Your best choice home-away-from for all three ski-vacation types—or a combination thereof—is the Pendry Park City, a modern ski-in/ski-out boutique hotel in the center of Canyons Village featuring California-inspired design, an excellent Japanese steakhouse, and, yes, Park City’s only rooftop pool. In fact, if Park City weren’t so charming, there would be no reason to leave. And yet. Standouts among a town center bursting with high end shops and well-curated cafes include Handle and Pine Cone Ridge, both driven by a commitment to local farms and meticulously paired wine lists, and sister boutiques Cake and C2 by Cake. Use the hotel’s ultra-efficient (and free) shuttle service to get there.

Après Pendry

This year, Epic Pass is making travel to Park City—and several of Vail Resorts’ other mountains—even easier, with the new gear membership plan My Epic Gear, which gives members access to more than 60 new season models of ski and snowboard gear, plus resort delivery and slopeside pickup and drop off. (Haven’t bought your Epic Pass, yet? There’s still time!)

DuJour spoke with Pendry Park City’s director of sales and marketing, Chris Lawing, to learn more about the hotel—and get stoked for the season ahead.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Four-Bedroom Residence is the most sought-after room at Pendry Park City.

What makes it so special?

It’s perfect for multi-generational family stays. It allows for 8 to 12 guests to share a spectacular “home-away-from-home.” And it features some of the best views in the resort and includes a fun bunk bedroom for the younger guests—with a ski design on the wallpaper!

What’s the nightly rate for this room?

From $2,350 per night in the winter and $1,700 in summer.

The living room of a Peak King Residence

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The hotel is a modern twist on a mountain lodge. The building oozes with contemporary luxury and, most importantly, has no artwork of flora or fauna anywhere on property. Also, Pendry Park City has the only rooftop pool and restaurant in Park City. At The Pool House, the mountain views and drinks are top-notch.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Four-Bedroom Residence has it all. There is ample space for larger families to spend time together, including a large balcony outside of the living room with wonderful views. And while having a welcoming open layout, each room still offers plenty of privacy.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

KITA, our signature Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant, provides s’mores kits to the guests who dine with them—whether you are staying at Pendry Park City or not.

An outdoor firepit

What are your favorite things about the property? 

The property’s access to Park City Mountain is unbeatable and considered among the best slopeside accommodations in the United States. You can walk out of the building and jump on the Sunrise Lift to start your day, and then ski right into the hotel at the end of the day. For the 2025-26 ski season, the Sunrise Lift will be replaced with a brand new 10-person Sunrise Gondola with service to the main part of the mountain.

And your favorite things about Park City? 

The saying, “Come for the Winter and Stay for the Summer” seems overused, but it is so true. Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities are fantastic and the most well-known, but the summer season here features outdoor concerts ranging from the Utah Symphony to modern rock, multiple festivals and events on Historic Main Street, and to top it off, in the middle of summer  we’ve got daylight until 9:30 pm!

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Accommodations wise, Twin Farms has added to its 20 cottages and suites with eight new Treehouses, designed by Michaelis Boyd. Each spacious Treehouse, cantilevered out into the forest with an expansive deck, boasts freestanding gas fireplaces, deep soaking bathtubs in a massive bathroom, two sitting areas and a king sized bed. They’re the perfect place to retreat with your partner on a romantic weekend to feel like you’re totally away from it all.

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The hotel lobby

DuJour spoke with the property’s brand manager, Lucille Beziers, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

406, a Roomy Terrace room

What makes it so special?

It looks like your own little penthouse because you have to climb a private staircase to get to a very light-filled room with your private terrace and an amazing view of Paris rooftops. The perfect mix of modern and Parisian cliché.

A guest room

What is the nightly rate for this suite?

From  € 450

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The hidden speakeasy, Jacques’ Bar. Only cocktail aficionados know it and it’s a great location for delicious drinks or a secret date.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have super cute mugs in rooms, with a little tagline that is different for each Hoxton. Paris ones are : “Tea? Oui!” and “Ho la latte.” We also do tailor-made surprises and delightful in-room amenities for special occasions: a birthday, wedding anniversary, Tiny Hox when tiny travelers are in tow, Hox Hounds when pups join the trip, etc. Our front desk team always finds the best gifts and the perfect welcome words for our clients.

Jacques’ Bar

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The 14, because of its high ceilings and huge bathtub.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Originally built by Nicolas d’Orbay in the Parisian high rococo style for Louis XV advisor Etienne Rivié, The Hoxton is a listed historical monument. Another fun fact: we share a common corridor with the famous cinema Le Grand Rex and we very often welcome international stars for their secret after parties via a back door.

Rivié restaurant

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Eos Bar

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Ioannis Liakopoulos, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Signature Suite, Private Pool, 105

What makes it so special?

Our Signature Suite is nestled at the heart of the bay, offering breathtaking sea views. Its secluded location ensures unmatched privacy, creating a peaceful retreat like no other. The best part? Waking up in the morning, drawing the electric curtains, and being greeted by the magnificent panorama of the sea right outside your patio.

What is the nightly rate for this suite?

From € 715

A guest room at the hotel

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The restaurant’s tables, made from Tinos green marble, present a harmonious blend of colors and patterns. Its captivating allure lies in its ability to fuse the serenity of deep greens with the vivacity of contrasting veins, culminating in a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of its Greek origins.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Upon entering the hotel, guests are enveloped in our signature fragrance, derived from our bespoke candles, which imparts a sense of calm and tranquility. To elevate the experience, our bar team crafts a bespoke non-alcoholic cocktail, designed to delight the senses and complement the serene ambiance of Odera.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Odera Residence Suite, 213, which uniquely designed to blend luxury with nature. Its elevated position offers unmatched views of the bay and magnificent sunsets. Along with its distinctive architecture, the suite boasts a private pool and a luxurious bathtub, allowing guests to unwind in style while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

The indoor pool

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Its prime location in Vourni, featuring an exclusive, secluded beach that is well protected from the northern meltemia winds. Just a 15-minute drive from the port, it offers easy access to Tinos’ charming villages, providing an ideal blend of tranquility and convenience for exploring the island’s natural beauty and culture.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

“Odera” means an “ode to the wind” and with the inspiration of ODE we created the story of the logo: The five lines of a stave, where music (the ode) is written, symbolize the wind (aera).  The top line curves like the wind at its strongest, while the lines below grow calmer,  leading to a straight line at the base. It is here, amidst total tranquility and peace, where guests find their Odera seeking serenity among the strong Aegean winds.

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A Panoramic guest room at The Maybourne Riviera

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Francisco Garcia, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Panoramic Sea View Suite featuring views of three countries.

What makes it so special?

Designed  by Rigby & Rigby, the studio’s expertise in yacht design played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the Crystal Wing, ensuring that the region’s yachting heritage and location are seamlessly integrated into the hotel’s interior and exterior architecture. These suites offer spectacular views of three countries—France, Italy, and Monaco—and have been designed to evoke a sense of serenity and exhilaration. Overhanging elements, gentle curves and light-colored, tactile materials contribute to this atmosphere. Contrasting interior finishes, such as silk fabrics and Italian travertine stones, create a rich sensory experience without detracting from the breathtaking views and the suite’s lofty heights.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From €4,000

The Riviera restaurant at The Maybourne Riviera

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The artistic touches that pay tribute to Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier, whose Villa E-1027 and Le Cabanon are visible from the hotel on Cap-Martin. There is a mural in Riviera restaurant, stained glass in the Le 300 Bar and inside the elevators. Additionally, some of our chairs and tables are representations of Eileen Gray’s famous pieces.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We provide Maybourne Polaroid cameras in rooms for guests to capture their memories. Additionally, we offer customized amenities created by our pastry chef, Romain Ricciardi, who consistently crafts unique, bespoke creations as a special touch.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Grand Infinity Pool Duplex Suite is iconic, comfortable and spacious, featuring a private infinity pool—ideal for family stays or celebrations. Spanning 1,184-square-feet, it includes furnished terrace that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Riviera coastline.

The Panoramic suite terrace at The Maybourne Riviera

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Originally, The Maybourne Riviera was a small tearoom established in 1870 on the heights of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Perched more than three hundred meters above the sea, it reinvented itself during the golden age of the French Riviera. Personalities from the worlds of cinema and music, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Frank Sinatra, frequented the venue, captivated by its rare encounter with the horizon. This gathering place was favored by artistic figures due to its ever-present creative energy.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The hotel’s striking architecture is supported by 300 pillars embedded in the rock. Guests can enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza prepared by Nunzio, our pizzaiolo chef, or take a ride in the stylish Maybourne Mini Moke—offering a classic Riviera experience to transport them to Maybourne La Plage or Monaco.

A terrace at The Maybourne Riviera

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A Pure Heaven Sea View suite pool

DuJour spoke with the property’s manager, Konstantinos Paraschakis, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Pure Heaven Private Hot Tub Suite 103.

What makes it so special?

This suite is highly coveted due to its prime front location, which offers guests unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea. The positioning of Suite 103 provides a breathtaking and immersive experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the sea and its natural surroundings. Situated at the forefront of the hotel, it offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands of Delos and Rhenia. This suite also features a private hot tub, where guests can unwind and enjoy a luxurious soak. Imagine sipping a glass of chilled champagne as you gaze out over the endless shades of Aegean blue, allowing your thoughts to drift away in the tranquil beauty of the scene. It is the perfect setting for relaxation and indulgence.

Topos restaurant

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From €1,000

What’s your favorite design element on property?

My favorite design element of our property is its distinctive color palette. In stark contrast to the typical Cycladic white seen throughout the island, our hotel is designed around soothing tones of beige. This color scheme creates a relaxed, sandy vibe that evokes the natural beauty of the beach and the surrounding landscape. It provides a calming and serene atmosphere that sets our hotel apart from the traditional aesthetic, offering guests a unique and tranquil retreat.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We offer a special perk that remains a delightful surprise for our guests upon check-in. It is a unique touch that enhances the personal and exclusive nature of our hospitality. To discover this hidden gem, you will just have to visit us and see for yourself.

A Pure Heaven Sea View suite

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Room 111. Although it is an entry-level sea view room, it holds a special charm for me. Instead of a traditional mirror above the bathroom sink, this room features a wide window that offers a captivating view of the sea. Imagine starting your day by brushing your teeth while watching the gentle ripples on the surface of the Aegean Sea. This unique design element adds a touch of magic to the everyday routine, making Room 111 truly memorable.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon? 

An interesting tidbit about our hotel that underscores its iconic status is its location in the Aghios Stefanos region, traditionally known as a villa district for the rich and famous. Unlike many other areas, there are few hotels here, giving our guests an exclusive and secluded experience. Despite being only a 10-minute drive from the bustling Mykonos town, the hotel offers unmatched views of both the town and the Aegean Sea. This unique blend of accessibility and seclusion, coupled with breathtaking vistas, cements our hotel’s reputation as a distinctive and luxurious destination.

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Dunes on the Waterfront, Ogunquit

Hotelier Tim Harrington renovated the longstanding family-friendly resort along a tranquil tidal river in one of Maine’s most quintessential summer towns to the tune of $10 million, and it shows. 24 updated cottages nestled among meticulously maintained lawns provide a secluded escape in walking distance to a pick-your-own lobster pound (with a well-worth-it rum punch) and the sprawling Ogunquit Beach. A short bike ride away, downtown Ogunquit exudes equal parts old school New England charm and modern inclusivity, with candy shops and toy stores alongside culture served up at the excellent Ogunquit Museum of American Art, award-winning Ogunquit Playhouse and karaoke scene emceed by local drag celebs.

The Nevada, York

A longtime landmark along York’s mile-plus-long Sands Beach, the 70-year-old Nevada motel—named for the U.S. Navy ship on which its first owner served in World War II—was completely overhauled for summer 2024. Owners Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar kept the building’s original motel-style aesthetic but with expanded rooms, all with private terraces and many with 180-degree ocean views; a lively in-house tiki bar and restaurant named for their daughter; and modern art and décor throughout.

Longfellow Hotel, Portland

A trip to Maine isn’t complete without at least a few nights’ stopover in its foodiest city. New for 2024, the Longfellow, located in the Italianate West End neighborhood and conveniently adjacent to the city’s most-Instagrammed coffee shop (it’s the VIP sticky buns), is the city’s first independently-owned new hotel in nearly two decades. Thoughtful design by Brooklyn-based Post Company takes equal inspiration from Maine’s city and country sides, with super-soundproofed rooms (fire station down the block? no problem!) and a most-modern commitment to avoiding single use plastics as much as possible. A casual breakfast and lunch café, literary-inspired lobby bar and second floor spa built around private infrared sauna rooms and featuring offerings like guided breathwork and meditation come together to form a true urban respite.

The Viewpoint, Cape Neddick

Perched on the Nubble Peninsula in Cape Neddick—an area so determinedly disconnected that you’d do well to expect more than a few dead zones; just go with it—the Viewpoint is intentionally removed from York’s beachfront bustle. In 2024, the hotel debuted seven new shoreside rooms built into the rocky coastline offering unobstructed views of the Atlantic, Cape Neddick Light and the occasional nesting bald eagle. While the views and the rooms’ sleek design make the hotel among the most romantic of the bunch—perhaps one reason Lady Gaga’s sister Natali chose it as her wedding venue—it’s also great for families, with an easy all-outdoor in-house restaurant, beautiful pool, lots of open lawn space and an excellent ice cream shop just across the street.

The Lincoln Hotel, Biddeford

Biddeford welcomed its first boutique hotel in 2022 and it’s a beauty, an auspicious sign for the up-and-coming former mill town often regarded as “Portland south” thanks to hyperactive creative and culinary scenes. (What many don’t know is that the city is also home to one of Maine’s most beautiful beaches, Biddeford Pool). The Lincoln’s 33 rooms—many of them extra-large—sit in a restored mill above a lively lobby bar (called “Lobby Bar”), Spinning Jenny’s Coffee bar, an outpost of the popular Maine-based mini-chain Batson River Brewing & Distilling and a rooftop pool. Start your evening with an old fashioned at Lobby Bar (there’s three on the bar menu) before heading to dinner downstairs at Batson River, where the Smash burger made with beef from Pineland Farms is the star.

The Norumbega, Camden

In 2023, partner-owners Brett Haynie and Will Tims, a trained architect, completed renovations on the former 19^thcentury castle originally built as a (very) elaborate summer home for inventor Joseph Barkers Stearns (it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Nine rooms and two suites include the Sandringham, featuring a seating area in the castle’s turret and a grand marble bath, and the Library Room, which occupies the castle’s original two-story library and features a mahogany mezzanine and historic books and keepsakes. The inn’s public spaces, meanwhile, heavy in oak millwork, serve as a de facto art gallery, with original pieces by renowned midcoast Maine artists. Walk to Camden Harbor for a schooner sail or snack, or claim a spot on the terrace overlooking the great lawn for an afternoon well spent with a book or a cocktail from the bar (ideally both).

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Fan-shaped marble mosaic tiles in the Market dining area pay tribute to famed New York brasseries. The penny-round ceiling over the food counter is a hat-tip to the original JFK terminal, designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen. Delta’s recently announced onboard partnership with Missoni is also reflected in the Lounge, with design touches like accent pillows, vases and coffee table books bearing the signature zigzag design of the Italian fashion house. The Lounge features a 140-seat Brasserie restaurant delivering a three-course meal service. Restaurant Associates and Union Square Events (a Danny Meyer concept) have collaborated to elevate the culinary experience in the Delta One Lounge, with dishes such as Hamachi crudo, steak tartare and lasagna bolognese. The wellness area is equipped with nine reservable relaxation pods with full-body massage chairs and nap chairs, treatments from Grown-Alchemist certified therapists and more.

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Ilma’s varied food and beverage options, included in the fare, are extensive. At the Beach House, bright, airy interiors flow into an expansive outdoor pool deck, creating a relaxed-yet-upscale setting for enjoying Pan-Latin cuisine. The menu, developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, is inspired by the bold, fire-born flavors of South and Central America while highlighting ingredients from the Caribbean. Seta su Ilma by chef Fabio Trabocchi is a modern Italian fine-dining restaurant with a tasting menu (not included in the fare), Memorī serves contemporary Pan-Asian dishes, Mistral offers Mediterranean flavors while Tides presents a regionally inspired menu. “The Beach House will be the ultimate culinary complement to Ilma,” says Mina. “I have always been fascinated with the powerful flavors and vibrant energy of the countries that make up Latin America and the Caribbean, and I have dreamed of bringing an array of their ingredients together one day. I am thrilled to be collaborating with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to introduce this new restaurant to Ilma’s guests.”

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The lobby at Zafiro Palace Andratx

DuJour spoke with the property’s global marketing director, Cecilia Svane, to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Owner suite, which is our largest and most exceptional suite offering over 2,000 square-feet of space plus an expansive private terrace.

What makes it so special?

This unique suite boasts its own pool and secluded terrace, complete with Balinese beds, sun loungers, and an outdoor dining area with sweeping views of the rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountains and white sand beaches. Guests enjoy two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, dressing rooms, a spacious living room and a hydromassage bath. Thoughtful details abound, including Jo Loves bathroom amenities, daily minibar refills, fresh snacks and more. The meticulously designed space is bathed in natural light during the day, making it the perfect place to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

The Penthouse suite at Zafiro Palace Andratx

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $1,800 per night.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The resort is nestled into the contours of a towering mountain, and the walls of the main building are crafted from gorgeous stone that is original to the site, enhancing the natural, raw beauty of the space. Additionally, our suites are adorned with locally sourced art from the female-owned ABA Art Lab. These pieces showcase organic shapes on two distinct materials: paper painted with watercolors and natural canvases made from palm plants, a material traditionally used in weaving Mallorcan-style baskets.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

They all offer something great, but I love the Junior Penthouse suite with plunge pool. These are gorgeous two-story suites with panoramic views, a private outdoor plunge pool and terrace with lush plants, seating area and Balinese bed. Everything you need for a memorable vacation!

The Veranda Restaurant at Zafiro Palace Andratx

What’s a special perk or amenity that no one knows about?

As a memento of their stay, guests receive a vanity case designed by the family-run Teixits Vicens, one of the island’s only traditional artisanal fabric makers. The fabric, known as “Cloth of Tongues” (Llenguas Mallorquines in Spanish), originally arrived in Mallorca via the ancient Silk Route. The vibrant colors of the designs—yellow, green, and blue—serve as a reminder of the golden Mediterranean sunshine, lush hillsides and crystal-clear ocean.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

A megalithic structure made of stone called cromlech was discovered while building the hotel. Multiple stories high, this unique circular stone structure was studied and analyzed, and subsequently deemed part of the Mallorca Historical Patrimony due to its significant historical value. As a result, the hotel is built circularly, around the cromlech, and the monument is incorporated into unique design elements, such as an exposed stone wall in the lobby.

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A junior suite bedroom at Hotel Hassler

DuJour spoke with the property’s CEO Veruschka Wirth and executive chairman Roberto Wirth Jr to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Presidential Suite San Pietro (610) located on the sixth floor.

What makes it so special?

A mix of history, views and interior design. This was Audrey Hepburn’s home in Rome during the filming of Roman Holiday, and also where she was when she received the telegram informing her of her nomination at the Oscars for her role in the movie A Nun’s Story. The suite includes handcrafted wood paneling, ancient Roman artifacts on display, a magnificent panoramic terrace with a wonderful view and a spacious walk-in closet. The separate living area also offers ample seating and connects seamlessly to the beautifully furnished private terrace, complete with a hot tub overlooking the beachfront. Overall, the combination of luxurious amenities, stunning views and ultimate comfort makes this suite a guest favorite.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From 7,500 €

The Villa Medici penthouse at Hotel Hassler

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Every design element has its own important role. Our father was passionate about art and our mother is an interior designer. The hotel is filled with masterpieces of art and antiques, Venetian lamps and chandeliers from the island of Murano, 19th century mirrors, splendid tapestries and original paintings. Besides turtles, particularly noteworthy is the Capitoline Wolf sculpture. Located in the lobby as if welcoming guests, the she-wolf (“lupa” in Italian) is the symbol of the city and this shows the strong connection between the Hassler and the Eternal City. The image of the she-wolf suckling the twins has been a symbol of Rome since ancient times and is one of the most recognizable icons of ancient mythology. It could be a fun coincidence that we, Roberto and Veruschka, are twins and, as the roman mythology tells, a she-wolf nursed and sheltered the twins Romulus and Remus.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Our Penthouse Villa Medici Suite. The mix of wood and contemporary furniture, as well as the green fabrics and Botticino marble make it a truly special room. The best part is the terrace, which is larger than the room itself, and provides perfect views over the eternal city, as well as a sense of peace, quiet and eternity.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

During Mussolini’s dictatorship [1922-1943], the Hassler had to change its name to Villa Medici. Thereafter, the hotel was requisitioned by the U.S. Air Force to serve as their Rome headquarters during World War II. In 1947, the Hotel Hassler reopened to travelers from around the world and took up its traditional position as a temple of hospitality. Also, if you look closely enough, you will notice turtles around the hotel, in the form of little statues, seats, ornaments and even chocolate! They were our late father’s favorite animal; seeing them makes us smile, and they serve as a reminder to “keep calm and carry on.”

The Spanish Steps below Hotel Hassler

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The courtyard at Alma Restaurante at Casa San Agustín

DuJour spoke with the property’s marketing coordinator, Jairo Cuesta, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Well the Penthouse of course! But more realistically I would say the Capital Suites.

What makes it so special?

The Yabu Pushelberg loft-inspired design of these seven suites gives a real sense of elegant open planned living and the separate living room space is a great advantage. But, I would say the biggest draw for these suites is the iconic London views. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the guests to gaze out over some of the most recognizable views in London. Located on the corners on the property, they have the most fantastic wrap-around windows, affording a view over the hustle and bustle whilst you are cosseted inside this glorious apartment-like space. The key feature for me (as I love to entertain) is the dining table, six guests can dine comfortably creating a real home feel.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

On average £2,995

What’s your favorite design element on property?

There are so many, but the vaulted ceiling above the pool in The Retreat is quite impressive, it gives the illusion of natural sunlight pouring into the space whilst simultaneously being around 20m or so underground. It’s phenomenal.

Suite Del Virrey at Casa San Agustín

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

As a condition for the planning approval for The Londoner, we were required to contribute an artwork to the surrounding community and we chose to integrate the piece into the building itself, holding a competition that Ian Monroe, a local based artist won.  So the glorious glazed blue tiles, which adorn the exterior of The Londoner, are in fact art. Which leads us perfectly to the extensive art collection which resides throughout every area within the hotel.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Signature Suite. It is my dream apartment, high above the city, overlooking Trafalgar square and beyond.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

The Residence. It feels like a private club hidden above the ground floor. A mezzanine floor made up of three unique spaces only accessible to hotel guests, it is somewhere to relax, work or socialize and complimentary breakfast pastries, antipasti, soft drinks tea and coffee are served throughout the day. There is even a secret rare whisky room hidden past the powder rooms.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Yabu Pushelberg designed the hotel to be like a theater set to tie in with the nearby West End. My favorite story of local performance legend is that of Léotard, a French acrobatic performer, who made his music hall debut at the Alhambra Theatre in May 1861 with his flying trapeze act. He invented and made famous a skin-tight one-piece garment and wore it for his performances. This went on to be used by the ballet and in the circus and came to be known as “the leotard.”

Alma Restaurante at Casa San Agustín

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With bungalows, suites, and guestrooms, the Kimpton Seafire is ideal for romantic getaways, family trips and special occasion celebrations alike. The 266 rooms and suites range from ocean view guest rooms to 1-2 bedroom bungalows for groups–there is a room for every type of traveler.

A guest room at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

Chef Massimo De Francesca oversees the food offerings on property with various offerings. Coccoloba features Mexican street food and live music on the beach while Ave serves elevated Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails guided by the elements. In December 2022, the resort debuted a new literature-inspired cocktail lounge, Library By the Sea, featuring high-concept drinks. But it is so much more than just a bar for hotel guests–it is a world class cocktail destination. The mixology team have combined their passion for science, hospitality and innovation to create a thoughtful menu that wows. In their dedicated drink lab, they transform local seasonal ingredients that form the basis for the bar’s literature inspired cocktails. Since its opening, Library by the Sea has forged partnerships with 50 World’s Best Bars such as Allegory and Milady’s.  

Seafire’s 8,500-square-foot Forbes Five-Star award winning spa features seven treatment rooms in which to enjoy facials, body treatments and massages. There’s also a hammam and hair and nail services on offer. My custom 60-minute massage left me ready to fall asleep in the grand soaking tub, where I lounged after my treatment. A truly perfect way to start my day by the pool and beach. Above all else, it is the genuine engagement of the staff and their commitment to barefoot luxury service that makes Kimpton Seafire sparkle. The warm, thoughtful team makes it easy to lose track of time while enjoying everything the property and Grand Cayman have to offer.

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Steven Andre to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our oceanfront one-bedroom suites and ocean view family suites

What makes it so special?

These two rooms are the highest in demand and provide guests with a number of unique features including bunkbeds in the living room, wrap around balconies and spectacular views of the world famous Seven Mile Beach.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

The nightly rate for the one-bedroom suite starts at $1,299 (in-season) and the ocean view family suite starts at $1,099 (in-season).

The presidential suite balcony at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The infinity edge pool with three separate sections allowing guests to look directly out to the ocean with unobstructed views. We’re the only resort in Cayman delivering that experience.

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

From day one, sustainability has been woven throughout the fabric of Seafire’s design. Open-air architecture, lush gardens, solar panels, eco-friendly materials and the creation of a dedicated sustainability program all work together to ensure the resort remains true to its mantra of being “Stewards of the Environment.”

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

My personal favorite rooms are the 1-2 bedroom bungalows.  These beachfront bungalows provide guests with their own personal enclave within the resort. Our three bungalows house six separate suites including a 2-bedroom bungalow with its own private pool.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Guests who book a spa treatment can do decompression meditation with Bose noise cancelling headphones in a self-guided decompression room. This is definitely an experience that delivers a wow factor to our guests.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our amazing Camp Seafire program for kids provides babysitting services giving parents the opportunity to indulge without worry. And our Library by the Sea cocktail tasting experience in our lobby bar takes mixology to next level.

The presidential suite bathroom at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

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Café de Paris

Diners can expect signatures like the beloved “Monte Carlo Egg,” an egg cooked in an oven at 62 degrees for two and a half hours with Alba Truffle, cassava and Creole passionfruit. There are also new innovations like free-range piglet chops a la royale, chards with black pudding, pigeon peas and black truffle and Jerusalem artichoke ice cream. This April, Ravin will take over the kitchen at L’Elsa, the first all-organic Michelin-starred restaurant with a zero-waste approach at Monte-Carlo Beach, also pays homage to his grandmother’s comforting recipes. His “Chocolate of my childhood in Martinique” is a gourmet hot cocoa infused with cinnamon, vanilla and green lemon peels.

Meanwhile, this month will see the eagerly-anticipated debut of Amazónico, perched above Café de Paris in the iconic Casino Square. Already a hit with locations in Madrid, London and Dubai, this rainforest-inspired outpost features tropical decor by artist Lázaro Rosa-Violán, including an Instagram-worthy leopard print staircase, lush plantings and emerald booths. The menu, created by Sandro Silva, celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Amazon, especially Brazil and Peru, and features Solomillo de Wagyu and Bife Japones. This July, 16 Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno—whose sauces have been described as “the gospel of French cuisine”—plans to unveil L’Abysse, a Japanese concept at the Crystal Bar at the Hôtel Hermitage, complete with a terrace offering magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco. Alléno has been passionate about Japanese cuisine since he first visited the country 35 years ago at the age of 20. This venture follows the success of his two-Michelin-starred sushi counter (also named L’Abysse) at the Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris.

