Globetrotters galore may be surprised to hear that the winter season is an ideal time to explore the beauty of Japan. Without the hordes of tourists and cooler temperatures, the holiday season is a sensational time to delve into adventure with Oku Japan’s culturally immersive trekking experiences. Oku Japan is a champion Kyōto-based tour operator offering a new self-guided, winter-oriented trip in Central Japan to its catalog.
Dramatically nestled onto a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is more than a dreamy, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award winner; it is a blissful homebase that goes out of its way to create unforgettable memories for all those who enter. Here are the top nine musts – from booking an appointment with the Fifth Avenue Club Laguna Beach to savoring a 16-course chef’s tasting experience – when visiting.
Situated in an elegantly restored mid-century building in Amsterdam’s vibrant museum district, the newly opened Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam invites guests to enjoy its refined accommodations, unique experiences, and convenient dining options designed for travelers on the move. As part of Minor Hotels’ upscale lifestyle brand, this opening strengthens the hospitality group’s presence in Europe, contributing to its impressive portfolio of 550 hotels across 56 countries.
Resting on a calm river bed in Wenzhou City, China, the River Island Villa is the latest masterpiece from acclaimed designer Ding Jilin. Inspired by the tranquil surroundings and the river’s gentle flow, Jilin has created a living space that embodies simplicity, nature, and comfort. In a world increasingly dominated by fast-paced living, the villa offers a haven where residents can slow down, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world.
What was once a home for the Duke of Burgundy in 1120 is now Château de Vault-de-Lugny, a five-star luxury hotel in Burgundy, France. After enduring royal upheavals, destruction, and being razed by King Louis XI, the estate was reborn in 1967 when a local family purchased the grounds and transformed it into the opulent hotel it is today. Now, this French retreat, steeped in over 900 years of history, offers Michelin-starred dining and accommodations fit for the kings who once graced its halls.
According to research, travelers deliberately seek total wellness experiences that consider their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Traditional spa treatments have gotten a “makeover,” and spas are now offering more meaningful, rejuvenating escapes. Luxury travelers, in particular, are seeking more holistic wellness offerings, providing hotels and dedicated spas with the opportunity to redefine what a luxury spa getaway can bring for total wellness.
Solo travel is having a moment – according to a recent survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, 54% of female respondents and 63% of male respondents say they’re planning solo getaways this year. Unlike traveling with a partner or in a group, solo travel can open you up to unique experiences, unexpected connections with locals and fellow travelers, and opportunities for deep self-reflection. Solo travel also allows you to mold an itinerary completely suited to your interests and needs. A critical element of solo travel is picking the right place to stay. If you’re considering a solo trip soon, here are some favorite luxe destinations for solo travelers.
For those who like to vacation with purpose, new and beautiful reasons exist to seek out the tranquility of Lanai. On this untouched Hawaiian island, featuring few paved roads, no traffic lights, one school, and one hospital, a delightfully slower pace, and the true aloha spirit felt within moments of touching down, visitors can now experience six-day, five-night Sensei Hiking Retreats offered amid the luxurious amenities of Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort.
But a few hour’s flight from Miami, the small Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda offers a magnificent property called Blue Waters Resort and Spa. There are less than 100,000 people on the island of Antigua; everyone seemingly knows everyone else. It’s that level of familiarity that contributes to the world-class level of hospitality at this charming and luxurious five-star resort in the heart of paradise.
Sugar Beach has been a near-mystical place for decades now. Just by the name, it already sounds promising. But what is it that has cultivated this allure? Site of an 18th-century sugar plantation, the palm-dotted 100-acre property became a resort in the late 1990s and, in 2021, has undergone a complete transformation, relaunching as Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort.
An alluring seaside oasis steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Regent Santa Monica Beach, a Regent Hotels & Resorts collection hotel, is a new luxury destination resort set to debut just in time for summer.
Bursting with character amidst the bustling streets and shimmering, yacht-filled harbor, Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel blending contemporary design with the historic charm of its prime waterfront location. Sydney, Australia, is renowned for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, and with its abundant style, comfort, and charm, this unique property is an exceptional option for travelers looking for something fresh but refined in Sydney CBD.
