Eye Candy
Every year around the same time (right now, to be precise), the season’s enduring chill leaves us craving a sunny respite. If you’re feeling the same – or just looking for a new weekend getaway – allow us to present a fresh batch of vacation ideas: an art deco escape in West Hollywood, a Bahamian beach trip with a side of contemporary art, and a food-focused reset in Saint Lucia. It’s all below, along with news on Japan’s cherry blossom forecast. Spring, we see you! Five Things We Love: Sunset Tower Hotel It’s the spring of 1929: Audrey Ruston (later, Hepburn) is born in Brussels, Al Capone is arrested in Philadelphia, and the first Academy Awards take place in Hollywood. Just west of that event, along Sunset Boulevard, a 15-floor residential tower designed in the Zigzag Moderne style becomes one of the first high-rises of its kind in Los Angeles. READ MORE How to Tap Into One of the Caribbean’s Most Exciting Art Destinations Turquoise waters, pink-sand beaches, sprawling resorts – most travelers to the Bahamas book it straight to a sunbed, but on my recent visit, I found myself in a giant tent outside the convention center at Nassau’s Baha Mar resort, staring up at a 17-foot-tall, mahogany-wood sculpture by Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts. The piece, Back to Back, Belly to Belly, was on display at the Fuze Art Fair, which showcased the work of 120 artists from 21 countries. READ MORE When I Needed a Reset, I Went to Saint Lucia By the time my partner, Harvey, and I arrived in Saint Lucia that spring, the most appealing form of celebration I could imagine was sleep. We’d landed a few days after my birthday and just a week after the end of an intense, monthslong media-award-judging process. It’s some of the most rewarding work I do, so I was thrilled to have made it through another season of cross-country travel and lengthy deliberations READ MORE In This California County, Sustainable Travel Comes Easy Travelers road-tripping along California’s Pacific Coast Highway can once again pass through Monterey County’s 80-mile stretch of the scenic drive, a portion of which reopened in January after three years of closures. While this Big Sur coast is rightly renowned for its dramatic cliffs and misty redwood forests, the county’s natural beauty covers way more ground. READ MORE Taste the Mediterranean on These Culinary-Centric Sailings There are beautiful coastlines and ancient history, of course, but it’s what’s on the plate that makes the Mediterranean’s most alluring destinations truly appetizing. Luxury small-ship cruise line Silversea celebrates the Med’s gourmet cachet through S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), its comprehensive culinary program that brings an authentic, locavore focus to onboard dining, cooking classes, shipboard talks, and exclusive shore excursions. READ MORE Quentin Luk, head bartender at Regent Hong Kong’s Qura, shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing: Beats headphones so I can listen to Queen or Maroon 5 – both great companions for long journeys. Reading: Recently, I’ve been interested in culinary culture and how to implement cocktails into the daily dining experience – The Art & Science of Foodpairing is enjoyable on the topic. Scrolling: Gronda. It’s a recipe app with demos by famous chefs and bartenders. Dreaming of: Melbourne, to visit friends, explore the bar scene, and attend a family wedding. Salem, Massachusetts’ Peabody Essex Museum is hosting a celebration of sculptor Edmonia Lewis – a Black, Indigenous Mississauga master of the form – through June 7. This exploration of painter Danielle Mckinney’s portraits is a coffee-table must-have. Japan’s cherry blossom forecast is live. The Guggenheim Collection and watchmaker Swatch collaborated on new timepieces inspired by Monet, Klee, Degas, and Pollock. Globe-trot in the Year of the Horse with Montblanc’s apropos accessory. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
Five Things We Love: The RuMa Hotel and Residences
On a recent trip to Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, I spent three blissful days doing – and thinking about – nothing. It was glorious. With my extended family in tow, I relished having no dinner plans to coordinate, no lunch tabs to split, and no Champagne budgets to track. The biggest debates: choosing between an afternoon at the resort’s palm-fringed infinity pool or Minitas Beach, and deciding whether to take a golf cart or a bike to get there. READ MORE These Big-Ticket Cruises Pair Sailings with Extended Land Adventures No question, Japan has a lot of buzz right now, but Abercrombie & Kent charters Ponant’s 148-passenger expedition ship Jacques Cartier for a venture to towns and sights that larger ships miss. Pre- and post-cruise extensions let travelers linger for up to 20 nights total – time in the big cities makes for a well-rounded trip. From the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, it’s easy to reach Kiyomizu Temple, the rock garden at Ryoanji Temple, and Arashiyama’s bamboo grove. READ MORE Five Things We Love: The RuMa Hotel and Residences Walk through the terra-cotta birdcage and past the bronze fountain to the dual staircases that spiral upward toward a copper-tiled ceiling, and you’ll find The RuMa Hotel and Residences’ centerpiece: a sculpture of a traditional Malaysian kebaya dress, made with interlocking gold metal squares adorned with filigreed gold butterflies. The work, by Malay fashion designer Bernard Chandran, epitomizes what The RuMa is all about: warm tradition, with a dash of