102 articles tagged with boutique hotels
After 30 years of traversing the globe as a flight attendant, I've developed what my Irish wife calls a 'sixth sense' for exceptional accommodations. St. Petersburg, Florida—affectionately known as St. Pete—has evolved from a sleepy retirement haven to a vibrant...
Last fall, my design work took me on what I can only describe as a study in contrasts: two weeks split between the sun-drenched Florida Keys and the ancient desert landscape of Egypt's Siwa Oasis. As someone who's spent years...
As someone who's mastered the art of extending business trips into nature escapes, I've found that where you rest your head can make or break your adventure. St. George, Utah has become my favorite basecamp for exploring Zion National Park's...
When I mention luxury destinations to my expatriate clients in Osaka, Utica rarely makes their shortlist. Yet this unassuming gem in Upstate New York harbors a surprisingly sophisticated scene that rivals more celebrated locales. Like a perfect crown restoration that...
Boulder City might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a Nevada getaway, but this historic gem sitting in the shadow of the magnificent Hoover Dam has quietly become one of my favorite weekend retreats. After...
There's something deliciously satisfying about discovering a city through its independent shops—especially when every purchase comes tax-free. As someone who's hunted for the perfect copper pot in Tokyo and vintage Hermès scarves in Nice, I can confidently say Portland's indie...
When most luxury travelers think of Texas getaways, they gravitate toward Austin's hip scene or the cosmopolitan energy of Dallas proper. But nestled just north lies Plano—a sophisticated suburb that's quietly cultivated an impressive luxury landscape that satisfies even the...
When my culinary research took me to Suffolk, Virginia last summer, I expected to focus solely on the region's traditional peanut confections. What I didn't anticipate was falling for this charming city's accommodation scene, which mirrors Suffolk itself—a perfect blend...
The first time I visited Lewiston, Maine, I was struck by how this former mill town has gracefully transformed itself while honoring its industrial past. The architectural preservation here is remarkable—19th century brick buildings stand proudly alongside thoughtful modern developments,...
The first time I wandered through Lagos' narrow cobblestone streets, I was struck by how this Algarve gem manages to balance its ancient soul with its vibrant present. White-washed buildings adorned with azulejo tiles stand in quiet dignity alongside cafés...
After four decades of helping travelers navigate their journeys at Hawaiian Airlines, I've developed quite the knack for spotting exceptional accommodations. When my daughter suggested I explore Middletown during Delaware's spectacular fall season, I was admittedly skeptical. Could this small...
There's something magical about autumn in Oregon's wine country that transcends the typical American vineyard experience. Nestled in the Rogue Valley, Medford reveals itself as an unexpected luxury haven where the sophistication of world-class wines meets the rustic charm of...
The morning light filters through wooden shutters, casting geometric patterns across centuries-old stone walls. Outside my window, the ancient Tsarevets Fortress emerges from the morning mist like a scene from a medieval fairy tale, while the Yantra River carves its...
Standing in the dappled light filtering through the forest of columns in Cordoba's Mezquita-Cathedral, I felt that familiar tension between past and present that defines so many of my consulting projects. The red and white striped arches stretched toward infinity,...
After years of exploring destinations across continents, sometimes the most delightful surprises come from smaller cities you'd never expect to fall in love with. Lee's Summit, Missouri, was exactly that kind of gem for our family during a recent Midwest...