The Monte Carlo Egg at Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

April also marks the 150th anniversary of the wine cellar underneath the flower gardens at Hôtel de Paris, where Grace Kelly supposedly celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary. The cellar—one of the world’s largest—houses 350,000 bottles and around 5,500 different wine varieties. To honor the anniversary, guests can book specialized wine tastings, educational master classes, pairing dinners and tours. Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac will also release a commemorative vintage. As Monte Carlo’s yachts return from international waters and the Grand Prix cars chase checkered flags throughout the city, dilemmas won’t just include choosing between the views or the action, but also deciding which chef d’oeuvre to sample next.

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The Dew Tour is beloved for its unabashed accessibility. For 20 years, it’s given spectators a closeup look at some of snow sports’ best, including Shaun White, Chloe Kim and Ryan Sheckler. Admission is free—from the competition events to the musical performance nightcaps—and the perspective is unbeatable. Viewing areas along the whole of the halfpipe get fans so close that they can see the scratches along the bottom of an athlete’s board as it soars high (as high as a record-breaking 19 feet, 9 inches, in the case of Foster) above them. Insiders—who this year included a Marriott Bonvoy member who bid on and won a complete VIP Dew Tour experience as part of the brand’s Marriott Bonvoy Moments rewards platform—watched from a prime spot at the base of the pipe, where they rubbed shoulders with athlete-spectators like tour legend Danny Davis, who won the first-ever Dew Tour Superpipe contest back in 2008.

There was a lot to take in, from the thousands who turned up for electronic duo Snakehips’ Saturday night set (which culminated in a yeti dressed in a Mountain Dew jersey surfing the crowd) to the bluebird conditions on Sunday that served to remind even those itching for spring what they loved so much about mountain life. But maybe the most gratifying moment was catching a glimpse of the Marriott Bonvoy member and his two friends, completely novice riders, enjoying their won experience, which was about as novel as they come. The trio’s VIP ride down the mountain with Davis, already somewhat priceless, turned out to be more like small group instruction with a (very patient) Olympian. Unforgettable is, of course, the whole point of the Moments program, which also gives members access to experiences like watching from the pit at the Miami Grand Prix, tickets to catch the Eras Tour in Hamburg and the opportunity to announce a pick at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.

The warm welcome was not entirely unexpected. Because while exclusivity may often be considered the arbiter of a great experience, the coolest part of the Dew Tour is and always has been how very community-oriented and laid back it is. And really, a bit of friendly competition aside, that’s what ski and riding culture is all about. A most excellent cap to the 2023-2024 season, indeed.

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DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Patrick Katzenberg, to discover what makes it so special.

The Penthouse suite at the Londoner

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Well the Penthouse of course! But more realistically I would say the Capital Suites.

What makes it so special?

The Yabu Pushelberg loft-inspired design of these seven suites gives a real sense of elegant open planned living and the separate living room space is a great advantage. But, I would say the biggest draw for these suites is the iconic London views. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the guests to gaze out over some of the most recognizable views in London. Located on the corners on the property, they have the most fantastic wrap-around windows, affording a view over the hustle and bustle whilst you are cosseted inside this glorious apartment-like space. The key feature for me (as I love to entertain) is the dining table, six guests can dine comfortably creating a real home feel.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

On average £2,995

The Green Room at the Londoner

What’s your favorite design element on property?

There are so many, but the vaulted ceiling above the pool in The Retreat is quite impressive, it gives the illusion of natural sunlight pouring into the space whilst simultaneously being around 20m or so underground. It’s phenomenal.

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

As a condition for the planning approval for The Londoner, we were required to contribute an artwork to the surrounding community and we chose to integrate the piece into the building itself, holding a competition that Ian Monroe, a local based artist won.  So the glorious glazed blue tiles, which adorn the exterior of The Londoner, are in fact art. Which leads us perfectly to the extensive art collection which resides throughout every area within the hotel.

A Corner suite at the Londoner

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Signature Suite. It is my dream apartment, high above the city, overlooking Trafalgar square and beyond.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

The Residence. It feels like a private club hidden above the ground floor. A mezzanine floor made up of three unique spaces only accessible to hotel guests, it is somewhere to relax, work or socialize and complimentary breakfast pastries, antipasti, soft drinks tea and coffee are served throughout the day. There is even a secret rare whisky room hidden past the powder rooms.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Yabu Pushelberg designed the hotel to be like a theater set to tie in with the nearby West End. My favorite story of local performance legend is that of Léotard, a French acrobatic performer, who made his music hall debut at the Alhambra Theatre in May 1861 with his flying trapeze act. He invented and made famous a skin-tight one-piece garment and wore it for his performances. This went on to be used by the ballet and in the circus and came to be known as “the leotard.”

The lobby at the Londoner

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In addition, the hotel recently unveiled the island’s most luxurious and spacious suite, Suite Dalt Vila, a custom project by Spanish interior designer Sandra Tarruella. It comes complete with customized pajamas, Bentley transfers, private butler service and more. The 1,600-square-foot loft offers unmatched views of the Mediterranean and features a large bedroom, spacious living room, dining area, cocktail bar and wine cellar, and a 1,900-square-foot terrace with a heated infinity pool, outdoor jacuzzi and solarium. The hotel also recently opened two new restaurants: Zuma and Novikov Ibiza and exclusive new nightclub, Club Chinois, the sister venue of the famed Park Chinois in London.

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DuJour spoke with the property’s managing director, Henrik Muehle, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 65

The sitting area of a suite at Flemings Mayfair Hotel

What makes it so special?

It’s a large studio suite with a private patio with large veranda doors that lead outside. It’s the perfect spot in which to have a gin and tonic, poured yourself from the in-room gin bar.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £550

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The different color schemes makes the hotel feel more like your own home rather then a hotel room or suite. Especially the one-bedroom suites and the two-bedrooms suites feel like your own apartment in Mayfair. The apartments come equipped with full kitchens and laundry machines.

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The hotel has been under the same private ownership for the past 47 years, one of the last 5-star hotels that are still privately owned. Also, the hotel’s restaurant Ormer Mayfair has just received a Michelin star.

An executive king room at Flemings Mayfair Hotel

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Suite 703 because of its layout and colors and its private entrance. It’s frequented by many celebrities due to its private entrance. It’s really the perfect hideaway from it all.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

If you book one of our USD hotel packages, we’ll send a driver to pick you up at Heathrow and take you back after your stay.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Manetta’s Bar is a super sexy hidden gem in the lower level of the hotel with a separate street entrance packed with locales and hotels guests alike.

The sitting area of a suite at Flemings Mayfair Hotel

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The living room of a suite at Six Senses Courchevel

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Itziar Bilbao to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our five-bedroom Prestige Penthouse

What makes it so special?

It is the only 5-bedroom unit and the largest residence in our rental portfolio. It can be divided into two separate sleeping areas conferring intimacy for families and group of friends. Guests can relax and expend quality time in the common living area enhanced by a log fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen where a private chef can delight our dearest guests’ taste buds with fancy hors d’oeuvres. Cherry on the top is its balcony, where guests can admire a beautiful sunset beyond the valley while savoring a glass of champagne. A private chef is included every morning for breakfast, making sure that our guests experience an unparalleled service from the moment they open their eyes. From the natural wood and beams to the color palette, the residences boasts relaxed but elegant atmosphere in a traditional but modern mountain style.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From 4,200 €

The pool at Six Senses Courchevel

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The ceiling of the spa, Inspired by the organic shapes of snow waves, the SS CVL spa design uses biophilic principles to help you feel energized and connected the moment you walk in.

What’s an interesting titbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Our holistic approach at the Six Senses Spa is one of a kind, the aim is not to only focus on the external aspects but mainly to help our guests to reconnect with themselves.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

I love all of them due to the feeling of being at a home away from home, the design and ambiance.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We always collect an important amount of information before guests’ arrival which allow us to surprise each of our guests based on their expectations. We presented one of our repeat guests, who is a fan of the FC Barcelona, with a custom made bathrobe with the FCB logo that he carried back home and made him feel like a sport superstar.

A guest room at Six Senses Courchevel

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Rising 47 stories into the New York skyline, the Park Lane New York is an iconic example of Emery Roth & Sons’ trademark post-war architecture style. Design firm Yabu Pushelberg has created the hotel’s interiors while mindfully restoring the existing architectural details of the historic Central Park South building. The 47-story property, managed by Highgate, features 611 rooms–nearly half boasting sweeping park views–and 11,000 square feet of reimagined indoor and outdoor event space. Nightlife and hospitality maestro Scott Sartiano has conceptualized three new food and beverage venues throughout the hotel including an 80-seat lobby bar with an outdoor terrace (Rose Lane), an intimate restaurant on the hotel’s second floor (Park Lane Café) and a rooftop lounge and cocktail bar on the 47th floor offering sweeping panoramic views (Darling).

The Darling bar at the Park Lane

DuJour spoke with the property’s managing director and VP of operations Niles Harris to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Belvedere Suite.

What makes it so special?

Located on the 45th floor, the two-bedroom penthouse, which spans a total of 1,750 square feet, was recently refreshed as part of the hotel’s $80 million renovation and has been transformed into a unique, fun and inclusive retreat. With breathtaking views of Central Park in its entirety, the suite boasts plush king beds dressed in Bellino Fine Linens, a designer bathroom with walk-in shower, a walk-in closet and sitting area, and a media room with 75″ LED TVs with theater style seating for up to 15 guests.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $25,000

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The murals in the guest rooms and common spaces, which are designed by local artist studio En Viu, are one of my favorites—they’re playful, colorful and all inspired by Central Park. There are also a number of original fixtures around the property, such as the chandeliers and glowing wall lamps, that bring a thoughtful historic touch. And, of course, the way in which the design truly encapsulates the spirit of the city—the park facing windows take on a vast view that brings a sense of openness right into our guests’ rooms.

A City View King room at the Park Lane

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

My favorite room is the Meadow Suite. There are only two of them in the hotel and they are located on our top guest floor, 46 stories above Central Park. There’s something special about these rooms. The decor is warm and the suite is spacious, with a very comfortable large living room adjacent to the bedroom. If you take a moment on the couch and look out at the view on Central Park, you might just believe it’s your apartment on Central Park South.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Park Lane New York is renowned for its exclusive Caviar Hotline service, however the bespoke offering still feels like the hotel’s best kept secret. The 24/7 service gives guests on-demand access to the finest caviar, simply by dialing 5. Guests can indulge in a specialty menu of small and large tins of Petrossian Royal Ossetra caviar, as well as smoked salmon blinis with caviar and crème fraiche, caviar nachos and deviled eggs topped with caviar.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

It’s a little-known fact that there are two distinct design themes throughout the property’s rooms based on the view. Central Park facing rooms and City View rooms each have their own color palette and aesthetic. Blues and greens were implemented to blend in with the cool tones of the cityscape, while pinks and warm creams are used to compliment the park foliage.

The Darling rooftop at the Park Lane

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DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Eva Mount to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The BoTree Suite on the seventh floor

The Welbeck Suite at The BoTree

What makes it so special?

The BoTree Suite is perfect for entertaining in, with its separate dining room, living space and dressing room. The BoTree Suite can be combined with adjoining suites to create a large wing with its own lift entrance, ideal for those looking to host the ultimate private retreat. It’s also the stunning views across London and the design details that make it so special, with its vibrant flower woven ceiling.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £6,000

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The design elements of the hotel are particularly interesting, with the vibrant and bright feel taking it away from the more traditional hotel style that can be found in this market.

The bar at Lavo at The BoTree

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Marylebone Lane Suites. The amenities were planned for the hotel based on these suites so they became a blueprint of what we felt would work best across the hotel. I also love them because they are the largest two-bedroom suites that we have, and they have both a bar and a living room.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Upon entering you are greeted by a residential style foyer, double doors then open up to a luxurious and spacious dressing room, complete with marble finishes, mirrors and brass touches. This unexpected entrance creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, setting the tone for the rest of the room and creating a buffer zone between the entrance and the bedroom, allowing guests to truly feel as though they are entering their own private sanctuary. The dressing area offers the flexibility to either seamlessly blend into the room, contributing to a spacious loft-like ambiance, or to ensure enhanced privacy and intimacy through the use of translucent sliding doors.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

All of our guests have access to hosts on each floor, who are on-hand to provide 24/7 service for all rooms.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our lobby also serves as an art gallery, showcasing the works of local artists, creating a dynamic space that celebrates the local art community. A central, 3D printed sculpture, titled “The Bo Roots” reflects the roots of The BoTree and is made from London’s recycled coffee cups.

The BoTree

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DuJour spoke with Carlos Bueno, the hotel’s managing director, to learn more.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Mansion.

What makes it so special?

At nearly 2,000 square feet, the Mansion is The Newbury Boston’s largest suite, and it’s truly one of a kind. The dramatic space features a dining room for six, an expansive living room overlooking The Public Garden, a butler’s pantry, a five-fixture primary bathroom featuring a soaking tub and double sinks, a powder room, and ample closet space. But perhaps the most special feature is the wood-burning fireplace in the bedroom, which is perfect for fall and winter months and a cozy complement to the king bed with plush linens and comfortable seating area. The residential feel of the space is enhanced by a soothing and sophisticated color palate. And, the Mansion connects seamlessly to another one-bedroom suite, also with a wood-burning fireplace.

The Newbury

What’s the nightly rate?

Nightly rates in The Mansion start at $12,000.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The Newbury Boston opened in 1927 as one of the first Ritz Carlton hotels in the United States and since that time has been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The hotel has long been a favorite of celebrities, dignitaries, and business leaders. From gala events and fundraisers to unforgettable wedding celebrations, the hotel is one of the city’s most popular event venues. In addition to its physical prominence overlooking The Public Garden, the recent lobby-to-roof reimagining of the building has solidified its icon status in the community. Historic spaces like The Street Bar are complemented by new spaces like Contessa, the hotel’s dramatic rooftop restaurant and once of the most sought-after dining destinations in the city.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

In the public space, my favorite room is The Library. From the contemporary art collection to the books curated by the Boston Public Library and Trident Booksellers, it’s the perfect location for guests to relax with a coffee or cocktail between exploring the city. It’s difficult to pick my favorite guestroom and while The Mansion is certainly among the top, one of my personal favorites is our second Presidential Suite, The Corner House. What sets the Corner House apart is its small library and office space, which is a wonderful place to work and relax. And, with its location on the 7th floor, you are that much closer to The Public Garden and almost feel as though you are staying in the trees.

What special perk do you offer that most guests don’t know about?

There are a couple special touches that we offer our guests, including private tours of The Public Garden hosted by the docents at The Friends of the Public Garden. Each tour fee benefits The Friends of the Public Garden and their mission to preserve, maintain, and beautify The Public Garden, Boston Common, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. In the spring and summer seasons we also offer our guests complimentary Swan Boat tickets. And, finally for those interested in our art collection, we offer an art tour on our website, narrated by co-curator Mike Carroll.

The Corner House suite

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The designers who worked on the transformation of the property took great care to incorporate the historic elements of the hotel while adding a layer of modernity to the amazing bones of this building. The chandeliers are a good example of this. Our historic blue glass chandeliers have been restored and returned to their place in the Garden Room. They sit alongside a contemporary Scandinavian-designed chandelier hanging over the Grand Staircase and a dramatic, handmade porcelain and gold chandelier in the lobby that was designed to emulate the leaves of a Ginkgo tree, a species representing good fortune that is also found throughout The Public Garden. In addition, the art collection, which features photography, mixed media, sculpture, oil paintings, and more adds a contemporary and sophisticated touch to the property.

What are your favorite things about the property?

In summer, the hotel’s proximity to Boston’s wide variety of greenspace makes it really special. From strolls through Beacon Hill to runs along the Charles River, it’s great to get outside. And, there is something wonderful about dining in Contessa with all of the windows open to the fresh air and dramatic city views.

Winter is cozy season in Boston and there is nothing better than relaxing in one of our fireplace suites and having our fireplace butlers lay the perfect fire. We offer a selection of wood varietals from fragrant maple to long burning cherry to set the perfect ambience. And, the fireplace is complemented by an exclusive fireplace menu of bites and cocktails.

And your favorite things about Boston?

There is really so much to enjoy in every season in Boston. The enthusiasm around sports and Boston’s teams adds a wonderful energy to the city. In the summer, whether or not you are Red Sox fan, there is something special about a visit to Fenway Park. The same is true for a visit to The Garden in winter to see The Celtics or the Bruins play. Boston’s green spaces are also some of my favorite elements of the city in both summer and winter. From summertime Swan Boat rides in the Public Garden or Shakespeare on the Common to ice skating on the Frog Pond, Boston’s parks are accessible and activated year-round.

Contessa restaurant

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If you like Jackson Hole… try Park City

Park City Mountain in Utah celebrates its 60^th birthday this season with festivities across its nearly 7,500 acres of terrain, including a blowout bash in mid-January and the 5^th annual QueerSki week in February. Park City parent company Vail Resorts has also chosen the resort as one of the first to display The Gondola Gallery by Epic, an outdoor art display and online film series celebrating diverse skiers and snowboarders across the globe. At Park City, art by New York native and Park City transplant Lamont Joseph White wraps the QuickSilver Gondola.

Stay: Pendry Park City, a ski-in/ski-out boutique hotel that debuted last year with modern touches—California-inspired design, a Japanese steakhouse, a rooftop pool—among traditional homages to the ski town’s mining roots history.

If you like Aspen… try Snowmass

Technically, you needn’t choose between them—the two towns are close enough that you can easily explore both in one trip. But while Aspen tends to get all the attention, it also gets a lot of the crowds. At Snowmass, you’ve got the best of both worlds: a family-friendly and laidback vibe and something-for-everyone terrain over more than 3,300 acres—and just 9 miles from the more relative glam of Aspen. Non-skiers in the group have plenty of options for snowshoeing, alpine coastering, and hiking, including the Rim Trail South, where 360-degree views of Snowmass are bolstered by the new-this-year Ice Age Discovery viewfinders, which tell the story of the 2010 discovery of thousands of prehistoric fossils down below. Back in the village, guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores—branded s’mores carts peppered around Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall offering complimentary s’mores every afternoon.

Stay: The Limelight Snowmass, a 99-room, 11-residence, ski-in/ski-out property in the heart of Snowmass Village designed by Stonehill Taylor and featuring a 5-story climbing wall and on-site skating rink.

If you like Tahoe… try Alyeska

The ever-expanding Ikon Pass portfolio now includes the Alaskan mountain resort Alyeska, about half an hour from downtown Anchorage. The mountain is known for its abundant and sticky snowfall (an average of nearly 700 inches at the summit a year) and challenging terrain, including North America’s longest continuous double black run—some healthy competition for some of the better-known “steep and deep” resorts like Tahoe’s Palisades and Kirkwood.

Stay: Alyeska’s on-mountain, chateau-style resort is tough to beat for its ski-in/ ski-out access, views of both ocean and glaciers, and slopeside Nordic spa. The 60-person aerial tram lets even the non-skiers in your crew enjoy frosty views that include seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain range.

If you like Breckenridge… try Stowe

Or why not both? Breck’s hard to top for quality gnar and plenty of opportunity for après adventure, with five peaks, a summit elevation of nearly 13,000 feet, and a bustling Main Street easily accessible from the mountain with must-visits that include Aurum Food & Wine and Rootstalk. But, of course, Epic season passholders needn’t choose between east and west, with one pass that gives them access to Breckenridge in Colorado, Stowe in Vermont, and dozens of mountains in between.

Stay: While Gravity Haus may be Breckenridge’s most modern offering, with an eco-luxurious sensibility and ski day-soothing amenities like a Japanese-inspired Onsen and stiff drinks at Cabin Juice, One Ski Hill Place lives more like a condo and is ideally located at the base of Peak 8, home of the brand-new Five SuperChair. At Stowe, The Lodge at Spruce Peak remains the on-mountain gold standard, with ski-on and -off access and excellent dining options that include the WhistlePig Pavilion and the après raw bar Tipsy Trout. Down the hill, though, the Talta Lodge offers easy access to in-town action and frequent restaurant pop-ups on its lower level.

If you like Whistler… try Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis

Canada’s cool, but Europe is cooler. This season, Epic Pass expanded its European resort access with the addition of Switzerland’s Disentis, the neighboring mountain to Andermatt-Sedrun. When combined, the trifecta offers guests access to the largest ski area in the heart of Switzerland with over 112 miles of slopes.

Stay: The Chedi Andermatt, where on-staff ski butlers happily drive guests to the mountain bases and back, rent and fit guests with Head ski equipment and offer tips on the ski area, and whose in-house restaurant, The Japanese Restaurant, recently earned a second Michelin star.

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DuJour spoke with Christopher Perone, the property’s general manager, to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Royal Opera Suites are well known and requested. There are only four of them.

A Royal Opera suite at the Nomad London

What makes it so special?

Front facing views of the Royal Opera House as well as a small terrace tucked in to the side of the building. The reception overlooks bustling Bow Street while the sleeping quarters is tucked into a quiet nook.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From £3,195

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

It’s interesting that we have taken over a heritage, Grade II listed building which was in may ways designed to make people feel small. Devised to intimidate and impress, the history of Bow Street Magistrate’s Court is storied for having decided the fate of many. Today, those rebels such as Oscar Wilde, the Suffragettes and others who paved the way for social equality would find themselves celebrated within the halls which once condemned them. Now, the building is a beacon of welcoming energy as well as a veritable collection of original art.

Nomad London

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We create truly custom amenities for people but can only work with what we are given! It is so much fun when friends or family reach out on a guest’s behalf to give us texture about their stay. We love letting our imaginations run wild.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

229, A Magistrate’s Suite. It has a very residential layout. High ceilings, rich burgundy walls, and a signature roll top tub in the bedroom, add to the suite’s romantic quality. It gets incredible morning light through the double height windows and is one of our few with an interconnecting option as well.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The embossed leather walls in Side Hustle. Few people pick up on this detail but I find it absolutely stunning. The rich hunter green really pops in the light and serves as a great backdrop for the only space in the building which solely features photography.

What is another fun fact about the property?

We are the youngest hotel in London on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. The other 3 ranging from 150-200 years old. NoMad London will celebrate its 3rd birthday in 2024.

The reception area at the Nomad London

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New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee

The state’s biggest lake also offers some of its most prime leaf-peeping. Stay at the sprawling Mill Falls at the Lake in the ultra-picturesque Meredith, an all-season resort perched right along the lake’s shores. Take in foliage by land—a scenic and moderately heart-pumping hike to the peak of nearby Gunstock Mountain or while apple picking at Moulton Farm; or by water, via kayak or pontoon boat charter (the hotel can arrange). Or simply from an Adirondack surrounding a fire pit on Mill Falls’ sprawling lawn.

Mill Falls

Newport, Rhode Island’s Ocean Drive

Rent a pair of wheels at Bike Newport’s The Annex, then cruise the 11-mile waterfront Ocean Drive Loop, past American yellowwoods, European beeches, and (tree-less, but equally stunning) Rhode Island Sound. End at Newport Harbor for an overnight at the in-town and waterfront twofer Hammett’s Hotel, with a modern take on a nautical design theme. In-house restaurant Giusto, led by Rhode Island native chef Kevin O’Donnell, serves to perfection New England-inspired Italian (and a not-to-be-missed negroni blanco). Annual festivals aplenty include the Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards—a full day of grape stomping and pie eating—and Pumpkin Palooza at Frerichs Farm in nearby Warren.

Camden, Rockport and Rockland, Maine

The three-in-one destination in scenic midcoast Maine comes with views of both harbor and mountains. Stay at the Norumbega Inn, a recently-renovated 11-room boutique hotel affectionally dubbed by locals as “the castle by the sea,” where four acres of land offer plenty of opportunities for taking in nature. Nearby, the 66-acre park and nature center Merryspring offers ecology walks marked by natural springs and dozens of species of birds along nearly four miles of trails dating back to the late 18th century. For an alternative view, Rockland-based Maine Sport Outfitters leads daily kayaking and paddleboarding tours around the leafy Camden waterfront, as well as hiking, climbing, and canoeing trips further afield.

Norumbega Inn

Vermont’s Route 100

The very-Vermont Route 100 winds through several quintessential New England villages, replete with cider donut and maple coffee offerings to fuel your journey. Start with a night in West Dover at the Hermitage Inn, in the foothills of Vermont’s Green Mountains, with access to self-guided fall foliage hikes (through the requisite covered bridges) and nightly cider by the firepits. After that, follow 100 all the way to Killington. For peak views, hike to the top of the mountain. Then, continue northward. Your ultimate destination: The 11-mile Green Mountain Byway, which runs between Waterbury and Stowe, where The Lodge at Spruce Peak serves hyper-local food and beer (also hyper-local whiskey) alongside plenty of mountain views.

Hermitage Inn

New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway

Call it the Kanc, if you want to sound like a local, and drive its 35 miles, starting in Lincoln, through the White Mountain National Forest, en route to The Wentworth, a 150-year-old inn that recently unveiled a major head-to-toe redesign, including 20 suites with private outdoor hot tubs (and all the views). Detour for a picnic lunch at Sabbaday Falls in Conway, a waterfall a half-mile in from the trail head, then head north to Whitefield, where the Mountain View Grand steals the show with a foliage hike offered alongside the property’s resident llamas and alpacas.

Mountain View Grand

Maine’s Mount Desert Island

Maine’s largest island and the gateway to Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island (MDI to locals, who will also insist that it’s pronounced “dessert”) offers some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. New England’s only national park offers the East Coast’s highest point and over 120 miles of trails to choose from—the Acadia Mountain Trail is one of the most popular, if not the easiest. But endure the doable 700-foot climb and be rewarded with sprawling views of Somes Sound and Southwest Harbor. Stay at the West Street Hotel, a four-story, 85-room boutique hotel overlooking the harbor and Frenchman Bay, with easy access to Bar Harbor’s bustling downtown as well as to the park’s entrance.

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A view of the Savannah River from Bar Julian at Thompson Savannah

DuJour spoke with Keith Butz, the property’s general manager, to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The top-floor Thompson Suite, room 1204 on the 12th floor.

What makes it so special?

It offers one-of-a-kind views of the Savannah River where you can watch the massive ships go by. This spacious one-bedroom accommodation boasts a king bed, separate living and dining areas, a wet bar and a pool table as well as a kitchenette. Refresh in the rainfall shower or separate soaking tub. It’s the perfect place to celebrate special occasions in style.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $1,900

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

We are really tied into the local market and are finding that our connections to the art world, quality of food and beverage offerings with four unique bars and restaurants, and breathtaking views of the city are bringing in locals and guests from the surrounding area.

A king bedroom at Thompson Savannah

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have our East River Lager that you can only get at Thompson Savannah from our partnership with local brewery, Service Brewing Co. Guests can enjoy a welcome lager at check-in as part of this perk.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Our Premier Suite Corner Riverfront is fantastic and I love its striking views of the Savannah River from our floor-to-ceiling windows.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Our rooftop Bar Julian, with breathtaking views of Savannah, is the tallest rooftop in the city and really stands out. It gives our guests a whole new perspective of Savannah.

