Journal
travel journal and news
Journal
travel journal and news
Beachfront Bliss - January 2020
Amanera has everything you could possibly want from a Caribbean getaway–beautiful beaches, exciting island adventures, delicious local-inspired food, a relaxing spa, and a world-renowned golf course overlooking the ocean. Come experience all of the beauty of the Dominican Republic from your own casita.
Cayo Espanto in Belize is here to make all of your dreams of having your own private island come true.
Secret Bay, hidden away in the rain forests of Dominica, is one of the most spectacular boutique hotels in the world. Comprised of 6 completely secluded and sustainably built villas, Secret Bay allows you disappear into nature, while being pampered with 5-star amenities…
Cheval Blanc of St. Barth has the honor of being the first luxury hotel outside of France to be given the esteemed palace designation, and for good reason. This elegant hotel provides the ultimate experience in comfort and privacy while creating an overarching experience that will whisk you away from daily concerns.
The Quintessence Hotel is the newest addition to the Relais & Chateaux hotel empire, which fits in well with its location on Anguilla, known as a gastronomic destination of the Caribbean. The Q is an elegant mansion hotel with nine uniquely designed suites, all of which come with a twenty-four-hour butler service. Staying at the Q provides the perfect balance of being welcomed into someone’s home while ensuring complete privacy…
COMO Parrot Cay on Turks and Caicos is a sumptuous private island resort on one of the smaller cays that comprise the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia is home to twenty-four unique sanctuaries built into the natural landscape of this stunning Caribbean island.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso springs up from the desert like a mirage. This oasis, nestled between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, blends into the natural surroundings with its thoughtful architectural style and native foliage inspired by the landscape. The resort transports you seamlessly from the stark beauty of the desert to the lush tropical shores of the Pacific Ocean.
Travaasa is here to nourish your mind, body and soul with magnificent cultural experiences, fitness classes, and delicious, fresh food prepared fresh each day.
There are a lot of reasons to visit the Val D’Isere ski resort located in the Auvergne-Rhônes-Alpes region of Southeastern France: one of the largest ski resorts in Europe, with very reliable snowfall, and an incredible variety of different runs. It is also one of the few resorts in the region that is located right at the base of the mountain, meaning you don’t have to deal with complicated shuttles to and from the slopes each day. Sounds pretty ideal doesn’t it? Well, things just got a bit better with the new Airelles Mademoiselle hotel, set to open December 2019.
Sitting at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this new boutique luxury hotel provides the very best of 5-star hotel luxury along with the intimacy of a private residence. Comprised exclusively of eight suites, the developers of this newest addition to Wyoming’s favorite resort town designed a place that they would want to stay in. Located on prime real estate right at the base of the tram that will take you to the slopes, Caldera House is the modern luxury ski chalet we’ve all been dreaming of…
Hakuba and Niseko are two of Japan’s premiere ski resorts. Hakuba, in the Nagano region of Japan, is located in the Japanese Alps and is one of the most popular international ski destinations in Japan because of the wide variety of terrain and ski areas available in the region. Niseko is located further north, in the Hokkaido region of Japan, and beloved because of its reputation for the fresh powdery snow that falls in abundance and the option for going off-piste…
The Arosa ski resort is situated in the Schanfigg Valley of Grisons in eastern Switzerland. A slightly less well known (for now) region than the more popular St. Moritz, Arosa has a long history, and is guaranteed to provide you with a truly authentic Swiss ski experience. The Valsana Hotel, a relatively new addition to the town, pays homage to this history while also providing a truly modern new landing place for visitors…
Maison Cimes gives new meaning to the idea of mountain luxury. This incredibly unique guest house is comprised of only five bedrooms, each impeccably decorated with Scandinavian furniture and a terrace or balcony of each room. Maison Cimes is built on a mountain slope from an old converted hiker’s cottage in the small mountain town of Les Orres in the Haute-Alps in Southern France. If your dream ski vacation is something truly remote and unique, the Maison Cimes is here to bring that fantasy to life.
