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Columbia HillenSitting on my upper-floor verandah at the Hotel Norman Paris gazing down on cobbled streets, it’s hard to believe I’m just a minute’s walk from the ever-busy Champs-Élysées. It’s soooo quiet. Columbia HillenFormerly the Vigne Hotel, the building in the 8th arrondissement ten minutes from the Arc de Triomphe was purchased by hospitality entrepreneur Olivier Bertrand, renovated for a year and opened last September. It’s named after Norman Ives, a mid-20th-century painter and graphic designer who became a major player in American modernism.  Located on the corner of Rue Balzac and Rue de Châteaubriand, the 37-room, 5-star boutique hotel stands…

Oct. 3rd, 2024 Offering 132 hotels and resorts around the world, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is one of the premier hoteliers in the industry. With 54 properties in North America - four properties in Central and South America, 20 properties in Europe, 23 properties in the Middle East and Africa and 35 properties in Asia and the Pacific - they also have grown to manage close to 6,000 units across 54 properties in 29 countries in their Private Residences. The brand also offers the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, Four Seasons Drive Experience and the upcoming Four Seasons Yachts…

Halepuna WaikikiWith its crescent beach framed by iconic state monument Diamond Head, Waikiki has captivated visitors for decades and inspired countless dreams of the islands—a slice of tropical paradise whose magic never fades. In fact, the postcard-beautiful city of Honolulu itself remains a timeless destination where the allure of 1960s Hawaii—a place of Mai Tais and Aloha spirit—still lingers if you know where to look and stay. So, should a serene retreat a block from the Waikiki bustle appeal, consider Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani or "The House of Welcoming Waters." Named after a nearby fresh water source where Hawaiian Royalty once came to…

(credit: Six Senses RiverStone Estate)Six Senses RiverStone Estate marks the latest milestone in the brand’s thoughtful entry into the Americas market with a growing list of U.S. properties announced for locations including Telluride, South Carolina and Napa Valley. Situated on a sprawling wooded ridge, outside the quaint Western Pennsylvania town of Foxburg, just 90 minutes north of Pittsburgh, the resort will showcase Six Senses’ special brand of sustainable, wellness hospitality. At the confluence of the Allegheny and Clarion rivers, the 1,200 acre estate boasts a history dating back to the early 1800’s. Scheduled to open in 2028, the wellness-focused resort…

The Inn at Stonecliffe offers luxury, and a step back in time. Photo by Fran MillerMackinac Island has long captured my imagination. Through the decades, tales and images of the auto-free Michigan vacation destination within Lake Huron ignited a curiosity that I hoped would one day be satisfied with a visit. Fudge! Horses! Bikes! History! Americana kitsch! I yearned to experience all of it. My travels recently led me to this idyllic haven, and it was everything I imagined it might be—and more, thanks to the gracious hospitality at The Inn at Stonecliffe.  The well-known and stately Grand Hotel might…

A high/low vibe appeals at Tomales Bay’s newish Lodge at Marconi. Admittedly mostly high, the coastal retreat’s ambiance and amenities are ideal for those who like their fleece with a bit of Frette. Akin to elevated glamping, a stay here affords easy access to the wonders of West Marin, a region known for its abundant natural beauty and for its culinary and artistic communities.  Managed by Oliver Hospitality, Lodge at Marconi perches atop forested hills that overlook picturesque bay waters. Its 62 sprawling acres were originally developed in 1914 by namesake Guglielmo Marconi as a radio receiving station. Marconi, often credited as the…

Les Lumières VersaillesTaking a 40-minute train from Paris to Château de Versailles, one can enjoy a meal or stay overnight at the newly opened Les Lumières Versailles. This luxury 5-star hotel was recently inducted into Relais & Châteaux, and is located near the entrance of the Palace of Versailles. Translated in English as The Lights of Versailles, Les Lumières melds historic architectural features with contemporary luxury amenities. From the moment guests check-in, they begin a transformative storytelling journey filled with cultural immersion and personal discovery. Guest suites at Les Lumieres VersaillesTaking a tour with Julie Dillard, Assistante chef de réception, I learned this…