What is another fun fact about the property?

We have a rotating art gallery in our lobby celebrating creators who have meaningful impacts on culture through their work that we curate through Laney Contemporary. We just launched our latest exhibit from local, multi-disciplinary artist, Will Penny. It really makes our lobby experience stand out from the crowd and gives travelers and locals alike another way to experience the culture of our city.

Bar Julian at Thompson Savannah

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And that’s without all of the recreational activities on the scenic May River: stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing and dolphin tours. The unique Southern landscape at Montage Palmetto Bluff provides endless opportunities for getting in touch with nature. With over 200 species of birds on property and growing (the bird sanctuary is home to blue herons, egrets, wood storks and the occasional bald eagle), alligators and Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins that live in the waters year-round (and can often be seen while kayaking or paddle boarding in the May River), there is so much to see and hear.

The property’s new Duffy Boat EcoTour is led by resident naturalist, Cassie Beato, and allows guests to experience the beauty of the luxury resort’s surroundings and immerse themselves in its 20,000 sprawling acres of pristine land and 32 miles of majestic waterfront. Glide along the lagoon waterways and soak in the scenic views of the flora and fauna while learning about the local ecology and history of the region.

The resort’s Well Living program is a year-long celebration with each month dedicated to an array of experiences to inspire guests to focus on a life well lived. For Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, 25 percent of net revenue of every pink ribbon oyster ordered at Octagon restaurant will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A full menu of specialty and custom cocktails all month long at Hush, the property’s speakeasy-inspired lounge and intimate bar. All proceeds will go to benefit Pledge the Pink Foundation.

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The view from the sundeck of room 113

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Eleni Karavokirakou to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 113, also known as the Panoramic Room with a private sundeck.

What makes it so special?

Located on the first floor, it is renowned for its luxury, design and the breathtaking views it provides from its private terrace. This room overlooks Mykonos Town, the Aegean Sea and the hotel making it the top choice for guests and boasts intricate details like marble finishes, plasterwork and hand-sculpted wood that mimic the undulating patterns of the sea, evoking a sense of harmony and tranquility. It is among the select few rooms in the hotel where guests can soak in a bath while still being captivated by the magnificent views outside. Whether it’s hosting intimate gatherings under the soft glow of Mykonian sunsets or simply seeking a serene escape, Room 113 perfectly encapsulates luxury, design and location.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From €1,100

The Belvedere Mykonos

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Originally built in 1850s when as the mansion Stoupa, it was renowned for its prime location and unique architecture. From the 1960s to 1990s, it served as a preferred vacation spot for distinguished guests, including French politicians and European artists. The property gained legendary status when Argentinian painter Pierro Amversa hosted extravagant parties there. After Pierro’s era, the Ioannidis family reclaimed the mansion, leading to the birth of the Belvedere Hotel.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Waterfront Villa. This historical property built in the late 60s boasts its own pool and is perfectly situated, offering tranquil views of the Aegean Sea while being just a 5-minute walk from Mykonos Town. The villa comprises three spacious suites with dedicated butler service and an infinity pool.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Our personalized welcome treat. It’s a secret surprise for our guests upon check-in, adding a special touch to their stay and making them feel warmly welcomed from the start.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The hand-sculpted wood. It’s not just an element of decor but an intricate piece of art that mirrors the surface of the sea. This unique design feature adds an authentic island charm to the property and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines the hotel’s aesthetic.

The Belvedere Villa Next Door at Belvedere Mykonos

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DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Andrew Debrito to discover what makes it so special.

The lobby at Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Panoramic Suite #3733

What makes it so special?

This corner suite has a panoramic view of Tokyo’s iconic cityscape featuring landmarks including Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji on a clear day. With a spacious living room, floor to ceiling windows, and softs neutral colors, the design and layout of this suite provides a sense of sky-high serenity above the bustling streets of Tokyo. Soak in Japan’s famed seasonality right from our signature Four Seasons bed.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $2,995

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The hotel has all its restaurants, bar and lounge on one floor making it seamless to go from one establishment to the next. Each outlet has its own well-developed concept. Est is the contemporary French Michelin-starred restaurant sourcing 95 percent of all its products from Japan. Virtù celebrates the two drinking cultures of Paris and Tokyo with its cocktails incorporating ingredients from Japan and France.  In addition Pigneto, our authentic Italian restaurant, features an outdoor terrace (a rarity in the city especially from the height of a 39^th floor) and The Lounge that offers arguably the best afternoon tea with an unparalleled view of Tokyo–just wait till you see it at golden hour.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

I love gardens and nature, so my favorite room is the Four Seasons Suite. Of all our guest rooms and suites, it has the most unobstructed views of the Imperial Palace gardens with floor to ceiling windows that run along the side of the room including the bathtub. The suite itself is an oversized-open floor plan of 818 square feet so it feels contemporary yet cozy and comfortable.

An Imperial Garden View suite at Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

It’s more overlooked, but our in-room teas are exclusively  from Japan. Most guests are familiar with green tea, but we also wanted to showcase roasted green and black teas as alternatives to an English Breakfast or a Darjeeling. For our herbal tea option, I hand selected–which involved many hours of tasting a tremendous amount of Japanese teas–the yuzu (a popular Japanese citrus) and kaki leaf (dried persimmon leaf) blend that offers a bright refreshing yet soothing bitter taste to the palate.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

We have an incredible array of contemporary Japanese artwork found throughout the Hotel. There are so many noteworthy ones, but I have to narrow it down to two of my favourites: Tsuyu No Ma (in between dew) and Seasons. Mounted right off the main guest-elevators, Tsuyu No Ma by Haruko Tsuji, captures the journey of a single dewdrop over a quartet of paintings as it tumbles, drips, soaks and finally flows away. The artworks reminds viewers to be present and appreciate previous moments – just like the fleeting beauty of a drop of dew. When our guests gaze up to the ceiling during their check-in, they’ll notice a striking amalgamation of East meets West. An oversized European lampshade gives way to a dome-shaped base featuring Japanese calligraphy on the inside. Free-form calligrapher Nobuko Kawahara writes “seasons” using the characters for spring, summer, autumn and winter as markings. The circular shape of the “chandelier” is inspired by the sun, as depicted on the Japanese national flag.

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Edge restaurant at the Four Seasons Denver

DuJour spoke with the hotel’s manager Tim Churchmack to discover what makes it so special

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Premier One Bedroom Suites on the western corner of the building on the fourteenth and fifteenth floors

What makes it so special?

These spacious suites offer a large living and dining space with a gas fireplace, kitchenette and sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. There are two full bathrooms with breathtaking views and a luxurious soaking tub. This suite is great for a family looking to spread out or a couple looking to relax and enjoy the many dynamic spaces within the suite.

A bathroom at Four Seasons Denver

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $4,000

What is your favorite room? Why?

I think that our Premier One Bedroom Suites are the perfect room. They offer great views and ample space with a living and dining space separated from the bedroom. The suite has two bathrooms for additional comfort and privacy of any guests that may be travelling with you. Everyone can enjoy the suite with extra space and luxurious touches. The comfortable furnishings and vast views make for an incredible experience.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

I think the way the designers were able to incorporate the rustic mountain textures and colors with the sleek modern feel of a Four Seasons city hotel has made for a beautiful combination to showcase our stunning mountain city.

A Presidential suite living room at the Four Seasons Denver

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The Amsterdam flight will take off for the first time in late August. Earlier this month, the inaugural Paris flight left JFK with a small celebration at the airport gate, in Queens, that featured plenty of French flags as well as frites, macarons and beignets.

At least when it comes to domestic flights, JetBlue is known for its calvary of snacks. Who knew that substituting pretzels and honey roasted peanuts with Terra Chips and PopCorners could make such a difference? Well, they did, and they continue to do so.

The airline has paid particular attention to the food for its flight to Paris. In Mint, which is JetBlue’s equivalent to Business Class flying with flat back pods, menus have been developed with the downtown New York City restaurant Charlie Bird. The concept is based around small plates. Fliers are given the choice of up to three out of four of them for a meal.

On this particular journey to Paris, selections included farro salad, chilled English pea soup, cavatelli with Sicilian tomato sauce, and a chicken with eggplant caponata. (Breakfast, upon landing, includes the choice of two out of three small plates.) Charlie Bird has also crafted a custom playlist to listen on flight, presumably while you’re eating the meal, but, let’s face it, there are too many good things to watch as part of Jet Blue’s entertainment package. (We caught up on Los Espookys on HBO.)

The food is surprisingly good, much better than typical airline fare. It tasted fresher and properly cooked. The small plates idea offers an element of variety and surprise, even if most meals we eat these days, even on airplanes, are likely comprised of small plates.

The only quibble we have is a minor one. The flight leaves JFK a bit too early (around 5:30pm) for truly getting to experience sleeping on that flat bed.

But even if you left NYC later, you probably wouldn’t want to miss a Jet Blue moment with some shut-eye.

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What destinations are most inspiring to you right now?

Peru is high up on there for the most inspiring places for me. My fellow co-founder James and our head of special projects Rob recently returned from an epic scouting trip going quite off the grid in Peru. There are so many places to see under-the-radar that offer spectacular opportunities for active adventure and ancient architecture that rivals that of even Machu Picchu. We have a really well-organized deluxe camping set-up that is infinitely more comfortable than roughing it, and we can employ this through the country in hard to reach places with special access and permits to camp out and dine next to magnificent archaeological feats. We were well looked after in a special tent at 15,700 feet with a chef and all staffed by wonderful locals who are so enthusiastic in sharing these lesser-known regions with them. I explored Chilean Patagonia last fall and fell in love with that vast, untamed and somewhat surreal landscape. I was lucky enough to then stargaze in the Atacama with a top Chilean astronomer and these experiences have me wanting to go back and explore the country even more.

What hotel are you eager to visit next?

Right in my back yard in London is a start as Six Senses, Raffles London at The OWO and the Peninsula London are opening soon, which is exciting and seeing how much work has gone into creating these special enclaves is gratifying.

What countries are next on your list?

Japan and Bhutan. A slow-paced adventure in both destinations and, in Bhutan, definitely exploring the Tiger’s Nest at sunrise, staying at a few of the Six Senses and Aman properties there, and the sense of peace and serenity that permeate that magical kingdom.

Okay, so the question everyone seems to be asking is where can I still go this summer if I haven’t booked anything? What are destinations that you would recommend?

This summer is kicking into high gear! But there are still options. There are parts of Spain, including the Basque region, Andalucía and Mallorca to consider. And Slovenia has availability both this month and through September. Often overlooked for its more popular neighbors, it’s absolutely worth considering and has an incredible food scene, fascinating architecture and some really beautiful boutique hotels including Hotel Milka which is a Relais & Chateaux. Southern Italy too is worth considering and there is availability in Puglia and Sicily. It’s a bit out of the way but given its proximity to North Africa, it stays warm well into the shoulder season and the value is quite good there. Portugal is easy to get to and there are definitely options there still available in summer, including Alentejo, Douro, Lisbon and beautiful Comporta. I spent a long weekend at Sublime Comporta and recommend it highly for anyone who wants barefoot luxury and chilled vibes. There is availability in Canada and Alaska–and what a great time to be there. And on a different scale also Nicaragua and Peru. For strong safari options with great weather, Zimbabwe, Zambia and India in the Ladakh region.

Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant

Travel certainly seems to be booming right now, which surely impacts availability. What are your tips for planning travel given how busy it is globally?

One of the biggest tips I would give is to keep an open mind. On average, when clients come to us with a destination in mind they are set on, after understanding more deeply what they are after, 7/10 they land on a different destination. Work with a travel expert who can find places that are similar to what environs and feel you are after, and by sharing passion points and interests, this can direct them to find excellent alternatives that mirror, reflect or point to these needs even if you can’t get into a particular place. We see this quite often in places like Italy, some in Spain as often better-known places are due to exposure, but by working with an expert they can give you an equally experience and hidden gem feel that can even rival that that of what you were after.

What are some of the most mind-blowing experiences you’ve pulled off for clients?

So many to choose from but here goes. A trip to the remotest Argentinian Patagonia, where the low light pollution and location’s G-eclipse point was the best place in the world to experience the December 2020 total solar eclipse. The adventure for a VIP family included helicopter transfers to the viewing site, luxury glamping in geodesic dome tents, white water rafting, and the guidance of an astronomer–a two-and-a-half-week trip built around an unforgettable, three-minute moment that no one else has ever experienced. Worth noting, we were one of the few operators who managed to get clients into Argentina at this time when it was effectively closed. Intrepid, spread out and perfect for social distancing, we employed many COVID-19 tests to keep everyone, clients and staff, safe and included a chef, sommelier who paired Argentine wines with Michelin-level food and a cauldron hot tub that was powered by firewood.

We organized an epic Polar Norway and Svalbard adventure for a client not so long ago and this is one of the world’s northernmost, most uninhabited areas. This had all the elements: challenging, isolated, but rewarding and authentic. This expedition to the Land of the Midnight Sun was truly bucket list and included dogsledding, ice-climbing, chasing ice-bergs, the works.

In Mongolia we delivered pretty big thrills in the Western part of the country timed to the Golden Eagle and Nadaam Festivals that celebrate horseback riding, wrestling and archery. The client rafted, mountain biked, went out on 4x4s and hiked their way through the Altai Mountains after extensive training.

In Guatemala, we organized an archaeological helicopter tour (with Tomb Raider vibes) into the remote Peten Jungle in the North and then they trekked through the jungle for 3 nights–staying in natural shelters. They checked out El Mirador via a 4×4 to ancient Mayan ruins deep underground that no other tourist has seen before.

What is your favorite hidden gem hotel in the world?

Convento di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli in Puglia, Italy. A true sense of place, this beautiful, converted convent is brimming with character, an extraordinary collection of museum-worthy art and literature lines the walls of this most special, and discreet, family-owned respite. Tucked away without signage to denote the establishment, staying here is akin to a visit to an old friend, eclectic, characterful country house. When you post up here you feel welcomed as a part of their family and it’s an absolute joy to be embraced and shown first-hand their world, with incredible food being prepared for you and drinks flowing constantly. Attention to detail at Convento is out of this world–the warm and welcoming hosts even rotate where your stunning tablescapes are set up for each meal–it’s mind-blowing. The sunny setting of Puglia can get quite hot come summer, but the inner courtyard is lush and stays cool and I have fond memories of drinking Negronis walking through their gardens while the sun sets on this inspiring setting. While the art, interiors and literature-from Zulu pottery and Moroccan weaves to an enormous collection of rare 1st editions–is extraordinary, there isn’t a drip of pretention.

What is driving travel forward right now?

Demand for private group travel (think multi-generational families or groups of friends) done at a high level, is trending. Partially a response to being kept apart during the pandemic, we’ve seen our family travel category sky rocket in recent years but now acutely larger groups of friends and family who want a bespoke touch to travel and independence when it comes to the day to day. So, we’re working on developing a series of travel experiences best spent in the company of other people, specifically those you care the most about. Just now we have a large group of friends on a whirlwind adventure in Iceland–for me it’s all about pulling apart this kind of insight and create services that inspire what’s trending. There’s also a blending of business and leisure travel people used to approach business trips by tacking on a few days at the back-end but now it’s a reversal and instead driven by people planning leisure trips with time for work, tapping the ability to work more flexibly, from wherever. It allows for more decompression and reintegration into normal life and centers around taking more time in situ.

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The St. Regis brand has its own storied histories, namely the Bloody Mary, created at New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934, and a daily champagne sabering at sunset. The Egypt property upholds these traditions reverently, with the added bonus of enjoying both in the hotel’s contemplative Winter Garden which offers a majestic view of the Nile.

Standing 36 stories tall and designed by Michael Graves, the St. Regis Cairo opened in early 2021. That makes it one of the newer sites in this city of ancient artifacts. (It might face some competition later this year with the oft-postponed opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, figured to be the largest museum in the world.) As Cairo becomes a more popular destination, the hotel is particularly well-suited for travelers with a Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card.

With over 8,300 properties within 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories, Marriott Bonvoy offers a range of hotels for luxury travelers looking for grandeur experiences

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, which provides instant Platinum status, offers six times the points for purchases made at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, alongside a $100 property credit (in addition to the annual $300 dining credit), which here can be used at one of the hotel’s seven distinct restaurants. Among them: Tianma, for a Singaporean blend of Chinese, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine; an outpost of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J&G Steakhouse and the Italian-influenced La Zisa, which offers a daily breakfast buffet that would have even impressed Tutankhamun.

The luxury Iridium Spa boasts eight fully-equipped treatment suites along with indoor and outdoor pools. All 362 rooms offer butler service and no-detail-spared décor. Some of them are even two and three-bedroom serviced apartments should you decide to bring many friends and family members or even extend your stay indefinitely. No one would blame you.

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Magdy Anis, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Astor room category, especially the ones located on the higher floors, because of the panoramic Nile River and Cairo skyline views. Our Astor rooms are located on the 7th to 18th floors and we have 84 of them.

An Astor suite at the St. Regis Cairo

What makes it so special?

The rooms directly overlook the Nile River and offer views of Cairo’s beautiful skyline. Some rooms also include step-out balconies. The Astor Room is one of the spacious rooms in the hotel that features a captivating Nile River view. The rooms are furnished with a signature St. Regis King-size bed, a comfortable seating area, and additional handcrafted pieces. The rooms also feature a walk-in closet, a marble bathroom with a rainforest shower and a bathtub, and state-of-the-art amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a Nespresso machine. The room also comes with the signature St. Regis Butler service, ensuring that all guest needs are anticipated and fulfilled.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

On average $500.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The unique design of the hotel, which was done by Michael Graves. The design features rich wood, mother of pearl inlay and the ancient Egyptian culture is reflected in every aspect in the hotel.

The primary bathroom of a Royal Suite at the St. Regis Cairo

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Royal Suite is the highest category of accommodation in the hotel offering unparalleled luxury and views of the Nile River and Old Cairo and we only have three. The suite has two bedrooms, a spacious living room, a dining area, a kitchen, an office and a walk-in closet. It also includes a private fitness room and sauna facility in the master bathroom. The fitness room is equipped with state-of-the-art machines and weights while the sauna room offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The Royal Suite also features gemstones as part of its arabesque design, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the accommodations. The gemstones are embedded in the walls, furniture and light fixtures, creating a stunning contrast to the rich wood and leather materials. Another important feature of The Royal Suite is the butler room adjacent to the suite, which guarantees the availability of our signature butler service 24/7.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The Library, The Astor Library is an intimate, sophisticated space with dark wood and rich, warm colors, filled with artifacts and books. The bookshelves that line the room are wrapped with supple red leather and stitched. Also, we have a captivating Swarovski chandelier that hangs from the ceiling of the crystal hall. It is one of the most striking features of the hotel, creating a dazzling impression. The crystal chandelier reflects the light and adds a touch of glamour and elegance to the hotel’s design.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Our Butler team always exceeds our guests’ expectations upon arrival by presenting a personalized amenities based on their profile. To enhance our guest’s luxury experience, we offer them a dedicated butler who will cater to their every need, such as packing and unpacking their luggage, beverage service, and complimentary garment pressing.

The Crystal Hall at the St. Regis Cairo

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Thanks to Auberge’s recent expansion in Europe, the curated itineraries make it especially easy for families with kids to travel to France and Greece. In the idyllic French countryside, Domaine des Etangs welcomes guests to experience the beauty of nature, art and a slower pace with a four-day itinerary in charming Massignac. Upon arrival, a family bike ride through the grounds provides a sense of place. The 13th century château and traditional farmhouse cottages, which range from two-to-five bedrooms, immerse all generations in history and an unrivaled collection of art. Family dinner can be served on the patio of your own private home overlooking the countryside or at the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, Dyades. Outdoors, all ages will delight in a picnic in a rowboat, playing tennis on the floating court, touring the on-site farm and picking fresh fruit off the orchard trees.

Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection

Santorini is as enchanting as it gets and an ideal destination for families spending time in the Greek Islands. Layered into the cliffside with views of the Aegean Sea, Grace Hotel has a four-day itinerary for the ultimate Santorini experience. Days begin with sunrise yoga and end with decadent meals at Varoulko, helmed by Michelin-awarded chef Lefteris Lazarou. Set off on a private yacht tour and jet ski safari, or kayak to magnificent caves and even scuba dive into the caldera of a volcano. On land, discover tucked-away wineries and horseback ride to the Black Beach of Vlychada.

Beyond Europe, the beaches of Mexico are always a good idea. In the Riviera Maya, Etéreo’s six-day itinerary jumps into adventure with a scenic flight to a hidden archaeological gem in the middle of the jungle. Set sail with the whole family to explore the surrounding turquoise waters and Great Mayan Reef before celebrating local heritage and culinary traditions with an Abuela Dinner. On the West Coast, spend seven days, packed full of seaside leisure and simple pleasures, in Los Cabos at Esperanza. Witness a magical sunset while glamping on the beach, followed by a three-course full-moon dinner in a private cabana. Families can all stay together in a multi-room villa and participate in pickleball clinics, a round of golf or mountain hikes.

Pickleball at Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

For those who prefer to stay domestic, families can explore California’s countryside with an interactive landscape photography class courtesy of Stanly Ranch, partake in a Bavarian pretzel making class at the Austrian-inspired mountain retreat, Goldener Hirsch in Deer Valley, set sail from Newport Harbor on a former America’s Cup winning sailboat and try your hand at oyster shucking at The Vanderbilt in Rhode Island. Of course, dining together is always something to look forward to. To make meals more memorable, Auberge Resorts Collection is also offering complimentary dining for children, ages ten and under, for breakfast, lunch and dinner all summer.

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Ibiza Gran Hotel

The hotel is home to 187 contemporary, loft-style suites boasting exceptional views of the Bay of Ibiza, Dalt Vila and Formentera. The suites have a large bedroom, spacious living room, terrace, heated infinity pool and whirlpool. There are also Grand Suites which include a living room for entertaining, a full bar, walk in closet, two bathrooms, one with soaking tub as well as large balconies that overlook the town and picturesque main pools of the hotel (they also include private Bentley transfers from the airport). While you won’t be disappointed by the in-room dining offerings, breakfast at the hotel’s main restaurant is worth waking up for. Bread, made in-house daily, freshly-carved jamon and an omelette station that will prepare any eggs you want. The hotel prides itself on creating new and exciting memories for their guests, even those who come annually. You’ll find the menu ever changing with Michelin-starred chefs flown in to create culinary adventures unlike anywhere else in Ibiza. The tasting experience of the hotel’s Michelin-starred La Gaia by Óscar Molina is transportive, with ingredients sourced locally to highlight the agricultural beauty of the island.

DuJour spoke with the property’s communications and creative director, Jenny Nerman, to discover what makes it so special

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Gran Suite Dalt Vila

Views from The Gran Suite Dalt Vila at Gran Ibiza

What makes it so special?

It’s one of our largest and most exceptional suites, and also considered one of the most decadent and sought-after suites across the entire island. It was recently renovated as a custom project by Spanish interior designer Sandra Tarruella. The luxurious 1,600-square-foot loft overlooks the bay and Formentera with unmatched views of the Mediterranean. It includes a large bedroom, spacious living room, dining area, cocktail bar and wine cellar and a 1,900 square-foot terrace with a heated infinity pool, outdoor jacuzzi and solarium with an olive tree.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $7,000.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Ibiza has long been renowned for its festivities, but we take pride in our efforts that have put the island on the map for its epicurean excellence. In the midst of the white island’s culinary evolution, our flagship restaurant, La Gaia by Óscar Molina, was recently awarded a Michelin star, making us the first hotel on the island to receive this accolade.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

I love the Superior Pool Suites because of their unbeatable views of Dalt Vila and private terraces with infinity pools. Two large windows bring the Mediterranean sunshine in all day long.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The more than 400 pieces of original artwork that adorns our walls, lobby, suites and Open Spa are truly all exceptional. My favorite is the wire sculpture jellyfish, a gorgeous, ethereal piece created specifically for La Gaia restaurant by the artist Katrin Kirk.

Zuma restaurant at Ibiza Gran Hotel

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Guests staying in our Gran Suites receive a bespoke pajama set in their room. There’s also the option to have your initials embroidered. It’s just one example of the many personalized touches we offer at the hotel.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

For over two years, under the direction of ABA Art Contemporani, 28 contemporary artists from across the world worked intensively on our art collection. In total, Ibiza Gran Hotel is home to a stunning collection of over 400 pieces made up of vibrant, colorful, and exhilarating work featuring a diversity of styles, techniques and media. The collection changes annually and revolves around five elements–earth, air, life, water and sky. Private champagne tours can be arranged.

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Indeed, once you get to Tokyo, everything is a bit, well, out-of-this-world, so Japan Airlines (JAL) makes the in-flight journey to its home country a particularly special experience. Is there another airline that will lend you a cardigan—made in collaboration with the design firm Nendo—should you feel particularly chilly as you lay in your 180 degree fully flat-bed in your business-class Sky Suite? These days, you’re lucky if a U.S. airline offers you a pair of socks and a lip balm sample.

But, cardigan included, that’s all part of how JAL embraces the concept of “ichigo ichie,” literally “one time, one meeting.” It’s a Japanese philosophy of savoring and making the most of every moment.

To that end, JAL pays special attention to its in-flight menus, which have been developed in collaboration with several Michelin-star chefs. The company refers to its JAL BEDD Sky Auberge catering as “your exclusive restaurant in the sky.” The extra “d,” following that 180-degree fully flat bed, they say, stands for “dine, delicious and dreams.”

Menus are arranged with enormous care and specificity. There’s a special page for “Anytime You Wish” selections that give travelers an on-demand opportunity for, among other items, a salmon roe rice bowl; JAL’s special chicken soba noodle, or a blueberry bagel with smoked salmon and maple cream, basically anytime during a flight they want. (JAL regulars suggest you ask a flight attendant early in the flight to put aside what you’d like for later, should anything run out.)

Travelers are also given their choice of a Japanese Menu or a Western Menu. A recent dainomono, or main course, on the Japanese side, designed by chef Jun Mishina, included braised beef with garland chrysanthemum; Udon mountain vegetable and burdock; deep fried salmon with asparagus and a curry notable for being on the menu at Mishina’s restaurant in Ginza. Even the bread selection—recently a matcha green tea ekmek was on offer—comes courtesy of Maison Kayser.

If nothing else, the JAL food menu is a good primer for what’s to come as you make your way through Tokyo. As a tourist in Japan, every day involves learning lots of new words and concepts. Upon arrival back at home in New York, among the many things I Googled was “ekmek.” Even after my research, I still can’t figure out how it relates to bread, or why the matcha green tea ekmek, basically a green roll, was so good.

Food is particularly important to the JAL brand. The airline recently sponsored a sold-out pop-up of Noma, the globally-renowned Copenhagen restaurant, at the ACE Hotel in Kyoto. Once on the ground in Tokyo, you can visit the JAL Agriport, an agricultural center, close to Narita Airport. Though the main focus of the Agriport is to promote initiatives with various regions in the Chiba Prefecture, the real star attraction here is an excursion to pick several kinds of strawberries in a strawberry-themed greenhouse—or is it a redhouse, or a pinkhouse? The varietals are truly scrumptious, as good as any dessert you’ll find in Tokyo.

