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Columbia HillenSo discreetly located is Dublin boutique hotel, Number 31, I was momentarily lost disembarking from my taxi wondering if I was in the right place. Tucked away up a narrow mews off busy Leeson Street with a cloak of Virginia creeper draping the hotel’s outside wall, only a solitary sturdy wooden door with a big bright brass knocker indicated what lay beyond.  Such discretion emanated all the hallmarks of a classic urban retreat.  Columbia HillenOccupying a renovated Georgian townhouse on Fitzwilliam Place on Dublin’s Georgian Mile, believed to be the longest Georgian street in the world, Number 31 comprises…

Step inside one of Kyoto’s most storied five-star staysTraditional meets contemporary Japanese design at this flagship property from one of the country’s most influential families. When Michelin debuted its Hotel Guide in 2024, just six properties across Japan earned the coveted top distinction of Three Michelin Keys. While half were in Tokyo, one extraordinary stay stands out in the country’s former ancient capital: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, which forms part of the prestigious Luxury Collection by Marriott. In a city renowned for its ryokan traditions yet rapidly evolving in the world of luxury, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO reimagines ritual within a serene, contemporary…

Aug. 25th, 2025 There is a certain alchemy in leaving a city behind. For those who live in Melbourne Australia,  the Mornington Peninsula is that rare escape—barely an hour away, yet carrying the sensation of distance far greater. The drive traces a gentle unfurling: suburbs dissolving into coastal bushland, concrete giving way to open sky. For international travellers, arriving here feels like discovering a landscape both grounded and untamed, offering an unlikely union of refinement and raw earth. The peninsula resists easy definition. Its topography veers from vineyard rows that stretch with mathematical precision to coastlines fractured by surf. Ancient…

Image courtesy of Hotel VolgaIn the heart of Cuauhtémoc, where treelined avenues and street murals meet sleek cafés and galleries, Hotel Volga has arrived as Mexico City’s most compelling destination for the design-minded traveler. Conceived by architects Javier Sanchez and Aisha Ballesteros of JSa Architecture, Volga is a masterclass in soft brutalism: clean lines, warm textures, and sculptural lighting create spaces that feel both curated and effortlessly lived-in. Centrally located, the ‘urban cenote’ destination was designed to offer both vitality and calm. Every corner—from the lobby’s rotating gallery of local art to the dramatic shadows cast by soaring iron screens—invites pause,…

W AspenAspen may be synonymous with winter glamour, but those who know the posh mountain town best will tell you that summer is its most enchanting season. Under blue skies and crisp mountain air, Aspen comes alive with wildflower-dotted trails, an ever-evolving cultural calendar, and a world-class dining scene. At the heart of it all,W Aspen offers an elevated escape to experience the magic, blending alpine heritage with the brand’s signature playful edge. Perched at the base of Aspen Mountain, the hotel’s location places guests just steps from gondolas, boutiques, and the city’s most celebrated restaurants—making it as ideal for…

Manly Pacific Hotel Sydney MGallery CollectionNestled right on the iconic Manly Beach, the Manly Pacific Hotel Sydney MGallery Collection offers the perfect blend of laidback coastal living and refined luxury. The modern property is mere steps away from the sand and a quick walk to the Circular Quay ferry to Sydney, which means you have easy access to the best of both worlds in one unforgettable stay.  Upon entering the lobby, you’ll instantly be transported to a zen state of mind thanks to the light and airy decor (designed by Coco Republic) complete with special touches in the foyer including…

All Images credit MacQ-01For the uninitiated, Australia can seem like some far-flung land of strange-looking creatures—many of them deadly—and people that speak like Crocodile Dundee. If that’s the starting point, then Tasmania, to the uninformed, may feel even more outlandish. The island has long had to wrestle with misconceptions. In the early days, when mainland Australia was a penal colony, the most hardened and irredeemable offenders were shipped across the Bass Strait to Tasmania. It’s a reputation the state has been quietly disproving ever since. Those fortunate enough to visit soon discover that the reality could not be further from…

The Spa at Royal Lahaina. Photo Jill WeinleinMaui's newest oceanfront wellness center The Spa at Royal Lahaina, is located at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. This beloved property is one of Maui’s first oceanfront resorts. Built in the 1960s, this property was named 'Royal Lahaina' to honor the sun-kissed golden sand beaches, tropical green gardens and a vibrant, clear blue ocean setting. Hawaiian royalty enjoyed visiting this area of the island for rest, sport, and ceremonies. Recently I met the General Manager of the resort, Nicholas Kuhns. He was instrumental in refreshing the spa space worthy of royalty. "This space used to be…

Photo by Solmar HotelsRight where the rugged beauty of the Baja desert meets the shimmering turquoise of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, you can find the Solmar Hotels & Resorts Los Cabos, a destination that tantalizes all the senses. Among the array of luxurious escapes that dot its coastline, Solmar Hotels & Resorts stands out for its commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences. While the stunning accommodations and impeccable service are hallmarks of the Solmar brand, it is the exceptional culinary offerings, coupled with some of Cabo’s most breathtaking scenic dining venues, that truly elevate a…