avant-garde. READ MORE Where to Park-Hop in One of Europe’s Greenest Cities In Zagreb, nature spills across the city in every direction: Parks, gardens, and forests cover nearly three-quarters of the Croatian capital, giving it the second-highest concentration of green space of any European metropolis, according to the European Environment Agency. Locals weave nature into their daily lives, as families gather by lakes, working professionals linger on shady benches over lunch, and hikers set off on forested trails, all without ever leaving the city limits. READ MORE An Art and Food Lover’s Guide to Barcelona Picasso in the late nineteenth century, the avant-garde chefs redefining Spanish cuisine today – Barcelona has long been a muse for creatives. While Spain’s sunny seaside city lures travelers in the summer with its beachfront promenade and late nights in architectural-wonder-packed neighborhoods, peak season isn’t the only time to soak up the Catalonian capital’s cultural and culinary prowess. READ MORE Packing: My SILA hydration supplements . Hydrating well before a long flight is imperative. Practicing: My daily wellness routines are my travel nonnegotiables – meditation, hydration, and mindful breathing keep me grounded and set the intention for the rest of the day. Dreaming of: I’d love to explore more of South America, Africa, and Asia; I’m intrigued by the traditional approaches to wellness and food in those regions. Aman Tokyo is on my bucket list! In California, redwood boards and photos of Hawaiian princes tell the story of surfing’s arrival in North America Fat Bear Week starts on September 23. ( Meet a few of them here .) Samsonite dropped a new luggage line Comme Si launched clothing inspired by the Coppola family’s resorts. Get ready for fall foliage in the U.S. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Request A Quote
The Journal
As Copenhagen’s Noma prepares to close, this windswept island steps into the spotlight, with chefs like Emil Thaarup and Nicolas Min Jørgensen leading a new wave of sustainable, farm-to-table dining that celebrates Denmark’s rich landscapes. Explore North Jutland's evolving food scene, where fresh seafood, coastal beauty, and rustic flavors create a distinct culinary experience. READ MORE City Guide: Mumbai Looks Forward Mumbai’s "City of Dreams" is buzzing with innovation, from bold new restaurants and stylish boutiques to a thriving art scene. Discover how tradition and modernity blend to shape this dynamic cultural capital. READ MORE Five Things We Love: Bellevue Palace Perched above the Aare River, Bellevue Palace is a historic gem in Switzerland’s capital, blending luxury with sustainable Swiss traditions. From its elegant corner suites to underground dining at Noumi and easy access to Bern’s Old Town and beyond, this grand hotel offers a true taste of Bernese charm and culture. READ MORE Escape winter’s chill with Scottsdale’s sun-drenched landscapes and endless desert adventures. Hike scenic trails, stargaze at luxury resorts, and enjoy desert-inspired spa treatments. Scottsdale’s vibrant dining scene and blooming wildflowers make it the perfect warm-weather retreat. READ MORE Be sure to ask us about protecting your trip with one of our travel protection plans. In these trying times, this is a highly recommended option for a reasonable price. MORE DETAILS
How to Do Rome the Right Way
How to Do Rome the Right Way Experience Rome like never before with private guides who offer exclusive access to hidden sites and local secrets. Discover the city’s rich history, savor authentic Italian cuisine, and enjoy unique perspectives on iconic landmarks in just a few unforgettable days. READ MORE Explore how Manhattan, known for its hustle and bustle, has become a surprising haven for wellness seekers. From tranquil luxury hotels and expansive spas to serene green spaces and health-focused social clubs, discover how the city offers moments of peaceful respite amidst the chaos. READ MORE Discover the newly renovated Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden, a historic gem that blends baroque elegance with modern luxury. Explore its opulent suites, fine dining experiences, and rejuvenating spa, all set in the heart of one of Germany’s most culturally rich cities. READ MORE There are four key trends shaping the future of luxury hotels: deep cultural connections, hands-on sustainability efforts, holistic well-being, and restaurants that draw both locals and travelers. By focusing on personalized experiences, meaningful sustainability, and creating vibrant culinary hubs, Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels, is redefining what guests can expect from their stay. READ MORE Explore the most stylish luxury hotel experiences this summer, where fashion meets travel. From Dior’s sun-soaked poolside oasis in Turkey to Pucci’s vibrant flair in Monaco, these high-fashion collaborations offer more than just a stay—they’re an invitation to immerse yourself in the world of haute couture, with exclusive dining, shopping, and Instagram-worthy moments at every turn. READ MORE These Italian aperitivos are sure to elevate your spritz season. From the classic sweetness of Aperol to the complex bitterness of Cynar, explore a range of liqueurs that bring a touch of Italian summer to your home, whether you’re sipping on the Amalfi Coast or relaxing in your own backyard. READ MORE Be sure to ask us about protecting your trip with one of our travel protection plans. In these trying times, this is a highly recommended option for a reasonable price. MORE DETAILS