A hop, skip and a jump from the strawberry mecca is the Dining Port Goryokaku. A lunch of JAL favorites—soba noodles included—can be washed down with the airline’s specialty drink called Sky Time. Introduced in April 2021, it’s a non-alcoholic peach and grape mix. At the Dining Port, you can mix it with iced tea, ginger ale, or, really anything else, to prepare to quench your thirst in even more eclectic ways on your flight home.

For even further immersion in JAL, anyone is welcome at the airline’s Sky Museum, located inside the JAL maintenance center, adjacent to Tokyo’s Haneda airport. In addition to a flight into JAL’s history, which has included partnerships with such Japanese icons as Hello Kitty, you might be able to tour the airplane hangar. Don’t miss the gift shop for all your JAL souvenir needs, exclusive, of course, of fresh strawberries.

Though JAL’s influence is particularly apparent all through Tokyo, here are a few other things you might check out while you’re getting to know this amazing, retro-futuristic city.

TO SLEEP

In a city known for impeccable service, the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi stands particularly tall. 39 stories tall, to be exact. This 190-room hotel, not yet two years old, occupies the top six floors of the Otemachi One Tower. Of particular note: Pigneto, a relaxed brasserie that shows off a contemporary Japanese take on Italian cuisine, and the Infuse Spa, where an hour-long Yakusugi massage evokes the peacefulness of forest bathing and cedar trees.

Trees and plants swarm through the lobby of the 206-room Tokyo Edition Toranomon hotel to create an indoor garden that is both a site-specific installation and an incomparable oasis that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo that lies just outside and downstairs. The Edition chain is so popular here that a new construction in Ginza with a more intimate 86 guestrooms is scheduled to open later this year.

Now that I’m back to my ordinary life, I’ve been dreaming about moving back to Japan and into a ryokan. They’re usually not in big cities, because they’re more traditional Japanese inns, where you get to enjoy a hot spring bath and sleep on a tatami mat. You wouldn’t have to ask me twice if I’d like to move into the Hoshinoya, a luxury twist on the traditional ryokan in Otemachi. It provides an intimate, peaceful, and shoeless world away from any world you’ve ever been in. (You leave your shoes when you walk into the hotel, in a box, and only get them back when you go out again.) Of particular note: the Onsen, or bathing hot spring, that resides on the hotel’s highest floor.

TO EAT

It may be crazy to think that a city known for sushi and tempura would have its share of amazing pizza, but then you visit this refreshingly low-key, hard-to-find pizza place, Savoy Tomato and Cheese, in Roppongi Hills and your mind will change instantly. Go for a simple and perfect Margherita. The lunch special is an amazing deal, but like many foodie places in the city, they only take cash.

Yes, we make fun of 7-Eleven in the States, but in Japan, it’s like going into Erewhon, the incredible health food chain in Los Angeles. They’re everywhere, but also stock just so much crazy stuff. It certainly beats any fast-food restaurant for a late-night snack. People flip, with good reason, for the smooshy, pre-packaged egg-salad sandwich on white bread, and frankly, the ice cream and candy selections are incomparable, too. I found a kind of chewy, German, Skittles-like candy called Hitschies, and a milk-flavored Korean Moon Pie that just blew my mind

I’m not one for pork cutlets, but longtime chain, Maisen, is all about them, and eating here will make you think about pork cutlets, probably, forever. There’s usually a line to get into the unassuming restaurant, reminiscent of a kind of 50s Japanese Denny’s. (I went to the one in Omotesando, a short walk from a Chanel, a Celine, and all the other high-fashion labels.) But once you take a seat and bite into a cheap and cheerful Tonkatsu sandwich, also on white bread, there will be a time before you ate at Maisen, and a time after.

TO DO

It’s impossible to get into the Ghibli Museum, devoted to the films of Hayao Miyazaki. Like many things in Japan, you have to book months in advance. Though you won’t find Kiki, Princess Mononoke or a Totoro here, Time Lab is an immersive art experience through flora and fauna that has proved such a popular attraction that the international art collective plans to open another permanent exhibit in central Tokyo this year. (Kim Kardashian may have also added to the furor.) Forewarning: the experience is shoeless and involves stepping into lots of actual water. Some of the “rooms” may have made me a teensy bit nauseous and/or given me Athlete’s Foot, but it’s still incredibly cool and I recommend going if you can.

Deep in Tokyo Station you’ll find an entire shopping and eating floor devoted to some of Japan’s most beloved animated characters. Like much of Japan, it’s overwhelming, but here’s where icons like the aforementioned Totoro; Miffy, the Dutch bunny created by Dick Bruna in 1955, and all the Pokemon are actually willing to be caught. If you don’t want to eat at the café devoted to Kirby, the puffy pink Nintendo whoknowswhat, you can venture elsewhere in Tokyo Station for many, more traditional food options. The slurping is particularly justified in a corner called Ramen Street. We suggest Rokurinsha, though finding your way there from Character Street is a journey unto itself.

There are a lot of shopping areas in Tokyo—I can’t even count how many Gucci store fronts I saw—but I most enjoyed shopping in Ginza. Highlights include: the neighborhood’s especially impressive Dover Street Market; Itoya, a twelve-floor department store basically devoted to stationery and pens (my dream); Hankyu Men’s Tokyo, a department store devoted just to contemporary menswear; and the 500,000 square-foot, art-filled Ginza Six mall, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi (who also designed MoMA). Ginza Six features plenty of expensive Japanese domestic brands as well as international labels like Loewe and Dior. With all the fashion, however, don’t miss Tsutaya, a fantastic art bookstore with plenty of gift options on the Ginza Six top floor.

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The dessert was developed by Meredith Hayden, a private chef for clients such as fashion designer Joseph Altuzzarra. Hayden, who previously worked at the restaurant Charlie Bird, in Manhattan, has grown an eager social media following as @wishbonekitchen on TikTok. She updates a website under the same name with recipes for relatively easy-to-make dishes, including Lobster Cobb Salad and avocado eggrolls like the ones they serve at Cheesecake Factory.

To devise the sorbet, which has undercurrents of strawberry, Hayden visited Chateau d’Esclans, the home of the Whispering Angel brand, for inspiration. She then met with Laurent Colin, the executive chef at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco to concretize the recipe.

In anticipation of the second Saturday in June, otherwise known as National Rosé Day, Hayden introduced the sorbet at Le Scoop, the gelato bar at the newly-renovated Le Méridien Lav in Split, Croatia.

“Split is the ideal spot to soak up endless summer, so it just made sense we debut there,” says Hayden. “It’s a place that truly embodies a leisurely, European-style spirit of summer.”

The presentation of the sorbet is nearly as important as its flavor. Available as part of Le Méridien’s annual Au Soleil program, through the end of October, a portion arrives in a small dish usually used for caviar service. That small caviar dish rests above a large, stemless wine globe of Whispering Angel rosé.

The idea is that the sorbet and the wine can be consumed side-by-side or concurrently.

“It’s such a chic and playful way to dress up something as simple as sorbet,” explains Hayden. “People I spoke to loved the lightness of the pairing. They said they could order it again and again as a treat or to finish off a meal by the ocean.”

The sorbet is also available alcohol free or on its own sans additional rosé, but Hayden has another off-the-menu suggestion.

“My favorite trick is to ask for a scoop of vanilla gelato on top,” she says. “The combination of the bright and acidic rosé sorbet with the creamy gelato is just perfection.”

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DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager John O’Sullivan to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Coral Beach Home

A guest room at Coral Beach House at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

What makes it so special?

This stunning home sits directly on a private beach, has a full-size swimming pool and offers unbeatable views of the sunset and Pacific Ocean. When staying at the Coral Beach Home, guests enjoy full access to the resort and all its amenities. They can dine at the restaurants, rejuvenate at the Apuane Spa or drop the kids off at Kids For All Seasons, while also having their own private 20,000-square-foot home to retreat to (with plenty of tequila stocked in the bar!).

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $17,250 per night

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Cielo Oceanfront Villa because it maximizes the family experience, which is everything for us at the resort. This villa is perched on a cliff and gives guests unbeatable sunset views and the ability to gather around the table for friendly conversation, meals, and board games. The villa’s expansive private terrace and oversized pool invite guests to come together and connect.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have our own custom mezcal which is bottled by a family-owned distillery Los Mitos in Oaxaca. Each year we create a new blend.

The view from Coral Beach House at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Our signature beachfront restaurant, Bahia, was recently reimagined so that guests can now dine with their toes in the sand under the light of a full moon. The indoor-outdoor layout of Bahia takes full advantage of the natural surroundings, where couples can sip cocktails from hanging bar swings and embrace in the warm coastal breeze. It’s the best spot on property to watch the sunset.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Guests have access to two world-class golf courses designed by world-famous golfer Jack Nicklaus. One of the courses is famously known for its Tail of the Whale 3-B hole, the world’s only natural island green. A true bucket list experience, guests must plan in advance as this hole is only open during low tide.

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DuJour spoke with Uniworld’s president and CEO Ellen Bettridge to discover what makes it so special

What’s the most requested room on the cruise?

The highly coveted Grand Suite (of which there are two, rooms 415 and 416), located on the Murano deck near our specialty restaurant, Rialto’s.

What makes it so special?

The Grand Suites are new additions that were previously two separate staterooms, now combined into one spacious suite. Grand Suites are the epitome of luxury river cruising with Uniworld, featuring high end touches and design elements that reflect the destination and can’t be found anywhere else on the rivers. They’re true boutique hotel rooms with their own uniquely Venetian personality. Grand Suites feature a large bedroom with plush Savoir of England king-sized beds outfitted with fine linens and pillows, a separate living room with a hidden TV, mini bar and spacious closets and a spectacular marble bathroom with dual sinks, a bathtub and large walk-in shower. The suite is adorned with fabrics made by revered local textile house Fortuny and Venetian artwork for a regal and authentic feel. Plus, the suite has two French balconies to let in the breeze while sailing along the Venetian Lagoon.

Uniworld S.S. La Venezia

What is the nightly rate for this room?

For the 2023 season, the Grand Suite ranges from $9,799 to $10,299 per guest based on double occupancy on our 7-night Venice & The Jewels of Veneto itinerary. Like all Uniworld bookings, the experience is truly all-inclusive. Guests will receive three farm-to-table meals daily, unlimited premium wines, beers and spirits, airport transfers, excursions, entertainment, onboard WiFi and laundry service plus unique to the Grand Suite, in-suite butler service, a fully stocked mini bar, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, the option to enjoy breakfast in-room and daily fruit and cookie plates.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the boat that speaks to its status as an icon?

The S.S. La Venezia marks the first time that Mario Fortuny and the House of Fortuny, which debuted in 1907, has had its designs widely used on a cruise line, which is really special. The entire ship was designed to celebrate the magic that is Venice and evoke the essence of the city, beginning with the lobby that resembles Mario Fortuny’s 1930s showroom. As a tribute to the destination, guests will find pops of color in Murano-blown glass, intricate masquerade masks found at Venice’s annual carnival, outlines of famous Venetian bridges within the fabric patterns and so much more. You’ll notice little details and homages to the region at every turn.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

My personal favorite room is suite 411. It uses a burnt orange color palette that really pops and encapsulates Italian opulence. The suite and headboard are wrapped in orange and white Fortuny fabrics, complemented with an orange velvet couch at the foot of the bed and a matching velvet accent pillow and orange Venetian glass sconces on each bedside to bring it all together.

What’s your favorite design element on the boat?

The gorgeous Fortuny fabrics are really something special. All suites and hallways, and the lobby are adorned in them, and all patterns are unique. Fortuny’s textiles are handmade with impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their creation process is still a closely held company secret of over 100 years. In terms of common spaces, Hari’s Bar and Lounge is really beautiful, using blues and shimmering golds. You’ll find upholstered loveseats perfect for enjoying a cocktail while watching the evening entertainment, a large bar at the center of the room wrapped in gold, and glass tables with a variety of Italian-themed coffee table books. The lounge also has a separate panini bar at the front end, which is a quiet place to read or grab fresh paninis, pastries, or coffees and teas throughout the day.

The sundeck on the Uniworld S.S. La Venezia

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have three exclusive culinary experiences onboard that go above and beyond guests’ everyday dining. There’s a lunchtime cooking class at Cielo’s, where guests get to make a few Italian dishes, a small and private dinner in La Cantinetta, with the chef cooking right in front of guests and a progressive dinner, where a small group of guests have parts of their dinner in different locations of the ship.

How about one more fun fact about the boat?

The S.S. La Venezia is currently the only cruise ship sailing in the Venetian Lagoon. The city of Venice banned large cruise ships from entering the lagoon in 2020 to better preserve the fragile floating city, so cruising with us is an experience like no other and gives a one-of-a-kind look at the Veneto region and special access to its top sites and hidden gems. For example, our guests have exclusive after-hours access to St. Mark’s Basilica through our ‘Nights Out’ program, allowing Uniworld passengers to explore the famed church sans crowds, led by an expert historian. The basilica’s staff turns the lights on just for us, lighting the church up slowly to unveil the spectacular ceilings, fully covered in gold mosaics depicting saints, prophets and biblical scenes.

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So, if you’re going to take a bucket list trip, you might as well go to a bucket list kind of place, right?

That’s the aim of Mahali Mzuri, a simultaneously luxurious and rustic Kenyan safari camp owned by Sir Richard Branson situated within the 30,000-plus acres of Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Located some 150 miles west of Nairobi and accessible via scheduled and charter planes out of Nairobi’s Wilson Airport or, even more conveniently, helicopter, Mahali Mzuri is intended to be intimate, familiar and familial. Twelve tents—all outfitted with more than the bare necessities, including Wi-Fi and a special Mahali Mzuri rubber ducky—can sleep a maximum of 24, and the staff, along with general manager Wilson Odhiambo, will certainly make you feel at home.

You will likely cross paths, eat a meal, watch the World Cup late at night at the bar, have a locally sourced cocktail or spot lions with your fellow guests. The benefit is the opportunity to share this bucket list experience not just with the nearest and dearest in your party, but also with all of the new friends you meet along the way.

Mahali Mzuri, which translates to “beautiful place” in Swahili, is the kind of magical environment where you inevitably make new friends. It’s inherent in the ethos of Branson’s camp, which emphasizes sustainability and conservation. Beyond working with Maasai communities to find employees and guides for the resort, Mahali Mzuri also supports the Maa Trust, a Kenyan organization that focuses on improving life in the area. For the last several years, a percentage of every guest’s stay has been donated to help build, fund and grow a nearby school for local children, the Enkenju Enkoirien Primary School, about 2.5 miles away from camp.

Of course, the main event at Mahali Mzuri is game viewing. Peak viewing happens during migration season, which lasts from the middle of June until the end of October. This is when 1 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles and other animals journey about 1,000 miles through Tanzania and Kenya and cross the Mara River. You can experience it on drives, of course, but also from the deck of your very own tent or sitting around a fire pit in one of the camp’s communal areas.

In less hectic times, you’ll still experience Kenyan nature at its most primal and awe-inspiring. On daily morning and afternoon drives with Mahali Mzuri guides in beautifully outfitted Toyota 4Runners, you’ll come across at least four of the Big Five game animals—namely lions, elephants, leopards and buffalo. (The fifth, the black rhinoceros, is critically endangered.) This is on top of giraffes, hyenas, hippos and any number of birds and other animals native to the area.

Encounters with wildlife don’t only come on these drives. Sometimes, animals will visit your tent to say hello or walk alongside you to dinner. (Don’t worry, there is always a hotel staff member to accompany you back to your tent.) Some nights you might wake before sunrise to the surprisingly loud gossip of very chatty baboons.

But at that point, you can just lay in bed and listen until you fall asleep with the hot water bottle left for you under the covers each evening. If you bring any tradition of Mahali Mzuri back with you, it might just end up being that nightly hot water bottle. A bracelet made with local Maasai beads might remind you of your trip, but that hot water bottle will remind you of the homey comforts of this “beautiful place.”

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DuJour spoke with Jacu Strauss, the creative director at the LORE Group and Riggs Washington D.C., to learn more about all the hidden gems at this property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 601, The Ida McKinley Suite, one of our four first lady suites. It’s located on a beautiful corner of the sixth floor with views of Penn Quarter and the National Portrait Gallery.

What makes it so special?

The design of the suite is inspired by Ida Mckinley, First Lady of the United States at the turn of the 19th Century and wife of President William McKinley. She loved flowers and decorated The White House with plenty of flora. This love of flowers and plants were the inspiration for this suite, and the bold pink and purple palette is an abstract interpretation of this, and also a nod to the annual Cherry Blossom season in DC. All of the pieces are unique to this suite, with many of them being antiques I bought locally during my time living in the city. Even the minibar safe is customized to match the pink tones of the suite. The floral wallcoverings in the bedroom are by Voutsa, with whom we created custom prints for the majority of the rooms at the hotel.

A Riggs suite at Riggs Washington D.C.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

The suite costs around $1,000 per night.

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

I love of all the uncovered hints, symbols and secrets of this building’s history as a grand, golden age bank buildings from the late 19th century, and the way we incorporated it into the story of Riggs. We found a profile medallion on the frames of the original brass doors with Juno Moneta the Roman goddess of funds or money. We loved the way she looked both confident and elegant and this is what we wanted Riggs to look and feel.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

We discovered a hidden concrete vault which is now The Cabinet Room in Silver Lyan, our lower ground floor bar. We uncovered the original tiled floor and metal ceiling during the refurbishment, which we retained in their original state. We then found mysterious secret chambers filled with angled mirrors, these allowed people to check if any ambitious thieves were trying to tunnel into the vault to steal the personal treasures of DC’s most notable residents and families.

Silver Lyan at Riggs Washington D.C.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

I love the glass and wood display case in Café Riggs filled with giant paper flowers, it’s actually two stories in height. The flowers were made and designed in collaboration between myself and Mio Gallery. I actually personally installed and arranged the flowers in the cabinet. The installation plays on the Grand scale of the public areas.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

This would actually be another secret room. During the refurbishment we discovered another smaller, secret vault with original safe doors and metal clad interior. We turned this into a secret lounge and bar for special visitors and groups. And what makes it more magical is that you have to walk through the hotel gym in order to get to it, so it really is well hidden.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

In a building like this I need more than one! There is an original marble staircase in the main arrival lobby that goes nowhere, it just ends.  The room numbers are displayed as plates resembling traditional safety deposit boxes.  All the mirrors in the public areas are made with silver leaf, a nod to coins and noble metals used to make precious items and very relative to banking.

Café Riggs at Riggs Washington D.C.

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The lobby at Hotel Californian

Where To Stay:

Much of Santa Barbara’s renaissance can be credited to the emergence of the Funk Zone, an artsy micro-neighborhood with a slight industrial vibe. At its heart is the Hotel Californian, a 121-room hotel with views of the Pacific, a Moroccan spa, a palm tree-shaded back patio, and a staff so eager to please they’ll charge your Tesla without asking. The just-opened Steward sits on five acres of lush land once owned by late 1800s horticulturist Joseph Sexton. 87 Southern European farmhouse-style suites are inspired by nature and invoke a Secret Garden feel; modern details mingle with an emphasis on sustainability. A night or two at the iconic San Ysidro Ranch, 22 minutes southeast of the city in the foothills of Montecito and nestled between the mountains and ocean. Thirty-eight bungalow-style cottages with private pools and sprawling lawns offer easy access to 17 miles of magnificent hiking trails through lavender, jasmine, orange blossoms and eucalyptus; when you’re back, enjoy a bottle of something special from one of the most extensive wine cellar collections in the United States.

A guest cottage at San Ysidro Ranch

Where To Eat:

Start the day with the Farmer’s Market Bowl and an oat milk latte on the shady patio of the Helena Avenue Bakery, an artisan bakery drawing from ingredients found along the Central Coast. Or pick up a packed lunch to-go for a hike or day at the beach. The Lark, in the former home of the Santa Barbara Fish Market, is named for the overnight train that once passed through town, and takes its design inspiration from there, too, with vintage train booths and lighting to match. The food is spectacular, and meant for sharing: locally-sourced takes on comfort food staples like roast chicken, cornbread and hand-cut pasta. Pull up a bar stool and ask for a glass of natural rosé at Broad Street Oyster, the Santa Barbara outpost of the Malibu favorite. Order a dozen on the half shell and make conversation with your neighbor—likely a friendly local eager to tell you his favorite secret beach spot.

The Lark

Where To Drink:

Santa Barbara’s geography has made it one of the most interesting places along the west coast to produce wine: varied terrain and complex terroirs combine with coastal valleys delivering chilly ocean air. Across the street from the Hotel Californian, the Margerum Wine Company offers tastings of its renowned Rhone varietals, made from grapes grown both on its own nearby estate vineyard and sourced from other vineyards in and around Santa Barbara County. Part of the Hotel Californian, The Society: State & Mason pulls together bottles from area producers and pairs mini-lessons with sharable snacks. Tequila fanatics favor La Paloma Café, with specialty variations on the classic margarita (hibiscus, guava) and the namesake cocktail available by the pitcher.

The Society: State & Mason at Hotel Californian

Where To Shop:

Right in Santa Barbara, The Blue Door features three levels of vintage, midcentury, and modern furniture, décor, art, and lighting, both locally and international made and sourced by a variety of in-house curators. Finds might include a Spanish Colonial wrought iron chandelier, 1920s hand varve Italian Art Deco bookends, and modern bamboo dining chairs. On the way to Montecito, stop by Mate Gallery, tucked inside the Montecito Country Mart, a charming, wood-paneled den of New England style selling rare books, nautical artifacts, beach photos, and vintage OP shorts, among other maritime-inspired treasures.

Lotusland

What To Do:

The closet best beach option is Hendry’s Beach, one of Santa Barbara’s most picturesque, at the base of a bluff and just a 10-minute drive from town. For a more secluded spot, locals love Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Just be sure to BYO lunch and anything else you need for the day. For a more active outing, hikes abound: A great all-levels option is Inspiration Point, which offers stellar views of the city and the sea, and is kid- and dog-friendly besides. Save a morning, or more, for a visit to Lotusland, a nonprofit botanical garden founded in the 1940s by Polish opera singer Ganna Walksa containing 37 acres of collections of exotic plants from all over the world (be sure to book a docent-led tour in advance).

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The hotel offers a variety of spa services featuring the French label Biologique Recherche. Come early to your spa treatment and enjoy a swim in their expansive pool that feels as if you’re amongst the snowy alps or enjoy a outdoor hot tub while the white snow falls around you. The onsite ski shop makes planning a day on the slopes a breeze and the hotel is only a five-minute drive from the base of the mountain. Want a private shopping experience or a last minute item sent to your room? No problem. The palace owns both onsite and over 20 of the surrounding retail shops allowing guests a personalized shopping experience and effortless access to luxury good.

The rooms vary in size from  renovated guest rooms to 45 large suits which include a living space, multiple bathrooms, a walk-in closet and soaking tub. The suites feature connecting doors to allow for families and large groups traveling together. Begin your night at 1 of 3 bars on property with a refined artisanal cocktail, before you head out for a dinner at the charming Chesa Veglia.

Badrutt’s Palace

DuJour spoke with the property’s managing director Richard Leuenberger to discover more about the hotel that’s putting Badrutt’s on the global map.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Tower Penthouse Apartment, which is, after 30 years, open for guests again.

What makes it so special?

The beauty about a property like ours with a 126 year history is that guests often start somewhere and keep the room as it invokes a sense of coming home and memories from past stays. So you will find guests requesting the same room every year–it really is a personal preference. Commonly requested rooms are the Hitchcock Suite (501) that is very particular in style with heavy woods and has practically remained the same since Alfred Hitchcock stayed there. Truly unforgettable, the Tower Penthouse Apartment is a four-bedroom private residence equipped to the highest standards. It is the most luxurious hotel suite in the Swiss Alps and occupies the top three floors of the majestic tower of the hotel. You will enjoy original art and magnificent views from the two tower balconies.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

Price upon request

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

We have the highest and smallest luxury retail street in the world and discover an astonishing collection of high-profile brands. Our guests will encounter their favorites from the world’s most exclusive shopping boulevards as well as a few surprises. Badrutt’s Palace also tempts our guests with three bars and ten restaurants in winter, two of this restaurants are in a farmhouse called Chesa Veglia, dating back to 1658. From traditional Swiss specialties to our legendary pizza Dama Bianca, something for every taste. Our guests are picked up free of charge from the train station or airport in Samedan with a Rolls-Royce Phantom from 1968 that was part of Queen Elizabeth’s car park.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

We have so many different suites and each is individual, but one of my favorite suites is definitely the Hans Badrutt Suite. Our guests enter through an impressive marble lobby to discover a very spacious living room with grand piano, elegantly appointed bedroom with dressing room, a marble bathroom with Jacuzzi and they have an amazing view over the lake and mountains of St. Moritz. It’s wonderful to have lunch or dinner on the large, private terrace there.

Paradiso Mountain Club & Restaurant

What’s your favorite design element on property?

It’s one of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s special paintings, “L’Assomptione,” which guests can view in our famous Madonna room. “L’Assomptione” depicts Madonna carrying the baby Jesus, flanked by Pope Sixtus and St. Barbara, with two angels at their feet. The two angels are probably the two most famous angels worldwide, appearing on many Christmas cards and decorations. This painting is also considered to be the twin of The Sistine Madonna, also called the Madonna di San Sisto, an oil painting by the Italian artist Raphael currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Alfred Hitchcock visited the hotel 34 times in his lifetime. Our archivist combed through old guest books and found out that the master of black humor loved pranking other guests.

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But the Montage isn’t just luring powder seekers hoping to ski the Big Couloir. Come spring and summer, outdoor enthusiasts can play the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf golf course, as well as hike, mountain bike, fly fish and tour nearby Yellowstone National Park with custom itineraries developed by the property itself.

The Spanish Peaks Suite primary bedroom at Montage Big Sky

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager Victorio Gonzalez to discover more about the hotel that’s putting Big Sky on the global map.

What’s the most requested room at the property and why?

Spanish Peaks Suite, room 1338

What makes it so special?

Our presidential suite offers sweeping views of the Spanish Peaks mountain range and a large, en-suite patio. The suite also includes two adjacent connecting rooms, a full kitchen, dining area, living room with fireplace and large bedroom also with a fireplace.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $3,023

Alpenglow bar at Montage Big Sky

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Montage Big Sky is the first ultra-luxury resort in Montana, combining rustic western charm with sophisticated design and warm Montana hospitality. Sitting at 7,300 feet right at the base of Big Sky Resort, we offer guests exclusive direct ski-in/out access. Come summer, we are just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, where we offer private, highly curated tours.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Our six bedroom residence. This residence offers breathtaking views from every angle and features some of the best amenities at the resort, including a hot tub, children’s room with two queen bunk beds, a media room and a ski-in/ski-out gear room fully equipped with boot warmers, warming racks and plenty of storage for skis and other outdoor gear.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Our guests have exclusive access to private fly fishing locations with one of our guides, set at the base of the Spanish Peaks mountains.

The Living Room at Montage Big Sky

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Our property features an art collection curated with an emphasis on local and west-coast based artists. Our extensive collection fuses our space with the culture and heritage of the authentic Mountain West.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Through our on-property outfitter and rental shop, Compass Sports, we feature an Alpine Performance Studio, where our expert ski coach works with individuals to assess and correct ski form and technique so guests can take their skiing ability to the next level. Services include an in-room performance boot fitting, stance alignment and a biomechanics assessment.