Aspen has long held the title of the most exclusive resort town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and The Little Nell holds top billing for 5-star accommodations. Not only is The Little Nell the only hotel in Aspen to boast ski-in, ski-out access to the mountain, but it also has easy access to all that the town has to offer…
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the Hotel Mont Cervin Palace is one of the premiere 5-star hotels in Switzerland. Zermatt sits at foot of some of Switzerland’s highest peak, including the striking Matterhorn. Imagine curling up with a cup of hot cocoa, gazing out over the snow-covered rooftops after a long day on the slopes. When you think of alpine beauty, there’s no more picturesque locale. And the simple elegance of Mont Cervin Palace will make your stay perfect from start to finish…
Imagine being in a tree house, perched atop the tallest tree overlooking the scenery beyond. Now, imagine you’re in Thailand overlooking the Ruak River, mountains and jungles that span across three countries. Combine that with Four Seasons hospitality and service and you’re at their luxury Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, you must reserve a seat many months in advance at Chef Gaggan Anand’s two Michelin star restaurant Gaggan, named after himself. At the 14-person U-shaped table surrounding these top chefs at work, an intimate 25-course rapid-fire meal awaits in a style unique to Gaggan.
Upon entering this hotel, you feel like you are walking through the jungle. Luscious trees and plants line the walls of the sky-lit atrium with an artificial river flowing through the floor. Muted tones are the main aesthetic, while highlighted by natural elements such as wood, stone, leather and gardens. Situated on three acres of land along the Chao Phraya River is The Siam Hotel.
In the Lanna region of Northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai hosts the Yi Peng festival, an annual tradition celebrated by Thais, tourists and monks alike. The date of this festival changes yearly to correspond with a full moon in the Thai lunar calendar, falling this year in November.
Relaxing poolside with a specialty cocktail in hand, looking out past the calm infinity pool over the edge of a cliff with a backdrop of limestone pinnacles jutting out from the bay – that is the life at the Six Senses Yao Noi.
Bangkok at night shines bright with colors, lights and excitement. Instead of traversing through the busy streets, take a seat on a brand-new river boat to indulge in a pre-dinner or dinnertime experience. The Supanniga Cruise offers voyages in the evening, for afternoon tea or cocktails, and at sunset for dinner.
Magical memories and ultimate luxury await at the Belmond Napasai on Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Thailand. Surrounded by 43 acres of lush tropical gardens, your stand-alone villa or residence will grant you total seclusion and comfort.
As the city with more Michelin stars per capita than any other city in the world, San Sebastian offers a wide variety of food options.
At this luxurious estate in Bordeaux, Bernard Magrez invites his guests to take a tour of the châteaux, promenade through the vineyards and take a class to taste the wine.
Instead of heading to the most popular tourist restaurants in Rome, here are some local restaurants that will show you true Roman cuisine.
Set sail around the Mediterranean on a yachting trip designed for a unique wine experience.
A renowned wine region, the Barossa Valley boasts thousands of acres of vineyards. This region is home to some of the world’s finest wineries, wine tastings, and wine experiences.
As in every cuisine, Japanese sushi takes many forms. In Kyoto, there is Kyozushi – a sweet style of sushi eaten without soy sauce to not overpower the authentic and rich flavors.
Located in the Ötztal mountains, between Austria and Italy, sits the Das Central Hotel. Here is where the Wein am Berg event takes place on the third week of April each year.
An icon for this well-known and loved wine region in Rioja is the Hotel Marqués de Riscal.
In Kyoto, the sakura trees start to bloom around the last week of March and reach peak blossom at the beginning of April.
The Douro Valley, located 62 miles west of the city of Porto, Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley, famous for its rolling green hills, river and vineyards is home to port wine.
Located near Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island is the luxurious eco-conscious Clayoquot Wilderness Resort.
