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
Independent Hotel
Virtuoso’s Best Travel Companies of 2025 Thousands of Virtuoso advisors voted for these hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. Private yacht outings to barrier islands and concierge-curated beach days at the 153-room Dewberry Charleston echo the Lowcountry bons vivants lifestyle. Overlooking Marion Square from a onetime federal building, the property also winks at nostalgia with Stickley armoires and a brass bar for nursing daiquiris and juleps. READ MORE In the storybook mountain village of Entre-deux-Guiers, France, an order of Carthusian monks has stewarded the secret formula for Chartreuse since 1764. While travelers can’t visit the monastery, the green and yellow versions of this sweet, herbaceous elixir are behind-the-bar fixtures from Parisian cafés to Megève chalets. Its enchanting anise character livens up classic cocktails, such as the Bijou (gin, Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters) and the Last Word (gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice). READ MORE Five Can’t-Miss Experiences in Saudi Arabia In a country as large as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, knowing where to start is key. Stretching 800,000 square miles across the Arabian Peninsula, with expansive direct access to both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia spans ancient wonders to modern marvels, encompassing archaeological sites, neo-Islamic architecture, sustainable coastal landscapes, and new design-forward hotels. READ MORE Here’s What It’s Like to Sail the Adriatic Sea on a Majestic Tall Ship On a balinese daybed on a morning graced with gentle breezes, I’m surrounded by the swish of rope, the clink of hardware, and Adriatic waves lapping against the idling hull of the Sea Cloud Spirit. Twenty-two crew members run rigging across the decks and up the masts to unleash more than an acre of bright-white canvas over the tall ship. The intricate process unfolds with the Croatian coastline as a distant backdrop. READ MORE Inés De Los Santos, owner of Buenos Aires cocktail bars CoChinChina, Kōnā, and Costa 7070, shares what she’s been loving lately. Packing: Caudalie face mist, compression socks, and a good sun hat. Reading: Eternal Japan by Amélie Nothomb is on my nightstand. Listening to: The podcast Modapedia. Dreaming of: Athens, Milan, and Florence. Grand Budapest Hotel fans, unite: London’s Design Museum opens an exhibit showcasing director Wes Anderson’s archives next month. This just-released cookbook from celebrity chef Diane Kochilas celebrates the flavors of Athens. Aurora Expeditions recently announced that they’ll plant marine life and remove a kilogram of waste from the ocean for every passenger that sails with the line. Have you seen Michelangelo’s grocery list? This toiletry bag, designed to keep products upright, might be a game changer. Ready to travel? Let’s go. Connect Request A Quote
Nature Reigns at This Private-Island Resort in Panama
Thrill-chasing Just off Panama’s Pacific coast, Islas Secas is a 32-guest island hideaway where the catch of the day makes it to the dinner table, and scuba trips reveal octopus, barracuda, and the occasional whale shark. Virtuoso, The Magazine managing editor Justin Paul recently visited the private-island resort – his story on the action-packed escape is below. Plus: What it’s like on a personalized wellness retreat to SHA Mexico, and the hotels we love in the Turks and Caicos. READ MORE Nature Reigns at Panama’s Islas Secas For years, Panama has been tipped as Costa Rica’s scruffier adventure-travel neighbor on the cusp. Nature and outdoor activities abound on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, but except for a handful of expedition cruises, access required a hardy road-trip approach, a patchwork of local boat charters, and a willingness to trade creature comforts for the privileges of its reefs, remote islands, and rainforest jungle. READ MORE I Went to a Wellness Clinic in Mexico to Get My Health Optimized When I arrive at the wellness retreat just outside Cancún, I’m not sure what to make of the immersive experience awaiting me over the next four days. The SHA complex, with its airy, spiraling design subtly echoing the double helix of human DNA, seems to hint that every detail has some biological purpose. I’d come for the “rebalance and energize” program meant to clear my head and power up my cells, but the daily schedule is packed tighter than my carry-on. READ MORE The Best Luxury Resorts in the Turks and Caicos When I first visited the Turks and Caicos in 1996 (I’ve been back several times since), you could look up and down Grace Bay Beach’s three-mile expanse and see no footprints but your own – just swaths of sand as fine and white as confectioner’s sugar, and gin-clear, impossibly blue water stretching to the sky. The sweep that was once my secret may now be lined with swanky resorts, but it remains as beautiful as ever. 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 Alejandro Gallegos, general manager of Mexico City’s Alexander Hotel , shares what he’s been loving lately. Packing: Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones and my Brooklinen silk eye mask Reading: Hospitality Design and Monocle 's travel section . Both offer thoughtful perspectives on global trends and design-forward experiences. Watching: The Bear – an intense, beautifully shot series that captures the energy, emotion, and exacting standards behind culinary operations. As someone in hospitality, it’s as inspiring as it is authentic. Dreaming of: Kyoto. Pioneering researcher Jane Goodall , a leader in environmental stewardship, passed away this week. LA28 ticket sales are coming . MoMA’s first bookstore just opened in Seoul. Cuyana dropped new colors for its beloved travel jewelry cases (and don’t forget to pack some travel-size jewelry cleaner !). A retrospective of artist Nancy Holt’s large-scale Sun Tunnels is now on display in New York City. 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
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