Wildflower Market restaurant at Montage Big Sky

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From wine country adventures at the new Stanly Ranch in Napa Valley to blissful beach days at Etéreo in Riviera Maya, Mexico, slope side pursuits in Aspen at Hotel Jerome and back-to-nature comforts at Wildflower Farms in upstate New York, the new honeymoon registry offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable and one-of-a-kind moments. Over The Moon couples who register for three or more nights at any Auberge Resorts Collection property will receive special upgrades, experiences and gifts. Additionally, a selection of twelve bespoke packages have been curated exclusively for Over The Moon brides and grooms by the hospitality group (think romantic private dinners in unique settings, helicopter wine tastings, couples massages, hiking experiences and more).

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The pool and grounds of the Çirağan Palace Kempinski

How To Get There

Getting to Istanbul has never been easier or more luxurious. Turkish Airlines, which flies to more countries than any other airline in the world, currently operates from 17 gateway cities in North America, including its first-ever Pacific Northwest route, from Seattle, Wash., which launched earlier this year. Business class perks include seasonal gourmet dishes (served by candlelight, upon request), new designer amenity kits from Coccinelle and Hackett and access to state-of-the-art business class lounges. Beyond the world-class food and hospitality, one of the best parts of flying Turkish Airlines is traveling on the airline’s 787-Dreamliner aircraft, which flies to and from the United States.

The luxurious business class cabin on Turkish Airlines from the U.S. to Istanbul

Where To Stay

On the banks of the Bosphorus, the Çirağan Palace Kempinski boasts stunning views of Asia and the ancient city, featuring palatial suites, Turkish gardens and many dining options (Tuğra Restaurant, Bellini Pasta & More, the waterfront Gazebo Lounge and Bosphorus Grill). The property is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and hotel on the Bosphorus where Sultans once lived, so the views from the rooms and suites are legendary. A dip in the heated, waterfront infinity pool is also a must, as you can gaze at unobstructed views of passing boats and the colorful lights and buildings on the Asiatic bank. Simply put, no matter where you turn, you’re in for a luxe experience in a gorgeous setting. Don’t miss their authentic Turkish hammam experience at Sanitas Spa.

In-room snacks at the Çirağan Palace Kempinski

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, in the Old City, is the perfect basecamp from which to explore Istanbul’s deep heritage, with breathtaking views of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Marmara Sea. While in close proximity to Istanbul’s historic sites, the property has a fascinating history itself, as it was once a former prison featuring a landscaped courtyard surrounded by stone walls, a working masjid (mosque) and guard towers. Following its initial transformation into a five-star hotel in 1996, the hotel has undergone a recent renovation by design studio Goddard Littlefair. The new design pays homage to the beauty and history of the site and Old Istanbul while adding the luxurious, modern amenities synonymous with the Four Seasons brand. While visiting, don’t miss the chance to experience the hotel’s rooftop dining terrace with views of the Hagia Sofia and Grand Mosque, or its spa for an incredible Turkish hammam experience that is unpretentious yet utterly luxurious.

The historic exterior of the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Surrounded by the tranquil Sea of Marmara, the new 204-room JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea hotel offers guests a relaxing and luxurious stay in the Atakoy district. The guest rooms are spread out across 17 floors and are as spacious as they are sumptuous—marble bathrooms with large soaking tubs and rain shower heads, smart lighting and modern amenities. Ceres restaurant serves Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian fusion cuisine, with a focus on seafood and this summer. Michelin-starred chef Akira Back will debut a new restaurant offering innovative Japanese cuisine.

The presidential suite at the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea

Open May-October, Bodrum Loft is a hidden escape in the lush heart of Demirbükü Bay on the Aegean-facing north coast of the Bodrum peninsula. The 36-room property, developed by Akfen Holding, offers high-end suites and villas that will be your home-away-from-home this summer. With a swimming pool, beautifully landscaped gardens, fitness center, spa, private beach and restaurants (Paper Moon and Nobu–the first in Bodrum–and the casual Patisserie Loft), you never need to leave the resort. Also on site is a boutique by high-end Turkish brand, Vakko.

A villa at Bodrum Loft

How To Tour

With only three days is Istanbul, we relied on Eda Sokmen, whose bespoke tour and travel agency Istanbulite is the go-to for tours of key sights including the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace. From helping book luxurious hotels to coordinating historical, shopping, art and photography tours, cooking classes and paper marbling workshops, the team can help you experience the city like a local. You can even book Istanbulite private tours and experiences beyond the ancient city including Cappadocia, Izmir, Ephesus, Bodrum and other off-the-beaten path locations like Aphrodisias and Kaş.

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Getting to Abu Dhabi from the United States is easier than ever, with direct flights from New York, Chicago, Washington D.C. and more with Etihad, the go-to airline for travel to and from the capital city. Book a lie-flat Business or First class seat—getting a good night’s sleep on this long-haul journey is crucial to maximizing your time in the Emirates, especially when visiting more than one locale. With scores of five-star hotels in the area, choosing your Abu Dhabi accommodations is easy, but the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island is one of the best.

The pool at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

It goes without saying that no visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without a visit to the Louvre, a striking oasis of beautifully-designed buildings surrounded by the sea. Here, you can enjoy the stunning structure, designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, by booking a sunrise or sunset kayaking session. To see more of Abu Dhabi’s richly diverse topography, visit the Jubail Mangrove Park during high tide, where you’ll wander through the sanctuary alongside the gazelles, herons and turtles.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

As a whole, Abu Dhabi’s vast biodiversity is seemingly impossible to capture in one place, but the National Aquarium—the largest in the Middle East—does an impressive job. Located in Al Qana, a buzzing cultural center that debuted just last year, the aquarium is made up of 10 distinctly different spaces, each a world of its own, offering kids and adults of all ages an immersive expedition through the Arabian Gulf. With more than 46,000 animals and a variety of unique, personalized experiences like glass bottom boat tours and diving with sharks, you’ll be surprised at how much there is to explore.

Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi

The drive from Abu Dhabi city to Ras Al Khaimah is an adventure in itself, and depending on how much time you want to spend on the road, there are several different—and equally breathtaking—routes to take. Driving directly up the coast will take you through Dubai, where you could spend as little or as long as you’d like before continuing north. Alternatively, heading inland to Al Ain will take you slightly out of the way, but it’s absolutely worth the trek, even if just for a brief stop at Telal Resort’s Zaman Lawal Heritage Village. Here, traditional Emirati culture is shared through food, drink, history and more—sipping Arabic coffee in a classic welcoming salon, wandering the local souk and riding camels—with a luxe modern resort nearby. Booking a few nights at Telal is the perfect retreat, complete with desert safaris, great dining and picturesque dunes.

The Manar Mall Promenade in Ras Al Khaimah

From Al Ain, the last leg of this road trip through the Emirates clocks in at just under three hours, and another oasis awaits in the form of the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. This seaside palace is home to 346 impeccably appointed guest rooms and some of the best restaurants in the area, not to mention the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and nearby Hajar Mountains. You’ll likely not want to leave the property, but Jebel Jais—the tallest peak in the UAE—is not to be missed. From serene morning hikes and multi-day survival workshops with Adventurati Outdoor to zip-lining in various forms between the mountains, your Emirates adventure is bound to end on a high note.

The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

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A room at Best Bower in Portland, Maine

DuJour spoke with Kratovil to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

What makes them so special?

Each loft has a private entrance that can be accessed from the shared courtyard between the guesthouse and the Observatory. The lofts are unique in that they are more spacious than a typical hotel room. They can accommodate 2-4 guests and feature a king size bed, twin XL bed and a pull-out sleeper sofa bed in the main space. The lofts are very versatile in that they can accommodate a variety of travelers (a family with small children, a group of friends visiting for a weekend getaway or business travelers).

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $250

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

A bathroom at Best Bower in Portland, Maine

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

It is a tie between the Library and the Crow’s Nest. Both completely different.  The crows nest has a large skylight that offers an unparalleled view of the Observatory while the Library with it custom woodwork and navy blue-tiled bathroom creates a cozy elegance.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The courtyard. I love the way it ties in with the historic Observatory and the guest house creating a wonderful spot for morning coffee or afternoon cocktails.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The Observatory and its out buildings stood alone in the mid 1800s at the top of Munjoy Hill surrounded by pastoral farmland.

A room at Best Bower in Portland, Maine

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A guest room at the W Algarve

DuJour spoke with Cajetan Araujo, W Algarve’s general manager, to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The E-WOW penthouse, room number 4806, a duplex apartment located on the fourth floor at the southern end of the hotel.

What makes it so special?

It is a 2-bedroom duplex apartment that can be made into 3 bedrooms with a connecting room and it has a fully equipped kitchen discretely designed to blend in the design of the whole room. It features a large balcony covering the western and southern sides of the apartment and a sensational 160-square-meter rooftop terrace with a plunge pool. You can really retreat into your private space with your own terrace and pool.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $1,900 per night

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The design, the aesthetic of the hotel. It is different from anything else in the country, so elegant, so detailed! Every single guest that is going through our doors talks to us about the attention to details and the incredible design of the hotel. With its brilliant mix of modern design and local inspiration, it is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the region.

The pool at the W Algarve

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

Room 4025. It’s another WOW suite with a plunge pool. It is on the fourth floor of the hotel, pretty much right in the middle of the hotel. It’s a duplex suite with high ceilings and beautiful light, with a rooftop terrace and its own plunge pool. You have an incredible view of the ocean and the coast, up to Sagres on clear days, and some spectacular sunset views.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have our custom short boards and Malibu boards, surf boards that have been especially designed for us, with the emblematic fish scales of the hotel. They are available for our guests to go out and surf. The Algarve is one of the best surf spots in the world and, from the moment we began to work on the project two years ago, we knew we wanted to get our own surf boards and we wanted them to be special, so we got them hand-shaped by one of the most sought-after surfboard makers in the Algarve: Ferox Surfboards.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The fish scale design on all the balconies and terraces of the hotel. The walls are covered in iridescent fish scale-like tiles designed and handmade in Portugal, a reference to the centuries of fishing tradition and villages in the region. The reflection of the iridescent tiles changes by the hour, reflecting the changing landscape of the Algarve through the seasons.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The wall with all the ceramic plates welcoming you in the hotel has 613 plates, and each of them has been handmade especially for this project. I personally worked for a few months with Vista Alegre, the iconic Portuguese ceramic artisans, to pick the designs, organize the plates, and build this wall as a work of Art. I love the result and what we achieved with them there: it’s unique, surprising and already Iconic.

The Market Kitchen restaurant at the W Algarve

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But what’s perhaps most appealing about Gravity Haus is its promise of living like a local. The hotel began as a community and connection space, and still offers membership options for Breck residents who want to be able to take a call between runs—ski or otherwise. The gym hosts well-attended classes, the hot tubs and second floor Japanese Onsen remain a neighborhood favorite, and the counter of the lobby café, Unravel, sees plenty of workers, laptops open, throughout the day.

And summer is an ideal time to visit. This year, Breck continues its 60th anniversary celebrations with summer fun that includes scenic lift rides, the Gold Runner Coaster, alpine slides, climbing wall, rope challenge courses, 4×4 tours, bungee trampolines, and more. Epic Pass holders also get extra savings on lodging and on-mountain food and drinks (and if you haven’t bought your 2022/23 pass yet, now’s a great time).

A guest room at Gravity Haus

DuJour spoke with Connor Pankow, the hotel’s general manager, to learn more.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The Trailblazer room.

What makes it so special?

It’s the unique versatility it offers to house a family of four in a hotel room environment. The secondary twin rooms allow privacy for the parents and the children, while still having the comfort and price of one hotel room.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $300

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

It was the first lodging operation for our rapidly growing company Gravity Haus, which now has fully-owned hotels in Breck, Vail, Winter Park, and Truckee. Additionally, we have partner hotels in Denver, Moab and Costa Rica, among other locations.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

My personal favorite room is the Crashpad. This room is perfect for group get together of up to eight people! It offers 2 queen bunk sets in a secluded part of the hotel room, while additionally offering a sleeper sofa in the main area. This accommodation is perfect for a guys’ weekend, a bachelorette get-together, or a large family!

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Our super trampoline! It’s located on our  third floor rooftop. Guests and members of Gravity Haus are able to reserve the trampoline for 30 minutes sessions during our summer season. It is an absolute blast and no guest or member is able to jump without a smile on their face.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

I love the overall industrial design of the property, combined with a modern mountain taste. It is a very unique aesthetic that really fits our brand in Gravity Haus and our location in Breckenridge.

What’s your favorite thing about the property in the summer?

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The day turned out even better than we expected: Guide Dylan Griffin took Bob and I through a section of the Long Trail we’d never even seen on a map, and along the way pointed out flora and fauna we hadn’t noticed before. The hotel had set up a picnic lunch at the top, where we enjoyed giant sandwiches and local craft beer along with our views—a far more luxurious trail lunch than our usual squished Larabars and water. It was exactly the kind of mini-adventure we’d been after.

There’s plenty of warm weather adventure to be had in Stowe.

Unreliable winter conditions and an uptick in domestic travel over the last few years have resulted in an off-season boom for ski resorts across the country. In Breckenridge, Colorado, off-season visits have gotten so popular that Gravity Haus, the town’s popular hotel and social club, expanded the formerly members-only upscale gear rental club Haus Quiver to accommodate visiting guests coming to explore some of the Rockies’ most glorious months, where the winterscapes shift to include (thawed) alpine lakes and fields of wildflowers. In addition to hiking, biking and paddle boarding—guided or on your own—there’s fly fishing, gemstone panning (keep what you find!) and—my unexpected favorite, on a recent visit—summer dog sledding, a two-mile circuit through the scenic Swan River Valley that helps keep the dogs in shape for the winter season. Last summer, the resort launched Epic Discovery, a blitz of all-level activities for families, plus on-mountain dining. In my experience at least, that bottle of wine you order at lunch will be a far safer bet when you’re riding the lift, not your skis, back down.

In the past, many people with experience in outdoor adventure may have been inclined to forgo a guide in favor of DIY exploration. But there’s no doubt that the right guide can enhance your experience in myriad ways, arranging a 15-minute jaunt or a full-day adventure and tailoring it on the fly in response to how you’re doing or what you are capable of. Breckenridge is also home to some of the country’s best whitewater rafting down the Blue River and, just slightly farther afield, the Arkansas River, which passes through the iconic Browns Canyon National Monument. On my first-ever rafting trip, our guide gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed to push myself just a bit outside of my comfort zone—paddling along instead of simply sitting and holding on for dear life, as I was inclined to do. I suspect I had a much better time because of it.

“When you hire a guide, you are getting more than a robot that can take you up pitches and mountains,” says Cody Bradford, a rock climbing guide who leads trips in Las Vegas, Joshua Tree National Park, Moab and western North Carolina, among others, largely through the travel app 57hours. “You are hiring someone who has thought through the ‘whys’ of techniques and mountain movement, someone who uses their years’ worth of technical abilities to give you an intimate learning experience. Hiring a guide is also a way to enter an unknown area and only have to think about the climbing or hiking at hand. This completely frees you up to focus on whatever skill you have come to develop or experience you have come to have.”

In Stowe, The Lodge has increased guided services over the last few seasons in response to high guest demand. On-mountain, there’s now full- and half-day spring, summer, and fall offerings for hiking, mountain biking and climbing at a variety of experience levels, as well as kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. You can hike, bike or float in pursuit of food—maple creemees, local craft cider—or wildlife, like otters, deer and the occasional moose. This season, until the last snow melts (which can be as late as June), The Lodge is introducing the Sugar on Snow tour, a moderate hike along the pretty Mill Trail that ends with the local tradition of “sugar on snow,” drizzling hot maple syrup over packed snow to create a taffy-like candy.

Recently, Bob and I put our good guide luck to the test in Snowmass, part of the Aspen/Snowmass complex, nine miles from Aspen proper. While Aspen may still be best considered for its snow-season debauchery, it is, in fact, one of the most well-rounded all-season destinations for both diehard outdoor enthusiasts and those who adventure mainly for the celebratory cocktail or three after. From our home base at Limelight Snowmass, we explored just a small part of the area’s 2.8 million acres of wilderness, including an epic climb over the Elk Mountains (also available to see by hot air balloon—next time, we decided), and a three-hour guided mountain bike ride in and out of aspen groves. Later, we found the après scene as festive as it always is during ski season, and just as satisfying. We might not have spent the day braving the elements in quite the same way we had on previous winter visits, but we’d had more than a day’s worth of adventure all the same.

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DuJour spoke with Cody Bertone, the Virgin Hotel New Orleans general manager, to learn more about this special property.

The penthouse at the Virgin Hotel New Orleans

What’s the most requested room at the property?

The nine Grand Chamber King suites.

What makes them so special?

They are located on the corner of the building overlooking the Warehouse District. These rooms are very spacious, with impressive living areas and balconies with amazing city views.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

They average around $600 per night.

The Commons Club at the Virgin Hotel New Orleans

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

The Rooftop Chambers located above The Pool Club. The floor only has 11 rooms, and every room has an incredible view of the city. They also make it very convenient to access The Pool Club: it’s a quick walk down the stairs and you’re ready to enjoy a cocktail and the view.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

On the 13th floor, you’ll find The Pool Club and Dreamboat set against a backdrop of downtown New Orleans . The Pool Club is quickly becoming a favorite with locals and leisure hotel guests looking for a stylish oasis. Dreamboat is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, business events, happy hours, large celebrations and everything in between.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Anyone can stay where Sir Richard Branson stayed during Virgin Hotels New Orleans grand opening party! Sir Richard’s Flat, located on the hotel’s top floor, overlooks The Pool Club so it’s great for people watching. Richard’s Flat is the perfect luxurious hideaway.

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Throughout the healthful weekend, guests were treated to an ancient shamanic blessing, participated in a women’s health discussion led by gut health specialist Dr. Nigma Talib, sound baths, yoga classes, snorkeling excursions, herbalist consultations and an intention-setting ceremony at sunset on the beach led by a Mayan shaman. A special dinner by chef Camille Becerra, who collaborated with Etéreo’s chef Miguel Baltazar, showcased plant-based dishes infused with House of Waris Teas. “It’s great to come to a place like this together,” said Waris Ahluwalia, “but what really matters is how you integrate the experiences into your life back home.”

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The lobby at Pendry Manhattan West

DuJour spoke with Ash Bhasin, Pendry Manhattan West’s general manager, to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Skyline Corner One Bedroom Suite

What makes it so special?

Its spacious sizing, well-appointed interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows offering northwest-facing corner views overlooking the city skyline. It offers a serene West Coast aesthetic contrasted by the energy of city pulsing just outside the window. With two separate living/lounging areas, a dining room table that seats up to six guests, half- and full-bath with a soaking tub, and the ability to close off the bedroom, it is perfect for hosting, either socially or professionally, and perfectly suited for long term stays. Paired with luxurious amenities and our team’s dedication to thoughtful services touches, it becomes a space that our guests wish to stay awhile.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

Rates start at $2,495 per night

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

My personal favorite is the Pendry Suite. Situated on our highest guestroom floor, it offers a nearly 180-degree view of Manhattan from our signature floor-to-ceiling windows and is outfitted with a fireplace, kitchenette and a baby grand piano. No detail was spared in its design and the result is a space that feels like a tranquil reprieve from the bustling metropolis outside.

The corner one bedroom suite sitting area at Pendry Manhattan West

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Upon arrival, guests are offered our signature welcome beverage. If they wish, they can have it spiked at our signature lobby bar, Bar Pendry…all that is needed is the secret password.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The rippling façade distinguishes us from the surrounding skyscrapers and allows for each of our guestrooms to boast beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing our spaces in an abundance of natural light.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our signature lobby bar, Bar Pendry is a gold-toned, jewel-box of a space, framed by a large-scale mural featuring moon gold leaf and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay by NYC-based artist, Nancy Lorenz. It gives the intimate space (the only space in the hotel without floor-to-ceiling windows, intentionally so) a feeling of grandeur and is one of my personal favorite places to enjoy a drink.

The corner one bedroom suite dressing area at Pendry Manhattan West

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 The property is dotted with a mixture of accommodations ranging from intimate cabins to refurbished airstreams. The cabins are fit with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the picturesque mountain landscape, giving guests the majestic views of camping without sacrificing comfort. The bathhouses are a relaxing treat with outdoor showers that feature a zen garden and heater, should the weather be chilly. Dyson hair tools and plush towels round out the experience.

The Lodge at Yonder Escalante

In the evenings, Yonder has a drive-in movie theater with vintage cars as your seats and a retired Airstream that serves as the concessions stand. Dining is classic camp with an elevated twist. Yonder’s chef-curated meal kits provide a fun way to embrace the camp element while cooking a meal over an open fire.

DuJour spoke with Linz DeSeno, the resort’s general manager, to learn more.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

It’s a personal preference: some guests are set on an airstream and others a cabin.

What makes them so special?

The thoughtfulness that has gone into them. From the extremely comfortable beds and linens to the cultural design details, each accommodation is brimming with local charm, custom-designed and curated vintage furnishings and character-driven nuances. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the front and back of the cabins usher in the breathtaking mountain views, so you feel fully immersed in nature.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

Rates start from $259 (inclusive of breakfast)

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Though Escalante is known for its stunning views and iconic hiking, many do not know that Yonder Escalante sits within one of the country’s largest national monuments, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

My personal favorite rooms are Cabin 31 and Airstream 15. The sunsets are mind-blowing.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

Every cabin and Airstream comes with complimentary fire starters, matches and a bundle of firewood. Our team will even come build your fire.

A cabin at Yonder Escalante

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Our open-air clubhouse style Lodge at the heart of the property and our spa-quality bathhouses, especially the outdoor heated showers. The color and texture selections really make the perfect backdrop for appreciating the minimalistic charm that the desert has to offer.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

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DuJour spoke with Salt Hotels founder, David Bowd, to learn more.

A guest room at the Hotel Greystone

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 505

What makes them so special?

It is one of the two rooftop suites and it has the most amazing terrace and hot tub. It’s not the highest-level suite, but it is on the top floor and the terrace has amazing views and feels so private with no other terraces on this level. It’s also a large room and is very quiet (for South Beach).

What is the nightly rate for this room?

From $495-$1,495

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

The hotel took 10 years to renovate given its historic status and condition when it was purchased, and every original detail was miraculously recreated to ensure its historical accuracy.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

Room 301 looks out over Collins Avenue and is a large corner suite with the most amazing bathroom—we stayed in this room mostly during the renovation and it feels like home.

The lobby at the Hotel Greystone

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We encourage pets and have some amazing pet amenities. But what is most special is that we donate 50 percent of the pet fee to a local no-kill shelter, enabling them to rescue more animals.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

Probably Sérêvène in general, and specifically the mural that was painted by Charly Malpass, which is really spectacular and showcases her talent so well.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

There is a staircase to nowhere on one of the buildings—once you find it you will love it. Often, we use this staircase to showcase local art.

The pool at the Hotel Greystone

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Where to Stay:

When in Helsinki, stay at Hotel U14, a 117-room family-owned boutique hotel located in the waterfront Kaartinkaupunki neighborhood. Between the prime location, eclectic design, spacious rooms and excellent food and drink programs, you’ll feel right at home while just steps away from some of the city’s best sights, shopping destinations and restaurants.

The Northern Lights in Levi

No trip to Finland is complete without a visit to Levi in the heart of the Lapland, the country’s northernmost region where, if you’re lucky, you can see a stunning Northern Lights display in the crisp, clear blackness of night. While you’re here, Design Hotel Levi and Golden Crown Levin Iglut are two exceptional places to stay—both properties are designed to showcase the breathtaking nature that surrounds them. The latter, as you might have guessed, has a steadily-growing fleet of glass igloos that are absolutely worth booking during your stay, even if just for one night under the stars.

Where to Eat:

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Restaurant Version serves sustainably-minded Scandinavian-Californian fare made using fresh, local ingredients and, at the bar, you can expect a quirky-yet-approachable wine list alongside creative craft cocktails. Nearby, Restaurant Alexanderplats, Nolla and Finnjävel are not to be missed.

King Crab House in Levi

In Levi, King Crab House is a must for fresh Arctic seafood, from the featured catch of the week to, of course, live king crab. While in the area, be sure to reserve a table at the Golden Crown’s Restaurant Utsu, where guests seated on the upper level can lean back in their chairs to gaze up at the sky through the building’s specially-designed glass roof before heading back to their igloos for the night. And, if you happen to be visiting during ski season, spend some time lounging in at least one of Levi’s numerous slopeside restaurants, cafés or bars. Most importantly, don’t leave without tossing back a mug or two of hot chocolate spiked with Finnish peppermint liqueur Minttu (trust us on that).

What to Do:

Sauna is an absolute essential when visiting Finland in any capacity. Helsinki is full of fun and unique sauna and spa experiences, including a highly exclusive Burger King sauna as well as one inside a cabin on an active Ferris wheel, though Löyly was by far our top pick. When you’re ready to retox, swing by The Helsinki Distilling Co. for a tour, tasting and food and drinks. Skiing is one of Levi’s most popular wintertime activities and, for good reason—the slopes, which are generally open from October to May, are pristinely manicured with various terrains for skiers of all levels. If you venture outside of Levi, the Tonttula Elves Village is a fun year-round attraction for families. For the adventurous, spend a day with the dogsledding pups at All Huskies (yes, you can dogsled) and finish out the evening with the wonderful HaliPuu family, who have cared for their serene forest for decades and now share its beauty with visitors through a variety of creative wilderness experiences. Tree-hugging, Arctic cocooning and homemade open-fire chai, anyone?

Dogsledding in Levi

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What the couple envisioned was an island retreat that was not just self-sustaining but also reparative, one that could perhaps even serve as a model for other islands looking to further the cause of conservation. “When we got here in 2006, we were devastated to see the degradation of the island,” says Thanda Group CEO Pierre Delvaux. “There was no preservation, no patrolling—just exploitation by local fishermen stripping the coral reef.” Along with the Olofssons, Delvaux worked to put conservation first, knowing that true luxury would follow.

Thanda Island is a 20-acre island 16 miles off the coast of Tanzania, surrounded by the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve. Guests stay in a five-bedroom villa—in which all bedrooms have direct beach access—or in one of two two-bedroom beach bandas, a traditional type of bungalow, furnished with locally made pieces. The villa’s details are as over-the-top as you’d expect—a Steinway grand piano, a humidor, a collection of Hemingway books. But the accommodations also feel homey and beachy. What’s meant to be impressive isn’t what’s inside (although it is), but what’s outside.

The five-suite villa at Thanda Island

Delvaux and his leadership team—including full-time resident marine biologist Rianne Laan, whose job involves keeping inventory of the Reserve’s marine species and overseeing a coral nursery—have spent the last decade rewilding Thanda Island, restoring the ecosystem on land and in the water. The island is powered entirely by solar energy, and the water it uses is purified through a desalination plant. But the marine efforts are what’s most worth noting: Some six years into the project of restoring the Reserve, marine life is thriving. Guests who go on a snorkel safari can now see whale sharks, turtles and dugongs, a cousin of the manatee.

“There was very little to see when we first got here,” says Delvaux. “Now, the turtles come back to nest, the coral reef is regenerated, the fisheries are full…. It’s a spectacular diving experience, just six years in.” The change has been so dramatic that the Tanzanian government has taken note, and Delvaux says that developers on the island of Zanzibar are using Thanda as a blueprint: If a tiny private island can significantly impact sea life and biodiversity in the Indian Ocean, imagine what country-wide efforts could do?