Monaco is also home to the most prestigious car race in the world, the one where all drivers dream of winning, the slowest and most difficult of all circuits in a breathtaking setting – the legendary Monaco Grand Prix.
Spring in Amsterdam is when you can see Holland’s most famous exported goods bloom – Tulips. Even though you can find them around the city, a trip to the Flower Strip (or Bollenstreek) is a must.
If you are looking for a summer ski break, look no further than the Southern Hemisphere. When it’s warm in North America, it’s winter south of the equator.
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers the best of the old and new worlds. This luxurious train journey crosses Southeast Asia, stopping in destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, passengers will find train cars that invoke a classic jazz-age ambience.
Bhutan, a tiny country tucked between Tibet and India, is filled with natural beauty, incredible spiritual history, and a deeply rich culture. Embark on an adventure through this mountainous country using the Six Senses Lodges as home base.
Courchevel defines itself as one of the most luxurious ski destinations in the world. Boasting the world’s largest skiable area, these legendary peaks are a skier’s dream. Tucked in the heart of this area is the beautiful ski resort, Le K2 Palace.
Celebrate Christmas in Costa Rica and stay at the Pacuare Lodge. This luxury eco-hotel is an adventure from the moment you arrive. There are no roads to Pacuare Lodge so they use the river.
Lacaula is a perfect little paradise. This small, privately-own island in Fiji exists in total seclusion. Villas and Fijian-style dwellings are scattered along the coastline, perched atop the mountains, and dotted across the rainforest.
Who hasn’t dreamed of pursing adventure on the Amazon River? Fly to Peru and explore all that the Amazon has to offer from aboard the Delfin luxury cruise. The Delfin fleet presents a rich and varied experience of Amazonia – complete with all the comforts of a five-star hotel.
New York City is packed with rooftop bars – and those rooftop bars are often packed with people. Featuring breezy views and impeccably crafted cocktails, it’s no wonder that these bars are such a popular place to meet friends on a hot summer day.
The Banyan Tree Hotel in central Bangkok is one of Thailand’s premiere urban hotels. As the largest 5 star all-suite hotel in the country, Banyan Tree Hotel prides itself as an urban resort.
Singapore has long been one of the top travel destination in the world. Whether business or leisure this small island city-state has it all. Among its many attractions, 1-Altitude is one of the city’s premier destinations.
The Culpeper building has deep roots in East London. It has a history dating all the way back to 1850 (when it was a pub called The Princess Alice), complete with a part in the macabre story of Jack the Ripper.
Perched atop the Sri Panwa Hotel in Phuket, Baba Nest brings an incredible sense of luxury to the Golden Hour. This is the perfect place to start your night.
All across the world, Peninsula Hotels are home to some of the best outdoor bars. The River Bar in Bangkok, Sir Elly’s in Shanghai, Salon de Ning in New York – the list goes on and on.
Ponder Athens’ ancient history from the roof of the Grande Bretagne Hotel. Start with breakfast at dawn, overlooking the Acropolis.
The Four Seasons Beirut is home to the highest rooftop lounge in Lebanon. This spot, appropriately named “The Roof”, is popular for both sunset drinks and trendy nighttime events.
In 2017, the famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened his first restaurant in LA. A signature dining experience, Jean-Georges Beverly Hills reflects the chef’s classic style with many dishes that throwback to his popular New York City establishments.
The Italian jewelry company Bulgari is making strong strides into the luxury hotel market. Beginning with the end of the year opening of the Bulgari Dubai, Bulgari Hotels and Resorts is pushing hard to break out of its historically European market.
Following on the heels of the Bulgari Beijing, the Bulgari Shanghai is set to open mid 2018, however an official date has not yet been set.
The new Rosewood Luang Prabang, which opened March 27th 2018, promises to share the best of Laos.
Visit the brand new Nyungwe House, a One&Only Resort property, and experience luxury in Rwanda.
