In many ways, Austin seems to be growing up – and out, as it continues to lead the country in population growth. Thankfully, though, the vibrant Texas capital has managed to maintain much of its distinctive charm. And as it evolves, we’ve found new things to appreciate about this land of dramatic skies and sweltering
Lifestyle
All Images Credit Ritz-Carlton Hotels Some holiday experiences we never forget. These destinations provide unforgettable sights, are rich in culture, and the experiences that we take away and cherish long after the luggage has been unpacked back home. Kyoto in Japan is such a place. A place with thousands of years of history and a
Fauchon L’Hôtel gourmet bar — Photo courtesy of Amber Gibson The minibar at Fauchon L’Hôtel has foie gras – and it’s free. That alone might be enough to entice some to stay at the foodiest hotel in Paris, but the minibar that’s really a “gourmet bar” (more on that later) is only the tip of
Canyon Suites From the sprawling luxurious resorts to the spectacular Sonoran Desert sunsets, there are so many reasons any time of year to head to Scottsdale. As the temperatures start to cool down in New England, this year-round sun soaked destination is one of our favorite places to visit. Located just 20 minutes from Phoenix
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see rainbows forming over the Queulat mountains after storms, and even closer to home, spot “toninas,” Chilean dolphins, which often swim by in pods and frolic in the bay. There is also abundant birdlife found at the lodge, ranging from Magellanic woodpeckers to Andean hummingbirds, herons, albatross and southern
Housed in a Boeing KC-97 tanker, The Airplane Restaurant serves more than peanuts and pretzels — Photo courtesy of The Airplane Restaurant So many restaurants are taking over spaces that were once used for different purposes and incorporating those origins into their décor. By paying tribute to their history, they create a richer dining experience,
Sep. 28th, 2019 A hallmark of a memorable travel destination is its ability to make guests feel as if they are home – regardless of their point of origin. The recently completed renovation of Adare Manor does just this and so much more. Built nearly 200 years ago on more than 800 acres of pristine
Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri may be best known for its over-the-top holiday event, the Readers’ Choice-winning An Old Time Christmas, but there’s a new festival in the City. The family owned, 1880s-themed amusement park debuted Craft Days & Pumpkin Nights on September 25, welcoming guests into a glowing wonderland of pumpkins. Visitors to
Photos Courtesy of Wild Focus Expeditions There are some animals out there that are so hard to see in the wild that most people will only ever have the opportunity to see them in zoos. One such creature is the orangutan. Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, orangutans can only be found in the rain forests
Whitney Spielfogel While many can rattle off top-producing wine regions of the world such as Provence, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa, Rioja and Mendoza (to name a few), those truly in the know should visit Portugal’s Douro Valley, a land of verdant vineyards and the most spectacular destination property, the Six Senses Douro Valley. The hotel is situated
Fish boils are a Door Country tradition — Photo courtesy of Door County Visitor Bureau The dinner bell has nothing on the finale of a Wisconsin fish boil. During the boil over, cooks pour kerosene on outdoor bonfires heating large pots of boiling water packed with fresh whitefish and potatoes. This fuel shoots flames some
Whitney Spielfogel With its storied traditions, new world cool and immense natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Portugal is having a complete resurgence, with travelers flocking to this Iberian Peninsula in droves. This southern European country has been popping up as one of the hottest travel destinations of 2019 – and with good reason! With major
It’s not an overstatement when visitors describe Dubrovnik, the medieval walled city on the shores of the Adriatic, as a fairy tale destination. The ancient fortifications, which withheld invaders for hundreds of years, is most newly famous as King’s Landing on HBO’s recently-wrapped Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik rooftops — Photo courtesy of Kristin Amico Can’t
Global and local travelers alike will be delighted with the recent launch of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), which opened its doors near the sprawling financial district of Dubai. Located within the Burj Daman building, dropping our car at the valet station, we are warmly greeted (by name!) from the friendly uniformed
Neon signs illuminate areas like Temple Street Market, Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok and Lockhart Road in Wan Chai — Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board Hong Kong is easy to love and hard to leave. There are countless ways to enjoy this hilly, verdant destination – whether you choose to embrace the
The travel world is in a state of constant flux, and modern travel trends include slow travel, multigenerational trips and escorted trips that offer travelers the chance to authentically connect with a destination. Whether cruising around the world, digging into your family history or RV camping across the United States, these forms of travel let
Images Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts St. Andrews. The work strikes excitement as well as fear in the hearts of golfers. It’s a golfer’s mecca with 11 world-class golf courses in the county of Fife just outside of Edinburgh Scotland. The literal mother of all golf courses, the Old Course, is there along with
The iconic Highclere Castle, where much of “Downton Abbey” was filmed — Photo courtesy of Highclere Castle To “Downton Abbey” fans, Highclere Castle – the fictional home of the beloved Crawleys and their staff, and the real-life home of the equally-beloved Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and their staff – is like sacred, holy land.
Photos Credit: Mondrian Los Angeles This July, the iconic Mondrian hotel in Los Angeles, California, unveiled its stunning $19 million renovation led by Dawson Design Associates. The full redesign included all 236 rooms, the lobby areas, fitness center, meeting spaces and its amenities. We recently visited the updated property to get a look at its
About Amber Gibson Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Four Seasons Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, and Serious
