Hotels

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…

Courtesy of AC Hotel Portsmouth Downtown/WaterfrontSummertime is all about planning the next best New England getaway. Whether you are traveling here for business, looking for a quick weekend staycation, or booking a weeklong stay for the entire family, one of the best spots in New England is the charming coastal city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Known for its vibrant waterfront, lively restaurant-lined downtown area, quaint boutiques, and art galleries, Portsmouth appeals to travelers wanting to learn more about its maritime heritage, visit historic landmarks like the Strawbery Banke Museum, take a harbor cruise to the Isle of Shoals, or simply…

Waikiki Beach MarriottHawaii always carries a unique kind of magic, especially on Oahu where time seems to slow under the awe of Diamond Head and the sparkling Pacific. There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with the island, but this summer, there’s a new reason to choose Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The resort has introduced an immersive new chapter to the Cultural Center and Queen's Parlor with brand new offerings for guests that includes immersive cultural programming to tap into and experience the living heartbeat of Hawai‘i. Rooted in aloha, the Cultural Center, helmed by esteemed…

In Los Angeles County, where the boulevards are wide, the views sweeping, and the parking elusive, location counts for everything. And when it comes to Santa Monica, a sun-splashed blend of seaside charm and coastal culture, The Pierside Hotel places you squarely in the center of it all. Just steps from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a block from the buzz of Ocean Avenue, and directly across from the beach’s endless stretch of sand, the 132-room hotel offers a front-row seat to the best of L.A.'s favorite oceanfront playground. The Pierside Hotel is steps from the iconic Santa Monica pier.The Pierside is not…

Courtesy of Orient ExpressVenice, Italy’s next ultra-luxury hotel will open next year on the site of a 15th century palazzo within walking distance from the city’s historic quay. After a fastidious eight-year restoration, the Orient Express hotel will open the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. Courtesy of Orient ExpressUnder the direction of architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, the lavish boutique project combines historical preservation with contemporary sophistication, offering a refined hospitality experience in the heart of Venice. Courtesy of Orient ExpressThe design of the 47 signature suites, guest rooms, grand salons and gathering areas will blend the rich…

Waikiki Beach MarriottHawaii always carries a unique kind of magic, especially on Oahu where time seems to slow under the awe of Diamond Head and the sparkling Pacific. There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with the island, but this summer, there’s a new reason to choose Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The resort has introduced an immersive new chapter to the Cultural Center and Queen's Parlor with brand new offerings for guests that includes immersive cultural programming to tap into and experience the living heartbeat of Hawai‘i. Rooted in aloha, the Cultural Center, helmed by esteemed…

Photo courtesy of Luxe Thompson ZihuatanejoSet in the stunning Playa La Ropa region of Zihuatanejo, Mexico along a protected bay, lies the luxury Thompson Zihuatanejo. This beachfront hideaway offers golden hour sunsets where the beauty awakens your senses. Just 20 minutes from Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo International Airport, the property is only five minutes from the resort town of Ixtapa.   As one of Mexico’s top swimmable beaches, the resort's picturesque stretch of sand is designed for beach walks and a morning swim. Right now, Thompson Zihuatanejo is offering a Suite Escape Package where guests are treated to a daily breakfast, a bespoke seasonal welcome amenity,…

Courtesy of The Docent's CollectionWhen it comes to planning a weekend getaway to Maine, there are so many places to choose from ranging from luxurious resorts and Downeast escapes to seaside destinations and hidden gems. One of the best ways to explore all the state has to offer starts off with a visit to Portland. With its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, working waterfront, and award-winning restaurants, it’s really no wonder the coastal city remains one of the Pine Tree State’s most popular destinations. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a weeklong escape, or an extended stay, The Docent’s Collection…