As of April 1st, 2018, experience new levels of luxury at THE RETREAT at the Blue Lagoon.
Aman is offering a new Spring Break destination. Starting in 2020, you will be able to travel to Los Cabos’ East Cape for a luxurious retreat.
Belize is quickly becoming a top luxury travel destination. The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced plans for the development of Caye Chapel, a private island in the Belize archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.
The Park Hyatt St. Kitts has finally opened on the heels of Hurricane Irma, and is bringing back classic Caribbean beach vacations with a new refined elegance.
The world famous Setai in Miami is making its first international debut with not one but two new properties in Israel.
Aman has once again set a gold standard for luxury hotels. With the opening of their fourth property in China, Aman has combined cultural and ecological history to present the Amanyangyun Hotel.
Island-hoppers have something to look forward to. In 2017, construction began on the long-awaited exclusive resort on Blackadore Caye.
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, can easily be explored on foot. As it has one of the world's most dedicated bike cultures, the city can also be toured by bicycle. In fact, the city has more bicycles than people. Experience the city like a local.
After closing for over 4 years the major renovations are complete and the historic Hotel De Crillon re-opened the first week of July 2017.
The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection will debut in the fourth quarter of 2019 with luxury yachts and cruises. This venture represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for a luxury hotel operator.
Air France is launching a new airline, named Joon, to try and capture cost-conscious younger flyers. Described as a Millennial focused carrier “aimed at a young working clientele whose lifestyles revolve around digital technology.”
The Royal Express Train began service in September 2017 and now takes travelers in grand and leisurely style to some of the most beautiful stretches of the country of Japan.
Ian Schrager’s new hotel in the lower East Side in New York opened in June 2017. A “very relevant, compelling, innovative and edgy” Hotel according to Schrager.
The Relais Christine, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, is reopening on the Left Bank in Paris after two years of major renovations.
Changi International Airport in Singapore Terminal 4 opened in October of 2017. Combining modern boutique design with a nod to Singapore’s history, it will include butterfly gardens, swimming pool, movie theatres as well as hawker centers.
Recently opened, Moss Hotel is the first luxury hotel built near the Blue Lagoon, with 62 rooms, giving its guests exclusive access to the attractions, private swimming areas, reviving facilities. Set on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the island's south west.
Belmond has recently acquired Cap Juluca. It is now operating as Belmond Cap Juluca and is ready ready to welcome guests, according to a Belmond news release.
New Zealand is a destination in itself. One of the most picturesque countries you will ever visit, it is a wonderland for adventure seekers, with a plethora of breathtaking views and action-packed activities.
The second Firmdale property exquisitely designed by Tim and Kit Kemp has opened in the heart of upper midtown New York.
Qatar unveils new business class QSuites which will feature a double bed configuration option with sliding privacy doors.
The city as visited recently will not look the same in 15 years. Arguably the experience would be completely new once the countless number of construction projects are completed. Despite the fact that the city has deep historical roots, a cultural revolution post Berlin wall era has caused an explosion of modernization projects.
Cape town welcomes a new property in Liz Biden’s Royal Portfolio Collection. The Silo opened in late March 2017.
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana will be the first 5-star property to open in Havana.
Just returned from a wonderful visit to the exclusive and gorgeous Pink Sands Club in Canouan Island in the Grenadines, West Indies. After only a 5 hour flight from New York to Barbados on Jet Blue’s new Mint service and a short, 20 minute connection by private jet to Canouan, you arrive on one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
Six Senses is debuting 5 unique properties with guest suites and villas in Bhutan, in the second half of 2017.
In late March Le Sirenuse resort, based in Positano Italy, launched a Restaurant and Champagne Bar inside the relaunched landmark Four Seasons The Surf Club in Miami.
During a visit to Scotland, be sure to stop by a whisky distillery to learn about the spirit’s story that is deeply rooted in the country’s rich culture and history.