You cannot fully appreciate the immensity of a building like Hong Kong’s ICC tower, until you view it from afar. Even from the windows at the top of the Ritz-Carlton, which occupies all of the utmost levels of the building, it takes a moment of studying the landscape: realizing that you can blot out cars and semi-trucks down below with the tip of your thumb.... Read More
One does not usually “escape” to Las Vegas. The pinging of slot machines and the hoards of grotesque people standing in lines for all-you-can-eat seafood buffets is enough to dissuade me from the state of Nevada. But something recently wooed me back. Thanks to a truly tranquil and luxurious experience at the Palazzo and Venetian, I have a refreshed view of Las Vegas.... Read More
Mark Doty, a contemporary poet, writes of his being drawn into the orbit of a painting. I have a similar sense of being drawn into a positive, memorable orbit from my recent resort experience at Brasada Ranch in Central Oregon.... Read More
Forget Casablanca. "Everyone goes to Marrakech," said international travelers I encountered. Accordingly, on my recent tour of Africa, I made Morocco’s Marrakech my first stop, and Amanjena my first resort. What a way to kick off one of my grandest international trips to date! What follows is my account of my stay at Amanjena, the "peaceful paradise," in the midst of Marrakech’s magic.... Read More
The W Retreat Seminyak looks nothing like a W Hotel, and nothing like a Balinese hotel either. Regardless, it raises the bar in both categories, and is a triumph for parent company Starwood.... Read More
