvear. On the way, I heard loud drums and people shouting, for a moment I thought I was in the middle of a major uprising. After all, this is Buenos Aires and protests are quite common. As I got closer to where the drums and shouting were coming from, I discovered it was a small workers’ protest, much to my relief.... Read More
