Hotels

Photo courtesy of Amazing EvolutionNamed after an enterprising ornithologist, 1905 Zino’s Palace stands like a pink frosted cream cake on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the southern coast of Madeira.  Surrounded by banana plantations and verdant mountains that rise up steeply, it is an idyllic retreat to while away a few relaxing days. Columbia HillenNow state-owned and managed by Amazing Evolution, a Portuguese hotel management company, it stands close to Ponta do Sol (Sunny Point) and boasts an open-air swimming pool on a large terrace and friendly staff. Indeed, so cordial are staff members such as Gina and…

Photo by Thompson AustinAustin is not just the capital of Texas, it’s a  city where the spirit of live music mingles with the buzz of tech giants and the laid-back charm of Southern hospitality. In the heart of this cultural blend sits the Thompson Hotel, a haven where modern luxury seamlessly blends with Austin's unique character. Photo by Thompson AustinStepping into the Thompson is akin to entering a symphony of light and texture. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the soaring atrium in sun-kissed warmth, while a sculptural chandelier casts a whimsical glow. Mid-century modern furnishings waltz with contemporary art, creating a space…

(credit: AlUla)In our third installment of the most anticipated luxury property openings around the world, here is a curated list of new openings in Africa and the Middle East for 2024. Dar Tantora – Scheduled to open January 2024  In historic AlUla Old Town, Dar Tantora is named after AlUla’s famous sundial. Created from sensitively restored mudbrick buildings, this 30-room eco-lodge is designed to share traditional bedouin living experiences, with an upscale twist highlighted by its use of traditional décor, furniture and artistic treatments. Using modern engineering in tandem with traditional materials and techniques, guests will be enraptured by the…

(credit: Auberge Resorts)In our fifth and final installment of the most anticipated property openings around the world, here is a curated list of new openings in the USA and Canada for 2024. Bowie House – Scheduled to open January 2024 An imaginative and bold urban retreat from Auberge Resorts, Bowie House will be one of the first true luxury hotels to open in Fort Worth, TX. In the city’s thriving Cultural District, the hotel’s 106 guest rooms consist of chic open floor lofts and spacious suites that embody Fort Worth’s charm and sophistication with traditional Western finishes. The art-filled hotel…

(credit: Soneva)In our fourth installment of the most anticipated property openings around the world, here is a curated list of new openings in Asia and Australia for 2024. Soneva Secret – Scheduled to open January 2024 Located in the sparkling waters of the Maldives’ Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Soneva Secret will present 14 overwater and island villas, including the Maldives’ first floating villa. As the first resort in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll, each villa features a dedicated team of three, which includes a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and dedicated chef, to ensure every stay is wholly personalized. Including secret hideaways accessible only…

Photo courtesy of Secret LondonWho can resist the thrill of London’s during the holidays? With its festive season in full swing, the capital city has transformed into a winter wonderland — cloaked in dazzling lights and warmed by a uniquely British Christmas cheer. However you prefer to celebrate the holiday season, you can experience the enchantment of London’s festive season by immersing yourself in the holiday opulence of its iconic landmark hotels. Whether you're seeking a dose of glamour, a traditional Christmas experience, or a tranquil escape from the excitement, we’ve selected three London hotels that will make your holiday…

(credit: St. Regis Cap Cana) Dec. 15th, 2023 In our second installment of the most anticipated property openings around the world, here is a curated list of new openings in Mexico & the Caribbean for 2024. SHA Mexico – Scheduled to open January 2024 Clinical wellness leader SHA Wellness Clinic will be opening their second location in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, just 35 minutes north of Cancun International Airport. With 100 suites and 35 residences, SHA Mexico will be a health-centered wellness paradise in a setting of pristine nature and cultural heritage. The pioneering wellness brand will be bringing their clinical…

(credit: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid)Housed in the original Banco Hispano Americano headquarters building, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid faces the Plaza Canalejas and forms the main entrance to Galería Canalejas. When entering the property, you walk through the dramatic El Patio, a landmark that has been familiar to Madrileños for more than 100 years. Along with the concierge and check in desk on the lobby floor, the lobby level lounge serves authentic Spanish cuisine with premium products for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it is truly a scene for Afternoon Tea; guests and Madrileños alike can be seen grabbing a quick…

(credit: Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City)Featuring 200 guest rooms and 40 suites, Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City is just steps from the busy grand boulevard of Paseo de la Reforma. Set around a verdant inner courtyard with tropical fruit trees, the hacienda-style hotel lets guests escape from the hectic urban hustle of Mexico’s vibrant capital city. Just a short stroll away from Bosque de Chapultepec and the trendy neighborhoods of Condesa and Polanco, the Spanish colonial design of the hotel brings you back to a time of elegance and grandeur, a great foundation for a lovely stay.  Surrounded by a…

Photo courtesy of Fairmont San Francisco“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” Andy Williams sang it in 1963, and it still holds true today. One of the things that makes the holiday season so wonderful is how the ordinary gets transformed with lights and decorations, giving everything a magical feel. But more than just decking the halls with tinsel and a Christmas tree, some luxury hotels look to their chefs to take their holiday décor to the next level.  With months of work, masses of creativity, and thousands of pounds of flour and sugar, these seven hotels have created…