Thanda Island’s commitment to conservation includes research projects on sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks and coral reefs

Tanzania never closed its borders during the pandemic, and Delvaux says that while business on the island slowed, it didn’t stop entirely. After all, there are few destinations safer than an island only you and your guests are inhabiting (especially if you have access to a private plane). To get there, Qatar Airways—the first airline in the world to receive the prestigious Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, with measures that include testing unvaccinated crew every three days—is your best bet, with daily flights to Dar es Salaam from several U.S. and international cities. There, Thanda staff meet guests on the runway to transport them to the island—“bubble to bubble,” says Delvaux—via Thanda’s newly acquired helicopter. (Qatar also boasts Qsuite, featuring the industry’s first-ever double bed in business class and dine-on-demand access.)

But as more and more people are returning to travel abroad with pre-pandemic frequency, Delvaux has noticed, even among the island’s most luxury-focused travelers, a greater interest in conservation. Travelers are keenly aware that the planet is, indeed, fragile and that if they want to keep traveling, it’s important to pay attention. Of course, the island is glad to help educate them: Guests to Thanda interested in learning about marine conservation can embark on private diving sessions using gear made from recycled plastic bottles, go on nighttime walks to search for bioluminescence and take part in a whale shark citizen science program, collecting identification data on whale sharks for the purpose of tracking and protecting.

The island’s beach bandas are furnished with locally made, hand-carved furnishings and fabrics from neighboring Mafia Island

That’s not to say the island has relented on its commitment to a luxury experience. Thanda celebrated the reopening of international borders and the promise of more visitors to come with the acquisition of a private 82-foot yacht that sleeps eight. “Coming out of this stressful time period, when everyone was too petrified to leave their penthouses, there is an even greater emphasis on cultural and experiential trips,” says Delvaux. “If you can immerse yourself in Swahili culture, feel the Arabian trade winds while you sail, swim with whale sharks—which I think is one of the wonders of the world—and eat hyper-local cuisine, all of that adds up to a total unique experience you really can’t get on any other island in the world.”

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Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is secluded, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have everything at your fingertips. Hickory is the property’s upscale dining restaurant. Helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Travis Milton, the menu is founded in local ingredients integrated into creative dishes you won’t soon forget. The plating is as much an artform as the composition of the dishes themselves. While Hickory has every marker of a white glove restaurant, the atmosphere is delightfully laid back. Just beyond the yurt village lies the indoor/outdoor eatery, Taste. The casual counterpart to Hickory is a great place to experience a tasting of the property’s wine paired with an expertly curated charcuterie plate. Expect a playful menu filled with well crafted sandwiches and southern delicacies like pimento cheese dip.

The Inn at Nicewonder Farm

DuJour spoke with general manager, Mara Bouvier, to learn more about this special property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Room 401. It’s a King Suite on the fourth floor.

What makes it so special?

The sprawling balcony overlooking the pond and vineyards is a great place to kick back with a glass of wine. Or, you can pull the curtains back and take in the views from either the spacious living area or plush bedroom. The suite stays stocked with plenty of snacks and beverages, and with the suite being nearly 600 square feet, there’s plenty of room to spread out and relax.

What is the nightly rate for these suites?

Rates start at $590 per night.

The Yurts at Nicewonder Farm

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

Room 404. It’s a King room with a sitting area. It’s uniquely partitioned with a television embedded on either side, one facing the bed and one facing the living area. So, you can cozy up together, or have space to yourself.

What’s a fun fact about the property?

Kevin Nicewonder (one of the family namesakes behind Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards) commissioned artist Kevin Sloan to create two very unique paintings for The Inn. The first greets you above the fireplace in the main lobby and the second is in the presidential suite.

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A plunge pool at the Palm Island Resort

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Beachfront bungalows #18 and #19.

What makes them so special?

They’re at the far end of the beach giving travelers maximum privacy. Located directly on the beach, these semi-detached spacious rooms are elegantly styled with splashes of pink and pistachio, with gabled roofs and white vaulted ceilings. All rooms include comfortable king size beds and cool, contemporary bathrooms. The generous outdoor space offers patio furniture including dedicated sun loungers. With any of these rooms, guests have direct beach access with distant views of Union Island, which is especially romantic when all lit up at night.

What is the nightly rate for these rooms?

From $1,100 per night for two adults (pricing is all-inclusive).

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Palm Island has over 600 coconut trees which provide fresh ingredients for the kitchen and bar.    

The Sunset Restaurant & Bar at the Palm Island Resort

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

Southern Cross villa is my favorite given its unique location (hillside with amazing views) and a private pool that changes colors at night. The villa comes with its own golf cart and is the ideal setting for complete island seclusion.      

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We have a number of home grown perks. Self-sustainability is key for the resort from the carefully tended-to vegetable and herb garden to the spa that uses locally-produced products in its signature Hibiscus treatment.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The unique design of the beachfront Sunset Bar and Grill with its unique light fixtures, reminiscent of fishing baskets.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

We have a very special breed of iguana, indigenous to Palm Island. It is a protected species not found on any other Grenadines island.

The Seagrape Suite at the Palm Island Resort

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DuJour spoke with Stuart Procter, COO of The Stafford Collection, to learn more.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our new suite in the Main House, The Stafford Park Suite.

What makes it so special?

The suite is split across two levels with a large bedroom and stunning marble bathroom on the ground floor and a separate living rom with private bar on the first floor. But what makes it truly special is the expansive private terrace, with its views across the most iconic London landmarks.

What is the nightly rate for these rooms?

From £2,500.

The Mews Penthouse Suite terrace at the Stafford

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

There are so many interesting stories it’s hard to know where to begin!  The history of The Stafford is so varied. Our Main House building was once the private residence of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, who formed part of the Spencer family.

What’s your personal favorite room and why?

I love our recently renovated Main House Master Suites.  They offer large bedrooms alongside a spacious separate living room. Plus, for those traveling as a family, there are interconnecting options.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

 The American Bar. It was renovated in 2018 and is filled with memorabilia donated by our guests over the past 70 years.

The Gatehouse Bedroom at the Stafford

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

All our guests have the opportunity to tour our private museum, hidden beneath the hotel at the rear of our wine cellars.  It’s full of memorabilia left behind by US and Canadian Officers after WWII and is really special

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Over the years, The Stafford has played host to a number of very special guests, however one in particular holds a special place in our hearts: Nancy Wake. Wake was the Allies’ most highly-decorated service-woman of WWII and the Gestapo’s most-wanted person with a 5-million-franc price on her head. She was code-named The White Mouse because of her ability to elude capture. Nancy lived at The Stafford for two years between 2001-2003 and kept guests and staff entertained with her huge sense of fun! One of our most popular cocktails in The American Bar is The White Mouse–created in Nancy’s honor.

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We spoke with the hotel’s manager Elysia Weiss to learn more about the property.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Junior Bayview suite number 1716 with its open design plan featuring floor to ceiling windows, a private balcony and stunning views of the bay and city skyline.

Why?

The room features a spacious seating area, complete with a plush sofa bed which is a perfect amenity for families or those on an extended stay.  The balcony is expansive and offers two chaise lounges to enjoy gorgeous views while having breakfast at sunrise or an evening cocktail at sunset.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

Rates start at $399

Brickell Beach at the Mandarin Oriental Miami

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon? 

Michael Jackson stayed in the Oriental Suite for an extended stay with his kids. Bad Boys II was filmed in the lobby. The 2005 MTV Video Music Awards hosted pre-show activities on our private beach.

What’s your personal favorite room?

The Oriental Penthouse.

Why? 

The Penthouse lives on the 20th/top floor of the hotel and can be booked as a suite residence—which gives guests access to the entire floor for ultimate privacy.  The suite features high ceilings with floor to ceiling windows and an expansive balcony showcasing panorama views of the bay and city skyline. The suite also features a media room—a special space that can be easily converted to suit the guests needs (an extra bedroom, children’s play space, wardrobe or personal gym).

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

We’ve partnered with Voice Map to create a self-guided audio tour of our property. Once you’ve downloaded the tour, the app works online, with automatic playback, which lets you focus on your surroundings instead of the screen. Put in your headphones, tap on Start, and let VoiceMap guide you through the resort.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The building’s curved architecture reflects Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s signature fan logo, while providing stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The interior design combines a contemporary South Florida influence with touches of Asian luxury.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

The hotel is home to over 200,000 honey-bees as part of our sustainability practices. The bees received brand new hives last year as part of the hotel’s Earth Month campaign and features a mural of the hotel’s surroundings on the rooftop.

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Where to Stay:

The Yeatman is an absolute must for any Porto visitor. This hotel is one of the most exclusive addresses in the area, and while it’s technically located in nearby Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll have access to some of the best views of the Douro River and the Porto city center just across it. Here, you’re also a stone’s throw from World of Wine, a stunning, brand-new collection of spaces spanning over 420,000 square feet inside centuries-old wine cellars around and beneath Vila Nova de Gaia, which you won’t want to miss. The Yeatman is just up the hill from WOW’s main building and is just steps from Taylor Fladgate, one of the oldest founding producers in the Port wine industry.

The sprawling six-story hotel, which is richly outfitted in classic Portuguese décor, is incredibly spacious and inviting. Here, you can spend the night in the lap of luxury when you’re not dining or drinking at one of the property’s multiple restaurants and bars, out and about on either side of the Douro, or partaking in one of The Yeatman’s countless curated wine experiences.

The pool at the Yeatman Hotel

Where to Eat:

In and around Porto, the main question is rather what you’ll drink, though food is of (almost) equal importance. Within The Yeatman, you’ll want to check out The Orangerie on the eighth floor for lunch or dinner (sit on the terrace if you can), and be sure to get at least a drink at the bar just off of the lobby, which offers a great list of Port wines and other reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines produced in Portugal. At breakfast, the classic pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) are some of the best in the area.

While in Vila Nova de Gaia, other worthwhile restaurants include Barão Fladgate and T&C at WOW. You’ll also want to spend time wandering around the Porto city center, of course, where restaurants, wine bars, and cafés line the streets—the team at The Yeatman recommends DOP, Cantinho do Avillez and Clérigos Tasting Room, to name a few (you can also arrange transportation to and from Porto with the front desk). Lastly, wherever you end up, try a Francesinha when the opportunity arises—this rich, sauce-smothered sandwich is a Porto classic and is not to be missed.

A wine flight at the Yeatman hotel

What to Do:

Once you’ve settled into your room at The Yeatman, take a stroll down to WOW to scope things out. Between the seven museum experiences, twelve restaurants, exhibition space, shops, wine school, and events roster, there are countless experiences to be had here based on your tastes and interests, but some of the highlights include The Bridge Collection—a collection of nine thousand years of drinking vessels belonging to Adrian Bridge, CEO of The Fladgate Partnership and WOW—along with The Wine Experience, Porto Fashion and Fabric Museum and The Pink Palace, an immersive museum experience centered around rosé.

For those interested in all things Port, take a tour of the Taylor Fladgate cellars (located across the street from The Yeatman), which does not require advanced booking and includes a tasting of the house’s popular dry white port and its iconic Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). Again, you can also experience a tasting at Clérigos Tasting Room in Porto if you’re in the city center (just be sure to confirm whether or not it’s open based on COVID-19 fluctuations).

There are few better places to wander aimlessly than Porto, so take at least a few hours to explore with no particular agenda. You’lll stumble upon gems like the Armazém antiques market, the Torre dos Clerigos, the colorful Ribeira neighborhood, a handful of fun museums, and more.

If you’ve got time, take a day trip to the Douro Valley (approximately a two-hour drive from Porto)—the scenery along the way is worth the drive alone, and this region is perhaps one of the most picturesque wine destinations in all of Europe. Here, you’ll find plenty of excellent wineries producing all kinds of Portuguese still and sweet wines, so ask the team at The Yeatman to provide intel on the highlights.

Wine tasting at the Yeatman hotel

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That time has come, and Toronto’s brand-new string of spaces are ready to welcome travel-deprived tourists.

These new properties range in size and sentiment, from calm countryside getaways to buzzing boutique hotels to North-of-the-border openings from much-loved US chains (think a 1Hotel outpost and a Toronto-ified Ace Hotel location).

The city has also seen a wave of savvy hoteliers reinterpreting motels and envisioning heritage properties into modern inns and secluded stays. They’re tagging in artists, commissioning sculptures and filling the city with unique spots to lay your head, sip and snack.

Now that borders are open, here are six excellent reasons to book a visit.

1Hotel

Situated on a roaring strip in the downtown core, Toronto recently welcomed the opening of the lush, verdant, eco-focused Canadian transplant of Brooklyn’s 1Hotel. Though the Rockwell Group-designed property is centered in the city’s social district, the hotel is designed to mimic the feel of a lakeside escape. Think calming color palettes of blues and greens, flora and fauna-filled public spaces and rooms, plus a suite of other thoughtful, eco-minded details (think organic bed linens and a restaurant stocked with local farm fare). Plus, much of the design is made with reclaimed materials, including timber, driftwood and local limestone (the lobby flooring was once a barn in Blyth, Ontario). The crowning cocktail bar atop the hotel is worth a stay in and of itself—the bar is backdropped by a stunning, sweeping, sunset-filled view of the city.

Arcana

At Arcana, guests can feast their eyes on Canada’s famed fall foliage from the comfort of a sprawling bed, with full floor-to-ceiling views of the surroundings. Clad in reflective polished stainless steel, each chic bunker blends right into the deciduous forest. A private sauna, plunge pool and pavilion with a record player, wood-burning fireplace and make-your-own tea service with local foraged ingredients round out the property.
The exclusive wilderness cabins are situated just north of the city, with exact locations given upon booking—it doesn’t get more private.

Gladstone House

Over the last few years, this historic Queen West hotel has been undergoing a major renovation, with the owners carefully restoring architectural detailing whilst handing over the design reigns to a series of local artists. Now the space—complete with restored 1800s-era detailing like exposed brick and restored hardwood—is filled with sculptures, photography, glasswork, murals and paintings aplenty, plus a brand-new suite of amenities. Rooms are spacious and the bar is always buzzing, while the ground floor Melody Bar acts as a show space for local bands, karaoke fans and drag shows. An ever-rotating artist residency program means there’s always something new to see.

Mirazule

This tiny boutique inn sits atop a commanding cliffside in the heart of the wine region just east of Toronto. There are a few enticing ways to unwind here: in the infinity pool, curled up with a Cuvée of something local in the panoramic living room, or sprawled out on the private lakeside deck. Floor-to-ceiling views, intimate design and art-tinged interiors feel more like you’re staying at the home of a dear friend (one with stellar taste, at that).

Wander the Resort

Think of Wander as a camp, perhaps less of the get-your-hands-dirty style and more for upscale seekers of the serene. Ten cabins are dotted across the lakefront, each pulling cues from Hygge-forward Nordic Design. Expect thoughtful detailing, like private cedar decks with fire pits, heated floors, hanging rattan swings, plus custom scents, curated playlists, and complimentary local wine to round out each space. Outside of your dedicated cabin, the property offers pools, hot tubs, yoga and beaches. Full kitchens mean you can pick up produce from local farm stands or stock your fridge with the county’s bounty of wine. It’s hard to find a summer resort that hits all the right notes in the off months, but don’t skip the winter reservations—the hotel offers skating on the lake, cozy winter fires and all sorts of chilly-season activities.

The June Motel

It’s fair if the thought of Ontario doesn’t initially incite images of sand-in-your-toes, beach-front motels. But hear us out: Sauble Beach’s June Motel does just that. Friends Sarah Sklash and April Brown restored a former Knight’s Inn and transformed it into a Southern Cali-in-Southern Ontario ode to 1970s beach culture, with retro-modern décor, a full swimming pool and, of course, proximity to a white sand beach (albeit a colder one than California would offer). Rooms are bedecked with wares from Canadian creators and each piece is shoppable if you’re looking for a souvenir, so stock up on custom throws from Flax Sleep, beauty products from Truth Beauty Company and wallpaper from Candice Kaye.

To round out the throw-back, beachside vision, an on-site beach bar offers lobster rolls, fried chicken, oysters and magnums of rosé, a la the New England lobster shack of your dreams.

Park Hyatt

Standing tall at the end of Millionaire’s Mile (where blocks on blocks are lined with luxury shopping) is the newly-refreshed Park Hyatt. Formerly the Park Plaza, this 85-year-old hotel is one of Toronto’s most revered, but recently the hotel group brought world-renowned designer Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge in to perform a major restoration. The new interior draws design cues from the Group of Seven, detailing the cavernous space with a warm Canadian color palette and a focus on local materials (like limestone). Spotlights on Canadian artists mean you can expect beaded ceramic pieces by Algonquin artists and a 3D series by Nurielle Stern, on loan from the Gardiner Museum (who will continue to supply stellar statement pieces for the property). On the tippy top of the building, be sure to stop into the newly-transformed Writer’s Room bar—literati icons like Margaret Atwood, Hunter S. Thompson and Farley Mowat all called it their local.

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Where To Stay:

On the island of Providenciales, known as Provo, within Turks and Caicos, visitors can choose their own adventure between two equally beautiful beaches. On the Long Bay Beach side of the island, expect serenity and seclusion at the bay’s only hotel, The Shore Club. Even at full capacity, guests feel a sense of desert island bliss when meandering through the foliage lined paths of the property. Each accommodation boasts an ocean view and outdoor terrace, but for the ultimate feeling of exclusivity, book one of The Shore Club’s beachfront villas. The three, four and six room standalone houses are gated and include amenities like a heated pool, private beach access, butler service and a fully stocked chef’s kitchen. Beneath the property, a maze of underground tunnels allow for complete privacy from check in to check out.

On the opposite side of the island, the vibe is a little more lively, but surrounded by the same crystal blue waters and white sand beaches. The Palms is the crown jewel of Grace Bay, treating guests to gorgeous Caribbean style architecture throughout the sprawling 25 acre property. Like The Shore Club, suites at The Palms feature Viking-clad kitchens, ideal for longer stays in paradise. The property is perfect for families with younger children as the hotel has an onsite Conch Kritter’s Club to keep the kids entertained while the adults spend a day on the beach or at the spa.

Where To Eat:

Unlike neighboring islands, Turks and Caicos has so much more to offer than the typical jerk chicken dish. For a laid-back island lunch tucked way on Blue Hills Beach, visit Da Conch Shack. Watch from your beachside picnic table as fishermen hand pick fresh conchs for the restaurant’s signature ceviche. For a casual dinner vibe, try Coco Van for an elevated twist on comfort food classics served out of a vintage airstream. The palm-shaded deck is the perfect place to indulge in a cocktail and an order of their delicious Peking duck tacos.

For a more luxurious dining experience, treat yourself to the incredible Peruvian-Japanese inspired menu at Sui-Ren, also at The Shore Club. The Asian Fusion roll is a must-order along with one of the bar’s barrel-aged cocktails. On Friday evenings, there is live entertainment.

What To Do:

While there is no shame in laying on the beach all day, Turks and Caicos has a wide variety of activities specific to the islands. Long Bay Beach ranks amongst the top sites in the world for kite surfing with its calm waters and gentle breeze. If watersports aren’t on the agenda, it’s just as mesmerizing to watch the experts from your lounge chair.

Behind the kite surfers, you might notice a ship that seems to be stationed in the middle of the sparking bay. Perched about two miles off the coast of Long Bay Beach sits an actual abandoned ship that ran aground in the shallows in 2004 and has been there ever since. Many visitors can be seen jumping off the bow of the ship, though we don’t recommend it as the ship has rusted significantly over the decades. Instead, charter a boat with Caicos Dream Tours for a history lesson on the wreck and an up close peek of the famous cargo ship. Afterwards, grab a midday drink at a truly unique (and secluded) bar located in the middle of Long Bay. Rent a jet ski or grab a boat over to Captain Oak’s Tiki bar for the most Instagrammable beverage imaginable. At low tide, ambitious patrons can walk out to the floating bar.

If you happen to be in Provo on a Thursday, visit the Island Fish Fry for a taste of local cuisine. The weekly neighborhood event attracts the surrounding community and tourists alike. Restaurants from all over the islands set up shop serving favorites like conch salad and crab n’ rice while live music sets the scene.

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Callicoon Hills in Callicoon Center, New York

You’d never suspect that the newly renovated Callicoon Hills is just a two-hour drive from New York City. The 65-room resort offers guests a sanctuary in the countryside with a restaurant, bar and coffee shop and massive pool. The 4,000-square-foot barn is rustic and chic, making it an ideal venue for summer events.

The Chatwal Lodge in Bethel, New York

Experience privacy, luxury and relaxation at The Chatwal Lodge at The Chapin Estate in the Catskills. The new property’s 10 suites and a tent and treehouse accommodation all feature private patios that overlook the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir, creating the perfect view to start your day. Designed by architect Steve Dubrovsky, the resort offers a rugged, Adirondack-chic aesthetic that complements the natural splendor of its unspoiled surroundings. Activities range from kayaking and fly-fishing in the on-property trout stream to a luxurious spa featuring Ayurvedic wellness treatments.

Inness in Accord, New York

Inness, the new 40-room (28 cabins and a 12-room farmhouse) escape tucked away in the Hudson Valley, was thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural landscape of its surroundings while incorporating contemporary amenities for its guests and members. Featuring grounds designed by landscape designer Miranda Brooks and architecture and interiors by restaurateur and architect Taavo Somer (of Freemans fame) and Post Company, respectively, Inness boasts 225 acres with inviting paths to explore and charming coves to relax in. After an afternoon on the nine-hole golf course, the property’s restaurant, adorned with vintage rugs and decor, serves an all-day menu inspired by local, seasonal ingredients.

The Bradstan Boutique Hotel at The Eldred Preserve in Eldred, New York

Across the sprawling 600 acres of land The Eldred Preserve sits on in Sullivan County, guests will discover off-the-grid relaxation and fine dining. The Bradstan Boutique Hotel boasts 28 rooms, while the Old Homestead Restaurant is an expansive steakhouse with a plethora of indoor and outdoor seating options. With private walking trails, kayaks, paddle boats and canoes on offer and a state-of-the-art fitness studio and stunning pool to follow, you’ll never have to leave the property.

Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, New York

Nestled in the heart of the Hudson River Valley surrounded by pristine natural beauty sits the newly opened Hutton Brickyards retreat. With private cabins and cottages ornamented with luxurious linens, apothecary bath amenities and a personal in-room service tablet, guests will want for nothing at this Kingston oasis. Choose to recharge on your personal outdoor deck with seasonal cuisine delivered straight to your door or head to the property’s open-air restaurant for a locally-inspired culinary adventure by a wood-burning fireplace.

The Dutchess in Rhinebeck, New York

A 252–acre property with a biodynamic farm and inn in the Hudson Valley town of Rhinebeck is only 90 minutes from Manhattan but feels like a world away. Set along hiking trails, The Dutchess boasts an Inn (with 10 rooms), spa, Guest House (with four bedrooms) and Stone House (with two bedrooms). Chef Mark Margiotta is the resident farmer and oversees the crops that the property grows and serves at its onsite restaurant.

Piaule in Catskill, New York

The brainchild of entrepreneurs Nolan McHugh and Trevor Briggs, the 50-acre Piaule retreat faces the Catskill Mountains and fuses a luxurious modernist boutique hotel experience with luxurious serene spa offerings. The cedar-clad main house boasts a lobby, restaurant and bar and an expansive green roof. The separate spa structure plays host to relaxation areas, treatment rooms, a movement studio, steam room, sauna and pools. The hotel’s standalone 24 cabins, designed in partnership with Garrison Architects, are quiet and private and feature a natural and minimal aesthetic.

The Amelia Hotel in Hudson, New York

Set in a restored 19th-century house, the Amelia Hotel in Hudson features eight distinct guest rooms, a library, common spaces and a pool surrounded by lush English gardens. The design-forward property features restored historical elements of the original house while bringing in modern features and amenities.

The Amelia Hotel (photo by: Brian Ferry)

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The Harbor View Hotel, the island’s largest waterfront year-round resort, situated within walking distance of Edgartown and close to the beaches, offers arguably the finest location on the island, looking out over the ocean, lighthouse, outer harbor and Chappaquiddick Island. Edgartown resident and owner Bernard Chiu understands the importance of maintaining the property’s legacy for the local community and the generations of guests who return year after year. “My goal was to make it the best luxury boutique hotel, not just on Martha’s Vineyard, but in the Northeast,” says Chiu.

The Harbor View Hotel

The rooms in the historic building have gotten a modern makeover in a palette of brown, blue and cream with upholstered headboards, high-gloss mahogany-and-brass furniture and cobalt blue walk-in showers. Rooms in The Amity are more casual and feature glossy white-washed wood planking on the walls, blue-striped, upholstered headboards and modern furnishings with a weathered-driftwood finish. 2021 marks the hotel’s 130th anniversary, and another round of renovations, including to the Captain’s Cottages that are sprinkled along a lovely blossom-filled walkway, are in store. The one-to-three-bedroom units feature kitchenettes and nautical striped textiles and are perfect for families looking for privacy.

The Harbor View Hotel

Winnetu Oceanside Resort

From May through June and September through October, guests staying at Katama’s Winnetu Oceanside Resort have access to their own beach-ready Jeep, making for the ideal drive out past the public beaches to find your own private beach paradise. Guests have access to the SUV all day and can find a blanket, bottle of prosecco, beach games and a perfectly packed picnic ready for their enjoyment. For islanders looking to sip hot coffee while the summer sun rises on Martha’s Vineyard and enjoy a full day splashing in the ocean and exploring the beautiful beaches, this is the way to do it.

Winnetu Oceanside
Resort

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Local James Beard Award-winning Israeli-American chef, Alon Shaya, is introducing a new dining concept at the new Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences set along the Mississippi River waterfront in downtown New Orleans. Miss River restaurant, located inside the historic building that was once the city’s World Trade Center, is Shaya’s “love letter to Louisiana.” Guests can enjoy the chef’s inventive take on native Gulf Coast fare, featuring classic New Orleans dishes with an emphasis on seafood, vegetables and other ingredients sourced locally. The Chandelier Bar, off the lobby, features an over-the-top lighting installation made up of 15,000 pieces of crystal and glass and serves New Orleans classic cocktails such as the sazerac, Ramos gin fizz, hurricane and French 75.

The Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel

Hotel Saint Vincent

Situated in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, Hotel Saint Vincent celebrates its landmark building’s history with a thoughtful restoration spearheaded by creative minds Lambert McGuire Design. The boutique hotel, accented with opulent colors, rich textures and mid-century details, comprises lush public spaces, an interior courtyard, outdoor verandas and an outpost of Texas retailer ByGeorge, along with a member’s club housing a private lounge, pool and pool bar. Multiple restaurants and bars by McGuire Moorman Hospitality (think Austin favorites like Lamberts and Clark’s) are also on offer. Signature restaurant San Lorenzo offers patrons coastal Italian dishes inspired by both the Mediterranean and New Orleans’ culinary traditions, while Austin-based Elizabeth Street Café features a French bakery and Vietnamese café menu.

A guest room at the Hotel Saint Vincent

The Chloe

Uptown newcomer The Chloe, by hospitality guru and restaurateur Robert LeBlanc (Sylvain), blends the city’s spirited past with a modern touch. Located in a Victorian-era building designed by local architect Thomas Sully, the hotel greets visitors with wrought iron gates, an expansive brick patio and a lobby festooned with intricate tile, tall ceilings and a grand staircase. Each of the 14 guest rooms, designed by local interior designer and visionary Sara Ruffin Costello, have their own unique style featuring vintage pieces and local artwork. Foodies can enjoy modern takes on New Orleans classics from chef Todd Pulsinelli inside the restaurant or outdoors underneath a swath of myrtle trees. Head to the lobby bar for local spirits, craft beers and curated wines or the pool bar for tropical confections.

Dinner at The Chloe

One11 Hotel

Chic waterfront boutique property ONE11 Hotel is the French Quarter’s first new hotel in more than 50 years. Housed in one of the neighborhood’s four remaining sugar mill buildings, the eight-story hotel and its 83 guest rooms showcase exposed brick walls and original wood beams. Amenities include a pool and courtyard with an outdoor fireplace, a vibrant rooftop and restaurant. With alfresco dining on its climate-controlled porch, Batture Bistro + Bar serves sophisticated comfort food with a Creole twist and great people watching.

The Batture Bistro + Bar ONE11 Hotel

Columns

In the Garden District, hotelier Jayson Seidman (Thunderbird Hotel in Marfa, Texas) has opened the newly restored Columns hotel. Dating back to 1893, the 20-room property welcomes visitors with carefully preserved original architectural and design elements, and new public spaces including an expansive garden and a rooftop bar. Led by chef Michael Stoltzfus and the team behind the James Beard–nominated eatery Coquette, Columns’ bar and restaurant offers a vast cocktail menu and a menu of Southern small- and large-format dishes. Its sprawling porch and gardens below provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal in The Big Easy.

The porch at Columns

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New suites at The Jared Coffin House, a former whaling shipowner’s home located in the heart of town, are on offer this summer. Designed by Nantucket local and interior designer Audrey Sterk, these new rooms feature a soft color palette of grays, blues and neutrals, custom furniture including four-poster beds, tulip-style coffee tables and walnut brown desks. To complement views of Nantucket’s historic streetscape, an extensive collection of original oil paintings is also on display. Additionally, the Tap Room, a fixture in the downtown dining scene for more than four decades, has reopened after a 14-year hiatus. A popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike for more than 40 years, the restaurant shuttered in the early 2000s. Boston-based Carroll Design Studio was brought on to recreate the pub-like eatery, which now offers indoor and outdoor dining. Tap Room staples include New England clam chowder, French dip sandwiches and grilled local swordfish. “The Jared Coffin House has been a beloved Nantucket getaway for years, and we’re excited to unveil our refreshed look and new restaurant,” says general manager Jason Curtis. “Preservation was at the heart of the project: ensuring the historical feel remained while updating with modern touches.”

The Jared Coffin House

The Nantucket Hotel

This summer, the island’s stately grand dame hotel, The Nantucket Hotel, will launch a new culinary concept inspired by the relaxed and welcoming island vibe. Chef Adam Votaw will bring farm-fresh, tapas-style modern American cuisine to town celebrating the bounty of New England purveyors and growers.

The Nantucket Hotel

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Whether you stay on the mainland (Athens), head to the Cycladic islands (think Mykonos, Antiparos, Santorini and Syros) or venture to more off-the-beaten path islands like Corfu and Crete, there’s a new hotel for every kind of traveler.

Click through the gallery above for a look at the newest luxurious properties to stay at in Greece. 

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Its individually decorated 118 rooms and suites occupy three different parts of the property: the original Villa Soleil, the Eden-Roc Pavilion and Les Deux Fontaines residence. With an infinity pool, five tennis courts, a fitness center and spa and two restaurants serving exquisite meals seaside, the secluded and romantic resort has something for every kind of traveler.

Photographer Slim Aarons famously captured guests frolicking in the Mediterranean and lounging in the sun next to the iconic seawater swimming pool carved into the basalt cliff.

While Oetker Collection, which manages the hotel, has renovated and modernized over its illustrious history, the property has never lost its heart and soul—or popularity.

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[Editor’s note: As of press time, Atlantic Canada is still closed to foreign visitors due to COVID-19, but a representative of the tourism board hopes that it will open up by late spring.]

Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada

Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada

Looking like the lovechild of a centipede and a Lego set, Fogo Island Inn is a marvel of modern architecture, cantilevered out over salt-sprayed rocks at the edge of the world. To get there, you’ll need either a private jet or to hopscotch by plane from St. John’s (the capital of Newfoundland) to Gander (the setting for the hit Broadway musical Come From Away), drive north for an hour, and catch a 45-minute ferry to the island. But its isolation is precisely the point. This tiny fleck of land floating in the North Atlantic is considered one of “the four corners of the world” by the flat-earthers, and it’s a place frozen in time. The inn itself is the brainchild of native Zita Cobb, who made a fortune in tech and decided to use it to preserve the island’s unique way of life after the cod fisheries collapsed in the 1990s. (Cod fishing borders on religion in these parts.) In response, Cobb created the Shorefast Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that operates the inn as well as four artist-in-residence studios scattered across the island, all designed by the brilliant Newfoundland-bred, Norway-based architect Todd Saunders.

Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada

The effect is that of an extraordinarily luxurious spaceship plopped down in the middle of nowhere.  One might expect the locals to resent the intrusion, but 100 percent of the inn’s proceeds go back to the community. Despite its rigorous modernism, the inn pays clear homage to the vernacular architecture of fishing huts built on stilts over the water, and all the furniture, artwork, quilts and handicrafts at the inn are handmade nearby and reflect centuries-old traditions. Once comfortably ensconced in one of the inn’s 24 rooms, even the most finicky traveler will revel in the homey comforts of the common areas and salivate over the superb food of executive chef Jonathan Gushue, who creates magic from local staples like cod, crab, potatoes and berries. The wine list, meanwhile, will impress even the pickiest oenophile. The inn boasts an art gallery, cinema and rooftop sauna and hot tubs, as well as an outbuilding known as the Shed, which is used for activities like parties and cooking demonstrations.

Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada

The extremely friendly locals gladly escort guests on outings like foraging, stargazing, hiking and snowmobiling expeditions, and the island’s “seven seasons”—which include Pack Ice Season in the Spring and Berry Season in the Fall—offer a dizzying array of activities, from the relatively sedentary (art workshops) to the rigorous (ocean swimming). However, few places call out more emphatically for visitors to simply take it all in—whether it’s watching a humpback whale and her calf cavorting in the icy waters while an iceberg drifts lazily by or contemplating a herd of caribou picking its way across the mossy inland landscape. The island itself is a sub-arctic playground with near limitless ways to rest, relax and recharge, and Fogo Island Inn provides a gem of a place, with unsurpassed hospitality, in which to do it. And just think: If you hike up to Brimstone Head for a glimpse of the magnificent view, you’ll have bragging rights to say that you stood at the edge of the world.

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A number of the most revered outposts along Atlantic Avenue are thanks to Menin Development, the Delray Beach–based, privately owned developer and manager of commercial real estate properties. The company has had its feet firmly planted in luxury hospitality since CEO and founder Craig Menin opened its doors in 1985; today, it is bringing a real estate–focused mindset to the revitalization of Delray Beach.

Central Bar at Delray Beach Market

“We have a unique opportunity to create memorable experiences for the city in a variety of ways,” says Menin. “With the innovative food concept and interior of Lionfish, the incredible accessibility and immersion of food, art and culture of Delray Beach Market, the fresh steakhouse twist of Avalon and the architectural and design-focused boutique hotel concept of The Ray, we are invigorating the city further and creating job growth along the way.” Menin is also keeping longevity front of mind. “Our community is growing with such speed and diversity,” says Menin. “We are seeing tenant and employment interest from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California and Nevada—even Europe and South America.” Along with the restaurants and hotels, Menin plans to develop The Linton, a five-story, 277-unit apartment building that will feature a swimming pool and spa, cabanas, clubhouse and gym. “Delray Beach is going through a development renaissance,” he says. “That said, we want to retain the character of our beach town that attracted us to live, work and develop here. Being thoughtful in the tenants we take on as well as the projects we develop ourselves is key so that we have long-term sustainability and Delray Beach doesn’t turn into just a nightlife hotspot.”

Craig Menin

Jordana Jarjura, Menin Development’s president, also believes in focusing on the long-term success of Delray Beach, from hospitality to real estate ventures. “What excites me most is the real estate market,” she explains. “People have been coming to downtown Delray to dine and go out for the past couple of decades. What has been occurring the past five to 10 years—and certainly elevated in the past six months due to COVID-19—is people making Delray their home.”

One of the largest local businesses slated to open this spring is the Delray Beach Market. Designed by Jose Gonzalez, principal of award-winning Gonzalez Architects, this $60 million, 150,000-square-foot immersive culinary experience will feature 24 curated regional and local vendors, interactive murals and sculptures, a mezzanine with an exhibition kitchen, lounge area, bar and stage and an underground lounge. Menin will devote roughly 40 percent of the space to what the company calls “Florida’s largest food court,” with accompanying restaurants and a brewery. The Delray Beach Market is ready to truly bridge the city’s community through food and culture. “We love emerging downtowns like Delray that have innate character along with a strong environmental element (in our case, our beautiful beach and Intracoastal Waterway),” says Jarjura. “We want to focus on additional boutique hotels with a strong culinary and wellness component similar to The Ray.”

Jordana Jarjura

The Ray, a 141-room boutique hotel just two blocks off Atlantic Avenue in the heart of the funky Pineapple Grove Arts District, will bring a design-centered luxury to the neighborhood while mirroring Menin’s focus on high-quality food, atmosphere and entertainment. From the 20,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck with bar and restaurant to the rooftop floating forest with lush tree canopy shading the many open space areas, the LEED Gold–certified Ray hotel is a modern tropical oasis that flawlessly blends chic design with sustainability and local experiences.

The exterior of Delray Beach Market

Menin Development has also partnered with hospitality veteran Andy Masi of Clique Hospitality for the management of Lionfish, a new sea-to-table culinary experience. Locally sourced, wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat and local produce coupled with lots of outdoor seating make this San Diego transplant the place to be. “Lionfish is your community hangout, your intimate dining space to escape the hustle of Atlantic Avenue, gather with friends and socialize over outrageous quality seafood and shared plate offerings,” says Masi, who has set up his brand’s headquarters nearby. Menin is also excited to partner with other talented local entrepreneurs like Curt Huegel, of Host Restaurants, on Avalon. “The community is supportive and open to quality growth, which is paramount to the visions I have for this city,” Menin explains. “There’s a positive force there for what we are doing and working to accomplish for the city of Delray Beach.”

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From martinis on your screened-in porch to Champagne and croquet on the lawn, bee-keeping tours of the resident apiary or fly-fishing instruction on the private pond, it’s as if the staff can’t dream up enough ways to spoil the guests. The inn’s activities run the gamut from canoeing or skating on Copper Pond to downhill skiing on its private slopes (no lift lines!), cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, hiking, biking, tennis and more. A traditional Japanese furo (soaking tub) and a topnotch spa offer a balm to the body, while the pristine views of quintessential Vermont scenery offer a balm to the soul.

One of Twin Farms’ signature touches is a large selection of Stave puzzles: diabolically difficult, hand-cut jigsaws that come in boxes without a photo to guide you and will keep you delightfully flummoxed throughout your stay. Should you decide to leave the property, it’s an easy (downhill) bike ride to Woodstock, one of Vermont’s most picturesque and charming towns, with galleries, book shops and a classic general store dating to 1886—F.H. Gillingham & Sons. The town green and covered bridge are as iconically New England as it gets, while a visit to Billings Farm and Museum offers a glimpse into the state’s famed dairy industry. One of the principal reasons Woodstock resembles a 19th-century postcard is that longtime resident Laurance Rockefeller paid to have the utilities buried underground, so there isn’t a telephone pole or electric wire in sight. Rockefeller’s homestead, which is open for tours, has magnificent gardens and an important collection of paintings from the Hudson River School. Slightly farther afield is the quaint town of Quechee, home of the Simon Pearce factory, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking a waterfall and watch glass-blowers creating masterpieces. However, there really isn’t any reason to leave Twin Farms, where you can sit outside in solitude, sipping your adult beverage of choice and basking in the moonlight in Vermont.

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Created by the hotelier and art collector Vanessa Branson, who also founded the Marrakech Biennale, El Fenn is a sanctuary of art and Moroccan style at the heart of the city’s atmospheric medina. Lush foliage, vibrant color and contemporary art fill each space at this Marrakech hotel from the inner courtyard to rooftop and each individually designed room. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, bar, boutique and swimming pools. January will see the unveiling of a significant expansion taking the hotel’s total area to 12 interconnected riads. A team of 70 local artisans have handcrafted the finishing touches to this impressive extension, which houses four new suites, a second bar and private dining room, along with the expansion of the in-house spa and a new rooftop pool promising far-reaching views over Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

A pink guest room at El Fenn

La Mamounia

This legendary Marrakech hotel combines a storied past with Moorish opulence and a privileged setting in the royal gardens Mohammed ben Abdallah gave to his son Mamoun. The property was built in the 1920s by French architects Henri Prost and Antoine Marchisio and has welcomed famous guests from Winston Churchill and Alfred Hitchcock to the Rolling Stones, Sarah Jessica Parker and Elton John.

The new Salon de Thé at La Mamounia

La Mamounia has undergone a series of significant updates over the years, including a more recent renovation by Jacques Garcia, and it’s now entering its next chapter as it emerges from a historic renovation by Jouin Manku. The French firm has refreshed the design of the entire property, upgrading its lavish guest rooms, reimagining its palatial public areas and culinary venues while adding a new underground wine venue, cinema and two new restaurants—an Italian trattoria and Asian dining venue—overseen by the internationally renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

The new restaurant L’ Asiatique by Jean-Georges at La Mamounia

The Oberoi Marrakech

When The Oberoi Marrakech opened at the end of 2019, it marked the end of a multiyear construction period that made it one of the city’s most highly anticipated openings of recent years. Fusing Moroccan and Andalusian architectural styles, the ambitious structure of this Marrakech hotel evokes a traditional Moroccan palace where soaring domes, curved arches and tall pillars are decorated with intricate ceramic tiling and carvings that took 200 craftsmen two years to complete.

The Lobby at The Oberoi

An inner courtyard looks out over the hotel’s Alhambra-inspired Grand Canal and, beyond that, acres of olive tree-filled gardens and the Atlas Mountains. This breathtaking setting provides a dramatic backdrop for three restaurants, a boutique, pool and spa. Moroccan, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines highlight the ingredients of local artisans, plant-based Moroccan and Ayurvedic wellness treatments distinguish the spa and villas come with private pools in walled gardens of lavender, rosemary and bougainvillea.

The Patio at The Oberoi

Open Sesamo

The famously resplendent retreat Royal Mansour celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. To mark the 2020 milestone, this palace hotel within the old city opened the brand-new Italian restaurant Sesamo by globally acclaimed chef Massimiliano Alajmo of the Alajmo group and world-renowned restaurant La Calandre. Since opening at the beginning of the year, Sesamo has offered Alajmo’s classic dishes using ingredients produced locally, along with vegetables from Royal Mansour’s kitchen garden, in opulent interiors integrating the work of master Venetian craftsmen. This noteworthy addition to Marrakech’s dining scene fits comfortably within the hotel’s enclave of 53 individual riads featuring open-top courtyards and private pools, three restaurants run by celebrated chef Yannick Alleno, the mesmerising birdcage-inspired spa and outdoor pool in a hectare and a half of flourishing gardens.

Sesamo, the new Italian restaurant at the Royal Mansour

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Wellness influencer Laurie Lloyd has been visiting the island with her husband, Oliver, for 13 years, staying in various villas and, more recently, the Eden Rock—where she plans to return in February. “St. Barths is a very small island with absolutely delicious food, great shopping, beautiful beaches, long lunches, fun nightlife and, most importantly, lovely people,” she says. So, what’s Lloyd’s idea of the perfect day? “Rent a car and explore the tiny twisty roads and beautiful views. A morning hike is also always a great idea, especially before a 2 p.m. rosé-filled lunch!” There is a certain je ne sais quoi about the island that lures people back regularly. “There is a mystery in St. Barths’ soil that makes it so unique,” says Felipe Sandoval, Hotel Le Toiny’s director of sales. “Its uniqueness definitely keeps visitors coming back every year.”

The best way to travel to the island paradise is on Tradewind Aviation, a U.S.-based aircraft operator providing private charter service and shuttle flights along the Northeast and Caribbean, via San Juan, Puerto Rico (easily accessible from most airports). “St. Barths opened in late June, and our demand has remained relatively strong during a traditionally slow summer and has now ramped up to full strength in advance of the winter,” says David Zipkin, Tradewind Aviation’s founding member and vice president. “We are seeing a much shorter booking window, but our clients are focused more on longer trips than ever before—this was true for Nantucket this past summer as well.”

A Tradewind Aviation plane arriving in St. Barths

Tradewind flies Citation CJ light jets and Pilatus PC-12 turboprop planes on this route, and with concerns about health and safety, coupled with fewer airline options these days, many travelers are discovering private charter for the first time. “We are well-positioned for this new market, offering lower-cost entry points with our unique fleet,” says Zipkin. As far as safety and health are concerned, Tradewind has implemented new protocols to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. “Aircraft interiors are cleaned between each flight and deep cleaned on a regular basis,” Zipkin explains. “The air circulation in our aircraft is quite similar to that of an airline, where the air is completely replaced every few minutes.”

So, once you’ve arrived safely on the island, where to stay? There are many world-class hotels, resorts and villas to choose from, but we did the work for you.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France marries French refinement with a beach house-style setting. It reopened in 2019 after the devastation of Hurricane Irma. Cheval Blanc is the luxury hotel brand of LVMH, and this iconic island property boasts 61 suites and villas beautifully designed by Jacques Grange. Landscape designer Madison Cox has created fragrant gardens that fill the oceanfront property on the white sand Flamands Beach.

At Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France: the bar and entrance to La Cabane restaurant

Chef Jean Imbert oversees La Case restaurant and the feet-in-the-sand beach restaurant La Cabane, which specializes in locally sourced produce and Caribbean flavors and is a hot lunchtime scene. “In addition to the unrivaled location on Flamands Beach, the bountiful fauna, the beautiful ambience and style and, of course, the feet-in-the-sand dining, guests return year after year for the indefinable soul of the Maison,” says the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Eva Sitarz. A new 7,000-square-foot five-bedroom villa stuns with an infinity pool, private spa, fitness room, dining room and kitchen and is ideal for families and those looking for more privacy.

A beachfront suite with private pool at Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France

The hotel’s customer service is meticulous and efficient: A call for a shaving kit produced the requested items in 30 seconds and the team routinely sent gifts during our stay. They took care of everything, from arranging transportation and spa appointments to a private hiking guide to tackle the Colombier beach hike (Elisa of local company Body+Soul showed us the ropes) and a private yoga session with her partner Nanda afterward held in the resort’s serene yoga pavilion. From arrival to departure, the property is top-notch and appealing to both couples and families.

Hotel Le Toiny’s cliffside location on the other side of the island is a totally different vibe and experience. The 38-acre luxe bohemian hotel, which first opened in 1992, is spectacular, and the views are a constant companion, whether you are dining at fine restaurant Jarad or lounging beside your private pool.

Le Toiny hotel’s beach

The 22-villa property features spacious one- and two-bedroom suites (each with its own private heated pool) located across the hillside along one of the most rugged and beautiful coastlines on the island. The hotel’s interiors showcase natural materials—linen, sun-bleached teak, mother-of-pearl and petrified wood—and a white-and-blue color palette creates a breezy aesthetic that perfectly matches the cerulean ocean below. Its remote and private location keeps guests, who like to maintain a low profile (celebrities and media magnates alike), returning to this a perfect romantic hideaway. The Beach Club restaurant, lounge and beach area (only accessible on foot or via the hotel’s signature Jeep) is the chicest all-day destination in town, with chill French tunes and delicious dishes like tuna tartare, grilled lobster and roast Peri Peri chicken with French fries—and rosé, of course!

A bedroom in Villa Nureyev at Hotel Le Toiny

“Le Toiny defines the privacy and authenticity that St. Barths is so proud of,” says Sandoval. “All of our villa suites offer ocean views, private heated pools and tons of space—something that we can’t get enough of right now.” The Rev. Charlie and Mandie Vere Nicoll, the British visionaries behind Isle de France (now Cheval Blanc), bought Le Toiny with several investors in 2015 and have maintained its distinctive atmosphere.

So book a trip to St. Barths this winter: Book a stay at Cheval Blanc or Le Toiny, enjoy dinner at Maya’s, hike to Colombier beach and drink lots of ice-cold rosé—it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to 2020.

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Montblanc x Pirelli limited-edition #MY4810 3000 suitcase

The Montblanc x Pirelli limited-edition #MY4810 3000 features a black polycarbonate lightweight shell with rubberized red leather details, high-performance 360-degree ball-bearing wheels developed with Pirelli engineers, and a precision handlebar. Just imagine yourself finally able to board an international flight to your dream destination and your carry-on suitcase is able to race through the airport quicker than you.

The P ZERO tires on the Montblanc x Pirelli suitcase are ultra high-performance and combine Pirelli’s expertise from motorsport with the brand’s relationship with car manufacturers. The tires have been noise tested in the Pirelli Research and Development labs to ensure the wheels offer a 10% noise reduction as well as a lower abrasion speed. Basically, it can go faster for longer and isn’t loud. The sleek black and red color way hints at Pirelli’s Formula One racing days as well as Montblanc’s signature style. Inside the cabin-sized suitcase you’ll find elastic bands for keeping items secure, a black net with zip closure, and a business card pocket. For the person who can’t wait to travel again, this suitcase is a dream gift.

The new Montblanc x Pirelli limited-edition suitcase retails for $1,280 and is available for purchase at montblanc.com.

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And then there are the ski conditions. Among the most ideal in the world, the area receives near-constant snow from December through April, thanks to winds from Siberia that pick up moisture over the Sea of Japan and dump waist-deep champagne powder when they hit the mountains. In fact, so exceptional is the skiing that friends who live year-round in Sun Valley, Idaho, and have visited all the world’s top ski destinations maintain that Niseko is their favorite. The resort’s main town, Hirafu, is still relatively compact and uncrowded, despite its popularity among savvy Australian and New Zealand powder hounds, who make up the bulk of the non-Asian visitors. They smile knowingly when anyone remarks on the superb snow and, more often than not, they follow it up with, “Yes, but let’s just keep that our little secret.” For hardcore adrenaline junkies, challenging back-country skiing can be found in spots like the popular forest route called Strawberry Fields, but you won’t get bored with the 61 runs and 12 terrain parks serviced by 38 gondolas and chairlifts on the four main peaks.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

The principal reason Niseko remains so unspoiled is that it isn’t easy to reach. An hour-and-a-half-long flight from Tokyo brings you to New Chitose Airport, near Sapporo, and then it’s a two-hour train or bus ride. (Renting a car is pointless, since you won’t use it once you get there.) A side trip to Sapporo, especially during the Snow Festival in February, is well worth the detour. And while Niseko is still relatively undeveloped, a new Park Hyatt opened last year in Hanazono, while luxurious slopeside condos like Suiboku, on the main drag of Hirafu, offer complete privacy with all the amenities of a five-star hotel.

Of course, any ski resort is measured as much by its off-piste activities as by the action on the mountain, and in that regard, Niseko also excels. The landscape is dominated by a dormant volcano called Mount Yotei, nicknamed “The Fuji of the North,” which provides a visually arresting backdrop for a day on the slopes (as well as another popular place for back-country thrills), but the geothermal activity in the area also means that the onsens, or hot springs, are among the best in Japan. We recommend the century-old Konbu.

Mt. Yotei

One of the area’s most fascinating cultural attractions is Somoza, a museum, gallery, café and tea house inside a kominka, or farmhouse, that was disassembled and rebuilt on a cliff overlooking a picturesque stream and pristine forest. It’s like stepping straight into a Hokusai painting, and the gallery showcases both the work of local artists and numerous priceless Ainu artifacts. For a more unusual winter activity, try snow rafting, in which a rubber raft is towed behind a snowmobile, providing a chance to take in the astonishingly beautiful countryside. Horseback riding through the frozen scenery offers a less sedentary alternative.

Another big draw in Hokkaido is its regional cuisine, which is unlike the rest of Japan’s. Signature dishes include jingisukan (a corruption of “Genghis Khan”), a mutton dish prepared on a metal grill at the center of the table, and soup curry, which riginated in Sapporo and offers a uniquely Japanese take on the spice blend. Because of the prevalence of cattle farming in Hokkaido, beef and dairy products are more of a mainstay than elsewhere in Japan, with delicious artisanal cheeses and ice cream to be found. Because Niseko is so close to the ocean, the seafood is equally top-notch. Nothing is more soul-satisfying after a day on the slopes than a spicy crab ramen washed down with an ice-cold pint of Sapporo. The options for pizza and burgers are numerous, as well, but more demanding diners will want to try such award-winning restaurants as Yo, Sessa and the Michelin-starred Kamimura. And ever since the late Anthony Bourdain featured chef Tatsuru Rai on No Reservations, a dinner reservation at his Rakuichi has been hard to come by, but the soba noodles are worth the effort.

Despite its diminutive size, Hirafu offers some world-class nightlife, as well. Through a vintage red Coke vending machine door plastered with stickers, you’ll find Bar Gyu+, also known as “The Fridge.” The laidback speakeasy boasts an impressive collection of Japanese whiskeys, some of which cost upward of $200 a pop, as well as an inventive and unusual cocktail list. The Powder Room boasts a mouth-watering grill menu that includes items like famed local sea urchin and Iberico pork shoulder from Spain, all of which will make you think you’re in Shinjuku’s hippest hotspot rather than a tiny ski town 700 miles to the north.

Best of all: Niseko’s ski season is long, running from late November to early May, so if you plan correctly, you can spend a week shredding the slopes and then head south to catch the world-famous cherry blossoms. It’s not often that a ski vacation comes wrapped in such a culturally enriching package, and that’s just one of Niseko’s numerous charms. But let’s just keep that our little secret.

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The grand salon

After Dior’s death, the Colle Noire property was sold to a private owner, but in 2013, Parfums Christian Dior owner LVMH purchased the property and set out to return it to its former glory. “Many of the places that Dior lived in were destroyed or are in the hands of private owners,” says Bourdelier. “Buying this back was one of the last opportunities to own one of his homes.” Luckily, many of the original trees and flower beds had persevered over time. With the help of landscape architect Philippe Deliau, the gardens were replanted with Dior’s favorite flowers, which are still used in the brand’s iconic fragrances, especially rosa centifolia. Also known as the May rose, it has a harvest period from May to early June and is extremely delicate and finicky. It needs to be picked on the day it blossoms and taken to the factory within hours of being hand-picked in order to capture its scent.

Christian Dior cleaning the ornamental pond circa 1955

After years of renovations, the home and surrounding estate reopened in 2016 and is available, on occasion, for private tours and special visits. “It was a place that inspired Christian Dior,” says Bourdelier. “When you enter the château, you are immediately plunged into his imagination, his tastes, the surroundings of his life and his art de vivre.”

The reunification of Le Château de la Colle Noire and the house of Dior has given the brand an opportunity to honor its founder and allows admirers to fully immerse themselves in the designer’s life.

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With two children under six in tow, the hotel spoiled us with a bevy of kid-centric amenities like make-your-own cupcakes with icing and toppings (an in-room amenity), the Starfish Cay Waterpark splash pad, two pools (one oceanfront and one next to the splash pad), babysitting services (we used AAA Caregivers Agency), golf, tennis and a basketball court. The Ambassadors of the Environment center, developed by Jean-Michel Cousteau, offers family-friendly activities to introduce guests of all ages to the island’s nature, biodiversity and marine life. Kids under five eat free at select restaurants on property. We opted into the Club Level Access, which was a godsend to our family. Offering bountiful, well-attended-to buffets for breakfast and lunch, midday snacks and evening dessert, the lounge also offers complimentary alcoholic (yes, please!) and non-alcoholic beverages (Shirley Temples all day!). There’s a children’s play area with books, coloring books and games along with a small table and chairs for them making it feel adult and special but also comfortable for their age group. The onsite team at the Club Level took our family’s noise levels in stride and were very accommodating (there is always a kids menu offered). They also helped with all of our excursions (we enjoyed Stingray City, snorkeling and swimming with starfish) and reservations. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Spa is spacious luxurious and boasts steam rooms, saunas and jacuzzis. The Stress Relief massage and Nourished Glow body scrub treatments were bespoke and luxurious. But The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is great for all travelers, not just families. Romantic couple trips, family reunions and special celebrations with friends are all ideal occasions to visit this special property where the staff is welcoming, friendly and seeks to ensure a wonderful experience.

DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Marc Langevin, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

Our Oceanfront rooms and suites

What makes them so special?

The experience of waking up to the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is unmatched. Each private balcony provides an opportunity to savor breakfast with a breathtaking view or to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.

What’s the average rate per night for these rooms?

They start at $1,200

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

During the property’s renovation, our foremost goal was to incorporate as much of the local culture and heritage as possible. We endeavor to offer our guests more than just a stay; we aim to provide a culturally enriching experience. From the colors and materials used to our design fixtures, including custom-made carpets that depict native Grand Cayman plants, to the artworks from local artists, every element tells a story of the island.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

The Ritz-Carlton Suite. It embodies the tranquility and beauty of living in Grand Cayman. The primary bedroom, a serene retreat, features a king-size bed and a spa-like en-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub. The furnishings, meticulously chosen by our partner, Champalimaud Design, are especially striking.

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

The Silver Palm Lounge is certainly among my favorite areas of the property. The ceilings are adorned with woven thatch patterns, and stately palms integrate the outdoors with the interior, creating an elegant space framed by banquettes in the silvery green hues of Cayman’s national tree, which inspired the lounge’s name.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

Our team consists of individuals from over 60 different countries. To highlight our diversity and engage with our guests, we provide children with a ‘passport’ card, encouraging them to collect signatures from our staff members based on their nationalities. Upon completing their passport, the children return to collect a prize, having had the opportunity to meet and learn from our diverse group of staff members.

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Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey: Bordeaux

Following Villa René Lalique and Château Hochberg, this is the third property in French lifestyle brand Lalique’s hotel portfolio.  Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey sits on a hillside overlooking Premier Grand Cru Classé vineyards of the Sauternes appellation in southern Bordeaux. This 89-acre estate has a history dating back to the 13th century, and last year saw the 400th anniversary of its winery, the same year that the first-growth estate saw the fall opening of its lavish new hotel. Lalique designers Lady Tina Green and Pietro Mingarelli led the renovation of the property, integrating art, crystals, and burgundy and green accents into each room, and displaying Damien Hirst’s artwork Eternal Belief (2017) in the chapel. Four underground cellars hold 350,000 bottles of wine, and a crystal barrel of the estate’s 2013 vintage was unveiled earlier this year. A modern glass extension by architect Mario Botta houses the newly Michelin-starred restaurant. Take a seat here to dine on seasonal Sauternes-inspired dishes by chef Jérôme Schilling under a ceiling embedded with 120 gold sémillon vine leaves.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Château de Montcaud: Languedoc-Roussillon

Debuted last summer, Château de Montcaud celebrates the unique heritage of the area. When the husband-and-wife team Rolf and Andrea Bertschi took the property on, they set about giving the 1875-built château back its identity. Drawing on the region’s history of silk production, the Bertschis decided to weave the silk theme into every aspect of the hotel. French silk features in the Iria Degen and Sophie Petit–designed interiors, chef Matthieu Hervé incorporates silk inspiration into his menus, and the château’s own perfume contains silk enzymes and ingredients from the Silk Road. The couple planted mulberry trees to eventually make silk at the château, and a specially commissioned artwork representing the property’s silk connection hangs in the restaurant. The estate’s parkland also celebrates this rich history, with elements of its design representing the original garden plan, which the couple found in one of the old walls. Stay in the Collain Suite or the two-story gatehouse, La Maison. Dine in the restaurant and bistro, which spill out to shaded spots beneath chestnut trees. And use the château as a base to visit local vineyards such as Domaine la Réméjeanne.

Château de Montcaud’s salon

Relais de Chambord: Loire Valley

When UNESCO declared the Loire Valley a World Heritage site in 2000, the organization named the area an outstanding cultural landscape of great natural beauty for its historic towns and architectural monuments. More than 100 châteaux in this region are open to the public, of which Château de Chambord is the largest. It stands on a vast 13,440 acres of woodland and heathland, where wild boar and deer roam freely. Since its opening last year, the château’s hotel, Relais de Chambord, has made it possible to stay within these sprawling grounds. Prominent designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte led the architectural and interior design of the hotel’s centuries-old building and its new wing, using black-and-white photos of the château as wallpaper and incorporating furnishings by Patricia Urquiola. Make the most of your stay by navigating the estate’s trails with a fitness trainer, cycling along its canal, and taking a hot-air balloon ride over the valley. Back at the hotel, unwind in the intimate spa, and enjoy casual fine dining plates on the terrace of Grand Saint Michel restaurant.

Relais de Chambord’s Junior suite

Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé: Loire Valley

Château du Grand-Lucé was completed in 1760 as the summer palace of Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay and is now considered one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in France. Art has always had its place here. Louis XV commissioned statues for the property, and during World War II, the château housed paintings belonging to the Louvre. The estate eventually passed to the French government, which restored the gardens and buildings, and sold it in 2003 to acclaimed designer Timothy Corrigan, who set about renovating it as his private home. Corrigan sold the property to a new owner in 2017, and it became Hotel Château this year, opening in June. Expect interiors of limestone and white oak floors, walls adorned with boiserie, Persian rugs, chandeliers, and custom fabrics by designers including Pierre Frey, Christian Lacroix, and Jean Paul Gaultier. The Baron Suite stands out for its abundant art, private library, and casement windows overlooking the garden. Savor seasonal French gastronomy and Sancerre in the chapel turned restaurant Le Lucé, relax in the spa and outdoor pool, and explore the 80-acre estate’s classic French gardens and white oak forest.

Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé’s ballroom

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 Where to Stay:

The Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this blend of colonial architecture and boldly contemporary interiors perfectly captures the yin and yang of Cartagena. Ideally located inside the walled city, some of its rooms boast balconies with views of the ocean or the surrounding architectural treasures, but it’s from the rooftop infinity pool that the view really wows, looking out over the Old City and toward the more modern neighborhoods of Bocagrande and El Laguito.

Tcherassi Hotel and Spa
The brainchild of Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi, her namesake hotel  offers only seven rooms, guaranteeing intimacy and recreating the ambience of staying in someone’s superchic home. The courtyard pool is dominated by a vertical garden with more than 3,000 plants, and the Italian restaurant is one of the city’s finest.

Casa San Agustín
Housed within three conjoined 17th-century mansions, this stylish boutique hotel has a swimming pool as its lobby’s focal point and its own private beach on one of the nearby Rosario Islands (which can be booked for the day at an additional cost). The award-winning Restaurante Alma serves regional cuisine, and the location is convenient to sites like the Cartagena Cathedral, the Gold Museum, and the Palace of the Inquisition.

What to Do: 

As one of the oldest colonial cities in Latin America, Cartagena has no shortage of sights to see. The dominant feature of the Old City is the Castillo de Don Felipe de Barajas, whose fortifications are among the oldest in the Americas. The Palace of the Inquisition shines a delightfully macabre light on one of the darker chapters in Spanish colonial history, while the Gold Museum highlights the spectacular metalwork of the indigenous Zenú people. The newly chic neighborhood of Getsemaní features endless boutiques and cafés, and an afternoon of shopping for local crafts at Las Bóvedas is a haggler’s dream. But ultimately, the charm of Cartagena lies in simply walking the streets and happening upon a sculpture by Fernando Botero or an arresting piece of graffiti, turning a corner and stumbling upon a riot of bougainvillea, or strolling along the bustling beachfront. An absolute must is a trip out to the Rosario Islands, which feature beach clubs where you can soak up the sun. Our favorite: The Blue Apple Beach Club, on Tierra Bomba, a 30-minute boat ride from the city. The beach is sublime, and the club’s paella rivals any in Spain.

Where to Shop:

Colombians take their fashion seriously, and three standout retailers are Ketty Tinoco, which sells exquisite linen clothing; Silvia Tcherassi, one of Colombia’s most revered designers; and Jon Sonen Privé, which carries fashion-forward men’s attire. Of course, Colombia is famed for its emeralds, and there is no shortage of jewelers catering to foreign trade, but you may want to ask your concierge for a reference to a private dealer. Bonus hint: The emeralds from the famed Muzo mines are said to be the finest in the world.

Where to Eat:

Leisurely lunches and dinners are Cartagena’s stock-in-trade, and two of the biggest hot spots are La Vitrola and the San Pedro Café/Mirador Restaurante. Both attract an international clientele like New York fashion icon Lauren Santo Domingo, Mick Jagger, and Javier Bardem, but you can’t go wrong with most of the smaller cafés lining the backstreets of Getsemaní.

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Iceland
I love Deplar Farm so much. The interiors are chic and comfortable against the dramatic and harsh backdrop of northern Iceland, and the turf-and-moss-covered roofs are magical. The food and views make it a must-visit.

Iceland

Chile
Emerging from the southern Andes is the Montaña Mágica Lodge, made of volcanic rock. The waterfall shows how lava would spew out of a volcano and trickle down.

Chile

Oman
Hud Hud Travels leads private luxury camps and expeditions in Oman that are a combination of staying in a vibrant Muscat hotel and visiting some of the most remote places in the desert and mountains. A truly bespoke experience.

Oman

Kenya
There is nothing tame about Offbeat Safari’s horseback-riding safari in Masai Mara. Lions come within mere feet of your horse, ready to pounce.

Kenya

Finland
This might be the best place to see the northern lights. At Kakslauttanen, you’ll spend your nights in a thermal glass igloo, which gives you a 360-degree view and keeps the heat in at 58 degrees. It also has the world’s largest smoke sauna.

Finland

The post A Travel Maven’s Favorite Nature-Centric Hotels appeared first on DuJour.

The adult pool at COMO Parrot Cay

The resort also has a full gym with state-of-the art equipment for both strength training and cardio. Next to the gym, you’ll find a private Pilates and yoga studio which hosts semi-private classes daily. If a traditional gym experience isn’t your exercise of choice, you can book a tennis lesson with one of the pros. After your workout, make your way to the COMO Shambhala Retreat where you can experience the signature COMO massage, a technique created with both relaxation and tension release in mind. Post massage, you can stay at the spa, sip their house made ginger tea while soaking in the hot tub or simply relax in their quiet area taking in the calm of the island. You can choose to enjoy your meals at Lotus, Terrace or COMO Beach Club with every-changing menus from chefs from around the world. It’s truly immersive without the pomp and circumstance of fine dining. COMO emphasizes wellness and, while many resorts do, this passion for wellness is so seamlessly integrated into the pulse of the property that from the moment you enter, you’ll feel cleansed and renewed. Want a green juice or a light salad with fresh locally-caught fish? The COMO Shambhala wellness menu is offered at every restaurant all day so you will never be without the healthful items you crave.

DuJour spoke with the property’s managing director, Tapa Tibble, to discover what makes it so special.

What’s the most requested room at the property?

All of our beachfront categories. These are truly a “feet in the sand” experience. For a romantic getaway our one bedroom Beach House is hard to beat.

What makes it so special?

The one bedroom Beach Houses are stand alone at the Northern tip of Parrot Cay. This is the entry category for our COMO Butler Service. The location has a slight elevation with incomparable views and provides complete privacy and an infinity pool. Our COMO Butler Service is intuitive and personalized.

What is the nightly rate for this room?

One bedroom Beach House start at $4,000

An ocean-facing room at COMO Parrot Cay

What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?

Historically the island of Parrot Cay was known as Pirate Cay. It is rumored that the island was the outpost of two infamous female pirates, Mary Read & Anne Bonny, who operated in the Caribbean in the early 18th Century. The remains of a stone cottage still exist and is believed to have been the pirate’s house.

What’s your personal favorite room? Why?

Our new COMO Villas. These are large three bedroom villas located at our beachfront and are the first hotel villas with a second-floor primary bedroom. They provide a private residence experience within walking distance of all resort facilities–a space to truly relax and engage with those you hold most dear.

What’s your favorite design element on property?

The design aesthetic is pared back, understated and enduring. The intention is to create a place that feels comfortable and a home-away-from-home. Simplicity and nature are key and remain at the forefront of everything we do. Nowhere exudes this feeling more than the COMO Beach Club.

The adult pool at COMO Parrot Cay

What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?

As part of our environmental stewardship program, guests have the opportunity to plant a coconut, named for their family, in our coconut farm. We have many guests who return to COMO Parrot Cay and during their stay visit their tree to check on its progress.

How about one more fun fact about the property?

We have a new Director of Sustainability & Marine Research who is tasked with not only overseeing the continued development of our terrestrial sustainable practices but will be conducting vital marine research in association with the public and private sector. To support this, we are in the process of forming a new charitable trust.

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While Shatterstar may be new to theatergoing audiences, like most Marvel characters, he comes with a long and winding backstory. Originally a member of X-Force, an offshoot of the X-Men, Shatterstar’s physical characteristics include carrying a futuristic sword and having an insane body. But he is perhaps best known for his personal life; by some accounts, Shatterstar is both bisexual and polyamorous.

Regardless of his orientation, Shatterstar’s defining characteristic is his swordsmanship, a skill that Tan has practiced in his role on Into the Badlands. Where Shatterstar is a swordsman uniquely suited to 2018, Tan’s role as Gaius Chau on the AMC period drama took to the distant past. To realize the show’s medieval landscape, based on the 16th-century novel by Chinese author Wu Cheng’ En, shooting took place in the hills of Ireland. Here’s where Tan hung out in Dublin when he wasn’t practicing his sword-fighting techniques.

Cup of Joe: First off, I am a bit of a coffee snob, I must admit. I like to drink quality espresso or cold brew. I was really happy when I found CoffeeAngel on South Anne St. The other actors and I would sit and go over the scripts, or I would go alone and read books. The girls there are fans of the show, so we got a few freebies The runner-up would be Kaph, another quality spot. They don’t allow laptops, so there is a nice vibe.

Power Lunch: Le Petit Parisien on Wicklow Street. If you were watching my Instagram stories, this place got posted quite a bit. It’s a small French bakery and lunch spot. Every day, I would walk past it and see the delicious fruit tarts and pies. For the first few weeks, I just drooled at the window because I was training and wouldn’t allow myself to go inside, but eventually, I gave in and was addicted right away. The fresh fruit tarts, coffee and baguettes, and the music is set to French music from the 1920’s. They also have the best ham and cheese croissants I have ever tried.

Cocktail Hour: Dublin is known for its Guinness. Every day, the pubs and bars are full around 6 p.m. and stay full the rest of the night. It really is incredible to see. The Irish can handle their drink. I personally was never a fan and don’t drink beer normally, but the Guinness in Dublin was a treat. Although, my favorite place to have a drink would be Chelsea Drugstore on Georges Street. This small candle lit lounge has, in my opinion, the best drinks and cocktails in Dublin and great music and ambience. We even had a few cast parties there.

Retail Therapy: Right before I began filming, I flew straight from Positano Italy, so all I had with me was a few shorts, dress pants and tank tops. I had to basically buy a whole new wardrobe for completely different weather, since I didn’t have time to go home to Los Angeles. The Brown Thomas store on Grafton Street knows us quite well. It is a beautiful store with all the top designer brands. It’s also not too far from a great shop called the Secret Book store. I picked up some rare vinyls for my collection and a few books too.

Field Trip: I spent a lot of time at the theatre. IFC is a small art house theatre with a really great selection of films. Next to my hotel was the National Gallery of Ireland, I would often go there to get inspired by their incredible collection. They have Picasso, Yeats, Caravaggio, a ton of famous Irish artists and my favorite, Monet. A quick walk from there is Stephens Green Park. When the sun is out, the place is full, and everyone is lying around on the grass. The city is really full of life and has a great energy, especially when the weather allows.

Date Night: I had a lot of great food while I was here, but we had some great memories with the cast at a small place called Peruke & Periwig. Downstairs is a small bar with music inspired drinks, while upstairs is a Stanley Kubrick-esque restaurant with red curtains, velvet sofas, candle lights and golden mirrors. They have classic rock and soul playing in the background and modern Irish cuisine. It has a great energy, and we had many good parties there after late nights of filming fight scenes.

Don’t Miss: This is easily the Powers Court Estate. It is one of the many beautiful filming locations we took advantage of in Ireland and happens to be my character’s house in the series. The Powers Court Estate is a 50-acre property and one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen. There is a waterfall, a Japanese garden and tons of historic monuments and art. You have to see it to believe it. Kubrick even used it for his film Barry Lyndon. I was doing fight scenes here jumping up the old stair cases covered in blood, and tourists would be watching and taking pictures as they were on a tour of the house. It was hilarious.

Hidden Gem: The hidden gems of the city can be found with the people. The Irish are very friendly, blunt and great storytellers. Some of my favorite moments were listening to drivers in a cab, or strangers at a pub. They love to dance, drink and chat. These are the times I will remember most, as well as traveling around Europe with the cast. It was a grueling and challenging experience, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m so glad I got to live here for 9 months.

Main image: photo courtesy of Aramis Knight

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Silo Ridge’s 800-acre gated campus, which consists of condominiums, estates, and fully customizable empty plots of land, will officially open in May. But in order to experience the development’s rustic-chic lifestyle, you’ll have to do more buy into one of its 300 properties; the community’s exclusive, members-only model means ownership is invite-only. So far, Silo Ridge has attracted the likes of Richard Bressler, president of iHeartMedia, and Mark Teixeira, Yankees first baseman.

The idea, according to Discovery, was to engineer a self-sufficient community that brings quintessential rustic living coupled with the country club-caliber amenities and unparalleled privacy. Boasting plentiful lakes and a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, the grounds are equipped for a wide range of sporting and recreational activities. In addition to fly-fishing and bike riding, residences can partake in on-site adventurism like biking, paddle boarding and archery through the property’s “Outdoor Pursuits” program led by full-time professionals on staff.

The property takes full advantage of the surrounding resources. Besides easy access to the Appalachian trail and the Hudson Valley’s winding network of rivers and lakes, the development’s proximity to the farming communities of upstate New York means the culinary program, helmed by Rainbow Room alum Jonathan Wright, has access to fresh cheese, chickens, vegetables and more.

Despite the development’s scale, Discovery ensured that Silo Ridge—named for preexisting grain silos on the property—would be conducive to an influx of new settlers. “With each development we are careful to be respectful of the local environment and culture, so each project naturally evolves into its own unique community,” says Discovery Land Company founder Mike Meldman, who most recently cut the ribbon on communities from Nashville to Barbuda.

While Silo Ridge’s down-home brand of glamour may be all the rage—as demonstrated by newly constructed neighbors like Hudson Woods and Chapin Estate—land developments in the area are nothing new. In fact, for residents with a taste for the exotic, the Wethersfield Gardens—developed throughout the 20^th century by banking tycoon Chauncey Devereux Stillman in a high Italianate style—is just down the road.

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Emceed by hotelier and restaurateur David Fink, programming included a wild mushroom hunt, cooking demonstrations, and one giant family dinner featuring black truffle and Black River caviar (13 pounds in all) washed down with 150 bottles of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc.

Between mouthfuls of foie gras, we asked a few of the illustrious chefs in attendance to share their most memorable meal. Once you’ve gotten the skinny on these chefs’ life-changing culinary experiences, be sure to mark your calendar for GourmetFest 2019; like reservations for Relais & Châteaux‘s portfolio, the collective’s tent-pole event is highly coveted.

Barbara Lynch – Chef/Owner, Menton

“In Lyon, Paul Bocuse. There’s a reason he has had three-Michelin stars since 1965. He’s French food,” says Lynch, chef and owner at Menton in Boston, of the multicourse meal she had at the colorful eatery four years ago, which included chicken en vessie, a.k.a. chicken cooked in pork bladder.

David Kinch – Chef/Owner, Manresa

Kinch’s most memorable meal was an eight-course extravaganza at chef Olivier Roellinger’s eponymous restaurant in Brittany, France. “I waited 15 years to go to this restaurant,” shares the three-Michelin starred chef behind Manresa in Los Gatos, California. After finally making it there in 2006, Kinch decided it’s “not about one particular course, but it’s about the whole experience. It’s like a story.”

Joshua Skenes – Chef/Owner, Saison

“I really love this little place in Tokyo called Matsukawa,” says Skenes of San Francisco outpost Saison. But good luck getting a table. “It’s an invite-only, six seat counter,” he explains.

Kyle Connaughton – Owner, Single Thread Farm and Restaurant

Connaughton, proprietor of farm, inn and restaurant Single Thread, had his most memorable meal at the age of 9 on a trip to Japan with his dad. The most memorable part, he says, wasn’t the name of the restaurant (he doesn’t recall) but the fact that the experience convinced him that he wanted to dedicate his life to food.

Brady Williams – Chef, Canlis

Chef Williams drove an hour-and-a-half to a village in Spain for what became his most memorable meal at Asador Etxebarri. “It’s a small restaurant. Everything is grilled,” explains the Seattle-based Canlis chef and James Beard “Rising Star Chef of the Year” finalist of the two-hour, 20-course meal. “It’s in a village of like 100 people two hours outside of San Sebastián. It’s beautiful because it’s simple.”

Nigel Haworth – Former Director of Northcote

20 years after dining at Joël Robuchon’s now-shuttered Jamin, Haworth says he can still “remember every course in great detail. And it’s still the best.” The French Laundry is another favorite, says Haworth, who now serves as ambassador to Northcote, a luxury hotel in the rural region of Lancashire, England. “I like the chicken up there,” he says with a laugh.

Patrick Kriss – Chef/Owner, Alo

Chef Kriss keeps it simple when it comes to his most memorable meal: steak tartare, frites and a Kronenbourg. “It was more about the setting,” says the Toronto-based chef of the meal, which took place in Lyon on his first trip to France.

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Adare Manor

Earlier this month, the resort, which originally opened in 1988, cut the ribbon on a 2-year-long modernization project, unveiling 42 new rooms for a total of 104, a 27-seat cinema and Ireland’s first and only La Mer spa. The 842-acre grounds (the same size as Central Park) also includes an 18-course green designed by golf star Tom Fazio.

Despite its latter-day conveniences, the Manor’s baroque history fills the halls – nowhere more so than the Lady Caroline suite, formerly the private sitting room of the estate’s original matriarch – which still houses some original furniture. Here, we hear from general manager Paul Heery about what makes this neo-Gothic lair so unique.

What’s the most requested room at Adare Manor? 

One of our signature suites, the Lady Caroline suite.

What makes it so special? 

The sitting room in the Lady Caroline suite was once the chamber of Lady Caroline Dunraven, who built Adare Manor with her husband in 1832. Situated underneath the long gallery, this expansive suite has a much-prized view of the River Maigue through large arched windows, while the interior is perfectly appointed and exquisitely designed with something beautiful to behold everywhere the eye rests.

Lady Caroline’s Suite is an invitation to slow down and savor your gorgeous surroundings. Enjoy original 19th century art and elegant Georgian-inspired furniture, relax in your spacious private sitting room with refreshments from your complimentary minibar, and lose yourself in the comfort of your king-sized bed for a deeply restorative night’s sleep in the peace and quiet of the Irish countryside.

Lady Caroline Signature Suite, Sitting Room

What is the starting rate? 

From €1995.00.

Interesting tidbit about the room? Any fun facts? 

Lady Caroline wrote about some of the interesting details of her private chamber in Memorials of Adare Manor, published 1865: ‘Three large windows facing the river, and commanding different views of it, give it a cheerful character. In the centre of the room there is a massive arch, made ornamental by the way its soffit is designed. The division of the oak ceiling between the door and the arch is beautifully carved, the beams being supported by angels, bearing in their hands shields charged alternately with a red and a white cross. The beams form large squares, divided into four compartments; those nearest the wall and round the arch are richly emblazoned. The arch itself is ornamented with a simple pattern in pure white.”

Lady Caroline Signature Suite

Any celebrity guests? 

We have had several athletes and celebrities stay with us, but would like to keep their names confidential.

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Where to Stay:

Fairytale-esque but full of modern-day comforts is the beautiful Borgoluce – an Italian villa-style bed and breakfast and luxe agro-tourism destination. In addition to fine buffalo mozzarella and charcuterie, this sustainable farm estate cultivates Glera grapes for making Prosecco – and encourages you to bring a bottle down to the natural swimming pool adjacent to its two farmhouses. There, take in views of the Treviso hills and majestic San Salvatore castle.

Equally authentic lodging alternatives include Albergo Al Sole, a 16^th century villa recently brought back to life after a five-year restoration, and Agriturismo Due Carpini in the town of Valdobbiadene outside Treviso, within walking distance of several vineyards and Silas Ristorante (more on that below).

Albergo Al Sole exterior

What to See:

When in the Prosecco capitol, the vineyards are the main attraction – especially given the region’s mix of age-old traditions with new technologies. Casa Paladin has developed the WineZERO project, which monitors emissions of energy, water and CO2 and calculates the winery’s total carbon footprint. Meanwhile, San Simone vineyard has produced Prosecco for more than 100 years, offering an intimate, one-on-one tasting experience – often with the owners themselves. But for something truly different, head to Casa Belfi to try col foldo or “with sediment,” the original style of Prosecco, which omits modern-day processes such secondary fermentation.

Views from Borgoluce

Where to Shop:

Step into one of the finest cheese-making facilities in Northern Italy at PER. A cheese bar, specialty foods shop and restaurant, it offers a range of basement-aged cheeses, plus 32 Via de Birrai, one of the country’s fastest growing craft beers, to wash it all down. Nearby, Da Ponte makes and sells grappa di Prosecco, obtained form the skin of the glera grape. In the city center of Treviso, catch a centuries-old fish market stocked with catches of the day from area fishermen.

Views from Agriturismo Due Carpini

Where to Eat:

Salis Ristorante is one of the best in the region, with incredibly fresh and innovative dishes made by a team of female chefs. Overlooking the hilly vineyards of Cartizze, the restaurant offers views of one of the most famous and revered microclimates for producing Prosecco.

As legend has it, the kitchen at stalwart guesthouse and winery Gambrinus has operated continuously since 1847 – so they’ve had plenty of time to mastering the classics. Walk in the footsteps of Venetian nobility by sitting among the property’s old oak trees before imbibing the famous ruby red Elisir Gambrinus – delicious as a spritz for an apertivo or on its own as a digestif.

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